Exploring Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

What must be the same for adding or subtracting rational expressions?

• Numerators

• Variables

• Denominators

• Exponents

How do you simplify a rational expression after adding or subtracting?

• Divide the numerators

• Multiply the denominators

• Add the exponents

• Reduce common factors

What is the result of simplifying the expression with a common denominator of 5 and numerators 4 and 16?

• 20/5

• 4/3

• 4b/3

• 20b/5

What technique is used to simplify the expression 7 - x + 9 + 5?

• Factoring out a common term

• Distributing a negative

• Combining like terms

• Applying the distributive property

How do you handle rational expressions with opposite signs in their denominators?

• Multiply by -1

• Add the denominators

• Divide by the common factor

• Subtract the numerators

How do you adjust the denominators when they are similar but have opposite signs?

• Subtract them

• Multiply one by -1

• Add them

• Divide one by -1

What is the first step in finding the least common multiple (LCM) of two expressions?

• Add the expressions

• Find the prime factorization of each coefficient

• Multiply the denominators

• Subtract the numerators

When finding the LCM of polynomials, what should you do with factors common to both expressions?

• Multiply them

• Include them once

• Exclude them

• Include them twice

In the process of adding or subtracting rational expressions with unlike denominators, what is crucial?

• Multiplying the numerators

• Adding the variables

• Subtracting the denominators

• Finding the LCM of the denominators

What is the final step in adding or subtracting rational expressions with unlike denominators?

• Factor the numerator

• Simplify the expression

• Combine like terms

• Multiply the denominators