Lesson 3 : Rational Algebraic Expressions

OBJECTIVES

RATIONAL ALGEBRAIC
3.1 illustrate rational algebraic
expressions.
3.2 simplify rational algebraic

EXPRESSIONS
expressions.
3.3 perform operations involving
rational algebraic expressions
leading to linear equations in
one variable. LESSON 3

In lesson 1 and lesson 2, you have learned concepts and real-life applications on special
products and factors. Now, we will learn in this lesson about the study of arithmetic
operations with rational expressions. We will learn at the beginning of this lesson the
definition of rational expression. Then proceeding immediately to a discussion of the
process of reducing a rational expression and illustrations of adding, subtracting,
multiplying, and dividing rational expressions. Since the operations of addition and
subtraction can cause the most difficulty, they are given particular attention.

You will better understand this lesson if you clearly understand the previous lessons.
After you finished the lesson, you should be able to answer the following question:
What is a rational algebraic expression? How will you simplify rational algebraic
expressions? How will you perform operations on rational algebraic expressions?

Rational Algebraic Expression

An algebraic expression is an expression that contains operations, numbers, and one or
more variables.

Example 1: 5𝑥 − 2
In the above example, we can determine the parts of an algebraic expression.
5𝑥 and 2 are the two terms in the expression.
5 is the numerical coefficient or the numerical value of the term 5𝑥.
𝑥 is the literal coefficient or variable written using a letter.
− is the operation used.
−2 is the constant or a term with no variable.

Example 2: 6𝑦 3 + 2𝑧 − 5
We can also easily identify the parts of the algebraic expression in the above example.

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 Lesson 3 : Rational Algebraic Expressions

6𝑦 3 , 2𝑧, and −5 are the three terms in the expression.

6, 2 are numerical coefficients.
𝑦 3 , 𝑧 are the literal coefficients.
−5 is the constant.

All polynomials are expressions but not all expressions are polynomials. A rational expression is nothing
more than a fraction in which the numerator and/or the denominator are polynomials.

A rational algebraic expression is a ratio of two polynomials provided that the denominator is not equal
𝑃
to zero. In symbols 𝑄
, where 𝑃 and 𝑄 are polynomials and 𝑄 ≠ 0. A rational number is any number that
1
can be expressed as quotient of two integers (divisor not 0). 2, 7, 3, 25% and 0.15 are examples of rational
numbers.
numerator
𝑃 𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2
For example, →
𝑄 𝑥 2 +1
denominator
where the value of 𝑥 is not equal to 1 and −1.

Example 3: Which of the following expression are rational?

𝑥 2 +5𝑥−10
a.
3𝑥+5
Yes, it is rational algebraic expression. Both the numerator and denominator are
polynomials.
2𝑥+4𝑦
b.
√𝑥
𝟏
No, the denominator has fractional exponent 𝒙𝟐 .
2𝑥 2 +5𝑥
c. 𝑥 −3
No, the exponent of the denominator is negative.
𝑥 2 −25
d. 3
√5𝑦
𝟏
No, because the denominator has fractional exponent (𝟓𝒚)𝟑 .

Simplifying Rational Algebraic Expression

Rational expression is in the lowest terms if the numerator and denominators have no common factor
other that 1 or –1.

To simplify a fraction or to reduce it to lowest term:

1. Factor both numerator and denominator.
2. Divide both the numerator and denominator by their common factor/s.

Like rational number, a rational expression can be simplified or reduced to lowest term. A rational
expression is in lowest term when the GCF (greatest common factor) of the numerator and denominator
is one.

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 Lesson 3 : Rational Algebraic Expressions

Examples 4:
Simplify the following rational algebraic expression.
4𝑥+16
a. 2𝑥
4(𝑥+4)
(2)(𝑥)
Factor both numerator and denominator.
2(𝑥+4)
Divide both the numerator and denominator by their common
𝑥
factor/s.
𝟒𝒙+𝟏𝟔 𝟐(𝒙+𝟒)
Therefore, 𝟐𝒙
= 𝒙
𝑥+3
b. 𝑥 2 +3𝑥
𝑥+3
Factor both numerator and denominator.
𝑥(𝑥+3)
1
𝑥
Divide both the numerator and denominator by their common
factor/s.
𝒙+𝟑 𝟏
Therefore, = .
𝒙𝟐 +𝟑𝒙 𝒙

𝒙−𝟓
c. 𝟓−𝒙
𝒙−𝟓 𝒙−𝟓
= Factor both numerator and denominator.
−𝒙+𝟓 −(𝒙−𝟓)
𝒙−𝟓
= −1 Divide both the numerator and denominator by their common
−(𝒙−𝟓)
factor/s.
𝒙−𝟓
Therefore, 𝟓−𝒙
= −𝟏.

4𝑎+8𝑏
d. 12
4𝑎+8𝑏 4(𝑎+2𝑏)
12
= (3)(4) Factor both numerator and denominator.
4(𝑎+2𝑏) 𝑎+2𝑏
= Divide both the numerator and denominator by their common
(3)(4) 3
factor/s.
𝟒𝒂+𝟖𝒃 𝒂+𝟐𝒃
Therefore, = .
𝟏𝟐 𝟑

Performing Operation Involving Rational Expressions

A. Addition and Subtraction of Rational Algebraic Expressions
Fractions like rational expressions can be combined by operations such as addition and subtraction. In
adding or subtracting similar rational expressions, add or subtract the numerators and write it in the
a c a+c
numerator of the result over the common denominator. In symbols, b + b = b
, where b ≠ 0.

In adding or subtracting dissimilar rational expressions change the rational algebraic expressions into
similar rational algebraic expressions using the least common denominator or LCD and proceed as in adding
similar fractions.

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 Lesson 3 : Rational Algebraic Expressions

Steps in Adding/ Subtraction Rational Expressions

To add/subtract Rational Algebraic Expressions:
A. If similar rational algebraic expressions:
1. Add or subtract the numerator.
2. Retain or copy the common denominator.
3. Simplify the result.
B. If dissimilar rational algebraic expressions:
1. Find the least common denominator (LCD) of the given rational algebraic expressions.
2. Get the equivalent rational expressions.
3. Add or subtract the numerator.
4. Copy the LCD.
5. Simplify the result.

Examples 5: Perform the indicated operation.

9 4
a. −
𝑥−1 𝑥−1
9 4 5
− = Subtract the numerator. Then, retain or copy the common
𝑥−1 𝑥−1 𝑥−1
denominator.
𝟗 𝟒 𝟓
Thus, 𝒙−𝟏 − 𝒙−𝟏 = 𝒙−𝟏

3𝑥 9
b. 𝑥+3
+ 𝑥+3
Add the numerator. Then, retain or copy the common denominator.
3𝑥 9 3𝑥 + 9
+ =
𝑥+3 𝑥+3 𝑥+3
Factor out the common factor and simplify the result.
3𝑥 + 9 3(𝑥 + 3)
= =3
𝑥+3 𝑥+3
𝟑𝒙 𝟗
Therefore, + =𝟑
𝒙+𝟑 𝒙+𝟑

1 𝑥
c. 𝑥
+ 𝑥+3
Find the least common denominator (LCD) of the given rational algebraic expressions and get the
equivalent rational algebraic expressions.
1 𝑥 (𝑥 + 3) + 𝑥
+ =
𝑥 𝑥+3 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥
Add the numerator and copy the LCD.
1 𝑥 (𝑥 + 3) + 𝑥 2𝑥 + 3
+ = = 2
𝑥 𝑥+3 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 𝑥 + 3𝑥
𝟏 𝒙 𝟐𝒙+𝟑
Therefore, + = 𝟐 .
𝒙 𝒙+𝟑 𝒙 +𝟑𝒙

𝑥+𝑦 2𝑥+𝑦
d. 𝑥−3𝑦
− 𝑥+3𝑦
Find the least common denominator (LCD) of the given rational algebraic expressions and get the
equivalent rational algebraic expressions.

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 Lesson 3 : Rational Algebraic Expressions

𝑥 + 𝑦 2𝑥 + 𝑦
= −
𝑥 − 3𝑦 𝑥 + 3𝑦
(𝑥 + 3𝑦)(𝑥 + 𝑦) − (2𝑥 + 3𝑦)(𝑥 − 3𝑦)
=
(𝑥 − 3𝑦)(𝑥 + 3𝑦)
(𝑥 + 4𝑥𝑦 + 3𝑦 2 ) − (2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑦 2 )
2
=
(𝑥 − 3𝑦)(𝑥 + 3𝑦)
Subtract the numerator and copy the LCD.
(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥𝑦 + 3𝑦 2 ) − (2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑦 2 )
=
(𝑥 − 3𝑦)(𝑥 + 3𝑦)
𝑥 + 4𝑥𝑦 + 3𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥𝑦 + 3𝑦 2
2
=
(𝑥 − 3𝑦)(𝑥 + 3𝑦)
−𝑥 + 9𝑥𝑦 + 6𝑦 2
2
=
(𝑥 − 3𝑦)(𝑥 + 3𝑦)
𝒙+𝒚 𝟐𝒙+𝒚 −𝒙𝟐 +𝟗𝒙𝒚+𝟔𝒚𝟐
Therefore, 𝒙−𝟑𝒚 − 𝒙+𝟑𝒚 = (𝒙−𝟑𝒚)(𝒙+𝟑𝒚)

B. Multiplication and Division of Rational Algebraic Expressions

Operation like multiplication and division are very common in fractions. These operations can be
performed to rational algebraic expressions.

To obtain the product of two or more rational expressions, we get the product of the numerators as well
𝑎 𝑐 𝑎𝑐
as the product of denominators of the given expressions. In symbols, 𝑏 ∙ 𝑑 = 𝑏𝑑 where 𝑏 and 𝑑 ≠ 0, where
product is expressed in lowest terms.

Steps in Multiplying Rational Expressions

To multiply rational algebraic expressions:
1. Factor all numerators and denominators as completely as possible.
2. Divide both numerator and denominator by any factor that both have in common.
3. Multiply remaining factors in the numerator and remaining factors in the denominator.
Examples 6: Multiply the following rational expressions.
2𝑥𝑦 2 15𝑧 5
a. ∙
3𝑧 3 4𝑥 2 𝑦
Get factor of the numerators and denominators.
2𝑥𝑦 2 15𝑧 5 (2)(𝑥)(𝑦)(𝑦) (3)(5)(𝑧)(𝑧)(𝑧)(𝑧)(𝑧)
∙ = ∙
3𝑧 3 4𝑥 2 𝑦 (3)(𝑧)(𝑧)(𝑧) (2)(2)(𝑥)(𝑥)(𝑦)

Divide both numerator and denominator by any factor that both have in common.
(2)(𝑥)(𝑦)(𝑦) (3)(5)(𝑧)(𝑧)(𝑧)(𝑧)(𝑧) 𝑦 5𝑧 2
∙ = ∙
(3)(𝑧)(𝑧)(𝑧) (2)(2)(𝑥)(𝑥)(𝑦) 1 2𝑥
Multiply remaining factors in the numerator and remaining factors in the denominator.
𝑦 5𝑧 2 5𝑦𝑧 2
∙ =
1 2𝑥 2𝑥
𝟐𝒙𝒚𝟐 𝟏𝟓𝒛𝟓 𝟓𝒚𝒛𝟐
Therefore, ∙
𝟑𝒛𝟑 𝟒𝒙𝟐 𝒚
= 𝟐𝒙
.

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 Lesson 3 : Rational Algebraic Expressions

2𝑥 2 −6𝑥𝑦 6𝑥𝑦−3𝑦2
b. 6𝑥−3𝑦
∙ 4𝑥 2 𝑦2
Get factor of the numerators and denominators.
2𝑥 2 − 6𝑥𝑦 6𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑦 2 2𝑥(𝑥 − 3𝑦) 3𝑦(2𝑥 − 𝑦)
∙ 2 2
= ∙
6𝑥 − 3𝑦 4𝑥 𝑦 3(2𝑥 − 𝑦) (4)(𝑥)(𝑥)(𝑦)(𝑦)
Divide both numerator and denominator by any factor that both have in common.
2𝑥(𝑥 − 3𝑦) 3𝑦(2𝑥 − 𝑦) (𝑥 − 3𝑦) 1
∙ = ∙
3(2𝑥 − 𝑦) (2)(2)(𝑥)(𝑥)(𝑦)(𝑦) 1 2𝑥𝑦
Multiply remaining factors in the numerator and remaining factors in the denominator.
(𝑥 − 3𝑦) 1 𝑥 − 3𝑦
∙ =
1 2𝑥𝑦 2𝑥𝑦
𝟐𝒙𝟐 −𝟔𝒙𝒚 𝟔𝒙𝒚−𝟑𝒚𝟐 𝒙−𝟑𝒚
Therefore, ∙ = .
𝟔𝒙−𝟑𝒚 𝟒𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐 𝟐𝒙𝒚

In dividing rational algebraic expressions, the quotient of two rational algebraic expressions is the product
𝑎 𝑐 𝑎 𝑑 𝑎𝑑
of the dividend and the reciprocal of the divisor. In symbols, 𝑏 ÷ 𝑑 = 𝑏 ∙ 𝑐 = 𝑏𝑐 where 𝑏 and 𝑐 ≠ 0, we
multiply the numerator by the reciprocal of the denominator.
Steps in Dividing Rational Expressions
To divide rational algebraic expressions:
1. Change the operation to multiplication.
2. Get the reciprocal of the divisor.
3. Factor all numerators and denominators as completely as possible.
4. Divide both numerator and denominator by any factor that both have in common.
5. Multiply remaining factors in the numerator and remaining factors in the denominator.
Examples 7: Divide the rational expressions.
8𝑚−16 3𝑚−6
a. 3𝑚
÷ 4𝑚2
Change the operation to multiplication and get the reciprocal of the divisor.
8𝑚 − 16 3𝑚 − 6 8𝑚 − 16 4𝑚2
÷ = ∙
3𝑚 4𝑚2 3𝑚 3𝑚 − 6
Get factor of the numerators and denominators.
8𝑚 − 16 4𝑚2 (2)(2)(2)(𝑚 − 2) (2)(2)(𝑚)(𝑚)
∙ = ∙
3𝑚 3𝑚 − 6 (3)(𝑚) 3(𝑚 − 2)
Divide both numerator and denominator by any factor that both have in common.
(2)(2)(2)(𝑚 − 2) (2)(2)(𝑚)(𝑚) 8 4𝑚
∙ = ∙
(3)(𝑚) 3(𝑚 − 2) 3 3
Multiply remaining factors in the numerator and remaining factors in the denominator.
8 4𝑚 32𝑚
∙ =
3 3 9
𝟖𝒎−𝟏𝟔 𝟑𝒎−𝟔 𝟑𝟐𝒎
Therefore, 𝟑𝒎 ÷ 𝟒𝒎𝟐 = 𝟗 .

𝑥 2 −4 𝑥 2 +𝑥−6
b. 𝑥 2 +2𝑥
÷ 2𝑥+4
Change the operation to multiplication and get the reciprocal of the divisor.

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 Lesson 3 : Rational Algebraic Expressions

𝑥2 − 4 𝑥2 + 𝑥 − 6 𝑥2 − 4 2𝑥 + 4
2
÷ = 2
∙ 2
𝑥 + 2𝑥 2𝑥 + 4 𝑥 + 2𝑥 𝑥 + 𝑥 − 6
Get factor of the numerators and denominators.
𝑥2 − 4 2𝑥 + 4 (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2) 2(𝑥 + 2)
2
∙ 2 = ∙
𝑥 + 2𝑥 𝑥 + 𝑥 − 6 𝑥(𝑥 + 2) (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2)
Divide both numerator and denominator by any factor that both have in common.
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2) 2(𝑥 + 2) (𝑥 + 2) 2
∙ = ∙
𝑥(𝑥 + 2) (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2) 𝑥 (𝑥 + 3)
Multiply remaining factors in the numerator and remaining factors in the denominator.
(𝑥 + 2) 2 2(𝑥 + 2)
∙ =
𝑥 (𝑥 + 3) 𝑥(𝑥 + 3)
𝒙𝟐 −𝟒 𝒙𝟐 +𝒙−𝟔 𝟐(𝒙+𝟐)
Therefore, ÷ =
𝒙𝟐 +𝟐𝒙 𝟐𝒙+𝟒 𝒙(𝒙+𝟑)

Mental Math.
I. Identify which of the following are rational algebraic expressions and which
are not. Write R if it is a rational algebraic expression and N if it is a non-
rational algebraic expression.
𝑘
1. 𝑚2 +3𝑘
𝑥+2
2.
𝑥−2
3𝑥
3. 𝑥 2 +𝑥
3
4.
𝑦 −2
𝑏
5.
√2𝑥
II. Match the rational algebraic expressions to its equivalent simplified expression
from the top. Write it in the appropriate column. If the equivalent is not among
the choices, write it in column F.
𝑎
A. –1 B. 1 C. 𝑎 + 5 D. 3𝑎 E. 3
𝑎2 + 6𝑎 + 5 𝑎3 + 2𝑎2 + 𝑎 3𝑎2 − 6𝑎 𝑎−1
𝑎+1 3𝑎2 + 6𝑎 + 3 𝑎−2 1−𝑎
(3𝑎 + 2)(𝑎 + 1) 3𝑎3 − 27𝑎 3
𝑎 − 125 𝑎−8
3𝑎2 + 5𝑎 + 2 (𝑎 + 3)(𝑎 − 3) 𝑎2 − 25 −𝑎 + 8
18𝑎2 − 3𝑎 3𝑎 − 1 3𝑎 + 1 𝑎2 + 10𝑎 + 25
−1 + 6𝑎 1 − 3𝑎 1 + 3𝑎 𝑎+5

A B C D E F

29 | M a t h e m a t i c s 8 - A
 Lesson 3 : Rational Algebraic Expressions

III. Find the value of each expression below by evaluation.

My Expression Value of 𝒂 Value of 𝒃 My Solution My Value
𝑎2 +2−3
𝑎2 +2 3 =
𝑏
−𝑏 2 3 (2)2 +2−3 1
𝑏
=1
3
2𝑎+𝑏
𝑎𝑏
3 4
4𝑎 8
+ 2𝑏 2 4
2𝑏

3𝑎−4
𝑏
-2 5

𝑎𝑏
+ 3𝑏 2 3
𝑏

IV. Multiply or divide the following rational expressions.

3𝑥 1
1. 2 ∙ 𝑥 =

4 𝑥
2. ∙ 64 =
𝑥

𝑎2 −4 9
3. ∙ 𝑎−2 =
3

𝑦 2 −4 𝑦−2
4. ÷ =
𝑦 𝑦

𝑥 2 −16 𝑥+4
5. ÷ 𝑥−5 =
𝑥 2 −25

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 Lesson 3 : Rational Algebraic Expressions

TEACHER’S NOTE
Don’t forget! “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The
more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” from Dr. Seuss.
You may visit the following links to further understand the topic.
• Introduction to Rational and Irrational Expression
| Khan Academy (2020). Retrieved 30 July 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLP7INqs3JM
• Rational and Irrational Expression
| Khan Academy (2020). Retrieved 30 July 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTJgK-wZMcE
• Simplifying Rational Algebraic Expression
| Khan Academy (2020). Retrieved 30 July 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uos1ED3KHI
• Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
| Same Denominator | Khan Academy
(2020). Retrieved 30 July 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmYlCuiC5uY
• Adding and Subtracting Rational Expression
| Unlike Denominator | Khan Academy
(2020). Retrieved 30 July 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrE_iiw1Mvk
• Dividing Rational Expressions | Khan Academy
(2020). Retrieved 30 July 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_5hDLe8UL0
• Multiplying Rational Expressions | Khan Academy
(2020). Retrieved 30 July 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GL69IA2q4s

MATH CHALLENGE
What’s Wrong with Me?
Coverage : Rational Algebraic Expressions
(Rational Algebraic Expressions and Operations
on Rational Algebraic Expression)

Total Points : 40 points

31 | M a t h e m a t i c s 8 - A
 Lesson 3 : Rational Algebraic Expressions

Javier, D., et al., (2014). InfoMATH.COM 8. 2763 Silang St., Sta. Ana, Manila: A@D Publishing, Inc.
Lardizabal, et al., (2017). iMath 8 K to 12 Curriculum Series. Cainta, Rizal Philippines: iBook
Publishing, Inc.
Lopez, et al., (2018). Our World of Math 8. Quezon City, Philippines: Vibal Group, Inc.
Pierce, Rod. (28 Aug 2017). "Rational Expressions". Math Is Fun. Retrieved 3 Aug 2021 from
http://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/rational-expression.html

Module Creator/Curator : Ms. Marie Mar F. Fegalan, LPT

Template & Layout Designer : Ms. Jessa C. Luansing, LPT
Ms. Maryrose Lizette A. Reyes, LPT
Ms. Sherline A. Villanueva, LPT

ANSWER KEY
SELF-CHECK I
1. R
2. R
3. R
4. N
5. N
SELF-CHECK II
A B C D E F
2 2
𝑎−1 (3𝑎 + 2)(𝑎 + 1) 𝑎 + 6𝑎 + 5 3𝑎 − 6𝑎 𝑎 + 2𝑎2 + 𝑎
3 3
𝑎 − 125
1−𝑎 3𝑎2 + 5𝑎 + 2 𝑎+1 𝑎−2 3𝑎2 + 6𝑎 + 3 𝑎2 − 25
𝑎−8 3𝑎 + 1 𝑎2 + 10𝑎 + 25 3𝑎3 − 27𝑎
−𝑎 + 8 1 + 3𝑎 𝑎+5 (𝑎 + 3)(𝑎 − 3)
3𝑎 − 1
18𝑎2 − 3𝑎
1 − 3𝑎
−1 + 6𝑎

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 Lesson 3 : Rational Algebraic Expressions

SELF-CHECK III

My Expression Value of 𝒂 Value of 𝒃 My Solution My Value

𝑎2 +2 3 𝑎2 +2−3 (2)2 +2−3
−𝑏 2 3 = =1 1
𝑏 𝑏 3
2𝑎+𝑏 2(3)+(4)
2𝑎+𝑏 = 5
𝑎𝑏 (3)(4)
𝑎𝑏
3 4 6+4 10 5
= = 12 = 6 6
12
4𝑎 8 4𝑎+8
+ =
2𝑏 2𝑏 2𝑏
4𝑎 8 (4)(2)+8 8+8 16
+ 2𝑏 2 4 = = = = 2
2𝑏 2(4) 8 8
2
3𝑎−4 3(−2)−4
3𝑎−4 =
-2 5 𝑏 5 −2
𝑏 −6−4 −10
= = = −2
5 5
𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏+3𝑏 2
+ 3𝑏 = =
𝑏 𝑏
𝑎𝑏 (2)(3)+(3)(3)2 6+12
+ 3𝑏 2 3 = = 3
𝑏 3 3
18
=3
3

SELF-CHECK IV
3𝑥 1 3
1. ∙
2 𝑥
=2
4 𝑥 1
2. ∙
𝑥 64
= 16
𝑎 2 −4 9
3. 3
∙ 𝑎−2 = 3𝑎 + 6
𝑦 2 −4 𝑦−2
4. 𝑦
÷ 𝑦 =𝑦+2
𝑥 2 −16 𝑥+4 𝑥−4
5. ÷ =
𝑥 2 −25 𝑥−5 𝑥+5

33 | M a t h e m a t i c s 8 - A