2. How to Simplify Rational Expressions How to Simplify Complex Fractions

3. Rational Expression: A ratio of 2 polynomial expressions such as 2+x Complex Fraction: A rational expression whose numerator and/or denominator contains a rational expression.

4. To write a fraction in simplest form, divide the numerator and denominator by the GCF …To simplify rational expressions, you use similar properties.

5. When is the expression undefined? - just like a fraction, a rational expression is undefined if the denominator is equal to 0!

7. Multiplying..(2 rational expressions) 1.) Multiply the numerators and denominators For all rational expressions a and c, a c ac b d, b d bd Dividing..(2 rational expressions) 1.) Multiply by reciprocal of the divisor For all rational expressions a and c, a c ad b d b d bc

9. Poly want a cracker?

10. Remember, a fraction is just like division, so for example, 2/5 can be expressed as 2 divided by 5. …so knowing that, simplifying a complex fraction is just dividing two fractions!

11. Example:

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