Ch6 Print Version

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations
Sections 6.1 - 6.4 - Print Copies
Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 1 / 53

SECTION 6.1 - Section Goals
1 Determining non-permissible values for a rational expression.
2 Simplifying a rational expression.
3 Modelling a situation using a rational expression.

This unit will focus on rational expressions; i.e. fractions.
Important fact: Whenever you use a rational expression, you must
identify any values that must be excluded or are considered
non-permissible values. These are values that make the denominator
equal to zero.
You cannot divide by 0. The denominator of a rational expression

cannot be equal to zero.

Example 1: Determine Non-Permissible Values
For each rational expression, determine all non-permissible values.

5t
a)
4sr 2
3x
b)
x(2x − 3)
2p − 1
c) 2
p − p − 12

Solution: To determine non-permissible values, set the denominator
equal to zero and solve.
5t
a)
4sr 2
5t
=⇒ 4sr 2 = 0 =⇒ 4s = 0 or r 2 = 0. The rational expression is
4sr 2
defined for all real numbers except s = 0 and r = 0. We write this as:
5t
, r 6= 0, s 6= 0.
4sr 2
3x
b)
x(2x − 3)
3
=⇒ x(2x − 3) = 0 =⇒ x = 0 or 2x − 3 = 0 =⇒ x = 0 or x =
2
3
The non-permissible values are 0 and .
2
2p − 1
c) 2
p − p − 12
=⇒ p 2 − p − 12 = 0 =⇒ (p − 4)(p + 3) = 0 =⇒ p = 4 or p = −3.
The non-permissible values are 4 and −3.

Practice 1: Determine the non-permissible value(s) for each rational
expression. [See Video 6.1]
4a
a)
3bc
x −1
b)
(x + 2)(x − 3)
2y 2
c) 2
y −4

Simplifying Rational Expressions
Our end goal will be to solve equations involving rational expressions. To
get there, we have to first focus on how to simplify rational expressions.
To simplify a rational expression, divide both the numberator and
denominator by any factors that are common to the numerator and the
denominator.
For example:

Example 2: Simplify a Rational Expression
Simplify each rational expression. State the non-permissible values.

3x − 6
a)
2x 2
+ x − 10
1−t
b) 2
t −1

Solution:
3x − 6
a)
2x 2+ x − 10
The strategy is to factor both the numerator and the denominator.
Consider the factors of the denominator to find the non-permissible
values before simplifying the expression.
3x − 6 3(x − 2)
= (1)
2x 2 + x − 10 (x − 2)(2x + 5)
3
(x−2)
= (2)
(x
−2)(2x + 5)

3 5
= , x 6= 2, − (3)
2x + 5 2
You must identify the non-permissible values at (1). This is
because after step 1, the factor (x − 2) cancels out. But clearly x = 2
is a non-permissible value (plug it into the original and you have zero
as the denominator).
Solution continued:
1−t
b) 2
t −1
First we factor the denominator. Then we will try to rewrite the
numerator so that a term factors. In this case, we will factor −1 form
the numerator.
1−t 1−t
=
t2 − 1 (t − 1)(t + 1)
−1(t − 1)
=
(t − 1)(t + 1)
−1
(t − 1)

=
−
(t 1)(t
+ 1)
−1
= , t 6= ±1
t +1
Once again, the denominator at step 1 determined the non-permissible
values.
Practice 2: Simplify each rational expression. What are the
non-permissible values? [See Video 6.1]
2y 2 + y − 10
a) 2
y + 3y − 10
6 − 2m
b) 2
m −9

Example 3: Rational Expressions With Pairs of
Non-Permissible Values
16x 2 − 9y 2
Consider the expression .
8x − 6y
a) What expression represents the non-permissible values for x?
b) Simplify the rational expression.
c) Evalue the expression for x = 2.6 and y = 1.2. Show two ways to
determine the answer.

Solutions:
16x 2 − 9y 2
a)
8x − 6y
6y 3y
Set 8x − 6y = 0 =⇒ x = or .
8 4
3y
If x = , then the denominator will be zero and the expression will be
4
3y
undefined. Therefore, x = makes up the non-permissible values or
4
x.
b)
16x 2 − 9y 2 (4x − 3y )
=
8x − 6y (4x + 3y )
−

(4x 3y )

=
2(4x + 3y )
4x + 3y 3y
= , x 6=
2 4
c) First, we check that the values x = 2.6 and y = 1.2 are permissible.
8(2.6) − 6(1.2) 6= 0 =⇒ the values are permissible.
Now we simplify the values either into the original expression or the
simplified expression. Both are acceptable. I’ll plug them into the
simplified expression.
4x + 3y 4(2.6) + 3(1.2)
=
2 2
14
=
2
=7

16x 2 − 9y 2
Practice 3: Use the rational expression to help answer the
8x − 6y
following. [See Video 6.1]
a) What is the non-permissible value for y if x = 3?
b) Evaluate the expression for x = 1.5 and y = 2.8.
Complete Section 6.1 Practice Problems

1 Comparing operations on rational expressions to the same operations
on rational numbers.
2 Identifying non-permissibly values when performing operations on

rational expressions.
3 Determining the product or quotient of rational expressions in

simplest form.

Multiplying Rational Expressions
Multiplying rational expressions (includes variables) will follow the same
rules as multiplying rational numbers. You multiply across - numerators
to numerators, denominators to denominators.
Numbers Example Variables Example

2 2
(4x 2 )(y 2 )

5 4 (5)(4) 4x y
= = (4)
8 15 (8)(15) 3xy 8x (3xy )(8x)
20 4x 2 y 2
= = (5)
120 24x 2 y
1 y
= = , x 6= 0, y 6= 0 (6)
6 6
Look at the denominator in Step 2 (or 1) to determine the non-permissible
values.

Example 1: Multiply Rational Expressions
Multiply. Write your answer in simplest form. Identify all

non-permissible values.
2 2
a − a − 12 a − 4a + 3
a2 − 9 a2 − 4a

Solution: It’s imperative that you first factor each numerator and
denominator. If you don’t, you’ll be left with cubic, quartic, or higher
order polynomials that you don’t yet have the tools to factor.
2 2
a − a − 12 a − 4a + 3 (a − 4)(a + 3) (a − 3)(a − 1)
= (1)
a2 − 9 a2 − 4a (a − 3)(a + 3) a(a − 4)
(a − 3)(a + 3)(a − 3)(a − 1)
= (2)
(a − 3)(a + 3)(a)(a − 4)
(a −(a
3) + −
(a
3) − 1)
3)(a
= (3)

(a
−3)
(a
+ 3)(a)
(a− 4)

a−1
= (4)
a
Take a look at step (2). Here the denominator is fully factored; therefore,
we can easily determine the non-permissible values through inspection.
a 6= 3, a 6= −3, a 6= 0, and a 6= 4.

Practice 1: Express each product in simplest form. What are the
non-permissible values? [See Video 6.2]

d 2πrh
a)
2πr d −2
2 2
y −9 r −r
b)
r3 − r y +3

Dividing Rational Expressions
Dividing rational expressions follows similar procedures to those for
dividing rational numbers. The strategy is to multiply by the reciprocal.
See both the numbers and variable(s) examples below:
Numbers Example Variables Example
5 1 5 6 3x 2 x 3x 2 y
÷ = × ÷ = × (1)
3 6 3 1 y2 y y2 x
30 2
= 3x
3 = (2)
xy
= 10
3x
= , x 6= 0, y 6= 0 (3)
y

Example 2: Divide Rational Expressions
Determine the quotient in simplest form. Identify all non-permissible

values.
x2 − 4 x2 + x − 6
÷
x 2 − 4x x 2 + x − 20

Solution: Once again, factor both numberator(s) and denominator(s)
before multiplying by the reciprocal.
x2 − 4 x2 + x − 6
÷
x 2 − 4x x 2 + x − 20
(x + 2)(x − 2) (x + 3)(x − 2)
= ÷
x(x − 4) (x + 5)(x − 4)
(x + 2)(x − 2) (x + 5)(x − 4)
= ×
x(x − 4) (x + 3)(x − 2)
(x + 2)
(x− 2)(x + 5)
−4)
(x
=
x
(x−4)(x
+ 3)(x
− 2)

(x + 2)(x + 5)
= , x 6= −5, −3, 0, 2, 4
x(x + 3)
The non-permissible values for x are −5, −3, 0, 2, and 4.

Practice 2: Simplify. What are the non-permissible values?
[See Video 6.2]
c 2 − 6c − 7 c 2 + 8c + 7
÷
c 2 − 49 c 2 + 7c

Example 3: Multiply and Divide Rational Expressions
Simplfy. What are the non-permissible values?

3x + 12 12 2x − 6
2
÷ ×
3x − 5x − 12 3x + 4 x +4

Solution:
2m2 − 7m − 15 4m2 − 9
÷ × (3 − 2m)
2m2 − 10m 6
(2m + 3)(m − 5) (2m − 3)(2m + 3)
= ÷ × (3 − 2m) (1)
2m(m − 5) 6
(2m + 3)(m − 5) 6
= × × (3 − 2m) (2)
2m(m − 5) (2m − 3)(2m + 3)
(2m + (m−5)(6)(3
3) − 2m)

= (3)
2m(m− 5)(2m − 3) (2m +3)

(6)(3 − 2m)
= We can still reduce. Take out a 2 and a -1. (4)
(2m)(2m − 3)
(2)(3)(−1) (2m −3)

= (5)
(2m)
(2m −
3)

3 3 3
= − , m 6= − , 0, 5, (6)
m 2 2
Note: Take a look at Step (3) to determine the non-permissible values.
Practice 3: Simplify. Identify all non-permissible values. [See Video 6.2]
3x + 12 12 2x − 6
÷ ×
3x 2− 5x − 12 3x + 4 x +4

1 Connecting addition and subtraction of rational expressions.
2 Identifying non-permissible values when adding and subtracting

rational expressions.
3 Determining, in simplified form, the sum or difference of rational

expressions with the same denominators or with different
denominators.

Case 1: Denominators Are the Same
If two rational expressions have a common denominator, add or subtract
the numerators and write the answer as a rational expression with the new
numerator over the common denominator and simplify.
Example:
x −2 2x (x − 2) + (2x)
+ =
2(x + 1) 2(x + 1) 2(x + 1)
3x − 2
=
2(x + 1)

Case 2: Denominators Are Different
To add or subtract fractions when the denominators are different, you
must write equivalent fractions with the same denominator.
Example:
10 3 10 3
− = −
3x − 12 x − 4 3(x − 4) x − 4
10 3(3)
= −
3(x − 4) (x − 4)(3)
10 − 9
=
3(x − 4)
1
= , x 6= 4
3(x − 4)

Lowest Common Denominator
The real difficulty in Case 2 is finding a common denominator. While any
equivalent common denominator will work, it is usually easier to use the
lowest common denominator (LCD).
Steps for Finding the LCD:
1 Factor each denominator.
2 Write each factor multiplied by each other. If a factor appears once in
either or both denominators, include it only once. If a factor appears
twice in any denominator, include it twice and so on.
3 4
Example: What is the LCD for 2 + 2 ?
x − 9 x − 6x + 9
3 4
Step 1: +
(x − 3)(x + 3) (x − 3)(x − 3)
Step 2: The LCD is (x + 3)(x − 3)(x − 3)

Example 1: Add or Subtract Rational Expressions With
Common Denominators
Determine each sum or difference. Express each answer in simplest

form. Identify all non-permissible values.
2a a − 1
a) −
b b
2x 8
b) +
x +4 x +4
x2 3x 10
c) + −
x −2 x −2 x −2

Solutions:
a)
2a a − 1 2a − (a − 1)
− =
b b b
2a − x + 1
=
b
a+1
= , b 6= 0
b
b)
2x 8 2x + 8
+ =
x +4 x +4 x +4
2(x+ 4)
=
x +4

= 2, x 6= −4

c)
x2 3x 10 x 2 + 3x − 10
+ − =
x −2 x −2 x −2 x −2
x − 2)(x + 5)
(
x−
2
x + 5, x 6= 2
We’ll now move onto adding and subtracting rational expressions with
different denominators. Remember, find the LCD first!

Practice 1: Determine each sum or difference. Express each answer in
simplest form. Identify all non-permissible values. [See Video 6.3]
m m+1
a) −
n n
10m − 1 8 − 2m
b) −
4m − 3 4m − 3
2
2x − x 3 − 6x 8
c) + −
(x − 3)(x + 1) (x − 3)(x + 1) (x − 3)(x + 1)

Example 2: Add or Subtract Rational Expressions With Unlike
Denominators
Simplify. Express your answer in simplest form.

2x 4
a) + 2 − 3, x 6= 0, y 6= 0
xy x
2
y − 20 y − 2
b) + , y 6= ±2
y4 y +2
1
1+
c) x , x 6= 0, x 6= ±1
1
x−
x

Solutions:
a) The LCD is x 2 y . Each term must have this LCD as its denominator.
Therefore, you must multiply both numberator and denominators by
the factors that will give them this LCD.
2x 4 2x(x) 4(y ) 3(x 2 y )

+ 2 −3= + 2 −
xy x xy (x) x (y ) x 2y
2x 2 4y 3x 2 y
= 2 + 2 − 2
x y x y x y
2
2x + 4y − 3x y 2
=
x 2y
2x 4
= + 2 − 3, x 6= 0, y 6= 0
xy x

b) This question will have many steps. Follow them carefully - the idea is
to factor, find the LCD, and simplify.
y 2 − 20 y − 2 y 2 − 20 (y − 2)
2
+ = +
y −4 y +2 (y − 2)(y + 2) (y + 2)
y 2 − 20 (y − 2)(y − 2)
= +
(y − 2)(y + 2) (y + 2)(y − 2)
y 2 − 20 + (y 2 − 4y + 4)
=
(y − 2)(y + 2)
y − 20 + y 2 − 4y + 4
2
=
(y − 2)(y + 2)
2
2y − 4y − 16
=
(y − 2)(y + 2)
2(y − 4)( y+ 2)
=
(y − 2)( y+ 2)

2(y − 4)
= , y 6= ±2
y −2
c) Here, I’m going to rewrite the terms first. When dividing fractions, I
prefer to multiply by the reciprocal. Then we factor and simplify.
1 x +1
1+
x = x
1 x 2−1
x−
x x
x + 1 x2 − 1
= ÷
x x
x +1
= 2
x −1
x+
1
=
(x − 1)( x+ 1)
1
= , x 6= 0, ±1
x −1

Practice 2: Simplify. What are the non-permissible values?
[See Video 6.3]
4 3
a) 2 +
p −1 p+1
x −1 x −2
b) 2 − 2
x + x − 6 x + 4x + 3
4
2−
y
c)
4
y−
y

1 Identifying non-permissible values in a rational equation.
2 Determining the solution to a rational equation algebraically.
3 Solving problems using a rational equation.

Solving Rational Equations
A rational equation is an equation containing at least one rational
expression. These types of equations turn up very often in both pure and
applied mathematics.
To solve a rational equation the goal is to elimate the denominator:
factor each denominator
identify the non-permissible values
multiply both sides of the equation by the lowest common

denominator (LCD)
solve by isolating the variable on one side of the equation
check your answer

Example 1: Solve a Rational Equation
Solve the following equation. What values are non-permissible?

2 10 1
2
+ =
z − 4 6z + 12 z −2

Solution: First, we factor each denominator.
2 10 1 2 10 1
2
+ = =⇒ + =
z − 4 6z + 12 z −2 (z − 2)(z + 2) 6(z + 2) z −2
From the factors, the non-permissible values are +2 and −2. We now
multiply both sides by the LCD. Here, the LCD = (6)(z − 2)(z + 2)

2 10 1
(6)(z − 2)(z + 2) + = (6)(z − 2)(z + 2)
(z − 2)(z + 2) 6(z + 2) z −2

2 10
z−
(6)( 2)(z+2) + ( 6 )(z − 2)(z
+
2)
z−

( 2)(
z+
2) 6(
z+ 2)

1
= (6)( z − 2)(z + 2)

z−
2
(6)(2) + (z − 2)(10) = (6)(z + 2)

12 + 10z − 20 = 6z + 12
4z = 20
z =5
Note: As with the solution to any equation, it is important to check your
solution by plugging it back into the original equation.
2 10 1
+ =
(5)2 − 4 6(5) (5) − 2
2 10 1
+ =
21 42 3
7 1
=
21 3
1 1
= X
3 3
The non-permissible values are −2 and 2. Since 5 is not one of the
non-permissible values, the solution is z = 5.

Practice 1: Solve the equation. What are the non-permissible values?
[See Video 6.4]
9 4 18
− = 2
y −3 y −6 y − 9y + 18

Example 2: Solve a Rational Equation With an Extraneous
Root
Solve the equation. What are the non-permissible values?

4k − 1 k + 1 k 2 − 4k + 24
− =
k +2 k −2 k2 − 4

Solution: This may look scary! Go step-by-step and you will be fine!
4k − 1 k + 1 k 2 − 4k + 24 4k − 1 k + 1 k 2 − 4k + 24
− = =⇒ − =
k +2 k −2 k2 − 4 k +2 k −2 (k − 2)(k + 2)
The non-permissible values are 2 and −2. The LCD = (k − 2)(k + 2). We
now multiply each term by the LCD.

4k − 1 k + 1
(k − 2)(
k+ 2)
− (
k− 2)(k + 2)

k+
2
k−
2
2
k − 4k + 24
k − 2)(
= ( k + 2)

k−
( 2)(
k+ 2)
(k − 2)(4k − 1) − (k + 2)(k + 1) = k 2 − 4k + 24
4k 2 − 9k + 2 − (k 2 + 3k + 2) = k 2 − 4k + 24
4k 2 − 9k + 2 − k 2 − 3k − 2 = k 2 − 4k + 24
2k 2 − 8k − 24 = 0 =⇒ 2(k 2 − 4k − 12) = 0
2(k − 6)(k + 2) = 0 =⇒ (k − 6)(k + 2) = 0
=⇒ k = 6, k = −2
Recall: The non-permissible values are 2 and −2; therefore, we
immediately reject k = −2 as a solution.
We must check k = 6 as a solution.
4(6) − 1 (6) + 1 (6)2 − 4(6) + 24
− =
(6) + 2 (6) − 2 (6)2 − 4
23 7 36
− =
8 4 32
9 9
= X
8 8

Practice 2: Solve. What are the non-permissible values? [See Video 6.4]
3x 5 −25
− = 2
x +2 x −3 x −x −6

Example 3: Use a Rational Equation to Solve a Problem
Two friends share a paper route. Sheena can deliver the papers in 40
min. Jeff can cover the same route in 50 min. How long, to the
nearest minute, does the paper route take if they work together?

Solution: Make a table to organize the information.
From the table, the equation for Sheena and Jeff to complete the work
t t
together is + = 1. Note: The LCD = 200.
40 50

t t
200 + 200 = 200(1)
40 50
5t + 4t = 200
9t = 200
200
t= ≈ 22.2 min
9
Be sure to always check the solution!
Practice 3: Stella takes 4 h to paint a room. It takes Jose 3 h to paint
the same area. How long will the paint job take if they work together?
[See Video 6.4]


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Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations

Sections 6.1 - 6.4 - Print Copies

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 1 / 53

2 Simplifying a rational expression.

3 Modelling a situation using a rational expression.

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 2 / 53

You cannot divide by 0. The denominator of a rational expression

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 3 / 53

For each rational expression, determine all non-permissible values.

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 4 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 5 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 6 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 7 / 53

Simplify each rational expression. State the non-permissible values.

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 8 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 11 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 12 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 14 / 53

Complete Section 6.1 Practice Problems

2 Identifying non-permissibly values when performing operations on

3 Determining the product or quotient of rational expressions in

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 16 / 53

Numbers Example Variables Example

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 17 / 53

Multiply. Write your answer in simplest form. Identify all

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 18 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 19 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 20 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 21 / 53

Determine the quotient in simplest form. Identify all non-permissible

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 22 / 53

The non-permissible values for x are −5, −3, 0, 2, and 4.

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 23 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 24 / 53

Simplfy. What are the non-permissible values?

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 25 / 53

Complete Section 6.2 Practice Problems

2 Identifying non-permissible values when adding and subtracting

3 Determining, in simplified form, the sum or difference of rational

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 28 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 29 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 30 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 31 / 53

Determine each sum or difference. Express each answer in simplest

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 32 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 33 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 34 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 35 / 53

Simplify. Express your answer in simplest form.

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 36 / 53

2x 4 2x(x) 4(y ) 3(x 2 y )

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 37 / 53

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 39 / 53

Complete Section 6.3 Practice Problems

2 Determining the solution to a rational equation algebraically.

3 Solving problems using a rational equation.

Chapter 6 - Rational Expressions & Equations 41 / 53

identify the non-permissible values

multiply both sides of the equation by the lowest common

solve by isolating the variable on one side of the equation