Simplifying Rational Expressions
Simplifying Rational Expressions
Last updated at May 18, 2026 by Teachoo
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Example 16 Simplify the rational expression (š„^2 ā 7š„ + 12)/(5š„^2 + 5š„ ā 100), assuming that 5š„^2+5š„ā100ā 0. We have to simplify (š„^2 ā 7š„ + 12)/(5š„^2 + 5š„ ā 100) Here, we factorise both the numerator and denominator separately and then divide them Factorising Numerator We have to factorise š„^2 ā 7š„ + 12 x2 ā 7x + 12 Factorising by splitting the middle term = x2 ā 4x ā 3x + 12 = x(x ā 4) ā 3(x ā 4) = (x ā 3) (x ā 4) Factorising Denominator We have to factorise 5š„^2 + 5š„ ā 100 Now, šš^š + šš ā ššš Since 5 is multiplied in all terms, taking it common Splitting the middle term method We need to find two numbers whose Sum = ā7 Product = 1 Ć 12 = 12 Since sum is negative but product is positive. Thus, both numbers are negative =5(5/5 š„^2 +5/5 š„ ā100/5) =5(š^š +š āšš) Factorising by splitting the middle term =5(š„^2 +ššāšš ā20) =5(š„(š„+5)ā4(š„+5)) =š(š+š)(šāš) Thus, our rational expression becomes (š^š ā šš + šš)/(šš^š + šš ā ššš)=((š„ ā 3)(š„ ā 4))/(5(š„ + 5)(š„ ā 4)) Cancelling (š„ ā 4) from numerator and denominator =((š ā š) )/(š(š + š) ) Splitting the middle term method We need to find two numbers whose Sum = 1 Product = 1 Ć ā20 = ā20 Since product is negative, one number is negative, one is positive. And, sum is positive: so it means bigger number is positive =((š ā š) )/(š(š + š) )