P6(b) Adding & Subtracting Rational

ExpressionsHomework: p. 86-87 33-71 odd

Quiz tomorrow!…Not spending class time to go over your homework…questions must

be answered before school!

Adding and subtracting rational expressions: Just like simple fractions, the denominators must match before you can add or subtract.

Finding the LCD: 1. Factor each denominator

completely.2. List one of every unique factor, to

the highest exponent that it occurs.3. Multiply existing fractions by the

“missing” factors.

Find the LCD:

Now, let’s add some math operations…

2 2

7 9 and

5 15 6 9x x x x

2 2

3 2 and

2 1

x

x x x

2 2

3 2

2 1

x

x x x

Guided Practice:

Now for some complex rational expressions – hint : the numerator and the denominator must be managed separately first, then the fraction as a whole…

8 21.

2 3x x

11

1. 1

1

x

x

1 322.

1 34

x

x

Whiteboard Practice:

3 2 3 61.

3 4 3 4

x x

x x

4 32.

3x x

3 43.

3 2

x x

x x

144.

4

x

x