Simplify Rational Expressions

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 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 does it mean to cancel in a rational expression?

Back

Canceling means removing common factors from the numerator and denominator to simplify the expression.

Front

Back

The first step is to check if the numerator and denominator can be factored.

Front

Back

Front

Back

Front

Back

Front

Back

Front

Back

Front

What does it mean if a rational expression cannot be simplified?

Back

It means there are no common factors in the numerator and denominator.