Fractional Expressions Section 1.4

Objectives Simplify fractional expressions. Multiply and divide fractional expressions. Add and subtract fractional expressions. Define compound fractions. Rationalize the denominator or the numerator

Simplifying Fractional Expressions Use the following property of fractions: We say that the c’s cancel from the top and bottom. This only works for multiplication expressions.

Multiplying and Dividing Fractional Expressions Use the following properties:

Adding and Subtracting Fractional Expressions To add or subtract fractional expressions, we must first find a common denominator and then use the following property:

Compound Fractions Compound fraction—a fraction in which the numerator, denominator, or both are themselves fractional expressions. See pg 39 for examples.

Rationalizing the Denominator or Numerator To rationalize a fractional expression, multiply the numerator and denominator by the conjugate radical (opposite sign of original radical expression). Multiplying these together gets rid of the radical.

Classwork

Homework