Solving Rational Expressions

Solving Rational Expressions Expressions consist of one or more than one unknown variables with different coefficients and constant numbers. Rational expression is an expression which consists of terms in the fraction form i.e. p / q form. Here q cannot equal zero. There are various mathematical operations which are used to simplify and solve the given rational expressions. Example 1: Find the solution by simplifying the expression x2/ 2 - x2 / 6? Solution: The given question is on subtracting rational expressions. This question contains adding with the same polynomial x2. The first step is to calculate the LCM of the denominators 2 and 6 which is 6. Now 1 / 2 and 1 /6 can be subtracted with the LCM of the denominators as 6. This makes the solution x2 / 2 - x2 / 6 = 3 x2 / 6 - x2 / 6 = 2x2 / 6. Hence the solution is x2 / 3. Example 2: Find the solution by simplifying the expression x / 10 + 2 x/ 5? The given question is on Adding rational expressions. This question contains adding with the same polynomial x. The first step is to calculate the LCM of the denominators 10 and 5 which is 10. Now 1/ 10 and 2 /5 can be added with the LCM of the denominators as 10. This makes the solution x / 10 + 2 x /5 = x /10 + 4 x /10 = 5 x / 10. Hence the solution is x/ 2.