Fractional Expressions Sec. P.5 Fractional Expressions

Domain Set of real numbers for which an algebraic expression is defined

Equivalent Expressions that have the same domain and yeild the same values for all numbers in their domain Ex. (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 2x + 3

Finding the domain You must decide if there is anything it cannot be. What can x not equal Look for radicals and fractions

Fractional expression Quotient of 2 algebraic expressions

Rational Expressions Quotient of 2 polynomials

In order to simplify rational expressions you must factor

Factoring completely and changing the sign of a factor may allow more reducing

When mutliplying with a rational expression simplify first

Division Same as multiplication just remember to change to multiplication and use the reciprocal of the second fraction

HW. P. 48 1-8, 11-27 odd, 35-41 odd, 61