Add/Subtract 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 find a common denominator for adding or subtracting rational expressions?

Back

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of the rational expressions.

Front

What is the first step in subtracting rational expressions?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator for the expressions being subtracted.

Front

What does it mean to simplify a rational expression?

Back

Simplifying a rational expression means reducing it to its lowest terms by factoring and canceling common factors.

Front

What is the process for subtracting two rational expressions?

Back

1. Find a common denominator. 2. Rewrite each expression with the common denominator. 3. Subtract the numerators. 4. Simplify the result.

Front

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

Back

Factoring helps to identify common factors that can be canceled, making it easier to simplify the expression.

Front

What is an example of a rational expression?

Back

An example of a rational expression is (2x + 3)/(x^2 - 1).

Front

What are the restrictions on the variable in a rational expression?

Back

The variable cannot take on values that make the denominator equal to zero.

Front

How do you combine like terms in rational expressions?

Back

Combine like terms by adding or subtracting the coefficients of the terms with the same variable and exponent.

Front

What is the difference between adding and subtracting rational expressions?

Back

The main difference is in the operation performed on the numerators after finding a common denominator; addition combines them, while subtraction requires taking the difference.