SIMPLIFYING RATIONAL
EXPRESSIONS
RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS
P
Rational expressions can be written in the
Q
form where P and Q are both polynomials
and Q 0.
Examples of Rational
Expressions
3x 2 2x 4 4x 3y 3x 2
4x 5 2x 2 3xy 4 y2 4
Simplifying Rational Expressions
The process of simplifying numbers
is the same with simplifying rational
expressions.
GROUP ACTIVITY
Directions:
Analyze the following numbers whether
a Rational Expression or Rational
Numbers.
You only have 5 minutes for this
activity.
• 2/-3
• 2x2+7x/x + 1
• -1/5
• 6x/6
• 9x2-1/4x2 + 5
• 25/3x
• 10x2 +4x + 9/ x2 + 4
• 8/5
• 1
• 0
• X2 + 4x + 4/ x2 – 1
• 2x + 10/ x + 5
• 2x + 8/ 3x + 12
• 1/ x
• 2/3
Correct Answer
RATIONAL NUMBERS RATIONAL
1.2/-3 EXPRESSION
2.-1/5 1.2x2+7x/x + 1 2.9x2-
3.8/5 1/4x2 + 5
4.2/3 3.10x2 +4x + 9/
x2 + 4 4.X2 + 4x + 4/
x2 – 1 5.X2 + 4x + 4/
x2 – 1 6.2x + 10/ x +
5
7.2x + 8/ 3x +
SIMPLIFY:
1. X – 1
5x - 5 STEPS:
Solutions: 1. Look for the GCF or the
= (x – 1) common factor of the
numerator and
5( x – 1)
denominator.
=(x – 1)
2. Cancel the common
5( x – 1) factor.
Final
answer:
1
5
SIMPLIFY THE EXPRESSION
2. xy + 3y
4x + 12 Steps:
Solution: 1. Look for the GCF or the
= y ( x + 3) common factor of the
numerator and
4 ( x + 3)
denominator.
= y ( x + 3)
2. Cancel the common
4 ( x + 3) factor.
Final
Answer:
y
4
YOUR TURN!
GROUP 1:
4b + 8a GROUP 4:
bc + 2ac 2x + 8
3x + 12
GROUP 2:
2xy + 4y2 x2
+ 2xy
GROUP 3:
2x + 10
x+5
Simplifying Rational Expressions
Simplifying a rational expression means
writing it in lowest terms or simplest form.
To do this, we need to use the
Fundamental Principle of Rational Expressions
If P, Q, and R are polynomials, and Q and R are not 0,
PR P
Q Q
R
Simplifying a Rational Expression
1) Completely factor the numerator and
denominator.
2) Apply the Fundamental Principle of
Rational Expressions to eliminate common
factors in the numerator and denominator.
Warning!
Only common FACTORS can be eliminated
from the numerator and denominator. Make
sure any expression you eliminate is a
factor.
Example 2: Simplifying Rational
Expressions
Simplify each rational expression, if possible. Identify any
excluded values.
Factor 14.
Divide out common factors. Note that if
r = 0, the expression is undefined.
Simplify. The excluded value is 0.
Example
Simplify the following expression.
7x 35 7(x 5) 7
x 2 5x x(x 5) x
Example
Simplify the following expression.
x2 3x 4 (x 4)( x 1) x 1
x2 x 20 (x 5)( x 4) x 5
Example
Simplify the following expression.
7 y 1 y 7)
( 7 1
y 7
y
Simplify each
expression.
1. 2.
Factor each expression.
3. x2 + 5x + 6 4. 4x2 – 64
(x + 2)(x + 3) 4(x + 4)(x – 4)
5. 2x2 + 3x + 6. 9x2 + 60x + 100
1
(3x +10)2
(2x + 1)(x + 1)
GENERALIZATION
What is Rational What are the steps in
Expression? simplifying rational
expression?
What is Rational
Numbers?
INDIVIDUAL SEATWORK
• Get ½ crosswise. 3.2x2 + 2x
Direction: Simplify the 3x2 + 3x
following expression
1. 5x2 + 20 4. x – 1
2x + 8 x2 – 1
2. 21xy + 6y2 5. p2 – p -6
42x + 12y p-3
CORRECT ANSWER
1.5 /2
2.3y/6 or y/2
3.2x/3x
4.1/x + 1
5. p + 2/ 1
CORRECT ANSWER
1.5 /2
2.3y/6 or y/2
3.2x/3x
4.1/x + 1
5. p + 2/ 1
