Simplifying Rational Expressions and Fractions

The video tutorial by Kirk Wier focuses on simplifying rational expressions in Algebra 2. It begins with an introduction to the concept of rational expressions and proceeds to explain how to simplify numerical fractions by understanding multiplication properties. The lesson then covers simplifying monomials divided by monomials, emphasizing the importance of factoring. The tutorial also addresses more complex fractions that require factoring non-monomial terms and highlights the handling of negative factors. The session concludes with a final problem walkthrough and a summary of the key points discussed.

What is the key to simplifying fractions?

• Understanding how fractions add

• Understanding how fractions multiply

• Understanding how fractions subtract

• Understanding how fractions divide

How can you simplify the fraction 18/12?

• By subtracting 6 from both the numerator and denominator

• By multiplying the numerator and denominator by 2

• By adding 6 to both the numerator and denominator

• By factoring out common factors from the numerator and denominator

What is the first step in simplifying a rational expression?

• Adding the numerator and denominator

• Factoring the numerator and denominator

• Subtracting the numerator from the denominator

• Multiplying the numerator and denominator

When simplifying monomials divided by monomials, what should you look for?

• Common coefficients in the numerator and denominator

• Common exponents in the numerator and denominator

• Common terms in the numerator and denominator

• Common factors in the numerator and denominator

What is the simplified form of 20x^10y^8 / 4x^2y?

• 5x^8y^8

• 5x^8y^7

• 5x^10y^7

• 5x^12y^9

Why is it important to factor the numerator and denominator before canceling?

• To make the expression more complex

• To add more steps to the process

• To avoid making mistakes in addition

• To ensure the terms are in simplest form

What should you do if the numerator and denominator are not monomials?

• Subtract them directly

• Multiply them first

• Factor them first

• Add the terms directly

What happens when you reverse the order of subtraction in a fraction?

• The fraction equals positive one

• The fraction equals zero

• The fraction equals negative one

• The fraction becomes undefined

What is the simplified form of 2x - 10 / 25 - x^2?

• -2 / (5 + x)

• 2 / (x + 5)

• 2 / (5 + x)

• -2 / (x + 5)

What is the final simplified form of (x - 3)^2 / 6(3 - x)?

• -(x - 3) / 6

• -(x + 3) / 6

• (x - 3) / 6

• (x + 3) / 6