Chapter 3: Rational Expression

Rational Expression:

An expression of the form p(x)/q(x) where p(x) and q(x) are polynomials and q(x) is a non-zero polynomials, is called a rational expression. Here p(x) is called numerator and q(x) is called denominator.

Every polynomial is called a rational expression as.

is not necessarily polynomial.

Lowest term:

p(x)/q(x) is said to be in lowest form if there is no common factor betwee p(x) and q(x) i.e. HCF of

p(x) and q(x) is 1. If p(x)/q(x) is not in lowest terms, it is reduced to its lowest term by cancellling the common factors from numerator and denoninator.

Example 1. Express the following in lowest terms:

Solution:-