Math 51

Worksheet

Rational Expressions

p
A rational expression is an expression of the form ,
Q
where P and Q are polynomials, with Q ≠ 0.

2x3 − 7 x
Example: Is a rational expression because the top and bottom are polynomials.
5x 4 − 8x 2

− 2 x −8 − 7 x
Example: Is not because of the negative power and the square root.
5x 4 − 8x

What makes a rational expression undefined?

A rational expression is undefined when the denominator is equal to zero. To find the
values that make a rational expression undefined, set the denominator equal to zero and
solve the resulting equation.

2x3 − 7x
Example: Is undefined because the zero is in the denominator.
0

2 x 2 + x − 10

Write the rational expression in lowest terms:
6 x + 15

(2 x + 5)( x − 2)
o Factor the numerator ⇒
6 x + 15

(2 x + 5)( x − 2)
o Factor the denominator ⇒
3(2 x + 5)

(2 x + 5)( x − 2) ( x − 2) x−2
o Divide out common factors ⇒ = =
3(2 x + 5) 3 3
 Practice Problems

Find any values of the variable for which each rational expression is undefined.

2 x 2 + x − 10 2m − 3
1) 2)
6 x + 24 m2 − 9

3r 2 + 7 w 2 + 6 w − 10
3) 4)
2r 2 + r − 10 5w 2 + 10

Write each rational expression in lowest terms.

21x 7 6 x + 12
5) 6)
3x 2 4x + 8

2 x 3 + 6 x 2 − 7 x − 21 x 2 + 3 x − 18
7) use grouping 8)
x 2 + 5x + 6 x 2 + 8 x + 12

p 3 − 27 2 − 5x
9) use difference of cubes 10)
p−3 5x − 2

Answer Key
1) x ≠ −4 2) m ≠ 3 m ≠ −3
5 4) It is never undefined
3) r≠− r≠2
2
5) 7x 5 6)
3
2

2x 2 − 7 x−3
7) 8)
x+2 x+2
9) p2 + 3p + 9 10) −1