1. Rational Expressions – Equivalent Forms
Here is the rule :
You are allowed to MULTIPLY OR DIVIDE the numerator and denominator of a fraction by the SAME constant or variable

2. Rational Expressions – Equivalent Forms
Here is the rule :
You are allowed to MULTIPLY OR DIVIDE the numerator and denominator of a fraction by the SAME constant or variable
ADDING / SUBTRACTING the numerator and denominator of a fraction by the SAME constant or variable DOES NOT create an equivalent fraction !!!

3. Rational Expressions – Equivalent Forms
Here is the rule :
You are allowed to MULTIPLY OR DIVIDE the numerator and denominator of a fraction by the SAME constant or variable
ADDING / SUBTRACTING the numerator and denominator of a fraction by the SAME constant or variable DOES NOT create an equivalent fraction !!!
When the fractions are simple, cross multiplying will quickly check for equivalence

4. Rational Expressions – Equivalent Forms
Example # 1 : Are these fractions equivalent ?

5. Rational Expressions – Equivalent Forms
Example # 1 : Are these fractions equivalent ?
No, if I cross multiply I do not get a true statement…

6. Rational Expressions – Equivalent Forms
Example # 2 : Are these fractions equivalent ?

7. Rational Expressions – Equivalent Forms
Example # 2 : Are these fractions equivalent ?
YES, because I can MULTIPLY both numerator and denominator by the same thing to get my result…

8. Rational Expressions – Equivalent Forms
Example # 2 : Are these fractions equivalent ?
YES, because I can CROSS MULTIPLY and get an equivalent statement

9. Rational Expressions – Equivalent Forms
Example # 3 : Are these fractions equivalent ?

10. Rational Expressions – Equivalent Forms
Example # 3 : Are these fractions equivalent ?
YES, because I can cancel the ( b + 3 )… anything over itself = 1

11. Rational Expressions – Equivalent Forms
Example # 4 : Are these fractions equivalent ?

12. Rational Expressions – Equivalent Forms
Example # 4 : Are these fractions equivalent ?
NO !!! You can not ADD / SUBTRACT the same thing from the numerator / denominator and get an equivalent form…