Ch. 11 Vocabulary
1.) rational expressions
2.) excluded value
3.) complex fraction (11-2)
11-1 Simplifying Rational
Expressions
Algebra 1
A rational expression is…
an algebraic fraction whose numerator and
denominator are polynomials.
Because a rational expression involves division,
the denominator may not have a value of zero.
Otherwise, the rational expression would be
undefined. Therefore, set the denominator equal
to zero to determine the excluded value.
Example 1, a
For each rational expression, state the
values for the variable which makes the
rational expression undefined.
a.) 3r
6r
Example 1, b
For each rational expression, state the
values for the variable which makes the
rational expression undefined.
b.) m  5
m 2 4m  3
Example 1, c
For each rational expression, state the
values for the variable which makes the
rational expression undefined.
c.) 15k
k 2 64
Example 2, a
Simplify each rational expression. (Factor
binomials and trinomials, then cancel like
monomials, binomials and/or trinomials.)
2
3
m
a.)
3m  12
Example 2, b
Simplify each rational expression & identify
excluded value.
y 2 4
b.) 2
y y 2
Example 3, a
Simplify each rational expression.
b  2m
a.)
2
2
12 m 3b
Example 3, b
Simplify each rational expression.
b.) 2 x 2 50
5 x
Assignment
Applying Rational Expressions
Geometric Probability Region B is contained in
Region A. An object is
tossed onto Region A and
is equally likely to land on
any point in the region.
The geometric
probability that it lands in
Region B is
Area of Region B
P
Area of Region A
Area of smaller region
P
Area of larger region
Ex. Of Geometric Probability
#8 (pg. 667)
Write a model that represents the ratio of
the area of the smaller rectangle to the area
of the larger rectangle. Then evaluate the
model when x=2.