Mathematics 8

Quarter 1
Self-Learning Module 4
Rational
Algebraic Expressions
Mathematics – Grade 8
Quarter 1 – Self-Learning Module 4: Rational Algebraic Expressions
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, Section 176 states that no copyright shall subsist in any
work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the
government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for
exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things,
impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand

names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective
copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use
these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors
do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education - Schools Division of Pasig City

Development Team of the Self-Learning Module

Writers: Deborah D. Margarejo; Cherry Ann A. Rogando

Editor: Cherry O. Nabos

Reviewers: Revie G. Santos;Ma. Cynthia P. Badana; Ma. Victoria L. Peñalosa
Illustrator: Name
Layout Artist: Name
Management Team: Ma. Evalou Concepcion A. Agustin
OIC – Schools Division Superintendent
Aurelio G. Alfonso EdD
OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Victor M. Javeña EdD
Chief – School Governance & Operations Division and
OIC – Chief Curriculum Implementation Division

Education Program Supervisors

Librada L. Agon EdD (EPP/TLE/TVL/TVE)

Liza A. Alvarez (Science/STEM/SSP)
Bernard R. Balitao (AP/HUMSS)
Joselito E. Calios (English/SPFL/GAS)
Norlyn D. Conde EdD (MAPEH/SPA/SPS/HOPE/A&D/Sports)
Wilma Q. Del Rosario (LRMS/ADM)
Ma. Teresita E. Herrera EdD (Filipino/GAS/Piling Larangan)
Perlita M. Ignacio PhD (EsP)
Dulce O. Santos PhD (Kindergarten/MTB-MLE)
Teresita P. Tagulao EdD (Mathematics/ABM)

Printed in the Philippines by Department of Education – Schools Division of

Pasig City
Mathematics 8
Quarter 1
Self-Learning Module 4
Rational Algebraic
Expressions
Introductory Message

For the Facilitator:

Welcome to the Mathematics Grade 8 Self-Learning Module on Rational

Algebraic Expressions!

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims to help learners
acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely: Communication,
Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the self-learning module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this self-
learning module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and
assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the self-learning module.
 For the learner:

Welcome to the Mathematics Grade 8 Self-Learning Module on Rational

Algebraic Expressions!

This self-learning module was designed to provide you with fun and
meaningful opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and
time. You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being
an active learner.

This self-learning module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest - This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 EXPECTATIONS

1. Define and illustrate rational algebraic expressions.

2. Simplify the given rational algebraic expressions.

PRETEST

Directions: Read each question carefully. Write the letter of your answer on a sheet
of paper.

1. Which of the following expressions is a rational algebraic expression?

𝑥 3𝑐 3 𝑎−𝑏
A. B. C. 4𝑦 2 + 𝑐 −3 D.
√3𝑦 √(𝑎+1)0 𝑎+𝑏

2. Which of the following illustrates a rational expression?

1 𝑥+2 𝑥 2 +5𝑥+4
A. B. C. D. 𝑥 −2 + 1
𝑥−𝑥 √𝑥−2 𝑥+1

𝑥 2 −1
3. What rational algebraic expression is the same as ?
𝑥−1
A. x + 1 B. x – 1 C. 1 D. -1
4. Which of the following expressions is in simplest form?
𝑎2 𝑏 𝑥−5 6𝑎+2𝑏 2𝑒 2
A. B. C. D.
𝑏 5−2𝑥 30𝑎+10𝑏 14𝑓2

𝑎2 −1
5. Aaron was asked by his teacher to simplify on the board. He wrote his
𝑎2 −𝑎
𝑎2 −1 (𝑎+1)(𝑎−1)
solution on the board this way: = = 1. Did he arrive at the
𝑎2 −𝑎 𝑎(𝑎+1)
correct answer?
A. Yes, the expressions that he crossed out are all common factors.
B. Yes, the LCD must be eliminated to simplify the expression.
1
C. No, 𝑎2 must be cancelled out so that the answer is .
𝑛

D. No, a is not a common factor of numerator.

 RECAP
A. Study the following expressions. Write YES if the given expression is a
polynomial or NO if it is not.

1. 2𝑎2 3. 4√𝑎 5. 5𝑥 2 𝑦 + 𝑦 −2
3 3𝑥
2. 4.
𝑥 10
B. Write the following polynomials in factored form.

1. 𝑎2 + 2𝑎 3. 𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 6 5. 𝑎2 − 10𝑎 + 25

2. 2𝑥 − 16 4. 𝑦 2 − 144

LESSON

From your previous self-learning modules, you have learned special products
and factoring polynomials. Your knowledge on that will help you better understand
the lesson on rational algebraic expressions.

Expressions involving work rate, variation and speed are usually solved using
rational algebraic expressions.

Rational algebraic expression is a quotient of two polynomials where the

𝑃
denominator is not equal to zero. In symbols: , where P and Q are polynomials and
𝑄

Q ≠ 0. When the denominator (Q) is equal to zero, the expression will be undefined
or meaningless.
4 4𝑥 𝑥 2 +2𝑥−35
Some rational algebraic expressions are: , ,
𝑥−2 𝑥 2 −9 3𝑥+4
Find the value of the variable that makes the expression undefined or meaningless.
4
a. if 𝑥 − 2 = 0, then 𝒙 = 𝟐.
𝑥−2
4 4
If 𝑥 = 2, then = = undefined.
2−2 0
Therefore, the value of x = 2 will make the expression meaningless.
 4𝑥
b. if 𝑥 2 − 9 = 0, then (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3) = 0. It implies that 𝒙 = −𝟑 and 𝒙 = 𝟑.
𝑥 2 −9
4(−3) −12 −12
If 𝑥 = −3, then = = = undefined
(−3)2 −9 9−9 0
4(3) 12 12
If 𝑥 = 3, then = = = undefined
(3)2 −9 9−9 0

Therefore, the value of 𝑥 = ±3 will make the expression meaningless.

𝑥 2 +2𝑥−35 −𝟒
c. if 3𝑥 + 4 = 0, then 𝒙=
3𝑥+4 𝟑
−4 2 −4
−4 ( ) +2( )−35
If 𝑥= , then
3
−4
3
3 3( 3 )+4

−4 2 −4
( ) +2( )−35
3 3
=
−4+4
−4 −4
( )2 +2( )−35
3 3
= = undefined
0
Therefore, the value of x that will make the expression meaningless is -4/3.
1
𝑥 −2 5𝑥 𝑥2
Not rational algebraic expressions are: , ,
5+𝑥 √2𝑥−1 2𝑥−4

Simplifying Rational Algebraic Expressions

Steps in simplifying rational Algebraic Expressions
1. Factor the numerator and the denominator if possible.
2. Divide the common factors of numerator by the denominator.
3. Rewrite the remaining expressions in the numerator and the denominator.
Note: We can only divide factors but not the terms of the numerator and the
denominator.

Examples: Simplify the following expressions.

45𝑎2 𝑏 45𝑎2 𝑏 15(3)𝑎𝑎𝑏 3𝑎
1) GCF = 15𝑎𝑏 = =
30𝑎𝑏 30𝑎𝑏 15(2)𝑎𝑏 2

4𝑎+8𝑏 4𝑎+8𝑏 4(𝑎+2𝑏) 𝑎+2𝑏

2) GCF = 4 = =
12 12 4(3) 3

𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2 𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2
3) GCF = 𝑥 + 1
𝑥 2 −1 𝑥 2 −1
 (𝑥+1)(𝑥+2)
= (𝑥+1)(𝑥−1)
𝑥+2
=
𝑥−1

𝑏2 −12𝑏+36 (𝑏−6)2
4) =
12−2𝑏 2(6−𝑏)
-1 𝑏−6
(𝑏−6)(𝑏−6) Note: 6−𝑏 = −1
=
2(6−𝑏)
𝑏−6
= (−1)
2
−𝑏+6
=
2

ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY 1: LET’S PRACTICE!

A. Direction: Give the value of the variable that makes each rational expression
undefined.
3𝑏 6𝑚 7
1. 3. 5.
𝑏−2 𝑚+6 𝑏2 −64

5𝑐 5𝑥+11
2. 4.
𝑐 2 −9 𝑥 2 +7𝑥+10
B. Directions: State whether the given expression is a rational or not. If not, state the
reason that made it not rational.
Yes/ no Reason
1
1. No the denominator is not a polynomial
𝑎−6
𝑦+2
2. _________ ____________________
𝑦−2
1−𝑚
3. _________ ____________________
𝑚3
𝑐
4. 2 _________ ____________________
𝑏
𝑘
5. _________ ____________________
3𝑘 2 −6𝑘
𝑐2
6. 3 _________ ____________________
√2𝑥
ACTIVITY 2: KEEP PRACTICING!
Direction: Determine the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and
denominator then simplify.
36𝑥 3 𝑥−4
1. GCF =_____ 4. GCF = _____
42𝑥 2 3𝑥 2 −12𝑥

15𝑛 𝑏2 +3𝑏−28
2. GCF =_____ 5. GCF = _____
30𝑛3 𝑏2 −49

2𝑟−4
3. GCF =_____
𝑟−2

ACTIVITY 3: TEST YOURSELF!

Directions: Simplify the following rational expressions. Show your complete solution
in your notebook.
60𝑥𝑦 3 𝑚2 +6𝑚+5
1. 4.
25𝑥𝑦 𝑚2 −𝑚−2

35𝑥−35 𝑥 2 −5𝑥−14
2. 5.
25𝑥−40 𝑥 2 +4𝑥+4

2𝑎2 +10𝑎
3.
3𝑎2 +15𝑎

WRAP-UP

𝑃
Rational Algebraic Expressions (RAE) is an expression in the form , where
𝑄

P and Q are both polynomials and Q ≠ 0.

To simplify Rational Algebraic Expressions, factor the numerator and the

denominator if possible, then divide the factor of the numerator by the same factor
of the denominator.
 VALUING

When we say “be Rational”, it is necessary that we should ignore emotions

and make decisions based on logical thinking. In what situation in your real-life,
can you use your “rational mind”?

POSTTEST

Directions: Read and analyze each question. Write the letter that corresponds to
the correct answer.
1. Which of the following algebraic expressions could not be considered as
rational algebraic expression?
𝑎−𝑏 1
A. √25𝑥 B. C. 4𝑦 2 − 9𝑧 2 D. 5𝑥 2
𝑏+𝑎
2. Which of the following illustrates a rational expression?
1 𝑥 2 +2𝑥+1 𝑥−2 𝑥+1
A. B. C. D.
2𝑥−2𝑥 𝑥+1 𝑥+√2 𝑥 −2 +1

3. Which of the following expression is in simplest form?

𝑥−5 2𝑥+8 12𝑎𝑏 32𝑎𝑏
A. B. C. D.
5−2𝑥 3𝑥+12 42𝑐𝑑 27𝑎2 𝑑
9−𝑏2
4. What is the simplest form of the expression ?
𝑏+3
3−𝑏 𝑏−3
A. B. 𝑏 − 3 C. 3 − 𝑏 D.
𝑏+3 𝑏+3

𝑥 2 +2𝑥−8 𝑥 2 +2𝑥−8 (𝑥+4)(𝑥−2)

5. James was asked to simplify . His solution is = =
𝑥 2 −4 𝑥 2 −4 (𝑥+2)(𝑥−2)
𝑥+4 4
= = 2. What makes the solution of James wrong?
𝑥+2 2

A. Cancelling 4 C. 𝑥 2 − 4 is being factored out

B. Cross out (x -2) D. Dividing the variable x
ACTIVITY 3: TEST YOURSELF! ACTIVITY 2: KEEP
PRACTICING!
12𝑦 2
1. 6𝑥
5
1. GCF = 6𝑥 2
7(𝑥−1) 7
2. 1
5𝑥−8
2. GCF = 15𝑛
2 2𝑛2
3.
3 3. GCF = 𝑟 − 2 2
𝑚+5 1
4. 4. GCF = 𝑥 − 4
𝑚−2 3𝑥
𝑥−7
5. 𝑏−4
𝑥+2 5. GCF = 𝑏 + 7
𝑏−7
ACTIVITY 1: LET’S PRACTICE!
A. 1. 𝑏 = 2 3. 𝑚 = −6 5. 𝑏 = 8, 𝑏 = −8
2. 𝑐 = 3, 𝑐 = −3 4. 𝑥 = −2, 𝑥 = −5
B. 1. Done
2. Yes, both numerator and denominator are polynomial
3. Yes, both numerator and denominator are polynomial
4. No, the denominator is not a polynomial
5. Yes, both numerator and denominator are polynomial
6. No, the denominator is not a polynomial
Pretest Posttest WRAP UP
1. D 1. D A. B.
2. C 2. B 1. YES 1. 𝑎(𝑎 + 2)
3. A 3. A 2. NO 2. 2(𝑥 − 8)
4. B 4. C 3. NO 3. (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 6)
5. D 5. D 4. YES 4. (𝑦 + 12)(𝑦 − 12)
5. NO 5. (𝑎 − 5)(𝑎 − 5)
KEY TO CORRECTION
 References
Abuzo, Emmanuel P., et; al. Grade 8 Teachers Guide Math Module,
DepEd – IMCS first edition 2013.

Oronce, Orlando, and Marilen Mendoza, E–Math 8. Manila: Rex Book Store,
Inc., 2015.

Kuta software – infinite Algebra 2. Rational Expressions.

https://cdn.kutasoftware.com/Worksheets/Alg2/Rational%20Expressions.p
df. (accessed May 27, 2020).