Section 8.2: Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
8.2 Lecture Guide: Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions Objective: Multiply and divide rational expressions.
Multiplying Rational Expressions Algebraically and Verbally 1. Factor the numerators and the denominators. Then write the product as a single fraction, indicating the product of the numerators and the product of the denominators. If A, B, C and D are real polynomials and then 2. Reduce this fraction by dividing the numerator and the denominator by any common nonzero factors. Algebraic Example
Dividing Rational Expressions: Algebraically and Verbally 1. Rewrite the division problem as the product of the dividend and the reciprocal of the divisor. If A, B, C and D are real polynomials and then 2. Perform the multiplication using the rule for multiplying rational expressions. Algebraic Example
Perform the indicated operations and reduce all results to lowest terms. Assume the variables are restricted to values that prevent division by zero. 1.
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Determine the unknown expression in each equation. 10.
Determine the unknown expression in each equation. 11.