Simplifying 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

How do you simplify a rational expression?

Back

To simplify a rational expression, factor both the numerator and the denominator and then cancel any common factors.

Front

What does it mean for a rational expression to be undefined?

Back

A rational expression is undefined when its denominator equals zero.

Front

Simplify: (8x + 32)/(x + 4)

Back

8

Front

What is the first step in simplifying (x² + 11x + 24)/(x² + 4x - 32)?

Back

Factor both the numerator and the denominator.

Front

What is the simplified form of (x² + 11x + 24)/(x² + 4x - 32)?

Back

(x + 3)/(x - 4) (after factoring and canceling common factors).

Front

What is the value of x that makes (x + 2)/(x - 2) undefined?

Back

x = 2.

Front

What is the result of simplifying (x + 6)/(x - 5)?

Back

(x + 6)/(x - 5) (already in simplest form).

Front

If a rational expression has a factor of (x - 2) in the denominator, what value of x makes it undefined?

Back

x = 2.

Front

What is the simplified form of 2p/4?

Back

p/2.