Warm up: Factor & List which process(es) you used.
2 236 9x y
2 220x xy y
216 24 9y y
5 10 4 8xy x y
Homework Questions?
Pg. 664 # 14 – 31
12-1 Simplifying Rational Expressions
Objective: To simplify rational expressions.
Standard 12.0
Excluded ValuesExcluded Values: values that make the denominator
zero (because we cannot divide by zero).Always find the excluded values BEFORE you cancel anything out.
Examples: State the excluded values
29
( 2)( 3)
x
x x 2x 3x 2
4
4
a
a 2a 2a
Steps
1. Factor top and bottom of fraction separately1. GCF
2. Binomial: Difference of 2 squares
3. Trinomial: X-Box, Perfect Square trinomial
2. Find excluded values (denominator 0)
3. Cancel out factors (what top and bottom have in common)
Example 1
( 4)( 3)
( 4)(3 )
a a
a a
1
( 4)( 3)
( 4)( 3 )
a a
a a
( 4)( 3)
1( ))( 34
a a
a a
4
4
a
a
Excluded values: 4a 3a
Homework
Simplifying Fractions worksheet
Math Lab Warm up: Factor
2 29 81x y2 225x y
2 6 9y y 5 10 4 8xy x y
Steps
1. Factor top and bottom of fraction separately1. GCF
2. Binomial: Difference of 2 squares
3. Trinomial: X-Box, Perfect Square trinomial
2. Find excluded values (denominator 0)
3. Cancel out factors (what top and bottom have in common)
Excluded ValuesExcluded Values: values that make the denominator
zero (because we cannot divide by zero).Always find the excluded values BEFORE you cancel anything out.
Examples: State the excluded values
29
( 3)( 5)
x
x x x 3x 5x
2
5
25
a
a 5a 5a
0x
