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B. Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

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Multiplying Fractions


Multiplying fractions is perhaps the simplest of the operations with fractions. The basic rule is “top times top; bottom times bottom”. Once you have done this, write the fraction in lowest terms. To save time in the simplification process, note that factors in the numerator of one fraction can be eliminated with equal factors in the denominator of another fraction. By removing equal factors in the numerator and denominator of separate fractions, you can more efficiently simplify the resulting expression.