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 present in any denominator.

Front

Simplify the expression: (3x + 6) / (3x).

Back

1 + 2/x.

Front

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

Back

Find a common denominator for the expressions.

Front

Simplify the expression: (4x^2 - 16) / (2x).

Back

2x - 8/x.

Front

What does it mean to simplify a rational expression?

Back

To reduce the expression to its simplest form by factoring and canceling common factors.

Front

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

Back

x - 3.

Front

What is the result of subtracting (2/x) - (1/x)?

Back

1/x.

Front

How do you add the rational expressions (1/2) + (1/3)?

Back

Find the LCD, which is 6, then convert: (3/6) + (2/6) = 5/6.

Front

What is the formula for adding two rational expressions?

Back

(a/b) + (c/d) = (ad + bc) / bd.