Scribd
Upload
18 views2 pages

4.3 Simplifying Rational Expressions

Uploaded by

maddiej.nya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
18 views2 pages

4.3 Simplifying Rational Expressions

Uploaded by

maddiej.nya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

MPM2DY Unit 4 – Equivalent Algebraic Expressions

4.3 Simplifying Rational Expressions

m
 A rational number can be written in the form , where m and n are integers and n≠0.
n
Examples: ½, 3.75, and -4

 A rational equation is any equation whose output can be given by an expression that is the ratio of two
polynomials. A rational equation can be expressed as 𝑦 = , where R and S are polynomials and S ≠ 0.

x 1 x 2  4x  3 4 A rational expression is not defined


Examples: , , x 2 when its denominator is zero!
2x  5 2x

 Restrictions: the values of the variable(s) in a rational expression that cause the function to be undefined.
These are the zeros of the denominator or, equivalently, the numbers that are not in the domain of the function.

Example #1: State the restrictions on the following expressions.

3x  y
a) is not defined when x = _____ or y = ______, therefore x = 0 and y = 0 are restrictions on x and y, respectively.
xy

x 5
b) is not defined when y = _______, therefore y = -5 is a restriction on y.
y5

To simplify a rational expression:

Step 1: Factor the numerator and the denominator fully.


Step 2: Divide the numerator and the denominator by all common factors.
Step 3: To find restrictions in the variable(s), set the denominator equal to zero (after factoring and
before dividing out).
Step 4: Simplify.

Example #2: Simplify the following rational expressions and state the restrictions.

16a 3 4 x 2  72 x 3  16 x 2 24c 5 d 2
a) b) c)
24a 4x2  4c 3 d
MPM2DY Unit 4 – Equivalent Algebraic Expressions

Example #3: Simplify each rational expression. State any restrictions on the variables.

x 2  4 x  12 x 2  2 x  15 4a
a) b) c)
6 x x 2  x  12 3a  a 2

3x 2  3x 3 a 2  2a  8 6v 2  11v  3
d) e) f)
x3  x a 2  a  12 4v 2  8v  3

You might also like