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Simplifying Complex Rational Expressions

A complex rational expression contains rational expressions in both the numerator and denominator. It can be simplified by (1) rewriting the numerator and denominator as single rational expressions, (2) dividing the numerator by the denominator, and (3) rewriting the division as a multiplication problem using the reciprocal of the denominator. There are two methods for simplifying complex rational expressions - treating it as a division problem and rewriting as multiplication, or multiplying the numerator and denominator by a common denominator. The examples demonstrate simplifying complex fractions using these methods.

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Leonessa Cortes
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606 views5 pages

Simplifying Complex Rational Expressions

A complex rational expression contains rational expressions in both the numerator and denominator. It can be simplified by (1) rewriting the numerator and denominator as single rational expressions, (2) dividing the numerator by the denominator, and (3) rewriting the division as a multiplication problem using the reciprocal of the denominator. There are two methods for simplifying complex rational expressions - treating it as a division problem and rewriting as multiplication, or multiplying the numerator and denominator by a common denominator. The examples demonstrate simplifying complex fractions using these methods.

Uploaded by

Leonessa Cortes
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© © All Rights Reserved
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  • Simplifying Complex Rational Expressions: Explains how to simplify complex rational expressions with additional terms in the numerator, denominator, or both.
  • Examples of Simplification: Shows detailed step-by-step examples of simplifying complex rational expressions using different methods.
  • Summary and Practice: Provides a brief summary of key concepts alongside practice problems and references for further learning.

Simplifying Complex Rational Expressions

A complex rational expression is a rational expression that contains additional rational


expressions in the numerator, the denominator, or both. We can simplify complex
rational expressions by rewriting the numerator and denominator as single rational
a
expressions and dividing. The complex rational expression  1 can be simplified by
+c
b
a
rewriting the numerator as the fraction   and combining the expressions in the
1
1+ bc
denominator as . We can then rewrite the expression as a multiplication problem
b
1 b ab
using the reciprocal of the denominator. We get ∙ which is equal to .
a 1+ bc 1+ bc
HOW TO
Given a complex rational expression, simplify it.
 Combine the expressions in the numerator into a single rational expression by
adding or subtracting.
 Combine the expressions in the denominator into a single rational expression by
adding or subtracting.
 Rewrite as the numerator divided by the denominator.
 Rewrite as multiplication.
 Multiply.
 Simplify.

EXAMPLE 1:

1
y+
x
Simplify: 
x
y
The same ideas can be used when simplifying complex rational expressions that include more
than one rational expression in the numerator or denominator. However, there is a shortcut that
can be used. Compare these two examples of simplifying a complex fraction.
Method I:
Method II:
Summary
Complex rational expressions are quotients with rational expressions in the divisor, dividend, or
both. When written in fractional form, they appear to be fractions within a fraction. These can be
simplified by first treating the quotient as a division problem. Then you can rewrite the division
as multiplication using the reciprocal of the divisor. Or you can simplify the complex rational
expression by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by a denominator common to all
rational expressions within the complex expression. This can help simplify the complex
expression even faster.

Let’s Practice
2
1+
3x
Simplify:
2 3
+
x2 x

References:
http://content.nroc.org/DevelopmentalMath/COURSE_TEXT2_RESOURCE/
U15_L1_T4_text_final.html
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/classes/alg/RationalExpressions.aspx

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