Lesson 3

Operations on
Rational
Expressions
 Operations on Fractions
Least Common Denominator
It is the lowest multiple or number into which all the given
denominators may be divided without a remainder.
Factoring Completely
It is a skill that should be practiced whenever factoring is
being performed, where all factors of a polynomial should be
considered prime.
 Multiplication of Rational Expressions
For multiplication, we multiply numerators and denominators,
then express the product in lowest term.
The product of rational expressions and , where a, b c and d are
polynomials, is given by .
Example 1:
(4 𝑎2 𝑏)(3 𝑐 5)
¿ 3 𝑐 5 −3
(𝑐 3)( 8 𝑎3 𝑏) ¿
2 𝑎3 −2
(4 𝑎2 𝑏)(3 𝑐 5) 3 𝑐2
¿ ¿
(𝑐 3)( 8 𝑎3 𝑏) 2𝑎
Example 2:
=
=
=
 Division of Rational Expressions

The quotient of rational expressions and , where a, b, c and d

are polynomials, is given by , in which the reciprocal of the divisor
is multiplied to .
Example 1: ÷ = *
= *
=
Example 2: ÷ =
= *
= *
=
 Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions

We can only add or subtract fractions when the denominators are

the same. When the fractions are similar, we only add the
numerators. If the denominators are different, we determine the
least common denominator (LCD).
For rational expressions and , where a, b, c and d are
polynomials,
a. the sum is given by + = ,
b. the difference is given by - =
where bd is the least common denominator of b and d.
Example 1: + =
=
=
=
Example 2: - + +
=
=
 Complex Rational Expressions
It is possible to have rational expressions whose numerators and
denominators are composed of fractions. These expressions are called
complex rational expressions. Complex rational expressions are
simply rational expressions that undergo the division operation. But
before division, the other operations will have to be performed first.
Example: +
- =
= ● 24 = - 30

=
Recap
• Multiplication of rational expressions is the same as multiplying
basic fractions.
• Division of rational expressions is performed the same way as
division of basic fractions are similar.
• Similar rational expressions are fractions with the same
denominator.
• Dissimilar rational expressions can be made similar by
determining the least common denominator.
• In simplifying complex fractions, perform the simplification part
by part.