FLASHCARD- Rational Expressions Operations MULT/Divide

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 multiply two rational expressions?

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for multiplying rational expressions?

Back

Front

What is the first step in dividing rational expressions?

Back

The first step is to multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor.

Front

How do you divide two rational expressions?

Back

To divide two rational expressions, multiply the first expression by the reciprocal of the second expression.

Front

What is the formula for dividing rational expressions?

Back

Front

What does it mean to simplify a rational expression?

Back

Simplifying a rational expression means reducing it to its lowest terms by canceling common factors in the numerator and denominator.

Front

What is a common factor in rational expressions?

Back

A common factor is a number or variable that divides both the numerator and the denominator without leaving a remainder.

Front

How do you identify common factors in rational expressions?

Back

To identify common factors, factor both the numerator and the denominator and look for factors that appear in both.

Front

What is the importance of factoring in operations with rational expressions?

Back

Factoring helps to simplify expressions and makes it easier to identify and cancel common factors.