Ryan Kent headed the home side ahead in the fifth minute – steering an Alfredo Morelos knock-on into the top corner.
The Colombian was clipped down as he hacked back possession and scampered in on goal shortly afterwards but the Rangers captain saw his spot-kick saved by Ross Laidlaw, but nevertheless Filip Helander sent a free header in before Joe Aribo shifted in off the right-wing to thump in a third.
With the home side comfortable Rangers manager Steven Gerrard made a handful of substitutes including Ryan Jack returning to action – and the former Aberdeen man made a real impact and found the net before Connor Goldson headed in the fifth to extend the lead at the top to 23 points.
Here's how the Rangers players rated, using our usual Scotsman.com scale...
Player ratings scale - 10: One of the best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: A terrible day at the office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of the worst performances you've seen.
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13. Cedric Itten - 5
On after an hour for Joe Aribo and partnered by Defoe to his benefit, but no goals this week for the popular forward Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
14. SUB - Ryan Jack - 8
Very good after coming off the bench and on the scoresheet. Impressive return to action for the midfielder who played with a point to prove after missing two months. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
15. SUB - Jermain Defoe - 6
Picked and placed Itten after coming on to replace Morelos and used his experience Photo: SNS Group
16. SUB - Bongani Zungu - 5
Booked for a late challenge, but more minutes in the legs as the South African continues to try to find a role in the Rangers midfield Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group