What steps assist with multiplying and dividing rational expressions?

Question

anonymous · Answer

@jim_thompson5910

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

The question seems a bit vague, but I would factor as much as I could. Then cancel out the common factors to simplify things a bit. Like this for example http://www.jamesbrennan.org/algebra/rational/simplifying_rational_expressions_files/image014.gif where the (x-2) terms cancel (one up top, the other down below) leaving just x+4

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

here's a slightly more complicated example http://www.cliffsnotes.com/assets/255693.png we have 2 pairs of factors being canceled A pair of (x-2) terms A pair of (x+4) terms

anonymous · Answer

Thank you! :)