This week in precalculus 11, we learned about equivalent reciprocal functions.

Recall that a rational number is a quotient of two integers, except the denominator cannot equal 0. The quotient of two polynomials is called a rational expression.

Equivalent rational expressions: , , , etc.

When trying to find equivalent rational expressions you factor it out, then simplify it by canceling out the expression that is in the top and bottom of the fraction.

Since the denominator can never equal 0, you have to find the non-permissible values.

Ex.

= 

x ≠ -2, -1

With this equation, you can cancel out (x+1) from the top and bottom of the equation.

= 

x ≠ -2