G8 Math Q1 - Week 3 - Simplifying Rational Expression
G8 Math Q1 - Week 3 - Simplifying Rational Expression
EXPRESSIONS
RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS
P
Rational expressions can be written in the
Q
form where P and Q are both polynomials
and Q 0.
Examples of Rational
Expressions
3x 2 2x 4 4x 3y 3x 2
4x 5 2x 2 3xy 4 y2 4
Simplifying Rational Expressions
GROUP 3:
2x + 10
x+5
Simplifying Rational Expressions
Simplifying a rational expression means
writing it in lowest terms or simplest form.
PR P
Q Q
R
Simplifying a Rational Expression
1) Completely factor the numerator and
denominator.
2) Apply the Fundamental Principle of
Rational Expressions to eliminate common
factors in the numerator and denominator.
Warning!
Only common FACTORS can be eliminated
from the numerator and denominator. Make
sure any expression you eliminate is a
factor.
Example 2: Simplifying Rational
Expressions
Simplify each rational expression, if possible. Identify any
excluded values.
Factor 14.
7x 35 7(x 5) 7
x 2 5x x(x 5) x
Example
Simplify the following expression.
x2 3x 4 (x 4)( x 1) x 1
x2 x 20 (x 5)( x 4) x 5
Example
Simplify the following expression.
7 y 1 y 7)
( 7 1
y 7
y
Simplify each
expression.
1. 2.
2. 21xy + 6y2 5. p2 – p -6
42x + 12y p-3
CORRECT ANSWER
1.5 /2
2.3y/6 or y/2
3.2x/3x
4.1/x + 1
5. p + 2/ 1
CORRECT ANSWER
1.5 /2
2.3y/6 or y/2
3.2x/3x
4.1/x + 1
5. p + 2/ 1