Math
Rational Expressions

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To Simplify:

Factor both numerator and denominator and reduce by cancelling identical factors.

 

Simplify		Factor
		Cancel identical factors

 

 

To Multiply:

When we multiply fractions, we multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. Therefore we can think of the entire problem as one rational expression and factor and cancel as before.

To Divide:

Use the definition of division to change the problem to a multiplication problem and simplify as above.

 

Divide and simplify		Change to multiply
		Factor
		Cancel

 

 

To Add and Subtract:

Adding and subtracting requires a common denominator.

 

Subtract and simplify
	Factor the denominators.
	Find common denominator and modify expression.
	Subtract the numerators.
	We can now check to see if the expression can be simplified.
	Common factor of 2