Simplifying Rational Expressions through Factoring

What is the first step in simplifying a rational expression?

• Dividing the numerator by the denominator

• Adding the numerator and denominator

• Factoring the numerator and denominator

• Multiplying the numerator and denominator

In the expression -36x^3 / 42x^2, what common factor can be canceled out?

• 6 and x

• 7 and x

• 36 and 42

• x^3 and x^2

What is the simplified form of -36x^3 / 42x^2?

• 6x / 7

• 6 / 7x

• -6x / 7

• -6 / 7x

How do you simplify the expression 2x - 4 / x - 2?

• By adding 2 to both numerator and denominator

• By factoring out the GCF from the numerator

• By multiplying the numerator by the denominator

• By dividing the numerator by the denominator

What is the GCF of the numerator in the expression 2x - 4?

• 2x

• 4

• 2

• x

What is the simplified form of 2x - 4 / x - 2?

• x

• 2x

• 2

• x - 2

In the expression x - 5 / x^2 - 10x + 25, what are the factors of the denominator?

• (x - 10)(x + 25)

• (x - 5)(x - 5)

• (x - 5)(x + 5)

• (x + 5)(x + 5)

What is the simplified form of x - 5 / x^2 - 10x + 25?

• 1 / (x + 5)

• x / (x + 5)

• x / (x - 5)

• 1 / (x - 5)

What is the GCF of the numerator in the expression 9x^2 + 81x?

• 9

• x

• 9x

• 81

What is the simplified form of 9x^2 + 81x / x^3 + 8x^2 - 9x?

• 9x / (x + 1)

• 9 / (x + 1)

• 9x / (x - 1)

• 9 / (x - 1)