Rational Expressions and

Equations
General Mathematics
O. Oronce
Lesson Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the students must be
able to:
• distinguish rational function, rational
equation, and rational inequality;
• represent real-life situations using rational
functions; and
• solve rational equations and inequalities.
Rational Expression
A rational expression can be written in the form
A
B
where A and B are polynomials and B ≠ 0.

Examples
7 x2 - x - 6 x 2 + 7x +10
ab x+2 x+5
Simplifying Rational Expression
1. Factor the numerator and denominator.
2. Write a product of two rational expressions,
one factor containing the GCF of the
numerator and denominator, and the other
containing the remaining factors.
3. Rewrite the factor containing the GCF as 1.
4. Multiply the remaining factors by 1.
Example 1
a 2 + 2a
Simplify 2a + 4
.

Solution
a 2 + 2a a ( a + 2)
=
2a + 4 2 ( a + 2)
a
=
2
Adding and Subtracting Rational Expression
with Like Denominators
1. Add (or subtract) the numerators.
2. Retain the common denominator.
3. Simplify the result..

Adding and Subtracting Rational Expression

with Different Denominators
1. Find the least common denominator (LCD).
2. Write the equivalent expression of each rational expression.
3. Add or subtract the numerators and keep the LCD.
4. Simplify the result, if possible..
Example 2A
2a
Find the sum of and 3 .
4b 4b

Solution
2a 3 2a + 3
+ =
4b 4b 4b
Example 2B
8d - 3 4d +12
Add and .
9 9
8d - 3 4d +12 8d - 3+ 4d +12
Solution + =
9 9 9
12d + 9
=
9
3 ( 4d + 3)
=
9
4d + 3
=
3
Multiplying Rational Expression

1. Multiply the numerators and denominators.

2. Write the resulting numerator and denominator in factored
form.
3. Divide out any numerator factor with matching denominator
factor.
4. Simplify, if possible.
Example 3
a 5
5
Multiply and 3 .
10 a

Solution
a5 5 5a 5
× 3=
10 a 10a 3
5a 3 × a 2
=
5a 3 × 2
a2
=
2
Rational Equation

A rational equation is an equation that

contains one or more rational expressions.

Example
1 1 4 x2 1
= x + = -5 =
x 5- x x x +1 x +1
Solving Rational Equation

1. Eliminate the rational expressions in the

equation by multiplying both sides of the
equation by the LCD.
2. Solve the equation.
3. Check your solution.
Example 4A
Solve for x. x 1 x
+ =
5 4 2
Solution
æx 1ö æxö
20 ç + ÷ = 20 ç ÷
è5 4ø è2ø
4x + 5 = 10x
5 = 6x
5
=x
6
Example 4B
Solve for x. 1 3 1
= -
4 x 2
Solution
1 3 1
= -
4 x 2
æ1ö æ3 1ö
4x ç ÷ = 4x ç - ÷
è4ø è x 2ø
x = 12 - 2x
3x = 12
x=4
Example 4C
Solve for x. 4x +1 12
-3= 2
x +1 x -1

Solution 4x +1 12
-3= 2
x +1 x -1
æ 4x +1 ö æ 12 ö
( x +1) ( x -1) çè - 3÷ = ( x +1) ( x -1) çç ÷÷
x +1 ø è ( x +1) ( x -1) ø
( 4x +1) ( x -1) - 3( x +1) ( x -1) = 12
4x 2 - 3x -1- 3x 2 + 3 = 12
x 2 - 3x -10 = 0
( x - 5) ( x + 2) = 0
x=5
x = -2
Exercises
Solve for x.

y 2 1 x +1 5
1. - = 4. =
9 5 3 x-5 3

2. x =15 + x 5. a + 2 = a -1
5 3 3 4

3. x 3x
+ =2
6 5