Integrated Algebra Chapter 6: Rational Expressions and Equations

Rational Expressions and Equations

A Rational Expression is any expression in the form of a ratio or fraction.

Simplifying Rational Expressions

The Domain or Replacement Set (the variable) of a Rational Expression is the set of all numbers
where the expression is not undefined. Since a Ratio is a fraction and all fractions are undefined
when the denominator equals zero, then it must be every value except the values where this occurs.

Basically, when asked to find the domain of a rational expression, find where the bottom part of the
fraction (denominator) is equal to zero and your answer is every number.

Practice Problems

Find the Domain of the following rational expressions:

(Hint: First find what x value(s) makes the expressions undefined.)

5𝑥 8𝑥 𝑥+1
1) 2) 3)
3𝑥−12 7𝑥+3 8𝑥 2 −4𝑥

2𝑥+1 𝑥−2
4) 5)
𝑥 2 +𝑥−6 𝑥 2 −2𝑥−10

Mr. Smith 1 Sachem High School North

Integrated Algebra Chapter 6: Rational Expressions and Equations

Writing a Rational Expression in Lowest Terms

4𝑥+12
Example:
𝑥 2 +3𝑥

Step 1: Factor Numerator and Denominator Step 2: Divide out Pairs of Common Factors

𝟒𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐 𝟒 𝒙 + 𝟑 4 𝑥+3 4
= =
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟑𝒙 𝒙 𝒙 + 𝟑 𝑥 𝑥+3 𝑥

Yes, It’s that easy!

Practice Problems

10𝑎 2 −15𝑎𝑏
1)
4𝑎 2 −9𝑏 2

18𝑎 4 −30𝑎 3
2)
3𝑎 2

3−𝑏
3) SPECIAL CASE:
2𝑏−6

This is a test of the Frequent Math Error Alert System,

had this been an actual Emergency there would be
directions to avoid a common error like this one!

3𝑎 + 𝑏2 3𝑎 1 + 𝑏2
≠ 1 + 𝑏2 = 1 + 𝑏2
3𝑎 3𝑎
In Algebra, it is illegal to cancel the numerator and denominator when there is addition
or subtraction performed. Only when it is being multiplied.

Mr. Smith 2 Sachem High School North

Integrated Algebra Chapter 6: Rational Expressions and Equations

Multiplying Rational Expressions

Write the Following Product, in lowest terms:

12𝑦 2 𝑥 2 − 49
∙
𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 2𝑦 5
1) When Multiplying Rational Expressions, begin by factoring each numerator and denominator.

12𝑦 2 𝑥 + 7 (𝑥 − 7)
∙
𝑥(𝑥 + 7) 2𝑦 5

2) Next, divide out pairs of common factors.

12𝑦 2 𝑥 + 7 (𝑥 − 7) 6 𝑥−7
∙ → ∙ 3
𝑥(𝑥 + 7) 2𝑦 5 𝑥 𝑦

3) Finally, multiply straight across.

6 𝑥−7
𝑥𝑦 3
It’s that easy!

Practice Problems: Write the following Products, in lowest terms.

3𝑏 8𝑎 2 −4𝑎
1) ∙
4𝑎 9𝑏 2

3𝑏 8𝑎 2 −4𝑎
2) ∙
4𝑎 9𝑏 2

Mr. Smith 3 Sachem High School North

Integrated Algebra Chapter 6: Rational Expressions and Equations

Dividing Rational Expressions

Recall that when Dividing Fractions the procedure, is to “flip,” the second fraction and multiply.

1 3 1 7
÷ = ∙
4 7 4 3
The same is true when Dividing Rational Expressions:

8𝑚2 6𝑚3 8𝑚2 3𝑚 − 12

÷ → ∙
3 3𝑚 − 12 3 6𝑚3
After that, follow the rules of Multiplication:

8𝑚 2 3𝑚 −12
∙
3 6𝑚 3

Answer: ________________

Practice Problems: Write the following Quotients, in one fraction.

2𝑥+6 𝑥+3
1) ÷ 2𝑦 2 
8𝑥𝑦

𝑟 2 −7𝑟+10 𝑟 2 −4
2) ÷ 25𝑟 3 
5𝑟−𝑟 2

𝑥 2 −3𝑥 𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6
3) ÷ 
𝑥 2 +2𝑥 𝑥 2 −4

Mr. Smith 4 Sachem High School North

Integrated Algebra Chapter 6: Rational Expressions and Equations

Adding Rational Expressions

Adding or Subtracting Rational Expressions is much like regular Fractions. Before being able to
operate we need to: Find a Common Denominator.

In this case our common denominator is 6.

𝑥−7 𝑥+2
+
2 𝟔
Now, to get common denominators, multiply both the numerator and denominator of the first
term by 3.

(3)𝑥 − 7 𝑥 + 2 3 𝑥−7 𝑥+2

+ → +
(3)2 𝟔 𝟔 𝟔
Next, Add the numerators straight across and combine like terms:

4𝑥 − 19
𝟔
Practice Problems: Write the following Sums, in simplest form.

𝑏−5 𝑏+10
1) +
10𝑏 15𝑏

2𝑐+5 5𝑐−7
2) +
7𝑐 21𝑐

𝑑+7 17
3) + 𝑑+1
𝑑 2 −1

Mr. Smith 5 Sachem High School North

Integrated Algebra Chapter 6: Rational Expressions and Equations

Subtracting Rational Expressions

Before we discuss subtracting rational expressions it would be good if we took a look at the three
forms of a Negative Numbers.

A Negative Fraction can be represented in these ways:

1 −1 1
−
2 2 −2
Whether the negative goes on the numerator, denominator, or to the side it doesn’t matter! All of
these are equal to negative one-half.

With that in mind, we can take any Difference of Rational Expressions and change it into an addition
problem.

𝑥 + 3 6𝑥 𝑥 + 3 −6𝑥
− → +
18 27 18 27
Then perform the problem as if it were addition.

𝑥 + 3 −6𝑥
+
18 27

Answer: ________________

Practice Problems: Write the following Differences, in lowest terms.

5𝑤 +6 8𝑤 +5
1) + 3𝑤 −1
3𝑤 −1

4𝑏 3𝑏
2) − 10𝑥
5𝑥

Mr. Smith 6 Sachem High School North