Algebra II : Definition of Rational Expression

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra II

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Rational Expressions

 

 

Which of the following fractions is NOT equivalent to ?

 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

We know that is equivalent to or .

By this property, there is no way to get from .

Therefore the correct answer is .

Example Question #1 : Rational Expressions

Determine the domain of 

Possible Answers:

All real numbers

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Because the denominator cannot be zero, the domain is all other numbers except for 1, or

Example Question #3 : Rational Expressions

Simplify:

 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This problem is a lot simpler if we factor all the expressions involved before proceeding:

Next let's remember how we divide one fraction by another—by multiplying by the reciprocal:

 

In this form, we can see that a lot of terms are going to start canceling with each other. All that we're left with is just .

Example Question #4 : Rational Expressions

Which of the following is the best definition of a rational expression?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The rational expression is a ratio of two polynomials.  

The denominator cannot be zero.

An example of a rational expression is:

The answer is:  

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