Multiplying and dividing rational expressions worksheets

Two fractions and one operation between them. Multiplying, anything on top may cancel with anything underneath; dividing, the second fraction turns over first. These free printable worksheets drill both.

Multiplying and dividing rational expressions
Multiplying and dividing rational expressions worksheet — Linear brackets, roots to 9, free printable with answer key

The answer key prints on a separate page.

What's on this sheet

The move that is new here is canceling ACROSS. In a single fraction a bracket can only cancel with the one under it; the moment two fractions are multiplied they become one, and the bracket on top of the first cancels with the bracket under the second. Seeing that the two fractions are no longer separate is the whole lesson.

Why this sheet works

Dividing adds one step before any of that: turn the second fraction over and change the ÷ to a ×. It has to happen first. Canceling across a division sign is not a move, and a child who does it will sometimes still land on the right answer — which is why the order is worth saying out loud rather than leaving the marks to teach it.