Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

Front

What is a rational expression?

Back

A rational expression is a fraction where both the numerator and the denominator are polynomials.

Front

What does LCD stand for in mathematics?

Back

LCD stands for Least Common Denominator, which is the smallest common multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions.

Front

How do you find the LCD of (x+2)/(x-1) and (x+1)/(x+2)?

Back

The LCD is (x+1)(x+2)(x-1).

Front

What is the purpose of finding the LCD when adding or subtracting rational expressions?

Back

Finding the LCD allows you to combine fractions by providing a common denominator.

Front

What is a vertical asymptote?

Back

A vertical asymptote is a line x = a where a function approaches infinity or negative infinity as it approaches a.

Front

How do you determine vertical asymptotes from a rational expression?

Back

Vertical asymptotes are found by setting the denominator equal to zero and solving for x.

Front

What is a horizontal asymptote?

Back

A horizontal asymptote is a line y = b that a function approaches as x approaches infinity or negative infinity.

Front

How do you find the horizontal asymptote of a rational function?

Back

The horizontal asymptote can be found by comparing the degrees of the numerator and denominator.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying a rational expression?

Back

The first step is to factor both the numerator and the denominator.

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.