Warm-up 9-9-09 Simplify the fraction Standard: MM1A3e

Homework Review

How do we divide or “simplify” rational expressions? Math I Day 21 (9-9-09) UNIT QUESTION: In what ways can algebraic methods be used in problems solving? Standard: MM1A2 Today’s Question: How do we divide or “simplify” rational expressions? Standard: MM1A3e

Simplifying rational expressions A fraction whose numerator and denominator are nonzero polynomials Standard: MM1A3e

Simplest Form When a rational expression’s numerator and denominator have no factors in common (other than 1). Process: Factor, then cancel. Standard: MM1A3e

1. Simplify a Rational Expression Reduce the numbers and subtract the exponents. Where the larger one is, is where the leftovers go. Standard: MM1A3e

2. Simplify a Rational Expression Factor the top Cross out the common factor x. Standard: MM1A3e

3. Simplify a Rational Expression Factor the bottom Cross out the common factor x. Standard: MM1A3e

4. Simplify a Rational Expression Factor the top Cross out the common factors of 5 and x. Standard: MM1A3e

5. Simplify a Rational Expression Factor the top and bottom Cross out the common factor (x + 4) Standard: MM1A3e

Recognize Opposite Factors When you have opposite factors, you will have to factor out a negative so that you can cancel. Standard: MM1A3e

6. Opposite Factors Factor the bottom (1 – x) on the top and (x – 1) on the bottom are opposites. Factor out a negative so they will cancel. Standard: MM1A3e

Practice #1 Standard: MM1A3e

Practice #2 Standard: MM1A3e

Practice #3 Standard: MM1A3e

Practice #4 Standard: MM1A3e

Practice #5 Standard: MM1A3e

Don’t find the excluded values. Homework Page 163 #10-19 Don’t find the excluded values.