1. Simplify the following expressions.
Starter – Day November 25
Content Objective: We will be able to simplify rational expressions, answering 11 of the 13 homework problems correctly.
Language Objective: We will be able to explain why is it necessary to exclude values when simplifying rational expressions.
Simplify the following expressions.

2. Sum

3. Difference

4. The result of multiplying two or more numbers.
Example: (7)(3) = 21

5. The result of dividing two or more numbers.
Example: = 2

6. Numbers, symbols, and operations grouped together to show the value of something. There is no equal sign.
Example: 2x+6

7. Equation
Example: 2+2 = 4
Example: 2x+1=7

8. Thousandths Place

9. To get rid of extra information.

10. Terms are separated by + or − signs.
Either a single number or a variable or numbers and variables multiplied together.
Terms are separated by + or − signs.

11. Factor
Numbers or variables you can multiply together to get a number or an expression.

12. Rational Number

14. Note: the polynomial in the denominator cannot be 0 (zero).
Rational Expression
An expression that is the ratio of two polynomials. It is “rational" because one is divided by the other, like a ratio.
Note: the polynomial in the denominator cannot be 0 (zero).

15. Remember: You can't divide by 0 (zero).
Excluded Values
A variable’s values that will make the denominator of a fraction equal to 0 (zero).
Remember: You can't divide by 0 (zero).

16. Simplify each expression and state the excluded values.

17. Simplify each expression and state the excluded values.

18. LAB Writing
Explain why is it necessary to exclude values when simplifying rational expressions.