Simplifying a rational expression is the same process as simplifying a numerical fraction. |
(A multiplicative identity when multiplied times a number does not change the number.)
Steps to Simplifying Rational Expressions: |
 Simplify and State the Domain of a Rational Expression:
Your teacher may ask you to state the "domains" of rational expressions.
The "domains" are those values for the variable(s) that will not create zero denominators.
Or your teacher may ask that you indicate the values
that will not be allowed
since they create zero denominators in the rational expressions.
Simplify:  |
1. If asked, determine the domain of the expression, looking for zero denominator problems.
|
1. Given: Domain: x ≠0, y≠0 |
2. Use your knowledge of working with exponents to simplify this rational expression. |
2. 
|
3. Consider the domain of the simplified expression. It appears that it could be "all Reals" since the denominator is never 0. But it is not!
|
3.. The domain of a simplified rational is always stated to be the same
as the domain of the original expression. In this case, the domain remains "all real
numbers, but not x = 0 and not y = 0". |
 Domains of Simplified Rational Expressions:
In the example above, the domain of the simplified expression appears to be "all real numbers",
whereas the domain of the original expression was "all real numbers but not x = 0 or y = 0."
The domain of the simplified expression is NOT the same as the original domain. These two expressions are equivalent expressions, which means they have the same values (answers) for all numbers that are in BOTH domains. The numbers in both domains will be the domain of the original expression, which is the more restrictive of the two domains.
When you simplify a rational expression, keep the original domain!
|
When working with Monomial Terms in a Rational Expression:
Simplify:  |
Things to remember:
1. There will be a larger coefficient (number out front) "remaining" where there was a larger coefficient to "start".
In this case, the denominator of the coefficient will remain larger than the numerator.
2. There will be variables
"remaining" where there were larger exponents to "start".
(The exponent of a "remaining" variable is the subtraction (top/bottom) of the exponents of those variables to "start".)
|
Example:
3. The domain is the domain of the original expression.
|
When working with Polynomials in Rational Expressions:
Things to remember:
1. Look for factors first.
2. You cannot reduce "part" of a sum or difference.
Reduce "factors", not terms.
(In this example, the entire binomial factor was reduced.)
3. The domain is the domain of the original expression.
|
Example 1: (common factor)
 |
|
, 
, 
, 
, 
Example 4:
