Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

Front

What is a rational expression?

Back

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

Front

What is the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator (LCD) is the smallest expression that can be used as a common denominator for two or more rational expressions.

Front

How do you find the LCD of 3x and 4xy?

Back

The LCD is 12xy, which is the least common multiple of the denominators.

Front

What is the first step in adding rational expressions?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator for the expressions being added.

Front

How do you simplify the expression (6x + 1) / (20xy)?

Back

Factor the numerator and denominator, then reduce to get 3 / 10y.

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 is the result of simplifying n / 2m?

Back

The expression is already in its simplest form.

Front

How do you simplify (12n^2 + 28n + 4) / (2n-5)(n+2)?

Back

Factor the numerator and check for common factors with the denominator.

Front

What is the simplified form of (4 - 2ab^2 + 3b^3) / 4b^2?

Back

The expression is already in its simplest form.

Front

What is the process of adding two rational expressions?

Back

1. Find the LCD. 2. Rewrite each expression with the LCD. 3. Add the numerators and simplify.