Rationals - Simplify, Multiply, Divide

Front

What is a rational number?

Back

A rational number is any number that can be expressed as the quotient or fraction of two integers, where the denominator is not zero.

Front

How do you simplify a rational expression?

Back

To simplify a rational expression, factor the numerator and denominator and then cancel any common factors.

Front

What does it mean to multiply rational expressions?

Back

Multiplying rational expressions involves multiplying the numerators together and the denominators together, then simplifying if possible.

Front

What is the process for dividing rational expressions?

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for multiplying two fractions?

Back

If a/b and c/d are two fractions, then (a/b) * (c/d) = (a*c)/(b*d).

Front

What is the formula for dividing two fractions?

Back

If a/b and c/d are two fractions, then (a/b) ÷ (c/d) = (a/b) * (d/c) = (a*d)/(b*c).

Front

What is the first step in simplifying the expression 4x³/(x+2)?

Back

The first step is to check if the numerator and denominator can be factored further.

Front

How do you identify common factors in rational expressions?

Back

Common factors can be identified by factoring both the numerator and denominator and looking for identical factors.

Front

What is the simplified form of (n-10)/(8n+56)?

Back

The simplified form is (n-10)/8.

Front

What does it mean to 'simplify' in mathematics?

Back

To simplify means to reduce an expression to its simplest form, making it easier to work with.