8

NAME:__________________________________________
GRADE/SECTION:______________________________

MATHEMATICS
Quarter I – Week 3
Rational Algebraic Expression

CONTEXTUALIZED LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF PUERTO PRINCESA CITY
Mathematics – Grade 8
Contextualized Learning Activity Sheets (CLAS)
Quarter I - Week 3: Rational Algebraic Expression
First Edition, 2021

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 Lesson 1
Rational Algebraic Expression
MELCs: Illustrates rational algebraic expressions M8AL-Ic-1
simplifies rational algebraic expressions. M8AL-Ic-2

Objectives: 1. Define rational algebraic expression.

2. Illustrate rational algebraic expression.
3. Simplify rational algebraic expressions by factoring.

Let’s Try
Directions: Read each item carefully. Write the letter of the correct answer on the space
provided before each number.
_______1. What do you call an algebraic expression that is in fraction form wherein the
numerator is a polynomial and the denominator is a nonzero polynomial?
A. Exponential expression C. Rational algebraic expression
B. Radical expression D. Linear equation
_______2. Which of the following is a rational algebraic expression?
𝑥+5 𝑥−2 √3 2𝑥
A. 0
B. 𝑦−𝑦
C. 5𝑥
D. 3𝑦
_______3. Which of the following is NOT a rational algebraic expression?
1
𝑎−𝑏 𝑥
A. 𝑎+𝑏
B. 9𝑥 2 C. 3
D. (3𝑥)−1
_______4. Which of the following expression best represents the statement: “the ratio of 𝑥
and 𝑦"?
𝑥
A. 𝑥 − 𝑦 B. C. 𝑥𝑦 D. 𝑥 + 𝑦
𝑦
_______5. Which mathematical expression can we derive from this statement, “Part of the
work done in 1 hour if the work can be done in 𝑥 hours?”
1 2 3 12
A. B. C. D.
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
𝑥−5
_______6. What value of 𝑥 will make the rational expression 𝑥
undefined?
1
A. 1 B. 0 C. 2
D. -1
𝑥 2 −4
_______7. Which of the following is the factored form of the expression 𝑥 2 +4𝑥+4
?

(𝑥+2)(𝑥−2) (𝑥+2)(𝑥−2) (𝑥−2)(𝑥−2) (𝑥+2)(𝑥+2)

A. (𝑥+2)(𝑥+2)
B. (𝑥+2)(𝑥−2)
C. (𝑥+2)(𝑥+2)
D.(𝑥−2)(𝑥−2)
8𝑎
_______8. Which of the following is the simplified form of the rational expression 16𝑎2 ?
1 4 8 8𝑎
A. 2𝑎
B. 8𝑎
C. 16𝑎
D. 16𝑎2
𝑥+4
_______9. What is the simplest form of ?
𝑥 2 −16
1 1
A. 𝑥 − 4 B. 𝑥−4
C. 𝑥+4
D. 𝑥 + 4
𝑥 2 −1
_______10. During the virtual class, Evelyn was asked to simplify the expression 𝑥 2 +1.
She said that the expression CANNOT be simplified. Do you agree with her? Why
or Why not?
A. No. The simplified form of the expression is −1.
B. No. The numerator and the denominator are factorable.
C. Yes. Both numerator and denominator are not factorable.
D. Yes. The denominator is not factorable and there is no common factor.
1
 Let’s Explore and Discover

Unlocking
of Difficulties

Rational
algebraic
expression- is an
expression that is
in fraction form
wherein the
numerator is a (Photo captured and illustrated by Shiela Mae O. Salibio)
polynomial and
the denominator Slicing a pizza equally to eight people or dividing a parcel
is a non-zero of land equally to five siblings are just a few examples using the
polynomial. It is concept of a fraction. Knowing its basic concept will essentially
help in performing well in this lesson.
written in the form
𝑷
, where 𝑄 ≠ 0. In relation to rational algebraic expression, having zero in
𝑸
the denominator makes rational expression undefined or
Restricted meaningless.
values– values
that are NOT Life can be compared to a rational algebraic expression, it
permissible. is sometimes complicated. Learning the process of simplifying
rational algebraic expression is similarly challenging.

Rational Algebraic Expression

In mathematics, the word rational derives its meaning from the word ratio. As
you know, a ratio can be expressed in fraction form. A very simple way of expressing
a rational expression in mathematics is to think of it as a fraction whose
denominator/numerator is a polynomial or a fraction whose numerator/denominator
are both polynomials.

Many real-life problems involve equations that contain rational algebraic

expressions.

Examples:
3𝑥
1. The ratio of 3𝑥 and 5𝑦 can be written as .
5𝑦
2. The ratio of COVID-19 positive in Puerto Princesa City (𝑥) and COVID-19
𝑥
positive in the entire Philippines (𝑦) is shown as 𝑦.
3. The average grade of a student with eight subjects is 10𝑥 2 + 7𝑥𝑦 + 2 and can
10𝑥 2 +7𝑥𝑦+2
be written as 8
.

Having a zero denominator makes the rational algebraic expression undefined

or meaningless because division by zero is not possible.

2
 Here are some examples of rational algebraic expressions:

5𝑥
1. 2
, this is a rational algebraic expression because the denominator is not equal
to zero.
6𝑥 2 −𝑦
2. 6𝑥 2 − 𝑦 , this is a rational algebraic expression since it can be written as 1
.
5
3. , this is a rational algebraic expression if 𝑥 ≠ 0.
𝑥
𝑥 2 +1
4. 𝑥−2
, this is a rational algebraic expression if 𝑥 ≠ 2.
1
5. 𝑥 −1
, this is a rational algebraic expression since it can be written as 𝑥.

Let’s recall the concept of polynomial in your Grade 7.

Polynomial is a special type of algebraic expression where each term is a

constant, a variable, or a product of a constant and a variable in which a variable has
a whole number exponent.

An algebraic expression is NOT polynomial if

1. The exponent of the variable is NOT a whole number.

2. The variable is inside the radical sign.
3. The variable is in the denominator.

Here are some examples of expressions that are not rational:

5𝑥 5𝑥
1. 0
or 𝑦−𝑦
, this is not a rational algebraic expression because it has a zero
denominator.
2
2. 6𝑥 − 𝑦 3 , this is not a rational algebraic expression because of the fractional
exponent.
𝑥 2 +1
3. , this is not a rational algebraic expression because of the expression inside
√𝑥−2
the radical sign cannot be simplified further.

Restricted Values in the Denominator of Rational Algebraic Expressions

We learned that a rational algebraic expression must not have a zero denominator.
We need to determine what is/are the value/s of the variable that will make the denominator
equal to zero. These values are called restricted values or values that are not permissible. To
find the restricted values, we simply equate the denominator of the given expression to zero.

Illustrative examples: 𝑎 → 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟

3𝑥+7
1. What value of 𝑥 will make the expression meaningless? 𝑏 → 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟
𝑥

Solution:
Step 1 Equate the denominator 𝑥 to zero. 𝒙=𝟎
We have the value of 𝑥 which is zero, meaning the restricted value for 𝑥 is 0.
Step 2 Check: Substitute the value of 𝑥, which is 0, 3𝑥 + 7 3(0) + 7 0 + 7 7
3𝑥+7 = = =
to the expression . 𝑥 0 0 0
𝑥 (this expression is
undefined or meaningless)
Step 3 Conclusion: If 𝑥 = 0, then the expression
3𝑥+7
is meaningless.
𝑥

3
 5𝑥
2. What value of 𝑥 will make the expression 𝑥+1
not rational?
Solution:
Step 1 Equate the denominator 𝑥 + 1 to zero and solve for 𝑥+1=0
𝑥.
Solving for 𝑥:
eliminate (+1) by adding (−1) 𝑥 + 1 + (−1) = 0 + (−1)
additive inverse [1 + (−1) = 0] 𝑥 + 0 = −1
simplify 𝒙 = −𝟏
Step 2 Check: Substitute the value of 𝑥, which is −1, to 5𝑥 5(−1)
= 1+(−1) =
−𝟓
𝑥+1 𝟎
5𝑥
the expression 𝑥+1
. (this expression is not
rational)
Step 3 5𝑥
Conclusion: The value of 𝑥 that will make the expression 𝑥+1 not rational is
(−1).

3𝑥+1
3. What value of 𝑥 is not permissible in the expression 3𝑥 − 6
?
Solution:
Step 1 Equate the denominator 3𝑥 − 6 to zero and solve 3𝑥 − 6 = 0
for 𝑥.
Solving for 𝑥 3𝑥 − 6 = 0
Eliminate (−6) by adding (+6)to both sides 3𝑥 − 6 + 6 = 0 + 6
Additive inverse [−6 + 6 = 0]
simplify 3𝑥 = 6

Eliminate the coefficient of 𝑥 by multiplying 1

(3) (3𝑥) = (6) (3)
1
1 1
both sides by [(3) (3) = 1]
3
simplify 𝒙=𝟐

Step 2 Check: Substitute the value of 𝑥, which is 2, to 3𝑥+1 3(2)+1

= 3(2)−6 = 6−6 = 𝟎
6+1 𝟕
3𝑥+1 3𝑥−6
the expression 3𝑥−6.
Step 3 3𝑥+1
Conclusion: 𝑥 = 2 is not permissible in the expression 3𝑥 − 6 because this
will make the denominator equal to zero.

Simplifying Rational Algebraic Expressions

Simplifying rational algebraic expression is similar to simplifying a fraction. In a

fraction, we factor numbers, while in a rational algebraic expression, we factor polynomials.
A rational algebraic expression is said to be simplified when its numerator and
denominator HAVE NO common factors other than 1. In reducing the rational expression
to the lowest term, divide both the terms of the rational expression by the Greatest Common
Factor (GCF).
Factoring plays a very important role in simplifying a rational algebraic expression.
4
Example 1. Simplify:
16
Solution:
Step 1. Factor both numerator and denominator using 4
=
2•2
16 2•2•2•2
prime factorization.
Step 2. Combine and cancel out the common factors. 4
=
(2•2)
16 (2•2)•2•2

4
 Step 3. Multiply the remaining factors in the denominator
and write 1 in the numerator since all the factors 4
=
1
=
1
16 2•2 4
in the numerator were cancelled out.

Alternative solution: Using GCMF or the greatest common factor

4 (4)(1) 1
16
= (4)(4) = 4

15𝑥 2
Example 2. Simplify 20𝑥
Solution:
Step 1. Factor both numerator and denominator using 15𝑥 2
=
3•5•𝑥•𝑥
prime factorization. 20𝑥 2•2•5•𝑥

Step 2. Combine and cancel out common factors. 15𝑥 2

=
(5•𝑥)•3•𝑥
20𝑥 (5•𝑥)•2•2

Step 3. Multiply the remaining terms. 15𝑥 2

=
3•𝑥
=
3𝑥
20𝑥 2•2 4

Alternative solution: Using GCMF or greatest common monomial factor

15𝑥 2 (5𝑥)(3𝑥) 3𝑥
20𝑥
= (5𝑥)(4)
= 4

5𝑥 − 15
Example 3. Simplify 2𝑥 − 6
.
Solution:
Step 1. Factor both numerator and denominator using 5𝑥 − 15
=
5(𝑥 − 3)

Greatest Common Monomial Factor (GCMF). 2𝑥 − 6 2(𝑥 − 3)

Step 2. Cancel out the common factor. 5𝑥 − 15

=
5(𝑥 − 3)
𝑥−3 2𝑥 − 6 2(𝑥 − 3)
( can be cancelled out because the quotient is
𝑥−3
1.)

Step 3. Copy the remaining factors. 5𝑥 − 15

=
5
2𝑥 − 6 2

𝑥2− 25
Example 4. Simplify 𝑥+5
.
Solution:
Step 1. Factor out the numerator using a special pattern. 𝑥 2 − 25
=
(𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 5)
𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)(𝑥 − 𝑦) or factoring the difference 𝑥+5 (𝑥 + 5)

of two squares
Step 2. Cancel out the common factors. 𝑥 2 − 25
=
(𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 5)
𝑥+5 (𝑥 + 5)

Step 3. Copy the remaining factors. Remember that 𝑥 2 − 25

=
(𝑥 − 5)
=𝑥−5
dividing a number by 1, the result is the number 𝑥+5 1

itself.

5𝑏
Example 5. Simplify 3𝑏2 + 2𝑏
.

Solution:
Step 1. Factor the denominator by getting the Greatest 5𝑏
=
(5)(𝑏)
3𝑏 2 + 2𝑏
Common Monomial Factor (GCMF). (𝑏)(3𝑏 + 2)

Step 2. Cancel out the common factor. 5𝑏

=
(5)(𝑏)
3𝑏 2 + 2𝑏 (𝑏)(3𝑏 + 2)

Step 3. Copy the remaining factors. 5𝑏

=
5
3𝑏 2 + 2𝑏 3𝑏 + 2

5
 𝑥−3
Example 6. Simplify 𝑥2− 𝑥 − 6

Solution:
Step 1. Factor the denominator only since the numerator 𝑥−3
=
(𝑥 − 3)
𝑥2− 𝑥 − 6
cannot be factored. (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥+ 2)

Step 2. Cancel out the common factor. 𝑥−3

=
(𝑥 − 3)
𝑥2− 𝑥 − 6 (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥+ 2)

Step 3. Copy the remaining factor in the denominator 𝑥−3

=
1
𝑥2− 𝑥 − 6 𝑥+ 2
and write 1 as the numerator.

Simplifying rational expression means modifying it to a simpler or more desirable

form. It involves the removal of all common factors in the numerator and denominator.

(Source: Soledad J. Dilao, et al., Intermediate Algebra Textbook for Second Year, Quezon City:
Department of Education-SD Publications, Inc.,2009,71-73.)

Let’s Practice

Directions: Write C if the statement is correct and W if it is wrong. Write your answer
on the space provided before each number.

𝑃
____1. A rational algebraic expression can be written as , where 𝑃 is a polynomial and
𝑄
𝑄 is a non-zero polynomial.
21𝑥
____ 2. The expression 𝑥+1 is not a rational algebraic expression.
____ 3. The rational algebraic expression is meaningless if it contains zero denominators.
____ 4. A rational algebraic expression is simplified when its numerator and
denominator have no common factor except 1.
𝑥−5
____ 5. The expression 𝑥+3 can be simplified.

Directions: Put a mark if the expression is an algebraic expression and 𝑥 mark if not.
1
2𝑥 𝑦3
______ 1. 3
______ 4. 3
5√𝑥 2𝑥 + 𝑦
______ 2. 3
______ 5. 𝑥−𝑥

______ 3. 𝑥 + 7
Directions: Study the given expression. Write YES in the second column if it can
be simplified and NO if it cannot be.

Expression Yes/No
1. 𝑥2 − 4
2. 4𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2
3. 4𝑥 − 20
4. 𝑏 2 + 25
5. 𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 + 49
6
 Let’s Do More

Directions: Match Column A with the corresponding mathematical phrase in column B.

Write the letter of your answer on the space before the number.

Column A Column B
Verbal Phrase Mathematical Phrase
𝑥
___1. twice a number 𝑥 added to 10 A. 𝑦

___2. a number 𝑥 decreased by 5. B. 10 + 2𝑥

___3. the product of 𝑥 and 𝑦 C. 𝑥 + 𝑦
___4. the sum of 𝑥 and 𝑦 D. 𝑥𝑦
___5. the ratio of 𝑥 and 𝑦 E. 𝑥 − 5

Directions: Identify the restricted values of the variable in the denominator of the
rational algebraic expression by finding the value of 𝑥 that will make the denominator zero.
Choose the letter from the box and write your answer on the space provided before each
number.
6
_______1. 𝑥
A. −5
4 B. 3
_______2. 𝑥−2
C. -3
3𝑥+7 1
_______3. 2𝑥+1 D. −
2

2+𝑥 E. 0
_______4. 3−𝑥
F. -2
5𝑦 G. 2
_______5. 𝑥+5

Directions: Simplify the following rational algebraic expressions. Circle the letter of the
correct answer.

4𝑏3 𝑐 2 2𝑏 𝑏
1. 6𝑏2 𝑐 4
A. 3𝑐 2
B. 3𝑐

𝑦+6 𝑦−6 1
2. 𝑦 2 − 36
A. 𝑦+6
B. 𝑦−6

𝑥− 3 𝑥− 3
3. 𝑥+3
A. 𝑥+3
B. −1

7
How will you define a rational algebraic expression? How can you determine if the given is
a rational or not? How about finding the restricted value of rational expression, is it easy
for you? What challenges have you encountered in simplifying a rational algebraic
expression?

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

Let’s Sum It Up

Activity 1
Directions: Choose the correct symbol or term/s that will make the statement correct.
Circle the letter of the correct answer.

1. A rational algebraic expression is any expression that can be written in the form ____ ,
where 𝑃 and 𝑄 are polynomials, 𝑄 ≠ 0.
𝑃
A. 𝑃 + 𝑄 B. 𝑃𝑄 C. D. 𝑃 − 𝑄
𝑄

2. An expression is said to be NOT rational if:

i. the denominator is equal to 1
ii. the denominator is equal to zero
iii. the variable/number has a fractional exponent
iv. there is a radical sign that cannot be simplified

A. I only B. ii & iii C. iii & iv D. ii, iii & iv

3.The restricted values are the values of the variable that will make the denominator of
the rational expression equal to______.
1
A. 1 B. -1 C. 0 D. 2

Activity 2
Directions: Supply the missing word, to sum up your understanding of simplifying a
rational algebraic expression. Choices are enclosed in parentheses.

Simplifying rational algebraic expression is just like simplifying ________________

(radical, fraction). For us to simplify the rational expression, we should first _____________
(factor, cancel) the expression if it is factorable. Then, ______________ (factor, cancel) the
common factors. Finally, ____________ (add, copy) the remaining terms.

8
 Let’s Assess
Directions: Read each item carefully. Write the letter of the correct answer on the space
provided before each number.
______1. What do you call an algebraic expression that is in fraction form wherein the
numerator is a polynomial and the denominator is a nonzero polynomial?
A. Exponential expression C. Linear equation
B. Radical expression D. Rational algebraic expressions

______2. Which of the following is NOT a rational algebraic expression?

𝑥+5 𝑥−2 1 2𝑥
A. B. C. D.
𝑦 𝑦−𝑦 5𝑥 3𝑦

______3. Which of the following expressions best represents the statement, “the ratio of 𝑦
and 𝑥".
𝑥 𝑦
A. 𝑦 B. 𝑥 C. 𝑥𝑦 D. 𝑥 + 𝑦

______4. What could be the symbol for “The square of 𝑦 divided by the cube of 𝑥?
𝑦2 3𝑥 𝑥+3 𝑥3
A. 𝑥3
B. 2𝑦
C. 𝑦−2
D. 𝑦2

______5. What mathematical expression can we derive from this statement, “Part of the work
done in 3 hours if the work can be done in 𝑥 hours?”
3 2 1 12
A. B. C. D.
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥

𝑥−5
______6. What value of 𝑥 will make the rational expression undefined?
𝑥+1
1
A. 5 B. −1 C. 2
D. 1
𝑥+1
______7. Given the expression , what is the restricted value for 𝑥?
𝑥+5
A. 5 B. −1 C. 0 D. −5
𝑥 2 −4
______8. Which of the following is the factored form of the expression 2
𝑥 −4𝑥+4
?
(𝑥+2)(𝑥−2) (𝑥+2)(𝑥−2) (𝑥−2)(𝑥−2) (𝑥+2)(𝑥+2)
A. (𝑥+2)(𝑥+2)
B. (𝑥−2)(𝑥−2)
C. (𝑥+2)(𝑥+2)
D. (𝑥−2)(𝑥−2)
𝑎 2 𝑏+𝑎𝑏𝑐 2
______9. Which of the following is the simplified form of the expression 𝑎𝑏
.

A. 𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 B. 𝑎𝑏 C. 𝑎 + 𝑐 2 D. 𝑎𝑏𝑐
𝑥 2 −1
______10. During a virtual class, Joseph was asked to simplify the expression 𝑥 2 −1. He said
the expression CANNOT be simplified. Do you agree with him? Why? Why not?
A. No. The simplified form of the expression is 1.
B. No. The numerator and the denominator are factorable.
C. Yes. Both numerator and denominator are not factorable.
D. Yes. The denominator is not factorable and there is no common factor.