Simplifying Rational Expressions

Front

What are excluded values in rational expressions?

Back

Excluded values are values of the variable that make the denominator of a rational expression equal to zero, which are not allowed in the domain.

Front

How do you determine excluded values from a rational expression?

Back

To determine excluded values, set the denominator equal to zero and solve for the variable.

Front

Simplify the expression: 20x³/(5x+10)

Back

4x³/(x+2)

Front

What are the domain restrictions for the expression 1/(x-4)?

Back

x ≠ 4

Front

Determine the excluded value for the expression 1/(x+6).

Back

x = -6

Front

What is the simplified form of (x+6)/(x-5)?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

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

Front

How do you simplify the expression (x²-4)/(x+2)?

Back

(x²-4)/(x+2) simplifies to (x-2) when factoring the numerator.

Front

What is the domain of the expression 1/(x²-16)?

Back

x ≠ 4, -4 (since x²-16 = (x-4)(x+4))

Front

What is the first step in simplifying a rational expression?

Back

Factor both the numerator and the denominator.