Simplifying Rational Expressions
To simplify a rational expression:
- Completely factor numerators and denominators.
- Reduce common factors.
Example 1
Simplify 
.
Example 2
Simplify 
.
Whenever possible, try to write all polynomials in descending order with a positive leading coefficient. To have a positive leading coefficient, occasionally –1 has to be factored out of the polynomial.
Example 3
Simplify 
.
Example 4
Simplify 
.
This answer can be expressed in other ways.
