Dividing Rational Expressions

1
Dividing Rational Expressions
Joyce DuVall Green Valley High School Henderson,
Nevada
2
Dividing Rational Expressions
The objective is to be able to divide rational
expressions.
3
Step 1
Multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor

4
Step 2
Factor the rational expressions if possible.
In this example, neither of the rational
expressions can be factored any further.

5
Step 3
Divide out the common factors.


c
c
5

Rewrite the expression as

-
c
c
5
6
6
Step 4
Write the expression in simplified form.
c
c


1
-
-
6
6
c
c
7
You Try It
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Problem 1
Rewrite the problem as multiplication.
Factor each rational expression
Divide out the common factors.
Write in simplified form.
9
Problem 2
Rewrite the problem as multiplication.
Factor each rational expression
Divide out the common factors.
Write in simplified form.
10
Problem 3
Rewrite the problem as multiplication.
Factor each rational expression
Divide out the common factors.
Write in simplified form.