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. 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

5. Factor

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

12. Page even