8.4 Multiply and Divide Rational Expressions

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What is a rational expression?

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A rational expression is a fraction where both the numerator and the denominator are polynomials.

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How do you multiply rational expressions?

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To multiply rational expressions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together, then simplify if possible.

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What is the first step in dividing rational expressions?

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The first step is to multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor.

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What does it mean to simplify a rational expression?

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Simplifying a rational expression means reducing it to its lowest terms by canceling common factors in the numerator and denominator.

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What is the formula for multiplying two fractions?

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How do you find the least common denominator (LCD) of two rational expressions?

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The LCD is the least common multiple of the denominators of the rational expressions.

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What is a common mistake when multiplying rational expressions?

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A common mistake is forgetting to simplify before multiplying, which can lead to more complex expressions.

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What does it mean to factor a polynomial?

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Factoring a polynomial means expressing it as a product of its factors, which can help in simplifying rational expressions.

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