Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
In the previous section on polynomials, we divided a polynomial by a binomial using long division. In this section, we will use the factoring methods to simplify rational expressions.
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
In the previous section on polynomials, we divided a polynomial by a binomial using long division. In this section, we will use the factoring methods to simplify rational expressions.
A rational expression is simply a fraction that has polynomial expressions contained in the numerator and denominator…and the denominator can not equal zero
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
I started you off with a simple one to get us started…
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
STEP #1 : FACTOR all expressions completely
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
STEP #1 : FACTOR all expressions completely
STEP # 2 : Look for COMMON FACTORS to “cancel”
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
WARNING !!!
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
WARNING !!!
You CAN NOT start by dividing individual terms to simplify…
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
WARNING !!!
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
WARNING !!!
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
WARNING !!!
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
WARNING !!!
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
WARNING !!!
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
WARNING !!!
So as a general rule, if you see + / - signs separating terms, you must factor to get common terms to simplify. You can only cancel multiplied terms.
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
STEP #1 : FACTOR all expressions completely
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
STEP #1 : FACTOR all expressions completely
Factors of 4 that add/subtract = - 3 are - 4 and + 1
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
STEP #1 : FACTOR all expressions completely
Factors of 4 that add/subtract = - 3 are - 4 and + 1Factors of 4 that add/subtract = - 5 are - 4 and - 1
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
STEP #1 : FACTOR all expressions completely
Factors of 4 that add/subtract = - 3 are - 4 and + 1Factors of 4 that add/subtract = - 5 are - 4 and - 1
STEP # 2 : Look for COMMON FACTORS to “cancel”
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
STEP #1 : FACTOR all expressions completely
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
Simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions
STEP #1 : FACTOR all expressions completely
STEP # 2 : Look for COMMON TERMS to “cancel”