Simplifying 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

Simplifying a rational expression means to reduce it to its simplest form by factoring and canceling common factors.

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring pattern: a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

How do you factor a quadratic expression in the form ax² + bx + c?

Back

To factor a quadratic expression, find two numbers that multiply to ac and add to b, then rewrite the expression using these numbers.

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that divides two or more numbers or expressions.

Front

How do you factor out the GCF from an expression?

Back

To factor out the GCF, divide each term of the expression by the GCF and write it outside the parentheses.

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 is the standard form of a polynomial?

Back

The standard form of a polynomial is written in descending order of the degree of its terms.

Front

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial with exactly two terms.