Title: Simplifying, Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
1Simplifying, Multiplying and Dividing Rational
Expressions
2What is a rational number?
Any value that can be written in the form where p
and q are integers.
Rational numbers
Irrational numbers
What is a rational expression?
An expression in fractional form, with
polynomials in the numerator and/or denominator.
3Simplifying Rational Expressions
Which is the correct way to simplify
?
Method 1
- You can only cross cancel common factors
(quantities being multiplied). - Always factor numerators/ denominators that
contain polynomials other than monomials (1 term
expressions)
Method 2
4Simplify each expression
5Multiply the Fractions
Explain the procedure you follow to multiply
fractions 1. 2.
6Divide the fractions
Explain the procedure you follow to divide
fractions 1. 2. 3.
7Multiply or Divide the Rational Expressions
You Try
Multiplying 1. Cross cancel common factors 2.
Multiply and simplify
x3
y2
- Dividing
- Multiply by the reciprocal
- Cross cancel common factors
- 3. Simplify
8Multiply or Divide the Rational Expressions
Factor all numerators and denominators to find
common factors
Cancel common factors and simplify
9You try
10The Domain of a Rational Function
- The domain of a rational function is
all real numbers EXCEPT for any values that will
make the denominator equal to zero.
Find the domain of each function