How to Multiply and Divide Rational Expressions

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This instructional math video guides students through the process of multiplying and dividing rational expressions involving a single variable. The narrator, Justin, begins by drawing parallels between operations with numerical fractions and algebraic expressions, helping students build upon their prior knowledge. The video breaks down the process into clear, manageable steps: factoring polynomials in the numerators and denominators, identifying common factors, and canceling them out to simplify the expression. The content covers key algebraic concepts including factoring trinomials, recognizing differences of squares, and factoring out greatest common monomials. Three specific examples are worked through in detail: two involving multiplication and one involving division. For the division problem, the video emphasizes the "keep-change-flip" method, where the second fraction is inverted to transform the problem into a multiplication equation before simplifying. This video is an excellent resource for Algebra I and Algebra II classrooms. It demystifies complex-looking rational expressions by showing that they follow the same fundamental rules as basic arithmetic fractions. Teachers can use this video to introduce the topic, review factoring techniques within a new context, or as a remediation tool for students struggling with algebraic simplification. The clear visual cues and step-by-step narration make it particularly useful for visual learners.