Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos, Inc.

DepEd-FAPE/PEAC Certified School

DOJ-Bureau of Immigration Accredited School
Azcona St., San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
Tel. Nos. 312-5242 & 312-5220 Telefax No. 729-9169

Module 1 Quarter 1
RATIONAL EXPRESSION

INTRODUCTION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS:

You learned special products and factoring polynomials in the first module. What happens when a
polynomial is divided by another polynomial? What will also happen if the polynomial involves zero and
negative exponents? Which strategies can be used in simplifying and operating rational algebraic expressions?

LESSONS AND COVERAGE:

In this lesson, you will examine this question when you take the following topics:

Topic 1 –Multiplying Rational Expressions

Topic 2 –Dividing Rational Expressions
Topic 3 –Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions Topic
Topic 4 – Complex Rational Expressions

VALUE FOCUS (Institutional Core Values):

1. Accountability
2. Obedience

COMPETENCIES (MELCs):
At the end of the lessons, the learner is able to
1. Simplifies rational algebraic expressions.
2. Performs operations on rational algebraic expressions
3. Solves problems involving rational algebraic expressions.

MODULE MAP
Here is a simple map of the above lesson you will cover

LESSON OBJECTIVES:
In these lessons, you shall be able to:

PRE-ASSESSMENT:
Find out how much you already know about this module. Write the letter that you think is the best answer
to each question on a sheet of paper. Answer all items. After taking and checking this short test, take note of the
items that you were not able to answer correctly and look for the right answer as you go through in this module.
1. Which of the following expressions is a rational algebraic expression?
x
a. c. 4 y 2+ z 3
√3 y
3 c3 a−b
b. d.
√(a+1) b+ a
2. What is the value of a non-zero polynomial raised to 0?
a. constant c. undefined
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 b. zero d. cannot be determined
x2 −1
3. What rational algebraic expression is the same as ?
x−1
3
a. x + 1 c.
7
−2
b. x – 1 d.
7
a2 −1
4. Aaron was asked by his teacher to simplify 2 on the board. He wrote his solution on the board this
a −a
a2 −1 (a+ 1)( a−1)
way: = =1
a2−a a( a−1)
Did he arrive at the correct answer?
a. Yes. The expressions that he crossed out are all common factors.
b. Yes. The LCD must be eliminated to simplify the expression.
1
c. No. a 2 must be cancelled out so that the answer is .
a
d. No. a is not a common factor of the numerator.
5. Angelo can complete his school project in x hour. What part of the job can be completed by Angelo after 3
hours?
x 3
a. x + 3 b. x – 3 c. d.
3 x

LESSON PROPER:

A. EXPLORE

PROCESS QUESTION/S:
How did you determine the number of pages that can be printed by each printer?
What operation is involved?

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 What can you recall about rational number?
End oF Explore:
You gave your initial ideas on rational algebraic expressions. Let’s now find out what the answer is
by doing the next part. What you learn in the next sections will also enable you to do the final
project which involves rate – related problems.

B. FIRM-UP
Your goal in this section is to learn and understand key concepts about rational algebraic
expressions.

In Activity 1, to find out how long Printer A can print 150 pages, determine first the rate of
the printer. The rate of the printer is the number of pages printed per minute (ppm).

So, Therefore, Printer A can print 15 pages per minutes. If it will print
150 pages, then it will take If there will be p pages, then it will
P
take minutes.
15
.
P
On the other hand, Printer B will take minutes. to print p pages.
X
What type of numbers are and ?
Yes, they are fractions or rational numbers. Fractions are produced by dividing an integer by
another integer.

How about and ? What are they called?

Yes, they are called algebraic expressions. They are similar to fractions since they have a
numerator and a denominator. Did you notice that the numerators and denominators are
polynomials? Thus, specifically, they are called algebraic fractions or rational algebraic
expressions or simply rational expressions.

P
Definition: A rational expression is an expression in the form where P and Q are
Q
polynomials and Q ≠0.

Activity 2.
DESCRIPTION: Determine whether the expression is a rational expression or not. If it is, write
the expression under Rational Expressions; otherwise, write under Not Rational
Expressions.
Rational Expressions Not Rational Expressions

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PROCESS QUESTIONS:

What is your basis in identifying rational expressions from non – rational expressions?
Why do you think the denominator in a rational expression should not be zero?
What is the meaning of a negative exponent?

Recall that an exponent is a positive number or symbol that tells how many times the base is used as a
factor.

Let’s do it: What is the meaning of the following:

1. 53
2. ¿
3. ¿
4. pm

Solution:
1. 53=5 (5)(5)
2. ¿
3. ¿
4. pm mean p is multiplied to itself m times

If , how about ? Does it mean 5 is used as a factor negative three times? What will be
the expanded form?

Recall that in the quotient law of exponents, .

Let’s do it: Simplify using the Quotient Law. Verify by expansion.

73 22 103
1. 2. 3.
72 23 103
Solution:
73 3−2
1. =7 =7
72
73 7 (7)(7)
by expansion: 2 = =7
7 7(7)
22 2−3 −1
2. =2 =2 What is the meaning of 2−1?
23
22 2(2) 1
by expansion: 3 = =
2 2(2)(2) 2
103 3−3
3. 3 = 10 =10 0=1
10
103 10(10)(10) 1000
by expansion: 3 = = =1
10 10(10)(10) 1000

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Now that you know the important ideas about rational expressions, let’s go deeper by moving on to
the next section.

B. DEEPEN

Your goal in this section is to take a closer look at some aspects of simplifying rational
expressions.

Activity 3: FRACTIONS SIMPLIFIED

DESCRIPTION: Complete the factors ( ) then write the fraction in simplest form
❑.
❑
16 2(8) ❑
1. = =
24 3() ❑
35 5 () ❑
2. = =
21 3 () ❑
−36 −4 ( ) ❑
3. = =
40 4() ❑
PROCESS QUESTIONS:
What are the steps in simplifying fractions?
When can you say that a fraction is in simplest form?
How are rational expressions simplified?

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SIMPLIFICATION OF RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS
In the activity FRACTIONS SIMPLIFIED, the first step is to factor both numerator and denominator.
Then, divide any common factors.
Simplifying rational expressions is similar to simplifying fractions. The steps you need to remember to
simplify a rational expression to lowest term are:
1. Factor the numerator and denominator completely.
2. Divide (cancel) any common factors.

Let’s do it. Reduce to lowest terms.

5 b5
a.
20 b2
−7 n− 4
b.
14
3 k−5
c.
−15 k−2 m−2
Solution:

a. Factor the numerator and denominator then divide.

Simplify negative exponents. Factor the numerator and denominator then divide.
−7 n− 4 −7 −1
b. = 4
= 4
14 2 ∙7 ∙ n 2 n

c.

Simplify all negative exponents. Take note that

m0=1.Factor the numerator and denominator then divide.
Avoid leaving a negative number in the denominator. In letter c, after dividing common factors, what is

3 m2 −3 m2 −3 m2
left is which is not considered to be in simplest form. To simplify, write as or . This
−5 k 2 5k3 −5 k 3
is

because the fraction

Can you still recall about factoring polynomials in module 1? You will use factoring
polynomials to simplify rational expressions.

Let’s do it. Reduce to lowest terms.

a. b. c.

Solution:

Factor the numerator and denominator

completely. Divide common factors.

Factor the numerator and denominator

completely. Divide common factors.

c.

Factor the numerator and denominator

completely. Divide common factors

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 (k +5)(k −4)
In letter c, observe that in , ( k −4 ) and ( 4−k ), were not divided directly because
(4−k )(4 +k )
they are not similar factors. ( 4−k ) was factored as (−1)(k −4) since (−1 ) ( k−4 )=−k + 4=4−k .
(k−4)
Then =−1 .
(−1)(k −4)
Let’s do it. Which of the following expression is equal to – 1?

a. b. c.

Solution:
The rational expression in (a) is already in simplest form. Take note, you can
only divide (cancel) common factors.

The rational expression in (c) is equal to 1 since The rational expression in

(b) is equal to −1 since

In simplifying rational expressions, factoring the numerator and denominator completely, and
dividing common factors are the basic steps. However, as you have encountered in this lesson,
simplifying does not only involve the two steps.

In simplifying rational expressions, factoring the numerator and denominator completely, and
dividing common factors are the basic steps. However, as you have encountered in this lesson,
simplifying does not only involve the two steps.
Based again on the definition, a rational expression is a ratio of two polynomials, so don’t be
surprised that the skills you learned with polynomials, like factoring, special products, and
operations on polynomials are very helpful in simplifying rational expressions

Let’s do it. Simplify the following.

5 ( k +1 )−5 m ( m+2 )−3
a. b.
10 ( k +1 )−10 m ( m+4 ) + 3
Solution:
5 ( k +1 )−5 5 k +5−5 5k
a. = = Apply the Distributive Property then combine similar terms if
10 ( k +1 )−10 10 k +10−10 10 k
possible.
5( k) 1
¿ = Factor the numerator and denominator completely then divide.
2(5)( k ) 2 k

m ( m+2 )−3 m 2 +2 m−3

b. = Apply the Distributive Property then combine similar terms if
m ( m +4 ) + 3 m 2+ 4 m+3

C. TRANSFER
PERFORMANCE CHECK/TASKS: KWHL
DESCRIPTION: Complete the KWLH Chart. Notice the changes in your initial thoughts.
Rational Algebraic Expressions
What I Know What I Want What I How Can I Learn
to Find Out Learned More

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DEFINITION OF IMPORTANT TERMS:

Algebraic fractions - an expression in the form where P and Q are polynomials and Q 0.
Synonymous with rational algebraic expression and rational expression.
Cancel – in mathematics, it means to divide common factors
Evaluating rational expressions – the process of finding the value of the rational expression by
substituting the assigned value of the variables
Exponent – is a positive number or symbol that tells how many times the base is used as a factor.
When the exponent is negative or zero, it is not simplified.
Factors – the expressions being multiplied

Indeterminate – a term referring to or

Rate – amount of work an individual or machine can do in a given unit of time

Rational algebraic expression – an expression in the form where P and Q are polynomials and
Q 0. Synonymous with algebraic fraction and rational expression.

Rational expression – an expression in the form where P and Q are polynomials and Q 0.
Synonymous with algebraic fraction and rational algebraic expression.
Simplest form of a rational expression – the lowest term of the rational expression where the only
common factor of the numerator and denominator is 1 or – 1.
Simplifying rational expressions – the process of putting the rational expression in lowest terms so
that the only common factor of the numerator and denominator is 1 or – 1.
Undefined – any number (except 0) or expression divided by zero

SUMMARY:

Now that you have completed this module, let us summarize what have you learned:
1. A rational algebraic expression is a ratio of two polynomials where the denominator is not equal
to zero.
2. Any expression not equal to zero raised to zero exponent is always equal to one.
3. A rational algebraic expression is in its simplest form if there is no common prime factor in the
numerator and the denominator except 1.
4. To multiply RAE, multiply the numerator and the denominator, then simplify.
5. To divide RAE, multiply the dividend by the reciprocal of the divisor, then simplify.
6. To add/subtract similar RAE, add/subtract the numerators, and copy the common denominator.
7. To add/subtract dissimilar RAE, express each with similar denominator, then add/subtract the
numerators and copy the common denominator.

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POST-ASSESSMENT:
You have completed this lesson. Before you go to the next lesson, you have to answer the following
post-assessment.

1. Which of the following algebraic expressions could not be considered as rational algebraic
expression?
a. √ 50 x c. 4 y 2– 9 z 2
a –b
b. 5 x 1/ 2 d.
b+a

2. What is the rational algebraic expression equivalent to ¿ ¿

k2 p3 k5 p6
a. 4 k 2 p 3 b. 2 k 2 p 3 c. d.
4 4

x 3 yc 8
3. What is the value of the expression when x is 2, y is 3 and c is -2?
x2 y 2 c7
−27 27 32 −32
a. b. c. d.
16 16 27 27

4. The area of the rectangle is x 2– 3x – 10. What is the length of the rectangle if the width is x + 2?
(x +5)( x – 2) x+5
a. (x + 5)(x – 2) b. c. d. x – 5
x−2 x−2

3x+4 3 x 2 + x – 4❑
5. What must be added to so that there sum is ?
x +2 x 2−4
3x+4 −3 x−4 x+ 12 x−12
a. b. 2 c. 2 d. 2
x 2−4 x −4 x −4 x −4

1 a–1
6. If one of the factors of is , find the other factor.
a+1 a – 2 a+1
. a+1 a−1 a2−2 a+1 a2 – 1
a b. c. d.
a– 1 1−a a 2−1 a2 – 2 a+1

1
2
x +5 x+6
7. Which of the following rational algebraic expressions is equivalent to ?
1
x +3
1 1 1 1
a. b. c. d.
x+2 x –2 x+3 x –3

m m
8. What is the difference between and ?
6 3
m −m m m
a. b. c. d.-
6 2 2 2

9. Roger can do the project in x number hours. Concepcion can do the same job in 2 hours less than
Roger does. Which of the choices below is the difference of their rate?
2 x−2 −2 2 −2 x−2
a. 2 b. 2 c. 2 d. 2
x −2 x x −2 x x −2 x x −2 x

10. You have ( x ¿¿ 2+2)¿pesos to buy materials for your school project. You spent half of it in the first
store, then you spent one – third of your money less than you spent in the first store. In the third store,
you spent one – fourth of the remaining money from the two stores. What is the total cost of the
materials?

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 4 x 2−8 3 x 2 +6 5 x 2 +20 7 x2 +14
a. b. c. d.
4 4 12 12

REFERENCES:
Merle Alferez and Ma. Cecilia Duro. (2004). MSA Elementary Algebra. MSA Publishing
House, Quezon City, Philipppines.

Rational Expressions http://www.shmoop.com/polynomial-division-rational-

expressions/rational.html
The article on this website is about rational expressions. At the last part of the article are some
examples and non – examples of rational expressions

Evaluating Rational Expressions http://www.shmoop.com/polynomial-division-rational-

expressions/evaluating.html
This website provides a step by step guide in evaluating rational expressions.

Evaluating Rational Expressions

http://www.teacherweb.com/NY/Arlington/AlgebraProject/U7L1Evaluat
ingRationalExpressions.pdf
This website has a detailed explanation and varied activities for evaluating rational expressions.
Practice by answering the activities.

Evaluating Rational Expressions and finding restrictions

http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/elementary- algebra/section_10_01.html
This is a website that provides examples for both evaluating and finding the restrictions for a
rational expression.

Evaluating Rational Expressions and finding restrictions

http://www.openalgebra.com/2012/11/simplifying-rational- expressions.html
This is another website provide that shows examples for both evaluating and finding the
restrictions for a rational expression.

Simplifying Rational Expressions http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/simplify-rational-

expressions.html The website shows some examples of simplifying rational expressions. It also
has videos about simplifying rational expressions.

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 Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos, Inc.
DepEd-FAPE/PEAC Certified School
DOJ-Bureau of Immigration Accredited School
Azcona St., San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
Tel. Nos. 312-5242 & 312-5220 Telefax No. 729-9169

SUBJECT
ST
1 QUARTER
LEARNING MODULE 2

ANSWER SHEET
(Add additional sheets of bond papers if needed)

NAME: ____________________________________ Grade & Section: _______________

Pre-Assessment
1. 3. 5.
2. 4.

Activity 1: How Fast

How long will it take printer A to print 150 pages?
Ans:
How long will it take printer A to print p pages?
Ans:
If printer B can print x pages per minute, how long will it take to print p pages?
Ans:

Activity 2:
Rational Expressions Not Rational Expressions

Performance Check

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 What I Know What I Want What I How Can I Learn
to Find Out Learned More

CST-R Honor Pledge

A Thomasian is mature, responsible, socially committed and imbued with Augustinian

Recollect values, Christian ideals and Filipino nationalism.
I, ______________________ of Grade ___________ willfully recognized the importance of
personal dignity in all aspects of life, in my studies and in my work. I commit myself to truthfulness,
honor and responsibility in addition to the school’s core values of COURAGE (Charity, Obedience,
Universal, Recollection, Accountability, Grace and Environmental), by which I earn the respect of
others.
On my honor and dignity as a member of the CST-R community, I pledged that I have
accomplished this LEARNING MODULE with truthfulness and honesty.

Signature of Student: ___________________ Date : ___________

Name of Parent/Guardian: _________________________ Signature: ____________

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