SIMPLIFYING RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

An expression of the form f(x)/g(x) where f(x) and g(x) are two polynomials over the set of real numbers and g(x) ≠ 0 is called a rational expression.

Examples :

The following steps will be useful to simplify rational expressions.

Step 1 :

Factor both numerator and denominator, if possible.

Step 2 :

Identify the common factors in both numerator and denominator.

Step 3 :

Remove the common factors found in both numerator and denominator.

The following identities can be used to factor the expressions in numerator and denominator.

(a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2

(a - b)2 = a2 - 2ab + b2

a2 - b2 = (a + b)(a - b)

(a + b)3 = a3 + 3a2b + 3ab2 + b2

(a - b)3 = a3 - 3a2b + 3ab2 - b2

a3 + b3 = (a + b)(a2 - ab + b3)

a3 - b3 = (a - b)(a2 + ab + b3)

Simplify each of the following rational expressions :

Example 1 :

Solution :

Example 2 :

Solution :

Example 3 :

Solution :

Example 4 :

Solution :

Example 5 :

Solution :

Example 6 :

Solution :

Example 7 :

Solution :

Example 8 :

Solution :

Example 9 :

Solution :

Example 10 :

Solution :

Example 11 :

Solution :

Example 12 :

Solution :

Example 13 :

Solution :

Example 14 :

Solution :

Example 15 :

Solution :

Example 16 :

Solution :

Example 17 :

Solution :

Example 18 :

Solution :

Kindly mail your feedback to v4formath@gmail.com

We always appreciate your feedback.

©All rights reserved. onlinemath4all.com

Recent Articles

  1. SAT Math Resources (Videos, Concepts, Worksheets and More)

    Nov 21, 24 06:23 AM

    SAT Math Resources (Videos, Concepts, Worksheets and More)

    Read More

  2. Digital SAT Math Problems and Solutions (Part - 75)

    Nov 21, 24 06:13 AM

    digitalsatmath62.png
    Digital SAT Math Problems and Solutions (Part - 75)

    Read More

  3. Digital SAT Math Problems and Solutions (Part - 74)

    Nov 20, 24 08:12 AM

    digitalsatmath60.png
    Digital SAT Math Problems and Solutions (Part - 74)

    Read More