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College Algebra
Tutorial 8:
Simplifying Rational Expressions

Learning Objectives

After completing this tutorial, you should be able to:

1. Find the domain of a rational expression.

2. Simplify a rational expression.

Introduction

Do you ever feel like running and hiding when you see a fraction? If so, you
are not alone. But don't fear! Help is here! Hey, that rhymes. Anyway, over
the next several tutorials we will be showing you several aspects of rational
expressions (fractions). In this section we will be simplifying them. Again, we
will be putting your knowledge of factoring to the test. Factoring plays a big
part of simplifying these rational expressions. So if you feel the need to review
factoring go back to Tutorial 7: Factoring Polynomials. I think you are ready
to tackle these rational expressions.

Tutorial
 Rational Expression

A rational expression is one that

can be written in the form

where P and Q are polynomials and Q does

not equal 0.

An example of a rational expression is:

Domain of a Rational Expression

With rational functions, we need to watch out for values that cause our
denominator to be 0. If our denominator is 0, then we have an undefined
value.

So, when looking for the domain of a given rational function, we use a back
door approach. We find the values that we cannot use, which would be
values that make the denominator 0.

Example 1: Find all numbers that must be excluded from the domain

of .

Our restriction is that the denominator of a fraction can never be equal

to 0.
 So to find what values we need to exclude, think of what value(s) of x,
if any, would cause the denominator to be 0.

*Factor the den.

This give us a better look at it.

Since 1 would make the first factor in the denominator 0, then 1 would
have to be excluded.

Since - 4 would make the second factor in the denominator 0, then - 4

would also have to be excluded.

Fundamental Principle of
Rational Expressions

For any rational expression , and any

polynomial R, where , , then

In other words, if you multiply the EXACT SAME thing to the numerator
and denominator, then you have an equivalent rational expression.

This will come in handy when we simplify rational expressions, which is

coming up next.

Simplifying (or reducing) a

Rational Expression

Step 1: Factor the numerator and the denominator.

 If you need a review on factoring, by all means go to Tutorial 7:
Factoring Polynomials.

Step 2: Divide out all common factors that the numerator and the
denominator have.

Example 2: Simplify and find all numbers that must be excluded from

the domain of the simplified rational expression: .

Step 1: Factor the numerator and the denominator

AND

Step 2: Divide out all common factors that the numerator and the
denominator have.

*Factor the trinomials in the num. and den.

*Divide out the common factor of (x + 3)

*Rational expression simplified

To find the value(s) needed to be excluded from the domain, we need

to ask ourselves, what value(s) of x would cause our denominator to be
 0?

Looking at the denominator x - 9, I would say it would have to be x =

9. Don’t you agree?

9 would be our excluded value.

Example 3: Simplify and find all numbers that must be excluded from

the domain of the simplified rational expression: .

Step 1: Factor the numerator and the denominator

AND

Step 2: Divide out all common factors that the numerator and the
denominator have.

*Factor the diff. of squares in the num. and

*Factor the trinomial in the den.

*Factor out a -1 from (5 - x)

*Divide out the common factor of (x - 5)

*Rational expression simplified

Note that 5 - x and x - 5 only differ by signs, in other words they

are opposites of each other. In that case, you can factor a -1 out of
one of those factors and rewrite it with opposite signs, as shown in
line 3 above.
 To find the value(s) needed to be excluded from the domain, we need
to ask ourselves, what value(s) of x would cause our denominator to be
0?

Looking at the denominator x - 5, I would say it would have to be x =

5. Don’t you agree?

5 would be our excluded value.

Practice Problems

These are practice problems to help bring you to the next level. It will allow
you to check and see if you have an understanding of these types of problems.
Math works just like anything else, if you want to get good at it, then you
need to practice it. Even the best athletes and musicians had help along the
way and lots of practice, practice, practice, to get good at their sport or
instrument. In fact there is no such thing as too much practice.

To get the most out of these, you should work the problem out on your own
and then check your answer by clicking on the link for the
answer/discussion for that problem. At the link you will find the answer as
well as any steps that went into finding that answer.

Practice Problem 1a:

Find all numbers that must be excluded

from the domain of the given rational
expression.

1a.
(answer/discussion to 1a)
 Practice Problems 2a - 2b:

Simplify and find all numbers that must be

excluded from the domain of the simplified
rational expression.

2a. 2b.
(answer/discussion to 2a) (answer/discussion to 2b)

Need Extra Help on These Topics?

The following are webpages that can assist you in the topics that were
covered on this page:

http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/int_algebra/
int_alg_tut32_multrat.htm
The beginning of this webpage goes through how to simplify a rational
expression.

http://www.studycoach.com/alg/classnotes/combining&simplifying/ratexpr/

reducingratexpr.htm
This webpage helps you with reducing rational expressions.

Go to Get Help Outside the Classroom found in Tutorial 1: How to Succeed

in a Math Class for some more suggestions.
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All contents copyright (C) 2002, WTAMU and Kim Peppard. All rights reserved.
Last revised on June 21, 2002 by Kim Peppard.