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Simplifying Rational Expressions

To simplify a rational expression:

  1. Completely factor numerators and denominators.

  2. 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.




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