A rational number is a ratio of two integers with a nonzero denominator.

Google

A **rational expression** is an expression written in the form $$\frac{p}{q}$$, where $$p$$ and $$q$$ are polynomials and $$q \neq 0$$. Just as a rational number is defined as the ratio of two integers with a nonzero denominator, a rational expression extends this idea by replacing integers with polynomials — it is the ratio of two polynomials whose denominator polynomial is not equal to zero. Because division by zero is undefined, the denominator must never be zero. Examples of rational expressions include $$-\frac{24}{56}$$, $$\frac{5x}{12y}$$, $$\frac{4x+1}{x^2-9}$$, and $$\frac{4x^2+3x-1}{2x-8}$$. Notice that $$-\frac{24}{56}$$ is simply a numerical fraction, yet it qualifies as a rational expression because a constant is a polynomial of degree zero — so the ratio of two constants is a ratio of two polynomials, provided the denominator is not zero. The same operations performed on numerical fractions — simplifying, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing — are also performed on rational expressions.

Rational Expression

Before performing any operation with a rational expression, it is essential to identify the variable values that would make the denominator equal zero — because a zero denominator makes the expression undefined. While the numerator of a rational expression is allowed to be zero, the denominator must never be zero. Identifying these restricted values ahead of time is especially important when solving rational equations, since it reveals whether the algebraic solutions obtained are valid or must be rejected.

To find the values for which a rational expression is undefined, follow a two-step procedure:

1. **Set the denominator equal to zero.** Write an equation in which the denominator polynomial is set equal to $$0$$.
2. **Solve the equation in the set of real numbers, if possible.** Use appropriate techniques — such as isolating the variable, factoring, or applying the Zero Product Property — to find the value(s) of the variable that satisfy the equation.

Each solution to that equation is a value at which the original rational expression is undefined.

Determining the Values for Which a Rational Expression is Undefined

Evaluate the rational expression $$\frac{2x+3}{3x-5}$$ for three different values of $$x$$ by substituting each value and simplifying the numerator and denominator separately.

**ⓐ When $$x = 0$$:** Replace $$x$$ with $$0$$ to get $$\frac{2(0)+3}{3(0)-5}$$. Simplify the numerator: $$2(0)+3 = 0+3 = 3$$. Simplify the denominator: $$3(0)-5 = 0-5 = -5$$. The result is $$\frac{3}{-5} = -\frac{3}{5}$$.

**ⓑ When $$x = 2$$:** Replace $$x$$ with $$2$$ to get $$\frac{2(2)+3}{3(2)-5}$$. Simplify the numerator: $$2(2)+3 = 4+3 = 7$$. Simplify the denominator: $$3(2)-5 = 6-5 = 1$$. The result is $$\frac{7}{1} = 7$$.

**ⓒ When $$x = -3$$:** Replace $$x$$ with $$-3$$ to get $$\frac{2(-3)+3}{3(-3)-5}$$. Simplify the numerator: $$2(-3)+3 = -6+3 = -3$$. Simplify the denominator: $$3(-3)-5 = -9-5 = -14$$. The result is $$\frac{-3}{-14} = \frac{3}{14}$$.

This example demonstrates that evaluating a rational expression follows the same substitute-and-simplify process used for any algebraic expression. After substitution, the numerator and denominator are each simplified independently before the resulting fraction is reduced. Part (ⓒ) illustrates that when both the numerator and denominator are negative, the negatives cancel, producing a positive result.

Evaluating $$\frac{2x+3}{3x-5}$$ for $$x = 0$$, $$x = 2$$, and $$x = -3$$

To multiply rational expressions, follow a three-step procedure:

**Step 1.** Factor each numerator and denominator completely.

**Step 2.** Multiply the numerators and denominators.

**Step 3.** Simplify by dividing out common factors.

The core rule is to multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together. Before multiplying, each numerator and denominator must be factored completely; after multiplying, any common factors shared by the resulting numerator and denominator are divided out.

How to Multiply Rational Expressions

To divide rational expressions, multiply the first fraction by the **reciprocal** of the second — the same strategy used for dividing numerical fractions. If $$p$$, $$q$$, $$r$$, and $$s$$ are polynomials with $$q \neq 0$$, $$r \neq 0$$, and $$s \neq 0$$, then:

$$\frac{p}{q} \div \frac{r}{s} = \frac{p}{q} \cdot \frac{s}{r}$$

The reciprocal of $$\frac{r}{s}$$ is $$\frac{s}{r}$$, obtained by swapping the numerator and denominator of the second rational expression. Once the division has been rewritten as a multiplication, the standard procedure for multiplying rational expressions applies: factor all numerators and denominators completely, multiply, and then simplify by dividing out common factors.

Division of Rational Expressions

To divide rational expressions, follow these four steps:

**Step 1.** Rewrite the division as the product of the first rational expression and the reciprocal of the second.

**Step 2.** Factor the numerators and denominators completely.

**Step 3.** Multiply the numerators and denominators together.

**Step 4.** Simplify by dividing out common factors.

This procedure mirrors the three-step process for multiplying rational expressions, with one additional preliminary step: converting the division into a multiplication by flipping the second fraction. After that conversion, the remaining steps — factoring, multiplying, and simplifying — are identical to those used for multiplication.

How to Divide Rational Expressions

Divide $$\frac{x+9}{6-x} \div \frac{x^2-81}{x-6}$$.

**Step 1 — Rewrite as multiplication by the reciprocal.** Flip the second fraction and change the division sign to multiplication:

$$\frac{x+9}{6-x} \cdot \frac{x-6}{x^2-81}$$

**Step 2 — Factor the numerators and denominators completely.** Recognize that $$x^2 - 81$$ is a difference of squares: $$x^2 - 81 = (x-9)(x+9)$$. The expression becomes:

$$\frac{x+9}{6-x} \cdot \frac{x-6}{(x-9)(x+9)}$$

**Step 3 — Multiply the numerators and denominators:**

$$\frac{(x+9)(x-6)}{(6-x)(x-9)(x+9)}$$

**Step 4 — Simplify by dividing out common factors.** Cancel the common factor $$(x+9)$$ from the numerator and denominator. Notice that $$(x-6)$$ and $$(6-x)$$ are **opposites** — they differ only by a factor of $$-1$$ — so $$\frac{x-6}{6-x} = -1$$. After canceling:

$$-\frac{1}{x-9}$$

This example illustrates a key technique: when a factor in the numerator and a factor in the denominator are opposites (such as $$(x-6)$$ and $$(6-x)$$), they divide to $$-1$$ rather than $$1$$.

Dividing $$\frac{x+9}{6-x} \div \frac{x^2-81}{x-6}$$

Divide $$\frac{3n^2}{n^2-4n} \div \frac{9n^2-45n}{n^2-7n+10}$$.

**Step 1 — Rewrite as multiplication by the reciprocal.** Flip the second fraction and change division to multiplication:

$$\frac{3n^2}{n^2-4n} \cdot \frac{n^2-7n+10}{9n^2-45n}$$

**Step 2 — Factor the numerators and denominators completely.** Factor each polynomial: $$3n^2 = 3 \cdot n \cdot n$$, $$n^2 - 4n = n(n-4)$$, $$n^2 - 7n + 10 = (n-5)(n-2)$$, and $$9n^2 - 45n = 9n(n-5) = 3 \cdot 3 \cdot n(n-5)$$. The expression becomes:

$$\frac{3 \cdot n \cdot n}{n(n-4)} \cdot \frac{(n-5)(n-2)}{3 \cdot 3 \cdot n(n-5)}$$

**Step 3 — Multiply the numerators and denominators:**

$$\frac{3 \cdot n \cdot n \cdot (n-5)(n-2)}{n(n-4) \cdot 3 \cdot 3 \cdot n(n-5)}$$

**Step 4 — Simplify by dividing out common factors.** Cancel the common factors $$3$$, $$n$$, $$n$$, and $$(n-5)$$ from both the numerator and denominator:

$$\frac{n-2}{3(n-4)}$$

This example demonstrates that after converting a division of rational expressions into a multiplication, the procedure is the same as multiplying rational expressions: factor completely, then cancel all shared factors between numerator and denominator.

Dividing $$\frac{3n^2}{n^2-4n} \div \frac{9n^2-45n}{n^2-7n+10}$$

The rules for adding and subtracting numerical fractions with a common denominator extend directly to rational expressions. If $$p$$, $$q$$, and $$r$$ are polynomials with $$q \neq 0$$, then:

$$\frac{p}{q} + \frac{r}{q} = \frac{p + r}{q}$$

$$\frac{p}{q} - \frac{r}{q} = \frac{p - r}{q}$$

To add or subtract rational expressions that share the same denominator, combine the numerators — adding or subtracting them as polynomials — and write the result over the common denominator. Unlike numerical fraction addition, where the result is simplified by dividing out common numerical factors, rational expression results often require **factoring** the combined polynomial numerator and denominator completely so that common polynomial factors can be identified and canceled. The denominator polynomial remains unchanged throughout the operation; only the numerator polynomials are combined.

Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions with a Common Denominator

To add or subtract rational expressions that already share the same denominator, follow a three-step procedure:

**Step 1.** Add or subtract the numerators and place the result over the common denominator.

**Step 2.** Factor the numerator and denominator completely.

**Step 3.** Simplify by dividing out any common factors shared by the numerator and denominator.

This procedure parallels the approach used for numerical fractions with a common denominator, but introduces the essential additional requirement of **factoring**. Because the numerators and denominators are polynomials rather than plain numbers, the combined numerator may share common polynomial factors with the denominator. These shared factors must be uncovered through complete factoring and then canceled to express the result in its simplest form. Skipping the factoring step can leave the answer unsimplified even when common factors exist.

How to Add and Subtract Rational Expressions with a Common Denominator

When two rational expressions have denominators that are **opposites** of each other — such as $$(a - b)$$ and $$(b - a)$$ — they can be rewritten to share a common denominator by using the algebraic identity:

$$b - a = -(a - b)$$

This identity shows that reversing the order of a subtraction is equivalent to multiplying by $$-1$$. To apply this technique, multiply the numerator and denominator of the fraction whose denominator is in the "opposite" form by $$-1$$. This transforms the denominator into the same expression as the other fraction's denominator, creating a common denominator so that the standard addition or subtraction rule can be used.

For instance, to add $$\frac{m}{m - 3} + \frac{5}{3 - m}$$, recognize that $$(3 - m)$$ and $$(m - 3)$$ are opposites. Multiply the numerator and denominator of the second fraction by $$-1$$: $$\frac{5}{3 - m} = \frac{5 \cdot (-1)}{(3 - m)\cdot(-1)} = \frac{-5}{m - 3}$$. Now both fractions share the denominator $$(m - 3)$$, and they can be combined: $$\frac{m + (-5)}{m - 3} = \frac{m - 5}{m - 3}$$.

Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions Whose Denominators Are Opposites

To find the least common denominator of two or more rational expressions, apply a four-step procedure that parallels the prime factors method used for numerical fractions — but uses **polynomial factors** instead of prime numbers, and the LCD is left in **factored form** rather than multiplied out:

**Step 1.** Factor each denominator completely.

**Step 2.** List the factors of each expression, matching common factors vertically when possible.

**Step 3.** Bring down one factor from each column — shared factors are counted only once, while all distinct factors are included.

**Step 4.** Multiply the factors. The product (left in factored form) is the LCD.

This procedure mirrors the prime factors method for finding the LCM of numbers: factoring into primes corresponds to factoring polynomials, and lining up common primes corresponds to lining up common binomial or polynomial factors. The key difference is that for rational expressions, the LCD is typically left as a product of polynomial factors rather than being multiplied out into a single expanded polynomial.

As with all rational expressions, values of the variable that would make any denominator equal zero must be excluded.

How to Find the LCD of Rational Expressions

Find the least common denominator of the two rational expressions $$\frac{8}{x^2 - 2x - 3}$$ and $$\frac{3x}{x^2 + 4x + 3}$$.

**Step 1 — Factor each denominator completely.**

$$x^2 - 2x - 3 = (x + 1)(x - 3)$$

$$x^2 + 4x + 3 = (x + 1)(x + 3)$$

**Step 2 — List the factors and match common factors vertically.** Both factored forms share the factor $$(x + 1)$$. Align them so that matching factors appear in the same column:

- First denominator: $$(x + 1)$$ and $$(x - 3)$$
- Second denominator: $$(x + 1)$$ and $$(x + 3)$$

**Step 3 — Bring down one factor from each column.** The shared factor $$(x + 1)$$ is brought down once, along with the unshared factors $$(x - 3)$$ and $$(x + 3)$$.

**Step 4 — Multiply the factors.** The LCD is $$(x + 1)(x - 3)(x + 3)$$.

This example demonstrates how the column-matching technique extends from prime numbers to polynomial factors. Factoring both denominators reveals the common binomial factor $$(x + 1)$$, which appears in both but is included only once in the LCD. The remaining unique factors $$(x - 3)$$ and $$(x + 3)$$ are each included as well, producing a three-factor LCD.

Finding the LCD of $$\frac{8}{x^2-2x-3}$$ and $$\frac{3x}{x^2+4x+3}$$

A **complex rational expression** is a rational expression in which the numerator, the denominator, or both contain a rational expression. It extends the idea of a complex fraction — where a numerical fraction appears inside another fraction — to algebraic settings where the inner fractions involve variables and polynomials. As with all rational expressions, any variable values that would make any denominator (including inner denominators) equal to zero must be excluded.

Examples of complex rational expressions include:

$$\dfrac{\frac{4}{y-3}}{\frac{8}{y^2-9}}$$, $$\dfrac{\frac{1}{x}+\frac{1}{y}}{\frac{x}{y}-\frac{y}{x}}$$, and $$\dfrac{\frac{2}{x+6}}{\frac{4}{x-6}-\frac{4}{x^2-36}}$$

These expressions can be simplified using two methods: rewriting the expression as a division problem, or multiplying the numerator and denominator by the LCD of all the rational expressions that appear within it.

Complex Rational Expression

A **rational equation** is an equation formed by connecting two rational expressions with an equal sign. Just as the general concept of an equation joins two algebraic expressions with the symbol $$=$$, a rational equation does the same specifically with rational expressions. The presence of the equal sign is the critical feature that separates a rational equation from a rational expression: without it, the algebraic quantity is merely an expression rather than an equation.

For example, the following pairs illustrate the distinction:

- $$\frac{1}{8}x + \frac{1}{2}$$ is a rational expression, but $$\frac{1}{8}x + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{4}$$ is a rational equation.
- $$\frac{y + 6}{y^2 - 36}$$ is a rational expression, but $$\frac{y + 6}{y^2 - 36} = y + 1$$ is a rational equation.
- $$\frac{1}{n - 3} + \frac{1}{n + 4}$$ is a rational expression, but $$\frac{1}{n - 3} + \frac{1}{n + 4} = \frac{15}{n^2 + n - 12}$$ is a rational equation.

Rational Equation

A rational expression is **simplified** when its numerator and denominator share no common factors other than $$1$$. This definition extends the concept of a simplified numerical fraction — where the numerator and denominator have no common numerical factor — to rational expressions, where the factors to be checked are polynomial factors rather than prime numbers. To determine whether a rational expression is already simplified, one must factor the numerator and denominator completely and verify that no polynomial factor appears in both.

Simplified Rational Expression

To simplify a rational expression, follow a two-step procedure:

**Step 1.** Factor the numerator and denominator completely.

**Step 2.** Divide out any common factors shared by the numerator and denominator, using the Equivalent Fractions Property.

This procedure applies the same Equivalent Fractions Property used to simplify numerical fractions, but extends it to polynomial expressions. Where simplifying a numerical fraction relies on prime factorization to identify shared numerical factors, simplifying a rational expression uses complete polynomial factoring to reveal shared polynomial factors. Once all common factors have been cancelled, the rational expression is in simplified form.

How to Simplify a Rational Expression

When the numerator and denominator of a rational expression are **opposites** of each other — meaning one is the negative of the other — the expression simplifies to $$-1$$. Specifically, the opposite of $$a - b$$ is $$b - a$$, and their ratio satisfies:

$$\frac{a - b}{b - a} = -1 \qquad a \neq b$$

This result follows from the algebraic identity $$b - a = -(a - b)$$: substituting into the fraction gives $$\frac{a - b}{-(a - b)} = -1$$. An expression and its opposite always divide to $$-1$$. Recognizing opposite factors in the numerator and denominator of a rational expression is a key simplification technique — when such factors are divided, they produce $$-1$$ rather than canceling to $$1$$.

Opposites in a Rational Expression

To multiply rational expressions, multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together — extending the rule for multiplying numerical fractions to expressions involving polynomials. If $$p$$, $$q$$, $$r$$, and $$s$$ are polynomials with $$q \neq 0$$ and $$s \neq 0$$, then:

$$\frac{p}{q} \cdot \frac{r}{s} = \frac{pr}{qs}$$

The product of two rational expressions is formed by placing the product of the two numerators over the product of the two denominators. After multiplying, the result should be simplified by factoring the numerator and denominator completely and dividing out any common polynomial factors.

Multiplication of Rational Expressions

In a professional setting, such as when a financial analyst compares two different growth models represented by polynomials, they create a 'rational expression'. Which of the following is the formal definition of a rational expression?

In a corporate financial report, if the profit margin is expressed as the ratio of a polynomial representing net income to a polynomial representing total revenue, this specific type of algebraic fraction is called a ____ expression.

In professional fields such as engineering and data science, mathematical expressions are categorized to ensure formulas are applied correctly. Match each algebraic term with the definition that describes its structure based on the standard rules of algebra.

While reviewing a spreadsheet for a logistics project, you see a note labeling a formula as a 'rational expression'. Based on the formal definition, what are the two specific mathematical requirements that must be met by the numerator and denominator for this label to be accurate?

Defining Rational Expressions in Technical Documentation

In technical documentation, a simple numerical fraction (such as -13/42) is classified as a rational expression because a constant is mathematically defined as a polynomial of degree zero.

Recall the formal mathematical definition of a 'Rational Expression' in the form $\frac{p(x)}{q(x)}$. Based on this definition, what specific category of algebraic expression must $p(x)$ and $q(x)$ be, and what is the one mandatory condition that the denominator, $q(x)$, must satisfy for the formula to be valid?

Formula Validation in Technical Documentation

As part of a technical skills assessment for a role involving mathematical modeling, you are asked to provide the formal definition of a 'rational expression'. In your response, clearly state what a rational expression is, identify the specific types of algebraic expressions that must comprise both the numerator and the denominator, and specify the critical condition that the denominator must always satisfy.

Defining Rational Expressions for Technical Documentation

A technical documentation specialist is creating a validation checklist for engineers to identify 'rational expressions' in their software models. Arrange the following criteria in the correct logical sequence according to the formal definition, moving from the basic structure to the specific mathematical constraints.

A technical analyst is validating a series of formulas in a software manual. One formula is identified as a **rational expression** in the form $p(x)/q(x)$. To ensure the formula is mathematically valid, the analyst must confirm that $q(x) 
eq 0$ because:

A rational expression is undefined when its denominator evaluates to $$0$$. This occurs because division by zero is mathematically undefined. While the numerator of a rational expression can be $$0$$, the denominator must never equal $$0$$. Identifying these undefined values is crucial before performing operations with rational expressions, ensuring that any algebraic solutions found later are actually allowed.

Undefined Rational Expression

A rational function is a mathematical function defined by a rational expression. It is typically written in the form $$R(x) = \frac{p(x)}{q(x)}$$, where both $$p(x)$$ and $$q(x)$$ are polynomial functions, and the denominator polynomial $$q(x)$$ is not equal to zero. Just as a rational expression is the ratio of two polynomials, a rational function assigns output values based on the ratio of two polynomial functions.

Rational Function

A rational inequality is an inequality that contains a rational expression. Examples of rational inequalities include $$\frac{3}{2x} > 1$$, $$\frac{2x}{x - 3} < 4$$, $$\frac{2x - 3}{x - 6} \geq x$$, and $$\frac{1}{4} - \frac{2}{x^2} \leq \frac{3}{x}$$. When solving a rational inequality, the standard techniques for solving linear inequalities are applied, with two important distinctions: the inequality sign must be reversed when multiplying or dividing by a negative number, and any values that make the rational expression undefined must be carefully considered and excluded.

Rational Inequality

A zero partition number is a value that makes a rational expression either equal to zero or undefined. In the context of solving inequalities, zero partition numbers are used to divide the number line into distinct intervals. For example, when an inequality yields a result such as $$x > 3$$, the value $$3$$ serves as a zero partition number. It marks the starting boundary on the number line to determine whether to shade to the left or the right to visually represent all the solutions.

Zero Partition Number

To solve a rational inequality, follow a systematic procedure. First, rewrite the inequality so that there is only one quotient on the left side and $$0$$ on the right. Next, determine the zero partition numbers—the values that make the rational expression zero or undefined—and use them to divide the number line into distinct intervals. Then, evaluate the factors of the numerator and denominator to find the quotient's sign in each interval, which identifies the intervals containing all the solutions to the rational inequality. Finally, write the complete solution using interval notation, being careful to determine whether the endpoints are included.

Procedure for Solving Rational Inequalities

To determine the values for which each rational expression is undefined, set the denominator equal to zero and solve for the variable.

**ⓐ $$\frac{8a^2b}{3c}$$:** The denominator is $$3c$$. Setting it equal to zero gives $$3c = 0$$, which yields $$c = 0$$. Thus, the expression is undefined for $$c = 0$$.

**ⓑ $$\frac{4b - 3}{2b + 5}$$:** The denominator is $$2b + 5$$. Set it equal to zero and solve:
$$2b + 5 = 0$$
$$2b = -5$$
$$b = -\frac{5}{2}$$
Thus, the expression is undefined for $$b = -\frac{5}{2}$$.

**ⓒ $$\frac{x + 4}{x^2 + 5x + 6}$$:** The denominator is $$x^2 + 5x + 6$$. Set it equal to zero and factor:
$$x^2 + 5x + 6 = 0$$
$$(x + 2)(x + 3) = 0$$
$$x + 2 = 0 \text{ or } x + 3 = 0$$
$$x = -2 \text{ or } x = -3$$
Thus, the expression is undefined for $$x = -2$$ or $$x = -3$$.

These examples show increasing complexity: a monomial denominator yields a single restricted value directly, a binomial denominator requires solving a two-step linear equation, and a quadratic trinomial denominator requires factoring and applying the Zero Product Property.

Learn Before

Related