Overview
On this page, we review how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions.
Basic Learning Objectives
These are the tasks you should be able to perform with reasonable fluency when you arrive at your next class meeting. Important new vocabulary words are indicated in italics.
- Multiply rational expressions by multiplying their numerators and denominators, and divide rational expressions by doing the same after swapping the numerator and denominator of the divisor.
- Add or subtract rational expressions with identical denominators by performing adding or subtracting the numerators.
Advanced Learning Objectives
In addition to mastering the basic objectives, here are the tasks you should be able to perform after class, with practice:
- Add or subtract rational expressions with different denominators by finding the lowest common denominator before adding the numerators.
To prepare for class
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Watch the following video (by PatrickJMT) which gives an example of multiplying two rational expressions:
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Watch the following video (by PatrickJMT) which gives an example of dividing two rational expressions by flipping the divisor:
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Watch the following video (by Tyler Wallace) which gives examples of multiplying and dividing two rational expressions:
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Watch the following video (by Tyler Wallace) which shows how to add or subtract two rational expressions with the same denominator:
After class
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Watch the following videos (by Tyler Wallace) which shows how to add and subtract two rational expressions with different denominators by finding a common denominator first:
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Watch the following video (by PatrickJMT) which show more examples of adding two rational expressions with different denominators: