Understanding Rational Multiplication

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 18 views

Understanding Rational Multiplication

Rational multiplication involves multiplying two or more rational expressions, which are fractions that contain variables and constants in the numerator and denominator. When multiplying rational expressions, we need to multiply the numerators together and the denominators together, and then simplify the resulting expression.

Given Rational Multiplication

The given rational multiplication is:

${ \frac{x-7}{-5x+40} \cdot \frac{x^2-64}{-4x+28} }$

Simplifying the Rational Multiplication

To simplify the rational multiplication, we need to multiply the numerators together and the denominators together.

${ \frac{x-7}{-5x+40} \cdot \frac{x^2-64}{-4x+28} = \frac{(x-7)(x^2-64)}{(-5x+40)(-4x+28)} }$

Expanding the Numerator

We can expand the numerator by multiplying the two binomials together.

${ (x-7)(x^2-64) = x(x^2-64) - 7(x^2-64) }$

${ = x^3 - 64x - 7x^2 + 448 }$

Expanding the Denominator

We can expand the denominator by multiplying the two binomials together.

${ (-5x+40)(-4x+28) = (-5x)(-4x) + (-5x)(28) + (40)(-4x) + (40)(28) }$

${ = 20x^2 - 140x - 160x + 1120 }$

${ = 20x^2 - 300x + 1120 }$

Simplifying the Rational Expression

Now that we have expanded the numerator and denominator, we can simplify the rational expression by canceling out any common factors.

${ \frac{x^3 - 64x - 7x^2 + 448}{20x^2 - 300x + 1120} }$

We can factor out a -4 from the numerator and a 20 from the denominator.

${ \frac{-4(x^3 - 64x - 7x^2 + 448)}{20(x^2 - 15x + 56)} }$

Factoring the Numerator

We can factor the numerator by grouping the terms.

${ x^3 - 64x - 7x^2 + 448 = (x^3 - 7x^2) - (64x - 448) }$

${ = x^2(x - 7) - 64(x - 7) }$

${ = (x^2 - 64)(x - 7) }$

Factoring the Denominator

We can factor the denominator by grouping the terms.

${ x^2 - 15x + 56 = (x^2 - 16x) + (x - 56) }$

${ = x(x - 16) + 1(x - 56) }$

${ = (x - 16)(x - 1) }$

Simplifying the Rational Expression

Now that we have factored the numerator and denominator, we can simplify the rational expression by canceling out any common factors.

${ \frac{-4(x^2 - 64)(x - 7)}{20(x - 16)(x - 1)} }$

We can cancel out the common factor of (x^2 - 64) from the numerator and denominator.

${ \frac{-4(x - 7)}{20(x - 16)(x - 1)} }$

Simplifying the Rational Expression Further

We can simplify the rational expression further by canceling out any common factors.

${ \frac{-4(x - 7)}{20(x - 16)(x - 1)} = \frac{-2(x - 7)}{10(x - 16)(x - 1)} }$

Product in Lowest Terms

The product in lowest terms is:

${ \frac{-2(x - 7)}{10(x - 16)(x - 1)} }$

Values to Exclude

We need to exclude the values of x that make the denominator equal to zero.

${ 10(x - 16)(x - 1) = 0 }$

${ (x - 16)(x - 1) = 0 }$

${ x - 16 = 0 \quad \text{or} \quad x - 1 = 0 }$

${ x = 16 \quad \text{or} \quad x = 1 }$

Therefore, we need to exclude the values of x = 1 and x = 16.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the product in lowest terms is:

${ \frac{-2(x - 7)}{10(x - 16)(x - 1)} }$

We need to exclude the values of x = 1 and x = 16.

Answer

The final answer is:

${ \frac{-2(x - 7)}{10(x - 16)(x - 1)} }$

Values to Exclude

Q: What is rational multiplication?

A: Rational multiplication is the process of multiplying two or more rational expressions, which are fractions that contain variables and constants in the numerator and denominator.

Q: How do I multiply rational expressions?

A: To multiply rational expressions, you need to multiply the numerators together and the denominators together, and then simplify the resulting expression.

Q: What are the steps to simplify a rational expression?

A: The steps to simplify a rational expression are:

Multiply the numerators together.
Multiply the denominators together.
Simplify the resulting expression by canceling out any common factors.

Q: What is the difference between a rational expression and a rational number?

A: A rational expression is a fraction that contains variables and constants in the numerator and denominator, while a rational number is a fraction that contains only integers in the numerator and denominator.

Q: Can I simplify a rational expression by canceling out common factors?

A: Yes, you can simplify a rational expression by canceling out common factors. This is done by dividing both the numerator and denominator by the greatest common factor (GCF).

Q: What are the values that I need to exclude when simplifying a rational expression?

A: The values that you need to exclude when simplifying a rational expression are the values that make the denominator equal to zero.

Q: How do I find the values that I need to exclude?

A: To find the values that you need to exclude, you need to set the denominator equal to zero and solve for x.

Q: What is the product in lowest terms?

A: The product in lowest terms is the simplified form of the rational expression after canceling out any common factors.

Q: Can I simplify a rational expression further?

A: Yes, you can simplify a rational expression further by canceling out any common factors.

Q: What are the benefits of simplifying a rational expression?

A: The benefits of simplifying a rational expression include:

Making it easier to work with the expression
Reducing the complexity of the expression
Making it easier to solve equations and inequalities involving the expression

Q: Can I use rational multiplication to solve equations and inequalities?

A: Yes, you can use rational multiplication to solve equations and inequalities involving rational expressions.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying a rational expression?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying a rational expression include:

Not canceling out common factors
Not simplifying the expression enough
Not excluding the values that make the denominator equal to zero

Q: How do I know if a rational expression is in its simplest form?

A: You can check if a rational expression is in its simplest form by:

Canceling out any common factors
Checking if the denominator is equal to zero
Simplifying the expression further if possible

Q: Can I use rational multiplication to solve problems in real-life situations?

A: Yes, you can use rational multiplication to solve problems in real-life situations, such as:

Calculating the area of a rectangle
Finding the volume of a cube
Solving problems involving rates and ratios

Conclusion

In conclusion, rational multiplication is a powerful tool for simplifying and solving equations and inequalities involving rational expressions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can simplify rational expressions and solve problems in real-life situations.