Simplifying

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Simplifying
Rational Expressions
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Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
A rational expression is a fraction. It may just
have numbers, or it may consist of polynomials in
the fractions.
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Goal
We are going to add, subtract, multiply and
divide rational expressions.
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Now, lets go through the steps to simplify a
rational expression.
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Simplify
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Step 1 Factor the numerator and the denominator
completely looking for common factors.
Next
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What is the common factor?
Simply cancel out everything you can. In this
case we can cancel (x-1)
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Lets go through another example.
Factor out the GCF
Next
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1
1
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Now try to do some on your own.
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Multiply
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Remember how to multiply fractions
First you multiply the numerators then multiply
the denominators.
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The same method can be used to multiply rational
expressions.
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Lets do another one.
Step 1 Factor the numerator and the
denominator.
Next
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Step 2 Cancel out the common factors.
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Final Answer
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Division
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Remember how to divide fractions?
Multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor.
Rip Skip Flip
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Dividing rational expressions uses the same
procedure.
Ex Simplify
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Next
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Final Answer
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Now you try to simplify the expression
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Now try these on your own.
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Here are the answers
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Add and Subtract
Find common denominators. Then combine like
terms.
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Homework Time