Multiply and divide advanced rational expressions

The  exercise appears under the Algebra II Math Mission. This exercise practices multiplying or divide rational expressions whose numerators and denominators are high-order polynomials, or two-variable polynomials, and simplify the result.

Types of Problems
There is one type of problem in this exercise:


 * 1) Simplify the following rational expressions: This problem provides two rational expressions. The student is asked to correctly multiply or divide the expressions to simplify the answer then type it in the text box below. Multiply and divide advanced rational expressions.PNG

Strategies
As with most work with rational expressions, knowledge and comfort with fractions are important to ensuring success on this exercise.
 * 1) The general process to combine rational expressions here is to factor the numerators and denominators, multiply or divide as requested, and then reduce common factors from top and bottom as possible.
 * 2) The denominator should be left in a factored form with GCFs factored out, especially from the denominator.
 * 3) Like terms and factors do need to be reduced from the top and bottom.

Real-life Applications

 * 1) Rational expressions and equations appear often in work rate word problems.
 * 2) Rational expressions and equations also can occur in distance=rate*time ($$d=r\times t$$) problems.