LEARNING

MODULE
RATIONAL ALGEBRAIC G8 Q1 W3-W4
EXPRESSIONS

MATHEMATICS Gr.8│Q1 W3

RATIONAL ALGEBRAIC
EQUATIONS
 RATIONAL ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

INTRODUCTION AND FOCUS QUESTION

You learned special products and factoring polynomials in the first module. What did you do when a
polynomial is divided by another polynomial? What will you do if a polynomial involves zero and
negative exponents? Which strategies can be used in simplifying and operating rational algebraic
expressions?

In this module, you will learn a lot about rational algebraic expressions. In the end, you should be able
to answer the question, “How can rate-related problems be solved?’’

TOPIC AND COMPETENCIES

Module Title You will learn to: Estimated Time

Rational Algebraic  illustrate rational
Expressions algebraic
expressions.
2  Simplify rational 8 hrs
algebraic
expressions

MODULE MAP

Here is a simple map of the above lesson you will cover.

Rational Algebraic Expressions

Definition 2
 Simplifying Algebraic
Zero and Negative Exponents Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
Expressions

EXPECTED SKILLS

To do well in this module, you need to remember and do the following:

1. Read the instructions provided for each activity.
2. Answer all the activities and process questions completely. Follow instructions on how to submit them.
3. Study the explanations well.
4. Supplement yourself with other learning materials when available and necessary.
5. Write down your thoughts to help you in processing information.
6. Keep in mind that your success in this module depends on how much effort you put into doing the
activities.

EXPLORE

Let’s start the module by exploring the activities related to work. Recall that dividing integers produces
rational numbers except for division by zero. Similarly, dividing polynomials produces rational expressions.
Now, you will evaluate and simplify rational expressions.

See attached Activity 1 on page 9 - How Fast

See attached Activity 2 on page 9 - KWL Chart

FIRM UP

Your goal in this section is to learn and understand key concepts about rational algebraic expressions.

In Activity 1, to find out how long printer A can print 150 pages, determine first the rate of the printer. The rate
of the printer is the number of pages printed per minute (ppm).

30 pages
So, =15 ppm. Therefore, Printer A can print 15 pages per minute. If it will print 150 pages, then it
2minutes

150 pages p
will take =10 minutes. If there will be p pages, then it will take minutes .
15 15

p
On the other hand, Printer B will take minutes to print p pages.
x

30 150
What type of numbers are and ?
2 15
Yes, they are fractions or rational numbers. Fractions are produced by dividing an integer by another integer.

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 5 x x 3 2 x+ 5 x 2−3 x +1
The following are examples of algebraic expressions: , , , , .
8 9 a−b x−6 x 3+ 4

An expression that is a quotient of two expressions is called an algebraic fraction or a rational expression.
P
A rational expression is an expression in the form of where P and Q are polynomials and Q≠0.
Q
Since rational expressions indicate division, the denominator of a rational expression must not be equal to 0.
When the denominator is 0, the expression is undefined.

REMEMBER!!!

The denominator of a rational expression can never be zero. The expression is undefined for the values
that make the denominator zero.

See attached Activity 3 on page 10 - Is it or is it not?

Recall that an exponent is a positive number or a symbol that tells how many times the base is used as a factor.
Let’s do it! What is the meaning of the following?
1. 53
2. (−4 m)2
1 4
3. ( )
2d
4. pm
Solution:
1. 53=(5)(5)(5)
2. (−4 m )2=(−4 m)(−4 m)
1 4 1 1 1 1
3. ( ) ( )( )( )( )
2d
=
2 d 2d 2 d 2 d
m
4. p means p is multiplied to itself m times

If 53=(5)(5)(5), how about 5−3 ? Does it mean 5 is used as a factor in negative form three times? What will be
the expanded form?

xm m −n x5 5−2 3
Recall that in the quotient law of exponents, n
=x so that 2
=x =x .
x x
Let’s do it! Simplify using the Quotient Law. Verify by expansion.

73 d2
1. 72
3. d5

22 103
2. 23
4. 103

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Solution:

73 3−2
1. =7 =7
72

73 7 (7)(7)
By expansion = =7
72 7(7)

22 2−3 −1
2. 3
=2 =2 What is the meaning of 2−1?
2

22 2(2) 1
By expansion = = .
2 2(2)(2) 2
3

22 −1 1
Therefore, =2 = .
23 2

d2
What is the meaning of d −3 ?
2−5 −3
3. 5
=d =d
d

d2 d (d ) 1
By expansion 5
= = 3.
d d( d)( d)(d )(d ) d
2
d −3 1
Therefore, 5 =d = 3
d d

Notice that if the exponent m>n then m-n is positive(number1). However, when m<n, m-n is negative (numbers
2 and 3) and when m=n, then m-n is zero (number 4).

NOTE: 00 is not 1 but instead “indeterminate”

See attached Activity 4 on page 10 - Who’s Right?

EVALUATING RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

When a number is substituted for the variable in a rational expression, the rational expression takes a numerical
value. Finding the value is called evaluating the rational expression.

There are two steps involved in evaluating a rational expression:

1. Replace the variable by the given value; and
2. Perform the indicated operations.

40
Let’s do it. Evaluate the rational expression for
y
a. y=5 b. y=100

Solution:

40 40 40 40 2
a. y
= =8
5 b. y = 100 = 5

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 See attached Activity 5 on page 11 - Swim Penguin Swim

Now that you have learned the important ideas about rational expressions, let’s go deeper by
moving on to the next section.

DEEPEN

SIMPLIFYING FRACTIONS

Let us recall how fractions are simplified or reduced.

FUNDAMENTAL PROPERTY OF FRACTIONS

If a represents a real umber and b and c represent nonzero real numbers,

ac a
=
bc b

Example: Simplify the following fractions.

24 17
a. b.
36 21

Solutions:

a. The greatest common factor of 24 and 36 is 12.

24 2(12) 2(12) 2
= =
36 3(12) 3(12) 3
=

17
b. is in simplest form since 17 and 21 have no common factor except 1.
21

See attached Activity 6 on page 11- Simplifying Fractions

SIMPLIFYING RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

Simplifying rational expressions is similar to simplifying fractions.

To simplify a rational expression to lowest terms:

1. Factor the numerator and denominator completely.
2. Divide out (cancel out) any common factors.

Example 1. Reduce to lowest terms.

8 x2 y 3 3 x−15
a. b.
10 xy 2 4 x−20

Solution:

8 x2 y 3 2 ∙ 4 ∙ x ∙ x ∙ y ∙ y ∙ y 4 3 x−15 3( x−5) 3
a. = = xy b. = =
10 xy 2 2 ∙ 5∙ x ∙ y ∙ y 5 4 x−20 4( x−5) 4
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Example 2.

x2 −7 x +12
Simplify:
9−x 2

x2 −7 x +12
Solution:
9−x 2
( x−4)(x−3)
¿ factor the numerator and denominator
(3−x )(3+ x)
( x−4)( x−3)
¿ factor -1 out of (3-x) to get (-3+x)
−1(−3+ x)(3+ x)
( x−4)( x−3)
¿ cancel since (x-3) and (-3+x) are equivalent
−1(−3+ x)(3+ x)
(x−4)
¿ multiply (x-4) by -1 to get (-x+4)
−1(3+ x)

−x+ 4 4−x
¿ or
3+ x 3+ x

REMEMBER!!!
(x−4)
Avoid leaving a negative number in the denominator. The expression is not considered to be
−1(3+ x)
−x−4 −x+ 4
in simple form. To simplify, we write
3+ x
or
3+ x
.
THINK ABOUT THIS!!!

Which of the following expressions is equal to -1?

x−5 x −5 x−5
a. b. c.
x+ 5 −5+ x 5−x

The answer to the exercise above is c since

x−5 x−5 (x−5)
= = =−1
5−x −1(−5+ x) −1( x−5)

x −5 x−5
The expression in (a) is in simple form while the expression in (b) is equal to 1 since = =1.
−5+ x x−5

Thus, the value of the expression is -1 only when the factor in the numerator and the factor in the denominator
are exactly opposite in sign.

For all monomials x and y where x ≠ y,

x− y
y−x

Example 3

2 x 3 +4 x2
Simplify:
x +2

2
2 x 3 +4 x2 2 x ( x +2)
Solution: = factor the numerator
x +2 x+2

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 2 x 2 ( x+ 2)
¿ cancel the common factor(x+2)
x +2

2 x2
¿ simplify
1
¿ 2 x2 denominators of 1 need not to be written

a
For any real number a, =a
1

Example 4

3 ( x+1 ) −3
Simplify:
8 ( x+1 ) −8

3 ( x+1 ) −3 3 x+3−3
Solution: = use the distributive property twice
8 ( x+1 ) −8 8 x +8−8

3x
¿ combine like terms
8x

3x
¿ divide out the common factor, x
8x

3
¿
8

Rational expressions can be reduced using common factors only, not common terms.

In simplifying rational expressions, factoring the numerator and denominator completely and dividing
common factors are the basic steps. However, as you have encountered in this module, simplifying does
not only involve two steps.

You should know how to perform the different operations following the order of operations (PEMDAS).
Rational expressions involve also exponents and when dealing with exponents, you should know how to
expand as well as interpret the meaning of zero and negative exponents.

Based again on the definition, a rational expression is a ratio of two polynomials, so don’t be surprised
that the skills you learned with polynomials, like factoring, special products, and operations on
polynomials are very helpful in simplifying rational expressions.

See attached Activity 7 on page 11 - Simplifying Rational Expressions

See attached Activity 8 on page 12 - Where did I go wrong?

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 TRANSFER

Your goal in this section is to apply your learning in real life situations. You will be given a practical task
which will demonstrate your understanding.

See attached Activity 9 on page 12 - Let’s Work It Out!

See attached Activity 10 on page 12 - KWL Chart

Name: __________________________________________________ LRN:___________________________

Grade and Section: ________________________________________________________________________

Important!!! DETACH AND SUBMIT ONLY PAGES 9 – 12 to your Subject Teacher!

ACTIVITY 1 – HOW FAST

When you printed your 30-page research paper, you observed that the printer A in the Internet shop finished
printing in 2 minutes. How long will it take printer A to print 150 pages? How long will it take printer A to print
p pages? If printer B can print x pages per minute, how long will it take to print p pages?

ACTIVITY 2 – KWL CHART

Write your ideas on Rational Algebraic Expressions. Fill in the first two columns. You will revisit and complete
this chart in the end of the lesson.
What I Know about rational What I Want to Know about What I Learned about rational
algebraic expressions rational algebraic expression algebraic expression

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Process Questions:

1. How did you determine the number of pages that can be printed by each printer? What operation is
involved?____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2. What can you recall about rational numbers?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

3. How can rate – related problems be solved?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

ACTIVITY 3 – IS IT OR IS IT NOT?

Determine whether the expression is a rational or not. Write your answer on the appropriate column.

Questions to Ponder:
1. What is your basis in identifying rational expressions from non-rational expressions?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

2. Why do you think the denominator in a rational expression should not be zero?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
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 ____________________________________________________________________________________

ACTIVITY 4 – WHO’S RIGHT?

k2
John and Kelly were asked to simplify −3 . Their solutions are shown below with their explanation.
k

John’s Solution Kelly’s Solution

k2 k2 k3
=k 2−(−3)=k 5 k2 =k 2 =k 5
k −3
k −3
=1 1
3
k
I used the quotient law of exponents. I made the negative exponent positive first. Then I
multiplied the reciprocal of the denominator with the
numerator.

Who do you think is right? Write your explanation.

ACTIVITY 5 – SWIM PENGUIN SWIM

A Gentoo penguin can swim at a rate of 17 miles per hour. How many hours will it take a penguin to swim a
distance of
a. 51 miles?

b. 136 km?

d
Use the expression , where d represents the distance and r represents rate.
r

Processing Questions:

1. What did you do to the assigned values of d and r?

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
____

2. What does it mean to evaluate rational expressions?

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

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 ___________________________________________________________________________________
____

ACTIVITY 6 – SIMPLIFYING FRACTIONS

Reduce the following fractions.

18
1. 21

24
2. 30

35
3. 56

16
4. 36

121
5. 156

ACTIVITY 7 – SIMPLIFYING RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

Reduce the following algebraic expressions to its lowest terms.

−9 a3 bc 2
1.
15 ab 2 c

2 x 2−4 x
2.
2 x−4
9 x2 +3 x
3.
3 x +1

2 ( x −4 )−2
4.
7 ( x −4 )−7

ACTIVITY 8 – WHERE DID I GO WRONG?

Mariz solved the expression above as follows. Her classmate said it was wrong. Can you explain why?

3 ( x+1 ) −3 3( x +1)−3 Mariz is wrong because

=
8 ( x+1 ) −8 8( x +1)−8

3−3
¿
8−8

0
¿
0

ACTIVITY 9 – LET’S WORK IT OUT!

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The AEA Printing Press has two photocopying machines. M1 can print a box of booklets in 5 hours while M2
can print a box of booklets in 15 x+ 20 hours.

a. How many boxes of booklets are printed by M1 in 10 hours? In 25 hours?

b. How many boxes of booklets can M2 print in 10 hours? In 120 x+ ¿60 hours?

ACTIVITY 10 – KWL CHART

Complete the KWL chart. Notice the changes in your initial thoughts.
What I Know about rational What I Want to Know about What I Learned about rational
algebraic expressions rational algebraic expression algebraic expression

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