Rational Expressions Operations Practice

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 cancel any common factors.

Front

What does it mean to factor a polynomial?

Back

Factoring a polynomial means expressing it as a product of its factors, which are polynomials of lower degrees.

Front

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

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator.

Front

What is the result of multiplying two rational expressions?

Back

To multiply two rational expressions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together.

Front

What is the difference between adding and multiplying rational expressions?

Back

Adding requires a common denominator, while multiplying does not.

Front

What does it mean to cancel in a rational expression?

Back

Canceling means removing common factors from the numerator and denominator.

Front

What is a common denominator?

Back

A common denominator is a shared multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions.

Front

How do you find the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator is the smallest multiple that is common to all denominators.

Front

What is the simplified form of (x^2 - 5x - 14)/(x^2 + 4x + 4)?

Back

(x - 7)/(x + 2) after factoring and simplifying.