What are some similarities between a rational expression and a rational equation?

Question

 I'm confused on what the similarities are between a rational expression and a rational equation.

Answer 1

A rational expression is simply a ratio (fraction); something divided by something else.  It's something that may be capable of simplification and/or evaluation.

 

In a rational equation, at least one rational expression involving the variable must appear, along with the equal sign and the two expressions that are being equated.  It's something that may be solved for the only value(s) that make this equality true.