Rational Expressions
A rational expression is just like a fraction, but instead of just numbers in the numerator and denominator, there are variables too!
Breaking It Down Simply
✅ A fraction:
\[
\frac{3}{5}
\]
This is a simple fraction where 3 is divided by 5.
✅ A rational expression:
\[
\frac{x + 2}{x – 3}
\]
This is similar to a fraction, but now we have variables involved.
Key Things to Understand
1️⃣ It is a ratio of two algebraic expressions (meaning it has a numerator and a denominator).
2️⃣ The denominator should not be zero because division by zero is undefined.
3️⃣ It behaves like a fraction, meaning you can simplify, add, subtract, multiply, and divide them just like normal fractions.
Real-World Analogy
Think of a pizza 🍕 divided among people.
– If you have 3 slices for 5 people, it’s \( \frac{3}{5} \).
– If you have \( x+2 \) slices for \( x-3 \) people, then it’s \( \frac{x+2}{x-3} \).
Both are ratios, but the second one depends on the value of xx.