Simplifying Rational Expressions

Front

Define 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 in simplifying a rational expression?

Back

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

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Back

Front

Factor: n^2 + 5n - 6

Back

(n - 1)(n + 6)

Front

Factor: 3v^2 - 4v - 7

Back

(3v - 7)(v + 1)

Front

What does it mean to factor a polynomial?

Back

Factoring a polynomial means expressing it as a product of its factors.

Front

What is the standard form of a polynomial?

Back

The standard form of a polynomial is written in descending order of the degree of its terms.

Front

Back

x + 2

Front

Back

(x - 5)(x + 3)

Front

What is the difference between a monomial and a polynomial?

Back

A monomial is a single term, while a polynomial is a sum of two or more terms.