SOLUTION: I am really confused and need help. What is the difference between rational expressions and radical expressions? What makes an expression rational? I keep getting tripped up on

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I am really confused and need help. What is the difference between rational expressions and radical expressions? What makes an expression rational? I keep getting tripped up on      Log On


   

Question 318091: I am really confused and need help.
What is the difference between rational expressions and radical expressions? What makes an expression rational?
I keep getting tripped up on the wording and am really confused. Thanks.
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Rational expressions (think rational numbers): Any expression that is in fraction form which especially has variables in the denominator. Examples: 2%2Fx, %282%2B3x%29%2F%285%2Bx%29, and 1%2F%283-2x%29 are all rational expressions.



Radical expressions: Any expressions that contain radicals (square, cube, fourth roots). Examples: sqrt%282x%29, root%287%2Cx%29, and 10-4%2Asqrt%28x%29 are all radical expressions.