Adding, Subtracting and Multiplying Rational Expressions

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Section 7.4

• Adding, Subtracting and Multiplying Rational
  Expressions

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Adding and Subtracting

• We can add/subtract radical expressions if they
  are like radicals.
• Just like like terms with polynomials.
• Tip Be sure to simplify the expressions FIRST!!!
• What if the indices are different?
• Use Rational exponents to try to make them the
  same.

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Examples
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Example- different indices
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Multiply Radical Expressions

• Again, this works just like with polynomials.
• FOIL and special product formulas can be used.
• Just remember, you cannot combine terms unless
  they are like radicals.
• Also, remember to look at the index- not
  everything is a square root!

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Examples