Remember that a rational function is one represented as a fraction. Multiply rational functions by following the usual procedure for multiplying any fraction:
Step 1) Multiply the numerator by the other numerator using FOIL Method.
Step 2) Multiply the denominator by the other denominator using FOIL Method.
Step 3) Reduce/simplify the fraction (if needed)
Example A:
Start by multiplying the numerators first:
Now multiply the denominators:
Final answer:
Example B:
Step 1) Multiply numerators:
2) Cancel where you can.
We can cancel the following: (x - 3) with (x - 3) and (x - 2) with (x - 2).
After doing so, we are left with the final answer: (x + 2) ( x - 4)/x
You can leave the final answer as shown above (called factored form) or you can write your final answer in standard form by multiplying to simplify.
Look at the difference:
Factored Form For Sample B
(x + 2) ( x - 4)/x
Standard Form For Sample B
x^2 - 2x - 8/x
By Mr. Feliz
(c) 2005