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 is the first step when dividing rational expressions?

Back

Change the operator to multiplication and reciprocate the second fraction.

Front

How do you simplify a rational expression?

Back

Factor the numerator and denominator and eliminate common factors.

Front

What is the Least Common Denominator (LCD)?

Back

The Least Common Denominator is the smallest multiple that is common to the denominators of two or more fractions.

Front

What should you do first when adding or subtracting rational expressions?

Back

Determine a Least Common Denominator.

Front

What does it mean to cancel out binomials in rational expressions?

Back

It means to eliminate common factors in the numerator and denominator.

Front

What is the result of simplifying 4x³/(x+2)?

Back

4x³/(x+2) is already in its simplest form.

Front

What is the difference between adding and subtracting rational expressions?

Back

When adding, you combine the numerators over a common denominator; when subtracting, you also combine the numerators but subtract the second numerator.

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer exponents.

Front

What is the importance of factoring in rational expressions?

Back

Factoring helps to simplify expressions by allowing the cancellation of common factors.