AAC #7 Rational Expressions and Equations

Front

What is a rational expression?

Back

A rational expression is a fraction where the numerator and the denominator are both polynomials.

Front

What are the steps to multiply rational expressions?

Back

1. Factor the numerators and denominators. 2. Cancel any common factors. 3. Multiply the remaining factors.

Front

How do you add rational expressions with the same denominator?

Back

Add the numerators together and keep the same denominator.

Front

What is the formula for adding rational expressions with different denominators?

Back

Find a common denominator, rewrite each fraction, then add the numerators.

Front

What are excluded values in rational expressions?

Back

Excluded values are values of the variable that make the denominator zero, as they are not allowed in rational expressions.

Front

Back

Set the denominator equal to zero: x - 3 = 0, so x = 3 is the excluded value.

Front

What is the process for subtracting rational expressions?

Back

1. Find a common denominator. 2. Rewrite each fraction. 3. Subtract the numerators and keep the common denominator.

Front

Back

Front

Back

Front

What is the first step in simplifying a complex rational expression?

Back

Factor both the numerator and the denominator.