How to do rational expressions?

it depends on the individual problem but there are some points to remember:
Ex. 1 = ( 12 )^1/2 ( ^1/2 means square root ).
In this case the 12 inside the root would have to be split into its components, giving:
( 4 )^1/2 * ( 3 )^1/2 --> then the squares can be evaluated until the numbers in the root can no longer yield perfect squares. In the original equation, the final answer would be
2 * ( 3 )^1/2 (note that numbers in a root go after whole number)

Do not forgot that if a rational expression is on the bottom of a division symbol, other actions must be taken.
Ex. 2 = 1 / ( 3 )^1/2 --> First you should multiply both the top and bottom by the number inside the root.
1 / ( 3 )^1/2 * ( 3 )^1/2 / ( 3 )^1/2 -->Which yields: ( 3 )^1/2 / 3
Then it can be worked out like the other equation (in this case the problem is done).:)