06 - Simplifying Rational Expressions in Algebra, Part 1

In this lesson, you will learn what a rational expression is in algebra and how to simplify rational expressions. A rational expression is any expression that can be written as a ratio of two polynomials.

In a similar way, a rational number can be written as a fraction with numerator and denominator, a rational expression can be written with a numerator that is a polynomial and a denominator that is also a polynomial.

Here we focus on how to simplify these types of expressions, which usually involves factoring the numerator and denominator and canceling common terms.

[firetalongames]

I'm in algebra 2 and my teacher doesn't explain any of this. He shows us him doing a problem and then we're given an assignment. Watching these videos are such a big help.

[tomjoad]

12:15 I just now realized what factoring really is and what it can be used for. Factoring is rewriting a number or expression so that it is the product of multiplication. And one reason for doing this is so you can cancel out terms in a fraction in order to quickly simplify it. You cannot cancel common terms between the numerator and denominator if there is addition or subtraction involved between any of the terms, so factoring it makes everything the product of multiplication instead of addition / subtraction, which then allows you to cancel terms. I really love when things start coming together and everything becomes clearer.

[mar]

DUDE YOU LITERALLY SAVED MY LIFE I AM FR SO SO SO GRATEFUL THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK

[juniewindsor-jigg]

I just want to thank you for your series, as a senior going back to school to get my grade11; 12 algebra, you, ve been a blessing, as on line books don't explain anything. I found you late in my grade 11 class, happy to say I passed not the mark I wanted but it's still a pass and I continue with you in grade 12. these classes are fast 2 years into 1, talking about math I never knew existed could not relate until I started watching you. Again thank you much, I am sure many others appreciate your dedication, time and knowledge to help others 😊 thank you 👏👏👏👏

[Jessicanimation]

With limited time in the classrooms and our instructor can only show us so much. God bless YouTube.

[georgeh]

Neat trick using ( -1), wish I had been taught that at school/college. Pot luck on the quality of Teacher / Lecturer you get, thanks for your clear and top notch explanations.

[blaneferris]

It's helps so much that you rewrite the problem before cancelling, other videos look so complicated when they do it all on top of the original problem.

[patrickvanbramer]

My son's teacher just keeps piling on the homework, but many kids dont understand fully, including himself. Makes no sense. My son said you're better at teacher than his teacher. Thankyou

[exotickhanaarif]

Wow man that -1 is such an important tool it helped me understand what Factoring really is

[PalenVencatachellum-xofc]

I thank you very much for your explanation which is very simple to assimilate by anybody.

[dusannovakovic]

Great lecture. If only there were more professors like you, especially for math and sciences. There is an interesting point I never thought of until now. Maybe you could've used the example with s^2-t^2/(s-t)^2 to show explicitly that (s-t)^2=(t-s)^2 which is pretty convenient to keep in mind when solving similar equations because such manipulation makes the process faster.

[mathbbn]

Very good teacher, I can understand your presentation on this lesson. This radical equation is I know that this teaching makes students understand and thank you teacher

[davidhunter]

Superb class. Taught me so much, thank you.

[sonnyl]

The only teacher could explain maths!👍

[marianusStaff]

Thank you for all the time you spend for this lessons!

[masterhalim]

neat writing and clear explanation. i like it

[thedoctordowho]

Thank very much for you time to do this lessons.thank you!!!

[smitachaudhary]

It was useful session :)! I like the sessions from Vidya Guru channel as well. Their important questions were proven very helpful in my SSC exam.

[haleymills]

Just a question but I was told you minus exponents when dividing. So why instead of x/x^2 do you not get -x and have to move it up?

[HuongPham-gynh]

Very good and funny videos bring a great sense of entertainment!