What is a rational expression?
Note that the word rational contains the word ratio. We associate the word ratio with fractions. So, a rational expression is a fraction in which both the numerator and the denominator are polynomials. Do you recall what a polynomial is? Write down an example.
In addition to rational expressions, in future chapters we will study rational equations. It is important to note the difference between a rational expression and a rational equation, because we work with them differently. A rational equation has an = symbol, in it we try to solve for a variable, a rational expression does not have an equal sign, with it we simplify perform the indicated operation, addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.
Here is an example of a rational expression:
