1. Warm-up
Simplify the fraction
Standard: MM1A3e

2. Homework Review

3. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. 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

13. Practice #1
Standard: MM1A3e

14. Practice #2
Standard: MM1A3e

15. Practice #3
Standard: MM1A3e

16. Practice #4
Standard: MM1A3e

17. Practice #5
Standard: MM1A3e

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