document.write( "Question 220142: When simplifying a rational expression, why do you need to factor the numerator and the denominator?\r
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Algebra.Com's Answer #165328 by rapaljer(4671)![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! Because you can ONLY divide out FACTORS (never terms!). To reduce a fraction, the expression must be in FACTORED form!!\r \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "R^2 \n" ); document.write( " |