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Algebra II

Simplifying rational expressions

You get a rational expression when you divide one polynomial by another. If you have a good understanding of factoring quadratics, you'll be able to apply this skill here to help realize where a rational expression may not be defined and how we can go about simplifying it.

Adding and subtracting rational expressions

Well, rational expressions are just algebraic expressions formed by dividing one expression by another. In this tutorial, we'll see that, even though they may look hairy, adding and subtracting rational expressions involves most of what we know about adding and subtracting numeric fractions.

Graphing rational functions

Rational functions are often not defined at certain points and have very interesting behavior has the input variable becomes very large in magnitude. This tutorial explores how to graph these functions, paying attention to these special features. We'll talk a lot about vertical and horizontal asymptotes.

Partial fraction expansion

If you add several rational expressions with lower degree denominator, you are likely to get a sum with a higher degree denominator (which is the least-common multiple of the lower-degree ones). This tutorial lets us think about going the other way--start with a rational expression with a higher degree denominator and break it up as the sum of simpler rational expressions.

Solving rational equations

The equations you are about to see are some of the hairiest in all of algebra. The key is to keep calm and don't let the rational equation be the boss of you.

Multiplying and dividing rational expressions

Let's extend what we know about multiplying and dividing fractions to rational expressions. It may look complicated, but it really is about applying some core principles of what fractions represent.