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4.3 Simplifying Rational Expressions

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4.3 Simplifying Rational Expressions

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maddiej.nya
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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

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