Question

What steps assist with multiplying and dividing rational expressions?

Answer 1

@jim_thompson5910

Answer 2

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

Answer 3

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

Answer 4

Thank you! :)