How is doing operations (adding, subtracting, multiplying, and

dividing) with rational expressions similar to or different from doing operations with fractions? Can

understanding how to work with one kind of problem help understand how to work another type?

When might you use this skill in real life?

Question

How is doing operations (adding, subtracting, multiplying, and

dividing) with rational expressions similar to or different from doing operations with fractions? Can

understanding how to work with one kind of problem help understand how to work another type?

When might you use this skill in real life?

anonymous · Answer

It's no different.

please_help · Answer

Can you elaberate that please?

anonymous · Answer

"When might you use this in real life"... depends

anonymous · Answer

$$\frac{1}{1-x}-\frac{2}{3-x}=\frac{(3-x)(2-2x)}{(1-x)(3-x)}$$just like when working with fractions $$\frac{a}{b}+\frac{c}{d}=\frac{ad+bc}{bd}$$where b and d do not evaluate to zero. All you do is simply substitute a,b,c,and d for expressions.

anonymous · Answer

oops $$\frac{1}{1-x}-\frac{2}{3-x}=\frac{(3-x)-(2-2x)}{(1-x)(3-x)}$$