AIM: How do we simplify, multiply and divide rational expressions? Do Now: Factor Completely 1) 4x² + 20x + 25 2) 10x²y – 25xy – 60y HW # 6 pg 48 #23-25 pg 52 #9,10,18-20

Remember, denominators can not = 0. Now lets go through the steps to simplify a rational expression.

Step 1: Factor the numerator and the denominator completely looking for common factors. Next

What is the common factor? Step 2: Divide the numerator and denominator by the common factor.

Step 3: Multiply to get your answer. 1 Step 3: Multiply to get your answer.

Lets go through another example. Factor out the GCF Next

1 1

Now try to do some on your own.

Remember how to multiply fractions: First you multiply the numerators then multiply the denominators.

The same method can be used to multiply rational expressions. 1

Step #1: Factor the numerator and the denominator. Let’s do another one. Step #1: Factor the numerator and the denominator. Next

Step #2: Divide the numerator and denominator by the common factors. 1

Step #3: Multiply the numerator and the denominator. Remember how to divide fractions?

Multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor. 1 5 4

Dividing rational expressions uses the same procedure. Ex: Simplify

1 Next

Now you try to simplify the expression: