Rational Expressions and Rational Equations: 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Problem Recognition Exercises

miL2872X_ch06_403-468 9:28:06 16:38pm Page 403 IA CONFIRMING PAGES
6
Rational
Expressions and
Rational Equations
6.1 Rational Expressions and Rational Functions

6.2 Multiplication and Division of Rational Expressions
6.3 Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions
6.4 Complex Fractions
Problem Recognition Exercises—Operations on
Rational Expressions
6.5 Rational Equations
6.6 Applications of Rational Equations and Proportions
In this chapter, we define a rational expression as a ratio of two polynomi-

als. First we focus on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing rational
expressions. Then the chapter concludes with solving rational equa- 1
tions and showing how they are used in applications. 2
As you work through the chapter, pay attention to key terms.

Then work through this crossword puzzle.
3
Across
3. Expression of the form a/b
5. Two triangles in which
corresponding sides are
proportional 4
7. Equation of the form

a/b = c/d
Down
1. Fraction with fractions in
5 6
numerator and denominator
2. Ratio of two polynomials
4. Set of real numbers for
which an expression is
defined
6. Abbreviation for least 7
common denominator
403
miL2872X_ch06_403-468 9/28/06 07:06 AM Page 404 IA CONFIRMING PAGES
404 Chapter 6 Rational Expressions and Rational Equations
Section 6.1 Rational Expressions and Rational Functions
Concepts 1. Evaluating Rational Expressions

1. Evaluating Rational In Chapter 5, we introduced polynomials and polynomial functions. In this chapter,
Expressions polynomials will be used to define rational expressions and rational functions.
2. Domain of a Rational
Expression
3. Simplifying Rational Definition of a Rational Expression
Expressions to Lowest p
An expression is a rational expression if it can be written in the form q, where
Terms p and q are polynomials and q 0.
4. Simplifying Ratios of 1
5. Rational Functions
A rational expression is the ratio of two polynomials. The following expressions
are examples of rational expressions.
5 2y 1 c3 5 a
, , ,
x y 4y 3
2
c4 a 10
Example 1 Evaluating a Rational Expression

Evaluate the expression for the given values of x.
x2
x3
a. 1 b. 2 c. 0 d. 1 e. 3
Solution:
112 2 1 122 2 0 102 2 2
0
112 3 122 3 102 3
a. b. c.
4 5 3
112 2 3 132 2 5

112 3 132 3
d. e. (undefined)
2 0
Skill Practice
1. Evaluate the expression for the given values of y.
3y
y4
a. y 1 b. y 10 c. y 0 d. y 4 e. y 2
2. Domain of a Rational Expression

The domain of an expression is the set of values that when substituted into the
expression produces a real number. Therefore, the domain of a rational expression
must exclude the values that make the denominator zero. For example:
Given x 2 3, the domain is the set of all real numbers, x, excluding x 3. This
can be written in set-builder notation as:
Skill Practice Answers
3 5x 0 x is a real number and x 36
1a. b. 5 c. 0
5
d. Undefined e. 1
Section 6.1 Rational Expressions and Rational Functions 405
Steps to Find the Domain of a Rational Expression

1. Set the denominator equal to zero and solve the resulting equation.
2. The domain is the set of all real numbers excluding the values found in
step 1.
Example 2 Finding the Domain of a Rational Expression

Write the domain in set-builder notation.
5 x4 x
a. b. c.
4t 1 2x 11x 5
2
x 4
2
Solution:
5
a. The expression is undefined when the denominator is zero.
4t 1
4t 1 0 Set the denominator equal to zero and solve for t.
4t 1
1 1
t The value t must be excluded from the domain.
4 4
Domain: 5t 0 t is a real number and t 14 6
x4
b.
2x 11x 5
2
2x2 11x 5 0 Set the denominator equal to zero and solve for x.
12x 121x 52 0 This is a factorable quadratic equation.
2x 1 0 or x50
1
x or x5
2
Domain: 5x 0 x is a real number and x 12, x 56
TIP: The domain of a rational expression excludes values for which the denomi-
nator is zero. The values for which the numerator is zero do not affect the domain
of the expression.
x
c.
x 4
2
Because the quantity x2 is nonnegative for any real number x, the

denominator x2 4 cannot equal zero; therefore, no real numbers are
excluded from the domain.
Domain: 5x 0 x is a real number6
Skill Practice Write the domain in set-builder notation.

6 x 10 t
2. 3. 4.
v9 2x 2 x 1 t2 1
3. Simplifying Rational Expressions to Lowest Terms

As with fractions, it is often advantageous to simplify rational expressions to
lowest terms. The method for simplifying rational expressions to lowest terms
mirrors the process to simplify fractions. In each case, factor the numerator and
denominator. Common factors in the numerator and denominator form a ratio
of 1 and can be simplified.
1
35
112
15 factor 3 3
Simplifying a fraction:
35 75 7 7
1
x2 x 12 1x 321x 42 1x 32 x3
112
Simplifying a factor

rational expression: x2 16 1x 421x 42 1x 42 x4
This process is stated formally as the fundamental principle of rational expressions.
Fundamental Principle of Rational Expressions

Let p, q, and r represent polynomials. Then
pr p
for q 0 and r 0
qr q
The first example involves reducing a quotient of two monomials. This was also
covered in Section 1.8.
Example 3 Simplifying a Rational Expression

to Lowest Terms
2x2y5
Simplify the rational expression.
8x4y3
Solution:
2x2y5
This expression has the restriction that x 0 and y 0.
8x4y3
2x2y5
Factor the denominator.
23x4y3
1
2x2y3 y2
Reduce the common factors whose ratio is 1.
2x2y3 22x2
y2
Skill Practice Answers provided that x 0 and y 0.
4x2
2. 5v 0 v is a real number and v 96
3. 5x 0 x is a real number and
x 12 , x 16
4. 5t 0 t is a real number6
Skill Practice Simplify the rational expression.

9a5b3
5.
18a8b

to Lowest Terms
2x3 12x2 16x
6x 24
a. Factor the numerator and denominator.
b. Determine the domain and write the domain in set-builder notation.
c. Simplify the expression.
Solution:
2x3 12x2 16x
a.
6x 24
2x1x2 6x 82
Factor the numerator and denominator.
61x 42
2x1x 421x 22

61x 42
b. To determine the domain, set the denominator equal to zero and solve
for x.
61x 42 0 Set x 4 0. Note that the factor of 6 will never
equal 0.
x 4
The domain of the function is 5x 0 x is a real number and x 46. Avoiding Mistakes:
The domain of a rational expres-
1 1 sion is always determined before
2x1x 421x 22 simplifying the expression.
c. Simplify the ratio of common factors to 1.
2 31x 42
x1x 22
provided x 4
3
Skill Practice Factor the numerator and the denominator to determine the
domain. Then simplify the rational expression.
a 2 3a 28
6.
2a 14
It is important to note that the expressions

2x3 12x2 16x x1x 22 Skill Practice Answers
and
6x 24 3 b2
5. , a 0 and b 0
2a 3
6. 5a 0 a is a real number and
a4
a 7 6;
2
are equal for all values of x that make each expression a real number. Therefore,
2x3 12x2 16x x1x 22

6x 24 3
for all values of x except x 4. (At x 4, the original expression is
undefined.) This is why the domain of a rational expression is always determined
before the expression is simplified.
The purpose of simplifying a rational expression is to create an equivalent
expression that is simpler to evaluate. Consider the expression from Example 4 in its
original form and in its simplified form. If we substitute an arbitrary value of x into
the expression (such as x 3), we see that the simplified form is easier to evaluate.
Original Expression Simplified Form
2x 12x 16x
3 2
x1x 22
6x 24 3
2132 3 12132 2 16132 132 3 132 24
Substitute x 3
6132 24 3
21272 12192 48 3152

18 24 3
54 108 48
5
42
210

42
5

to Lowest Terms
t3 8
Simplify to lowest terms.
t2 6t 8
Solution: TIP: t 3 8 is a sum of cubes.

t 8
3
Recall: a3 b3 1a b21a2 ab b2 2
t2 6t 8
t 3 8 1t 221t2 2t 42
1t 221t 2 2t 42 The restrictions on the domain are

1t 221t 42 t 2 and t 4.
1
1t 221t 2 2t 42

1t 221t 42
Reduce common factors whose ratio is 1.
t2 2t 4
provided t 2, t 4
t4
Skill Practice Simplify to lowest terms.

8y 14y 3
2
4y 1 7.
7. provided y 32 , y 1 2y2 y 3
y1
Avoiding Mistakes: The fundamental principle of rational expressions indicates that

common factors in the numerator and denominator may be simplified.
112
pr p r p p
qr q r q q
Because this property is based on the identity property of multiplication, reducing applies only to factors
(remember that factors are multiplied). Therefore, terms that are added or subtracted cannot be reduced.
For example:
1
x3
112
3x 3x x x
However, cannot be simplified.
3y 3y y y y3
Reduce common cannot reduce

factor. common terms
4. Simplifying Ratios of 1
When two factors are identical in the numerator and denominator, they form a
ratio of 1 and can be simplified. Sometimes we encounter two factors that are
opposites and form a ratio of 1. For example:
Simplified Form Details/Notes
5
1 The ratio of a number and its opposite is 1.
5
100
1 The ratio of a number and its opposite is 1.
100
1
x7 x7 x7 x7 1
1 1
x 7 x 7 11x 72 11x 72 1
Factor out 1.

1
2x 2x 112 x2 11x 22 1
1 1
x2 x2 x2 x2 1
Recognizing factors that are opposites is useful when simplifying rational ex-
pressions. For example, a b and b a are opposites because the opposite of
a b can be written 1a b2 a b b a. Therefore, in general,
a b
b a 1, provided a b.
Example 6 Simplifying Rational Expressions

Simplify the rational expressions to lowest terms.
x5 2x 6
a. b.
25 x2 15 5x
Solution:
x5
a.
25 x2
x5
Factor. The restrictions on x are x 5 and
15 x215 x2 x 5.
Notice that x 5 and 5 x are opposites
and form a ratio of 1.
1
x5 ab
1.
15 x215 x2
In general,
ba
112a b
1
5x
1 1
or provided x 5, x 5
5x x5
TIP: The factor of 1 may be applied in front of the rational expression, or

it may be applied to the numerator or to the denominator. Therefore, the final
answer may be written in several forms.
1 1 1
or or
x5 x5 1x 52
2x 6
b.
15 5x
21x 32
Factor. The restriction on x is x 3.
513 x2
1
21x 32 ab
Recall: 1.
513 x2 ba
2
provided x 3
5
Skill Practice Simplify the expressions.

20 5x b2 a2
8. 9.
x x 12
2
a2 ab 2b2
5. Rational Functions
Thus far in the text, we have introduced several types of functions including
constant, linear, and quadratic functions. Now we will introduce another cate-
gory of functions called rational functions.
5
8.
x3
1a b2 ab
9. or
a 2b a 2b
Definition of a Rational Function

p 1x2
A function f is a rational function if it can be written in the form f 1x2
q 1x2
,
where p and q are polynomial functions and q1x2 0.
For example, the functions f, g, h, and k are rational functions.

a6 x4
f 1x2 ,
1 2
g1x2 , h1a2 , k1x2
x x3 a2 5 2x 11x 5
2
In Section 4.3, we introduced the rational function defined by f 1x2 1x. Recall
that f 1x2 1x has a restriction on its domain that x 0 and the graph of f 1x2 1x
has a vertical asymptote at x 0 (Figure 6-1).
f(x)
5
4
3
f(x) 1
x
2
1
x
5 4 1 1 2 3 4 5
1
2
3
4
5
Figure 6-1
To evaluate, simplify, and find the domain of rational functions, we follow pro-
cedures similar to those shown for rational expressions.
Example 7 Evaluating a Rational Function

2
Given g1x2
x3
a. Find the function values (if they exist) g(0), g(1), g(2), g(2.5), g(2.9), g(3),
g(3.1), g(3.5), g(4), and g(5).
b. Write the domain of the function in interval notation.
Solution:
2 2 2 2
g102 g132
102 3 132 3
a. undefined
3 0
2 2 2
g112 1 g13.12 20
112 3 13.12 3 0.1
2 2 2
g122 2 g13.52 4
122 3 13.52 3 0.5
2 2 2
g12.52 4 g142 2
12.52 3 0.5 142 3
2 2 2
g12.92 20 g152 1
12.92 3 0.1 152 3
2
b. g1x2 The value of the function is undefined when
x3 the denominator equals zero.
x30 Set the denominator equal to zero and solve
for x.
x3 The value x 3 must be excluded from the
domain.
Domain: 1, 32 ´ 13, 2

(
(
4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 5
Skill Practice
10. Given h 1x2 xx 2
6 , find the function values.
a. h(0) b. h(2) c. h(2) d. h(6)

e. Write the domain of h in interval notation.
g(x)
g(x) x 2 3 The graph of g1x2 x 2 3 is shown in Figure 6-2. Notice that the function has a
5
4
vertical asymptote at x 3 where the function is undefined (Figure 6-2).
3
2
1
3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
x Calculator Connections
1
2
3 A Table feature can be used to check the func-
4 tion values in Example 7, g1x2 x 2 3
5
Figure 6-2
The graph of a rational function may be mis-

leading on a graphing calculator. For example,
g1x2 2 1x 32 has a vertical asymptote at
x 3, but the vertical asymptote is not part of the
graph (Figure 6-3). A graphing calculator may try
to “connect the dots” between two consecutive
points, one to the left of x 3 and one to the
right of x 3. This creates a line that is nearly Figure 6-3
vertical and appears to be part of the graph.
To show that this line is not part of the graph,
we can graph the function in a Dot Mode (see the
owner’s manual for your calculator). The graph of
g1x2 2 1x 32 in dot mode indicates that the
line x 3 is not part of the function (Figure 6-4).
Figure 6-4

1 1
10a. b. c. 0
3 2
d. Undefined
e. 1, 62 ´ 16, 2
Section 6.1 Practice Exercises

Boost your GRADE at • Practice Problems • e-Professors
mathzone.com! • Self-Tests • Videos
• NetTutor
Study Skills Exercise

1. Define the key terms.
a. Rational expression b. Rational function
Concept 1: Evaluating Rational Expressions

5
2. Evaluate the expression for x 0, x 2, x 1, x 6.
x1
x4
3. Evaluate the expression for x 6, x 4, x 0, and x 4.
x6
y3
4. Evaluate the expression for y 0, y 2, y 3, y 4.
y2
3a 1 1
5. Evaluate the expression for a 1, a 0, a , a 1.
a 1
2
3
2z 8
6. Evaluate the expression for z 4, z 4, z 3, z 3.
z2 9
Concept 2: Domain of a Rational Expression

For Exercises 7–16, determine the domain of the rational expression. Write the answer in set-builder notation.
9 10 v1 t9
7. 8. 9. 10.
y a v8 t3
3x 1 6t 5 q1 b2
11. 12. 13. 14.
2x 5 3t 8 q2 6q 27 2b2 3b 5
c d
15. 16.
c2 25 d 2 16
Concept 3: Simplifying Rational Expressions to Lowest Terms

x2 6x 8
17. Given: ,
x2 3x 4
b. Write the domain in set-builder notation.
x2 6x
18. Given: f 1x2
2x2 11x 6
x2 18x 81
19. Given: p 1x2
x2 81
x2 14x 49
20. Given: q 1x2
x2 49
For Exercises 21–42, simplify the rational expressions.

100x3y5 48ab3c2 7w11z6 12r9s3
21. 8
22. 23. 24.
36xy 6a7bc0 14w3z3 24r8s4
3m4n 5x3y2 6a 18 5y 15
25. 26. 27. 28.
12m6n4 20x y 4 2
9a 27 3y 9
x5 3z 6 7c 2p 3
29. 30. 31. 32.
x2 25 3z2 12 21c2 35c 2p 7p 6
2
2t 2 7t 4 y2 8y 9 1p 1212p 12 4 r 1r 32 5
1p 12 12p 12 r3 1r 32 2
33. 34. 35. 36.
2t 2 5t 3 y 5y 4
2 2 2
9 z2 2c 2 2c 12 2z3 16 5p2 p 4
37. 38. 39. 40.
2z2 z 15 8 2c c 2 10 3z z 2 p3 1
10x3 25x 2 4x 10 8x3 12x2 6x 9

41. 42.
4 10x2 16x4 9
Concept 4: Simplifying Ratios of 1

For Exercises 43–56, simplify the rational expressions.
r6 a2 b8 7w
43. 44. 45. 46.
6r 2a b 8 7 w
10 x y 14 2t 2 5p 10
47. 48. 49. 50.
x 10 14 y 1t 2p
c4 b2 yx 4w2 49z2

51. 52. 53. 54.
c4 b2 12x2 12y2 14z 4w
4x 2x2 2y 6
55. 56.
5x 10 3y2 y3
Mixed Exercises
For Exercises 57–70, simplify the rational expression.
t2 1 x2 4x 4 8p 8 15y 15
57. 58. 59. 60.
t 7t 6
2
x2 4 2p2 4p 6 3y2 9y 12
16a2bc4 9x3yz2 x2 y2 p2 49
61. 62. 63. 64.
8ab2c4 27x4yz 8y 8x 14 2p
b4 c6 2x 34 9w 3

65. 66. 67. 68.
2b2 5b 12 3c2 17c 6 4x 6 3w 12
1a 22 2 1a 52 3 t2 1t 112 4
1a 22 3 1a 52 t5 1t 112 2
69. 70.
Concept 5: Rational Functions

3
71. Let h1x2 . Find the function values h102, h112, h132, h112, h1 12 2.
x1
. Find the function values k 102, k112, k132, k 112, k1 12 2.

2
72. Let k1x2
x1
For Exercises 73–76, find the domain of each function and use that information to match the function with its graph.
73. m 1x2 74. n 1x2 75. q 1x2 76. p 1x2

1 1 1 1
x4 x1 x4 x1
a. y b. y c. y d. y
5 5 5 5
4 4 4 4
3 3 3 3
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1
x x x x
5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
For Exercises 77–86, write the domain of the function in interval notation.
t2
77. f 1x2 78. r 1t2
1 1
79. q1t2
3x 1 2t 1 8
x5 x2 2
80. p1x2 81. w1x2 82. s1t2
3 3x 6 4t 6
x1
83. m 1x2 84. n 1x2 85. r 1x2
3 1
6x 7x 10
2
2x 11x 12
2
6x x2 15x
3
t5
86. s1t2
t 8t 2 16t
3
Expanding Your Skills

87. Write a rational expression whose domain is 1, 22 ´ 12, 2 . (Answers may vary.)
88. Write a rational expression whose domain is 1, 32 ´ 13, 2 . (Answers may vary.)
89. Write a rational function whose domain is 1, 52 ´ 15, 2 . (Answers may vary.)
90. Write a rational function whose domain is 1, 62 ´ 16, 2 . (Answers may vary.)
Section 6.2 Multiplication and Division of

Concepts 1. Multiplication of Rational Expressions

1. Multiplication of Rational Recall that to multiply fractions, we multiply the numerators and multiply the
Expressions denominators. The same is true for multiplying rational expressions.
2. Division of Rational
Expressions
Multiplication of Rational Expressions
Let p, q, r, and s represent polynomials, such that q 0 and s 0. Then
p r pr

q s qs
For example:
Multiply the fractions Multiply the rational expressions
2 5 10 2x 5z 10xz

3 7 21 3y 7 21y
Sometimes it is possible to simplify a ratio of common factors to 1 before multiply-
ing. To do so, we must first factor the numerators and denominators of each fraction.
1 1 1
7 15 Factor. 7 53 1

10 21 25 37 2
The same process is also used to multiply rational expressions.
Multiplying Rational Expressions

1. Factor the numerators and denominators of all rational expressions.
2. Simplify the ratios of common factors to 1.
3. Multiply the remaining factors in the numerator, and multiply the
remaining factors in the denominator.
Section 6.2 Multiplication and Division of Rational Expressions 417
Example 1 Multiplying Rational Expressions

Multiply.
5a 5b 2 4w 20p 2w2 7wp 15p2
a. 2 b.
10 a b2 2w2 50p2 3w 9p
Solution:
5a 5b 2
a. 2
10 a b2
51a b2 2

1a b21a b2
Factor numerator and
52 denominator.
5 1a b2
1 1 1
2

1a b21a b2
Simplify.
52
1 Avoiding Mistakes:

ab If all factors in the numerator sim-
plify to 1, do not forget to write
the factor of 1 in the numerator.
4w 20p 2w2 7wp 15p2
b.
2w2 50p2 3w 9p
41w 5p2 12w 3p21w 5p2 Factor numerator and

21w 25p 2
2 2
31w 3p2 denominator.
2 21w 5p2 12w 3p21w 5p2

Factor further.
21w 5p21w 5p2 31w 3p2
12w 3p21w 5p2

1 1 1
2 21w 5p2
Simplify common factors.
21w 5p21w 5p2 31w 3p2
212w 3p2

31w 3p2
Notice that the expression is left in factored form to show that it has been simplified
to lowest terms.
Skill Practice Multiply.

3y 6 y 3y 2 2
p2 8p 16 2p 6
1. 2. 2
6y y2 4 10p 10 p 7p 12
2. Division of Rational Expressions

Recall that to divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the
second fraction.
1 1
15 10 Multiply by the reciprocal 15 49 35 77 21
Divide:
14 49 of the second fraction. 14 10 27 25 4
The same process is used for dividing rational expressions. Skill Practice Answers
y1 p4
1. 2.
2y 51p 12
Division of Rational Expressions

Let p, q, r, and s represent polynomials, such that q 0, r 0, s 0. Then
p r p s ps

q s q r qr
Example 2 Dividing Rational Expressions

5c
8t 27
3
4t 6t 9
2
6d
Divide. a. b.
9 4t 2
2t 2 t 3 10
d2
Solution:
8t 3 27 4t 2 6t 9
a.
9 4t 2 2t 2 t 3
8t 3 27 2t 2 t 3 Multiply the first fraction by
the reciprocal of the second.
9 4t 2 4t 2 6t 9
12t 3214t 2 6t 92 12t 321t 12 Factor numerator and

13 2t213 2t2 4t 2 6t 9 denominator. Notice
8t 3 27 is a sum of cubes.
Furthermore, 4t 2 6t 9
does not factor over the
real numbers.
12t 32 14t 2 6t 92 12t 32 1t 12
1 1 1
Simplify to lowest terms.

13 2t2 13 2t2 4t 2 6t 9
1121t 12
1t 12 or t 1
TIP: In Example 2(a), the factors (2t 3) and (3 2t) are opposites and
form a ratio of 1.
2t 3
1
3 2t
The factors (2t 3) and (3 2t) are equal and form a ratio of 1.
2t 3
1
3 2t
5c
This fraction bar denotes division 12 .

6d
b.
10
d2
5c 10
2
6d d
5c d2
Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of
6d 10 the second.
Section 6.2 Multiplication and Division of Rational Expressions 419
1 1
5c d d

6d 2 5
cd

12
Skill Practice Divide the rational expressions.

4rs
x2 x 10x 2 12x 2 5t
3. 4.
5x 3 x 2 25x 2 1 2r Skill Practice Answers
t 1 2s
3. 4.
2x 5

• NetTutor

1. Write an example of how to multiply two fractions, divide two fractions, add two fractions, and subtract two
5 9 3 15 5 7 2 2
fractions. For example: , , , and Then as you learn about rational expressions,
12 10 4 8 6 9 7 7
compare the operations on rational expressions to those on fractions. This is a great place to use 3 5 cards
again. Write an example of an operation with fractions on one side and the same operation with rational
expressions on the other side.
Review Exercises
For Exercises 2–9, simplify the rational expression to lowest terms.
3w2 12 t2 5t 6 5y 15 2p
2. 3. 4. 5.
w2 5w 6 t2 7t 6 5y 16y 3
2
p p2
2
5x2yz3 7x 14 25 x2 a3b2c5
6. 7. 8. 9.
20xyz 7x 7x 42
2
x2 10x 25 2a3bc2
Concept 1: Multiplication of Rational Expressions

For Exercises 10–21, multiply the rational expressions.
8w2 3 16 z4 5p2q4 6p2
10. 11. 12.
9 2w4 z7 8 12pq3 20q2
27r 5 28rs3 3z 12 16z3 x2y 2x2 13x 15

13. 32 14. 15.
7s 9r s 8z 3
9z 36 x 4x 5
2
xy3
3y2 18y 15 y 5 10w 8 3w2 w 14 x 5y y2 x2

16. 2 17. 18.
6y 6 y 25 w2 25w2 16 x2 xy 10y 2x
3x 15 10x 20x2 2 y
19. 20. x1x 52 2 21. y1y2 42
4x2 2x 5x x 25
2 y2
Concept 2: Division of Rational Expressions

For Exercises 22–33, divide the rational expressions.
6x2y2 3xy2 1r 32 2 r3

1x 22 1x 22 2
22. 23. 3
4r s rs
t 2 5t 6p 7
24. 1t 52 25. 136p2 492
t1 p2
a a3 6a2 40a b2 6b 9 b2 9
26. 27.
a 10 a2 100 b2 b 6 4
2x2 5xy 2y2 x2 xy 2y2 6s2 st 2t 2 3s2 17st 10t 2

28. 29.
4x2 y2 2x2 xy y2 6s2 5st t 2 6s2 13st 5t 2
x4 x3 x2 x x3 4x2 x 4 a3 a a2 1 a3 a a2b b
30. 3 31. 2
2x 2x x 1
3 2
2x 8x2 x 4 a a ab b
3 2 2 2
2a 2ab ab2 b3
3y y2 y 8x 4x2 3x 6
32. 33.
y3 27 y2 3y 9 xy 2y 3x 6 y3
Mixed Exercises
For Exercises 34–45, perform the indicated operations.
8a4b3 a7b2 3x5 4x3y 2 5x 2 4y y2 3
34. 35. 36. 37.
3c 9c 2x2y7 6y6 25x2 12 15x 7 14 y
10x2 13xy 3y2 2y 8x 6a2 ab b2 2a3 4a2b

38. 39.
8x2 10xy 3y2 2x2 2y2 10a2 5ab 3a2 5ab 2b2
1a b2 2 a3 b3 a2 ab b2 m2 n2 m2 2mn n2 1m n2 4
2
1a b2 2 1m n2 2
40. 41.
ab a b2 m2 mn n2 m3 n3
x2 4y2 x2 6xy 9y2 x2 5xy 6y2 x2 9y2

1x 2y2
2y
42. 43.
x 2y x 2y x2 4y2 3y x x 2y
8x3 27y3 8x2 12xy 18y2 25m2 1 5m 1

44. 45.
4x 9y
2 2
2x 3y 125m3 1 25m2 5m 1
Section 6.3 Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions 421

For Exercises 46–49, write an expression for the area of the figure and simplify.
46. 47.
b2 in. 8
5a cm
hk
4a2 in. k2 cm
b 2h2
48. 49.
12x m 5x 15 ft
x2 4 4x
x2m x2 ft
6 x3
Addition and Subtraction of Section 6.3

1. Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions Concepts
with Like Denominators 1. Addition and Subtraction of
Rational Expressions with
To add or subtract rational expressions, the expressions must have the same de-
Like Denominators
nominator. As with fractions, we add or subtract rational expressions with the
2. Identifying the Least Common
same denominator by combining the terms in the numerator and then writing
Denominator
the result over the common denominator. Then, if possible, we simplify the ex-
3. Writing Equivalent Rational
pression to lowest terms.
Expressions
4. Addition and Subtraction of
Rational Expressions with
Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions Unlike Denominators
Let p, q, and r represent polynomials where q 0. Then
p r pr p r pr
1. 2.
q q q q q q
Example 1 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

with Like Denominators
Add or subtract as indicated.
1 3 5x 3 x2 x 12
a. b. c.
8 8 2x 1 2x 1 x4 x4
Solution:
1 3 13
a. Add the terms in the numerator.
8 8 8
4

8
1
Simplify the fraction.
2
5x 3 5x 3
b. Add the terms in the numerator. The
2x 1 2x 1 2x 1
answer is already in lowest terms.
x2 x 12
c.
x4 x4
x2 1x 122
Combine the terms in the numerator. Use
x4
parentheses to group the terms in the
numerator that follow the subtraction
sign. This will help you remember to apply
the distributive property.
x2 x 12
Apply the distributive property.
x4
1x 421x 32

1x 42
Factor the numerator and denominator.
1x 42 1x 32
1

1x 42 Simplify the rational expression.
x3
Skill Practice Add or subtract as indicated.

5 1 b2 1 b7 4t 1 t3
1. 2. 3.
12 12 b2 b2 t7 t7
2. Identifying the Least Common Denominator

If two rational expressions have different denominators, each expression must
be rewritten with a common denominator before adding or subtracting the
expressions. The least common denominator (LCD) of two or more rational ex-
pressions is defined as the least common multiple of the denominators.
For example, consider the fractions 201 and 18. By inspection, you can probably
see that the least common denominator is 40. To understand why, find the prime
factorization of both denominators.
20 22 5 and 8 23

1 3t 2
1. 2. b 3 3.
3 t7
A common multiple of 20 and 8 must be a multiple of 5, a multiple of 22, and

a multiple of 23. However, any number that is a multiple of 23 8 is automat-
ically a multiple of 22 4. Therefore, it is sufficient to construct the least com-
mon denominator as the product of unique prime factors, where each factor is
raised to its highest power.
1 1
The LCD of and 3 is 23 5 40.
2 5
2
2
Steps to Find the LCD of Two or More Rational Expressions

1. Factor all denominators completely.
2. The LCD is the product of unique prime factors from the denominators,
where each factor is raised to the highest power to which it appears in
any denominator.
Example 2 Finding the LCD of Rational Expressions

Find the LCD of the following rational expressions.
1 5 7 1 5
a. ; ; b. ;
12 18 30 2x3y 16xy2z
x2 x2 3 6 x4 1
c. ; ; d. ;
2x 10 x2 25 x 2 8x 16 x3 3x
Solution:
1 5 7
a. ; ;
12 18 30
1 5 7
; ; Factor the denominators completely.
2 3
2
2 32 235
LCD 22 32 5 180 The LCD is the product of the
factors 2, 3, and 5. Each factor is
raised to its highest power.
1 5
b. ;
2x3y 16xy 2z
1 5
; Factor the denominators completely.
2x3y 2 4xy 2z
LCD 2 4x3y 2z 16x3y2z The LCD is the product of the
factors 2, x, y, and z. Each factor
is raised to its highest power.
x2 x2 3 6
c. ; ;
2x 10 x2 25 x 8x 16
2
x2 x2 3 6
2 1x 52 1x 521x 52 1x 42 2
; ; Factor the denominators completely.
LCD 21x 521x 521x 42 2 The LCD is the product of the

factors 2, 1x 52, 1x 52, and
1x 42. Each factor is raised to its
highest power.
d. x 4 ; 1 The denominators are already

x3 3x factored.
Notice that x 3 and 3 x are opposite factors. If 1 is factored from either
expression, the binomial factors will be the same.
x4 1 x4 1
; ;
x3 113 x2 11x 32 3x
Factor Factor
out 1. out 1.
same binomial factors same binomial factors
LCD 1x 32112 LCD 11213 x2

x 3 3 x
3x x3
The LCD can be taken as either 13 x2 or 1x 32.
Skill Practice Find the LCD of the rational expressions.

7 1 5 1 5
4. ; ; 5. ;
40 15 6 9a 3 b2 18a4 b
5 1 6 6 1
6. 2 ; ; 7. ;
x 4 2x 6 x 5x 6
2
z7 7z
3. Writing Equivalent Rational Expressions

Rational expressions can be added if they have common denominators. Once
the LCD has been determined, each rational expression must be converted to
an equivalent rational expression with the indicated denominator.
Using the identity property of multiplication, we know that for q 0 and r 0,
p p p r pr
1
q q q r qr
This principle is used to convert a rational expression to an equivalent expression
with a different denominator. For example, 12 can be converted to an equivalent
expression with a denominator of 12 as follows:
1 1 6 16 6

2 2 6 26 12
In this example, we multiplied 21 by a convenient form of 1. The ratio 66 was cho-
sen so that the product produced a new denominator of 12. Notice that multi-
plying 12 by 66 is equivalent to multiplying the numerator and denominator of the
original expression by 6.
Example 3 Creating Equivalent Rational Expressions

Convert each expression to an equivalent rational expression with the indicated
denominator.
7 w
a. b. 2
Skill Practice Answers 5p2 20p6 w5 w 3w 10
4. 120 5. 18a 4b 2
6. 2(x 2)(x 2)(x 3)
7. z 7 or 7 z
Solution:
7
a.
5p2 20p6
20p6 can be written as 5p2 4p4.

5p2 4p4
7 7 4p4
Multiply the numerator and denominator by
5p2 5p2 4p4 the missing factor, 4p4.
28p4

20p6
w
b. 2
w5 w 3w 10

1w 521w 22
Factor the denominator.
w w w2
Multiply the numerator and denominator by the
missing factor 1w 22.
w5 w5 w2
w2 2w

1w 521w 22
Skill Practice Fill in the blank to make an equivalent fraction with the given
denominator.
1 5b
8. 9. 2
8xy 16x 3 y 2 b3 b 9
TIP: In the final answer in Example 3(b) we multiplied the polynomials in the
numerator but left the denominator in factored form. This convention is followed
because when we add and subtract rational expressions, the terms in the
numerators must be combined.
4. Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions

with Unlike Denominators
To add or subtract rational expressions with unlike denominators, we must con-
vert each expression to an equivalent expression with the same denominator.
For example, consider adding the expressions x 3 2 x 5 1 . The LCD is
1x 221x 12. For each expression, identify the factors from the LCD that are
missing in the denominator. Then multiply the numerator and denominator of
the expression by the missing factor(s):
132 1x 12 152 1x 22

1x 22 1x 12 1x 12 1x 22
The rational expressions now
have the same denominator
and can be added.

8. 2x 2y 9. 5b 2 15b
31x 12 51x 22

1x 221x 12
Combine terms in the numerator.
3x 3 5x 10

1x 221x 12
Clear parentheses and simplify.
8x 7

1x 221x 12
Steps to Add or Subtract Rational Expressions

1. Factor the denominator of each rational expression.
2. Identify the LCD.
3. Rewrite each rational expression as an equivalent expression with the
LCD as its denominator.
4. Add or subtract the numerators, and write the result over the common
denominator.
5. Simplify if possible.

3 4 3t 2 5 2 x 3x 18
a. 2 b. c. 2
7b b t 4t 12
2
2t 12 x x3 x 3x
Solution:
3 4
a. 2 Step 1: The denominators are already factored.
7b b
Step 2: The LCD is 7b2.
3 b 4 7
2 Step 3: Write each expression with the LCD.
7b b b 7
3b 28
2
2 Step 4: Add the numerators, and write
7b 7b the result over the LCD.
3b 28
Step 5: Simplify.
7b2
3t 2 5
b.
t2 4t 12 2t 12
3t 2 5

1t 621t 22
Step 1: Factor the
21t 62 denominators.
Step 2: The LCD is
21t 621t 22.
122 13t 22 5 1t 22

122 1t 621t 22 21t 62 1t 22
Step 3: Write each expression
with the LCD.
213t 22 51t 22
Step 4: Add the numerators
21t 621t 22 and write the result
over the LCD.
6t 4 5t 10
Step 5: Simplify.
21t 621t 22
t6
Combine like terms.
21t 621t 22
1
t6

2 1t 621t 22
Simplify.
1

21t 22
2 x 3x 18
c. 2
x x3 x 3x
2 x 3x 18
Step 1: Factor the
x x3 x1x 32 denominators.
Step 2: The LCD is x1x 32.
2 1x 32 x x 3x 18

x 1x 32 1x 32 x
Step 3: Write each expression
x1x 32 with the LCD.
21x 32 x2 13x 182
Step 4: Add the
x1x 32 numerators, and write
the result over the
LCD.
2x 6 x2 3x 18
Step 5: Simplify.
x1x 32
x2 x 12
Combine like terms.
x1x 32
1x 421x 32
Factor the numerator.
x1x 32
1x 421x 3 2
1
Simplify to lowest
x1x 32 terms.
x4

x

4 1 2x 3 5 a2 a 24 5
10. 3 11. 12.
5y 3y x x2
2
3x 3 a 9
2
a 3
12y 2 5 1
10. 11.
15y 3 31x 22
a3
12.
a3

6 4 x2 y2
a. b.
w w xy yx
Solution:
6 4
a. Step 1: The denominators are already
w w
factored.
Step 2: The denominators are opposites
and differ by a factor of 1. The
LCD can either be taken as w or
w. We will use an LCD of w.
6 4 112

w 112
Step 3: Write each expression with the
LCD. Note that 1w2112 w.
w
6 4

w w
6 142
Step 4: Add the numerators, and write the
w
result over the LCD.
2
Step 5: Simplify.
w
x2 y2
b. Step 1: The denominators are already
xy yx
factored.
Step 2: The denominators are opposites
and differ by a factor of 1. The
LCD can be taken as either
1x y2 or 1y x2. We will use an
LCD of 1x y2.
x2 y2 112

1x y2 1y x2 112
Step 3: Write each expression with the
LCD. Note that
1y x2112 y x x y.
x2 y2

xy xy
x2 y2
Step 4: Combine the numerators, and
xy
write the result over the LCD.
1x y21x y2
1
Step 5: Factor and simplify to lowest

xy
1 terms.
xy

8 3 5 3a 15
8 13. 14.
13.
y
or
y
14. 3 y y a5 5a

• NetTutor

a. Least common denominator (LCD) b. Equivalent rational expressions
Review Exercises
For Exercises 2–6, perform the indicated operation.
x x2 9b 9 2b 4 8a2 4a
2. 3. 4.
xy yx 4b 8 3b 3 7b3
21b
15 a2 2 25a2 1 x2 z2 x2 2xz z2
5. 2 6.
10a 2 a 10a 25 14x2z4 3xz3
Concept 1: Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions with Like Denominators

For Exercises 7–16, add or subtract as indicated and simplify if possible.
3 7 1 5
7. 8. 2
5x 5x 2x2 2x
x 3 x 6
9. 2 10. 2
x 2x 3
2
x 2x 3 x 4x 12
2
x 4x 12
5x 1 3x 6 4x 5x 6

12x 921x 62 12x 921x 62
11. 12.
8x 1 8x 1
6 3 8 7
13. 14.
x5 5x 2x x2
x2 x2 x 10 x 10
15. 16.
x6 6x x8 8x
Concept 2: Identifying the Least Common Denominator

For Exercises 17–28, find the least common denominator (LCD).
5 3 y y2
17. ; 18. ;
8 20x 15a 35
7 5 2 13
19. ; 20. ;
24x 75x2 7y3 5y2
5 1 13 9
21. ; 22. ;
6m4 15mn7 12cd5 8c3
6 8 x 2
1x 421x 22 1x 421x 62 12x 121x 72 12x 121x 12
23. ; 24. ;
3 1 14 41
x 1x 72 1x 22 2 1x 92
25. ; 26. ;
x1x 121x 72 2 2
x1x 221x 92
5 x5 7a a 12
27. ; 28. ;
x6 x 8x 12
2
a4 a2 16
Concept 3: Writing Equivalent Rational Expressions

For Exercises 29–34, fill in the blank to make an equivalent fraction with the given denominator.
5 5
29. 2 30. 2 3
3x 9x y xy 4x y
2x 5x

12x 521x 82
31. 32.
x1 x1x 121x 22 2x 5
y t2
33. 2 34. 2
y6 y 5y 6 t8 t 6t 16
Concept 4: Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions with Unlike Denominators

For Exercises 35–66, add or subtract as indicated.
4 5 6 1 x3 x5
35. 2 36. 37.
3p 2p 5a2b 10ab x2 2x
x2 x4 s1 t1 x2 y2

38. 2
39. 40.
5x 15x s t x y
4a 2 a2 10 2 6 3
41. 42. 43.
3a 12 a4 b1b 52 b w1w 22 w
6y 5 y2 1 1
44. 45. w 2 46. h 3
5y 25 y5 w2 h3
6b 1 a 5 t5 10t 5
47. 48. 49. 2
b4 b1 a3 a6 t5 t 25
s8 16s 64 x2 x 7 x

50. 2 51. 2 52. 2
s8 s 64 x2 36 x 9x 18 x2 x 2 x 4x 3
9 x3 2 z1 w w4

53. 2 54. 2 55.
x 2x 1
2
x x 4z 12z 9
2
2z 3z 6 6
4y 5 n 2n 5 c 2c 7
56. 57. 58.
3 3 5n n5 7c c7
2 x 5 4 k 2 4k
59. 60. 2 61. 2
3x 15 25 x2 9x2
x 4x 3 k7 k 6k 7 k1
Section 6.4 Complex Fractions 431
t 1 3t 2x 1 1 3w 1 2w w
62. 2 63. 64.
t2 t t2 t 1 x y
2 2 x y y x 2w w 3
2
w 1 1 w
3 2 8 p
65. 66.
y y6 p p5

For Exercises 67–70, write an expression that represents the perimeter of the figure and simplify.
67. 68.
2 cm x 1 cm x 1 yd 2 yd
3x x x x2
6 cm x 4 yd
x2 3
69. 70.
5 m 3 ft
x3 x2
2x m x ft
x5 x1
Complex Fractions Section 6.4

1. Simplifying Complex Fractions by Method I Concepts
A complex fraction is a fraction whose numerator or denominator contains one or 1. Simplifying Complex
more fractions. For example: Fractions by Method I
2. Simplifying Complex Fractions
5x2 1 1
2 by Method II
y 2 3 3. Using Complex Fractions in
and
10x 3 1 Applications

y2 4 6
are complex fractions.
Two methods will be presented to simplify complex fractions. The first method
(Method I) follows the order of operations to simplify the numerator and denomi-
nator separately before dividing. The process is summarized as follows.
Steps to Simplify a Complex Fraction—Method I

1. Add or subtract expressions in the numerator to form a single fraction. Add
or subtract expressions in the denominator to form a single fraction.
2. Divide the rational expressions from step 1 by multiplying the numera-
tor of the complex fraction by the reciprocal of the denominator of the
complex fraction.
3. Simplify to lowest terms, if possible.
Example 1 Simplifying a Complex Fraction by Method I

5x2
y
Simplify the expression.
10x
y2
Solution:
5x2
y
Step 1: The numerator and denominator of
10x the complex fraction are already
y2 single fractions.
5x2 y2
Step 2: Multiply the numerator of the
y 10x
complex fraction by the reciprocal
of the denominator.
5xx yy
Factor the numerators and
y 25x denominators.
1 1 1
5xx yy
Step 3: Simplify.
y 25x
xy

2
Skill Practice Simplify the expression.

3
18a
b2
1.
6a 2
b
Sometimes it is necessary to simplify the numerator and denominator of a com-

plex fraction before the division is performed. This is illustrated in Example 2.

3a
1.
b
Example 2 Simplifying a Complex Fraction by Method I

1 1
2
2 3
Simplify the expression.
3 1

4 6
Solution:
1 1
2
2 3
Step 1: Combine fractions in numerator and
3 1
denominator separately.
4 6
12 3 2

6 6 6
The LCD in the numerator is 6. The LCD in
9 2
the denominator is 12.
12 12
13
6
Form single fractions in the numerator and
11 denominator.
12
13 12 Step 2: Multiply by the reciprocal of 11 12
12 , which is 11 .
6 11
2
13 12

6 11
26
Step 3: Simplify.
11

1 5

4 6
2.
1 1
1
2 3
2. Simplifying Complex Fractions by Method II

We will now use a second method to simplify complex fractions—Method II.
Recall that multiplying the numerator and denominator of a rational expres-
sion by the same quantity does not change the value of the expression. This is
the basis for Method II.

7
2.
22
Steps to Simplify a Complex Fraction—Method II

1. Multiply the numerator and denominator of the complex fraction by the
LCD of all individual fractions within the expression.
2. Apply the distributive property, and simplify the numerator and
denominator.
3. Simplify to lowest terms, if possible.
Example 3 Simplifying Complex Fractions by Method II

6
4
x
Simplify by using Method II.
3
2
x
Solution:
6
4
x
The LCD of all individual terms is x.
3
2
x
x a4 b
6
x
Step 1: Multiply the numerator and denominator
x a2 b
3 of the complex fraction by the
x LCD, which is x.
x 142 x a b
6
x
Step 2: Apply the distributive property.
x 122 x a b
3
x
4x 6
Step 3: Simplify numerator and denominator.
2x 3
212x 32
Factor and simplify to lowest terms.
2x 3
1
212x 32

2x 3
1
2

1
y
y
3.
1
1 2
y

3. y

x1 x2
Simplify by using Method II.
1 2x1 3x2
Solution:
x1 x2
1 2x1 3x2
1 1
2
x x
Rewrite the expression with
2 3
1 2 positive exponents. The LCD of all
x x individual terms is x2.
x2 a 2 b
1 1
x x
Step 1: Multiply the numerator and
x2 a1 2 b
2 3
denominator of the complex
x x fraction by the LCD x2.
x2 a b x2 a 2 b
1 1
x x
Step 2: Apply the distributive property.
x2 112 x2 a b x2 a 2 b
2 3
x x
x1

x2 2x 3
x1

1x 321x 12
Step 3: Factor and simplify to lowest
terms.
1
x1

1x 321x 12
1

x3

1 1
c bb c
4.
b 1 c 1

1 1

w3 w3
Simplify the expression by Method II.
9
1 2
w 9

4. b c
Solution:
1 1

w3 w3
9
1 2
w 9
1 1

w3 w3
Factor all denominators to find the LCD.
9
1
1w 321w 32
is 1w 321w 32.
1 1 1 9
1w 321w 32
The LCD of , , , and
1 w3 w3
1w 321w 32a b
1 1

w3 w3
Step 1: Multiply numerator
1w 321w 32 c 1 d
9 and denominator of
1w 321w 32 the complex fraction
by 1w 32 1w 32.
1w 321w 32a b 1w 321w 32 a b

1 1
w3 w3
Step 2:
1w 321w 321 1w 321w 32 c d
9 Distributive
1w 321w 32 property.
1w 32 1w 32

1w 321w 32 9
Step 3: Simplify.
w3w3
w2 9 9
6

w2
6

w2

2 1

x1 x 1
5.
x 1

x1 x 1
3. Using Complex Fractions in Applications

Example 6 Finding the Slope of a Line
Find the slope of the line that passes through the given points.
a , b a , b
1 5 9 5
and
2 6 8 4
x3
5.
x2 1
Solution:
Let 1x1, y1 2 a , b and 1x2, y2 2 a , b.

1 5 9 5
Label the points.
2 6 8 4
y2 y1
Slope
x2 x1
5 5

4 6
Apply the slope formula.
9 1

8 2
Using Method II to simplify the complex fractions, we have
24 a b
5 5
4 6
m Multiply numerator and denominator by the
24 a b
9 1
LCD, 24.
8 2
24 a b 24 a b
6 5 4 5
4 6
24 a b 24 a b
3 9 12 1
8 2
30 20
Simplify.
27 12
10 2

15 3
2
The slope is .
3
Skill Practice
6. Find the slope of the line that contains the points
a , b and a , b.
3 1 7 5 Skill Practice Answers
5 4 10 2 55
6. m
26

• NetTutor

1. Define the key term complex fraction.
Review Exercises
For Exercises 2–4, simplify to lowest terms.
x3 y3 25a3b3c 6t2 27t 30
2. 3. 4. f 1t2
5x 5y 15a4bc 12t 30

5 3 2y 4 y2 3y 2 3 1 7 14b
5. 6. 7. 8. 2
x 2
2x y1 y2 4 a5 a1 12 6b b b6
Concept 1: Simplifying Complex Fractions by Method I

For Exercises 9–16, simplify the complex fractions by using Method I.
5x2 3w2 x6 a4
9y2 4rs 3x 6
9. 10. 11. 12.
3x 15wr 3x 18 16 a2
y2x s2 9 3
2 1 7 3 1 1
2 3
3 6 8 4 y x
13. 14. 15. 16.
1 1 1 5 1 1
4 3
2 4 3 6 y x
Concept 2: Simplifying Complex Fractions by Method II

For Exercises 17–44, simplify the complex fractions by using Method II.
7y 6x 1 4
1 2
y3 x5 3 5
17. 18. 19. 20.
1 1 5 3
1 1
4y 12 4x 20 6 10
3q b 2 3 2 1
q 3b 2 2

p a a a y y
21. 22. 23. 24.
q 2b 4 9 4 1
q b 2
2

p a a a y y
t1 1 d2 c2 8 6

25. 26. 27. 28.
1 t2 c1 d1 6w 10
4 2z
w1 z4
y 4 1 6 1 12
1
2 1 2
y3 w4 x x x x
29. 30. 31. 32.
y 4 4 3 9 3
y 1 1 2 2
y3 w4 x x x2 x
2 3 2 3 5 4
2 3
t1 p1 a a1 b b1
33. 34. 35. 36.
2 3 2 3 4 5
2 3
t p a1 a b b1
1 4 1 1 2 2 1 1

y2 y 3 t4 t 5 xh x 2x 2h 2x
37. 38. 39. 40.
2 7 6 2 h h

y3 y 2 t5 t 4
x2 x1 x2 2a1 3b2 2m1 n1

41. 42. 43. 44.
x 3x1 5x2 a1 b1 m2 4n1
Concept 3: Using Complex Fractions in Applications

45. The slope formula is used to find the slope of the line passing through the points 1x1, y1 2 and 1x2, y2 2. Write
the slope formula from memory.
For Exercises 46–49, find the slope of the line that passes through the given points.
46. a1 , b, a , 2b 47. a , b, 11, 32 48. a , b, a , b 49. a , b, a , b

1 2 1 3 3 5 9 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 5 4 7 5 8 10 16 5 4 3 8 6
50. Show that 1x x 1 2 1

x
by writing the expression on the left without negative exponents and
x2 1
simplifying.
51. Show that 1x1 y1 2 1

xy
by writing the expression on the left without negative exponents and
xy
simplifying.
x x
52. Simplify. 53. Simplify.
1 1 1 1
1 a1 b 1 a1 b
x x
Chapter 6 Problem Recognition Exercises—

Operations on Rational Expressions
For Exercises 1–20, perform the indicated operation 6xy xy
11.
and simplify. x2 y2 yx
2. 1x 52 a b
2 3 7
1. 1
12. 1x2 6x 82 a b
3
2y 3 2y x4
x2
5x2 6x 1 16x2 9
3. 2 1 w2
x 1
2
4x 7x 3 13.
w1 3w 3
a2 25 a2 4a ab 4b
4. 3y 6 27
3a2 3ab a2 9a 20 14.
y 3y 10
2
y5
4 y2 3
5. 2 2
y1 y 1 y1 y 3
y
15.
8w2 4w 2
6. 3 2 1
w 16w w 4w y
a2 16 x 3 t2 9 t3 2 3
7. 8. 16. 5
2x 6 a 4 t t2 t3 t2
1 6x2y
2
a 5
9. 10.
1 3x
4 2
a y
4x2 22x 24 6x 6 2y 1 y2

17. 2 19. 1y 22
4x 4 4x 9 y 4
2
y3
12x3y5z 16xy7 a2 20a 100

18. 20.
5x4 10z2 a 10 a 10
Section 6.5 Rational Equations
Concepts 1. Solving Rational Equations

1. Solving Rational Equations Thus far we have studied two types of equations in one variable: linear equations
2. Formulas Involving Rational and quadratic equations. In this section, we will study another type of equation
Equations called a rational equation.
Definition of a Rational Equation

An equation with one or more rational expressions is called a rational equation.
The following equations are rational equations:

1 1 1 3 1 2 6w 6
x x 3
2 3 4 5 x 3 w1 w1
To understand the process of solving a rational equation, first review the procedure
of clearing fractions from Section 1.4.
Example 1 Solving a Rational Equation

1 1 1
Solve the equation. x x
2 3 4
Solution:
1 1 1
x x The LCD of all terms in the equation is 12.
2 3 4
12 a x b 12 a xb
1 1 1
Multiply both sides by 12 to clear fractions.
2 3 4
1 1 1
12 x 12 12 x Apply the distributive property.
2 3 4
6x 4 3x Solve the resulting equation.
3x 4
4
x
3
1 1 1
Check: x x
2 3 4
a b a b
1 4 1 1 4
2 3 3 4 3
2 1 1

3 3 3
1 1
✓
3 3
Section 6.5 Rational Equations 441
Skill Practice Solve the equation.

1 21 1
1. x x
2 20 5
The same process of clearing fractions is used to solve rational equations when
variables are present in the denominator.

3 1 2
Solve the equation.
5 x 3
Solution:
3 1 2
The LCD of all terms in the equation
5 x 3 is 15x.
15x a b 15x a b
3 1 2
Multiply by 15x to clear fractions.
5 x 3
3 1 2
15x 15x 15x Apply the distributive property.
5 x 3
9x 15 10x Solve the resulting equation.
15 x
3 1 2
Check: x 15
5 x 3
3 1 2

5 1152 3
9 1 2

15 15 3
10 2
✓
15 3
Skill Practice
3 4
2. Solve. 1
y 3

6w 6
Solve the equation. 3
w1 w1

7 9
1. x 2. y
2 7
Solution:
6w 6 The LCD of all
3
w1 w1 terms in the equation
is w 1.
Multiply by 1w 12
1w 12132 1w 12a b 1w 12a b
6w 6
w1 w1 on both sides to
clear fractions.
1w 12132 1w 12a b 1w 12a b

6w 6 Apply the
w1 w1 distributive property.
3w 3 6w 6 Solve the resulting
equation.
3w 3
w 1
6w 6
Check: 3
w1 w1
6112 6
3
112 1 112 1
The denominator is 0
for the value of w 1.
Because the value w 1 makes the denominator zero in one (or more) of the
rational expressions within the equation, the equation is undefined for w 1.
6w 6
No other potential solutions exist, so the equation 3 has no
w1 w1
solution.
Skill Practice Solve the equation.

4 2 8
3. 2
b2 b2 b 4
Examples 1–3 show that the steps for solving a rational equation mirror the
process of clearing fractions from Section 1.4. However, there is one significant
difference. The solutions of a rational equation must be defined in each rational
6w
expression in the equation. When w 1 is substituted into the expression
w1
6
or , the denominator is zero and the expression is undefined. Hence w 1
w1
cannot be a solution to the equation
6w 6
3
w1 w1
The steps for solving a rational equation are summarized as follows.

3. No solution (b 2 does not check.)
Steps for Solving a Rational Equation

1. Factor the denominators of all rational expressions. Identify any values of
the variable for which any expression is undefined.
2. Identify the LCD of all terms in the equation.
3. Multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD.
4. Solve the resulting equation.
5. Check the potential solutions in the original equation. Note that any
value from step 1 for which the equation is undefined cannot be a
solution to the equation.
Example 4 Solving Rational Equations

Solve the equations.
3 28 36 2p
a. 1 2 b. 1
x x p2 9 p3
Solution:
3 28
a. 1 2 The LCD of all terms in the equation is x2.
x x Expressions will be undefined for x 0.
x 2 a1 b x 2 a 2 b
3 28
Multiply both sides by x2 to clear fractions.
x x
3 28
x2 1 x2 x2 2 Apply the distributive property.
x x
x2 3x 28 The resulting equation is quadratic.
x 3x 28 0
2
Set the equation equal to zero and factor.
1x 721x 42 0
x 7 or x4
Check: x 7 Check: x 4
3 28 3 28
1 2 1 2
x x x x
3 28 3 28
1 1
7 172 2 4 142 2
49 21 28 16 12 28

49 49 49 16 16 16
28 28 28 28
✓ ✓ Both solutions check.
49 49 16 16
36 2p
b. 1
p 9
2
p3
The LCD is 1p 321p 32.

36 2p
1
1p 321p 32 p3 Expressions will be undefined for p = 3
and p = –3.
Multiply both sides by the LCD to clear
fractions.
1p 321p 32 c d 1p 321p 32a b 1p 321p 32112

36 2p
1p 321p 32 p3
1p 321p 32 c d 1p 321p 32a b 1p 321p 32112

36 2p
1p 321p 32 p3
36 2p1p 32 1p 321p 32 Solve the resulting equation.
36 2p2 6p 1p2 92 The equation is quadratic.
36 2p 6p p 9
2 2
36 p2 6p 9
0 p2 6p 27 Set the equation equal to zero and factor.
0 1p 921p 32
p9 or p 3 p 3 is not in the domain of the
original expressions. Therefore, it cannot
be a solution. This can be verified when
we check.
Check: p 9 Check: p 3
36 2p 36 2p
1 1
p2 9 p3 p2 9 p3
36 2192 36 2132
1 1
192 9
2
192 3 132 9
2
132 3
36 18 36 6
1 1
72 12 0 0
13
1 Denominator is zero.
2 2
1 1
✓
2 2
The solution is p 9.
Skill Practice Solve the equations.

y 1 2 6 20x x
4. 5. 2
4 2 y x2 x x6 x2

4. y 4; y 2
5. x 9 1x 2 does not check.)
2. Formulas Involving Rational Equations

Example 5 Solving Literal Equations Involving
Solve for the indicated variable.
A mv
a. P for r b. V for m
1 rt mM
Solution:
A
a. P for r
1 rt
11 rt2P 11 rt2a b Multiply both sides by the LCD 11 rt2.

A
1 rt
11 rt2P 11 rt2a b
A
Clear fractions.
1 rt
P Prt A Apply the distributive property to clear
parentheses.
Prt A P Isolate the r-term on one side.
Prt AP
Divide both sides by Pt.
Pt Pt
AP
r
Pt
mv
b. V for m Avoiding Mistakes:
mM
Variables in algebra are case-
V1m M2 a b1m M2
mv
Multiply by the LCD and clear sensitive. Therefore, V and v are
mM fractions. different variables, and M and m
V1m M2 mv are different variables.
Vm VM mv Use the distributive property to clear

parentheses.
Vm mv VM Collect all m terms on one side.
m1V v2 VM Factor out m.
m1V v2 VM
Divide by 1V v2 .
1V v2 1V v2
VM
m
Vv
TIP: The factor of 1 that appears in the numerator may be written in the
denominator or out in front of the expression. The following expressions are
equivalent:
VM
m
Vv
VM
or m
Vv
VM VM
or m
1V v2 vV
Skill Practice
6. Solve the equation for q.
1 1 1

q r s
Skill Practice Answers 7. Solve the equation for x.
rs rs
6. q or q ax b
rs sr y
b yd yd b xd
7. x or x
ya ay

• NetTutor

1. Define the key term rational equation.
Review Exercises
m2 9
1m2 m 122
1 1 3 2
2. 2 3. 2 4.
x 16
2
x 8x 16 y 1
2
y 2y 1 m2 3m
2t2 7t 3 1 x1 xy

5. 1t 32 6. 7.
4t2 1 1 x2 x1
y1
5x 1 2x 10
8.
x5 x1
Concept 1: Solving Rational Equations

For Exercises 9–40, solve the rational equations.
x2 x4 1 x6 x8 3y y 2w 4w
9. 10. 0 11. 6 12. 8
3 4 2 3 5 4 4 5 5
5 7 7 3 1 3 4 5 2 1 11 1
13. 30 14. 20 15. 16.
4p 6 15w 10 2 2x x 12 3x 4 6x 3
3 5 5 7 1 2 3 7
17. 2 18. 2 19. 1 20. 2
x4 x4 x3 x3 3 w3 5 p2
12 12 2 25 25 2 1 1
21. 22. 23. a 4a1 0 24. t 12t1 0
x x5 x y y2 y 4 3
25. 3a2 4a1 1 26. 3w1 2 w1 27. 8t1 2 3t1 28. 6z2 5z1 0
4 8 x 72
29. 2 2 30. 2 4
t2 t 2t x6 x 36
6 1 4 3 2 10
31. 2 32. 2 2
5y 10 y5 y 3y 10 x 7x 12
2
x x 12 x 16
x 1 5 x 2 2
33. 34.
x5 5 x5 x2 3 x2
6 1 1 1 5 2
35. 36. 0
x 4x 3
2
x3 4x 4 4x 36
2
x3 x3
3 5 6k h h 4
37. 0 38.
k2 k2 4 k2 2 h4 h4
5 2 5 9 5 3
39. 40.
x 7x 12
2
x3 x4 x 7x 10
2
x2 x5
Concept 2: Formulas Involving Rational Equations

For Exercises 41–58, solve the formula for the indicated variable.
ma ma IR
41. K for m 42. K for a 43. K for E
F F E
IR E E
44. K for R 45. I for R 46. I for r
E Rr Rr
2A V at b
47. h for B 48. r2 for h 49. x for t
Bb ph t
T mf xy
50. g for m 51. z for x 52. w n P for w
m xy wn
2A A 1 1 1
53. a b for h 54. 1 rt for P 55. for R
h P R R1 R2
ba 1 s2 s1 v2 v1
56. for b 57. v for t2 58. a for v1
ab f t2 t1 t2 t1
Mixed Review
3 10 1 x 2
59. a. Simplify. 2 60. a. Simplify. 1
w5 w 25 w5 2x 4 3x 6
3 10 1 x 2
b. Solve. 2 0 b. Solve. 1
w5 w 25 w5 2x 4 3x 6
c. What is the difference in the type of problem c. What is the difference in the type of
given in parts (a) and (b)? problem given in parts (a) and (b)?
For Exercises 61–70, perform the indicated operation and simplify, or solve the equation for the variable.
2 1 1 4
61. 62. 2
a 4a 3
2
a3 c6 c 8c 12
7 1 3 3 1 5
63. 0 64. 0
y2 y 2 y 1 y 2 b 2 b 1 b2 b 2
x 12 3 4
65. 2 66.
x1 x x 5t 20 t4
3 7 3 1
67. 5 1 68. 2
w w y2 y
4p 1 p3 x1 x2
69. 70.
8p 12 2p 3 2x 4 x2

16
71. If 5 is added to the reciprocal of a number, the result is 3. Find the number.
2 17
72. If 3 is added to the reciprocal of a number, the result is 3. Find the number.
73. If 7 is decreased by the reciprocal of a number, the result is 92. Find the number.
13
74. If a number is added to its reciprocal, the result is 6. Find the number.
Section 6.6 Applications of Rational Equations

and Proportions
Concepts 1. Solving Proportions

1. Solving Proportions A proportion is a rational equation that equates two ratios.
2. Applications of Proportions
3. Similar Triangles Definition of Ratio and Proportion
4. Applications of Rational
1b 02 and can also be expressed as
Equations a
1. The ratio of a to b is
b
a : b or a b.
2. An equation that equates two ratios or rates is called a proportion.
a c
Therefore, if b 0 and d 0, then is a proportion.
b d
The process for solving rational equations can be used to solve proportions.
Section 6.6 Applications of Rational Equations and Proportions 449
Example 1 Solving a Proportion

5 95
Solve the proportion.
19 y
Solution:
5 95
The LCD is 19y. Note that y 0.
19 y
19y a b 19y a b
5 95
Multiply both sides by the LCD.
19 y
19y a b 19y a b
5 95
Clear fractions.
19 y
5y 1805 Solve the resulting equation.
5y 1805

5 5
y 361 The solution checks in the original equation.
Skill Practice Solve the proportion.

8 12
1.
5 x
TIP: For any proportion

a c
b 0, d 0
b d
the cross products of terms are equal. Hence, ad bc. Finding the cross
product is a quick way to clear fractions in a proportion.* Consider Example 1:
5 95

19 y
5y 1192 1952 Equate the cross products.
5y 1805
y 361
*It is important to realize that this method is only valid for proportions.
2. Applications of Proportions
In the U.S. Senate in 2006 the ratio of Democrats to Republicans was 4 to 5. If
there were 44 Democrats, how many Republicans were there?

15
1. x or 7.5
2
Solution:
One method of solving this problem is to set up a proportion. Write two equiv-
alent ratios depicting the number of Democrats to the number of Republicans.
Let x represent the unknown number of Republicans in the Senate.
Given 4 44 Number of Democrats

ratio
5 x Number of Republicans
5x a b 5x a b
4 44
Multiply both sides by the LCD 5x.
5 x
4x 51442 Clear fractions.
4x 220
x 55
There were 55 Republicans in the U.S. Senate in 2006.
Skill Practice
2. The ratio of cats to dogs at an animal rescue facility is 8 to 5. How many
dogs are in the facility if there are 400 cats?

The ratio of male to female police officers in a certain town is 11 : 3. If the total
number of officers is 112, how many are men and how many are women?
Solution:
Let x represent the number of male police officers.
Then 112 x represents the number of female police officers.
Male 11 x Number of males

Female 3 112 x Number of females
b 31112 x2a b
11 x
31112 x2a Multiply both sides by
3 112 x 31112 x2 .
111112 x2 3x The resulting equation is
linear.
1232 11x 3x
1232 14x
1232 14x

14 14
x 88
The number of male police officers is x 88.
The number of female officers is 112 x 112 88 24.
Skill Practice
Skill Practice Answers 3. Professor Wolfe has a ratio of passing students to failing students of 5 to 4.
2. 250 dogs One semester he had a total of 207 students. How many students passed
3. 115 passed and 92 failed. and how many failed?
3. Similar Triangles
Proportions are used in geometry with similar triangles. Two triangles are said
to be similar if their corresponding angles are equal. In such a case, the lengths
of the corresponding sides are proportional. The triangles in Figure 6-5 are sim-
ilar. Therefore, the following ratios are equivalent.
a b c

x y z
z x
c a
b y
Figure 6-5
Example 4 Using Similar Triangles in an Application

The shadow cast by a yardstick is 2 ft long. The shadow cast by a tree is 11 ft long.
Find the height of the tree.
Solution:
Let x represent the height of the
tree.
We will assume that the measure-
ments were taken at the same time
of day. Therefore, the angle of the
sun is the same on both objects,
and we can set up similar triangles
(Figure 6-6). x
1 yd 3 ft
2 ft 11 ft
Figure 6-6
Height of yardstick 3 ft x Height of tree

Length of yardstick’s shadow 2 ft 11 ft Length of tree’s shadow
3 x
Write an equation.
2 11
22 a b 22 a b
3 x
Multiply by the LCD.
2 11
33 2x Solve the equation.
33 2x

2 2
16.5 x Interpret the results.
The tree is 16.5 ft high.
Skill Practice
4. Solve for x, given that the triangles are similar.
9m
3m
x 4m
4. Applications of Rational Equations

Example 5 Solving a Business Application of
To produce mountain bikes, the manufacturer has a fixed cost of $56,000 plus a vari-
able cost of $140 per bike. The cost in dollars to produce x bikes is given by
C1x2 56,000 140x. The average cost per bike
C1x2
C1x2 is defined as C1x2 or
x
56,000 140x
C1x2
x
Find the number of bikes the manufacturer must
produce so that the average cost per bike is $180.
Solution:
Given
56,000 140x
C1x2
x
56,000 140x
180 Replace C1x2 by 180 and solve for x.
x
56,000 140x
x11802 x Multiply by the LCD x.
x
180x 56,000 140x The resulting equation is linear.
40x 56,000 Solve for x.
56,000
x
40
1400
The manufacturer must produce 1400 bikes for the average cost to be $180.
Skill Practice
5. To manufacture ski equipment, a company has a fixed cost of $48,000 plus a
variable cost of $200 per pair of skis. The cost to produce x pairs of skis is
C(x) 48,000 200x. The average cost per pair of skis is
48,000 200x
C 1x2
Skill Practice Answers x
4. x 12 m Find the number of sets of skis the manufacturer must produce so that the
5. 960 pairs of skis average cost per set is $250.
Example 6 Solving an Application Involving Distance,

Rate, and Time
An athlete’s average speed on her bike is 14 mph faster than her average speed
running. She can bike 31.5 mi in the same time that it takes her to run 10.5 mi. Find
her speed running and her speed biking.
Solution:
Because the speed biking is given in terms of the speed running, let x represent
the running speed.
Let x represent the speed running.
Then x 14 represents the speed biking.
Organize the given information in a chart.
Distance Rate Time

10.5
Running 10.5 x
x
31.5
Biking 31.5 x 14
x 14
d
Because d rt, then t
r
The time required to run 10.5 mi is the same as the time required to bike
31.5 mi, so we can equate the two expressions for time:
10.5 31.5
The LCD is x1x 142.
x x 14
x1x 142 a b x1x 142a b

10.5 31.5
Multiply by x1x 142 to clear
x x 14 fractions.
10.51x 142 31.5x The resulting equation is linear.
10.5x 147 31.5x Solve for x.
21x 147
x7
The athlete’s speed running is 7 mph.
The speed biking is x 14 or 7 14 21 mph.
Skill Practice
6. Devon can cross-country ski 5 km/hr faster than his sister, Shanelle. Devon
skis 45 km in the same amount of time that Shanelle skis 30 km. Find their
speeds.

6. Shanelle skis 10 km/hr and Devon
skis 15 km/hr.
Example 7 Solving an Application Involving “Work’’

JoAn can wallpaper a bathroom in 3 hr. Bonnie can wallpaper the same bathroom
in 5 hr. How long would it take them if they worked together?
Solution:
Let x represent the time required for both people working together to complete
the job.
One method to approach this problem is to determine the portion of the job
that each person can complete in 1 hr and extend that rate to the portion of the
job completed in x hr.
• JoAn can perform the job in 3 hr. Therefore, she completes 13 of the job in
1 hr and 13 x jobs in x hr.
• Bonnie can perform the job in 5 hr. Therefore, she completes 15 of the job in
1 hr and 15 x jobs in x hr.
Work Rate Time Portion of Job Completed

1 1
JoAn job/hr x hr x jobs
3 3
1 1
Bonnie job/hr x hr x jobs
5 5
The sum of the portions of the job completed by each person must equal one
whole job:
Portion of job portion of job 1
° completed ¢ ° completed ¢ ° whole ¢
by JoAn by Bonnie job
1 1
x x1 The LCD is 15.
3 5
15 a x xb 15112
1 1
3 5
1 1
15 x 15 x 15 1 Apply the distributive
3 5 property.
5x 3x 15 Solve the resulting linear
equation.
8x 15
15 7
x or x1
8 8
Together JoAn and Bonnie can wallpaper the bathroom in 178 hr.
Skill Practice
7. Antonio can install a new roof in 4 days. Carlos can install the same size
roof in 6 days. How long will it take them to install a roof if they work
together?
12 2
7. or 2 days
5 5

• NetTutor

a. Ratio b. Proportion c. Similar triangles
Review Exercises
For Exercises 2–10, perform the indicated operation and simplify, or solve the equation for the variable.
6 6 5 3
2. 3 x8 3. 2 x7 4.
x x 3x 6 4x 8
4 1 2 5 1 5 10
5. 6. 7. 7
5t 1 10t 2 y1 4 y1 w2 w2
5 3x 7a 4 3t 2t
8. 3 9. 2 10. t
x y
2 2
x x2y a 2ab b
2 2
a ab t6 t6
Concept 1: Solving Proportions

For Exercises 11–24, solve the proportions.
y 20 12 14 9 m n 12
11. 12. 13. 14.
6 15 18 x 75 50 15 45
p1 p3 q5 q2 x1 4 t1 2

15. 16. 17. 18.
4 3 2 3 5 15 7 21
5 2x 1 2y 3 3 2 y3 1 x3
19. 20. 21. 22.
x 4 y 2 y1 4 x5 3
1 w 1 z
23. 24.
49w 9 4z 25
Concept 2: Applications of Proportions

25. A preschool advertises that it has a 3-to-1 ratio of children to adults. If 18 children are enrolled, how many
adults must be on the staff?
26. An after-school care facility tries to maintain a 4-to-1 ratio of children to adults. If the facility hired five
adults, what is the maximum number of children that can enroll?
27. A 3.5-oz box of candy has a total of 21.0 g of fat. How many grams of fat would a 14-oz box of candy
contain?
28. A 6-oz box of candy has 350 calories. How many calories would a 10-oz box contain?
29. A fisherman in the North Atlantic catches eight swordfish for a total of 1840 lb.
Approximately how many swordfish were caught if a commercial fishing boat
arrives in port with 230,000 lb of swordfish?
30. If a 64-oz bottle of laundry detergent costs $4.00, how much would an 80-oz
bottle cost?
31. Pam drives her Toyota Prius 243 mi in city driving on 4.5 gal of gas. At this rate
how many gallons of gas are required to drive 621 mi?
32. On a map, the distance from Sacramento, California, to San Francisco,

California, is 8 cm. The legend gives the actual distance as 96 mi. On the same
map, Fatima measured 7 cm from Sacramento to Modesto, California. What is
the actual distance?
33. Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming has the largest population of free-roaming bison. To approximate
the number of bison, 200 are captured and tagged and then left free to roam. Later, a sample of 120 bison
is observed and 6 have tags. Approximate the population of bison in the park.
34. Laws have been instituted in Florida to help save the manatee. To establish the number of manatees in
Florida, 150 manatees were tagged. A new sample was taken later, and among the 40 manatees in the
sample, 3 were marked. Approximate the number of manatees in Florida.
35. The ratio of men to women accountants in a large accounting firm is 2 to 1. If the total number of
accountants is 81, how many are men and how many are women?
36. The ratio of Hank’s income spent on rent to his income spent on car payments is 3 to 1. If he spends a
total of $1640 per month on the rent and car payment, how much does he spend on each item?
37. The ratio of single men in their 20s to single women in their 20s is 119 to 100 (Source: U.S. Census). In a
random group of 1095 single college students in their 20s, how many are men and how many are women?
38. A chemist mixes water and alcohol in a 7 to 8 ratio. If she makes a 450-L solution, how much is water and
how much is alcohol?
Concept 3: Similar Triangles

For Exercises 39–42, the triangles shown here are similar. Find the lengths of the missing sides.
39. 40.
b 11.2 ft
6 ft a
y 18 cm
13 cm x
10 ft 14 ft
8 cm 12 cm
41. x z 42.
1.75 in.
5 in. 4.55 in.
y
12 m c
a b
3.75 m 5m
Concept 4: Applications of Rational Equations

43. The profit in dollars for selling x mountain bikes is given by P1x2 360x 56,000 . The average profit per
bike is defined as
360x 56,000
P 1x2
P1x2
or P1x2
x x
Find the number of bikes the manufacturer must produce so that the average profit per bike is $110.
44. The profit in dollars when x ballpoint pens are sold is given by P1x2 0.47x 100 . The average profit per
unit is defined as
P1x2 0.47x 100
P1x2 or P1x2
x x
Find the number of pens that must be produced so that the average profit per pen is $0.27.
45. A motorist travels 80 mi while driving in a bad rainstorm. In sunny weather, the motorist drives 20 mph
faster and covers 120 mi in the same amount of time. Find the speed of the motorist in the rainstorm and
the speed in sunny weather.
46. Brooke walks 2 km/hr slower than her older sister Adrianna. If Brooke can walk 12 km in the same
amount of time that Adrianna can walk 18 km, find their speeds.
47. The current in a stream is 2 mph. Find the speed of a boat in still water if it goes 26 mi downstream (with
the current) in the same amount of time it takes to go 18 mi upstream (against the current).
48. A bus leaves a terminal at 9:00. A car leaves 3 hr later and averages a speed 21 mph faster than that of the bus.
If the car overtakes the bus after 196 mi, find the average speed of the bus and the average speed of the car.
49. A bicyclist rides 24 mi against a wind and returns 24 mi with the wind. His average
speed for the return trip is 8 mph faster. If x represents the bicyclist’s speed going
out against the wind, then the total time required for the round trip is given by
24 24

t1x2 , where x 7 0
x x8
How fast did the cyclist ride against the wind if the total time of the trip was
3.2 hr?
50. A boat travels 45 mi to an island and 45 mi back again. Changes in the wind
and tide made the average speed on the return trip 3 mph slower than the
speed on the way out. If the total time of the trip took 6 hr 45 min (6.75 hr),
find the speed going to the island and the speed of the return trip.
51. One painter can paint a room in 6 hr. Another painter can paint the same room in 8 hr. How long would it
take them working together?
52. One carpenter can complete a kitchen in 8 days. With the help of another carpenter, they can do the job
together in 4 days. How long would it take the second carpenter if he worked alone?
53. Gus works twice as fast as Sid. Together they can dig a garden in 4 hr. How long would it take each person
working alone?
54. It takes a child 3 times longer to vacuum a house than an adult. If it takes 1 hr for one adult and one child
working together to vacuum a house, how long would it take each person working alone?

55. Find the value of y so that the slope of the line between the points (3, 1) and (11, y) is 12.
56. Find the value of x so that the slope of the line between the points 12, 52 and (x, 10) is 3.
57. Find the value of x so that the slope of the line between the points 14, 22 and (x, 2) is 4.
58. Find the value of y so that the slope of the line between the points (3, 2) and 11, y2 is 34.
Chapter 6 SUMMARY
Section 6.1 Rational Expressions and Rational Functions

Key Concepts Examples
p
A rational expression is in the form where p and q Example 1
q
are polynomials and q 0. Find the domain of the function
p1x2 x3
A rational function is a function of the form , f 1x2
q1x2 1x 4212x 12
where p and q are polynomial functions and q1x2 0.
Domain: e x 0 x is a real number and x 4, x f
1
The domain of a rational expression or a rational 2
function excludes the values for which the denomi-
nator is zero. Example 2
To simplify a rational expression to lowest terms,
factor the numerator and denominator completely. Simplify to lowest terms.
Then simplify factors whose ratio is 1 or 1. A rational t2 6t 16
expression written in lowest terms will still have the same
5t 10
restrictions on the domain as the original expression.
1t 821t 22 t8
provided t 2
51t 22 5
Summary 459
Section 6.2 Multiplication and Division

of Rational Expressions
To multiply rational expressions, factor the numera- Example 1
tors and denominators completely. Then simplify
b2 a2 a2 3ab 2b2
factors whose ratio is 1 or 1.
a 2ab b
2 2
2a 2b
1 1 1
1b a21b a2 1a 2b21a b2

1a b2 2
Factor.
21a b2
a 2b 2b a
or Simplify.
2 2
To divide rational expressions, multiply by the Example 2

reciprocal of the divisor.
9x 3 3x 1

x2 4 4x 8
1 1
313x 12 41x 22

1x 221x 22
Factor. Multiply by
3x 1
the reciprocal.
12
Simplify.
x2
Section 6.3 Addition and Subtraction

of Rational Expressions
To add or subtract rational expressions, the expressions Example 1
must have the same denominator.
1 5
The least common denominator (LCD) is the prod-
31x 12 3 1x 22
For and
uct of unique factors from the denominators, in which 61x 121x 72 2
LCD 61x 12 3 1x 221x 72 2

each factor is raised to its highest power.
Steps to Add or Subtract Rational Expressions Example 2

1. Factor the denominator of each rational c 1
expression.
c c 12
2
2c 8
2. Identify the LCD.
3. Rewrite each rational expression as an equivalent c 1 Factor the

expression with the LCD as its denominator. (This 1c 421c 32 21c 42 denominators.
is accomplished by multiplying the numerator and
denominator of each rational expression by the The LCD is 21c 421c 32
missing factor(s) from the LCD.) 2 c 1 1c 32 Write

4. Add or subtract the numerators, and write the 2 1c 421c 32 21c 42 1c 32 equivalent
result over the common denominator. fractions
5. Simplify if possible. with LCD.
2c 1c 32
Subtract.
21c 421c 32
2c c 3
Simplify.
21c 421c 32
c3

21c 421c 32
Section 6.4 Complex Fractions

Complex fractions can be simplified by using Method I or Example 1
Method II. Simplify by using Method I.
Method I uses the order of operations to simplify
the numerator and denominator separately before mul- 5

tiplying by the reciprocal of the denominator of the x
complex fraction. 10
x2
5 x2

x 10
x

2
Summary 461
To use Method II, multiply the numerator and de- Example 2

nominator of the complex fraction by the LCD of all Simplify by using Method II.
the individual fractions. Then simplify the result.
4
1
w2
The LCD is w2.
1 6
1 2
w w
w2 a1
b
4
w2

w2 a1 2 b
1 6
w w
w2 4

w w6
2
1w 22 1w 22

1w 32 1w 22
w2

w3
Section 6.5 Rational Equations

Steps to Solve a Rational Equation Example 1
1. Factor the denominators of all rational expres- 1 1 2w
sions. Identify any restrictions on the variable.
w 2w 1 2w 1
2. Identify the LCD of all expressions in the
equation. The LCD is w 12w 12.
3. Multiply both sides of the equation by the 1 1 1 1
LCD. w12w 12 w12w 12
w 2w 1
4. Solve the resulting equation.
5. Check each potential solution. 1 2w
w12w 12
2w 1
12w 121 w112 w12w2
2w 1 w 2w2 1quadratic equation2
2w2 w 1 0
12w 12 1w 12 0
1
w or w 1
2
w 1 aw
1
does not checkb
2
Section 6.6 Applications of Rational Equations

and Proportions
An equation that equates two ratios is called a Example 1
proportion: A sample of 85 g of a particular ice cream contains
a c 17 g of fat. How much fat does 324 g of the same ice
provided b 0, d 0 cream contain?
b d
Proportions can be used to solve many types of appli- 17 g fat x g fat

cations including similar triangles, work problems, and 85 g ice cream 324 g ice cream
distance, rate, and time problems. 17 x
85 324
185 3242 185 3242

1 17 1 x
85 324
5508 85x
x 64.8 g
Chapter 6 Review Exercises

4. Let h 1x2
x
Section 6.1 .
x 1
2
t2
1. For the rational expression a. Find the function values (if they exist): h 112,
t9
h 102, h 112, h 132, h a b.
1
a. Evaluate the expression (if possible) for 2
t 0, 1, 2, 3, 9
b. Identify the domain for h. Write the answer
b. Write the domain of the expression in set- in interval notation.
builder notation.
k1 For Exercises 5–12, simplify the rational expressions.

2. For the rational expression
k5 28a3b3 25x2yz3
5. 6.
a. Evaluate the expression (if possible) for 14a2b3 125xyz
k 0, 1, 5, 1, 2
x2 4x 3 k2 3k 10
b. Write the domain of the expression in set- 7. 8.
x3 k2 5k 6
builder notation.
x3 27 a4 81
9. 10.
3. Let k 1y2
y
. 9 x2 3a
y2 1
a. Find the function values (if they exist): k 122, 11.
2t2 3t 5
12.
y3 4y
7 6t t2 y 5y 6
2
k102, k 112, k 112, k a b.
1
2
b. Identify the domain for k. Write the answer
in interval notation.
Review Exercises 463
For Exercises 13–16, write the domain of each function x2 x 20 x2 x 6 2x 10

in set-builder notation. Use that information to match 27.
x 4x 4 12 x x
2 2
10 5x
the function with its graph.
k5
13. f 1x2
1
14. m 1x2
1 28. 19k2 252 a b
x3 x2 3k 5
2
15. k 1x2 16. p 1x2
6
Section 6.3
x 3x
2
x 42
For Exercises 29–40, add or subtract as indicated.

a. y b. y
1 1 1 1 5
2 3
8 8
29. 30.
6 6
x x x x2 x2
4 4
2 2
x x y 3 a2 3
8 6 4
2
2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2
2
2 4 6 8
31. 32.
4 4 2y 1 1 2y 2a 6 a3
6 6
8 8
2 y
33.
c. y d. y y 1
2
y1
8 2
6 2x 1
4 1 34. 4x 3
2 x4
x x
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
2
w2 8w 16
4 1 35.
6 w4 4w
8 2
6 7
36. 2
Section 6.2 x 4x 3
2
x 5x 6
For Exercises 17–28, multiply or divide as indicated. 2

37. 8
3a 9 a 3
4y 2y 8 3x 5
17. 18.
a2 6a 18 5 15
7 1
38. 2
x 4y 20y 5x x8 4k k 3
2
4k 7k 3
19. 20. 1x2 5x 242 a b
x xy
2
x y2 2
x3
1 4 2t 5
39. 2
7k 28 k 2k 8 2 t 2t 3t 6t 9
21.
2k 4 k2 2k 8
y 2y 5
40. 4
ab 2a b 2 ab 3b 4a 12 y3 y2
22.
ab 3b 2a 6 ab b 4a 4
Section 6.4
x2 8x 20 x2 6x 40
23. 2 2 For Exercises 41–48, simplify the complex fraction.
x 6x 16 x 3x 40
2x k2
2b b2 b2 2b 4 3x 32
3
24. 41. 42.
b3 8 b2 4x 5
6x 6 k2
2w 3w2 4
25.
21 7 w 2 1 4
1
x xy y
5y2 20 7y 43. 44.
26. 4 1 4
y 2y y 2
3 2
y y
3
2
x2 y y
1 3 1 Section 6.6
1
a1 x1 1x
45. 46. For Exercises 59–62, solve the proportions.
1 2 2
1 5 x x 6
a1 x1 x 59. 60.
4 6 36 7
1 xy1 5a1 1ab2 1
47. 48. x2 51x 12 x 3
x2y2 1 3a2 61. 62.
3 4 x2 5
For Exercises 49–50, find the slope of the line contain- 63. In one game Peyton Manning completed
ing the two points. 34 passes for 357 yd. At this rate how many
yards would be gained for 22 passes?
49. a , b and a , b
2 7 13 5
3 4 6 3
64. Erik bought $136 Canadian with $100
American. At this rate, how many Canadian
50. a , b and a , b
8 1 13 9
dollars can he buy with $235 American?
15 3 10 5
65. The average cost to produce x units is given by
Section 6.5 1.5x 4200
C 1x2
For Exercises 51–56, solve the equation. x
x3 8 How many units need to be produced to have

51. 2 0 an average cost per unit of $54?
x2 x x 1
y 66. Stephen drove his car 45 mi. He ran out of gas

3 18
52. 2 and had to walk 3 mi to a gas station. His speed
y3 y3 y 9 driving is 15 times his speed walking. If the
total time for the drive and walk was 112 hr,
72 3x 1 x1 what was his speed driving?
53. x 9 54. 2
x8 x5 x1
67. Two pipes can fill a tank in 6 hr. The larger
2 1 7 13 pipe works twice as fast as the smaller pipe.
55. 5y 1 6y 56. 1 m1 m1
6 6 How long would it take each pipe to fill the
tank if they worked separately?
ax b
57. Solve for x. c
x
A P
58. Solve for P. P
rt rt
Chapter 6 Test
2x 6 b. Write the domain of h in set-builder
1. For the expression notation.
x x 12
2
5x 3
a. Write the domain in set-builder notation. 3. Write the domain of k1x2 in interval
notation. 7
b. Simplify the expression to lowest terms.
2x 14 For Exercises 4–5, simplify to lowest terms.

2. For the function h1x2
x2 49 12m3n7 9x2 9
4. 5.
a. Evaluate h 102, h 152, h 172, and h 172, if 18mn8 3x2 2x 5
possible.
Cumulative Review Exercises 465
6. Find the slope of the line containing the points 19. If the reciprocal of a number is added to
3 times the number, the result is 132. Find the
a , b and a , b.
1 3 5 8
12 4 6 3 number.
20. The following triangles are similar. Find the

For Exercises 7–13, simplify. lengths of the missing sides.
2x 5
7. 12x2 x 152
25 4x2
10 m 12 m b 18 m
x 2
8x 16 4x 2
8. 9. x
x4 x4 x1 x1 a 21 m
3 21. On a certain map, the distance between New

3 1 1 York and Los Angeles is 8.2 in., and the actual
k 2u 2v
10. 11. distance is 2820 mi. What is the distance
4 4u3 4v3
4 between two cities that are 5.7 in. apart on the
k same map? Round to the nearest mile.
ax bx 2a 2b x 3 x2 22. The average profit per unit for a manufacturer
12.
ax 3a bx 3b x 5 ax 5a to sell x units is given by
3 1 1 1.75x 1500
13. 2 2 P1x2
x 8x 15
2
x 7x 12 x 9x 20 x
How many units must be sold to obtain an
For Exercises 14–16, solve the equation. average profit of $0.25 per unit?
7 z5 6 3 4 23. Lance can ride 48 mi on his bike against the

14. 2 15. 1
z1 z 1 z y 9
2
y3 wind. With the wind at his back, he rides 4 mph
faster and can ride 60 mi in the same amount of
4x 16 time. Find his speed riding against the wind and
16. 3
x4 x4 his speed riding with the wind.
1 Tv
17. Solve for T. p 24. Gail can type a chapter in a book in 4 hr. Jack
T can type a chapter in a book in 10 hr. How long
would it take them to type a chapter if they
Gm1m2 worked together?
18. Solve for m1. F
r2
Chapters 1–6 Cumulative Review Exercises

1. Check the sets to which each number belongs. 2. At the age of 30, tennis player Steffi Graf
announced her retirement from tennis. After
Number 17 years on the tour, her total prize money
Set 22 P 6 12 amounted to $2.1839777 107.
Real numbers a. Write the amount of prize money in
Irrational numbers expanded form.
Rational numbers
b. What was Steffi Graf’s average winnings per
Integers year? Round to the nearest dollar.
Whole numbers
Natural numbers
3. Perform the indicated operations. f. What is the value of V(5)? Interpret the
12x 321x 42 1x 52 2 value of V(5) in the context of the problem.
g. After how many years will the car be worth
4. The area of a trapezoid is given by
A 12 h1b1 b2 2.
$5625?
a. Solve for b1. 9. The speed of a car varies inversely as the time to
travel a fixed distance. A car traveling the speed
b. Find b1 when h 4 cm, b2 6 cm, and
limit of 60 mph travels between two points in
A 32 cm2.
10 sec. How fast is a car moving if it takes only
8 sec to cover the same distance?
5. The dimensions of a rectangular swimming pool
10. Find the x-intercepts. f 1x2 12x3 17x2 6x
are such that the length is 10 m less than twice
the width. If the total perimeter is 160 m, find
the length and width.
11. Factor 64y3 8z6 completely over the real
6. Solve the system of equations. numbers.
x 3y z 1 12. Write the domain of the functions f and g.
2x y 2z 2
x7 x3
a. f 1x2 b. g 1x2
x 2y 3z 1
2x 3 x x 12
2
7. Find an equation of the line through 13, 52 that

is perpendicular to the line y 3x. Write the 13. Perform the indicated operations.
answer in slope-intercept form.
2x2 11x 21 2x2 98

8. The value V(x) of a car (in dollars) decreases 4x2 10x 6 x2 x xa a
with age according to V1x2 15,000 1250x,
0
x
12, where x represents the age of the 14. Reduce to lowest terms.
car in years. x2 6x 8
a. Is this function constant, linear, quadratic, or 20 5x
other?
15. Perform the indicated operations.
b. Sketch the function over its domain.
x 1 1
y 2 2
15,000
x 5x 50
2
x 7x 10 x 8x 20
13,500
12,000 16. Simplify the complex fraction.
10,500
Value ($)
9000 49
7500 1
6000 c2
4500
7
3000 1
1500 c
x
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Number of Years 17. Solve the equation.
c. What is the y-intercept? What does the 4y y 9
y-intercept mean in the context of this 2
y2 y1 y y2
problem?
d. What is the x-intercept? What does the 18. Max knows that the distance between
x-intercept mean in the context of this Roanoke, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., is
problem? 195 mi. On a certain map, the distance between
the two cities is 6.5 in. On the same map, the
e. What is the slope? Interpret the slope in the distance between Roanoke and Cincinnati,
context of this problem. Ohio, is 9.25 in. Find the distance in miles
between Roanoke and Cincinnati. Round to
the nearest mile.
Cumulative Review Exercises 467
19. Determine whether the equation represents a 23. Solve the system: y x 2
horizontal or vertical line. Then identify the 3x 2y 4
slope of the line.
24. Add: 1x3 5x2 42 1x2 12
a. x 5 b. 2y 8
25. Subtract: 1x3 5x2 42 1x2 12
2x4y 1
20. Simplify. a b 14xy 2 7
3z2 26. Multiply: 1x3 5x2 421x2 12
21. Find the slope and y-intercept of 2x y 3. 27. Is (4, 5) a solution to the system x 2y 6
2x y 13
22. Graph the line 2x y 3.
x2 2
y 28. For h1x2 find h122, h112, h102, h112,
5
x
4 and h122.
3
2
1
29. Factor 64 y2.
x
5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5
1 30. A motorcycle travels 6 mph faster than a sports
2
3
car. If the car can go 90 miles in the same time as
4 the motorcycle can go 99 miles, find the speed of
5 the motorcycle.
miL2872X_ch06_403-468 9/28/06 07:14 AM Page 468
CONFIRMING PAGES

Rational Expressions and Rational Equations: 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Problem Recognition Exercises

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Rational Expressions and Rational Equations: 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Problem Recognition Exercises

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

miL2872X_ch06_403-468 9:28:06 16:38pm Page 403 IA CONFIRMING PAGES

6.1 Rational Expressions and Rational Functions

In this chapter, we define a rational expression as a ratio of two polynomi-

tions and showing how they are used in applications. 2

As you work through the chapter, pay attention to key terms.

7. Equation of the form

404 Chapter 6 Rational Expressions and Rational Equations

Section 6.1 Rational Expressions and Rational Functions

Concepts 1. Evaluating Rational Expressions

Example 1 Evaluating a Rational Expression

2. Domain of a Rational Expression

Section 6.1 Rational Expressions and Rational Functions 405

Steps to Find the Domain of a Rational Expression

Example 2 Finding the Domain of a Rational Expression

Because the quantity x2 is nonnegative for any real number x, the

406 Chapter 6 Rational Expressions and Rational Equations

Skill Practice Write the domain in set-builder notation.

3. Simplifying Rational Expressions to Lowest Terms

Fundamental Principle of Rational Expressions

Example 3 Simplifying a Rational Expression

Section 6.1 Rational Expressions and Rational Functions 407

Skill Practice Simplify the rational expression.

Example 4 Simplifying a Rational Expression

It is important to note that the expressions

408 Chapter 6 Rational Expressions and Rational Equations

Example 5 Simplifying a Rational Expression

Solution: TIP: t 3  8 is a sum of cubes.

1t  221t 2 2t  42 The restrictions on the domain are

Skill Practice Simplify to lowest terms.

Section 6.1 Rational Expressions and Rational Functions 409

Avoiding Mistakes: The fundamental principle of rational expressions indicates that

Reduce common cannot reduce

Factor out 1.

Example 6 Simplifying Rational Expressions

410 Chapter 6 Rational Expressions and Rational Equations

TIP: The factor of 1 may be applied in front of the rational expression, or

Skill Practice Simplify the expressions.

Section 6.1 Rational Expressions and Rational Functions 411

Definition of a Rational Function

For example, the functions f, g, h, and k are rational functions.

Example 7 Evaluating a Rational Function

412 Chapter 6 Rational Expressions and Rational Equations

Domain: 1, 32 ´ 13, 2

a. h(0) b. h(2) c. h(2) d. h(6)

The graph of a rational function may be mis-

Skill Practice Answers

Section 6.1 Rational Expressions and Rational Functions 413

Section 6.1 Practice Exercises

Study Skills Exercise

Concept 1: Evaluating Rational Expressions

Concept 2: Domain of a Rational Expression

Concept 3: Simplifying Rational Expressions to Lowest Terms

414 Chapter 6 Rational Expressions and Rational Equations

For Exercises 21–42, simplify the rational expressions.

10x3 25x 2  4x 10 8x3 12x2  6x 9

Concept 4: Simplifying Ratios of 1

Section 6.1 Rational Expressions and Rational Functions 415

c4 b2 yx 4w2 49z2

b4 c6 2x  34 9w 3

Concept 5: Rational Functions

. Find the function values k 102, k112, k132, k 112, k1 12 2.

73. m 1x2 74. n 1x2 75. q 1x2 76. p 1x2

416 Chapter 6 Rational Expressions and Rational Equations

Solution: TIP: t 3 8 is a sum of cubes.

1t 221t 2 2t 42 The restrictions on the domain are

Domain: 1, 32 ´ 13, 2

10x3 25x 2 4x 10 8x3 12x2 6x 9

c4 b2 yx 4w2 49z2

b4 c6 2x 34 9w 3

2 21w 5p2 12w 3p21w 5p2

12w 3p21w 5p2

This fraction bar denotes division 12 .

27r 5 28rs3 3z 12 16z3 x2y 2x2 13x 15

3y2 18y 15 y 5 10w 8 3w2 w 14 x 5y y2 x2

2x2 5xy 2y2 x2 xy 2y2 6s2 st 2t 2 3s2 17st 10t 2

10x2 13xy 3y2 2y 8x 6a2 ab b2 2a3 4a2b

x2 4y2 x2 6xy 9y2 x2 5xy 6y2 x2 9y2

8x3 27y3 8x2 12xy 18y2 25m2 1 5m 1

LCD 21x 521x 521x 42 2 The LCD is the product of the

d. x 4 ; 1 The denominators are already

x2 x4 s1 t1 x2 y2

s8 16s 64 x2 x 7 x