Rational Equations Unit - Notes

Graphing Add & Subtract

Must have common denominators

Rational
Solve Equations
Multiply every term by the LCD
Multiply & Divide
Factor and Reduce
to get rid of denominator

Algebra 3-4 PLC © 2015 Fairfax Math Department

Rational Equations Unit - Notes

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Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

A rational expression is in simplified form provided its numerator and denominator have
no common factors. To simplify a rational expression, apply the following property.

Let a, b, and c be nonzero real numbers or variable expression.

Then the following property applies:

MULTIPLICATION ALGORITHM:
1) Factor everything to simplest terms
2) Cross cancel any common factors
3) Simplify your answer

DIVISION ALGORITHM:
1) Take the reciprocal of the divisor, then multiply
2) Factor everything to simplest terms
3) Cross cancel any common factors
4) Simplify your answer

Algebra 3-4 PLC © 2015 Fairfax Math Department

Rational Equations Unit - Notes

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Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

Algorithm:
1) Factor all denominators to lowest terms
2) Identify the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
3) Adjust denominators and numerators
4) Add or Subtract Numerators
5) Simplify (reduce) if possible

Examples:

Algebra 3-4 PLC © 2015 Fairfax Math Department

Rational Equations Unit - Notes

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Complex Fractions
A complex fraction is a fraction that contains a fraction in its numerator or denominator.

Algorithm:
A complex fraction consists of three separate problems, the numerator, the dominator and the division problem.
Numerator
1. Identify the common denominator for the fractions in the numerator.
2. Adjust the numerators and denominators
3. Add or subtract the numerators
4. Reduce if possible
Denominator
1. Identify the common denominator for the fractions in the denominator.
2. Adjust the numerators and denominators
3. Add or subtract the numerators
4. Reduce if possible
Division
1. Take the reciprocal of the denominator and multiply
2. Cross-cancel if possible
3. Write your answer in simplified form

Algebra 3-4 PLC © 2015 Fairfax Math Department

Rational Equations Unit - Notes

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Solve Rational Equations

Algorithm:
1. Identify the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
2. Multiply every term by the LCD
3. Simplify
4. Solve

Examples:

Factor the denominators

Multiple each term by the common denominator

Cancel and simplify

Algebra 3-4 PLC © 2015 Fairfax Math Department

Rational Equations Unit - Notes

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Graphing Simple Rational Functions

All rational functions in the form

have graphs that are hyperbolas with asymptotes at (vertical) and (horizontal).

Algorithm:
1. If the rational function is written in ‘simple’ form, then proceed to step 2.
2. Identify the vertical and horizontal asymptotes.
3. Draw and label the asymptotes.
4. Make a t-chart, using two points from each side of the vertical asymptote.
5. Plot the points and draw the hyperbola.

Algebra 3-4 PLC © 2015 Fairfax Math Department

Rational Equations Unit - Notes
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Graphing Rational Equations

Algebra 3-4 PLC © 2015 Fairfax Math Department