Multiplying Rational Expressions

❖The objective is to be able to multiply

rational expressions.
 Step 1

Multiply the following rational expressions.

⮚Multiply the numerators.

2
36x
5
3 ∙ 16x
 Step 2

Multiply the denominators

2
36 x
5
3 ∙ 16 x
 Step 3

Simplify the resulting expression by dividing out

the greatest common factor of the numerator and
denominator.

The greatest common factor (GCF) of 36 and 48 is 12.

The greatest common factor (GCF) of x2 and x5 is x2.

 Simplify

∙ ∙ 2
3 12 x
∙ ∙ 2 ∙ 3
4 12 x x
2
12 x 3
∙ ∙
x 2 3
12 4x
3 3
1∙ 1∙ =
3
4x 3 4x
 Method 2

When the rational expressions become more complex or the numbers become
larger, it is sometimes easier to divide out the common factors and then
multiply. This is the case for the following example.
 Example

Factor each term.

Divide out the common factors

 Example Continued

x−y x−y
Simplify
1∙ 1∙ =
4 4
A

A
Answer the given activity sheet.

Thank you ☺☺
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