Section 7 2 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

Section 7. 2 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions Copyright © 2017, 2013, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 1

Multiplying Rational Expressions If are rational expressions, then To multiply rational expressions, multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators. Copyright © 2017, 2013, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 2

Rules Multiplying Rational Expressions 1) Completely factor numerators and denominators. 2) Cancel out and reduce factors that are in both the numerator and denominator. 3) Multiply numerators and multiply denominators. 3) Simplify or write the product in lowest terms by dividing out common factors. Copyright © 2017, 2013, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 3

Example Multiply. Copyright © 2017, 2013, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 4

Example Multiply. Copyright © 2017, 2013, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 5

Example Multiply: Copyright © 2017, 2013, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 6

Dividing Rational Expressions If are rational expressions, then To divide two rational expressions, multiply the first rational expression by the reciprocal of the second rational expression. Copyright © 2017, 2013, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 7

Example Divide. Copyright © 2017, 2013, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 8

Example Divide: Copyright © 2017, 2013, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 9

Example Divide: Copyright © 2017, 2013, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 10

Practice Multiply or divide as indicated. a. b. c. Copyright © 2017, 2013, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 11