Lesson Plan: Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

In this high school algebra lesson, students will learn how to multiply and divide rational expressions by applying fraction rules and algebraic simplification techniques. Understanding these operations is essential for working with complex algebraic expressions and solving rational equations. This lesson builds on students’ knowledge of simplifying rational expressions and introduces step-by-step strategies for performing multiplication and division.

Key concepts covered in this lesson include:

• Understanding the rules of multiplying and dividing fractions and how they apply to rational expressions.
• Factoring polynomials in the numerator and denominator to simplify expressions before performing operations.
• Multiplying rational expressions by multiplying numerators and denominators and reducing common factors.
• Dividing rational expressions by multiplying by the reciprocal and simplifying the resulting expression.
• Determining restrictions on the variable to avoid undefined values.

Through guided examples and practice problems, students will develop confidence in handling rational expressions and applying multiplication and division strategies. These skills are fundamental for more advanced algebraic concepts, including solving rational equations and working with complex functions.

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