Unit 2 Simplifying Rational Expressions

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What is a rational expression?

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A rational expression is a fraction where the numerator and the denominator are both 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 lowest terms by factoring and canceling common factors.

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What are excluded values in rational expressions?

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Excluded values are values of the variable that make the denominator zero, which are not allowed in rational expressions.

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How do you subtract rational expressions with the same denominator?

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To subtract rational expressions with the same denominator, subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.

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What is the process for dividing rational expressions?

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To divide rational expressions, multiply by the reciprocal of the second expression.

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How do you find the least common denominator (LCD) of two rational expressions?

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The least common denominator is the least common multiple of the denominators of the rational expressions.

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The first step is to combine the fractions since they have the same denominator.

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What does it mean to reduce an algebraic fraction?

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To reduce an algebraic fraction means to simplify it by canceling out common factors in the numerator and denominator.

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