2. We will use two methods to simplify these expressions.

3. 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.

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

9. a) b)