Multiplying Rational Expressions
After studying this lesson, you will be able to:
- Multiply rational expressions.
Steps to multiply a rational expression:
1. Cancel numerator to denominator if possible (don't cancel
parts of a binomial or trinomial)
2. Factor the numerators and denominators if possible.
3. Multiply straight across - remember, you don't need a
common denominator to multiply fractions (or rational
expressions).
Example 1
![](./articles_imgs/772/pic1.GIF) |
Nothing will cancel. Nothing will factor.
All we have to do is multiply. |
![](./articles_imgs/772/pic2.GIF) |
This is the simplified answer. |
Example 2
Example 3
![](./articles_imgs/772/pic6.GIF) |
We can reduce 12 and 3 and reduce the
variables |
![](./articles_imgs/772/pic7.GIF) |
Now, factor the second denominator. |
![](./articles_imgs/772/pic8.GIF) |
Cancel the identical binomials (x + 5 ) |
![](./articles_imgs/772/pic9.GIF) |
This is the simplified expression. |
Example 4
![](./articles_imgs/772/pic10.GIF) |
Factor |
![](./articles_imgs/772/pic11.GIF) |
Cancel the identical binomials. |
![](./articles_imgs/772/pic12.GIF) |
This is the simplified expression. |
Example 5
![](./articles_imgs/772/pic13.GIF) |
Factor |
![](./articles_imgs/772/pic14.GIF) |
Cancel the identical binomials. |
![](./articles_imgs/772/pic15.GIF) |
This is the simplified expression. |
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