How to Multiply Rational Expressions

Rational expressions are also known as algebraic expressions. A rational expression is the quotient of two polynomials. It is important to remember that the divisor can not be zero. A quotient is the answer to a division problem. Polynomials are expressions with the sum of powers with at least one variable multiplied by coefficients.Note: in this article, exponents will be expressed as a number preceded by the letter "x." For example, x2 is x to the second power.

Instructions

How to Multiply Rational Expressions

1. Original Problem: x2+6x/x2+5x-6 X x+2/xMultiply the numerators. The numerators are: x2+6x and x+2. Therefore, x2+6x times x+2= x(x+6) (x+2).

2. Multiply the denominators. The denominators are x2+5x-6 and x. Therefore, x2+5x-6 times x=x(x+6) (x-1)

3. Simplify, if needed.x(x+6) (x+2)/x(x+6) (x-1)=x+2/x-1Explanation: any number divided by itself is 1 so x(x+6) /x(x+6) =1. 1 multiplied by any number or expression is equal to the number or the expression so, 1 multiplied by x+2/x-1 is x+2/x-1.Answer: x+2/x-1