Multiplying Rational Expressions

In this section, we learn about Multiplying Rational Expressions and Dividing Rational Expressions. We multiply rational expressions the same way that we multiply fractions. We multiply numerators and place the result over the product of the denominators. Once this is done, we must simplify before we report our answer. Alternatively, we can factor everything and cancel common factors before we multiply. This generally will save time as your result will already be simplified. To divide rational expressions, we multiply the first rational expression (rational expression on the left) by the reciprocal of the second rational expression (rational expression on the right).