# Simplify Rational Expressions

 How to simplify rational expressions? A tutorial with examples and detailled solutions is presented. To simplify a rational expression, we first factor both the numerator and denominator completely then reduce the expression by cancelling common factors. Example 1: Simplify the rational expression Detailed Solution to Example 1 Factor both the numerator and denominator completely. Cancel common factors to reduce and simplify the given expression. Note: The given expression is equal to 2 on the condition that x is not equal to 1. x = 1 is not in the domain of the expression. Example 2: Simplify the rational expressionDetailed Solution to Example 2 Factor both the numerator and denominator completely. Cancel common factors to simplify the expression. Example 3: Simplify the rational expressionDetailed Solution to Example 3 Factor both the numerator and denominator completely. Note that - x + 1 = - (x - 1) in the denominator. Cancel common factors. Exercises Simplify the rational expression. More references to topics related to rational expressions. Definition and domain of Rational Expressions.