Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions with a Common Denominator
The rules for adding and subtracting numerical fractions with a common denominator extend directly to rational expressions. If , , and are polynomials with , then:
To add or subtract rational expressions that share the same denominator, combine the numerators — adding or subtracting them as polynomials — and write the result over the common denominator. Unlike numerical fraction addition, where the result is simplified by dividing out common numerical factors, rational expression results often require factoring the combined polynomial numerator and denominator completely so that common polynomial factors can be identified and canceled. The denominator polynomial remains unchanged throughout the operation; only the numerator polynomials are combined.
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Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions with a Common Denominator
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How to Add or Subtract Rational Expressions
Rational expressions like share a common denominator. Match each term to its rule.
True or False:
After combining the numerators of rational expressions with a common denominator, what should you do next?
When you add , what happens to the denominator?
Order the steps for adding or subtracting rational expressions with the same denominator.
When rational expressions have the same denominator, combine the _____ and keep the denominator.