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    Simplifying Rational Expressions

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    djvaughan01
    This document discusses multiplying and dividing rational expressions. It begins by defining rational expressions as quotients of polynomials, and provides examples. It then explains that to simplify rational expressions, one should factor the numerator and denominator and cancel out common factors. The document provides examples of multiplying and dividing rational expressions by multiplying/dividing numerators and denominators. It warns that variables cannot be canceled out like terms. Finally, it discusses simplifying complex fractions by writing the numerator and denominator as single fractions and then dividing.

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    Simplifying Rational Expressions

    Uploaded by

    djvaughan01
    55 views4 pages
    This document discusses multiplying and dividing rational expressions. It begins by defining rational expressions as quotients of polynomials, and provides examples. It then explains that to simplify rational expressions, one should factor the numerator and denominator and cancel out common factors. The document provides examples of multiplying and dividing rational expressions by multiplying/dividing numerators and denominators. It warns that variables cannot be canceled out like terms. Finally, it discusses simplifying complex fractions by writing the numerator and denominator as single fractions and then dividing.

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    9.1 07

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    This document discusses multiplying and dividing rational expressions. It begins by defining rational expressions as quotients of polynomials, and provides examples. It then explains that to simplify rational expressions, one should factor the numerator and denominator and cancel out common factors. The document provides examples of multiplying and dividing rational expressions by multiplying/dividing numerators and denominators. It warns that variables cannot be canceled out like terms. Finally, it discusses simplifying complex fractions by writing the numerator and denominator as single fractions and then dividing.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    55 views4 pages

    Simplifying Rational Expressions

    Uploaded by

    djvaughan01
    This document discusses multiplying and dividing rational expressions. It begins by defining rational expressions as quotients of polynomials, and provides examples. It then explains that to simplify rational expressions, one should factor the numerator and denominator and cancel out common factors. The document provides examples of multiplying and dividing rational expressions by multiplying/dividing numerators and denominators. It warns that variables cannot be canceled out like terms. Finally, it discusses simplifying complex fractions by writing the numerator and denominator as single fractions and then dividing.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    of 4

    Algebra 2 9.

    1 Name:__________ 1
    Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

    A rational expression is a quotient of two polynomials. The following


    are examples of rational expressions. Remember, the denominator

    can never be zero.

    Simplifying Rational Expressions

    In arithmetic, we simplify fractions by removing

    factors equal to 1. In the example shown at right,

    nine is a common factor to both the numerator and

    the denominator. Any number divided by itself

    This rule also holds true for rational expressions. Begin by factoring

    numerator and denominator.

    A WORD OF CAUTION HERE!

    Many times students misunderstand this rule and try to simplify


    problems by removing the x's. If you think about arithmetic and
    follow the two examples below, it might help you see how this does
    not work with numbers and will not work with variables either

    CORRECT INCORRECT

    1
    Algebra 2 9.1 Name:__________ 2
    Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

    Multiplying Rational Expressions

    In arithmetic, to multiply two fractions, we multiply numerators and

    denominators. We do the same with rational expressions. The

    general rule appears below and assumes that b and d are never

    zero.

    Ex. 1:

    Ex. 2:

    Ex. 3: Perform the indicated operations.

    8 x 3 14 y 4 8x 7y2
    a. ⋅ c. ⋅
    21 y 3 16 x 3
    26 xy 12 x 2

    2 x 2 −x −3 x 2 +x
    b. x 2 +x
    ⋅
    2 x −3

    2
    Algebra 2 9.1 Name:__________ 3
    Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

    Dividing Rational Expressions

    In arithmetic, we can divide two fractions by multiplying by the


    reciprocal of the divisor. We can show that the same is true for
    rational expressions. The general rule for division is shown below,
    again assuming that the second expression is nonzero.

    Ex. 4:

    Ex. 5:

    8 x 3 −2 x 2
    Ex. 6: Simplify 4 x 2 −x

    Ex. 7: Perform the indicated operations.

    3 x −1 x
    a. ÷ 3
    2 x −2 x 2 x −2 x 2
    3

    3
    Algebra 2 9.1 Name:__________ 4
    Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

    x 2 +4 x +4
    b. x +3
    ÷( x +2)

    x −1
    c. (x2 – 1) ÷
    x +5
    x 2 +12 x +35
    d. (x2 + 10x + 25) ÷
    x 2 −8 x −105

    x 2 −11 x +30 x −6
    e. (x2 + x – 30) ÷
    x 2
    +7 x +12
    ⋅
    x +6

    A complex fraction is a fraction that contains a fraction in its


    numerator or denominator. Complex fractions may have
    numerators or denominators that are the sum or difference of
    fractions.

    To simplify a complex fraction, write its numerator and its


    denominator as single fractions. Then divide by multiplying by the
    reciprocal of the denominator.

    Ex. 8: Simplify each complex fraction.

    x2 1
    9 x2 − 4 y 2 x +2
    a. x3
    b. 4
    6+
    2 y − 3x x

    Assignment: p. 476 – 478, 14 – 44 e, 48 – 54 e, 60 – 70 e

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