Is the following a rational expression or equation?
$\frac{17x+1}{21x-2}$

• A. Expression
• B. Equation
• C. Both A and B are correct
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between a rational expression and a rational equation. A rational expression is a fraction where the numerator and denominator are polynomials, while a rational equation is an equation that sets a rational expression equal to another expression or value.
2. Look at the given mathematical object: \(\frac{17x+1}{21x-2}\). This is a fraction with polynomials in the numerator and denominator, but there is no equal sign present.
3. Since there is no equal sign, this is not an equation. It is simply a rational expression because it represents a ratio of two polynomials.
4. If the problem had something like \(\frac{17x+1}{21x-2} = 0\) or any other expression on the other side of an equal sign, then it would be a rational equation.
5. Therefore, based on the given information, classify the object as a rational expression.