Dividing Rational Expressions

After studying this lesson, you will be able to:

• Divide rational expressions.

Dividing fractions is done by leaving the first fraction as it is and then multiplying by the reciprocal of the fraction following the division sign.

Multiply by the reciprocal is all you have to do.

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Example 1

	Since we are dividing fractions, we multiply by the reciprocal
	Now, we follow the rule for multiplication
	Nothing factors or cancels, so we just multiply

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Example 2

	Since we are dividing fractions, we multiply by the reciprocal
	Now, we follow the rule for multiplication
	Nothing factors or cancels, so we just multiply

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Example 3

	Since we are dividing fractions, we multiply by the reciprocal
	Now, we follow the rule for multiplication
	Factor and then cancel 1 Everything cancels so we're left with 1 as the answer

Example 4

	Since we are dividing fractions, we multiply by the reciprocal
	Now, we follow the rule for multiplication
	Factor and then cancel
	Don't leave the numerator empty - put a one to hold the place.