1. Section 7.3
Simplifying Complex Rational Expressions

2. Complex Rational Expressions…
… have fractions in the numerator and/or denominator. (A fraction within a fraction)
EX:
or x 2x

3. To Simplify (METHOD 1)
Rewrite as a horizontal division problem: (Numerator) ÷ (Denominator)
Then multiply the by the reciprocal of the 2nd.
This method works best when you have monomial components. (No + or – inside the rational expressions)

4. To Simplify (METHOD 2)
Multiply the numerator and the denominator of the complex rational expression by the LCD of all the fractions contained within.
Then simplify.