6.

3: Addition & Subtraction of Rational Expressions

Objectives: After the learning period, I will be able to 1. Add and subtract rational expressions that have the same denominators. 2. Add and subtract rational expressions that have different denominators.

Chapter 6: Rational Expressions

Standards: 12.0 Students simplify fractions with polynomials in the numerator and denominator by factoring both and reducing them to the lowest terms. 13.0 Students add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions and functions. Students solve both computationally and conceptually challenging problems by using these techniques.

Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

If P, Q and R are polynomials and Q 0,

P Q PQ R R R P Q P Q R R R

Example: The Same Denominators Add the rational expressions below.

4 p 3 3p 8 2p 7 2p 7
4 p 3 3p 8 2p 7
7p5 2p 7

Example: The Same Denominators Subtract the rational expressions below.

8y 16 y2 y2

8 y 16 y2
8( y 2) y2

Example: The Same Denominators Subtract the rational expressions below.

3y 6 2 2 y 3 y 10 y 3 y 10

3y 6 2 y 3 y 10

3( y 2) ( y 5)( y 2)

3 y5

Adding or Subtracting Rational Expressions with Unlike Denominators 1) Find the LCD of all the rational expressions. 2) Rewrite each rational expression as an equivalent one with the LCD as the denominator. 3) Add or subtract numerators and write result over the LCD. 4) Simplify rational expression, if possible.

How to find the Least Common Denominator:

1) Factor the given denominators.

2) Take the product of all the unique factors.

Each factor should be raised to a power equal to the greatest number of times that factor appears in any one of the factored denominators.

Example 1: Find the LCD of the following rational expressions.

1 3x , 6 y 4 y 12

6 y 2 3y

4 y 12 4( y 3) 2 ( y 3)
2

So the LCD is 2 3 y ( y 3) 12 y ( y 3)
2

Example 2: Find the LCD of the following rational expressions.

4 4x 2 , 2 2 x 4 x 3 x 10 x 21

x 4 x 3 ( x 3)( x 1)
2

x 10 x 21 ( x 3)( x 7)
2

So the LCD is (x 3)(x 1)(x 7)

Example 1: Add the following rational expressions.

15 8 , 7 a 6a

15 8 7 a 6a

LCD 6(7)(a)

6 15 7 8 6 7 a 7 6a
90 56 42a 42a

146 42a

73 21a

Example 2: Perform the following operation.

4 x 2 2 x x 6 x 5x 6

4 x ( x 3)( x 2) ( x 3)( x 2)

4( x 3) x( x 3) ( x 3)( x 2)( x 3) ( x 3)( x 2)( x 3)

4 x 12 x 2 3 x ( x 2)( x 3)( x 3)

x 2 x 12 ( x 2)( x 3)( x 3)

Example 3: Subtract the following rational expressions.

5 3 , 2x 6 6 2x

5 3 2x 6 6 2x

5 3 2x 6 2x 6 8 222 2x 6 2( x 3)

4 x 3

Example 4: Subtract the following rational expressions.

7 and 3 2x 3

7 3 2x 3

7 3(2 x 3) 2x 3 2x 3

7 6x 9 2x 3 2x 3

16 6 x 7 6x 9 2x 3 2x 3

CLASSWORK: Problem Set 6.3 #10, 22, 38

IFL
Economy is an important value that should be learned and practiced. God has given us time, money, talents, resources, strength, intellect, and these are lent treasures. They belong to Him and everyone should realized that we should use them properly. We need to learn the principle of conservation for a better future. (Dr. E. M. Role)

IFL
A common denominator is necessary for two fractions to be added/subtracted or combined. This is also true in life especially in the choice of friends. We should choose friends that have the same principles in life to avoid conflicts and to enjoy doing things together. (Dr. E. M. Role)

Individual Practice - Homework Problem Set 6.3, TB pp. 360-361 Multiples of 4 (numbers 4, 8,, 52)

Credits: Martin Gay Developmental Mathematics