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Unit 5 - Rational Expressions and Equations

Intro
Rational expressions (and equations) involve ratios of polynomials. The root word of rational is "ratio" for that reason.
  • For example:

Rational expressions can be simplified by canceling out of common factors in the numerator and denominator. For that reason, factoring is an essential skill needed.

Excluded values are values that a variable CANNOT be because it would cause an expression to be dividing by zero.
  • For example, the following rational expression would have excluded values of x = -3 and -1 since that would make the denominator zero.

Solving rational equations is using general understanding of solving equations.

Rational equations can be used to model numerous real world applications.
Challenge Activity