Review Flashcard Adding & Subtracting Rational Expressions

Front

What is a rational expression?

Back

A rational expression is a fraction where the numerator and the denominator are both polynomials.

Front

How do you find a common denominator for adding rational expressions?

Back

To find a common denominator, factor each denominator and use the least common multiple (LCM) of the factors.

Front

What is the first step in adding rational expressions?

Back

The first step is to identify the least common denominator (LCD) of the rational expressions.

Front

How do you simplify a rational expression after adding?

Back

To simplify, factor the numerator and denominator and cancel any common factors.

Front

What is the process for subtracting rational expressions?

Back

The process is similar to addition: find a common denominator, rewrite each expression, and then subtract the numerators.

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms in rational expressions?

Back

Combining like terms means to add or subtract terms that have the same variable and exponent.

Front

What is the significance of factoring in adding and subtracting rational expressions?

Back

Factoring helps to simplify the expressions and find the common denominator more easily.

Front

What is the formula for adding two rational expressions?

Back

If \( \frac{a}{b} + \frac{c}{d} \), the formula is \( \frac{ad + bc}{bd} \) after finding the common denominator.

Front

What is the formula for subtracting two rational expressions?

Back

If \( \frac{a}{b} - \frac{c}{d} \), the formula is \( \frac{ad - bc}{bd} \) after finding the common denominator.

Front

What are the restrictions on the variable in rational expressions?

Back

The variable cannot take values that make the denominator zero.