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Elimination Using Multiplication
Prime Factors
Equations Involving Rational Exponents
Working with Percentages and Proportions
Rational Expressions
Interval Notation and Graphs
Simplifying Complex Fractions
Dividing Whole Numbers with Long Division
Solving Compound Linear Inequalities
Raising a Quotient to a Power
Solving Rational Equations
Solving Inequalities
Adding with Negative Numbers
Quadratic Inequalities
Dividing Monomials
Using the Discriminant in Factoring
Solving Equations by Factoring
Subtracting Polynomials
Cube Root
The Quadratic Formula
Multiply by the Reciprocal
Relating Equations and Graphs for Quadratic Functions
Multiplying a Polynomial by a Monomial
Calculating Percentages
Solving Systems of Equations using Substitution
Comparing Fractions
Solving Equations Containing Rational Expressions
Factoring Polynomials
Negative Rational Exponents
Roots and Radicals
Intercepts Given Ordered Pairs and Lines
Factoring Polynomials
Solving Linear Inequalities
Powers
Mixed Expressions and Complex Fractions
Solving Equations by Multiplying or Dividing
The Addition Method
Finding the Equation of an Inverse Function
Solving Compound Linear Inequalities
Multiplying and Dividing With Square Roots
Exponents and Their Properties
Equations as Functions
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Factoring Trinomials
Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
Dividing by Decimals
Lines and Equations
Simplifying Complex Fractions
Graphing Solution Sets for Inequalities
Standard Form for the Equation of a Line
Fractions
Checking Division with Multiplication
Elimination Using Addition and Subtraction
Complex Fractions
Multiplication Property of Equality
Solving Proportions Using Cross Multiplication
Product and Quotient of Functions
Adding
Quadratic Functions
Conjugates
Factoring
Solving Compound Inequalities
Operating with Complex Numbers
Equivalent Fractions
Changing Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers
Multiplying by a Monomial
Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities Graphically
Dividing Polynomials by Monomials
Multiplying Cube Roots
Operations with Monomials
Properties of Exponents
Percents
Arithmetics
Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions
Equations Quadratic in Form
Simplifying Square Roots That Contain Whole Numbers
Dividing a Polynomial by a Monomial
Writing Numbers in Scientific Notation
Solutions to Linear Equations in Two Variables
Solving Linear Inequalities
Multiplying Two Mixed Numbers with the Same Fraction
Special Fractions
Solving a Quadratic Inequality
Parent and Family Graphs
Solving Equations with a Fractional Exponent
Evaluating Trigonometric Functions
Solving Equations Involving Rational Expressions
Polynomials
Laws of Exponents
Multiplying Polynomials
Vertical Line Test
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Solving Inequalities with Fractions and Parentheses
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Multiplying Polynomials
Fractions
Solving Quadratic and Polynomial Equations
Extraneous Solutions
Fractions
 
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Rational Expressions

Many algebraic fractions are rational expressions, which are quotients of polynomialswith nonzero denominators. Examples include

Properties for working with rational expressions are summarized next.

PROPERTIES OF RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

For all mathematical expressions P , Q , R , and S , with Q and S 0.

Fundamental property

Addition

Subtraction

Multiplication

Division

When using the fundamental property to write a rational expression inlowest terms, we may need to use the fact that

For example,

Reducing Rational Expressions

EXAMPLE

Write each rational expression in lowest terms, that is, reduce the expression as much as possible.

Factor both the numerator and denominator in order to identify any commonfactors, which have a quotient of 1. The answer could also be written as 2x + 4

The answer cannot be further reduced.

CAUTION

One of the most common errors in algebra involves incorrect useof the fundamental property of rational expressions. Only common factors may be divided or “canceled.” It is essential to factor rational expressions beforewriting them in lowest terms. In Example 1(b), for instance, it is not correctto “cancel” k (or cancel k, or divide 12 by -3) because the additions and subtraction must be performed first. Here they cannot be performed, so it is notpossible to divide. After factoring, however, the fundamental property can beused to write the expression in lowest terms.

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