8 Department of Education

National Capital Region

SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE
MARIKINA CITY

MATHEMATICS
Quarter 1: Module 4
Introduction to
Rational Algebraic Expressions

Writer: Bielynda C. Daelo

Cover Illustrator: Joel J. Estudillo

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

Hello Grade 8 learners! In this module you will learn how to:

• illustrate rational algebraic expressions. M8AL-Ic-1

• simplify rational algebraic expressions.M8AL-Ic-2

You can say that you have understood the lesson in this module if you can
already:
1. recall the definitions of rational numbers, polynomials and greatest
common factor (GCF).
2. define rational expressions.
3. differentiate rational numbers from rational expressions.
4. identify restricted values of a variable in a rational expression.
5. find the domain of a rational expressions.
6. simplify rational expression by applying knowledge of greatest common
factor (GCF).

Choose the letter that corresponds to the correct answer.

1. Which expression does not belong to the group?
4 𝑥+1
A. 4 B. 2𝑥 + 3 C. 𝑥 2 − 1 D. 2
2. Which of the following is a rational expression?
2
1
A. 𝑥−2 +5 B. 3𝑥 2 − √9𝑥 + 1 C. 𝑥 2 − √2𝑥 + 5 D. 4𝑥 3

3. What is an undefined value?

A. A value that makes the denominator equal to 0.
B. A number that makes the numerator equal to 0.
C. The solution.
D. All real numbers.
𝑥−3
4. For what value of x will make the expression undefined?
2𝑥
A. x = 3 and x = 0 B. x = -3 C. x = 3 D. x = 0

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 2𝑥
5. How many restrictions does the rational expression have?
(𝑥+2)(𝑥−2)
A. one restriction on x. C. three restrictions on x.
B. two restrictions on x. D. four restrictions on x.
𝑥−1
6. What is the non-permissible value(s) for 𝑥−5?.
A. x ≠ 5 B. x ≠ 0 C. x > 0, x ≠ 5 D. x ≥ 0

7. Which of the following statement is true regarding the non-permissible

𝑥 2 +𝑥−1
value of x in the rational expression ?
2𝑥−5
A. 5 is non-permissible because it makes the denominator equal to
zero.
B. -5 is non-permissible because it makes the denominator equal to
zero.
5
C. 2
is non-permissible because it makes the denominator equal to zero.
2
D. − 5 is non-permissible because it makes the denominator equal to
zero.
5−𝑥
8. Which rational expression is equivalent to ?
2𝑥
10−5𝑥 10−5𝑥 5−5𝑦
A. B. C. D. 10𝑥 − 3𝑥 2
10𝑥 2𝑥 10𝑥
9. In simplifying rational expressions, what should you do?
A. Eliminate common terms in the numerator and denominator.
B. Factor the numerator and denominator and eliminate common
factors.
C. Combine like terms in the numerator and denominator.
D. Find the LCD.
10. Which rational expression is simplified?
2𝑥 10𝑥 5+15𝑥 2
ii. 7𝑥2 +1 iii.
6𝑋+4𝑥 3 10𝑥

A. i and ii B. i and iii C. i only D. ii only

16− 𝑦 2
11. What is the simplified form of the expression ?
𝑥+4
A. -x + 4 B. x + 4 C. −x − 4 D. x − 4
4−3𝑎
12. What is the rational expression equivalent to − 5𝑎+6?
−4−3𝑎 −4+3𝑎 3𝑎−4 3𝑎−4
A. B. −5𝑎−6 C. −5𝑎−6 D. 5𝑎+6
5𝑎+6

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 𝑐 2 +𝑐−2
13. What is the simplified form of the expression ?
𝑐 2 +3𝑐−4
𝑐−1 𝑐+2 𝑐+2 𝑐+1
A. 𝑐+4 B. 𝑐+4 C. 𝑐−4 D. 𝑐+4
14. The area and side width of a rectangle are given. In order to find the side
length of this rectangle, what will you do?
6𝑥 2 +𝑥−1
A. Simplify the expression to determine a side
3𝑋−1
length of 2x+1.
3𝑥−1
B. Simplify the expression to determine a side length of 6x+1.
6𝑥 2 +𝑥−1
6𝑥 2 +𝑥−1
C. Simplify the expression to determine a side length of 6x+1.
3𝑋−1
3𝑥−1
D. Simplify the expression to determine a side length of 2x+1.
6𝑥 2 +𝑥−1
2
15. The area of a rectangle is 𝑦 + 3𝑦 − 10 . If it has a side length of 2y-4
then what is the width in terms of x?
2 𝑦−5 2 𝑦+5
A. B. C. D.
𝑦+5 2 𝑦−5 2

Lesson 1. Illustrating Rational expressions

Try this!
A. With the help of your parents, siblings or anybody in your house, find the
ratio of length to width of the following:

Object Ratio
door-using hand span
room- using paces
top of dining table-using hand span
back wall of your room- meter stick
window frame-using ruler in centimeter -unit

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 B. Express the following relations using mathematical symbols.
1. Look at the picture at the right.
a. What is the ratio of male (m) to
female (f)? ____________
b. What is the ratio of adults to
children? ____________
2. Look at the picture at the right.
What is the ratio of mango (m) to
banana (b)? ____________
3. The number of x meters to the number
of y minutes in going to school.
4. The number of p peso to the number of
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed
k kilogram of mangoes.
5. In your own words how will you define ratio?

Try This!
With the set of numbers given below, put a checkmark (✔) in the correct box
for each number.
21 0 75% 1.95286 … 0.25 √5 0 √25 -1 3√21 4√12
30 5
Rational
Irrational

Guide Questions:
1. Observe your answers under rational numbers and irrational numbers:
a. How do you define Rational numbers?
b. How do you define Irrational numbers?

Try Harder!
With the set of expressions given below, group and place them under the
specified headings.

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 Polynomials Non-Polynomials

Guide Questions:
1. Observe your answers under polynomials and non- polynomials:
a. Why do you classify them as polynomials?
b. Why do you classify them as non- polynomials?
2. Write at least five fractions using the expressions under polynomials.

A polynomial is an algebraic expression that consist of sum of terms. It is a

combination of terms containing numbers and variables raised to positive (or
zero) whole number exponents and real number coefficients.
Study the following examples:

Expressions Polynomial or Reason

Not
3 Polynomial 3=3x0; it is a polynomial of degree
zero.
− 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 1 Polynomial The exponents of all terms in x
are whole numbers {0,1,2,…}.
5 Not 5
4𝑥 2 + − 7 It contains the term 𝑥 = 5𝑥 −1
𝑥
which has a negative exponent.
1
5𝑥 2 − 6√𝑥 + 1 Not It contains the term −6√𝑥 = −6𝑥 2
which has a fractional exponent
12𝑥 −5 Not The term contains negative
exponent (exponents can only be
0,1,2,...)

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 Rational Expressions
An expression is a rational expression if it can be written in the form
𝑎
, where a and b are polynomials and 𝑏 ≠ 0.
𝑏
A rational expression is a quotient or ratio of two polynomials.

Study the following examples:

Expressions Rational Reason/s

expressions or Not
3𝑥 2 +𝑥−1
3𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 = 1
3𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 Rational Expression
The numerator is a trinomial and
the denominator is 1, which is a
polynomial with degree zero.
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 25 The numerator contains polynomial
2𝑥 Rational Expression with three terms and the
denominator a monomial.
4 The numerator contains polynomial
𝑥 Rational Expression with degree zero and the
denominator is a monomial.
1 The numerator contains polynomial
𝑥3 − 1 Rational Expression with degree zero and the
denominator is a binomial.
2√𝑥 Not a Rational The numerator contains the term
1
𝑥5 Expression 2√𝑥 = 2𝑥 2 which is not a
polynomial.
𝑥+5 Not a Rational The numerator is a binomial but
4 Expression and the denominator contains a
𝑥2 −
𝑥 4
term − = −4𝑥 −1 with negative
𝑥
exponent, which is not a
polynomial.

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 𝑥 −2 − 3𝑥 + 25 Not a Rational The numerator contains a term
3 Expression with negative exponent, which is
not a polynomial.

A rational expression is undefined when the denominator is equal to zero.

−6 2𝑥 𝑥 4 −25 𝑥 2 +3𝑥−1
, , ,
0 0 0 0

Domain of a Rational Expression

The domain of an expression is the permissible values when substituted into
the expression produces a real number. Therefore, the domain of a rational
expression must exclude the values that make the denominator zero.

Definition: Domain is the set of all values for which a rational expression
is defined.

Check this out!

𝑥+3
Example 1: What value of 𝒙 will make the expression 𝑥
undefined?
𝑥+3
Answer: In 𝑥
, the denominator in this expression is 𝒙,
therefore the expression is undefined when 𝒙 = 𝟎.
Domain: { x | x is a real number and x ≠ 0}
−5𝑥
Example 2: What is the non-permissible value(s) for 𝑥−3?

Solution:
● Set the denominator to zero the solve for x.
𝒙−3=𝟎
● Solve the equation
𝒙 − 3 = 𝟎, adding 3 to both sides by addition Property
of Equality
𝒙 – 3 +3 = 𝟎 + 3
𝒙=3

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 −5𝑥
Answer: In 𝑥−3, the denominator in this expression is 𝒙 − 3,

therefore the non-permissible value of 𝒙 is 3 because it will

make the rational expression undefined.

Domain: { x | x is a real number and x ≠ 3}

𝑥 2 +𝑥−9
Example 3: What value of 𝒙 will make the expressions undefined?
7

𝑥 2 +𝑥−9
Answer: In , the denominator in this expression is 7 which
7
is NOT zero, therefore this expression is NEVER UNDEFINED.
Domain: { x | x is a real number.}

−𝑥
Example 4: What is the non-permissible value(s) for the expression ?
𝑥 2 −9

Solution:
● Set the denominator to zero then solve for x.
𝑥2 − 9 = 0
● Solve the equation
𝑥2 − 9 = 0
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3) = 0, factor using difference of two
squares
𝑥 + 3 = 0, 𝑥 − 3 = 0, equate both factors to zero
𝒙 =− 3 , 𝒙 = 3 , solve for x.
−𝑥
Answer: In 𝑥2 −9, the denominator in this expression is 𝑥 2 − 9,

therefore the expression is undefined when 𝒙 = −3 or when

𝒙 = 3.

Domain: { x | x is a real number and 𝑥 ≠ 3, 𝑥 ≠ −3, }

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

A. State whether the following expressions are polynomials or not. Give
reasons for your answers.
Expressions Polynomial or Reason/s
Not

−𝑥
1
5𝑥 2 − 𝑥 +
𝑥
𝑥
3
√𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 25

121𝑥 −3 − 125

B. State whether the following are rational expressions or not. Assume that
no denominators is equal to zero. Give reasons for your answers.
Expressions Rational Reason/s
expression or Not

𝑥 2 − 16

𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 1
𝑥2
𝑥
11
7𝑥
𝑥 2 − √2𝑥 + 3

√25
𝑥5
𝑥 −4 − 1
2

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 − 𝟓
𝟏
𝟑𝒙𝟐
𝟏
(𝟐𝟓𝒙)𝟐

C. Complete the table below. Find the values of 𝒙 that will make the
following rational expressions permissible and non-permissible.
EXPRESSION PERMISSIBLE NON-PERMISSIBLE (the
(possible values of x) value/s that makes the
denominator zero)
𝑥−7 All real numbers 𝑥=0
7𝑥 except 0
6𝑥 + 5
3𝑥 + 4
4𝑥
5𝑥(𝑥 + 1)

𝑥 2 + 10
(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 4)

𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 5
𝑥 2 − 36
𝑥2 − 1
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 45

D. Give the domain of the following rational expressions.

5 8𝑥 𝑥+1
−𝑥 3−𝑥 −𝑥(𝑥 + 2)
Solution: Solution: Solution:

Domain: Domain: Domain:

10

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 𝑥2 5𝑥 − 6 𝑥2 − 1
(𝑥 − 7)(𝑥 − 3) 𝑥 2 − 121 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 5
Solution: Solution: Solution:

Domain:
Domain: Domain:

Rational Expressions
𝑎
An expression is a rational expression if it can be written in the form , where
𝑏
a and b are polynomials and 𝑏 ≠ 0.

A rational expression is undefined when the denominator is equal to zero.

−6 2𝑥 𝑥 4 −25 𝑥 2 +3𝑥−1
, , ,
0 0 0 0

The domain of an expression is the permissible values when substituted into

the expression produces a real number. Therefore, the domain of a rational
expression must exclude the values that make the denominator zero.
Steps to Find the Domain of a Rational Expression
1. Set the denominator equal to zero and solve the resulting equation.
2. The domain is the set of all real numbers except the values solved in
step 1.

11

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

Find REX!
In your house, select any rectangular object .Then, measure the length and the
width in inches.

1. Draw your selected object in a sheet of paper.

2. Label the length and the width.
3. Make a rational expression that
represents the length and the width
as shown in the figure.
4. Find the area of the rectangular
object that you have chosen using
the rational expressions. Show your
solution.

This RUBRIC shows how you are graded in this activity.

Criteria Outstanding Satisfactory Developing Beginning
4 3 2 1
Accuracy of All Most of the Some of the Some of the
representati computations computation computation computation
on and are correct s are correct s are s are
computation and detailed. correct. correct.
(70%)

12

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 Organization The ideas The ideas The ideas The ideas
and facts are and facts and facts and facts
(30%)
complete and are mostly are not are not
orderly orderly orderly orderly
written and written. written. written.
well
prepared.

Encircle the letter that corresponds to the correct answer.

1. Which one is not a polynomial?
47𝑥−1 1
A.√81 B. + C. √𝑥 2 − 1 D. −5𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 3
5 2
2. Which of the following is a rational expression?
1
𝑥 2 −25 4 𝑥2 4𝑥 −3
A. B. 25 𝑥 4 − 49 C. 5𝑥 2 − √𝑥 + 12 D.
2𝑥 𝑥−5

3. What is an undefined value?

A. A number that makes the numerator equal to 0.
B. A value that makes the denominator equal to 0.
C. The solution.
D. All real numbers.
2𝑥+9
4. How many restrictions does the rational expression have?
3𝑥 (𝑥+1)(𝑥−1)
A. one restriction on x. C. three restrictions on x.
B. two restrictions on x. D. four restrictions on x.
5. Which of the following statements is true regarding the non-permissible
3𝑥 2 +5𝑥−1
value of x in the rational expression ?
𝑥 2 −2𝑥
A. 0 and -2 are non-permissible because it makes the denominator
equal to zero.
B. 0 and 2 are non-permissible because it makes the denominator
equal to zero.
C. 2 is non-permissible because it makes the denominator equal to
zero.
D. -2 is non-permissible because it makes the denominator equal to
zero.

13

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

Challenge yourself!
𝑥+3
Does the rational expression has any non-permissible values?
𝑥 2 +3

Explain why or why not.

Lesson 2. Simplifying Rational Expressions

Activity 1: Find My Partner Please!

Using the Rainbow method find the factors of 24 and 36.
Answer the following questions:

● What number must be multiplied

to 1 to get 24?
● What number must be multiplied
to 2 to get 24?
● What number must be multiplied
to 3 to get 24, and so on?

● What are the factors of 24? __, __, __, __, __, __, , __, __, __

● What number must be multiplied

to 1 to get 36?
● What number must be multiplied
to 2 to get 36?
● What number must be multiplied
to 3 to get 36, and so on?
● What are the factors of 36? __,
__, __, __, __, __, , __, __
● What is the greatest common factor of 24 and 36? ___

14

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

Try this:

Activity 1:

Find the greatest common factor (GCF) for each pair of numbers.

12, 36
Factors of 12 : _______________
Factors of 36 : _______________
GCF(12 & 36): __
15, 25
Factors of 15: _________________
Factors of 25 : _________________
GCF(15 & 25): __
30, 45
Factors of 30 : _______________
Factors of 45 : _______________
GCF(30 & 45): __
28, 35
Factors of 28 : _________________
Factors of 35 :_________________
GCF(28 & 35):__

Activity 2:

List two different factor pairs that will multiply to give you the number shown.
(Do not use pairs that include the factor 1.)

Factor 18 in two Factor 24 in two

Factor 36 in three Factor 6x in two
different ways. different ways.different ways. different ways.
18 = 6 • 3 45 =__ • __ 36 =__ • __ 6x =(__) (__)
18 = 9 • 2 45 =__ • __ 36 =__ • __ 6x =(__) (__)
36 =__ • __
2
Factor 10x in Factor 8x in Factor x2-16. Factor x2+5x +6.
three different three different
ways. ways. x2+5x +6
10xy =(__) (__) 8x2 =(__) (__) x2-16 =(___)(___) =(_____) (_____)
2
10xy =(__) (__) 8x =(__) (__)
10xy =(__) (__) 8x2=(__) (__)

15

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

Activity 3:

Complete the table below. The first set of prime factors was done for your guide.

Examples Writing without Product/Quotient in

exponents Exponential form
23•22 2•2•2•2•2 25
34•32
42•4•43
a3•a4
x2•x3•x
25 2•2•2•2•2 22
23 2•2•2
56
54
𝑥6
𝑥5
𝑦3
𝑦5
𝑥 3𝑦 5
𝑥 2𝑦 3
𝑎3 𝑏 4
𝑎5 𝑏 3

16

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

Activity 1:
Find all the possible factors of 4a and 12 by completing the factors.
Set A
4a =(1)(___) 12 =(1)(___)
4a =(2)(___) 12=(2) (___)
4a =(4)(___) 12 =(4)(___)
GCF of 4a and 12: _____
Set B
6x =(x)(___) 8x2 =(x)(___)
6x =(2x)(___) 8x2=(2x)(___)
6x=(3x)(___) 8x2 =(8x)(__)
6x=(6x)(___)
GCF of 6x and 8x2: _____
Set C
15xy =(5xy)(___) 10x2y =(5xy)(___)
15xy =(3xy)(___) 10x2y =(2xy)(___)
15xy =(15xy)(__) 10x2y =(10xy)(__)
GCF of 15xy and 10x2y :_____
Set D
x2-25
=(x + 5)(_____) x2+7x10=(x + 2)(_____)
GCF of x2-25 and x2+7x10 :( _____)

17

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

Activity 2:
Make a fraction from the list of expressions in Activity 1 by set. Then, copy the
factors with the greatest common factor. Box the greatest common factor. The
first example was done for your guide.
Set A: Set B:

or

Set C: Set D:

Guide Questions:
1. What do you notice about the factors in each set? Does interchanging
the numerator and denominator affect the factors?
2. What is the quotient if you divide the common factor?
3. Is it possible to eliminate the greatest common factor? Why?
4. Is it possible to rewrite the expressions in other way? ___________

SIMPLIFYING RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

A rational expression is simplified or reduced to its lowest terms when the
numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. Similar to
simplifying numeric fractions – eliminate common factors.

Definition:
𝑎
Rational Expression is an expression of the form , where a and b are
𝑏
polynomials and b ≠ 0.

18

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

To Simplify or Reduce a Rational Expressions to Lowest terms
1. Factor both the numerator and denominator as completely as possible.
Look for the Greatest Common Factor (GCF).
2. Eliminate any factors common to both numerator and denominator to
simplify the rational expressions.
3. Rewrite the expression in simplified form.

Study the following examples:

Example 1:
20𝑥 3 𝑦
Simplify 15𝑥 2 𝑦3

Steps:
1. Factor completely both the numerator and denominator.
20𝑥 3 𝑦 5•4•𝑥•𝑥•𝑥•𝑦
2 3
=
15𝑥 𝑦 5•3•𝑥•𝑥•𝑦•𝑦•𝑦
2. Eliminate any factors common to both numerator and denominator to
simplify the rational expressions.

3. Rewrite the expression in simplified form.

20𝑥 3 𝑦 4•𝑥 4𝑥
= =
15𝑥 2 𝑦 3 3 • 𝑦 • 𝑦 3𝑦 2
20𝑥 3 𝑦 4𝑥
Therefore, = is in simplified form.
15𝑥 2 𝑦3 3𝑦 2

Alternative solution:
Apply the Quotient Law of exponent and cancel out common factor.

Example 2:
𝑥+2
Simplify 𝑥 2 −4

19

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

Steps:
1. Factor both the numerator and denominator completely.
𝑥+2 1 (𝑥 + 2)
2
=
𝑥 − 4 (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2)
2. Eliminate any factors common to both numerator and denominator to
simplify the rational expressions.

3. Rewrite the expression in simplified form.

𝑥+2 1
2
=
𝑥 − 4 (𝑥 − 2)
𝑥+2 1
Therefore, 𝑥 2 −4
= (𝑥−2) is in simplified form.
Example 3:
𝑥 2 −9
Simplify 𝑥 2 −10𝑥+21

Steps:
1. Factor completely both the numerator and denominator.
𝑥2 − 9 (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 3)
2
=
𝑥 − 10𝑥 + 21 (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 7)
2. Eliminate any factors common to both numerator and denominator to
simplify the rational expressions.

3. Rewrite the expression in simplified form.

𝑥2 − 9 (𝑥 + 3)
2
=
𝑥 − 10𝑥 + 21 (𝑥 − 7)
𝑥 2 −9 (𝑥+3)
Therefore, 𝑥2 −10𝑥+21 = (𝑥−7) is in simplified form.

Example 4:
10𝑎+ 20
Simplify
5𝑎2 −20

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DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

Steps:
1. Factor completely both the numerator and denominator.
10𝑎 + 20 10(𝑎 + 2) 5 • 2(𝑎 + 2)
= =
5𝑎2 − 20 5(𝑎2 − 4) 5(𝑎 + 2)(𝑎 − 2)
2. Eliminate any factors common to both numerator and denominator by
any common factors.

3. Rewrite the expression in simplified form.

10𝑎 + 20 2
2
=
5𝑎 − 20 (𝑎 − 2)
10𝑎+20 2
Therefore, = is in simplified form.
5𝑎2−20 (𝑎−2)

Example 5:
2𝑏2+4𝑏−6
Simplify 4𝑏2+16𝑏+12

Steps:
1. Factor completely both the numerator and denominator.
2𝑏2 + 4𝑏 − 6 2(𝑏2 + 2𝑏 − 3) 2(𝑏 + 3)(𝑏 − 1)
2
= 2
=
4𝑏 + 16𝑏 + 12 4(𝑏 + 4𝑏 + 3) 2 • 2(𝑏 + 3)(𝑏 + 1)
2. Eliminate any factors common to both numerator and denominator by
any common factors.

3. Rewrite the expression in simplified form.

2𝑏2 + 4𝑏 − 6 (𝑏 − 1)
=
4𝑏2 + 16𝑏 + 12 2(𝑏 + 1)
2𝑏 2 +4𝑏−6 (𝑏−1)
Therefore, 4𝑏2 +16𝑏+12 = 2(𝑏+1) is in simplified form.

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DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

Example 6:
25−𝑥 2
Simplify 𝑥 2 −25

Steps:

1. Factor completely both the numerator and denominator.

25 − 𝑥 2 (5 + 𝑥 )(5 − 𝑥) (𝑥 + 5)(− 𝑥 + 5) (𝑥 + 5)(−1)(𝑥 − 5)
= = =
𝑥 2 − 25 (𝑥 + 5 )(𝑥 − 5) (𝑥 + 5 )(𝑥 − 5) (𝑥 + 5 )(𝑥 − 5)
2. Eliminate any factors common to both numerator and denominator by
any common factors.

3. Rewrite the expression in simplified form.

25 − 𝑥 2 (−1)
2
= = −1
𝑥 − 25 1
25−𝑥 2
Therefore, = −1 is in simplified form.
𝑥 2 −25

A. Find the prime factors and eliminate the common factors to reduce
each fraction to its lowest term.
32 __ • __ • __ • __ • __ 72
=
56 __ • __ • __ • __ 81
__ • __ • __ • __ • __
12
Ans: 18 = 3
2 32 ___ =
Ans: 56 = ___ __ • __ • __ • __
72 ___
Ans: = ___
8
45 __ • __ • ___ 63 __ • __ • __ 42 __ • __ • __
= = =
75 __ • __ • __ 36 __ • __ • __ • __ 40 __ • __ • __ • __
45 ___ 63 ___ 42 ___
Ans: = ___ Ans: = ___ Ans: = ___
75 36 40

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DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

B. Find the greatest common factor for each pair of polynomials.
Ex. 4xy, 2y 10xy, 20x2y2 32a3b2, 16a2b3 81rst, 9r2s2
GCF: 2y GCF:______ GCF:______ GCF:______
2
4x(x+5), 12x (x-5) 9(a -7)(a+7), 6(a-2)(a-7) (y+2) (y+5), (y+2)3(y-5)
2

GCF:______ GCF:______ GCF:______

(x+3)(x+3),(x+3)(x-5) (b+2c)(b+c), (b+2c)(b-c) (2x+3)(2x+3),(2x+3)(x-5)
GCF:______ GCF:______ GCF:______
C. Reduce the following rational expressions to lowest terms by eliminating
the common factors.
𝑎 7𝑦 𝑥+2
1. = _____ 2. 7(𝑦+2) = _____ 3. 𝑥+2 = _____
3𝑎

4. 5.

6. 7.
D. Match each expressions in the table below with an equivalent simplified
expression from the top. If an equivalent expression is not found among
the choices A through E, then choose F(none of these).
A. 1 B. -1 C. x +5
𝒙
D. 𝟑 E. 3x F. None of these

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DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

SIMPLIFYING RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

A rational expression is simplified or reduced to its lowest terms when the

numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. Similar to
simplifying numeric fractions – eliminate common factors.
Definition:
𝑎
Rational Expression is an expression of the form , where a and b
𝑏
are polynomials and b ≠ 0.
To Simplify or Reduce a Rational Expressions to Lowest terms
1. Factor both the numerator and denominator as completely as
possible. Look for the Greatest Common Factor (GCF).
2. Eliminate any factors common to both numerator and denominator to
simplify the rational expressions.
3. Rewrite the expression in simplified form.

24

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

Challenge yourself!
Explain what is wrong with the simplification of the rational expression shown
below.

Encircle the letter that corresponds to the correct answer.

1. Which expression that does not belong with the other three?
1 𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2 5𝑥+15 𝑥 2 +1
A. B. C. D.
𝑥−1 𝑥−5 𝑥+3 3
2−𝑦
2. Which rational expression is equivalent to ?
3𝑦
4−2𝑦 4−2𝑦 2−2𝑦
A. B. C. D. 6𝑦 − 3𝑦 2
3𝑦 6𝑦 6𝑦
3. In simplifying rational expressions, what should you do?
A. Eliminate common terms in the numerator and denominator.
B. Combine like terms in the numerator and denominator.
C. Factor the numerator and denominator and eliminate common
factors.
D. Find the LCD.
4. Which rational expression is simplified?
2𝑎 10𝑎 5+15𝑎2
i. 6𝑎+4𝑎3
ii. 7𝑎2 +1 iii. 10𝑎
A. i and ii B. ii only C. I and iii D. i only
25

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 𝑥 2 +𝑥−2
5. What is the simplified form of the expression ?
𝑥 2 +3𝑥−4
𝑥−1 𝑥+2 𝑥+1 𝑥+2
A. 𝑥+4 B. 𝑥−4 C. 𝑥+4 D. 𝑥+4

6. The area of a rectangle is 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 10 . If it has a side length of 2x-4

then what is the width in terms of x?
𝑥−5 2 𝑥+5 2
A. B. 𝑥−5 C. D. 𝑥+5
2 2

A. In each row, all the expressions are equivalent except for one. Circle the
expressions that are equal and place an X over the different expression
in each row. The first one was done for you.

26

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 SUMMATIVE TEST
Encircle the letter that corresponds to the correct answer.
1. Which of the following is a rational expression?
1
A. 𝑥 −2 − 3𝑥 B. 3𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1 C. 𝑥 2 − √25 D. √𝑥 − 1

4𝑥
2. What is the restriction on the rational expression ?
𝑥(3𝑥−2)
2 2 2 2
A. 𝑥 ≠ 3 , 0 B. 𝑥 ≠ − 3 , 0 C. 𝑥 ≠ 3 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 D. 𝑥 ≠ − 3 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦

7𝑥
3. For what value(s) of x is the expression 𝑥2 −𝑥 undefined?
A. -1,1 B. -1,0,1 C. 0,1 D. x = 0

4. Compare the quantity in Column A and the quantity in Column B

Column A Column B
2
𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 10 𝑥2 + 𝑥 − 6
𝑥−2 𝑥+3
What is the relationship between the two quantities?
A. The quantity in Column A is greater.
B. The quantity in Column B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information
given.

5. Which of the following statements is true regarding the restricted value

𝑥 2 −100
of x in the rational expression ?
3𝑥−12
A. 4 is restricted value because it makes the denominator equal to
zero 1
B. -4 is restricted value because it makes the denominator equal to
zero.
C. 12 is restricted value because it makes the denominator equal
to zero.
D. -12 is restricted value because it makes the denominator equal
to zero.

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DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 2𝑥
6. How many restrictions does the rational expression have?
(𝑥 2 −1)(𝑥 2 −4)
A. one restriction on x. C. three restrictions on x.
B. two restrictions on x. D. four restrictions on x.

7. The chart below provides four factorable expressions.

Expression 1 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1
Expression 2 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 2
Expression 3 𝑥2 − 1
Expression 4 𝑥2 + 𝑥
2𝑥−1
What are the two expressions that are divided and simplified to .
𝑥−1
2𝑥 2 +𝑥−1 2𝑥 2 +𝑥−1 2𝑥 2 +3𝑥−2 𝑥 2 +𝑥
A. B. C. D.
2𝑥 2 +3𝑥−2 𝑥 2 −1 𝑥 2 −1 𝑥 2 −1

𝑥 2 −36
8. What is the domain of the rational expression ?
2𝑥 2 +3𝑥−2
1
A. {x | x is a real number and 𝑥 ≠ 2 , 𝑥 ≠ 2, }
1
B. {x | x is a real number and 𝑥 ≠ , 𝑥 ≠ −2 }
2
1
C. {x | x is a real number and ≠ − 2 , 𝑥 ≠ 2 }
1
D. {x | x is a real number and ≠ , 𝑥 ≠ −2 }
2

𝑥−5
9. Which rational expression is equivalent to −2𝑥?
3𝑥−15 3𝑥−15 3𝑥−5
A. B. C. D. 3𝑥 − 15
−2𝑥 2𝑥 −2𝑥

𝑏−1
10. Which rational expression is equivalent to 2𝑏+7?
5𝑏−1 5𝑏−5 5𝑏−5 𝑏−1
A. 2𝑏+7 B. 2𝑏+7 C. 10𝑏+35 D. 10𝑏+35

28

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

11. In simplifying rational expressions, what should you do?
A. Find the LCD.
B. Factor the numerator and denominator and eliminate common
factors.
C. Eliminate common terms in the numerator and denominator.
D. Combine like terms in the numerator and denominator.

12. Which rational expression is simplified?

2𝑎 11𝑎 25−𝑎2
i. 2𝑎(3𝑎−1) ii. 5𝑎2 +2𝑎−1 iii. 5𝑎−25

A. i only B. ii only C. I and iii D. i and ii

6−𝑦
13. What is 𝑦 2 −36 in simplified form?
1 1
A. −(𝑦 + 1) B. 𝑦 + 1 C. − 𝑦+1 D. 𝑦+1

14. The area and side width of a rectangle are given.

In order to find the side length of this rectangle, 3x2 +5x+2 3x+2
what will you do?

3𝑥+2
A. Simplify the expression 3𝑥 2 +5𝑥+2
to determine a side length of x+1.
3𝑥 2 +5𝑥+2
B. Simplify the expression to determine a side length of x+1.
3𝑥+2
3𝑥 2 +5𝑥+2
C. Simplify the expression to determine a side length of x+1.
3𝑥+2
3𝑥+2
D. Simplify the expression to determine a side length of 2x+1.
3𝑥 2 +5𝑥+2

15. The area of a rectangle is 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 10 . If it has a side length of 2x-4

then what is the width in terms of x?
𝑥−5 𝑥+5 2 2
A. B. C. D.
2 2 𝑥−5 𝑥+5

29

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

Lesson Plan in Math III, Philippine-Australia Science and Mathematics
Education project

30

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE

 Development Team of the Module

Writer: BIELYNDA C. DAELO–JDPNHS- MTII

Editors: GEMO PARAJAS-BNHS Principal

ANALYN C. SANTOS-MSHS
VIOLENTINA J. ASUNCION-PHS
MARITES M. BENDOY-THS
AMOR AGARRO-MHS
JOEL ESTUDILLO-SNNHS
LOURDES B. GUYONG – Nangka High School

Internal Reviewer: Dominador J. Villafria (Education Program Supervisor-Mathematics)

Cover Illustrator: Joel J. Estudillo (SNNHS)

Management Team:

Sheryll T. Gayola
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
OIC, Office of the Schools Division Superintendent

Elisa O. Cerveza
Chief, CID
OIC, Office of the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Dominador J. Villafria
Education Program Supervisor-Mathematics

Ivy Coney A. Gamatero

Education Program Supervisor– LRMS

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Schools Division Office- Marikina City

Email Address: sdo.marikina@deped.gov.ph

191 Shoe Ave., Sta. Elena, Marikina City, 1800, Philippines

Telefax: (02) 682-2472 / 682-3989

DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE