Reflecting On Rational Expressions
By: Elizabeth W
Class: Algebra 2
Chapter 9 Exploring Rational Expressions
(Algebra 2~ Glencoe Edition)
Section 9-3
Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
Multiplying Rational Expressions ~ If you were sitting in math class and your teacher begins a lesson on dealing with Rational Expressions and she has the following equation on the board :
x2+5x+6 * (x+1)
----------------------
(x+2) (x+3)
Seeing that you have an equation that needs to factored you must first factor the x2+5x+6 .
That leaves you with:
(x+2)(x+3) * (x+1)
-----------------------------
(x+2) (x+3)
Now you are ready to solve.
(x+2)(x+3)
* (x+1)
(x+2)
(x+3)
Answer: (x+1)
Step 1-Factor(if needed), Step 2-See if you have similar terms that can cancel out, & Step 3-State what is lefted as your answer.
Looking at the problem above you see there was a (x+2) and a (x+3) in common so therefore you must cancel those out. Which leaves you with nothing but a (x+1) which is your answer.
Dividing Rational Expressions if you have the equation as
(x+2)(x+3) /(x+3)
-------------------
(x+2) (x+1)
= Flip the second problem
(x+2)(x+3) / (x+1)
--------------------
(x+2) (x+3)
Answer: (x+1)
Step 1-Factor(if needed), Step 2 you must flip the second problem ,Step 3-See if you have similar terms that can cancel out, & Step 4-State what is lefted as your answer.
Character Trait & Quote: Integrity is a great way to be.
" If you keep on trying. You'll always make it but only if you try. Reaching for the top."
http://www.edteach.com/algebra/rational/rational_expression_definition.htm