PROJECT MIMs Grade 8

G8 MIMs # 9 – WEEK 3 – 1st QUARTER

RATIONAL ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSION
LEARNING COMPETENCY: Illustrate rational algebraic expressions

OBJECTIVES:
Define rational algebraic expressions.
Illustrate rational algebraic expressions.
Determine the non - permissible value/values of the denominator of a rational expression

Rational algebraic expression is an expression which can be expressed as ratio/

quotient of two polynomials, provided that the denominator is not equal to 0. It can be
P
written in the form , where P and Q are polynomials and Q ≠ 0.
Q
Examples of rational algebraic expression:
2 x +4
if x ≠6
x−6
1
if x ≠ 0
x3
2 x+1 5
if x ≠
3 x −5 3

How can we determine if the given expression is NOT rational algebraic expression?
2
1. It has a fractional exponent a
3
2. It has a square √ a or the exponent is a fraction.
Non-permissible values- values of a variable that makes the denominator of a rational
expressions equal 0.
To determine the non- permissible value/values, equate the denominator to zero if it is
factorable, find the factor and solve for the value/values.
Examples:
2
1. ,x ≠0
x

x+ 4
2. , x ≠ 4 , since x−4 ≠ 0 , x ≠ 4
x−4

y +1 3 3
3. , y ≠ , since 2 y −3≠ 0 , 2 y ≠ 3 , y ≠
2 y −3 2 2

5
4. 2
, x ≠0 , x ≠ 2 since 3 x 2−6 x ≠ 0
3 x −6 x
 PROJECT MIMs Grade 8

By factoring 3 x ( x−2 ) ≠ 0
Equating to 0 3 x≠0, x−2 ≠ 0
Solving for x x≠0 x≠2

10
5. 2
, a ≠3 ,a ≠−2
a −a−6
By factoring ( a−3 ) (a+ 2) ≠ 0

Equating to 0 a−3 ≠ 0 , a+ 2≠ 0
Solving for x a≠3 a ≠−2

Determine if the given expression is rational algebraic expression or NOT. Write your
answer on a separate sheet of paper. Show your complete solution.

1. 6 x 3 6. m−1 n 5
1 1
2. 7.
8 x y−6 x
1 2
3. −2 8. 4 m 2 n 5
7 x +4
2
4. √2 x 9.
x
2m
5. 7 xy 10. −5
3
n
Determine the non-permissible value/values in the following rational expressions
1 6 x−2
1. 6.
b 4 x 2 +10

4 a+10
2. 7. 2
2a a +2 a+12

a+3 2 x −5
3. 8. 2
a−5 x +2 x−35

x+6 a−3
4. 9. 2
x+7 b −3 a−40

6 m+5 2 a−5
5. 10.
n2−25 2 a2−a−6

Reinforcement
Choose the letter of the correct answer. Then write it on a separate sheet of paper.
 PROJECT MIMs Grade 8

1. It is the ratio of two polynomials provided that the denominator is not equal to 0.
A. Expression C. Rational algebraic expression

B. Polynomials D. Algebraic expression

2. Which of the following is a rational algebraic expression?

4 v−2 1
A. C. −7
√v 7x 3

3a √3
B. D. 2
4b x −9
3. Which of the following is NOT a rational expression?
4 x +2
A. 48x C.
6

√x x 2 +3 x+ 2
B. D.
6 x2 −5 x−4
3 x +5
4. In the expression , x must not be equal ¿ ?
4 x−3
4 3
A. C.
3 4
−4 −3
B. . D.
3 4
5. Which of the following rational expression makes the denominator equal zero if
a=3 ?
1 3a
A. 2 . C.
a −3 a2 +9
2 3a
B. 2 D.
a +3 a2−9

CHALLENGE

Determine the non- permissible value/values of the denominator of a rational algebraic

expression. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper. Show your complete
solution.
PROJECT MIMs Grade 8

x 2−16 2 x 2−7 x−15

1. 2.
x2 +8 x +16 2 x 2−11 x−15