Algebra II : Rational Expressions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra II

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Example Questions

Example Question #32 : Adding And Subtracting Rational Expressions

Add:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to add the numerators of the fractions, the least common denominator is necessary.

Multiply the denominators together to get the LCD.

Convert the fractions by multiplying the top by what was multiplied on the bottom to get the LCD.

Factor the trinomials on the numerator of the first term.

Multiply the first, second, and third term to the quantity of the second trinomial and sum the quantities.

Combine like terms.

The fractions become:

Combine like terms and in one fraction.

The answer is:  

Example Question #33 : Adding And Subtracting Rational Expressions

Add:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to add the fractions, we will need a least common denominator.

Multiply both denominators together by using the FOIL method.

This will be the least common denominator.  Convert the fractions.  Remember to multiply the separate numerators by what was multiplied on the denominator to get the LCD.

Simplify the numerators by distribution.

Combine the fractions as one whole and combine like-terms.

The answer is:  

Example Question #34 : Adding And Subtracting Rational Expressions

Solve the expression:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To be able to add the numerators, we will need to find the least common denominator by multiplying the denominators.

Convert the fractions with this denominator.

Simplify the numerators and combine as one fraction.

The answer is:  

Example Question #35 : Adding And Subtracting Rational Expressions

Add the following terms:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to add the rational expressions, we will need a least common denominator.

Use the FOIL method to expand the binomials.

Simplify the terms.

This is the least common denominator.  Convert both fractions.

Simplify the numerators.

Combine like terms and as one fraction.

The answer is:  

Example Question #36 : Adding And Subtracting Rational Expressions

Subtract:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To be able to subtract the expressions, we will need to change the denominators to a least common denominator.

Multiply both denominators by FOIL method.

Convert the fractions with the LCD.

The numerator of the second term can also be simplified by the FOIL method.

Rewrite the fractions and combine as one fraction.  Since we are subtracting a quantity, it is necessary to enclose the second numerator with parentheses.

Simplify the numerator.

The answer is:  

Example Question #37 : Adding And Subtracting Rational Expressions

Add:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Multiply the two denominators together to determine the least common denominator.

Convert both fractions to the same denominator.

Simplify the numerator and combine as one fraction.

The answer is:  

Example Question #38 : Adding And Subtracting Rational Expressions

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, identify the common denominator. In this case, it's .

Offset the first fraction to get the new denominator:

Now, combine the numerators of both fractions:

Put that over your denominator to get your answer:

Example Question #39 : Adding And Subtracting Rational Expressions

Add:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to add the numerators, we will need to find the least common denominator.

Multiply the uncommon denominators together.

Convert the fractions.

Simplify the terms on the numerator.

Combine as one fraction.

The answer is:  

Example Question #31 : Adding And Subtracting Rational Expressions

Subtract:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Solve by first finding the least common denominator.  The LCD can be visually seen as  since both terms are divisible by this value.

Convert the first fraction.

Combine the two fractions as one.  Use parentheses to brace the second numerator.

Simplify the numerator.  Double negatives will produce a positive.

Reorganize the terms from highest to lowest powers.

 

Pull out a common factor of -1 so that the negative sign can be in front of the fraction.

The answer is: 

Example Question #1742 : Algebra Ii

Subtract:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to simplify this rational expression, we will need to determine the least common denominator.

Convert the fractions.

Simplify the fractions.

Simplify by combining like terms.  Combine as one fraction.

To rewrite this in the order of powers, we can factor a negative one on the top and bottom.

The answer is:  

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