AAC #7 Rational Expressions and Equations

Front

What is a rational expression?

Back

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

Front

What are excluded values in rational expressions?

Back

Excluded values are values of the variable that make the denominator zero, which are not allowed in rational expressions.

Front

Back

Set the denominator equal to zero: x - 3 = 0, so the excluded value is x = 3.

Front

What is the process to add rational expressions with the same denominator?

Back

Simply add the numerators and keep the same denominator.

Front

What is the process to add rational expressions with different denominators?

Back

Find a common denominator, convert each fraction, and then add the numerators.

Front

How do you multiply rational expressions?

Back

Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together.

Front

Back

Front

How do you simplify a rational expression?

Back

Factor the numerator and denominator and cancel out any common factors.

Front

Back

Front

What is the formula for solving a rational equation?

Back

Cross-multiply to eliminate the fractions, then solve the resulting equation.