2. Simplifying Rational Expressions
• A “rational expression” is the quotient of
two polynomials. (division)
2
2
n
n
2
3
10
3
2
x
x
x
3. Simplifying Rational Expressions
• A rational expression is in simplest form
when the numerator and denominator have
no common factors (other than 1)
15
9
Simplify
5
3
3
3
5
3
REVIEW:
4. Simplifying Rational Expressions
• Factors and addends
are different
• Factors are things
multiplied together
• Addends are things
added together
CAN ONLY CANCEL
OUT FACTORS
5
3
3
3
Simplify
5. How to get a rational expression in
simplest form…
• Factor the numerator completely
• Factor the denominator completely
• Cancel out any common factors (not
addends)