Introduction to Rational Expressions

1
Objectives:
Evaluate Rational Expressions
Find the domain (in interval notation) of a rational expression
Simplify rational expressions to lowest terms

A. Dividing By Zero Video tutorial for A and B
Simplify these problems in your calculator using the division key.

1.
0
5
2.
5
0


*Remember, Zero under the line is undefined


B. Evaluating Rational Expressions
Evaluate the rational expression (if possible) for the given values of the
variable.

1.


7 1
let 2
2 5
a a
a
a a

C. Restricted Values of a Rational Expression




Identify the restricted values for each expression.
1.
3
2 7
y
y

2.
5
x

3.
2
2
3 10
20
x x
x x




Video tutorial for C-1,2,3
The values that make the denominator zero must be restricted!
Restricted values of a rational expression are all values that makes the
expression undefined
Set the denominator equal to zero to solve for the restricted values.

Introduction to Rational Expressions
2
Identify the restricted values for each expression.
4.
2
10
25
a
a

5.
3
2
2 5
9
x
x

Video tutorial for C- 4, 5







D. Simplifying Rational Expressions







Given the expression: a. Factor the numerator and denominator, b. Identify
restricted values, c. Simplify the rational expression.

1.
2
2 14
49
p
p

Video Tutorial for #1

Steps to simplify a rational expression
1. Factor the numerator and denominator completely
a. Bring out the Greatest Common Factor first!
2. Reduce common factors
Introduction to Rational Expressions
3
Given the expression: a. Factor the numerator and denominator, b. Identify
restricted values, c. Simplify the rational expression.

2.
2
5 25
3 10
z
z z

Video Tutorial for #2







3.
2
2
12
24 18
a
a a


Video Tutorial For #3







Simplify the rational expression.

1.
4
5
18
9
a
a



Video Tutorial for #1 and #2




2.
4 2
2
20
25
a b
ab



Introduction to Rational Expressions
4


3.
4 2
4 2 3
60
12
rs t
r s t
Video Tutorial for #3







4.
2
2 8
10 80 160
c
c c

Video Tutorial for #4










5.
2
2
5 14
2 10
x x
x x


Video Tutorial for #5











6.
2
2
1
2 3
x
x x

Video Tutorial for #6
Introduction to Rational Expressions
5
E. Simplifying a Ratio of -1



















Simplify the rational expression.

1.
3 3 c d
d c

Video Tutorial for Section E. Examples.







2.
2
5
25
y
y

1. Sometimes we encounter two factors that are opposites and form a ratio of -1. For
example:

100
1
100

7
1
7
x
x

2
1
2
x
x