Example

Example of Multiplying Rational Expressions by Factoring Trinomials

To multiply rational expressions involving trinomials, such as 3a28a3a225a2+10a+253a214a5\frac{3a^2-8a-3}{a^2-25} \cdot \frac{a^2+10a+25}{3a^2-14a-5}, first factor all numerators and denominators completely to obtain (3a+1)(a3)(a+5)(a+5)(a5)(a+5)(3a+1)(a5)\frac{(3a+1)(a-3)(a+5)(a+5)}{(a-5)(a+5)(3a+1)(a-5)}. Then, simplify the expression by dividing out the common factors (3a+1)(3a+1) and (a+5)(a+5), which leaves (a3)(a+5)(a5)(a5)\frac{(a-3)(a+5)}{(a-5)(a-5)}. Finally, rewrite any repeated factors using an exponent, resulting in the simplified product (a3)(a+5)(a5)2\frac{(a-3)(a+5)}{(a-5)^2}.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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Ch.7 Rational Expressions and Functions - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

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