Subtracting Rational Expressions Practice Test

About This "Subtracting Rational Expressions Practice Test"

This test progresses from matching denominators to factorable quadratic denominators and conceptual restriction checks.

"Common denominators, LCD construction, cross-products, factored denominators, cancellation, excluded values, and evaluation."

Skills Covered

Common denominators, LCD construction, cross-products, factored denominators, cancellation, excluded values, and evaluation.

Key Ideas

1. Subtract the entire second numerator.
2. Factor denominators before choosing the LCD.
3. Only factors—not terms—may cancel.
4. Keep restrictions from the original denominators.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not subtract denominators, cancel across addition or subtraction, or forget values that make an original denominator zero.

Practice Format

Each question has four answer choices. The explanation shows the method, completes the work, states the conclusion, and explains why every distractor is incorrect.