Just like rational number division (division of regular fractions), multiply the inverse or the reciprocal. This process is also called "INVERT AND MULTIPLY." For example, suppose you had to divide 1/2 by 3/7. The typical procedure reminds us to "never mind the reason why, just invert and multiply." So following that rule you multiply 1/2 times 7/3 to arrive at the answer of 7/6. This same procedure can be used to divide rational functions.
Sample:
$$ \frac{(x + 1)}{(x + 3)} \div \frac{(3x + 3)}{(x - 2)} $$1) Invert right side fraction.
The right side fraction should then look like this: \( \frac{(x - 2)}{(3x + 3)} \)
2) Replace division symbol with multiplication symbol (remember, never mind the reason why, just invert and multiply).
3) Multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator using the FOIL method.
Numerators: \( (x + 1)*(x - 2)\) becomes \( x^2 - x - 2 \)
Denominators: \( (x + 3)*(3x + 3) \) becomes \( 3x^2 + 12x + 9 \)
4) Reduce fraction (if needed)
Final answer:
$$ \frac{(x^2 - x - 2)}{(3x^2 + 12x + 9)} $$For more information, you might be interested in this lesson on dividing rational functions, or you can try searching for more information on Google.