What are the steps to simplify a rational expression?

  1. Step 1: Factor the numerator and the denominator.
  2. Step 2: List restricted values.
  3. Step 3: Cancel common factors.
  4. Step 4: Reduce to lowest terms and note any restricted values not implied by the expression.

How do you simplify variables with division?

When dividing variables, you write the problem as a fraction. Then, using the greatest common factor, you divide the numbers and reduce. You use the rules of exponents to divide variables that are the same — so you subtract the powers.

What are the rules for dividing rational numbers?

divide rational numbers. 1) If the numbers have the same signs then the quotient is positive. 2) If the numbers have different signs then the quotient is negative. When dividing two negative numbers, the quotient is positive.

What is the rule when dividing rational numbers?

Thankfully, the sign rules are the same to that of multiplication. A rational number is the result of dividing two integers. If the signs of the divisor and dividend are the same, then the quotient will be positive. If the signs of the divisor and dividend are different, then the quotient will be negative.

How do you do simplifying rational expressions?

To simplify a rational expression, we first factor both the numerator and denominator completely then reduce the expression by cancelling common factors. Factor both the numerator and denominator completely. Cancel common factors to reduce and simplify the given expression.

What does it mean to simplify a rational expression?

A rational expression is an expression in the form of a fraction. To simplify a rational expression is to put the expression in a simplified form i.e. cancel out common factors, etc. When given a rational function such that the numerator and the denominator contains polynomial expressions.

How do you multiply rational expressions in Algebra?

Multiplying rational expressions follows basically the same rules as multiplying any fraction. When you multiply a fraction, you multiply one numerator by the other and one denominator by the other, and when you multiply rational expressions, you multiply one whole numerator by the other numerator and the whole denominator by the other denominator.

How do you simplify rational equations?

Steps to simplify rational expressions. 1) Look for factors that are common to the numerator & denominator. 2) 3x is a common factor the numerator & denominator. Note that it is clear that x ≠0. 3) Cancel the common factor. 4) If possible, look for other factors that are common to the numerator and denominator.