RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

Operations On Rational Expressions

u−v 6 u−3 v m−3 n m+3 n

1.) + 2.) −
8v 8v 3 3
6m n 6m n
Solution: Solution:
Write all numerators above the common Write all numerators above the common
denominator. denominator.
u−v 6 u−3 v m−3 n−(m+3 n)
+
8v 8v 3
6m n
Collect the like terms. Remove parenthesis.
u−v+ 6 u−3 v m−3 n−(m+3 n)
8v
6 m3 n
7 u−4 v
Answer: = Eliminate the opposites, then collect like
8v terms.

m−3 n−(m+3 n)
6 m3 n
Reduce.

−6 n
6 m3 n
Rewrite the fraction.

−1
m3
−1
Answer:
m3
 59 n 80
3.) ×
99 33 n

Solution:

Cancel n .

59 80
×
99 33

Multiply the fractions

4720
3267

4720
Answer:
3267

Rational Equations
1 1 1 1
1.) − = x=
4x 4 2 3

Solution: 1
Answer: x=
3
Move constant to the right.

1 1 1
= +
4x 2 4

Add the fractions. 2 1 1

2.) = + 2
m m m
2
1 3
=
4x 4 Solution:

Cross-multiply Move expression to the left.

4=12 x 2 1 1
= + 2
m m m
2
12 x=4
Write all numerators above the
Divide both sides by 12
denominator.
2−m−1 1−m=0
2
m
Change the signs
Subtract the numbers.
−m=−1
1−m
2
=0 m=1
m
Answer: m=1
Move constant to the right.

1 2
3.) +4=
r−1 r−1

Solution:

Move terms.

1 2
− =−4
r−1 r−1

Write all numerators above the common denominator.

−1
=−4
r−1

Multiply both sides by –(r-1).

1=( r −1 ) × 4

Move terms.

1=4 r −4

Calculate

−4 r=4−1

Divide both sides by -4

−4 r=−5

5
Answer = r =
4

Rational Inequalities
 5x
1. <4
x−1

Solution:

Rewrite the equation with zero on one side.

5 x 4( x −1)
− <0
x−1 x−1

5 x−4 x +4
<0
x−1

5 x 4( x −1)
− <0
x−1 x−1

x +4
<0
x−1

The rational expression will be zero for x = -4 and undefined for x = 1. Plot the points on a
number line and use hollow circles since these values are not part of the solution set.

The solution set is given by

{ x ∈ R∨−4< x <1 }.
2x
2. ≥1
x+1

Solution:

Rewrite the inequality as a single rational expression.

2x
−1 ≥ 0
x+1

2 x−( x+ 1)
≥0
x +1

x−1
≥0
x+ 1

The rational expression will be zero for x = 1 and undefined for x = –1.
The value x = 1 is included while x = –1 is not.
The solution set is given by { x ∈ R∨x ←1∨x ≥1 }.

3 1
3. <
x−2 x

Solution:

Rewrite the inequality with zero on one side.

3 1
− <0
x−2 x

3 x −( x−2)
<0
x (x−2)

2 x +2
<0
x(x −2)

2( x +1)
<0
x(x −2)

The rational expression will be zero for x = –1 and undefined for 0 and 2. Plot these
points on a number line.

The solution set of the inequality

set is { x ∈ R∨x ←1∨0< x<2 }.