Simplifying Rational Algebraic Expressions

(x

(x
2

+ x 2)

4)

By Mr. Dave Clausen La Caada High School

State Standard & Objectives

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Algebra 2 Standard 7.0 Students add, subtract, multiply, divide, reduce, and evaluate rational expressions with monomial and polynomial denominators and simplify complicated rational expressions, including those with negative exponents in the denominator. Objective 1: To understand what a rational algebraic expression is. Objective 2: To simplify rational algebraic expressions. Objective 3: To find the domain and zeros of a rational function.

Mr. Dave Clausen

Rational Numbers
Remember that a rational number is any number that can be written as a ratio:

a b

where a and b are integers and b 0.

For example: -98, 6, 325, 9.6, -4.1, 0, and

5 3 7 14 , ,- , 6 5 8 3
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Algebraic Expressions
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Recall that an algebraic expression is:

a number a variable a sum, difference, or product that contains one or more variables. For example:

y2 - 2y + 6, 2c2d, x, -3, etc.

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Rational Algebraic Expression

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Therefore, a rational algebraic expression or rational expression is:

a Remember that a b is the same as b which is also the same as ab-1
Dont forget that a negative exponent tells us to take the reciprocal of the number or variable. Also remember that the negative exponent only applies to the variable b and not to the variable a in the example above.
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a quotient of polynomials.

Examples:
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Here are some examples of rational algebraic expressions:

2 2

2 4 xy x 3 x 4 x 2 1 , , , x( x 4) or 2 2 3 7y x 1 ( x 4)

Mr. Dave Clausen

Simplification Rule
Reminder: Simplification of Rational Expressions If a, b, and r are real numbers with b 0 and r 0, then

ag a r = bg b r
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Simplifying Rational Algebraic Expressions

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Simplifying a rational algebraic expression is very similar to simplifying a rational number (fraction)
Find the GCF of the numerator and denominator and divide both by the GCF
A fraction is fully simplified when the GCF is 1 (one).

In other words: factor the numerator and denominator completely.

Any factor divided by itself simplifies (reduces) to 1.
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Strategy for Simplifying Rational Algebraic Expressions

To simplify rational algebraic expressions: 1) Factor the numerator completely. 2) Factor the denominator completely. 3) Simplify (reduce) any like FACTORS (not terms).

Mr. Dave Clausen

Funny Math
Funny Math

Mr. Dave Clausen

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Example 1
x 5x 2 x 25
2

x = x + 25
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Example 2
(9 x +6 xy 3 y )(1 x 2 y ) 2 1
2 2 2 2 1

3x y = 4( x y )
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Example 3
x 25 2 25 x
2

= 1
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Example 4
2x 7x + 3 f ( x) = 3 2 x + x 2x
2

a) Find the Domain of the Rational Function. b) Find the zeros of the Rational Function, if there are any.

Mr. Dave Clausen

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