Algebra I Recipe: Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

Steps:

1. Factor each numerator and denominator.
• Can’t factor monomials.
• Put parentheses around binomials that do not factor.
2. Cancel like factors within the same fraction OR cross-cancel like factors.
3. The factors that do not cancel in the numerator get multiplied AND the factors that do not cancel in the denominator get multiplied. Leave answers in factored form.
4. Remember that when dividing fractions, you have to multiply by the reciprocal.

Practice Problems