Chapter 7: Rational Algebraic Functions Section 7-8: Sums and Differences of Rational Expressions
Jan 02, 2016
Chapter 7:Rational Algebraic
FunctionsSection 7-8:
Sums and Differences of Rational Expressions
ObjectivesBe able to add or subtract several rational expressions and simplify the result.
Example:
Find the LCM!!!!!
2 2
7 1 6
2 3 2
x x
x x x x
Ideas to keep in mind when adding/subtracting rational expressions:
If any simplifying of the expressions can be done first, do it before adding or subtracting
2
5 2
2 15 3
x
x x x
Ideas to keep in mind when adding/subtracting rational
expressions:Make sure the common denominator is the least common multiple of the denominators.
7 3
2 1 2 4
x
x x x x
Ideas to keep in mind when adding/subtracting rational expressions:
If one denominator has a factor of the form a – b and another has the form b – a , only one of these factors needs to appear in the common denominator since they are additive inverses of each other.3 4 1
2 2x x x
HOMEWORK:p. 368 #3-41 odd