1. In your own words, what are rational expressions? Why must we always be mindful of the final value ...

1. In your own words, what are rational expressions? Why must we always be mindful of the final value of the denominator in a rational expression? For example, consider the rational expression 3x/(x2 – 16). What values in the denominator must we be mindful of? Explain why.
 

2. How is doing operations—adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing—with rational expressions similar to or different from doing operations with fractions? Can understanding how to work with one kind of problem help understand how to work another type? When might you use this skill in real life?