Gina is asked to identify a rational expression. Which of the following could she choose?(1 point)

Responses

8x2+70
Start Fraction 8 x squared plus 7 over 0 End Fraction

x32+52x9
Start Fraction x superscript Start Fraction 3 over 2 End Fraction baseline plus 5 over 2 x superscript 9 baseline End Fraction

5.32x−1
Start Fraction 5.3 over 2 x minus 1 End Fraction

9x−48+x√
Start Fraction 9 x minus 4 over 8 plus Start Root x End Root End Fraction

1 answer

To identify a rational expression, we need to find an expression that can be written as a ratio of two polynomials. Here's an analysis of each option provided:

  1. \( 8x^2 + 70 \)

    • This is a polynomial, but it is not in the form of a rational expression (which needs to be a fraction). So, not a rational expression.
  2. \( \frac{8x^2 + 7}{0} \)

    • This is undefined because division by zero is not allowed. Therefore, it is not a valid rational expression.
  3. \( \frac{x^{\frac{3}{2}} + \frac{5}{2}x^9}{1} \)

    • This is a rational expression since it is in the form of a fraction where both the numerator and denominator are polynomials (the denominator is 1, which is also a polynomial).
  4. \( \frac{9x - 4}{8 + \sqrt{x}} \)

    • The denominator \(8 + \sqrt{x}\) involves a square root, which means it is not a polynomial. Thus, this is not a rational expression.

Based on this evaluation, the only option that qualifies as a rational expression is:

\( \frac{x^{\frac{3}{2}} + \frac{5}{2}x^9}{1} \).