Simplifying Rational Expressions
To simplify a rational expression:
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Completely factor numerators and denominators.
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Reduce common factors.
Example 1
Simplify .
Example 2
Simplify .
Whenever possible, try to write all polynomials in descending order with a positive leading coefficient. To have a positive leading coefficient, occasionally –1 has to be factored out of the polynomial.
Example 3
Simplify .
Example 4
Simplify .
This answer can be expressed in other ways.