1. Lesson 1

Mathematics 20-1 Module 6

Module 6: Rational Expressions

 

Lesson 1: Simplifying Rational Expressions

 
Focus

 

This is a photo of a flight simulator located at the Moscow Aviation Institute.

c Sergey Khantsis; Used under Creative Commons Licence 2.5- Share, Adapt, Attribution

Flight simulators are practical training tools for people learning to be pilots. These simulators mimic actual flying conditions. Flight students must control the plane using equipment and instrumentation similar to what is found in real aircraft.

 

Driving simulators are used in rehabilitation hospitals to help people who have been injured learn how to drive again. Simulators provide a safe environment for learning how to navigate different scenarios that may be encountered in real life. The simulated experience is equivalent to the real one in many ways, but the simulated experience is simplified for training purposes. Can you think of other examples of simulations? What types of situations are being simulated?

 

In previous math courses you worked with rational numbers. The strategies you used to generate equivalent fractions and to simplify fractions will help you to do the same processes with rational expressions. Your previous experience with rational numbers can be thought of as the training for, or simulation of, the work you will do with rational expressions in this lesson and module.

 

Outcomes

 

At the end of this lesson you will be able to

  • compare the strategies for writing equivalent forms of rational expressions to the strategies for writing equivalent forms of rational numbers

  • determine the non-permissible values for a rational expression and explain why such values are non-permissible

  • determine equivalent rational expressions to given rational expressions and explain why the non-permissible values of both are the same

  • simplify a rational expression and identify, correct, and explain errors in the simplification of a rational expression
Lesson Questions

 

You will investigate the following questions:

  • How is the process of simplifying rational expressions similar to the process of simplifying rational numbers?

  • Why is simplification desired in mathematics?
Assessment


Your assessment may be based on a combination of the following tasks:

  • completion of the Lesson 1 Assignment (Download the Lesson 1 Assignment and save it in your course folder now.)

  • course folder submissions from Try This and Share activities

  • additions to Module 6 Glossary Terms and Formula Sheet

  • work under Project Connection

Self-Check activities are for your own use. You can compare your answers to suggested answers to see if you are on track. If you are having difficulty with concepts or calculations, contact your teacher.