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Rational Expression and Exponents

Rational

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Ronnie Tusi Dela Cruz
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17 views3 pages

Rational Expression and Exponents

Rational

Uploaded by

Ronnie Tusi Dela Cruz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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RATIONAL EXPRESSION

A rational expression is an algebraic expression that can be expressed as a quotient of two polynomials
where the denominator is not equal to zero. The following are examples of rational expressions:

Simplifying Rational Expressions


A rational expression is in simplest form if the numerator and the denominator have no common factors
except 1 or -1. In order to simplify a rational expression, divide the numerator and the denominator by the
greatest common factor.

Examples: Simplify the following rational expressions. In order to simplify a rational expression, factor
completely the numerator and the denominator. Then cancel the common factors.

Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

To add or subtract fractions having the same denominators, add or subtract the numerators and copy
the denominator. In symbols,

To add or subtract fractions having unlike denominators, write them first into their equivalent forms having
the same denominators.
An equivalent fraction is obtained by multiplying the numerator and the denominator of a rational
expression by a common nonzero factor. That is,

Examples: Write an equivalent form for each rational expression given the denominator.
Given a set of rational expressions with different denominators, we find their least common denominator
and rewrite them in their equivalent forms before adding or subtracting.
Examples: Find the sum or difference.

Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions


To multiply rational expressions, just as rational numbers, multiply their numerators and their
denominators. Then simplify. In symbols,

Note: In multiplying rational expression, it is generally easier if you factor first the numerator and the
denominator and then cancel out the common factor/s before you proceed to multiplication.

To divide a rational expression by another rational expression, multiply the dividend by the reciprocal of the
divisor. Then simplify. In symbols,

Complex Fractions
A complex fraction is a rational expression that contains a fraction in the numerator or denominator or
in both. To simplify a complex fraction means to reduce it to an equivalent fraction whose numerator and
denominator are nonfractional and in lowest terms. A complex fraction may be simplified by using any of the
following methods:
1. Reduce the numerator and denominator separately to simple fractions then apply the rules for dividing
rational expressions.
2. Multiply the numerator and the denominator by the LCD of the denominator of the fractions that appear
in the complex fraction.
Examples: Simplify the following complex fractions.

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