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| Rational
Expressions |
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Simplification of rational expressions, reducing to lowest
terms
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Multiplication and division of rational
expressions
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| Simplification of rational expressions, reducing to lowest
terms
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| A
rational expression is a fraction of which the numerator and the
denominator are polynomials. |
| A
rational expression is reduced to lowest terms if all common
factors from the numerator and denominator are canceled. |
| To
reduce a rational expression to lowest terms first factorize
both the numerator and denominator as much as possible then
cancel common factors, i.e., divide their numerator and
denominator by common factors. |
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| Examples:
Reduce the following
rational expression to lowest terms. |
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factoring
out the minus sign, |
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or |
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| Multiplication and division of rational
expressions
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| Use
the formulas for the multiplication
and the division of fractions. |
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and |
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| Notice
the two special cases of which should be aware of: |
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and |
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| Examples:
Perform the indicated
operations and reduce the answer to lowest terms. |
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| Note,
since each second line should be subtracted, the sign of each term is reversed. |
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| Beginning
Algebra Contents C |
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| Copyright
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