Answer: A rational expression has been reduced to lowest terms if all common factors from the numerator and denominator have been canceled.
What is a rational algebraic expression in lowest term?
A rational expression is reduced to lowest terms if the numerator and denominator have no factors in common. We can reduce rational expressions to lowest terms in much the same way as we reduce numerical fractions to lowest terms.
How do you write a rational expression in lowest terms?
To write a rational expression in lowest terms, we must first find all common factors (constants, variables, or polynomials) or the numerator and the denominator. Thus, we must factor the numerator and the denominator. Once the numerator and the denominator have been factored, cross out any common factors.