Adding and Subtracting 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 two rational expressions?

Back

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

Front

What is the first step in adding rational expressions?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator for the expressions.

Front

Back

Front

What is the formula for subtracting rational expressions?

Back

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 does it mean to 'simplify' a rational expression?

Back

To simplify a rational expression means to reduce it to its lowest terms by canceling common factors.

Front

How do you handle complex fractions?

Back

To simplify complex fractions, multiply the numerator and denominator by the LCD of the inner fractions.

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is an expression consisting of variables raised to non-negative integer powers and coefficients.

Front

What is the difference between adding and subtracting rational expressions?

Back

Adding requires combining numerators over a common denominator, while subtracting involves finding the difference of the numerators.