Mastering Rational Expressions: Simplifying, Multiplying, Dividing, and Adding

The Organic Chemistry Tutor

This comprehensive algebra tutorial guides students through the fundamental operations of rational expressions: simplifying, multiplying, dividing, and adding. The video uses four distinct examples to demonstrate how to handle algebraic fractions, emphasizing the critical role of factoring polynomials including finding Greatest Common Factors (GCF), recognizing differences of squares, and factoring trinomials with leading coefficients greater than one. The content progresses logically from basic simplification to more complex operations. It introduces key mnemonic devices like "Keep, Change, Flip" for division and demonstrates the process of finding common denominators for addition. The narrator meticulously talks through every algebraic step, particularly highlighting common pitfalls such as sign changes when factoring out negative numbers and the importance of checking if final expressions can be simplified further. For educators, this video serves as an excellent module for an Algebra II or Pre-Calculus curriculum. It reinforces prerequisite factoring skills while teaching new concepts. The clear, dark background with high-contrast text makes it easy to view in classroom settings, and the step-by-step pacing allows teachers to pause for student practice before revealing solutions. It connects abstract algebraic manipulation with the familiar rules of arithmetic fractions.