Exploring Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

What is necessary to add or subtract rational expressions?

• Multiplying the numerators

• Finding a common denominator

• Adding the variables

• Subtracting the denominators

What can you multiply a fraction by without changing its value?

• The denominator

• Any number

• One

• Zero

How do you find a common denominator for expressions with different variables?

• By dividing the expressions

• By multiplying each expression by the other's denominator

• By subtracting the denominators

• By adding the variables

What is the least common multiple of 1/X and 1/(X+3)?

• 3X

• X

• X+3

• X(X+3)

After finding a common denominator, what should you do next?

• Cancel out like terms

• Add the numerators

• Multiply the denominators

• Subtract the numerators

Why is it advised to keep denominators factored?

• To avoid cancellation

• To simplify the calculation

• To identify common factors

• To make the expression look complex

What is the result of adding 1/X to 1/(X+3)?

• (2X+3)/(X(X+3))

• (X+3)/X

• 2X/(X(X+3))

• X/(X+3)

Why can't you cancel the X+3 in the expression (2X+3)/(X(X+3))?

• Because it's a common denominator

• Because it's added, not multiplied

• Because it's a factor of both numerator and denominator

• Because it's not a factor of the numerator

What is a common mistake when simplifying rational expressions?

• Forgetting to find a common denominator

• Multiplying instead of adding

• Cancelling non-factors

• Expanding the denominator

What should you try after learning about adding rational expressions?

• Dividing rational expressions

• Multiplying rational expressions

• Adding rational expressions with two variables

• Subtracting rational expressions with three variables