HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE

SOS Drive Bajada, Davao City

Basic Education Department
SY 2020 – 2021

Grade & Section: All Grade 8 Date: September 25 -30, 2020

Lesson / Topic: Simplifying Rational Expressions
Resource/s: Practical Math 8 Book
I. Objectives
As a Student, I am expected to
a. Cognitive:
o enumerate the steps in simplifying rational expressions;
b. Affective:
o appreciate the value of living a simple life;
o practice the value of carefulness and preciseness;
c. Psychomotor:
o illustrate rational expression;
o find restricted value of a rational expression;
o simplify rational expressions.

II. Lesson Proper

Synopsis/Introduction

Rational Expressions
Practical Math 8 Book Reference: Pages 32 – 41

A rational expression is a ratio of two polynomials provided that the denominator is not equal to zero. In
𝑃
symbols: 𝑄 , where P and Q are polynomials and Q ≠ 0. Division of any polynomial P including 0 results in any
of the following:
0 𝑃
=0 or = undefined
𝑃 0
Below are examples of rational expressions assuming that Q ≠ 0.
3 5 𝑦 2 + 8𝑥 + 16 2𝑥 2 − 50
, , ,
4 𝑥 𝑦+4 2𝑥 + 10
Any values of the variable that makes the rational expression undefined are called restricted values.
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Example 1: Find the restricted value/s of
𝑥+12
To find the restricted value/s,
x + 12 Separate denominator
x + 12 = 0 Equate the denominator to zero
x = - 12 Solve the equation
3
Thus, the expression is undefined when x = - 12
𝑥+12
2𝑥+3
Example 2: Find the restricted value/s of , P = 2x + 3 and Q = x2 – 9.
𝑥−9
To find the restricted value/s,
x2 - 9 Separate denominator
x –9=0
2
Equate the denominator to zero
(x + 3)(x – 3) = 0 Solve the equation by factoring
x + 3 = 0; x – 3 = 0
2𝑥+3
x = -3 and x = 3 Thus, the expression is undefined for x = 3 and -3
𝑥−9
Simplifying Rational Expression
o A rational expression is in simplest form if the numerator and denominator have no more common
factors
o Rational expressions can be simplified by factoring and dividing the common factors.
o Equivalent rational expressions can have different forms but still have the same values.
o Simplifying rational expressions is necessary because rational expressions in their simplest form are
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 easier to interpret and work on.
o Simplifying rational expressions can be applied to solve real-life problems such as geometry problems.
Steps on Simplifying Rational Expression
1. Factor the numerator and denominator
2. Cancel out the common factors.
𝒙𝟐 −𝟗
Example 1: Simplify
𝟐𝒙+𝟔
(𝒙+𝟑)(𝒙−𝟑) 𝒙−𝟑
= =
𝟐(𝒙+𝟑) 𝟐
𝒙𝟐 +𝟖𝒙+𝟏𝟓 (𝒙+𝟑)(𝒙+𝟓) 𝒙+𝟑
Example 2: Simplify = =
𝒙𝟐 −𝟐𝟓 (𝒙+𝟓)(𝒙−𝟓) 𝒙−𝟓

𝟐𝒙𝟐 −𝟑𝟐 𝟐(𝒙𝟐 −𝟏𝟔) 𝟐(𝒙+𝟒)(𝒙−𝟒) 𝟐(𝒙+𝟒) 𝟐𝒙+𝟖

Example 3: Simplify = = = =
𝟒𝒙𝟐 −𝟑𝟐𝒙+𝟔𝟒 𝟒(𝒙𝟐 −𝟖𝒙+𝟏𝟔) 𝟒(𝒙−𝟒)(𝒙−𝟒) 𝒙−𝟒 𝒙−𝟒

𝟒𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟑 𝒛 𝒙 Zero- Exponent Rule: a0 = 1

Example 4: Simplify = Remember: Negative Exponent Rule: a-n =
𝟏
𝟖𝒙𝒚𝟓 𝒛 𝟐𝒚𝟐 𝒂𝒏

Activity
Rational Expression and Finding Restricted Values
Book Reference: pages 32 – 34

Read Practical Math 8 Book pp. 32 – 34

Answer Skill Builder #1-2 on page 34 and Math Skills Milestones, letter A (#1 – 5 only) on page 39 - 40. Show
your solution.

Activity
Simplifying Rational Expressions
Book Reference: pages 35 – 41

Read and analyze examples on how to simplify Rational Expressions on pp. 35 – 38.

Answer Skill Builder (1 & 2) on pages 38 – 39. Before writing your answer, write first “Skill Builder,
pages 38 – 39”.
Activity
Simplifying Rational Expression

To further enhance your skills on simplifying rational expressions, answer Math Skills Milestones
letter B (1 – 8) on page 40. Write your answer on your notebook.

Note: All your answers and solutions must be placed in a long bond paper. Write it legibly.

PREPARED BY: CHECKED BY: APPROVED BY:

MS. DIANA ROSE T. GRUMO MR. HANSOM JAY SENEDO MRS. MELISSA E. JOSE
Teacher Subject Area Coordinator K – Gr. 10 Academic Coordinator
Date:___________________ Date:___________________
Date:___________________

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 Attach the photo/s of your solution and your answer here
Skill Builder #1-2 on page 34 and Math Skills Milestones, letter A (#1 – 5 only) on page 39 - 40

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Attach the photo/s of your solution and your answer here
Skill Builder (1 & 2) on pages 38 – 39

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Attach the photo/s of your solution and answer here
Math Skills Milestones letter B (1 – 8) on page 40

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