• How to Simplify Rational Expressions

•How to Simplify Complex Fractions

• 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.

• To write a fraction in simplest form, divide the numerator and denominator by the GCF

• …To simplify rational expressions, you use similar properties.

When is the expression undefined?

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

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• 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

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2

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Poly want a cracker?

• 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!

Example:

• Page 476 #15-43 odd, 46-47