Simplifying Fractions and Factoring

The video tutorial covers simplifying rational expressions, focusing on when terms can be canceled based on multiplication and addition. It introduces methods like the birthday cake method and using the greatest common factor (GCF) to simplify fractions. The tutorial also explains factoring trinomials and how to simplify expressions by canceling like terms, emphasizing the importance of understanding when cancellation is valid.

When simplifying rational expressions, under what condition can terms be canceled?

• When terms are separated by subtraction

• When terms are separated by division

• When terms are separated by addition

• When terms are separated by multiplication

What is the first step in the 'birthday cake' method for simplifying fractions?

• Divide the numerator by the denominator

• List all factors of the numerator

• Identify the largest number that divides both the numerator and denominator

• Multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number

In the 'birthday cake' method, what do you do after listing the factors of the numerator?

• Add the factors together

• Cancel out common factors with the denominator

• Multiply the factors

• Subtract the factors from the denominator

What does GCF stand for in the context of simplifying expressions?

• Greatest Common Fraction

• Greatest Common Formula

• Greatest Common Factor

• Greatest Common Function

How do you determine the GCF of two numbers?

• By adding the numbers together

• By finding the largest number that divides both numbers

• By multiplying the numbers together

• By subtracting the smaller number from the larger number

When simplifying expressions with addition, what must be true for terms to be canceled?

• The terms must be identical and separated by addition

• The terms must be different and separated by multiplication

• The terms must be different and separated by addition

• The terms must be identical and separated by multiplication

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial?

• Divide the trinomial by a constant

• Identify the GCF of the trinomial

• Factor it into a binomial times a binomial

• Add all the terms together

When factoring a trinomial, what indicates that one factor must be positive and one must be negative?

• The trinomial is a perfect square

• The middle term is negative

• The trinomial has three terms

• The middle term is positive

What should you do if a trinomial does not have a GCF?

• Add a constant to the trinomial

• Multiply the trinomial by a constant

• Factor it into a binomial times a binomial

• Divide the trinomial by its smallest term

Why can't you cancel terms in a fraction if they are separated by addition?

• Because they are not identical

• Because they are not multiplied

• Because they are not subtracted

• Because they are not divided