Topic Details (Notes format)

How to Simplify Rational Expressions

Subject: Mathematics

Book: Maths Mastery

Rational expressions are fractions with polynomials in numerator and denominator, like (x² – 9)/(x² – x – 6). Simplify by factoring both numerator and denominator, then canceling common factors. In this example, x² – 9 factors to (x – 3)(x + 3), and x² – x – 6 factors to (x – 3)(x + 2), simplifying to (x + 3)/(x + 2) if x ≠ 3. Rational expression simplification appears in advanced algebra, calculus, and real-life modeling of rates or proportions. Mastery of factoring and cautious domain considerations ensures robust, accurate algebraic manipulation.

Practice Questions

If x^2 - 6x + 9 = 0, what is the value of x?

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If a person can type 45 words per minute, how many words can they type in 2 hours?

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If the product of two numbers is 120 and their sum is 26, what are the numbers?

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A rectangle has a length of 10 cm and a width of 5 cm. What is the diagonal of the rectangle?

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A cone has a base radius of 7 cm and height of 24 cm. What is its volume?

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A sphere has a radius of 7 cm. What is its volume?

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If the sum of the squares of two consecutive positive integers is 365, what are the integers?

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A cube has a side length of 4 cm. What is its volume?

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If a:b = 3:4 and b:c = 5:6, what is a:c?

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If a number is divisible by 9, it is also divisible by which of the following?

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