Rational Expression

Definition

A rational expression is an algebraic expression made up of ratios (fractions) of polynomials. It can be written as P(x)/Q(x), where P(x) and Q(x) are polynomial expressions and Q(x) cannot equal zero.

Related terms

Numerator:

The top part of a fraction in a rational expression. It represents what is being divided.

Denominator:

The bottom part of a fraction in a rational expression. It represents what is doing the dividing.

Simplifying: The process of reducing a rational expression to its simplest form by canceling common factors between the numerator and denominator.