What constitutes a rational expression? How would you explain this concept to someone unfamiliar with it?
Solution
A rational expression is simply a fraction whose numerator and/or denominator are polynomials. Its name is derived from being the ratio of two polynomials. A polynomial is an expression made up of variables and constants, but only the operations of multiplication, addition and subtraction can be used, as well as non-negative integer exponents. In polynomials, division of constants is allowed, but no division by a variable. An example of a rational expression would be: (x2 +4)/(x+1). When simplifying rational expressions, you should first factor both the numerator and denominator to see if there are any like expressions that will cancel out.
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What constitutes a rational expression- How would you explain this con.docx
1. What constitutes a rational expression? How would you explain this concept to someone
unfamiliar with it?
Solution
A rational expression is simply a fraction whose numerator and/or denominator are polynomials.
Its name is derived from being the ratio of two polynomials. A polynomial is an expression made
up of variables and constants, but only the operations of multiplication, addition and subtraction
can be used, as well as non-negative integer exponents. In polynomials, division of constants is
allowed, but no division by a variable. An example of a rational expression would be: (x2
+4)/(x+1). When simplifying rational expressions, you should first factor both the numerator and
denominator to see if there are any like expressions that will cancel out.
