Definitions of the Day (DODs)

11.3b – Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

• Rational Expression (Review)

• Simplest Form

Episode 3 – The Enemy MultipliesIt is a dark time for Algebra 1b students.

Many have forgotten the simple rules

of arithmetic…and lost their factoring

flowchart…

Evading the evil forces that contribute

to lack of homework, you must feel

the force…

Now, you are being asked to multiply and

divide with the enemies. You must keep up…

don’t give up yet…

FEEL THE FORCE!!!

Definition: Rational Expression:An expression that can be written in the form

Examples:

polynomialpolynomial

2

14x 4

2x

x

2 3 22

x xx

Definition: Simplest Form of a Rational Expression: A rational expression that have no common factors (except 1).

Review: Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

10 614 35

32 820 5

Steps to multiply (or divide) rational expressions:

2. Completely factor numerators.

3. Completely factor denominators.

4. Simplify by reducing terms common to numerators and denominators of either expression.

5. Multiply straight across.

1. If division, flip the 2nd expression.

Find the Quotient

2 37 14

10 15

c b

Find the Quotient

23 99

xx

x

Find the Product

2 2

2 2

4 12 5 10

4 6

x x x x

x x x

Your Turn!!Find the Product or Quotient

3

531) 15

2

xx 2

2 1 62)

3 4 1

x x

x

Sentence Frames

1. Simplest form of a rational expression is ________________________________________

_______________________________________.

2. Explain how multiplication and division of rational expressions (or fractions) are related. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.