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

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

Back

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

Front

What is the first step in adding or subtracting rational expressions?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator for the expressions.

Front

Simplify the expression: (12n^2 + 28n + 4) / (2n-5)(n+2)

Back

(12n^2 - 28n + 4) / (2n-5)(n+2) is the simplified form.

Front

What does it mean to simplify a rational expression?

Back

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

Front

Find the LCD of the fractions: 1/(x+2) and 1/(x-2).

Back

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

Front

What is the process of adding rational expressions?

Back

To add rational expressions, convert them to have a common denominator, then combine the numerators.

Front

What is the result of subtracting (3/(x+1)) from (5/(x+1))?

Back

The result is 2/(x+1).

Front

How do you simplify the expression: 6x / 20xy?

Back

The simplified expression is 3 / 10y.

Front

What is the significance of factoring in adding and subtracting rational expressions?

Back

Factoring helps identify common factors and simplifies the expressions before performing operations.