Multiplying rational expressions means we are going to multiply fractions with variables by using the Property of Quotients.
Jenn, Founder Calcworkshop®, 15+ Years Experience (Licensed & Certified Teacher)
If you don’t remember, don’t worry!
All this means is that when we multiply algebraic fractions we:
- Multiply the numerators (tops) together and multiply the denominators (bottoms) together.
- Factor each polynomial completely, and cancel all like factors.
- Simplify if necessary.
What is important to note is that the order of the first two steps listed above can switch depending on your preference or the individual problem, as Math Planet accurately states.
How to Multiply Algebraic Fraction
In other words, sometimes it is more advantageous to reduce each fraction to lowest terms first, and then multiply the numerators and denominators separately.
Always remembering that you can only cancel factors, never terms!
Monomials cancel monomials; binomials cancel binomials; trinomials cancel trinomials!
Together we will walk through 17 questions in detail where we will multiply, factor, and simplify!
Multiplying Fractions (How-To) – Video
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