11/21 Choice Day - 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.

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How do you add rational expressions with unlike denominators?

Back

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

Front

What is the first step in subtracting rational expressions?

Back

The first step in subtracting rational expressions is to find a common denominator, similar to adding rational expressions.

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What does it mean to simplify a rational expression?

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Simplifying a rational expression means reducing it to its lowest terms by factoring and canceling common factors in the numerator and denominator.

Front

What is the formula for adding two rational expressions?

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The formula for adding two rational expressions is: (a/b) + (c/d) = (ad + bc) / bd, where b and d are the denominators.

Front

What is the formula for subtracting two rational expressions?

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The formula for subtracting two rational expressions is: (a/b) - (c/d) = (ad - bc) / bd, where b and d are the denominators.

Front

What are the restrictions on the variables in rational expressions?

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The restrictions on the variables in rational expressions are that the denominators cannot be zero.

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How do you find the least common denominator (LCD) of two rational expressions?

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

Front

What is the process for multiplying rational expressions?

Back

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

Front

What is the process for dividing rational expressions?

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To divide rational expressions, multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor and then simplify.