Unit 6 Retest Rational Expressions

Front

What is a rational expression?

Back

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

Front

What is the restriction on the denominator of a rational expression?

Back

The denominator can never be zero.

Front

How do you solve for x in a rational equation?

Back

You can solve for x by finding a common denominator, setting the numerators equal, and solving the resulting equation.

Front

If Peter can mow the lawn in 40 minutes and John in 60 minutes, how do you find their combined work rate?

Back

Add their rates: 1/40 + 1/60 = 1/T, where T is the time taken together.

Front

What is the formula for combined work rates?

Back

If A can do a job in a hours and B in b hours, then together they can do it in T = (ab)/(a+b) hours.

Front

What does it mean for two rational expressions to be equivalent?

Back

Two rational expressions are equivalent if they simplify to the same expression.

Front

How do you simplify a rational expression?

Back

Factor the numerator and denominator and cancel out any common factors.

Front

What is the significance of finding the least common denominator (LCD) in rational expressions?

Back

The LCD allows you to combine or compare rational expressions by providing a common base.

Front

What is the process for adding two rational expressions?

Back

Find the LCD, rewrite each expression with the LCD, and then combine the numerators.

Front

What is the process for subtracting two rational expressions?

Back

Similar to addition: find the LCD, rewrite each expression, and subtract the numerators.