Adding and Subtracting 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 the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of rational expressions?

Back

To find the LCD, factor each denominator and take the highest power of each factor that appears.

Front

Simplify the expression: (3x)/(9x^2).

Back

1/(3x)

Front

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

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator.

Front

Simplify the expression: (4n)/(8n^2).

Back

1/(2n)

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.

Front

Find the LCD of the fractions: 1/(x+2) and 1/(x-2).

Back

(x+2)(x-2)

Front

What is the result of adding the rational expressions: 1/(x+1) + 1/(x+2)?

Back

(x+2 + x+1)/((x+1)(x+2)) = (2x + 3)/((x+1)(x+2))

Front

What is the formula for subtracting rational expressions?

Back

To subtract, find a common denominator, rewrite each expression, and then subtract the numerators.

Front

Simplify the expression: (x^2 - 1)/(x^2 - 2x + 1).

Back

(x+1)/(x-1)