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MATHEMATICS
FIRST QUARTER – MODULE 4
Simplifying Rational Algebraic
Expressions

Laboratory High School |

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What I Need to Know
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master how to simplify rational algebraic expressions. The scope of this module
permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used
recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow
the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be
changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

In this module, you will be able to:

• simplify rational algebraic expressions.

M8AL-Ic-2

Specifically, you are expected to:

1. Simplify algebraic expressions with zero and negative exponents;
2. Evaluate rational algebraic expressions; and
3. Simplify rational algebraic expressions involving integral exponents.

What I Know
Before our lesson starts, let us check first your prior knowledge
about simplifying rational algebraic expressions.
Direction: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. One of the techniques in evaluating rational algebraic expression is by using
the PEMDAS method. What does PEMDAS stand for?
a. Polynomial, Exponent, Multiplication, Division, Addition and Subtraction
b. Polynomial, Exponent, Multiplication, Division, Alternative Solution
c. Parenthesis, Exponent, Multiplication, Division, Addition and Subtraction
d. Parenthesis, Elimination, Multiplication, Division, Addition
and Subtraction

2. What value(s) will make the expression 𝑥 2+𝑥−6 undefined?

a.. x = - 3
b. x = 3 only
c. x = 2 only
d. x = 2 and x = -3

3. The value of a non – zero polynomial raised to 0 is?

a. one
b. zero

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 c. undefined
d. None of the above

4. In simplifying a rational algebraic expression, which of the following choices

are applied?
I. Factor the expression.
II. Cancel the common terms.
III. Get the final answer.

a. Only statement I.
b. Only statement II
c. Both statements I and II.
d. All the three statements.

5. What are the domain restrictions of the rational expressions ? a. x ≠ 3

b. x ≠ 0 and x ≠ 3
c. x ≠ 9 and x ≠ 3
d. x ≠ -3 and x ≠ 3
𝑝−5

6. What is the value when the expression 2−10𝑝+25 is evaluated at p

= 10?

a.
b. 10
c. -10

d.

7. What will be the result when and are replaced by 2 and -1, respectively,
in
−5𝑎−2𝑏
the expression
2𝑎−3𝑏2?

a.

b. −

c.

d. −
𝑎−𝑏

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8. What is the result when the expression is simplified?
𝑏−𝑎
a. -1
b. 1

d.
𝑏−𝑎
𝑥2−1
9. What rational algebraic expression is equal to ? 𝑥−1
a. 𝑥+1

b.

c.
d. −1

10. What is the simplified form of the rational algebraic expression ?

−4
a. 𝑥−3

b.
9𝑥
c.
5𝑥
9
d.

𝑥𝑦2𝑧3
11. If we are going to simplify and evaluate the rational expression 𝑦𝑧4 at

𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 1 and 𝑧 = 4, what will be the result?

a. 2
b. 1/2
c. 3
d. ¾

12. Simplify the rational expressions .

a. 3/4
b.1/2
c. 3/12

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 d. 1/4
(4𝑥2𝑦3)

13. What is the rational algebraic expression equivalent to (8𝑦)0 ?

a. 4x2y2
𝑥2𝑦3
b.

c. 4x2y3
d. undefined
𝑎𝑏−3𝑐2

14. What is the value of the expression 𝑎 −2𝑏2𝑐1 when a = 2,b = 1, c = 3?

a. 42
b. 24
c. -42
d.12

15. The worst problem our country and the world is facing is the COVID-19
Pandemic. In this scenario, you want to open a face mask business. If you
want to buy a computer operated machine, what machine is best to buy?

Machine Masks to make Capacity of the Average number

per minute machine of wasted
material per 500
masks
HQ 16 450 inputs 4

Doby 7 500 inputs 2

Tobs 23 350 inputs 12

Lenovs 18 400 inputs 6

a. Lenovs. It has more masks to make and good capacity of machine.
b. Tobs. It has the most masks to make and nice capacity of machine.
c. Doby. It has the best masks capacity and least number of material
wasted.
d. HQ. It has lesser wasted material and better input capacity.

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 Lesson
Simplifying Rational
4 Algebraic Expressions

It is a good day to start the continuation of the topic on rational algebraic

expressions. This module will help you understand the process in simplifying and
evaluating rational algebraic expressions with integral, zero and negative exponents.

What’s In
Before we learn about rationalizing algebraic expression, let us study how to
simplify algebraic expressions with zero and negative exponents. Let me give you
some points to remember in doing this activity.

Remember This:
Rules Explanations Examples
Base and Exponent The base is while the
𝑥3 exponent is 0.
Zero Power: Any number or variable 40 = 1
𝑥0 = 1 raised to the power of zero is 𝑦0 = 1
always equal to one.
(𝑚𝑛)0 = 1
Negative Power: Whenever there is a negative
exponent, think of its
reciprocal.
1 3

−3 = 𝑚
𝑚
Product Rule: If you are going to multiply
𝑥𝑚(𝑥𝑛) = 𝑥𝑚+𝑛 expressions with the same 𝑥2. 𝑥3 = 𝑥3+2 = 𝑥5
bases, simply add their
exponents.

(𝑡4)(𝑡3) = 𝑡7

Quotient Rule: If you have to divide

expressions with the same

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 𝑥 𝑚 = 𝑥𝑚−𝑛, if 𝑚 > bases, simply subtract the
𝑛. exponents but take note of 𝑐4
𝑥𝑛 the position of the larger
exponent.
𝑑2 1 1
𝑚 1 = =
𝑑8 𝑑8−2 𝑑6
= , if 𝑛 < 𝑚.
𝑥𝑛 𝑥𝑛−𝑚

What’s New

Be ready to apply the concept of zero and negative in algebraic expressions.

Answer the Activities below.

Activity 1. Simplify Me

Direction: Simplify the following algebraic expressions with zero and negative
exponents. Write your answer on the space provided.

Example 1. 2(3x + 2) + 2x + 4

2(3x + 2) + 2x + 4 Use the distributive property to eliminate

the parenthesis.

6x +4 + 2x + 4 Rewrite like terms together.

6x + 2x + 4 + 4 Combine like terms (add or subtract)

like terms and its coefficients

8x + 8 Look if there is a need to simplify

8(x+1) Final answer

Simplifying algebraic expressions with zero and negative exponents.

Example 2. 2x2(3x -1 + 2) + 2x2 + 4x0

2x2(3x -1 + 2) + 2x2 + 4x0 Use the distributive property to

eliminate the parenthesis and remember the
laws of exponents

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 6x +4x2 + 2x2 + 4 Arrange the terms according to its
exponent

4x2 + 2x2 + 6x + 4 Combine like terms (add or

subtract like terms and its
coefficients

6x2 + 6x + 4 Combine like terms (add or

subtract like terms and its
coefficients

6x2 + 6x + 4 Look if there is a need to simplify

2(3x3 + 3x + 2) Final answer Evaluating algebraic
expressions given a value.

1. Evaluate the expression 𝑥2 + 𝑥 at 𝑥 = 2.

𝑥2 + 𝑥 Substitute the value of x

22 +2 Simplify the expression using PEMDAS

4+2 Add
6 Final answer
𝑥3
2. Evaluate the expression 𝑦−2 given 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 4.

𝑥3
𝑦 −2 Simplify term with negative exponent

𝑥3𝑦2 Substitute the value of and

23 ∙ 42 Simplify the expression using PEMDAS

8 ∙ 16 Multiply
128 Final answer
Simplifying Rational Algebraic Expressions

Example:

6𝑎3𝑏2

1.

6𝑎3𝑏2

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 2𝑎𝑐2 Factor the expressions

3∙2∙𝑎∙𝑎∙𝑎∙𝑏∙𝑏
Divide the expressions
2∙𝑎∙𝑐∙𝑐
3𝑎2𝑏2
𝑐2 Final answer

𝑥2−9

2. 𝑥2+𝑥−6

𝑥2−9

𝑥 2+𝑥−6 Factor the expressions

Divide the expressions

𝑥+3

Final answer 𝑥+2

It’s good that you were able to understand the steps in simplifying rational
algebraic expressions. You are now ready to answer the next activity on simplifying
rational algebraic expressions.

What I Have Learned

Excellent! Now, let us keep up the pace. Let us summarize what you have
learned from our lesson. WRITE YOUR ANSWER ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF
PAPER.

Direction: Fill in the blanks with the right word or words to make each step in
simplifying rational algebraic expressions correct.

Negative denominator zero numerator

rational algebraic expressions

1. Evaluate the _________________ and _______________exponent.

2. Factor the ___________________ in the numerator and denominator.
3. Simplify the expressions in the ___________________ and ___________________.

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What I Can Do
This activity will let you apply their understanding of illustrating and
simplifying rational algebraic expressions in real-life problem. WRITE YOUR
ANSWER ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER.

Activity 4: Solve Me!

Direction: Read and analyze the problem carefully.

There are two baskets filled with colored balls. Basket A, placed on top of the
table, has 5 red balls, 8 blue balls and 4 white balls. Basket B, placed below the table,
has 9 red balls, 6 blue balls and 7 white balls. If you are going to pick a ball with the
same color from each basket at the same time, how many red, blue and white balls
will remain in each basket?

Assessment
Great! Let us test what you have learned from the very start of our lesson.
Now, I want you to read carefully and answer the questions below.

Direction: Encircle the letter of the correct answer. WRITE YOUR ANSWER
ON A SEPARATE SHET OF PAPER.

2. Which of the following value(s) make the expression 𝑥 2−9 undefined?

a. only
b. 𝑥 = 2 only
c. 𝑥 = 3 only
d. both 𝑥 = 3 and
2𝑥2𝑦−1
3. What is the value of the expression when 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑦 = 3 ?
4𝑥𝑦

a.
b.
18
c. 16
d. 18
𝑥2− 𝑦2

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4. Evaluate the expression ( 𝑥+𝑦)2 at 𝑥 = 4 and . a.

b. -
c.
d. -

5. What will be the result when and are replaced by 2 and -1, respectively, in
the
4𝑥−3𝑦
expression −5+2𝑦2?
a.
b.

𝑦3𝑧3
6. Evaluate the expression 𝑥𝑦 4𝑧 when 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 1 and 𝑧 = 4.
a. 2
b. 4
c. 6
d. 8
𝑎𝑏−3𝑐2
7. What is the value of the expression 𝑎 −2𝑏2𝑐 when 𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = 1, 𝑐 = 3?
a. 12
b. 24
c. 42
d. 48

𝑥−𝑦
8. Simplify the expression .
𝑦−𝑥
a. -1
b. 1
c.

d. 𝑥+𝑦.
𝑦−
𝑐
4𝑦2−25
9. What rational algebraic expression is the same as ? 2𝑦−5
a.

b.
c.

12
 d.

6𝑎−24
10. Simplify this rational algebraic expression 𝑎 2−8𝑎+16 .
a.

b. 𝑎−4
12
c. 𝑎+4
12
d.
𝑎−4

11. What is the simplest form of the rational expression ?

a. 1/4
b. 1/3
c. 1/2
d. 2/3

10𝑥2𝑦3𝑧
12. Which of the following the rational algebraic expressions equivalent to ?
5𝑥𝑦 a. 2xy2z
𝑥2𝑦3
b.

c. 2xy2z
𝑥𝑦3𝑧
d.

𝑎𝑏−3𝑐2
13. What is the simplest of the expression 𝑎−2𝑏2 ?
𝑏5𝑐2
a.
𝑎
𝑎3𝑐
b. 𝑏5
𝑎2𝑏
c. 𝑐2
d. 𝑎2𝑏3𝑐

𝑎2
14. Simplify and evaluate the rational expression when 𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = 1.
𝑎+𝑏
a. ¾
b. 4/3
c. 3
d. 4

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 3𝑥2+6𝑥+3 15.
What is the reduced form of the rational expression 2+3𝑥+2 ?
3𝑥+3
a.
𝑥+2

3𝑥+2
b.
𝑥+3

𝑥+3
c. 𝑥+2

𝑥+3
d.
3𝑥+2

Additional Activities

Direction: Translate and simplify the given problem. Write your answer on the
space provided.
The quotient of two x squared plus five x minus 12 and fifteen less ten x.

References
K to 10 Grade 8 Math Teachers Guide pp. 63-93

Mathematics 8 TG

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