Concept preview

What you will be able to do

1. 01Multiply and divide rational expressions by factoring and cancelling
2. 02Add and subtract rational expressions using a common denominator
3. 03Distribute the subtraction sign correctly and simplify the result

The rules for combining rational expressions are identical to the ones for number fractions — you have known them for years. To multiply, multiply straight across. To divide, flip the second fraction and multiply. To add or subtract, you first need a common denominator. The only extra work is factoring first so you can cancel. Nothing new to memorise — just apply your fraction rules to expressions with $x$'s.