Section 2: Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
SSimplify rational expressions. MMultiply and divide rational expressions.
rrational expression
YYou can simplify rational expressions to determine the probability of hitting an archery target. ((See Exercise 35.)
IIn Lesson 8-1, you worked with inverse variation functions such as y = 5/x. TThe expression on the right side of this equation is a rational expression. AA rational expression is a quotient of two polynomials. OOther examples of rational expressions include the following:
BBecause rational expressions are ratios of polynomials, you can simplify them the same way as you simplify fractions. RRecall that to write a fraction in simplest form, you can divide out common factors in the numerator and denominator.
YYou can multiply rational expressions the same way that you multiply fractions.
YYou can also divide rational expressions. RRecall that to divide by a fraction, you multiply by its reciprocal.
PPage 11-35