1. 10.1 Simplifying Rational Expressions
Goal: to simplify a rational expression

2. Simplifying Rational Expressions
A “rational expression” is the quotient of two polynomials. (division)

3. Simplifying Rational Expressions
A “rational expression” is the quotient of two polynomials. (division)
A rational expression is in simplest form when the numerator and denominator have no common factors (other than 1)

4. Simplifying Rational Expressions
A “rational expression” is the quotient of two polynomials. (division)
A rational expression is in simplest Form when the numerator and denominator have no common factors (other than 1)

5. How to get a rational expression in simplest form…
Factor the numerator completely (factor out a common factor, difference of 2 squares, bottoms up)
Factor the denominator completely (factor out a common factor, difference of 2 squares, bottoms up)
Cancel out any common factors (not addends)

6. Difference between a factor and an addend
A factor is in between a multiplication sign
An addend is in between an addition or subtraction sign
Example:
x x + 9
x – x + 3

7. Factor

13. Mrs. Rodriguez’s Shortcut
a-b = -1
b-a

14. Page even