Multiplying
Part of the Polynomials & Rational Expressions section of Coddy's Algebra 2 journey. Lesson 26 of 51.
Multiplying rational expressions works like : multiply the tops, multiply the bottoms, then cancel. Take . Factor first, so the shared factors are in plain view: is . Then multiply across:
Now cancel every factor the top and bottom share: x - 2 goes, x goes, and 6 over 3 leaves 2. What remains is , and multiplying out the top gives the finished answer, . There is no common denominator to find: that is only needed when you add or subtract.
The excluded values still come from the original bottoms: here 0 and 2, even though both cancelled.
Challenge
Multiply and simplify . Write the answer with its top multiplied out.
Try it yourself
Write it as one fraction
All lessons in Polynomials & Rational Expressions
1Polynomial Long Division
How Long Division WorksThe Remainder TheoremA Missing TermRecap: Long Division7Adding and Subtracting
Same BottomDifferent BottomsSubtractingFactor the Bottoms FirstRecap: Adding Fractions2Remainders and Factors
The Factor TheoremFinding a Missing NumberUsing a Known FactorRecap: Remainders and Factors5Sign Charts
Between the RootsOutside the RootsA Negative Leading TermReading a Sign ChartRecap: Sign Charts3Factoring Higher Degree
Factor by GroupingGrouping All the WayDifference of CubesSum of CubesA Quadratic in DisguiseRecap: Factoring6Rational Expressions
Cancelling FactorsExcluded ValuesMultiplyingDividingRecap: Rational Expressions