Module 1

Rational Algebraic Expressions

What this module is about
This module is about rational algebraic expressions, or simply rational expressions.
As you go over the exercises, you will develop skills in: finding the domain of the given
rational expressions, finding the values that will make a rational expressions meaningless,
finding numerical values for the given values of x, and simplifying rational algebraic
expressions. Treat the lessons with fun and take time to go back and review if you think
you are at a loss.

What you are expected to learn

This module is designed for you to:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Define and illustrate rational expressions

Find the domain of a rational expression
Find the values that will make rational expressions meaningless
Find the numerical values of rational expressions for the given values of the
variable/s
5. Recall how to factor polynomials
6. Simplify rational algebraic expressions

How much do you know

1. In _3x__, the value of the variable that must be excluded is
2x 1
1 c.
a. 2
b. 2

d.

2. The domain of the variable x in the

rational expression in #1 is
a. {x R x 2}
b. {x R x 1 2}
c. {x R x }
d. {x R x
2
}
3. Find the value of the variable that must be excluded in m2 4m + 4.
m2 + m 6
4. Give the domain of the variable m in the rational expression m2 4m + 4.
m2 + m 6

5. Find any value for variable p which 3x 24 is meaningless.

5p 25
6. Find the numerical value of a rational expression 5x + 1 when x = 2.
2x
7. Find the numerical value of a rational expression

8x2y _ when x = 1 and y = 3.

3x + 2y

8. Rename 8y6z5x4 in lowest term.

6y7z3x5
9. Factor a2 + ac ab bc by grouping and then rename into lowest term.
a2 b2
10. Simplify r2 r 20 .
r2 + r 30

What you will do

Lesson 1
Definition of Rational Expression and Finding the Domain of its Variable
Algebraic expressions containing p variables that are written in fractional form
of the form { p, q are polynomials, the q polynomial q 0} are called rational
expressions.
Examples:
a + b , y 6 ( same as y 6 ), 8k3 3k2 + 2k + 6 , 49a2bc , _1 and 13.
ab
1
4k2 + 5k
21b5
w5
Domain of Rational Expressions:
The denominators of the above expressions should not be equal to zero because
any value assigned to a variable that results in a denominator of zero will make the
expression meaningless and must be excluded from the domain of the variable.
For 7a, exclude b = 0.
b

The domain of the expression is the set of

real numbers { b R b 0} except 0.

For 12q 24, exclude q = 6.

q+6

The domain of the variable q is the set of

real numbers { q R q 6} except 6.

For

m2 5 , exclude n = 2 and n = 3.
n 5n + 6
2

The factors of n2 5n + 6 is (n 3)(n 2) and a value of n = 2 and n = 3 will give a

zero denominator. Thus, the domain of the variable n is the set of real numbers except 2
or 3, or both. In set notation, {n R n 2, 3}.
If n is equal to both 2 and 3,
m2 5
n2 5n + 6

m2 5
(n 3)(n 2)

m2 5
(3 3)(2 2)

m2 5_
(0)(0)

m2 5 is meaningless.
0

m2 5
(3 3)(n 2)

m2 5_
(0 ) (n 2)

m2 5 is meaningless.
0

m2 5_
(n 3)(0)

m2 5 is meaningless.
0

If n is equal to 3,
m2 5
n2 5n + 6

m2 5
(n 3)(n 2)

If n is equal to 2,
m2 5
n 5n + 6
2

m2 5
(n 3)(n 2)

m2 5
(n 3)(2 2)

Examples
For each algebraic expression, state the values of the variable that must be
excluded and give the domain of the variable.
1. 13m_
m+8
Exclude the values for which m + 8 = 0.
m +8=0
m +88=08
m=8
Therefore, m cannot be equal to 8 and the Domain = {m R m 8}
2. 36x2
54xy
Exclude the values for which 54xy = 0.
Either x and y cannot be equal to 0 and the Domain = {x and y R x, y 0}.
3.

2a 3__
a2 a 12

Exclude the values for which a2 a 12 = 0.

Factor the polynomial and set each factor equal to 0.
a2 a 12 = 0
(a 4)(a + 3) = 0
a4=0
a+3=0
a = 4 or
a=3
Therefore, a cannot be equal to 4 or 3 and the Domain = {a R a 4 or a 3}
4. t 5
t+7

t = 7 will make the denominator equal 0

the expression is meaningless for t = 7.

5. ___9b2 ___
b2 5b + 6

To find the number/s that make the denominator 0,

solve the equation b2 5b + 6 = 0.

b2 5b + 6 = 0
(b 2)(b 3) = 0
b 2 = 0 or
b3=0
b = 2 or
b=3
Therefore the rational expression is meaningless for 2 and for 3.
6. 2p + 9
p2 + 1

This denominator can never be equal to 0, so there are no values

for which the rational expression is meaningless.

Try this out

A. For each algebraic expression, state the values of the variable that must be excluded.
1. _13b_
39b2

6. _x (y 1)_
x2(y + 2)

2. _21y2z_
49yz3

7. _ 25 p2 _
p2 + p 30

3. _ m + 5 _
7(m 5)

8. _c2 8c +12_
c2 6c + 9

4. _ -5w2xy2 _
x(w2 9)

9. _ m2 5m + 6 _
m3 12m2 + 36m

5. _y2 - 4_
y2 16

10. _(s + 2)(s 2)_

(s2 4)( s + 2)

B. Give the domain of the variable for each of the following algebraic expressions.
1. _13b_
39b2

6. _x (y 1)_
x2(y + 2)

2. _21y2z_
49yz3

7. _ 25 p2 _
p2 + p 30

3. _ m + 5 _
7(m 5)

8. _c2 8c +12_
c2 6c + 9

4. _ -5w2xy2 _
x(w2 9)

9. _ m2 5m + 6 _
m3 12m2 + 36m

5. _y2 - 4_
y2 16

10. _(s + 2)(s 2)_

(s2 4)( s + 2)

C. Find any values for which the following rational expressions are meaningless.
1. _3_
5x

6. _ 8g + 6 _
g 2 8g + 15

2. _20m_
m4

7. _ c + 12 _
c2 c 12

3. _ 7r_
r+9

8. _ 7k + 21 _
3k2 k 10

4. _ b2__
3b 2

9. _ 8y _
y2 + 16

5. _a + 9_
a2 + 16

10. _ 12d _
d2 100

Lesson 2
Finding the Numerical Values of Rational Expressions
for the Given Values of the Variable
To find the numerical values of rational expressions get the values of x from a
replacement set. The set of numbers from which replacements for a variable may be
chosen is called a replacement set.

Example:
1. Find the numerical value of 3x + 6 from the given replacement set x = {1, 2, 3}.
2x 4
If x = 1, replace x with 1.
3x + 6
2x 4

3(1) + 6
2(1) 4

3+6
24

9
2

_9
2

If x = 2, replace x with 2.
3x + 6
2x 4

3(2) + 6
2(2) 4

6+6
44

12 The rational expression is meaningless.

0

If x = 3, replace x with 3.
3x + 6
2x 4

3(3) + 6
2(3) 4

9+6
64

15 or 7 1
2
2

2. Find the numerical value of ____5x2 __ when x = {-1, 0, 2, 4}.

6 3x x2
If x = 1, replace x with 1.
__ 5x2
6 3x x2

____5(1)2
6 3(1) (1)2

__5(1) __
6 + 3 (1)

5
8

If x = 0, replace x with 0.
____5x2
6 3x x2

____5(0)2
6 3(0) (0)2

0
6

If x = 2, replace x with 2.
____5x2
6 3x x2

____5(2)2
6 3(2) (2)2

__5(4) __
664

_20_
4

If x = 4, replace x with 4.
___5x2
6 3x x2

___5(4)2
6 3(4) (4)2

__5(16) _
6 12 16

__80__
6 28

Try this out

A. Find the numerical value of each expression when x= {-2, 0, 2}.
1. _4x 5
6x

6. _ x + 8 _
x2 4x + 2
6

_80_
22

40 or -3_7
-11
11

2. _ 3x _
4x + 1

7. _ 2x + 1 _
x2 7x +3

3. 7x 2x2
8x

8. __ 2x2 _ _
8 + x x2

4. _ x2__
3x2 12

9. _ 2x + 5 _
x2 + 3x 10

5. _( 8x) 2
3x + 9

10. _ 3x 7 _
2x2 3x 2

B. Find the numerical value of each expression when a = 3, b = 2 and c = 4.

1. _2a 3b
6c

6. _ a2 9 _
b2 2b + 1

2. _7b + 7c _
7a + 1

7. _ abc + 1 _
a2 7a +12

3. 9a 5b2
8c

8. __ 2ab2c3 _ _
2c + c c 2

4. _ ab2__
3b2 c2

9. _ 2ab + c2 __
a2 + 3a 10

5. _(3ab2) 2
2c + 3b3

10. _ 3b3 7 _
2c2 3c ab

C. Given the replacement set x = {Set of positive integers}, find the value that will make the
following rational expressions meaningless.
1. _2x2 3
2x2 8

6.

2. _ x 9x2 _
4x + 12

7. _10x2 + 1 _
x2 4x +3

3.

x3 5x2
8x3 1

x2 + 8x + 16_
x2 8x + 7

8. __x2 + x 6 _
25 x2

4. _ x5__
3x2 12

9. _ x2 + 5x + 4 _
x2 + 18x + 81

5. _(2x) 2
3x + 9

10. _ x4 64 __
2x3 3x2 2x
7

Lesson 3
Recalling How to Factor Polynomials
Before you proceed to simplifying rational expressions, you must review first some
concepts that will make your task easier.
Lets have another look at factoring polynomials and get connected!
Greatest Common Factors of Polynomials
A polynomial, specifically monomial, is written in factored form when it is expressed
as the product of prime numbers and variables where no variables has an exponent
greater than 1.
Examples
1. Factor 45a2b4.
45a2b4 = 5 9 a a b b b b
The GCF of two or more monomials is the product of their common factors, when
each monomial is expressed as a product of prime factors.
2. Find the GCF of 12a3bc4 and 30ab2c3.
12a3bc4 = 2 2 3 a a a b c
30ab2c3 = 2
3 a
b c
GCF= 2

3 a

b c

c
c

c c
c
5b

= 6abc3

The GCF of 12a3bc4 and 30ab2c3 is 6abc3.

Factoring Using the Distributive Property
3. Use the distributive property to factor 24x3yz2 + 36xy2z3.
First find the GCF for 24x3yz2 + 36xy2z3. Note that 12 is the largest number that will
divide evenly into 24 and 36, the numerical coefficients of the polynomials. Also, xyz 2 is
the largest factor of x3yz2 and xy2z3.
24x3yz2 + 36xy2z3 = 12xyz2(2x2) + 12xyz2(3yz)
= 12xyz2 (2x2 + 3yz)
This process is called factoring out the greatest common factor (GCF).

4. Factor 24a4b2 6a3b3 + 18a2b4.

The GCF of the numerical part is 6. To find the variable part, write each variable the
least number of times it appears in any term. Thus a 2 is the least power of a that appears,
while b2 is the least power of b that appears. Using this, you can see that 6a 2b2 is the
greatest common factor, and so you have
24a4b2 6a3b3 + 18a2b4 = 6a2b2(4a2) 6a2b2(ab) + 6a2b2 (3b2)
= 6a2b2(4a2 ab + 3b2)
The factored form of 24a4b2 6a3b3 + 18a2b4 is 6a2b2(4a2 ab + 3b2).
5. Factor m3 + 7m2 11m.
There are two ways to factor this polynomial, both of which are equally acceptable.
You can use m as the greatest common factor, so you have
m3 + 7m2 11m = m (m2) + m (7m)+ m (11)
= m (m2 + 7m 11).
Alternatively, we can use m as greatest common factor and write
m3 + 7m2 11m = m (m2) + m (7m)+ m (11)
= m (m2 7m +11).
Sometimes, in a particular problem, there will be reason to prefer one of these
forms over the other, but both are equally correct.
6. Find the greatest common factor of 16(p + 5) 5 48(p + 5)4 + 8(p + 5)3 and factor.
Here the greatest common factor is 8(p + 5) 3, and you have
16(p + 5)5 48(p + 5)4 + 8(p + 5)3
= 8(p + 5)3 [ 2(p + 5) 2 6(p + 5) + 1]
We can also use here 8(p + 5)3 as the GCF.
16(p + 5)5 48(p + 5)4 + 8(p + 5)3
= 8(p + 5)3 [ 2(p + 5) 2 + 6(p + 5) 1 ]
Factoring by Grouping
Polynomials with four or more terms, like 8x 2y 5x 24xy + 15, can be factored by
grouping terms of polynomials. One method is to group the terms into binomials that can
each be factored using the distributive property.
8x2y 5x 24xy + 15 = (8x2y 5x) + ( 24xy + 15)
= x (8xy 5) + (3) (8xy 5)
Then use the distributive property again with a binomial as the common factor.
Notice that (8xy 5) is the common factor, hence (x 3) (8xy 5)
9

7. Factor 3pw 21w + 5p 35.

3pw 21w + 5p 35 = (3pw 21w) + (5p 35)
= 3w (p 7) + 5 (p 7)
= (3w + 5) (p 7)
Sometimes you can group the terms in more than one way when factoring a
polynomial. Like 3pw 21w + 5p 35, we could have factor it in this way.
3pw 21w + 5p 35 = 3pw + 5p 21w 35
= p (3w + 5) 7(3w + 5)
= (p 7) (3w + 5)
8. Factor 6x2 6xy + 3xz 3zy in two different ways.
1st Method: 6x2 6xy + 3xz 3zy = (6x2 6xy) + (3xz 3zy)
= 6x(x y) + 3z( x y)
= (6x + 3z) (x y)
= 3(2x + z) (x y)
2nd Method: 6x2 6xy + 3xz 3zy = (6x2 + 3xz) (3zy + 6xy)
= 3x(2x + z) 3y(z + 2x)
= (3x 3y) (2x + z)
= 3(x y) (2x + z)
9. Factor 15a 3ab + 4b 20.
15a 3ab + 4b 20 = (15a 3ab) + (4b 20)
= 3a ( 5 b) + 4 (b 5)
= 3a ( b 5) + 4 (b 5)
= (3a + 4) (b 5)

Factoring out 1 will make 5 b

equal to b 5.

Factoring Quadratic Trinomials

If two binomials are multiplied, each binomial is a factor of the product.
Consider the binomials 2a + 3 and 3a + 9. You can use the FOIL (First Outside
Inside Last terms) method to find their product.
F
O
I
L
(2a + 3)(3a + 9) = (2a)(3a) + (2a)(9) + (3)(3a) + (3)(9)
= 6a2 + 18a + 9a + 27
= 6a2 + (18 + 9)a + 27
= 6a2 + 27a + 27
The binomials 2a + 3 and 3a + 9 are factors of 6a 2 + 27a + 27.

10

When using the FOIL method, take note of the product of the coefficients of the first
and last terms, 18 and 9. Notice that it is the same as the product of the two terms, 18 and
9, whose sum is the coefficient of the middle term. You can use this pattern to factor
quadratic trinomials, such as 6x2 + 23x + 20.
10. Factor 6x2 + 23x + 20.
6x2 + 23x + 20
The product of 6 and 20 is 120.
2
6x + ( __ + __ )x + 20
You need to find two integers whose
product is 120 and whose sum is 23.
How about using the guess-and-check strategy to find these numbers.
Factors of 120

Sum of Factors

1, 120
2, 60
3, 40
4, 30
5, 24
6, 20
8,15

1 + 120 = 121
2 + 60 = 62
3 + 40 = 43
4 + 30 = 34
5 + 24 = 29
6 + 20 = 26
8 + 15 = 23

6x2 + (8+15)x + 20
6x2 + 8x +15x + 20
(6x2 + 8x) + (15x + 20)
2x(3x + 4) + 5(3x + 4)
(2x + 5)(3x + 4)

select the factors 8 and 15

no
no
no
no
no
no
yes

group terms that have common monomial factor

factor
use the distributive property

Therefore, 6x2 + 23x + 20 = (2x + 5)(3x + 4)

11. Factor 6x2 + 7x 20. Follow the given procedure.
a. Identity the first, the middle and the last terms
First term: 6x2
Middle term: + 7x
Last Term: -20
b. Find the possible factors for 6x 2, the first term and 20, the last term whose crossproducts will give you a sum of +7x, the middle term.
Possible factors:
1. (6x 4)(x + 5)
-4x
+30x
+26x

2. (3x + 10)(2x 2)
+20x
- 6x
+14x
11

3. (3x 4)(2x + 5)
-8x
+15x
+ 7x

c. The only factors that gives the middle term is +7x is (3x 4)(2x + 5)
d. Therefore the factors of 6x2 + 7x 20 are (3x 4) and (2x + 5).
Factoring the Difference of Two Squares
You have learned in Elementary Algebra that (a + b)(a b) = a 2 b2. This product,
called the difference of two squares can be used in factoring.
100a2 49b2 can be expressed as the difference of two squares by writing (10a) 2
(7b) 2, which can be factored as (10a + 7b)(10a 7b).
12. Factor 81k2 25d2.
2

81k 25d = (9k) (5d)

= (9k 5d)(9k + 5d)

____
____
2
81k = 9k and 25d2 = 5d

Factoring Perfect Square Trinomial

Since (a + b) 2 = a2 + 2ab + b2, the trinomial a2 + 2ab + b2 is the square of the
binomial a + b. Likewise (a b) 2 = a2 2ab + b2, the trinomial a2 2ab + b2 is the square
of the binomial a b. For this reason a2 2ab + b is called a perfect square trinomial.
We can use this pattern to factor any perfect square trinomial.
13. Factor 144a2 120ab + 25b2.
From the given pattern (a b) 2 = a2 2ab + b2, you have
144a2 120ab + 25b2 = (12a 5b)2
14. Factor 16p2 + 80pq + 100q2.
From the given pattern (a + b) 2 = a2 + 2ab + b2, you have
16p2 + 80pq + 100q2 = (4p + 10q)2
Factoring the Difference of Two Cubes
The difference of two cubes a3 b3 can be factored by writing
a b = (a b)( a2 + ab + b2).
3

15. Factor n3 8.
n3 8 = (n 2)[n2 + (n)(2) + (2)2]
= (n 2) (n2 + 2n + 4)

___
__
n3 = n and 8 = 2

16. Factor 27b3 8m3.

27b3 8m3 = (3b 2m)[(3b)2 + (3b)(2m) + (2m)2]
= (3b 2m)( 9b2 + 6bm + 4m2)
12

Factoring the Sum of Two Cubes

The sum of two cubes a3 + b3 can be factored by writing
a + b = (a + b)( a2 ab + b2).
3

17. Factor w3 + 64.

w3 + 64 = (w + 4) [w2 (w)(4) + (4)2]
= (w + 4) ( w2 4w + 16 )
18. Factor 27y3 + 1000z3.
27y3 + 1000z3 = (3y + 10z) [ (3y)2 (3y)(10z) + (10z)2]
= (3y + 10z) ( 9y2 30yz + 100z2)
Lets summarize the methods of special factorization
Difference of Two Squares
Perfect Square Trinomials
Difference of Two Cubes
Sum of Two Cubes

a2 b2 = (a + b)(a b)
a2 + 2ab + b2 = (a + b) 2
a2 2ab + b2 = (a b) 2
a3 b3 = (a b)(a2 + ab + b2)
a3 + b3 = (a + b)(a2 ab + b2)

Try this out

A. Factor the following polynomials using common monomial factor.
1. 8t2 + 16t
2. 21a5 + 14a3
3. 5x4z3 + 25x3z2 50x2z
4. 65m9 35m5
5. 121p4q2r + 66p2r4
B. Factor completely.
1. 6(2 m)3 12(2 m)5
2. 7(x y)3 + 21(x y)5 14(x y)7
3. 5(3n + 4)2 + 15(3n + 4)3 + 25(3n + 4)4
4. 15(x 4y)5 60(x 4y)7 + 120(x 4y)9
5. 18(2x2 5y)10 + 72(2x2 5y)4 9(2x2 5y)8
C. Factor by grouping.
1. 2ax + 6xc + ba + 3bc
2. 3ax 6bx + 8b 4a
3. 2ab + 2am b m
4. 6mx 4m + 3rx 2r
5. 5a2 4ab + 12b3 15ab2

13

D. Factor the following trinomials.

1. 100x2 90x + 20
2. 6x3 + 12x2 90x
3. 3x4 6x3 + 72x2
4. 13y3 + 39y2 52y
5. 4x3 24x2 + 64x
E. Factor completely.
1. 4x2 25y2
2. 100n2 64m2
3. 25h2 20hy + 4y2
4. x3y + 6x2y2 + 9xy3
5. 49a2 + 28ab + 4b2
6. 9e2 + 24ep + 16p2
7. 8k3 1
8. 125g3 64a3b3
9. 27r9 + 64p3
10. 1000y3 + 343h6

Lesson 4
Simplify Rational Expressions
The fundamental property of rational expressions permits us to write a rational
expression in lowest terms, in which numerator and denominator have no common factor
other than 1.
Examples
1. Write in lowest terms.
a. 30
72
Begin by factoring.
30
__2 3 5
72
22233

b. _14a4b3 _
2a2b2
_14a4b3 _
2a2b2

__2 7 a a a a b b b
2aabb

Group any factors common to the numerator and denominator.

30
72

__5 (2 3)
2 2 3 (2 3)

_14a4b3 _
2a2b2

_7 a a b (2 a a b b)_
(2 a a b b)

Use the fundamental property.

30

__5 (2 3)

_14a4b3 _

14

__7 a a b (2 a a b b)_

72

2 2 3 (2 3)

30
72

__5____
223

(2 a a b b)

2a2b2
_14a4b3 _
2a2b2

_5_
12

__7 a a b
1

7a2b

2. Write the rational expression 3x 12 in lowest terms.

5x 20
Begin by factoring both numerator and denominator.
3x 12
5x 20

3 (x 4)
5 (x 4)

3
5

3. Write the rational expression x2 + 2x 8 in lowest terms.

2x2 x 6
Begin by factoring both numerator and denominator.
x2 + 2x 8
2x2 x 6

_(x + 4)(x 2)_

(2x + 3)(x 2)

_x + 4_
2x + 3

4. Write a b in lowest terms.

ba
At first glance, theres no way in which we can factor a b and b a to get a
common factor. However,
b a = 1( b + a) = 1(a b).
With these factors, use the fundamental property to simplify the rational expressions.
ab
ba

_1(a b) _
1(a b)

_1_
1

the quotient of two expressions that are exactly

opposite in sign is 1.

5. Express 8m2 + 6m 9 in lowest terms.

16m2 9
8m2 + 6m 9
16m2 9

(2m + 3)(4m 3)
(4m + 3)(4m 3)

2m + 3
4m + 3

6. Write p3 + r3 in lowest terms.

p2 q2
p3 + r3
p2 q 2

(p + q)(p2 pq + q2)
(p + q) (p q)
p2 pq + q2
pq
15

Try this out

A. Write each expression in lowest terms.
1. _12k2
6k

6. _3y2 3y _
2(y 1)

2. 12a2b5 _
48a3b2

7. _9p + 12 _
21p + 28

3. 6(b + 5)_
18(b + 5)

8. _k2 t2_
k+t

4. _12x2 9_
3

9. _11s 22s2 _
6 12s

5. _2m 6 _
5m 15

10. _ x + 5 _
x2 + 3x 10

B. Write each expression in lowest terms.

1. _4a2 b2
(2a + b)

6. _p2 q2 _
qp

2. _m2 4m + 4
m2 + m 6

7. _ b2 4b_
4b - b2

3. a2 a 6_
a2 + a 12

8. _w2 2w 15 _
w2 + 7w + 12

4. _x2_+ 3x 4
x2 1

9. _c2 + c 30 _
c2 6c + 5

5. _8n 2 + 6n 9_
16n2 9

10. _d4 r4 _
d+r

C. Simplify the following rational expressions and express your answer in lowest terms.
1. _4a2 20a
a2 4a 5

6. _g3 + c3 _
g 2 c2

2. _ m2 4___
m2 + 4m + 4

7. _ a2 + ac ab bc _
a2 b2

3. 12 7x + x2 _
(x 3)(4 + x)

8. _m2 mp + mn np _
m2 + 2mn + n2

16

4. _ n2_ p2
pn

9. _xy yw + xz zw _
xy + yw + zx + zw

5. _r 2 r 20 _
r2 + r 30

10. ac + ad bc bd _
ab + ac b2 bc

Lets Summarize
Rational expression is the quotient
equal to zero. Rational expression is any
the polynomial q 0}.

p
q

of two polynomials with denominator not

element of the set { p, q are polynomials,

Any value/s assigned to a variable that results in a denominator of zero will make a
rational expression meaningless.
To find the numerical values of rational expressions you will get the values of x from
the replacement set. The set of numbers from which replacements for a variable may be
chosen is called a replacement set.
Factoring is the process of writing an indicated sum as a product of factors.
Factoring a polynomial or finding the factored form of a polynomial means to find its
completely factored form.
To find the variable part of the polynomial you are factoring, write each variable the
least number of times it appears in any terms of the polynomial.
The fundamental property of rational expressions permits us to write a rational
expression in lowest terms, in which numerator and denominator have no common factor
other than 1.
The quotient of two expressions that are exactly opposite in sign is 1.

What have you learned

1. In _6x2 + x__ , the value of the variable that must be excluded are ______.
4x2 16
2. Give the domain of the variable x in the rational expression __a2 + 12__.
a2 + 7a + 12

17

3. Find the value of the variable that must be excluded in (3 m)(4 m).
m2 m 12
4. Give the domain of the variable m in the rational expression _ x2 y2 .
x2 2x 24
2
5. Find any value for variable p which 2x 2 is meaningless.
4x2 64
6. Find the numerical value of a rational expression 2x2 5x + 3 when x = 3.
3x2 5x + 2
7. Find the numerical value of a rational expression
8. Give the lowest term of

7a2b3 _ when a = 2 and b = 1.

3a2 + 4b

- m7n4p8 _ .
-18m12n2p6

9. Simplify _y4 13y2 + 36_ and then rename into lowest term.
y2 + 5y + 6
10. Simplify _x4 16 _ .
x4 8x2 + 16

18

Key to correction
How much do you know
1. 2x 1 = 0
x = 1 letter c
2
2. c

6. 5(2) + 1
2(2)

-9
4

-2 1
4

3. m2 + m 6 = 0
(m 2)(m + 3) = 0
m = 2, m = 3

8. 4z2
3xy

4. { m R m 2, 3}

9. (a2 + ac) + (ab bc)

(a b)(a + b)

5. 5p 25 = 0
5(p 5) = 0
p=5

10. (r 5) (r + 4)
(r 5) (r + 6)

7. ___8(1) 2 (3)__
(3)( 1) + 2(3)

8 (1)(3)
3+6

r+4
r+6

Try this out

Lesson 1
A.
1. b = 0

6. x = 0; y + 2 = 0
y=2

2. y = 0; z = 0

7. (p + 6)(p 5) = 0
p=6;p=5

3. m 5 =0
m=5

8. (c 3)(c 3) = 0
c=3

4. w2 9 = 0
w2 = 9
=
w = 3; w = 3 ; x = 0

9. m(m 6)(m 6) = 0
m = 0; m = 6
w92

5. y2 4 = 0
y2 16 = 0 10. (s 2)(s + 2)(s + 2) = 0
y2 = 4
y2 = 16
s = 2; s = 2
16
=
=
y42
y = 2; y = 2;
y = 4; y = 4
B.
19

24
9

22
3

a(a + c) b(a + c)
(a b)(a + b)
(a b)(a + c) = a + c
(a b)(a + b) a + b

1. Domain = {b R b 0}
2. Domain = {y, z R y, z 0}

6. Domain = {x, y R x 0; y -2}

7. Domain = {p R p -6, 5}

3. Domain = {m R m 5}

8. Domain = {c R c 3}

4. Domain = {x, w R x 0; x 3, -3} 9. Domain = {m R m 0, 6}

5. Domain = {y R y 4, -4}
C.
1. x = 0

10. Domain = {s R s 2, -2}

6. (g 5)(g + 3) = 0
g = 5; g = -3

2. m = 4

7. (c 4)(c + 3) = 0
c = 4; c = -3

3. r = -9

8. (3k + 5)(k 2) = 0
3k = -5; k = 2
k
-5
3
9. y2 + 16 = 0
y2 = -16
No value.

4. 3b = 2
b 2
3

5. a2 + 16 = 0
10. d2 100 = 0
2
a = -16
d2 = 100
It is impossible to extract
d = 10; d = -10
square root of negative number. No value
Lesson 2
A.
1

4(-2) 5
6(-2)

__3(-2)__
-4(-2) + 1

x=-2
-8 - 5 -13 11
-12
-12 12

-6 - 2
9
3
x=-2
7(-2) 2(-2) 2 -22
8(-2)
-16

__(-2) 2__
3(-2)2 -12

[ -8(-2)] 2
3(-2) + 9

13
8

__4__
4
12 -12
0
meaningless
(16) 2
85 1
-6 + 9
3

x=0
5_
0
meaningless
__3(0)__ 0
0
-4(0) + 1 1
x=0
7(0) 2(0) 2 0
8(0)
0
meaningless
__(0) 2__ _0_
0
3(0)2 -12 -12
4(0) 5
6(0)

[ -8(0)] 2
3(0) + 9

(0)
9
20

4(2) 5
6(2)

x=2
85
3
12
12

1
4

__3(2)__
-4(2) + 1

6
-6
-7
7
x=2
7(2) 2(2) 2
6
3
8(2)
16
8
__ (2) 2_
3(2)2 -12
[ -8(2)] 2
3(2) + 9

__4__
4
12 -12
0
meaningless
(-16) 2
17 1
6+9
15

___-2 + 8____
(-2)2 4(-2) +2

6
14

__2(-2) + 1_
(-2)2 -7(-2)+3

___-2(-2) 2___
8 +(-2) (-2) 2

-8
2

__2(-2) + 5__
(-2)2+3(-2) -10

-4+5
-12

-3
21

10 __3(-2) 7___
2(-2)2 - 3(-2) -2
B.
1. _2(3) 3(-2)__
6(4)

3
7
-1
7

__2(0) + 1_
(0)2 -7(0)+3

-1
12

-6-7 -13
12
12

3. 9(3) 5(-2)2
8(4)

27 5(4)
32

4. _ 3(-2)2___
3(-2)2 (4)2

__3(4)___
3(4) 16

5. _[3(3)(-2)2] 2
2(4) + 3(-2)3

__(36)2_
8 + 3(-8)

(3) 2 9
6(4)

99
24

-5
7

___-2(2) 2__
8 +(2) (2) 2

-8
6

-1 1
3

_3(0) 7___
2(0)2- 3(0) -2

31
2

__3(2) 7__
2(2)2- 3(2) -2

12_
24

-7
-2

_14_
-20

-_7_
10
_7_
32

12__
12 16
1296
16

12
-4

-3

-81

__-24 + 1__
9 21 + 12

- 23
0

8. _ 2(3)(-2)2(4)3 _
2(4) + 4 (4)2

_6(4)(64)_
8 + 4 16

1 536
4

9. __2(3)(-2) + (4)2
(3)2 + 3(3) 10

12 + 16_
9 + 9 10

meaningless

4
8

384
1
2

___3(-8) 7__
2(16) 12 + 6

24 7
26

21

-5

5
-7

__2(2) + 5__
(2)2+3(2) -10

7. _ 3(-2)(4) + 1
(3)2 7(3) +12

10. _ _ 3(-2)3 7 ___ _

2(4)2 3(4) (3)(-2)

0
8

10
-2

__2(2) + 1_
(2)2 -7(2)+3

-1
2

27 20
32

_0
24

4 ___2 + 8____
(2)2 4(2) +2

__2(0) + 5_ 5
(0)2+3(0) -10 -10

__6 + 6__
24
_-14 + 28_
-21 + 1

8
2
1
3

___-2(0) 2__
8 +(0) (0) 2

2. _7(-2) + 7(4)
7(3) + 1

6.

___0 + 8____
(0)2 4(0) +2

31
26

-1_5_
26

4+5
9
10 -10 0
meaningless
67
0
meaningless

C.
1. -2x2 8 = 0
6. x2 8x + 7 = 0
-2x2 = 8
(x 7)(x 1) = 0
2
x =8
x = 7; x = 1
-2
x2 = -4 No real number value.
2. -4x + 12 = 0
-4x = -12
x=3

7. x2 4x + 3 = 0
( x 3)(x 1) = 0
x = 3; x = 1

3. 8x3 1 = 0
8x3 = 1
=
2x = 1
x = Not an integer

8. - x2 + 25 = 0
- x2 = 25
2
33
1 3 x = 25
8x
x=5
1 x = 5 not a positive integer

4. 3x2 12 = 0
3x2 = 12
x2 = 4
x=2
x = 2 not a positive integer

9.

5. 3x + 9 = 0
3x = 9
x = 3 not a positive integer

10. 2x3 3x2 2x = 0

x(2x2 3x 2) = 0
x (2x + 1)(x 2)=0
x=0;x=2
x = not a positive integer

x2 + 18x + 81 = 0
(x + 9)(x + 9) = 0
x = 9 not a positive integer

Lesson 3
A.
1. 8t(t + 2)
2. 7a3(3a2 + 2)
3. 5x2z(x2z2 + 5xz 10)
4. 5m5 (13m4 7)
5. 11p2r ( 11p2q2 + 6r3)
B.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6(2 m)3 12(2 m)5 = 6(2 m)3 [ 1 2(2 m)2]

7(x y)3 + 21(x y)5 14(x y)7 = 7(x y)3[1 + 3(x y)2 2(x y)4]
5(3n + 4)2 + 15(3n + 4)3 + 25(3n + 4)4 = 5(3n + 4)2 [ 1+ 3(3n + 4) + 5(3n + 4)2]
15(x 4y)5 60(x 4y)7 + 120(x 4y)9 = 15(x 4y)5[1 4(x 4y)2 + 8(x 4y)4]
18(2x2 5y)10 + 72(2x2 5y)4 9(2x2 5y)8
= 9(2x2 5y)4 [ 2(2x2 5y)6 8 + (2x2 5y)4]

C.
1. 2ax + 6xc + ba + 3bc = (2ax + 6xc) + (ba + 3bc)
= 2x(a + 3c) + b(a + 3c)
22

= (2x + b)(a + 3c)

2. 3ax 6bx + 8b 4a = (3ax 6bx) + (8b 4a)
= 3x(a 2b) + 4(2b a)
= 3x(a 2b) 4 (a 2b)
= (3x 4)(a 2b)
3. 2ab + 2am b m

= (2ab + 2am) (b + m)
= 2a(b + m) (b + m)
= (2a 1)(b + m)

4. 6mx 4m + 3rx 2r = (6mx 4m) + (3rx 2r)

= 2m(3x 2) + r(3x 2)
= (2m + r)(3x 2)
5. 5a2 4ab + 12b3 15ab2 = (5a2 15ab2) + (12b3 4ab)
= 5a(a 3b2) + 4b(3b2 a)
= 5a(a 3b2) 4b(a 3b2)
= (5a 4b)(a 3b2)
D.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

100x2 90x + 20 = (10x 4)(10x 5)

6x3 + 12x2 90x = x (6x2 + 12x 90) = x (3x 9)(2x + 10)
3x4 6x3 + 72x2 = 3x2 (x2 + 2x2 24) = 3x2 (x + 6)(x 4)
13y3 + 39y2 52y = 13y(y2 + 3y 4) = 13y (y + 4)(y 1)
4x3 24x2 + 64x = 4x (x2 + 6x 16) = 4x (x + 8)(x 2)

E.
1. 4x2 25y2 = (2x 5y)(2x + 5y)
2. 100n2 64m2 = (10n 8m)(10n + 8m)
3. 25h2 20hy + 4y2 = (5h 2y)2
4. x3y + 6x2y2 + 9xy3 = xy (x2 + 6xy + 9y2) = xy (x + 3y)2
5. 49a2 + 28ab + 4b2 = (7a + 2b)2
6. 9e2 + 24ep + 16p2 = (3e + 4p)2
7. 8k3 1= (2k 1)(4k2 + 2k + 1)
8. 125g3 64a3b3 = (5g 4ab)(25g2 + 20abg + 16a2b2)
9. 27r9 + 64p3 = (3r3 + 4p)(9r6 12pr3 + 16p2)
10. 1000y3 + 343h6 = (10y + 7h2)(100y2 70h2y + 49h4)
Lesson 4
A. Write each expression in lowest terms.
1. _12k2
6k
2. 12a2b5 _
48a3b2

6k(2k)
6k

2k

_12a2b2(b3)_
2a2b2 (4a)

6.

b3
-4a

_3y2 3y
2(y 1)

7. _9p + 12 _
21p + 28

23

3y ( y 1)
2 (y 1)
3(3p + 4)
7(3p + 4)

3y
2
3
7

3. 6(b + 5)_
18(b + 5)

8. _k2 t2_
k+t

1
3

4. _12x2 9
3

3 (4x2 3)
3

5. _2m 6
5m 15

2(m 3)
5(m 3)

4x2 3

( k+ t)( k t)
( k + t)

9. _11s 22s2
6 12s

2
5

10. _ x + 5 _
x2 + 3x 10

kt

11s(1 2s)_
6(1 2s)
x + 5___
(x 2)(x + 5)

11s
6
1__
x2

B. Write each expression in lowest terms.

1. _4a2 b2
(2a + b)

(2a + b)(2a b)
(2a + b)

2. _m2 4m + 4
m2 + m 6

(m 2)(m 2)
(m 2)(m + 3)

3. a2 a 6_
a2 + a 12

a+2
a+4

(x + 4)(x 1)
(x + 1)(x 1)

5. _8n 2 + 6n 9_
16n2 9

(p +q)(p q)
1(p q)

7. _ b2 4b_
4b - b2

b(b 4)
b(4 b)

8. _w2 2w 15
w2 + 7w + 12

x+4
x+1

(4n 3)(2n + 3)
(4n 3)(4n + 3)

6. _p2 q2
qp

10. _d4 r4
d+r

m2
m+3

(a 3)(a + 2)
(a 3)(a + 4)

4. _x2_+ 3x 4
x2 1

9. _c2 + c 30
c2 6c + 5

2a b

2n + 3
4n + 3

(p + q) = p q

b(b 4)
b(b 4)

(w 5)(w + 3)
(w + 4)(w + 3)
(c + 6)(c 5)
(c 1)(c 5)

(d2 r2)(d2 + r2)

d+r

1
w5
w+4

c+6
c1
(d r)(d + r)(d2 + r2)
d+r

(d r)(d2 + r2)

C. Simplify the following rational expressions and express your answer in lowest terms.
1. _4a2 20a
a2 4a 5

4a(a 5)__
(a 5)(a + 1)

4a__
a+1
24

2. _ m2 4___
m2 + 4m + 4

(m 2)(m + 2)
(m + 2)(m + 2)

3. 12 7x + x2
(x 3)(4 + x)

( 4 + x)( 3 + x)
(4 + x)(x 3)

4. _ n2_ p2
pn

_ (n + p)(n p)
(n p)

m2
m+2

(r 5)(r + 4)
(r 5)(r + 6)

6. _g3 + c3 _
g2 c2

(g + c)(g2 cg + c2)
(g + c) (g c)

8. _m2 mp + mn np
m2 + 2mn + n2

Take note (3 + x) = (x + 3)

n+p

5. _r 2 r 20
r2 + r 30

7. _ a2 + ac ab bc
a2 b 2

( 3 + x)
(x 3)

Take note (n + p)
1

r+4
r+6
(g2 cg + c2)
gc

a(a + c) b(a + c)
(a b)(a + b)

(a b)(a + c)
(a b)(a + b)

_m (m p) + n(m p)
(m + n)(m + n)

a+c
a+b

(m + n)(m p)
(m + n)(m + n)

9. _xy yw + xz zw
xy + yw + zx + zw

y(x w) + z(x w)
y(x + w) + z(x + w)

(y + z)(x w)
(y + z)(x + w)

xw
x+w

10. ac + ad bc bd
ab + ac b2 bc

a(c + d) b(c + d)
a(b + c) b(b + c)

(a b)(c + d)
(a b)(b + c)

c+d
b+c

What have you learned

1. 4x2 16 = 0
4x2 = 16
x = 2; 2
2. a2 + 7a + 12 = 0
(a + 3)(a + 4)=0
a = 3; 4
Domain = { a R a 3; 4}
3. m2 m 12 = 0
(m 4)(m + 3) = 0
m = -3; 4
4. x2 2x 24 = 0
(x 6)(x + 4) = 0
x = 6; 4 Domain = { x R x 6; 4}

25

mp
m+n

n+p

5. 4x2 64 = 0
4x2 = 64
x = 4; 4
6. 2(-3)2 5(-3) + 3
3(-3)2 5(-3) + 2

_2(9) +15 + 3_
3(9) + 15 + 2

7.

7(-2)2(-1)3 _
3(-2)2 + 4(-1)

7(4)(-1)
12 4

8.

_ - m7n4p8 _
-18m12n2p6

__n2p2_
18m5

9. _y4 13y2 + 36_

y2 + 5y + 6
10. _x4 16 _
x4 8x2 + 16

28
16

_9_
11

13
4

_(y2 9)(y2 4)
(y + 2)(y + 3)

_(x2 + 4)(x2 4)
(x2 4)(x2 4)

36
44

_(y 3)(y + 3) (y + 2) (y 2)
(y + 3) (y + 2)

_ x2 + 4____
(x 2)(x + 2)

26

(y 3)(y 2)