MATHEMATICS 8 (Quarter 1)

Week: 5 Date: Sept. 21- 25, 2020

Learning Competencies & Codes: 1. Illustrate rational algebraic expressions. M8AL-IC-1
2. Simplifies rational algebraic expressions. M8AL-IC-2

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Lesson 1 Rational Algebraic Expression

(Source: Mathematics Learner’s Module in Grade 8; pp. 66 - 72)
A rational algebraic expression is a ratio of two polynomials provided that the
denominator is not equal to zero.
P
In symbols: , where P and Q are polynomials, provided that Q is not equal to zero.
Q
In dealing with rational algebraic expressions, we need to recall the laws of exponents.

LAWS OF EXPONENTS
I – Product of Powers
For any real number x, and any positive integers a and b:
xa·xb = xa + b
II – Power of a Power
For any real number x, and any positive integers a and b:
(xa)b = xab
III – Power of a Product
For any real numbers x and y, and any positive integer a:
(xy)a = xaya

IV – Power of a Quotient
For all integers a and b, and any nonzero number x.

xa a-b
Case I. b = x , where a > b
x

xa 1
Case II. b = b −a , where a < b
x x

So these are the laws/rules of exponents to be remembered in dealing with rational

algebraic expressions. Just like in COVID-19 preventions, there are also rules/protocols to follow in
order for us to avoid infection from this virus. Say, wearing of face masks when we go out from our
homes, washing of hands time to time, maintaining social distancing and etc.
Here are some examples of rational algebraic expressions.
6 z2 m4 +18 m+1 4 x 2 +6 x−10
x−1 z2 +5 m2−m−6 1

The last one may look a little strange since it is more commonly written 4x2 + 6x – 10. However,
it’s important to note that polynomials can be thought of as rational expressions if we need to, although
they rarely are.
There is an unspoken rule when dealing with rational expressions that we now need to address.
When dealing with numbers we know that division by zero is not allowed. Well the same is true for
rational expressions. So, when dealing with rational expressions we will always assume that whatever
x is it won’t give division by zero. We rarely write these restrictions down, but we will always need to
keep them in mind.
For the first one listed we need to avoid x = 1. The second rational expression is never zero in
the denominator and so we don’t need to worry about any restrictions. Note as well that the numerator
of the second rational expression will be zero. That is okay, we just need to avoid division by zero. For
the third rational expression we will need to avoid m = 3 and m = -2. The final rational expression listed
above will never be zero in the denominator so again we don’t need to have any restrictions.
The following expressions are not examples of rational algebraic expressions.

2−√ x The numerator is not a polynomial because

4−x a square root of a variable is not allowed
 1−x
1 is not allowed in a polynomial
1+
x

Activity 1
Directions: Illustrate/ explain whether the following are rational algebraic expression or not.
2
x2 +5 6 2 x 3− √ y m3 +18 m+1 −4
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. x
x +2 x−1 1 m 2−m−6 3−x

Lesson 2 Simplifying Rational Algebraic Expressions

(Sources: Mathematics Learner’s Module in Grade 8; pp. 77 – 79
Intermediate Algebra; pp. 72-73)
The key concept of simplifying rational algebraic expression is the concept of reducing a fraction
to its simplest form.
Here are the steps required for simplifying rational algebraic expression:
1. Factor both the numerator and denominator of the expression. Remember to write the
expression in descending order, to factor to factor out a negative number if the leading
coefficient is a negative number, and use various factoring techniques to factor each
expression.
2. Reduce the expression by cancelling out expressions in the numerator and
denominator that are exactly the same.
3. Rewrite any remaining expressions in the numerator and denominator.

x2 −9 x−14
Example 1: Simplify
x 2+ 2 x−8

Step 1: Factor both the numerator and denominator of the expressions.

(x−2)( x−7)
( x−2)(x+ 4)
Step 2: Reduce the expressions by cancelling out like terms.
(x−2)( x−7)
( x−2)(x+ 4)
Step 3: Rewrite any remaining expressions in the numerator and denominator.
(x−7)
Final answer
( x+ 4)

3 x 2−9 xy −12 y 2
Example 2: Simplify
6 x 3−6 x y 2

Step 1: Factor both the numerator and denominator of the expression.

3(x+ y)( x−4 y )
6 x( x + y )(x− y )
Step 2: Reduce the expressions by cancelling out like terms.
3(x+ y)( x−4 y )
6 x( x + y )(x− y )
Step 3: Rewrite any remaining expressions in the numerator and denominator.
( x−4 y)
Final answer
2 x (x− y )

Activity 2
Directions: Simplify the following rational algebraic expressions.
(2−x ) 2 x 4 + 9 x 3−5 x 2 x3 + 4 x 2−9 x−36
1. 2. 3.
(x 2−4) 6 x 3 + x 2−2 x 4 x 2+ 28 x + 48

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Mathematics Key Answer

Grade 8

Lesson 5.1 (1pt each)

x2 +5
1. - yes / a rational algebraic expression
x +2

6
2. - yes / a rational algebraic expression
x−1

2 x 3− √ y
3. - not a rational algebraic expression
1

m3 +18 m+1
4. - yes / a rational algebraic expression
m 2−m−6

2
−4
5. x - not a rational algebraic expression
3−x

Lesson 5.2 (1pt each process, 2 pts for the final answer)

(2−x ) −1( x−2)

1. 2 =
( x −4) (x +2)( x−2)

−1(x−2)
=
(x +2)( x−2)

−1
=
x+2
2
2 x 4 + 9 x 3−5 x 2 x (x+5)(2 x−1)
2. =
6 x 3 + x 2−2 x x(2 x−1)(3 x+ 2)

x 2 (x+5)(2 x−1)
=
x(2 x−1)(3 x+ 2)

x(x +5)
=
3 x +2

x3 + 4 x 2−9 x−36 (x +4 )( x+3)( x−3)

3. =
4 x 2+ 28 x + 48 4 ( x +3)( x+ 4)
 (x +4 )( x+3)( x−3)
=
4 ( x +3)( x+ 4)

x−3
=
4