Title: Simplifying
1Simplifying
Rational Expressions
2Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
A rational expression is a fraction. It may just
have numbers, or it may consist of polynomials in
the fractions.
3Goal
We are going to add, subtract, multiply and
divide rational expressions.
4Now, lets go through the steps to simplify a
rational expression.
5Simplify
6Step 1 Factor the numerator and the denominator
completely looking for common factors.
Next
7What is the common factor?
Simply cancel out everything you can. In this
case we can cancel (x-1)
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9Lets go through another example.
Factor out the GCF
Next
101
1
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12Now try to do some on your own.
13Â
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14Multiply
15Remember how to multiply fractions
First you multiply the numerators then multiply
the denominators.
16The same method can be used to multiply rational
expressions.
17Lets do another one.
Step 1 Factor the numerator and the
denominator.
Next
18Step 2 Cancel out the common factors.
19Final Answer
20Division
21Remember how to divide fractions?
Multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor.
Rip Skip Flip
22Dividing rational expressions uses the same
procedure.
Ex Simplify
23Next
24Final Answer
25Now you try to simplify the expression
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27Now try these on your own.
28Here are the answers
29Add and Subtract
Find common denominators. Then combine like
terms.
30Homework Time