Rational Expressions Like Denominators

Front

What is a rational expression?

Back

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

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 have a common denominator?

Back

A common denominator is a shared multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions, allowing them to be added or subtracted.

Front

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

Back

The least common denominator is the smallest multiple that is common to the denominators of the fractions.

Front

Simplify the expression: (2a + 4b) / 12b²

Back

(a + 2b) / 6b²

Front

Simplify the expression: 6x / 20xy

Back

3 / 10y

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The greatest common factor is the largest factor that two or more numbers share.

Front

How do you add rational expressions?

Back

To add rational expressions, you must first find a common denominator, then combine the numerators.

Front

What is the process for subtracting rational expressions?

Back

Subtracting rational expressions involves finding a common denominator and then subtracting the numerators.

Front

What is the importance of factoring in simplifying rational expressions?

Back

Factoring helps to cancel out common factors in the numerator and denominator, simplifying the expression.