Simplifying 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 it mean to simplify a rational expression?

Back

To simplify a rational expression means to reduce it to its simplest form, where the numerator and denominator have no common factors.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying the expression (x-9)/(x+9)?

Back

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

Front

What is the simplified form of (x-9)/(x+9) when x=9?

Back

The expression is undefined when x=9 because the denominator becomes zero.

Front

How do you identify common factors in a rational expression?

Back

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

Front

What is the simplified form of 2p/4p?

Back

The simplified form is 1/2.

Front

What is the significance of excluding values that make the denominator zero?

Back

Excluding these values is important because they make the expression undefined.

Front

How do you simplify the expression p^2/p?

Back

The simplified form is p.

Front

What is the result of simplifying (x^2 - 9)/(x - 3)?

Back

The simplified form is (x + 3) when x ≠ 3.

Front

What is the process of factoring a polynomial?

Back

Factoring a polynomial involves rewriting it as a product of its factors.