Week 14

This week in Precalc 11 we learned how to multiply and divide rational expressions.  The General rule is similar to multiplying and dividing normal fractions.

The difference is first we factor, and then use the exponent law to reduce exponents on variable and then cancelling out like terms and/or simplifying.

 

For example

 

For dividing it is the same except you have to multiply by the reciprocal.

Example:

You have to make sure you always state what the variable’s cannot equal. “Non- Permissible.”

These will always be on the bottom of the fraction and you use the zero product law to determine these numbers. If you use the reciprocal you must state both non-permissible values of the fraction.