LEARNING

JOURNEY

RATIONAL ALGEBRAIC
EXPRESSIONS

The learner…
1. Illustrates rational algebraic exxpressions.
2. Simplifies rational algebraic expressions.
3. Performs operations on rational algebraic expressions.
Learning
Competencies
4. Solves problems involving rational algebraic
 DEFINITION OF RATIONAL
EXPRESSIONS
LESSON

Are you ready for this chapter?

A. Give 2 fractions equivalent to the given fractions

1) 4)

2) 5)

3)

B. Encircle the fraction in the lowest term.

C. Perform the indicated operations.

1) 5)
 2) 6)

3) 7)

3) 7)

RATIONAL EXPRESSION
A rational expression is an algebraic expression that is in a fraction form
wherein the numerator is a polynomial and the denominator is a nonzero
𝑝
polynomial. It is written in the form of , where 𝑞 . Having a zero as
𝑞
the denominator makes the rational expression undefined or meaningless.
The domain is a set of all values that are allowed or make the rational
expression meaningful.

Here are some examples of rational expressions.

a)

b) , this is a rational expression since it can be written as .

c) , this is a rational expression if .

d) , this is a rational expression if .

 The restriction in the definition of a rational expression is that the denominator
must not be equal to zero. So you must know how to find the restricted value or values and
describe the meaningful replacement as the domain.

To find the restricted values of the denominator, set the denominator equal to zero,
then solve the equation.

Determine the value/s of the variable in the denominator that will make the rational
expression undefined.

a)

b)

c)

SOLUTION:

a)

Equate denominator to zero

Solve for .

Therefore,

Domain: {all real numbers except 4}

b)

by factoring

equate each factor to zero

 Therefore, , or 2

Domain: {all real numbers except 5 and 2}

c)

or

or

Therefore, , or

Domain: {all real numbers except for numbers and , }

There are some verbal statements that can be translated to rational expressions.

a) The quotient of and

b) The sum of , divided by their difference

c) The quotient of and

d) The number of hours in 15 minutes or

A. Give the restricted values for the variable/s and the domain of each rational expressions.

Rational Expression Restricted Values for the Domain

Variable

B. Write a rational expression for each of the following:

1) A fraction whose denominator is 5 more than the numerator .

2) The average grade of a student if the total grades in 3 subjects is .

3) The ratio of and .

4) The cost of a kilo of fish if kilos cost pesos.

5) Number of years in 40 months.

 A rational expression is an algebraic expression that is in a fraction form

wherein the numerator is a polynomial and the denominator is a nonzero
𝑝
polynomial. It is written in the form of , where 𝑞 .
𝑞
 SIMPLIFYING RATIONAL
EXPRESSIONS
LESSON

How do you simplify a fraction to lowest or simplest form? Simplifying a rational

expression is similar to simplifying a fraction. Factoring plays an important role to both. In
a fraction you factor numbers, while in a rational expression you factor polynomials.

Recall important patterns in factoring polynomials.

1) Prime Factorization
Examples: a)
b)

2) Polynomials with Common Monomial Factor

Examples: a)
b)

3) Perfect Square Trinomial and Other Trinomials

Examples: a)
b)
c)

4) Difference of Two Squares

Examples: a)
b) 25

5) Sum and Difference of Two Cubes

Examples: a)
b)

6) Factoring Completely
 Examples: a)

b) 3

To simplify a rational expression

 Factor both numerator and denominator.
 Divide both numerator and denominator by their greatest common
factor (GCF)
 Multiply the remaining factors and their product is the rational
expression in the simplest form

The rational expression is in the simplest form if both numerator an

denominator have no common factor except 1 and .

Simplify the following rational expressions:

a)

b)

c)

SOLUTION:

a)

Factor numerator and denominator

 Cancel out the common factors

Divide both numerator and denominator by the common factor

Rational expression in the simplest form

b)

Factor and cancel out the common factors

The simplest form

c)

Factor both numerator and denominator

Cancel out the common factors

Rational expression in the simplest form

 Cancellation is the shortcut method of

dividing numerator and denominator by the
common factor.
Simplify the following rational expressions.

1) 6)

2) 7)

3) 8)

4) 9)

5) 10)

 Steps in Simplifying Rational Expressions

1. Factor both numerator and denominator as completely as possible.

2. Divide both numerator and denominator by the common factor(s) or cancel
out common factors found in both numerator and denominator.
 ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION
OF
LESSON
OF RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

Addition and subtraction of rational expressions follow the same rule as that of
rational numbers.

A. Addition and subtraction of rational expression with the same denominator

If two rational expressions have the same denominators, the sum is

𝑎 𝑐 𝑎 𝑐 𝑎 𝑐 𝑎 𝑐
defined as: and the difference is .
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏 𝑏 𝑏 𝑏

Add and simplify the following:

a)

b)

c)

SOLUTION:

a)

Add the numerators and copy the common denominator

 Reduce to lowest term.

b)

Factor and cancel out the common factors

The simplest form

c)

Add the numerators

Factor the numerator and the denominator

Cancel out the common factors

Subtract and simplify the following:

a)

b)

SOLUTION:

a)

Subtract the numerators. Copy the common denominator

Express the difference in the simplest form

 b)

Subtract the numerators and copy the common denominator

Factor the numerator

Cancel out the common factors

Write the difference

Add and subtract then simplify.

Note: When removing parentheses preceded by –sign, change the sign of all the terms inside
the ( ).
 B. Addition and subtraction of rational expression with different denominator

If two rational expressions have different denominators, then their

sum is defined as:

𝑎 𝑐 𝑎𝑑 𝑏𝑐 𝑎 𝑐 𝑎𝑑 𝑏𝑐
and their difference is .
𝑏 𝑑 𝑏𝑑 𝑏 𝑑 𝑏

Add

SOLUTION: Find the LCD least common denominator .

To do this, factor the denominators.

If there are no common factors, multiply the denominators for LCD

To obtain the numerators, divide LCD by the original denominator, then

multiply.
Subtract and simplify the following:

a)

b)

SOLUTION:

a) –

Find the LCD of both denominators

LCD is

LCD is made up of common factor.

It is better to write common denominators in factored form.

Subtract the numerators

Factor the numerators

Cancel out the common factors.

b) –

Factor each denominator.

LCD

Write the denominators in factored form.

Equivalent rational expression with LCD on

denominator, multiply numerators

Subtract numerators, remove parentheses

Combine similar terms

Add and subtract, then simplify.

SOLUTION:

Factor each denominator.

LCD

( )( ) ( ) ( )

( )
simplify numerator
 To add or subtract rational expressions with different denominators:

 Get the LCD of all the fractions.

 Change their equivalent fraction using LCD.
 Proceed to addition or subtraction of similar fraction.

Add and/or subtract the following rational expressions. Write your answer in the simplest
form.

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

8)
9)

10)

 To add or subtract rational expressions with different denominators:

 Get the LCD of all the fractions.
 Change their equivalent fraction using LCD.
 Proceed to addition or subtraction of similar fraction.
 MULTIPLICATION OF
LESSON
RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

To multiply rational expressions is the same way as to multiply rational numbers

(fractions).

To multiply rational expressions, multiply the numerators to get the numerator of

the product and multiply the denominators to get the denominator of the product.

𝑎 𝑐
To multiply two rational expressions, if and are rational expressions,
𝑏 𝑑
𝑎 𝑐 𝑎𝑐
then, 𝑏 𝑑 .
𝑏 𝑑 𝑏𝑑

Give the product in the simplest form.

a)

b)

c)

SOLUTION:

a)

Multiply both numerators and both denominators

 There are no common factors. The result is in the
simplest form.

b)

Multiply numerators and denominators

Factor both numerator and denominator

Cancel out common factors GCF

C)

1 1 1
Factor numerators and denominators
1 1 1

Cancel out common factors

 Cancellation is the same way as dividing

numerator and denominator by the common
factors (the result is 1).
A. Find the product in the simplest form.

1) 6)

2) 7)

3) 8)

4) 9)

5) 10)

 Steps in Simplifying Rational Expressions

1. Factor all numerals and denominators as completely as possible.

2. Divide by the common factors or cancel out factors that are common to
both numerator and denominator
3. Write or multiply remaining factors in both numerator and denominator.
 DIVISION OF
LESSON
RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

To divide rational expressions, multiply the first expression dividend by the

reciprocal of the second expression divisor

Division of rational expression is defined as

𝑎 𝑐 𝑎 𝑑 𝑎𝑑
w 𝑏 𝑐 𝑑 .
𝑏 𝑑 𝑏 𝑐 𝑏𝑐

Find the quotient in the simplest form.

a)

dividend divisor

Multiply by the reciprocal of which is

Factor numerator and denominator in such a way

that you can cancel out common factors
Multiply the remaining factor and this is the
quotient in the simplest form
b)

𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑏
Multiply by the reciprocal of which is
𝑏 𝑏 𝑎 𝑎

Factor and cancel out common factor

The quotient in the simplest form

c) Divide

Invert the divisor and multiply

1 1
Factor numerator and denominator and cancel
out common factors
1 1

The quotient

d) Divide and simplify

Invert the divisor and multiply

Factor and cancel out common factors

 The quotient

 Reciprocal means invert the divisor. The

numerator becomes the denominator and
the denominator becomes the numerator. If
the expression has no denominator, it is
understood that the denominator is 1.

A. Divide and simplify the quotient.

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)
 7)

8)

9)

10)

B. Supply the missing divisor.

1) 4)

2) 5.)

3)

 Steps in Simplifying Rational Expressions

1. Multiply the first expression by the reciprocal of the second expression.
2. Factor out completely both numerator and denominator.
3. Divide by the common factor or cancel out factors that are common to both.
4. Write or multiply remaining factors.
 PROBLEM SOLVING INVOLVING
LESSON
RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

There are many kinds of problems that can be solved by equations involving
rational expressions.

Here are some outlines in problem solving:

1. Understand the problem. Read the problem several times until
you have fully understood it. Figure out the problem and try to
sketch what to do about it.
2. Plan out. Determine what you are asked to find and then have a
variable to represent the unknown. It is proper to write an
equation based upon the words of the problem.
3. Carry out the plan. Be sure to apply your knowledge and skills in
solving the equation.
4. Check. Check your answer if it satisfies the given condition in the
problem.

Carl can do a piece of work in 6 days. Lance can do the same job in 4 days. How much time
will take them to do the same job together?

SOLUTION:

Let the total number of days that will take both of them to complete the work
together

, the part of work done by Carl in one day

 , the part of work done by Lance in one day

, the part of the job that can be done by Carl and Lance working together in
one day

Equation:

Multiply each term by the LCD

days

The denominator of a fraction is 3 more than the numerator. If both numerator and
denominator are increased by 2, the resulting fraction is . Find the fraction.

SOLUTION:

Let the numerator

the denominator

( )

Equation:

* + Multiply the equation by the LCD

Simplify
 is the numerator

is the denominator

is the fraction

To check:

The son’s age is one-fifth of his father’s age. In 10 years, he will be of his father’s age. How
old is the father now?

SOLUTION:

Let Father’s age now

Ages Now Ages in 10 years

Father
Son

Equation: Age of son in 10 years (father’s age in 10 years)

[ ]

Age of father now

 ( ) Age of son now

Age of father in 10 years

Age of son in 10 years

To check:

Son is of father’s age now

Son is of father’s age in 10 years

Bus A travels 120 km in the same time that bus B travels 80 km. If bus A goes 10 km/hr
faster than bus B, find the rate of each bus.

SOLUTION:

Let rate of bus B

rate of bus A

Bus B 80 km

Bus A 120 km

Equation:
 km/hr rate of bus B

km/hr of bus A

To check:

Solve the following problems.

1) One-third of number added to one-half of the same number is 12. Find the number.

2) The speed of the current is 4 kph. A boat travels 8 km upstream in the same time it
takes to travel 12 km downstream. What is the speed of the boat in still water?

3) Carlo can clean the room in 4 hours. Winnie can clean the same room in 3 hours.
Working together, how long will it take them to clean the room?

4) Aurea is 5 years older than Cora. In 5 years, the sum of their ages is 41. How old are
they now?

5) If Maria gives Ana 6 mangoes, Ana will have as many mangoes as Maria. If there
are 100 mangoes all, how many mangoes does each have?
 CHAPTER
SUMMARY

𝑝
 A rational expression is an expression in the form of where 𝑝 and 𝑞 are
𝑞
polynomials, with 𝑞 .
 A rational expression can be simplified or reduced to lowest terms when
the numerator and denominator have no common factor other that 1 or .
This can be done by factoring completely each numerator and denominator
and dividing by their common factor or canceling out factors common to
both.
 To perform equations on rational expressions:

Addition and Subtraction

The same denominators – Add or
subtract numerators and retain the
common denominator.

Different denominators – Find the LCD.

Then do the necessary addition and
subtraction of numerators and retrain
the common denominator. Express in
lowest terms
Multiplication
Multiply numerators and multiply
denominators. Express in lowest
terms.
Division
Multiply first expression by the
reciprocal of the second expression.
Express in lowest terms.
 MATHMINDER 2
A. Fill in the blanks

1) is an algebraic expression that is in fraction form wherein

the numerator is a polynomial and the denominator is a nonzero polynomial.

2) The domain of the expression is .

3) “The reciprocal of the sum of and and their difference” is written in symbols
as .

4) is the shortcut method of dividing the numerator and the

denominator by the common factor.

5) The reciprocal of nonzero number is .

6) The process of division is the inverse of .

7) Add rational expressions having the same denominators. Write the sum of the
over the over the .

8) The least common denominator of is .

9) When you multiply two rational expressions, you write the

of the numerators and the of the denominators .

10) To divide rational expressions, multiply the by the

of the divisor.

B. Multiple choice. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1) , this is a rational expression if is not equal to .

a) 4 c) only
b) only d) and
2) The cube of divided by 4 more than is written in symbol as .

a) c)

b) d)

3) The simplest form of is equal to .

a) c)

b) d)

4) The greatest common factor of is .

a) c)
b) d)

5) * + is equal to .

a) c)

b) d)

6) The sum of is equal to .

a) c)

b) d)

7) The product of in the simplest form is .

a) c)

b) d)
 8) ( ) .

a) c)

b) d) 1

9) The quotient of is equal to .

a) c)

b) d)

10) When is divided by , the quotient is .

a) c)
b) d)

C. Solve the following problems.

1) Edna can prepare a manuscript in 10 hours. Jisel can prepare one in 6 hours.
How long would it take them to prepare a manuscript together?

2) If one-fifth of a umber, one-fourth of a number, and one-third of a number put

together give a sum of 47 what is the number?

3) The two angles are complementary. If the smaller is increased by 10 and the
larger is decreased by 10, the smaller angle is one-half of the larger. What are
their measures?

4) Mr. Enriquez drove from his house to the farm at the speed of 80 kph. He
returned home over the same road at 70 kph. If the round trip is 6 hours, how far
is his house from the farm?

5) Laarnie can wash a volume of dirty clothes 2 hours while Lhyn can do the same
job in 4 hours. How long will they finish the job by working together?
MATH MIRROR 2
 REFLECTION: HOW WELL I UNDERSTAND

How am I going to apply the concept of rational expression in life?

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

 SELF REMARKS

What are the weaknesses I encountered in understanding the topic? How am I going
to surpass those?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
What part of the topic I really understand well? How am I going to improve it?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
 Points to Clarify and Why
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________