Names & Date: (2/15/2015~2/16/2015)

Algebra 2- Section 8.5 adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

Learning Goals

- SWBAT use operating with fractions relates to operate with rational

expressions.
- SWBAT add and subtract rational expressions by finding a common
denominator preferably the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
- SWBAT understand the LCM of denominator is the product of their prime
factors, each raised to the greatest power that occurs in any of the expressions.
- SWBAT simplify complex fraction- rational expression that has at least one
fraction in its numerator or denominator or both.
Standard(s) Addressed:

A-APR.C.7
Lesson Tasks
What tasks will be used to help students learn
the skills and understandings?

Skills and Understandings

How does this lesson connect to the prior lesson?
What skills or procedures will students learn how to do, or use?
What will students learn conceptually about the procedures or ideas they
are applying?

Rational expressions can be added and subtracted using the same methods as for
adding and subtracting fractions.
A complex fraction is a rational expression that contains fractions in the numerator
and/or denominator. To simplify a complex fraction; combine the fractions in the
numerator and denominator, multiply the fraction in the numerator by the reciprocal
of the fraction in the denominator, and simplify by dividing out any common factors.
In order for the simplified result to be equivalent to the original form, it is necessary
to note which values of x must be excluded from the domain to allow for the
simplification.

Formative Assessment Opportunities

What questions will you ask during the lesson to assess students progress in achieving
the learning goals? How will you use those questions to help students assess their own
learning? (Associate the questions you ask with the Lesson Tasks).
Vocab Least common multiple
How do you determine the exponent of each factor for the LCM?
Problem 1- Finding the least common multiple
What does prime factor mean?
Problem 2 Adding rational expressions
How does the LCD help you simplify this sum?
Problem 3 Subtracting rational expressions
Why is the LCM (x-1)(x-2) and not (x-1)2(x-2)?
Vocab complex fraction
Once you add the two numerators, why not multiply the factors of the denominator to
Problem 4 Simplifying complex fraction
get a simpler form?
Problem 5 Using rational expressions to solve a
How is this problem similar to Problem 2?
problem
What do you need to watch for when you subtract the (x2+2x)/2x(x-2) term?
How does the original equation differ from the answer? (discontinuity)
What is the LCD of 1/x, x/y, and 1/y?
Both methods return the same simplified fraction. How are the methods the same? How
are they different?
How do you divide a fraction by a fraction?
Why does option 1 result in a better combined mpg than option 2?
Activity Flow
Provide a brief description of the order in which key tasks will occur, how students will be organized to do the work, and the estimated
amount of time for each task.
Greetings & Homework : 15 min
Problem 3 10 min
Vocab 3 min
Vocab 5 min
Problem 1 4 min
Problem 4 5 min
Got it 5 min
Got it 5 min
Problem 2 7 min
Problem 5 5 min
Got it 10 min
Summary: What are the big take-away ideas of the lesson? How do these connect to what you will do in the next lesson?
Why should you find the LCD when adding or subtracting rational expressions?
A: Vary. Any common denominator can be sued to add or subtract rational expressions, but using the least common denominator means

Names & Date: (2/15/2015~2/16/2015)

Algebra 2- Section 8.5 adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
that fewer factors will be multiplied across or canceled out. This makes the calculation simpler.