Simplify Rational Expressions

Front

What is a rational expression?

Back

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

Front

How do you simplify a rational expression?

Back

To simplify a rational expression, factor both the numerator and the denominator and then cancel any common factors.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring technique that applies to expressions of the form a^2 - b^2, which can be factored as (a - b)(a + b).

Front

What is the first step in simplifying the expression 15x^2/5x^3?

Back

The first step is to factor out the common terms in the numerator and denominator.

Front

What is the simplified form of 15x^2/5x^3?

Back

The simplified form is 3/x.

Front

What does it mean to cancel common factors in a rational expression?

Back

Canceling common factors means removing the same factor from both the numerator and the denominator, which simplifies the expression.

Front

What is the simplified form of the expression (x+3)/(x-4)?

Back

The expression (x+3)/(x-4) is already in its simplest form.

Front

How do you identify the domain of a rational expression?

Back

The domain of a rational expression includes all real numbers except those that make the denominator equal to zero.

Front

What is the simplified form of 7/(m-3)?

Back

The expression 7/(m-3) is already in its simplest form.

Front

What is the simplified form of 1/(n-7)?

Back

The expression 1/(n-7) is already in its simplest form.