1. Simplify, Multiply, and Divide Rational Expressions May 8, 2015

2. Essential Question How does factoring help me with multiplying and dividing rational expressions?

3. Steps for Multiplying/Dividing Rational Expressions 1.Factor numerator and denominator completely. 2.Turn any division into multiplication of the reciprocal. 3.Cancel any like binomial factors that are in both the numerator and denominator. (Note: only factors can be cancelled – not added or subtracted numbers.) 4.Write your simplified answer as a single fraction. Leave in factored form.

4. Ex. 1: Simplify 1. Factor: GCF Factors Cancel One power of x cancels 2. No Division 3. Cancel factors: 4. Write as fraction:

5. Ex 2: Simplify 1.Factor numerator by grouping and denominator by difference of squares: 2. No Division 3. Cancel Factors 4. Write as fraction

6. Complete 1 & 2 on your worksheet.

7. Ex 3: Simplify 1. Factor: Build Simplify Fix GCF 2. No Division 3. Cancel Factors 4. Write as fraction

8. Ex 4: Simplify 1. Factor: Build Simplify FixGCF 2. No Division 3. Cancel Factors 4. Write as fraction Build Simplify Fix

9. Complete 3 & 4 on your worksheet.

10. Ex 5: Simplify 1. Factor: Build Simplify Fix 2. Division so Multiply by the Reciprocal 3. Cancel Factors 4. Write as fraction

11. Ex 6: Simplify 1. Factor: Build Simplify Fix GCF GCF & Diff of Squares 2. Division so Multiply by the Reciprocal 3. Cancel Factors 4. Write as fraction

12. Complete 6, 7, and 8 on your worksheet.

13. Ex 7: Simplify Build Simplify Fix GCFDiff of Sq Diff of Cubes 1. Factor: 2. Division so Multiply by the Reciprocal 3. Cancel Factors 4. Write as fraction

14. Complete the remainder of your worksheet.