Simplify Rational Expressions

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

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

The first step is to check if there are any common factors in the numerator and the denominator.

No, the expression cannot be simplified further because there are no common factors.

The variable x cannot be equal to 1 or 3, as these values would make the denominator zero.

A polynomial is an expression consisting of variables raised to non-negative integer powers and coefficients.

The degree of the polynomial in the numerator, which is (x+2), is 1.

The degree of the polynomial in the denominator, which is (x-1)(x-3), is 2.

A rational expression is in simplest form when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.

A common factor is a number or expression that divides two or more numbers or expressions without leaving a remainder.