1. Rational Expressions
What you’ll learn
To simplify rational expressions.
To multiply and divide rational expressions.
Vocabulary
Rational expression
Simplest form

2. Take a note: A rational expression is the quotient
of two polynomials. It is helpful to think of rational
expressions as ratios, as fractions, or as quotients.
A rational expression is in the simplest form when
the numerator and denominator are polynomials that
have no common divisors.
Examples:
In simplest form Not in simplest form

3. Problem 1:
Simplifying a Rational Expression

4. Your turn
Answer

5. Problem 2:
Multiplying Rational Expression.
Factor all polynomials
Simplify
Answer

6. Your turn
Answer

7. Problem 3: Dividing Rational Expressions
Multiply by the reciprocal
Factor and
get -1 from (2-x)
Simplify

8. Your turn
Answer
Answer

9. Problem 4: Using Expression to solve a Problem.
Your community is building a park. It wants to fence
in a play space for toddlers. It wants the maximum area for a given amount of fencing. Which shape, a square or a circle, provides a more efficient use of fencing?
0ne measure of efficiency is the ratio of the area
fenced to fencing used, or area to perimeter, Which of the two shapes has the greatest ratio?
Square Circle
Define area
and perimeter

10. Express s and r in
terms of a common
variable.
Write the ratios.
Substitute for s and r
Simplify

11. Classwork odd Homework even
TB pgs exercises 8-44