We will use two methods to simplify these expressions.

EXAMPLE Simplify Rewriting with a division symbol Multiplying by the reciprocal of the divisor (inverting and multiplying) Factoring and removing a factor equal to 1.

Here we look for the LCD of all four denominators. Example Simplify Here we look for the LCD of all four denominators. LCD is ab Multiplying by a clever form of 1, using the LCD: ab/ab = 1.

Multiplying the numerator by ab Don’t forget the parentheses! Multiplying the denominator by ab Using the distributive law Simplifying

LCD is x3 EXAMPLE Simplify The LCD is x3 so we multiply by a clever form of 1 using x3/x3. Using the distributive law All fractions have been cleared and simplified.

a) b)