Operations with 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

What does it mean to simplify a rational expression?

Back

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

Front

What is the first step when adding or subtracting rational expressions?

Back

Determine a Least Common Denominator (LCD).

Front

Can you combine like terms in the denominator when adding or subtracting rational expressions?

Back

Never.

Front

What is the Least Common Denominator (LCD)?

Back

The Least Common Denominator is the smallest multiple that is common to the denominators of two or more fractions.

Front

How do you find the LCD of two rational expressions?

Back

Factor each denominator and take the highest power of each factor that appears.

Front

What is the process to add two rational expressions?

Back

1. Find the LCD. 2. Rewrite each expression with the LCD. 3. Combine the numerators. 4. Simplify if possible.

Front

What is the process to subtract two rational expressions?

Back

1. Find the LCD. 2. Rewrite each expression with the LCD. 3. Subtract the numerators. 4. Simplify if possible.

Front

What should you do if the numerator and denominator have common factors?

Back

Factor both the numerator and denominator and eliminate the common factors.

Front

What is the result of multiplying two rational expressions?

Back

Multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together, then simplify.