Adding and Subtracting 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

How do you add rational expressions with the same denominator?

Back

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

Front

How do you subtract rational expressions with the same denominator?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

The first step is to find a common 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) of two rational expressions?

Back

The least common denominator is the smallest multiple that both denominators can divide into without a remainder.

Front

What is the process for simplifying a rational expression?

Back

To simplify a rational expression, factor both the numerator and the denominator and then cancel any common factors.

Front

What does it mean to factor a polynomial?

Back

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

Front

What is the result of simplifying (19k^2 - 12k - 12) / 4k(5k-4)?

Back

The result is (19k - 24) / 4(5k-4).

Front

What is the importance of checking for restrictions in rational expressions?

Back

Checking for restrictions is important to avoid division by zero, which is undefined.