Rational Expressions

Rational expressions are fractions where the numerator and denominator are polynomials. To simplify rational expressions, we first factor the polynomials and then cancel any common factors. Adding and subtracting rational expressions follows the same process as fractions - find the least common denominator, multiply the numerators and denominators to get the same denominator, then add or subtract the numerators. Multiplying rational expressions involves factoring and cancelling common factors between the numerator and denominator. To divide rational expressions, we multiply the first expression by the reciprocal of the second expression and then factor and cancel. Word problems involving rational expressions can be solved by identifying what is known and unknown, setting up equations relating the known and unknown values, and then solving the equations.