Factoring and Simplifying Rational Expressions

This video tutorial explains how to multiply rational expressions by emphasizing the importance of factoring. It outlines three main steps: factoring, cross simplification, and multiplying straight across. The tutorial provides a detailed example, demonstrating how to factor numerators and denominators, cross simplify by canceling common factors, and finally multiply and simplify the result.

Why is it important to know different methods of factoring before multiplying rational expressions?

• To make the expressions look more complex

• To ensure the expressions are in simplest form

• To avoid using a calculator

• To increase the number of steps in the process

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CCSS.HSA.APR.D.7

What is the first step in multiplying rational expressions?

• Divide the expressions

• Subtract the expressions

• Factor the expressions

• Add the expressions

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CCSS.7.EE.A.1

In the example, what is the GCF of 3x + 6?

• 2

• 3

• 9

• 6

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CCSS.HSA.APR.C.4

What is the result of factoring x^2 - 9?

• (x + 3)(x - 3)

• (x + 4)(x - 4)

• (x + 2)(x - 2)

• (x + 1)(x - 1)

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CCSS.HSA.APR.D.6

What common factor is canceled during cross simplification in the example?

• x + 2

• x + 1

• x + 3

• x + 4

What is the largest number that divides both 3 and 6x in the example?

• 1

• 6

• 2

• 3

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CCSS.HSA.APR.D.6

After cross simplification, what is the next step?

• Subtract the denominators

• Multiply straight across

• Add the numerators

• Divide the numerators

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What is the result of multiplying 1 times 4 in the numerator?

• 3

• 5

• 2

• 4

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CCSS.HSA.APR.D.6

What is the simplified form of 4 over 2x?

• 4 over x

• 3 over x

• 1 over x

• 2 over x

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CCSS.HSA.APR.D.7

What is the final expression after simplification?

• 2 over x times (x + 3)

• 2 over x times (x - 3)

• 4 over x times (x + 3)

• 4 over x times (x - 3)

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CCSS.HSA.APR.D.7