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Simplifying Rational Expressions: Algebra 2 9.1 Name

This document provides examples and instructions for simplifying rational expressions through removing common factors, multiplying, dividing, and working with complex fractions. It defines rational expressions as quotients of polynomials and notes that the denominator can never be zero. Examples are provided for simplifying by removing common factors, multiplying rational expressions by multiplying numerators and denominators, and dividing rational expressions by multiplying by the reciprocal. Guidance is also given for simplifying complex fractions that contain fractions in the numerator or denominator.

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227 views6 pages

Simplifying Rational Expressions: Algebra 2 9.1 Name

This document provides examples and instructions for simplifying rational expressions through removing common factors, multiplying, dividing, and working with complex fractions. It defines rational expressions as quotients of polynomials and notes that the denominator can never be zero. Examples are provided for simplifying by removing common factors, multiplying rational expressions by multiplying numerators and denominators, and dividing rational expressions by multiplying by the reciprocal. Guidance is also given for simplifying complex fractions that contain fractions in the numerator or denominator.

Uploaded by

djvaughan01
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Algebra 2 9.

1 Name:__________

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 below, nine is a common factor

to both the numerator and the denominator. Any number

divided by itself names the number 1 and can be removed

without changing the value of the original number.

This rule also holds true for rational expressions.

Example 1:

1
Algebra 2 9.1 Name:__________

Example 2:

A WORD OF CAUTION HERE!

Many times students misunderstand this rule and try to


simplify problems like example #2 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

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.

2
Algebra 2 9.1 Name:__________

Example
3:

Example
4:

Dividing Rational Expressions

In arithmetic, we can divide two fractions by multiplying by


the reciprocal. 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.

3
Algebra 2 9.1 Name:__________

Exampl
e 5:

Exampl
e 6:

8 x 3 −2 x 2
Example 7: Simplify 4 x 2 −x

Example 8: Perform the indicated operations.

8 x 3 14 y 4
a. ⋅
26 xy 12 x 2

2 x 2 −x −3 x 2 +x
b. x 2 +x
⋅
2 x +3

4
Algebra 2 9.1 Name:__________

3 x −1 x
c. ÷ 3
2 x −2 x 2 x −2 x 2
3

x 2 +4 x +4
d. x +3
÷( x +2)

x −1
e. (x2 – 1) ÷
x +5

x 2 +12 x +35
f. (x2 + 10x + 25) ÷
x 2 −8 x −105

x 2 −11 x +30 x −6
g. (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.

Example 7: Simplify each complex fraction.

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

5
Algebra 2 9.1 Name:__________

Another way to simplify complex fractions is to multiply the


numerator and denominator by the LCD of every fraction in
the numerator and denominator.
2
x +2
Example 8: Use this method to simplify 1 2 .
+
x +2 x

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