Multiplying & Dividing 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 does it mean to simplify a rational expression?

Back

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

Front

What are excluded values in rational expressions?

Back

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

Front

How do you multiply rational expressions?

Back

To multiply rational expressions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together, then simplify if possible.

Front

What is the process for dividing rational expressions?

Back

To divide rational expressions, multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor and then simplify.

Front

What is the reciprocal of a fraction?

Back

The reciprocal of a fraction is obtained by flipping the numerator and denominator.

Front

How do you find the product of two rational expressions?

Back

Multiply the numerators and denominators separately, then simplify the resulting expression.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying a rational expression?

Back

The first step is to factor both the numerator and the denominator completely.

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is an expression made up of variables, coefficients, and exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Front

What does it mean to factor a polynomial?

Back

Factoring a polynomial means expressing it as a product of its factors.