CHAPTER 2
Rational Expressions
Definition 2.0.10. A rational expression is an expression that can be written in the form
P
where P and Q are polynomials, Q 6= 0.
Q
2.1 Simplifying Rational Expressions
A rational expression is said to be in its simplest form if the greatest common factor of the
numerator and the denominator is 1.
To simplify a rational expression
1. Find the greatest common factor between the numerator and the denominator.
2. Factor out the GCF from the numerator and from the denominator.
3. Divide the common factor/s in the fraction to get the simplified form of the expression.
Example 2.1.1. Reduce the following fractions into its simplest form.
24ab (2b)(12a) 12a x2 − y 2 (x + y)(x − y)
1. = = 2. 2 2
= =
14bc (2b)(7c) 7c x + 2xy + y (x + y)(x + y)
(x − y)
(x + y)
Remark 2.1.2. Note that
a −a a −a
(i) = =− =−
b −b −b b
a −a a −a
(ii) − = − = =
b −b −b b
2.2 Operations on Rational Expressions
The operations on rational expressions can be done using the same methods applied on
rational numbers or fractions.
1. Addition (Subtraction) of Rational Expressions
Case 1: Similar Rational Expressions
Add (Subtract) their numerators to get the resulting numerator and copy the
common denominator.
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Case 2: Dissimilar Rational Expressions
Convert the given expressions into similar fractions before performing the indi-
cated operation.
2. Multiplication of Rational Expressions
The product of two rational expressions is a rational expression whose numerator is
the product of the numerators of the given expressions and whose denominator is the
product of the denominators of the given expressions.
3. Division of Rational Expressions
Dividing rational expressions is the same as multiplying the dividend by the reciprocal
of the divisor.
N D
Recall that the reciprocal of a rational expression is .
D N
Example 2.2.1. Perform the indicated operations and simplify the final answer.
m 2m − 10 m − (2m − 10) m + (−2m + 10) −m + 10 10 − m
1. − = = = =
5 5 5 5 5 5
2
5x2 (x2 − 4)(x − 2) (5x2 )(3x)
x −4
2. + = +
3x x−2 (3x)(x − 2) (3x)(x − 2)
(x2 − 4)(x − 2) + (5x2 )(3x)
=
(3x)(x − 2)
(x )(x) + (x2 )(−2) + (−4)(x) + (−4)(−2) + (5x2 )(3x)
2
=
(3x)(x − 2)
x − 2x − 4x + 8 + 15x3
3 2
=
(3x)(x − 2)
16x − 2x2 − 4x + 8
3
=
(3x)(x − 2)
12ck 2
2
12ck 2 (12ck 2 )(13) 156ck 2 (12ck 2 )(13)
6c k 13
3. ÷ = × = = = =
4k 13 4k 6c2 k (4k)(6c2 k) 24c2 k 2 (12ck 2 )(2c)
13
2c
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(x + 1) 6(x + 1) (x + 1)(6)(x + 1)
4. × =
(x − 1)(x + 2) 5(x − 1) (x − 1)(x + 2)(5)(x − 1)
(6)(x2 + 2x + 1)
=
(5)(x + 2)(x2 − 2x + 1)
6x2 + 12x + 6
=
(5x + 10)(x2 − 2x + 1)
6x2 + 12x + 6
=
5x3 − 10x2 + 5x + 10x2 − 20x + 10
6x2 + 12x + 6
=
5x3 − 15x + 10
2.3 Complex Fractions
Definition 2.3.1. A complex fraction is a fraction which has a fraction in its numerator
or in its denominator or in both.
To simplify a complex fraction, perform all the indicated operations in both the numerator
and in the denominator.
Example 2.3.2. Simplify the following complex fractions.
y 2 − x2
x2
y− 2
y − x2
2
y − x2
2
y − x2
y y x x
1. 2 = 2 2 = ÷ = × 2 =
y y −x y x y y −x 2 y
−x
x x
k k k
2. = =
1 1 1
1− 1− 1−
1
(k − 1) + 1 k
1+
k−1 k−1 k−1
k k k
= = =
k k−1 k−1
1− 1÷ 1− 1× 1−
k−1 k k
k k k 1
= = = =k÷ = k · k = k2
k − (k − 1) k−k+1 1 k
k k k
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2.4 Integral Exponents Leading to Complex Fractions
Definition 2.4.1. For any positive integer n and for any nonzero real number x, y
1 −n
1. x0 = 1 2. x−n = n x y n
x 3. =
y x
Note: Algebraic expressions involving integral exponents leads to complex fractions.
Example 2.4.2. Simplify the following expressions.
c4
0 −2 4 1
1. a b c = (1) 2 (c4 ) = 2
b b
−3 −5 2 5
n2·5 n10 n10
m n 10 1
2. = = −3·5 = −15 = =n ÷ = n10 m15
n2 m−3 m m 1 m15
m15
1 1 b+a
−1
a +b −1 +
b+a
1
b+a
a+b
3. = a b = ab = ÷ = =
(a + b)−1 1 1 ab a+b ab 1
(a + b) (a + b)
(a + b)2
ab
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