Simplifying Rational Expressions

A rational expression is a fraction in which the numerator and/or the denominator are polynomials. 

For example:

In this lesson, we will look at simplifying rational expressions. A rational expression has been simplified or reduced to lowest terms if all common factors from the numerator and denominator have been canceled. So, we first need to factor the polynomials and then cancel any common factors from the top and bottom of the rational expression.

Example:

Simplify each of the following rational expressions:

Solution:

The following videos show some examples of simplifying rational expressions.

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