Simplifying Rational Expressions (already factored)

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What is a rational expression?

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

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What does it mean to simplify a rational expression?

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To simplify a rational expression means to reduce it to its lowest terms by canceling common factors in the numerator and denominator.

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What is the first step in simplifying a rational expression?

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The first step is to factor both the numerator and the denominator completely.

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How do you identify common factors in a rational expression?

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

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What happens to a factor in the numerator and denominator when simplifying?

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If a factor appears in both the numerator and denominator, it can be canceled out.

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What is the difference between a polynomial and a rational expression?

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A polynomial is an expression made up of variables and coefficients, while a rational expression is a ratio of two polynomials.

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What is the significance of factoring in simplifying rational expressions?

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Factoring allows us to identify and cancel common factors, which simplifies the expression.