Algebra II : Rational Expressions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra II

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #111 : Rational Expressions

Multiply:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First factor the numerators and denominators of the two fractions. This allows us to re-write the original problem like this:

Now we can cancel terms that appear on both the top and the bottom, since they will divide to be a factor of . This means we can can cancel the top and bottom, the top and bottom , and the top and bottom . This leaves us with the following answer:

 

Example Question #112 : Rational Expressions

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, completely factor all 4 quadratics:

Now we can cancel all factors that appear on both the top and the bottom, because those will divide to a factor of . We quickly realize that all of the factors can be crossed off. This means that all of the factors have been divided to . This leves us with the following answer:

Example Question #113 : Rational Expressions

Multiply:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, completely factor everything that can possibly be factored. This includes both numerators and the second denominator:

Now we can cancel everything that appears both on the top and the bottom, since it will divide to be a factor of :

We can simplify this by multiplying  and .

This leaves us with the following answer:

Example Question #12 : Multiplying And Dividing Rational Expressions

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

I would first start by simplifying the numerator by getting rid of the negative exponents: . Then, combine the denominator fractions into one fraction: . At this point, we're dividing fractions so we have to multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction: . Multiply straight across to get: . Make sure it can't be simplified (it can't)!

Example Question #633 : Intermediate Single Variable Algebra

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, combine the top two fractions. The common denominator between the two is Therefore, you just have to offset the first fraction so that it becomes . Then, combine the numerators to get . So at this point, we have: . This is essentially a dividing fractions problem. When we divide fractions, we have to make the second fraction its reciprocal (flip it!) and then multiply the two. . The 's cross out so your final answer is: .

Example Question #114 : Rational Expressions

Find the quotient of these rational expressions: 

Possible Answers:

None of the other answers.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When you divide by a fraction you must multiply by its reciprocal to get the correct quotient.

Factor where able:

Cancel like terms:

Example Question #641 : Intermediate Single Variable Algebra

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In this problem, we're dealing with dividing rational expressions. Therefore, we have to flip the second fraction and then multiply the two: . Simplify and multiply straight across to get your answer: .

Example Question #641 : Intermediate Single Variable Algebra

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When multiplying fractions, you will multiply straight across.

But first, see if you can reduce diagonally.

The a's cross out, and you can take out a from the other diagonal.

The coefficients also reduce.

Therefore, your answer is .

Example Question #116 : Rational Expressions

Multiply:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Multiply the numerator with the numerator and denominator with the denominator.

Use the distributive property to expand the numerator.

Use the FOIL method to simplify the denominator.

Divide the numerator with the denominator.  There are no common factors.

The answer is:  

Example Question #117 : Rational Expressions

Simplify:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Factor all the binomial and trinomial in the expression.

Cancel all the common terms.

The expression becomes:  

The answer is:  

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors