Simplifying Rationals

Lowest Terms

A rational expression in lowest terms has no common factors in the numerator and denominator. To write an expression in lowest terms or simplest form, factor the numerator and denominator and cancel common factors.

Example 1 Reduce the rational expression to lowest terms:

$frac1$

Step 1. Factor the numerator and denominator completely.

$frac2$

Step 2. Cancel the common factor of 2x.

$frac3$

Step 3. Rewrite.

$frac4$ (Answer)