How Do You Multiply Two Rational Expressions?

Note:

Multiplying together two rational expression isn't so hard, especially if you know the proper steps! This tutorial will take you through all the steps necessary to multiply together two rational expressions and then simplify the product to get the answer. Check it out!

Keywords:

problem
rational expression
fraction
algebraic fraction
polynomial
multiply
simplify
multiply fractions
like terms
cancel
cancel out
numerator
denominator

Background Tutorials

Apply properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.
- What are Like Terms?
  
  Combining like terms together is a key part of simplifying mathematical expressions, so check out this tutorial to see how you can easily pick out like terms from an expression
Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it.
- How Do You Factor a Polynomial Using Difference of Squares?
  
  Trying to factor a binomial with perfect square factors that are being subtracted? You have a difference of squares problem! Learn how to factor a binomial like this one by watching this tutorial.
Understand that rational expressions form a system analogous to the rational numbers, closed under addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division by a nonzero rational expression; add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions.
- How Do You Multiply Quotients of Monomials?
  
  Multiplying together two monomials isn't so hard, especially if you know the proper steps! This tutorial will take you through all the steps necessary to multiply together two monomials. Then, you'll see how to divide the numerator and denominator by the greatest common factor (GCF) in order to simplify and get your answer!
- What's a Rational Expression?
  
  Got a fraction with a polynomial in the numerator and denominator? You have a rational expression! Learn about rational expressions in this tutorial.