Example

Example of Multiplying Rational Expressions

An example of multiplying rational expressions is simplifying 2xx27x+12x296x2\frac{2x}{x^2 - 7x + 12} \cdot \frac{x^2 - 9}{6x^2}.

Step 1. Factor each numerator and denominator completely: 2x(x3)(x4)(x3)(x+3)6x2\frac{2x}{(x - 3)(x - 4)} \cdot \frac{(x - 3)(x + 3)}{6x^2}. Step 2. Multiply the numerators and denominators: 2x(x3)(x+3)6x2(x3)(x4)\frac{2x(x - 3)(x + 3)}{6x^2(x - 3)(x - 4)}. Step 3. Simplify by dividing out the common factors (x3)(x - 3) and 2x2x. The simplified result is x+33x(x4)\frac{x + 3}{3x(x - 4)}.

0

1

Updated 2026-04-30

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

OpenStax

Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

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

Algebra