2. To simplify a rational expression, divide the numerator and the denominator by a common factor. You are done when you can no longer divide them by a common factor other than 1.

3. Factor the numerator and denominator Divide out the common factor Example 1

4. Simplify :

5. Example 2

6. Simplify Divide numerator and denominator by 84 =

7. Example 3

8. Simplify:

9. Example 4 Multiply by the reciprocal

10. Simplify:

11. You can use a graph to identify polynomials in a rational expression that cannot be factored with real numbers. A complex fraction is a quotient that contains one or more fractions in the numerator, denominator, or both.

12. Example 5 Multiply by the reciprocal Divide out common factors

13. Simplify the complex fraction: Multiply by the reciprocal

14. Simplify the complex fraction: Multiply by the reciprocal

15. Simplify

16. Homework Pg. 502-503 #10-42 even