1. 9.1 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions ©2001 by R. Villar All Rights Reserved

2. Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions A rational expression is considered to be simplified when its numerator and denominator have no common factors left… Example: Simplify Factor the numerator and denominator... Cancel common factors... Reduce... 2x

3. Multiplying rational expressions works the same as multiplying fractions…you may multiply numerators and denominators and then simplify, or you can cross cancel common factors... Example: Multiply With monomials, it’s a good idea to multiply first, and then simplify... Now reduce... 4y 3 3 4 3

4. With polynomials, factor each numerator and denominator, if factorable, and cross cancel to simplify... Example: Multiply Factor... Cross cancel... x + 1 x

5. Recall that to divide fractions, you can “invert and multiply:... Example: Divide Rewrite as multiplication... Cross cancel... = 6x 2 3x Factor... = 2x