SLOT Week 11 – Day 1

Multiplying, and Dividing Rational Expressions PreCalc

Example 1 Simplify each expression:

Multiplying Rational Expressions Multiplying rational expressions uses the same rules as with multiplying fractions: Multiply numerators Multiply denominators Simplify We can also try to find common factors in numerators and denominators and divide these out prior to multiplying out. Look at this example: Or worked like this: 4 x2 y

Example 2 Multiply the expressions. Simplify the result.

Dividing Rational Expressions To divide one rational expression by another, multiply the first expression by the reciprocal of the second expression. This is just the same as you would do with two fractions. Look at this example:

Example 3 Divide each expression. Simplify the result.