Educator

Dividing Rational Expressions

• When dividing one rational expression by another one, first invert the second rational expression and change the operation from division to multiplication. Then factor all the numerators and denominators, and cancel the common factors. Combine the remaining factors to form the final, simplified answer.

• If two factors in the numerator and denominator look almost the same, factor –1 out of either of the factors and see if you get two identical factors.