Surname 1

A rational expression is just like a fraction in which there are polynomials at the

numerator and denominator position. As like in fractions, it is not allowed to divide a number

with zero, so is the case in rational expressions. Consider the following example of a rational

expression.

x 21

x 24

In the above equation, the value of x should not be equal to 2 since it would turn the

denominator equal to zero and the rational expression is left unresolved. To simplify a rational

expression, the similar method is followed as in case of fractions. The expressions are reduced to

smaller numbers by method of cancellation of common terms in the numerator and denominator.

Consider the following example.

( x +2 ) ( x1 ) ( x1 )
=
x ( x +2 ) x

Multiplying a rational expression is also similar to multiplying a fraction. The formula

followed for multiplying a rational expression is given as follows.

a c a . c ab
. = =
b d b . d cd

Similarly, in multiplication of fractions, the numerator of one is multiplied with other

corresponding fractions numerator and vice versa for denominator. Consider the example of

5 2
fraction multiplication. Suppose, the first expression is and second fraction is .
6 3

Multiplying both fractions.

5.6 30
=
6.3 18

Cancelling common terms,

 Surname 2

30 10 5
= =
18 6 3

In case of division, one entire expression is divided by the other expression. For example,

5
6 5 3 15
= =
6 6 6 36
3

Similarly, in case of rational expression, the two are divided in the following manner.

a
d a c ac
= =
b d b bd
c

Addition or subtraction of rational expressions is performed as like adding or subtracting

fractions. Consider the example of a rational expression.

a c ad +bc
+ =
b d b.d

Comparatively, addition in fractions is performed as follows.

5 6 15+36
+ =
6 3 18

51

18

51 17
Cancelling common terms, give the following answer =
18 6

The same rule is applied in case of subtraction sign in the equation.