So this result is valid only for values of p other than 0 and -4. In the original expression p cannot be 0 or -4, because This is done with the fundamental principle.įactor the numerator and denominator to get Just as the fraction 6/8 is written in lowest terms as 3/4, rational expressions may also be written in lowest terms. In the second example above, finding the values of x that make (x + 2)(x + 4) = 0 requires using the property that ab = 0 if and only if a = 0 or b = 0, as follows. 67 5, 8, 9, 10 Test Review Questions: Pg. September 15 Lesson: Add & Subtract Rational Expressions II (Lesson Notes) Homework: Pg. Developmental Math credentials document the basic knowledge of math including measurement, fractions and decimals, ratios and percentages, simple statistics.29. The restrictions on the variable are found by determining the values that make the denominator equal to zero. Simplifying rational expressions and stating restrictions Multiplying & diving rational expressions Adding & subtracting rational expressions Review word problems from test review Mon. For example, x != -2 in the rational expression:īecause replacing x with -2 makes the denominator equal 0. Since fractional expressions involve quotients, it is important to keep track of values of the variable that satisfy the requirement that no denominator be0. The most common fractional expressions are those that are the quotients of two polynomials these are called rational expressions.

An expression that is the quotient of two algebraic expressions (with denominator not 0) is called a fractional expression.

Rational expressions