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

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

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

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

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

6. Lets go through another example.
Factor out the GCF
Next

7. 1 1

9. Now try to do some on your own.

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

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

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

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

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

15. Multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor.1 5 4

16. Dividing rational expressions uses the same procedure.
Ex: Simplify

17. 1
Next

18. Now you try to simplify the expression: