Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

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Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

• Section 8.4 day 1

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• To add or subtract rational expressions, there
  must be a common denominator.
• If the problem has a common denominator to start
  with, add numerators and keep the denominators
  the same (just like fractions)
• If denominators are not the same, apply
  Slaughters Rule.

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Ex. of like denominators

• A.
• B.
• C.

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Slaughters Rule

• 1. Factor all necessary pieces
• 2. Multiply (a)(d) and (b)(c)
• 3. Multiply (b)(d) for new denominator
• 4. Check for common factors and divide out from
  all three terms
• 5. Simplify

5

• Ex.

6

• Ex.

Note the common factor 3 in all terms.
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• Ex.

Watch the negative!!
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• Ex.

Common factor is 5
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• Ex.

Watch the negative!!
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What if there are three terms?

• Do Slaughters Rule twice. Once with the first
  two terms. Then with that answer and the third
  term.
• Ex.

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Day 2
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• Ex.

Factor!
Common factor (x3)
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• Ex.

Common factor p
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