Algebra 2 - Unit 7: Rational Expressions
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Questions and Answers

What is Lesson 7.1 about?

Simplifying Rational Expressions

How are rational expressions like rational numbers?

A rational expression is like a rational number in that it contains a numerator divided by a denominator.

What makes rational expressions unlike rational numbers?

The numerator and denominator of a rational expression can contain polynomials as well as numbers.

When are two rational expressions considered equivalent?

<p>Two rational expressions are equivalent if their cross-products are equal or if they are reduced to the lowest terms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do you reduce a rational expression to its lowest terms?

<p>First factor the numerator and denominator completely, then cancel out common factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Lesson 7.2 about?

<p>Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are rational expressions multiplied?

<p>Multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an important step to take before multiplying rational expressions?

<p>Factor the numerators and denominators completely and cancel common factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do you divide rational expressions?

<p>Invert the second expression and multiply.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Lesson 7.3 about?

<p>Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Can you add rational expressions with different denominators directly?

<p>No, first rewrite them as equivalent fractions with a common denominator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you remember when subtracting rational expressions?

<p>Use parentheses and distribute the subtraction across the entire numerator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Lesson 7.4 about?

<p>Simplifying Complex Fractions</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two methods to simplify complex rational expressions?

<p>Rewrite the numerator and denominator as single rational expressions, or multiply by the least common multiple of the inner fractions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Lesson 7.5 about?

<p>Discontinuities of Rational Functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the domain of a rational function?

<p>The set of all values of the input variable that can be used to compute the function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the denominator indicate about the domain of a rational function?

<p>The zeros of the denominator are not in the domain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of discontinuities can occur at a value not in the domain?

<p>A vertical asymptote or a hole.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a hole in the graph of a rational function?

<p>A discontinuity at a single point that can usually be removed by reducing the rational expression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Lesson 7.6 about?

<p>Asymptotes of Rational Functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do you determine the x-intercepts of a rational function?

<p>By finding the zeros of its numerator after accounting for removable discontinuities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are vertical asymptotes determined?

<p>They correspond to the zeros of the denominator after accounting for removable discontinuities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the end behavior of a rational function depend on?

<p>The degrees of the numerator and denominator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Lesson 7.7 about?

<p>Solving Rational Functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can rational equations be solved?

<p>By using cross-multiplication to rewrite them as polynomial equations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before cross-multiplying rational equations?

<p>Factor all numerators and denominators.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are extraneous solutions in rational equations?

<p>Solutions that do not satisfy the original problem because they make one or more fractions undefined.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Lesson 7.8 about?

<p>Applications of Rational Equations</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of real-world situations can be modeled using rational functions?

<p>Situations involving mixtures, work, and comparing rates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when interpreting solutions found algebraically?

<p>Consider the meaning of the answers in the context of the problem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Simplifying Rational Expressions

  • A rational expression comprises a numerator and a denominator, similar to rational numbers, but may include polynomials.
  • Two rational expressions are equivalent if their cross-products are equal, or if they can be reduced to the same lowest terms.
  • To reduce to lowest terms: factor the numerator and denominator completely, then cancel out common factors.

Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

  • Multiplication of rational expressions follows the same rules as fraction multiplication: multiply the numerators and denominators after factoring and simplifying.
  • It is beneficial to cancel common factors before multiplying to simplify the process.
  • For division, invert the second expression and multiply, ensuring all fractions are fully factored and simplified.

Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

  • Like rational numbers, rational expressions can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided (but not by zero).
  • To add rational expressions with identical denominators, add or subtract the numerators directly.
  • For different denominators, convert to equivalent fractions using a common denominator.
  • Identifying a common denominator involves factoring all denominators to see shared components.
  • Subtraction requires careful distribution of the negative sign across the numerator.

Simplifying Complex Fractions

  • Complex rational expressions can be simplified using two main methods: rewriting the numerator and denominator as single expressions and dividing, or multiplying by the least common multiple of the inner fractions' denominators.

Discontinuities of Rational Functions

  • The domain of a rational function includes all values that do not make the denominator equal to zero.
  • Discontinuities occur where input values are excluded from the domain, leading to vertical asymptotes or holes on the graph.
  • A hole represents a removable discontinuity, often fixed by simplifying the rational expression.

Asymptotes of Rational Function

  • The x-intercepts correspond to the zeros of the numerator after removing discontinuities.
  • The y-intercept is found by substituting x = 0 into the function.
  • Vertical asymptotes align with the zeros of the denominator after removing discontinuities.
  • End behavior depends on the degrees of the numerator and denominator:
    • If the denominator's degree is higher, the function approaches zero, indicating a horizontal asymptote at y = 0.
    • If degrees are equal, the function approaches the ratio of leading coefficients.
    • If the numerator's degree exceeds the denominator's degree by one, a slant (oblique) asymptote occurs.
    • Greater differences in degrees lead to parabolic or higher-degree behavior.

Solving Rational Functions

  • Rational equations can be solved using cross-multiplication to transform them into polynomial equations.
  • Factoring before cross-multiplying aids in spotting common factors effectively.
  • Extraneous solutions may arise during solving; these must be checked against the original problem to ensure validity.

Applications of Rational Equations

  • Real-world scenarios such as mixtures, work rates, and comparisons can be represented with rational functions.
  • Solving these rational equations typically yields solutions relevant to the modeled situation.
  • When applying algebraic solutions to real-world contexts, it’s essential to interpret the meaning of the results accurately.

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Test your knowledge of rational expressions with this flashcard quiz from Algebra 2, Unit 7. Learn how to simplify rational expressions and explore the similarities and differences between rational expressions and rational numbers. Perfect for mastering essential algebra concepts.

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