Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Rational Expressions
A rational expression is a fraction where both the numerator and the denominator are polynomials. Understanding rational expressions is crucial because they can have restrictions on their domain, specifically where the denominator equals zero, as division by zero is undefined.
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Rationalizing Denominators
Finding the Domain
The domain of a rational expression consists of all the possible input values (x-values) that do not make the denominator zero. To find the domain, one must solve the equation formed by setting the denominator equal to zero and exclude those values from the domain.
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Finding the Domain of an Equation
Factoring Polynomials
Factoring polynomials is the process of breaking down a polynomial into simpler components (factors) that, when multiplied together, give the original polynomial. This is essential for identifying the values that make the denominator zero, as it allows for easier solving of the equation and clearer identification of excluded values from the domain.
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Introduction to Factoring Polynomials