Sect. 5.1 Operations with 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 least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator is the smallest expression that can be used as a common denominator for two or more rational expressions.

Front

How do you multiply rational expressions?

Back

To multiply rational expressions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together, then simplify if possible.

Front

How do you divide rational expressions?

Back

To divide rational expressions, multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor and then simplify.

Front

What is the first step in adding or subtracting rational expressions?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator.

Front

What does it mean to factor a polynomial?

Back

Factoring a polynomial means expressing it as a product of its factors.

Front

What is the difference between a proper and improper rational expression?

Back

A proper rational expression has a degree of the numerator less than the degree of the denominator, while an improper one has a degree of the numerator greater than or equal to the degree of the denominator.

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is an expression consisting of variables raised to whole number powers and coefficients.

Front

How do you find the domain of a rational expression?

Back

The domain of a rational expression is all real numbers except where the denominator equals zero.