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Rational Expressions (CIE A Level Maths: Pure 3)
Revision Note
Rational Expressions (Algebraic Fractions)
What are rational expressions?
- Rational numbers are numbers that can be written as a fraction (quotient)
Rational comes from ratio – a number is rational if it can be written as a ratio of two integers – ie a fraction!
- A rational expression is an algebraic fraction
The ratio between two algebraic expressions (usually polynomials)
Factor theorem
- In order to simplify a rational expression you'll need to remember the factor theorem
How to simplify a rational expression (algebraic fraction)
- Start by factorising polynomials using factor theorem or algebraic division
Simplify
- cancel any common (linear) factors
- recognise a top-heavy (improper) rational expression, simplify if needed
Worked example
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