Adding and subtracting rational expressions
Topic Notes
When adding and subtracting rational expressions, the denominators of the expressions will dictate how we solve the questions. Different denominators in the expressions, for example, common denominators, different monomial/binomial denominators, and denominators with factors in common, will require different treatments. In addition, we need to keep in mind the restrictions on variables.
Basic Concepts
- Common factors of polynomials
- Factoring polynomials:
- Factoring perfect square trinomials: (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 or (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2
- Find the difference of squares: (a - b)(a + b) = (a^2 - b^2)
- Solving polynomial equations