Simplifying Rational Expressions

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Simplifying Rational Expressions

• Advanced Math Topics
• Mrs. Mongold

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Rational Expression

• Def a ratio of two polynomial expressions

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To Simplify A Rational Expression

• 1. Make sure both the numerator and denominator
  are factored completely!!!
• 2. Look for common factors and cancel
• Remember factors are things that are being
  multiplied you can NEVER cancel things that are
  being added or subtracted!!!
• 3. Find out what conditions make the expression
  undefined and state them.

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Examples

• 1. Simplify and state
  the values for x that result in the expression
  being undefined

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Examples Cont

• 2. Simplify
  and state the values for x that result in
  the expression being undefined

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Examples Cont

• 3. Simplify and
  state the values for x that result in the
  expression being undefined

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Examples Cont

• 4. Simplify and
  state the values forx that result in the
  expression being undefined

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Examples Cont

• 5. Simplify

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• 6. Simplify

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• 7. Simplify

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• 8. Simplify

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Operations with Rational Expressions
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Examples

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Polynomials in Numerator and Denominator

• Rules are the same as before
• 1. Make sure everything is factored completely
• 2. Cancel common factors
• 3. Simplify and define x values for which the
  expression is undefined.

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Examples

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