Activity (Process)

How to Simplify a Rational Expression

To simplify a rational expression, follow a two-step procedure:

Step 1. Factor the numerator and denominator completely.

Step 2. Divide out any common factors shared by the numerator and denominator, using the Equivalent Fractions Property.

This procedure applies the same Equivalent Fractions Property used to simplify numerical fractions, but extends it to polynomial expressions. Where simplifying a numerical fraction relies on prime factorization to identify shared numerical factors, simplifying a rational expression uses complete polynomial factoring to reveal shared polynomial factors. Once all common factors have been cancelled, the rational expression is in simplified form.

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Updated 2026-04-29

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Ch.8 Rational Expressions and Equations - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

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