2. • It is a ratio of two polynomials with
a denominator not equal to zero.
• It is in the form
𝑎
𝑏
, where 𝑏 ≠ 0
What is a Rational Algebraic Expression?
4. 10𝑥−5
𝑥+3
Rational Expression is defined for all r
eal numbers for which the denominato
r is not equal to zero.
This rational expression is
defined for all real numbers
except −3 since it will make the
denominator 𝑥 + 3 equal to zero.
5. 7+𝑥
2𝑥
This rational expression is defined
for all real numbers except 0 since
the denominator 2 0 is equal to
zero.
5
𝑥2−4
𝑥2
− 4 = 0
𝑥2
= 4
𝑥 = ± 4
𝑥 = ±2
The expression is
defined for all real
numbers except 2
and -2.
7. Factor both the numerator and
denominator of the fraction and
then cancel the common factors.
How to simplify Rational Expressions?
18
24
=
6 ∙ 3
6 ∙ 4
=
3
4