Multiplying Rational Expressions

We can add them.

We can subtract them.

We can multiply them.

We can divide them.

And any other mathematical iteration...

Step 1 See if any of the expressions can be simplified.

Step 2 Multiply the numerators.

Step 3 Multiply the denominators.

Step 4 Simplify if you can.

 $\frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{2}{5}=\frac{2}{10}\ let's\ reduce!\ =\ \frac{1}{5}$  

Be mindful, we could have cancelled the 2's out first and then multiplied!

Notice that we multiply STRAIGHT ACROSS!

 $\frac{x^2-9}{x^2-x-6}\cdot\frac{x-3}{x+3}=\frac{\left(x-3\right)\left(x+3\right)}{\left(x+2\right)\left(x-3\right)}\cdot\frac{\left(x-3\right)}{\left(x+3\right)}=\frac{x-3}{x+2}$  

               Part 1                                      Part 2                      Part 3

Part 1 this is the original problem, we see we need to factor.

Part 2 we factored both quadratics!

Part 3 cancel out like terms DIAGONALLY or numerator to denominator