9.

1 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

(aka factor & cancel)

A rational expression “in simplest form” means:

2 x 1 x 2( x − 3)
Ex. ISF? 2
x +3 x2 x x −1 3( x − 3)
x +1

Example 1. Simplify. Then state any restrictions on the variable.

x 2 + 10 x + 25 − 6 − 3x
 

a. x 2 + 9 x + 20 b. x 2 − 6 x + 8 c.


Multiplying Rational Expressions

To multiply rational expressions:

Example 2. Multiply. Then state any restrictions on the variable.


 
  2x 2 + 7 x + 3 x 2 − 16 a2 − 4 a +1
a. · b. ⋅ 2 c. a 2 − 1 ⋅ a 2 + 2a

  
x−4 x + 8x + 15
 Dividing Rational Expressions

To divide rational expressions:

Example 3. Divide. Then state any restrictions on the variable.

   4− x 5( x − 4) a 2 + 2a − 15 a +1
a.  ÷
b. (3 x + 2)( x − 2) ( x − 2)(7 x − 5) c. ÷
2

  
  a − 16 3a − 12

Example 4. Simplify the complex fraction.


 

a. 


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