Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

Topics for Today:

Rational expressions can be multiplied or divided just like regular fractions. Recall from yesterday's lesson that a rational expression is just a fraction with polynomials in the numerator and denominator.  As with dividing regular fractions, when we divide rational expressions, we must multiply by the opposite of the divisor (invert and multiply, or as some of you like to say, keep, change, flip!)

We should always focus on taking out common factors as soon as we can.  This process helps to ensure that our eventual answer is in simplest terms.

Sections Covered in Textbook:

12-4: Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions (pages 657-661)

Resources & Tutorials:

1) Multiply and simplify rational expressions
2) How to divide rational expressions
3) List of More videos for multiplying and dividing rational expressions
4) Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions Class Notes