how do you multiply rational expressions?

Answer 1

Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together... Result is (numerators) / (denominators).

Answer 2

Rational or irrational?

A rational expression can be expressed in terms of whole numbers and fractions. If there are whole numbers, just multiply them:

2 * 3 = 6

If there are fractions, multiply the whole numbers together, the wholes and the fractions, and then the fractions.

2-1/2 * 3-1/3 =
2 * 3 + 1/2 * 3 + 2 * 1/3 + 1/6 =
6 + 3/2 + 2/3 + 1/6 =
6 + 9/6 + 4/6 + 1/6 =
6 + 14/6 =
6 + 2-2/6 =
8-2/6 =
8-1/3

Or you could make everything improper fractions and multiply the numerators and the denominators and then simplify.

2-1/2 * 3-1/3 =
5/2 * 10/3 =
50/6 =
25/3 =
8-1/3