Question

What are the four steps for multiplying rational expressions?

Answer 1

Four steps of multiplying the rational expressions and their examples are given below

Step 1

Factor the expression acting as the numerator and denominator of both functions

`(x+3)/(x^2-3x)\cdot(x)/(x^2+9y+18) = ((x+3))/((x)(x-3))\cdot(x)/((x+6)(x+3))`

Step 2

Write both of the expression being multiplied as one expression

`((x+3))/((x)(x-3))\cdot(x)/((x+6)(x+3))= ((x+3)(x))/((x)(x-3)(x+6)(x+3))`

Step 3

Simplify the rational expression by cutting out the common terms

`((x+3)(x))/((x)(x-3)(x+6)(x+3)) = (1)/((x-3)(x+6))`

Step 4

Multiply any remaining factors in numerator or denominator.

`(1)/((x-3)(x+6))=(1)/(x^2+3x-18)`