Simplifying Rational Expressions

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What is a rational expression?

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A rational expression is a fraction where both the numerator and the denominator are 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 simplest form by canceling common factors in the numerator and denominator.

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Factor both the numerator and the denominator.

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What is the importance of identifying restrictions in rational expressions?

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Identifying restrictions is important because it helps to determine values that make the denominator zero, which are not allowed.

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The expression is already in its simplest form.