Multiplying (x + 2)/(x - 3) · (x² - 9)/(x² - 4)

Algebra 1 · Axiom Academy

EXAMPLE Multiplying Rational Expressions Factor each polynomial completely, cancel the common factors, and simplify the product. Simplify the product of rational expressions , and state the domain restrictions. Nice work. You multiplied two rational expressions by factoring completely, cancelling common factors, and simplifying. The moves to remember: Always factor first: look for a difference of squares, trinomials, and common factors before you multiply. Identify cancellations before multiplying: spotting common factors early saves work and reduces errors. Cancel factors, not terms: only whole factors (things being multiplied) in a numerator and denominator may be cancelled. Keep the domain restrictions: any value that made an original denominator zero stays excluded, even after the factor cancels. The same process simplifies any rational-expression product: factor completely, cancel common factors, then simplify.

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