

From now on, we shall always assume such restrictions when reducing rational expressions. 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.
Rational expressions how to#
The following diagram shows how to simplify rational.

The restrictions on the variable are found by determining the values that make the denominator equal to zero. A rational expression is a fraction in which the numerator and/or the denominator are polynomials. Each worksheet has model problems worked out step by step, practice problems, as well as challenge questions at the sheets end. For example, x != -2 in the rational expression:īecause replacing x with -2 makes the denominator equal 0. Enjoy these free printable sheets focusing on rational expressions, typically covered unit in Algebra 2. 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.
