RPF - Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions Lesson

Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

The steps for multiplying rational expressions is the similar to multiplying rational numbers.  

1. Factor the numerator and denominator completely.  

2. Cancel any common factors.

3. Multiply the numerators and denominators.

Let's look at some examples.

Example 1:

 

Example 2:

You try:  Multiplying Rational Expressions Practice

When we are dividing rational expressions, remember to change the division problem into a multiplication problem. We create a multiplication of rational expressions problem by multiplying the first rational expression by the reciprocal of the second rational expression.

The following five videos will discuss and model the concept of multiplying and dividing rational expressions with monomials, binomials, multiple variables, and other unknown expressions. After watching these teaching videos, practice items are provided for you to complete to master these concepts.

Dividing Rational Expressions Practice

It is important to master these concepts to be able to apply them to adding and subtracting rational expressions in the next lesson. Remember that you must always factor numerators and denominators to be able to "cancel" (divide to equal 1) factors.

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