| The word rational stems from ratio and is not about making sense. Rationals are ratios or fractions. Rational equations are expressions or equations that involve fractions. Rational equations can be simplified. To add or subtract rational numbers we must find their least common denominators. To divide them we invert the divisor and multiply. You might want to revisit 6.3 Operations on Rationals before you start this section. Rational equations may look complicated and scary but you can solve them by taking one step at a time. |
 |
13.1 Multiplying & Dividing Rational Expressions |
- Reduce rational expressions by factoring numerator and denominator.
- Multiply rational expressions after reducing common factors.
- Divide rational expressions. |
|
|
|
|
13.2 Adding & Subtracting Rational Expressions |
- Add and subtract rational expressions with like denominators.
- Find the LCD for a list of expressions.
- Add and subtract rational expressions.
- Simplify complex fractions to lowest terms. |
|
|
|
|
|
13.3 Solving Rational Equations |
- Solve simple proportions.
- Check validity of answers.
- Use the cross product to solve rational equations.
- Multiply by the LCD to solve rational equations. |
|
|
|
13.4 Graphing Rational Equations |
- Identify the equation of the vertical asymptote from the rational equation.
- Identify the equation of the horizontal asymptote from the rational equation.
- Identify the solution to a rational equation from the graph. |
|
|
|
13.5 Additional Assignments |
- Solve rational equation with formulas.
- Apply rational equations to solving for the unknown measure of a side of two similar triangles. |
|
|
|
|
|
