Operations Involving 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 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.

Front

What is the process for adding rational expressions?

Back

To add rational expressions, find a common denominator, rewrite each expression with that denominator, and then combine the numerators.

Front

What is the process for subtracting rational expressions?

Back

Similar to addition, find a common denominator, rewrite each expression, and then subtract the numerators.

Front

How do you multiply rational expressions?

Back

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

Front

How do you divide rational expressions?

Back

To divide, multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor. Then simplify the resulting expression.

Front

What is the importance of simplifying rational expressions?

Back

Simplifying rational expressions makes them easier to work with and helps to identify any restrictions on the variable.

Front

What are restrictions in rational expressions?

Back

Restrictions are values that make the denominator zero, which are not allowed in rational expressions.

Front

Back

Front

Back