Introduction on Operations of Rational Algebraic Expressions

In the first lesson, you learned that rational algebraic expression is a ratio of two polynomials where the denominator is not equal to zero. In this lesson, you will be able to perform operations on rational algebraic expressions. Before moving to the new lesson, let’s look back on the concepts that you have learned that are essential to this lesson.

           In the previous mathematics lesson, your teacher taught you how to add and subtract fractions. What mathematical concept plays a vital role in adding and subtracting fraction? You may think of LCD or Least Common Denominator. Now, let us take another perspective in adding or subtracting fractions. Ancient Egyptians had special rules in their fraction. When they have 5 loaves for 8 persons, they did not divide it immediately by 8, they used the concept of unit fraction. Unit fraction is a fraction with 1 as numerator. Egyptian fractions used unit fractions without repetition except 23. Like 5 loaves for 8 persons, they have to cut the 4 loaves into two and the last one will be cut into 8 parts.

Now, be like an Ancient Egyptian. Give the unit fractions in Ancient Egyptian way.

Let’s do the first activity before we proceed to our first lesson. This activity will enhance your capability in operating fractions. This is also a venue for you to review and recall the concepts on operations of fractions.

Let’s do activity 2. This activity aims to elicit background knowledge regarding operations on rational algebraic expressions.

Tomorrow, we are going start our lesson on Operations of Rational Algebraic Expressions. The first operation that we are going to discuss is on how to multiply rational algebraic expressions.