A rational expression is a quotient. It is a quotient of polynomials.
To simplify a rational expression:
1) Completely factor the numerator and denominator.
2) Cancle out factors common to the numerator and denominator (removing a factor of 1)
In order to cancel out the common factors in both the numerator and denominator, it is important to recognize the equivalent forms of rational expressions:
1) y+x=x+y, here y+x and x+y are equivalent
2) y-x=-1(x-y), here y-x and x-y are opposites
Multiplying rational expressions:
1) Completely raptor numerators and denominators.
2) Multiply numerators and multiply denominators.
3) Simply or write the product in lowest terms by canceling out common factors.
Dividing by a rational expression:
Multiply by its reciprocal.
To simplify a rational expression:
1) Completely factor the numerator and denominator.
2) Cancle out factors common to the numerator and denominator (removing a factor of 1)
In order to cancel out the common factors in both the numerator and denominator, it is important to recognize the equivalent forms of rational expressions:
1) y+x=x+y, here y+x and x+y are equivalent
2) y-x=-1(x-y), here y-x and x-y are opposites
Multiplying rational expressions:
1) Completely raptor numerators and denominators.
2) Multiply numerators and multiply denominators.
3) Simply or write the product in lowest terms by canceling out common factors.
Dividing by a rational expression:
Multiply by its reciprocal.