Rational Expressions
Rational Expression
A ratio of two polynomials or a fraction with polynomials as its
numerator or denominator.
Example:
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Rational Expressions
Simplifying Rational Expressions
To simplify rational expressions, we follow these steps:
1. Factor the numerator and the denominator.
2. Look for the common factors between the numerator and the
denominator.
3. Cancel out the common factors between the numerator and the
denominator.
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Rational Expressions
Simplifying Rational Simplifying Rational
Expressions #1 Expressions #2
Ans: 4x/y
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Rational Expressions
Simplifying Rational Simplifying Rational
Expressions #3 Expressions #4
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Rational Expressions
Finding the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of Rational
Expressions
1. Factor the denominators.
2. Write the factors of the denominators then match common factors in
columns.
3. Bring down each factor with common factors being written as one as
they are brought down.
4. Multiply the factors brought down.
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Rational Expressions
1. Factor each denominator: x - 1 cannot be factored further. x2 - 1 can
be factored as (x + 1)(x - 1).
2. Write the common factors in column and match common factors.
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Rational Expressions
3. Bring down each factor with common factors being written as one
as they are brought down.
4. Multiplying the factors brought down: (x - 1)(x + 1).
The LCD is (x - 1)(x + 1)
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Rational Expressions
Addition/Subtraction of Rational Expressions With the Same
Denominator
1. Add/Subtract the numerators; the resulting number will be the numerator of the
sum/difference.
2. Copy the common denominator and use it as the denominator of the
sum/difference.
3. Simplify the result, if possible.
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Rational Expressions
Addition of Rational Expressions Addition of Rational
With the Same Denominator Expressions With the Same
Sample #1 Denominator Sample #2
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Rational Expressions
Subtraction of Rational Subtraction of Rational
Expressions With the Same Expressions With the Same
Denominator Sample #1 Denominator Sample #2
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Rational Expressions
Transforming Rational Expressions with Different Denominators
to Rational Expressions with Same Denominators
1. Find the LCD of the given expressions.
2. Divide the LCD by the denominator of the first rational expression.
3. Multiply the result from step 2 to the numerator of the first rational expression.
The product will be the numerator of the new first rational expression.
4. Use the LCD as the denominator of the new first rational expression.
5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 for the second rational expression.
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Rational Expressions
Transforming Rational Expressions with Different Denominators to
Rational Expressions with Same Denominators
Example:
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Rational Expressions
Addition/Subtraction of Rational Expressions with Different
Denominators
1. Transform the Dissimilar Rational Expressions to Similar Rational Expressions
using the LCD.
2. Perform the process in adding rational expressions with same denominator.
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Rational Expressions
Addition of Rational Subtraction of Rational
Expressions with Different Expressions with Different
Denominators Sample Denominators Sample
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Rational Expressions
Multiplication of Rational Expressions
● If A/B and C/D are rational expressions, then their product is A/B x C/D = AC/BD.
● This means that to multiply rational expressions, multiply the numerators together then
multiply the denominators together.
Example:
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Rational Expressions
Division of Rational Expressions
● If A/B and C/D are rational expressions, then their quotient is A/B ÷ C/D = A/B x D/C = AD/BC.
● This means that to divide rational expressions, get the reciprocal of the divisor first then proceed to the
procedure in multiplying rational expressions.
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Rational Expressions
Solving Rational Equations by Cross-Multiplication
● Use cross-multiplication if the given rational equation is in the form p/x = q/r , where p, q, and r are nonzero constants and x is the
unknown value, as shown in the right
● To cross-multiply, multiply the numerator of the first fraction to the denominator of the second fraction. Then, multiply the
denominator of the first fraction to the numerator of the second fraction
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