Section 7.3 Simplifying Complex Rational Expressions
Complex Rational Expressions… … have fractions in the numerator and/or denominator. (A fraction within a fraction) EX: 2 1 + 3 5 or x 15 2 + 5 2x
To Simplify (METHOD 1) Rewrite as a horizontal division problem: (Numerator) ÷ (Denominator) Then multiply the by the reciprocal of the 2nd. This method works best when you have monomial components. (No + or – inside the rational expressions)
To Simplify (METHOD 2) Multiply the numerator and the denominator of the complex rational expression by the LCD of all the fractions contained within. Then simplify.