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. Define and illustrate rational expressions

2. Find the domain of a rational expression
3. Find the values that will make rational expressions meaningless
4. 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 1
a. 2 b. –2 c. d. –
2 2

2. The domain of the variable x in the rational expression in #1 is

1 1
a. {x Є R  x  2} b. {x Є R  x  –2} c. {x Є R  x  } d. {x Є R  x  – }
2 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 variables that are written in fractional form of the
p
form { q p, q are polynomials, the polynomial q  0} are called rational expressions.

Examples:
a + b , y 6 ( same as y 6 ), 8k3– 3k2 + 2k + 6 , 49a2bc , _1 and 13.
a–b 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. The domain of the expression is the set of

b real numbers { b Є R  b  0} except 0.

2
 For 12q – 24, exclude q = – 6. The domain of the variable q is the set of
q+6 real numbers { q Є R  q  – 6} except – 6.
2
For m – 5 , exclude n = 2 and n = 3.
n2 – 5n + 6

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 Є R  n  2, 3}.

If n is equal to both 2 and 3,

m2 – 5 m2 – 5 m2 – 5 m2 – 5_ m2 – 5 is meaningless.
2
n – 5n + 6 (n – 3)(n – 2) (3 – 3)(2 – 2) (0)(0) 0

If n is equal to 3,

m2 – 5 m2 – 5 m2 – 5 m2 – 5_ m2 – 5 is meaningless.
n2 – 5n + 6 (n – 3)(n – 2) (3 – 3)(n – 2) (0 ) (n – 2) 0

If n is equal to 2,

m2 – 5 m2 – 5 m2 – 5 m2 – 5_ m2 – 5 is meaningless.
n2 – 5n + 6 (n – 3)(n – 2) (n – 3)(2 – 2) (n – 3)(0) 0

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 +8–8=0–8
m=–8

Therefore, m cannot be equal to – 8 and the Domain = {m Є 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 Є R x, y  0}.

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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
a–4=0 a+3=0
a = 4 or a=–3

Therefore, a cannot be equal to 4 or – 3 and the Domain = {a Є 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 ___ To find the number/s that make the denominator 0,

b2 – 5b + 6 solve the equation b2 – 5b + 6 = 0.

b2 – 5b + 6 = 0
(b – 2)(b – 3) = 0
b – 2 = 0 or b–3=0
b = 2 or b=3

Therefore the rational expression is meaningless for 2 and for 3.

6. 2p + 9 This denominator can never be equal to 0, so there are no values

p2 + 1 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_ 6. _x (y – 1)_
39b2 x2(y + 2)

2. _21y2z_ 7. _ 25 – p2 _
49yz3 p2 + p – 30

3. _ m + 5 _ 8. _c2 – 8c +12_
7(m – 5) c2 – 6c + 9

4. _ -5w2xy2 _ 9. _ m2 – 5m + 6 _
x(w2 – 9) m3 – 12m2 + 36m

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5. _y2 - 4_ 10. _(s + 2)(s – 2)_
y2 – 16 (s2 – 4)( s + 2)

B. Give the domain of the variable for each of the following algebraic expressions.

1. _13b_ 6. _x (y – 1)_
39b2 x2(y + 2)

2. _21y2z_ 7. _ 25 – p2 _
49yz3 p2 + p – 30

3. _ m + 5 _ 8. _c2 – 8c +12_
7(m – 5) c2 – 6c + 9

4. _ -5w2xy2 _ 9. _ m2 – 5m + 6 _
x(w2 – 9) m3 – 12m2 + 36m

5. _y2 - 4_ 10. _(s + 2)(s – 2)_

y2 – 16 (s2 – 4)( s + 2)

C. Find any values for which the following rational expressions are meaningless.

1. _3_ 6. _ 8g + 6 _
5x g 2 – 8g + 15

2. _20m_ 7. _ c + 12 _
m–4 c2 – c – 12

3. _ 7r_ 8. _ 7k + 21 _
r+9 3k2 – k – 10

4. _ b2__ 9. _ 8y _
3b – 2 y2 + 16

5. _a + 9_ 10. _ 12d _
a2 + 16 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.

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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 3(1) + 6 3+6 9 _9
2x – 4 2(1) – 4 2–4 –2 2

If x = 2, replace x with 2.

3x + 6 3(2) + 6 6+6 12 The rational expression is meaningless.

2x – 4 2(2) – 4 4–4 0

If x = 3, replace x with 3.

3x + 6 3(3) + 6 9+6 15 or 7 1
2x – 4 2(3) – 4 6–4 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 ____5(–1)2 __5(1) __ 5

6 – 3x – x2 6 – 3(–1) – (–1)2 6 + 3 – (1) 8

If x = 0, replace x with 0.

____5x2 ____5(0)2 0 0
6 – 3x – x2 6 – 3(0) – (0)2 6

If x = 2, replace x with 2.

____5x2 ____5(2)2 __5(4) __ _20_ –5

6 – 3x – x2 6 – 3(2) – (2)2 6–6–4 –4

If x = 4, replace x with 4.

___5x2 ___5(4)2 __5(16) _ __80__ _80_ 40 or -3_7

6 – 3x – x2 6 – 3(4) – (4)2 6 – 12 – 16 6 – 28 – 22 -11 11

Try this out

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

6
1. _4x – 5 6. _ x + 8 _
6x x2 – 4x + 2

2. _ 3x _ 7. _ 2x + 1 _
– 4x + 1 x2 – 7x +3

3. 7x – 2x2 8. __– 2x2 _ _

8x 8 + x – x2

4. _ x2__ 9. _ 2x + 5 _
3x2 – 12 x2 + 3x –10

5. _(– 8x) 2 10. _ 3x – 7 _

3x + 9 2x2 – 3x – 2

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

1. _2a – 3b 6. _ a2 – 9 _
6c b2 – 2b + 1

2. _7b + 7c _ 7. _ abc + 1 _
– 7a + 1 a2 – 7a +12

3. 9a – 5b2 8. __– 2ab2c3 _ _

8c 2c + c – c 2

4. _ ab2__ 9. _ 2ab + c2 __
3b2 – c2 a2 + 3a –10

5. _(3ab2) 2 10. _ 3b3 – 7 _

2c + 3b3 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 6. x2 + 8x + 16_
– 2x2 – 8 x2 – 8x + 7

2. _ x – 9x2 _ 7. _10x2 + 1 _
– 4x + 12 x2 – 4x +3

3. x3 – 5x2 8. __x2 + x – 6 _
8x3 – 1 25 – x2

4. _ x5__ 9. _ x2 + 5x + 4 _
3x2 – 12 x2 + 18x + 81

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5. _(2x) 2 10. _ x4 – 64 __
3x + 9 2x3 – 3x2 – 2x
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.

Let’s 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  c  c c
30ab2c3 = 2  3  a  b  c  c  c  5b

GCF= 2  3  a  b  c  c  c = 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)

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 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)

9
 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)

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) Factoring out –1 will make 5 – b
= –3a ( b – 5) + 4 (b – 5) equal to b – 5.
= (–3a + 4) (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. .

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 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.

6x2 + ( __ + __ )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 1 + 120 = 121 no

2, 60 2 + 60 = 62 no
3, 40 3 + 40 = 43 no
4, 30 4 + 30 = 34 no
5, 24 5 + 24 = 29 no
6, 20 6 + 20 = 26 no
8,15 8 + 15 = 23 yes

6x2 + (8+15)x + 20  select the factors 8 and 15

6x2 + 8x +15x + 20
(6x2 + 8x) + (15x + 20) group terms that have common monomial factor
2x(3x + 4) + 5(3x + 4) factor
(2x + 5)(3x + 4) 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 cross-
products will give you a sum of +7x, the middle term.

Possible factors:
1. (6x – 4)(x + 5) 2. (3x + 10)(2x – 2) 3. (3x – 4)(2x + 5)
-4x +20x -8x
+30x - 6x +15x
+26x +14x + 7x

11
 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 2 2 2
81k – 25d = (9k) – (5d) √81k = 9k and √25d2 = 5d
2

= (9k – 5d)(9k + 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 3

15. Factor n3 – 8.
___ __
n3 – 8 = (n – 2)[n2 + (n)(2) + (2)2] ³√ n3 = n and ³√ 8 = 2
= (n – 2) (n2 + 2n + 4)

16. Factor 27b3 – 8m3.

27b3 – 8m3 = (3b – 2m)[(3b)2 + (3b)(2m) + (2m)2]

= (3b – 2m)( 9b2 + 6bm + 4m2)

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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 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)

Let’s summarize the methods of special factorization

Difference of Two Squares a2 – b2 = (a + b)(a – b)

Perfect Square Trinomials a2 + 2ab + b2 = (a + b) 2
a2 – 2ab + b2 = (a – b) 2
Difference of Two Cubes a3 – b3 = (a – b)(a2 + ab + b2)
Sum of Two Cubes 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

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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 b. _14a4b3 _
72 2a2b2
Begin by factoring.
30 __2  3  5 _14a4b3 _ __2  7  a  a  a  a  b  b  b
72 22233 2a2b2 2aabb

Group any factors common to the numerator and denominator.

30 __5  (2  3) _14a4b3 _ _7  a  a  b  (2  a  a  b  b)_

72 2  2  3  (2  3) 2a2b2 (2  a  a  b  b)

Use the fundamental property.

30 __5  (2  3) _14a4b3 _ __7  a  a  b  (2  a  a  b  b)_

14
 72 2  2  3  (2  3) 2a2b2 (2  a  a  b  b)

30 __5____ _5_ _14a4b3 _ __7  a  a  b 7a2b

72 223 12 2a2b2 1

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

5x – 20

Begin by factoring both numerator and denominator.

3x – 12 3 (x – 4) 3
5x – 20 5 (x – 4) 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 _(x + 4)(x – 2)_ _x + 4_

2x2 – x – 6 (2x + 3)(x – 2) 2x + 3

4. Write a – b in lowest terms.

b–a

At first glance, there’s 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.

a–b _1(a – b) _ _1_ –1  the quotient of two expressions that are exactly
b–a –1(a – b) –1 opposite in sign is –1.

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

16m2 – 9

8m2 + 6m – 9 (2m + 3)(4m – 3) 2m + 3

16m2 – 9 (4m + 3)(4m – 3) 4m + 3

6. Write p3 + r3 in lowest terms.

p2 – q2

p3 + r3 (p + q)(p2 – pq + q2)
p2 – q 2 (p + q) (p – q)

p2 – pq + q2
p–q

15
Try this out

A. Write each expression in lowest terms.

1. _12k2 6. _3y2 – 3y _
6k 2(y – 1)

2. 12a2b5 _ 7. _9p + 12 _
–48a3b2 21p + 28

3. 6(b + 5)_ 8. _k2 – t2_

18(b + 5) k+t

4. _12x2 – 9_ 9. _11s – 22s2 _

3 6 –12s

5. _2m – 6 _ 10. _ x + 5 _
5m – 15 x2 + 3x – 10

B. Write each expression in lowest terms.

1. _4a2 – b2 6. _p2 – q2 _
(2a + b) q–p

2. _m2 – 4m + 4 7. _ b2 – 4b_
m2 + m – 6 4b - b2

3. a2 – a – 6_ 8. _w2 – 2w – 15 _
a2 + a – 12 w2 + 7w + 12

4. _x2_+ 3x – 4 9. _c2 + c – 30 _
x2 – 1 c2 – 6c + 5

5. _8n 2 + 6n – 9_ 10. _d4 – r4 _

16n2 – 9 d+r

C. Simplify the following rational expressions and express your answer in lowest terms.

1. _4a2 – 20a 6. _g3 + c3 _

a2 – 4a – 5 g 2 – c2

2. _ m2 – 4___ 7. _ a2 + ac – ab – bc _
m2 + 4m + 4 a2 – b2

3. 12 – 7x + x2 _ 8. _m2 – mp + mn – np _
(x – 3)(4 + x) m2 + 2mn + n2

16
4. _ n2_– p2 9. _xy – yw + xz – zw _
p–n xy + yw + zx + zw

5. _r 2 – r – 20 _ 10. ac + ad – bc – bd _
r2 + r – 30 ab + ac – b2 – bc

Let’s Summarize

Rational expression is the quotient of two polynomials with denominator not equal to
p
zero. Rational expression is any element of the set { q  p, q are polynomials, the
polynomial q  0}.

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__.

17
 a2 + 7a + 12

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
5. Find any value for variable p which 2x2 – 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 7a2b3 _ when a = –2 and b = –1.
–3a2 + 4b

8. Give the lowest term of - 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 6. – 5(2) + 1 -9 -2 1
x = 1 letter c 2(2) 4 4
2
2. c 7. ___8(–1) 2 (3)__ 8 (1)(3) 24 22
(–3)( –1) + 2(3) 3+6 9 3

3. m2 + m – 6 = 0 8. – 4z2
(m – 2)(m + 3) = 0 3xy
m = 2, m = – 3

4. { m Є R m  2, 3} 9. (a2 + ac) + (–ab –bc) a(a + c) – b(a + c)

(a – b)(a + b) (a – b)(a + b)
(a – b)(a + c) = a + c
(a – b)(a + b) a + b
5. 5p – 25 = 0 10. (r – 5) (r + 4) r+4
5(p – 5) = 0 (r – 5) (r + 6) r+6
p=5

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 8. (c – 3)(c – 3) = 0
m=5 c=3

4. w2 – 9 = 0 9. m(m – 6)(m – 6) = 0
w2 = 9 m = 0; m = 6
w2 = 9
w = 3; w = –3 ; x = 0

5. y2 – 4 = 0 y2 – 16 = 0 10. (s – 2)(s + 2)(s + 2) = 0

2
y =4 y2 = 16 s = 2; s = – 2
y =
2
4 y = 16
2

y = 2; y = –2; y = 4; y = –4

19
B.
1. Domain = {b Є R b  0} 6. Domain = {x, y Є R x  0; y  -2}
2. Domain = {y, z Є R y, z  0} 7. Domain = {p Є R p  -6, 5}

3. Domain = {m Є R m  5} 8. Domain = {c Є R c  3}

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

5. Domain = {y Є R y  4, -4} 10. Domain = {s Є R s  2, -2}

C.
1. x = 0 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
4. 3b = 2 9. y2 + 16 = 0
b 2 y2 = -16
3 No value.

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.
x=-2 x=0 x=2
1 4(-2) – 5 -8 - 5 -13 11 4(0) – 5 – 5_ 4(2) – 5 8–5 3 1
6(-2) -12 -12 12 6(0) 0 6(2) 12 12 4
meaningless
2 __3(-2)__ -6 - 2 __3(0)__ 0 0 __3(2)__ 6 -6
-4(-2) + 1 9 3 -4(0) + 1 1 -4(2) + 1 -7 7
x=-2 x=0 x=2
3 7(-2) – 2(-2) 2 -22 13 7(0) – 2(0) 2 0 7(2) – 2(2) 2 6 3
8(-2) -16 8 8(0) 0 8(2) 16 8
meaningless
4 __(-2) 2__ __4__ 4 __(0) 2__ _0_ 0 __ (2) 2_ __4__ 4
3(-2)2 -12 12 -12 0 3(0)2 -12 -12 3(2)2 -12 12 -12 0
meaningless meaningless
5 [ -8(-2)] 2 (16) 2 85 1 [ -8(0)] 2 (0) 0 [ -8(2)] 2 (-16) 2 17 1

20
 3(-2) + 9 -6 + 9 3 3(0) + 9 9 3(2) + 9 6+9 15

6 ___-2 + 8____ 6 3 ___0 + 8____ 8 4 ___2 + 8____ 10 -5

(-2)2 – 4(-2) +2 14 7 (0)2 – 4(0) +2 2 (2)2 – 4(2) +2 -2

7 __2(-2) + 1_ -3 -1 __2(0) + 1_ 1 __2(2) + 1_ 5 -5

(-2)2 -7(-2)+3 21 7 (0)2 -7(0)+3 3 (2)2 -7(2)+3 -7 7

8 ___-2(-2) 2___ -8 –4 ___-2(0) 2__ 0 0 ___-2(2) 2__ -8 -1 1

8 +(-2) –(-2) 2 2 8 +(0) –(0) 2 8 8 +(2) –(2) 2 6 3

9 __2(-2) + 5__ -4+5 -1 __2(0) + 5_ 5 -1 __2(2) + 5__ 4+5 9

(-2)2+3(-2) -10 -12 12 (0)2+3(0) -10 -10 2 (2)2+3(2) -10 10 -10 0
meaningless
10 __3(-2) – 7___ -6-7 -13 _3(0) – 7___ -7 31 __3(2) – 7__ 6–7
2(-2)2 - 3(-2) -2 12 12 2(0)2- 3(0) -2 -2 2 2(2)2- 3(2) -2 0
meaningless

B.
1. _2(3) – 3(-2)__ __6 + 6__ 12_ ½
6(4) 24 24

2. _7(-2) + 7(4) _-14 + 28_ _14_ -_7_

– 7(3) + 1 -21 + 1 -20 10

3. 9(3) – 5(-2)2 27 – 5(4) 27 – 20 _7_

8(4) 32 32 32

4. _ 3(-2)2___ __3(4)___ 12__ 12 -3

3(-2)2 – (4)2 3(4) – 16 12 – 16 -4

5. _[3(3)(-2)2] 2 __(36)2_ 1296 -81

2(4) + 3(-2)3 8 + 3(-8) –16

6. (3) 2 – 9 9–9 _0 0
6(4) 24 24

7. _ 3(-2)(4) + 1 __-24 + 1__ - 23 meaningless

(3)2 – 7(3) +12 9 – 21 + 12 0

8. _– 2(3)(-2)2(4)3 _ _–6(4)(64)_ –1 536 384

2(4) + 4 – (4)2 8 + 4 – 16 –4

9. __2(3)(-2) + (4)2 –12 + 16_ 4 1

(3)2 + 3(3) – 10 9 + 9 –10 8 2

10. _ _ 3(-2)3 – 7 ___ _ ___3(-8) – 7__ –24 – 7 – 31 -1_5_

21
 2(4)2 – 3(4) – (3)(-2) 2(16) – 12 + 6 26 26 26

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

2. -4x + 12 = 0 7. x2 – 4x + 3 = 0
-4x = -12 ( x – 3)(x – 1) = 0
x=3 x = 3; x = 1

3. 8x3 – 1 = 0 8. - x2 + 25 = 0
8x3 = 1 - x2 = – 25
3
8x 3 = 3 1 x2 = 25
2x = 1 x=5
1
x= Not an integer x = – 5 not a positive integer
2

4. 3x2 – 12 = 0 9. x2 + 18x + 81 = 0
3x2 = 12 (x + 9)(x + 9) = 0
x2 = 4 x = – 9 not a positive integer
x=2
x = – 2 not a positive integer

5. 3x + 9 = 0 10. 2x3 – 3x2 – 2x = 0

3x = – 9 x(2x2 – 3x – 2) = 0
x = – 3 not a positive integer x (2x + 1)(x – 2)=0
x=0;x=2
x = – ½ 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. 6(2 – m)3 – 12(2 – m)5 = 6(2 – m)3 [ 1 – 2(2 – m)2]
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]
3. 5(3n + 4)2 + 15(3n + 4)3 + 25(3n + 4)4 = 5(3n + 4)2 [ 1+ 3(3n + 4) + 5(3n + 4)2]
4. 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]
5. –18(2x2 – 5y)10 + 72(2x2 – 5y)4 – 9(2x2 – 5y)8
= –9(2x2 – 5y)4 [ 2(2x2 – 5y)6 – 8 + (2x2 – 5y)4]

22
C.
1. 2ax + 6xc + ba + 3bc = (2ax + 6xc) + (ba + 3bc)
= 2x(a + 3c) + b(a + 3c)
= (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. 100x2 – 90x + 20 = (10x – 4)(10x – 5)
2. 6x3 + 12x2 – 90x = x (6x2 + 12x – 90) = x (3x – 9)(2x + 10)
3. –3x4 – 6x3 + 72x2 = –3x2 (x2 + 2x2 – 24) = –3x2 (x + 6)(x – 4)
4. 13y3 + 39y2 – 52y = 13y(y2 + 3y – 4) = 13y (y + 4)(y – 1)
5. –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(2k) 2k 6. _3y2 – 3y 3y ( y – 1) 3y

6k 6k 2(y – 1) 2 (y – 1) 2

23
2. 12a2b5 _ _12a2b2(b3)_ b3 7. _9p + 12 _ 3(3p + 4) 3
–48a3b2 2a2b2 (–4a) -4a 21p + 28 7(3p + 4) 7

3. 6(b + 5)_ 1 8. _k2 – t2_ ( k+ t)( k – t) k–t

18(b + 5) 3 k+t ( k + t)

4. _12x2 – 9 3 (4x2 – 3) 4x2 – 3 9. _11s – 22s2 11s(1 – 2s)_ 11s

3 3 6 –12s 6(1 – 2s) 6

5. _2m – 6 2(m – 3) 2 10. _ x + 5 _ x + 5___ 1__

5m – 15 5(m – 3) 5 x2 + 3x – 10 (x – 2)(x + 5) x–2

B. Write each expression in lowest terms.

1. _4a2 – b2 (2a + b)(2a – b) 2a – b

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

2. _m2 – 4m + 4 (m – 2)(m – 2) m–2

m2 + m – 6 (m – 2)(m + 3) m+3

3. a2 – a – 6_ (a – 3)(a + 2) a+2
a2 + a – 12 (a – 3)(a + 4) a+4

4. _x2_+ 3x – 4 (x + 4)(x – 1) x+4

x2 – 1 (x + 1)(x – 1) x+1

5. _8n 2 + 6n – 9_ (4n – 3)(2n + 3) 2n + 3

16n2 – 9 (4n – 3)(4n + 3) 4n + 3

6. _p2 – q2 (p +q)(p – q) –(p + q) = – p – q

q–p –1(p – q)

7. _ b2 – 4b_ b(b – 4) b(b – 4) –1

4b - b2 b(4 – b) –b(b – 4)

8. _w2 – 2w – 15 (w – 5)(w + 3) w–5

w2 + 7w + 12 (w + 4)(w + 3) w+4

9. _c2 + c – 30 (c + 6)(c – 5) c+6

c2 – 6c + 5 (c – 1)(c – 5) c–1

10. _d4 – r4 (d2 – r2)(d2 + r2) (d – r)(d + r)(d2 + r2) (d – r)(d2 + r2)
d+r d+r d+r

C. Simplify the following rational expressions and express your answer in lowest terms.

24
1. _4a2 – 20a 4a(a – 5)__ 4a__
a2 – 4a – 5 (a – 5)(a + 1) a+1

2. _ m2 – 4___ (m – 2)(m + 2) m–2

m2 + 4m + 4 (m + 2)(m + 2) m+2

3. 12 – 7x + x2 (– 4 + x)( –3 + x) (– 3 + x) –1 Take note (–3 + x) = (x + 3)

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

4. _ n2_– p2 _ (n + p)(n – p) n+p Take note – (n + p) n+p

p–n – (n – p) –1

5. _r 2 – r – 20 (r – 5)(r + 4) r+4
r2 + r – 30 (r – 5)(r + 6) r+6

6. _g3 + c3 _ (g + c)(g2 – cg + c2) (g2 – cg + c2)

g2 – c2 (g + c) (g – c) g–c

7. _ a2 + ac – ab – bc a(a + c) – b(a + c) (a – b)(a + c) a+c

a2 – b 2 (a – b)(a + b) (a – b)(a + b) a+b

8. _m2 – mp + mn – np _m (m – p) + n(m – p) (m + n)(m – p) m–p

m2 + 2mn + n2 (m + n)(m + n) (m + n)(m + n) m+n

9. _xy – yw + xz – zw y(x – w) + z(x – w) (y + z)(x – w) x–w

xy + yw + zx + zw y(x + w) + z(x + w) (y + z)(x + w) x+w

10. ac + ad – bc – bd a(c + d) – b(c + d) (a – b)(c + d) c+d

ab + ac – b2 – bc a(b + c) – b(b + c) (a – b)(b + c) 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 Є R a  –3; –4}

3. m2 – m – 12 = 0
(m – 4)(m + 3) = 0
m = -3; 4

4. x2 – 2x – 24 = 0

25
 (x – 6)(x + 4) = 0
x = 6; – 4 Domain = { x Є R x  6; –4}

5. 4x2 – 64 = 0
4x2 = 64
x = 4; – 4

6. 2(-3)2 – 5(-3) + 3 _2(9) +15 + 3_ 36 _9_

3(-3)2 – 5(-3) + 2 3(9) + 15 + 2 44 11

7. 7(-2)2(-1)3 _ 7(4)(-1) –28 13

–3(-2)2 + 4(-1) –12 – 4 –16 4

8. _ - m7n4p8 _ __n2p2_
-18m12n2p6 18m5

9. _y4 – 13y2 + 36_ _(y2 – 9)(y2 – 4) _(y – 3)(y + 3) (y + 2) (y – 2) (y – 3)(y – 2)

y2 + 5y + 6 (y + 2)(y + 3) (y + 3) (y + 2)

10. _x4 – 16 _ _(x2 + 4)(x2 – 4) _ x2 + 4____

x4– 8x2 + 16 (x2 – 4)(x2 – 4) (x – 2)(x + 2)

26