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Solving Rational Equations Explained

The document explains how to solve rational equations and inequalities, which involve expressions with at least one fractional term. It provides examples of solving such equations, detailing the steps including finding the domain, factoring, and applying the means-extremes product theorem. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of ensuring the polynomial divisor is not zero to avoid undefined expressions.

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8 views3 pages

Solving Rational Equations Explained

The document explains how to solve rational equations and inequalities, which involve expressions with at least one fractional term. It provides examples of solving such equations, detailing the steps including finding the domain, factoring, and applying the means-extremes product theorem. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of ensuring the polynomial divisor is not zero to avoid undefined expressions.

Uploaded by

collosalpatchi
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Solving rational equation

A rational equation is an equation indicating the two expressions, with at least one term
written as a fraction are equal.
Solving rational equations and rational inequalities means finding the value(s) of the variable
that make the equation or inequality true.

2
x +6 x +9
Example 1: Solve the equation: 5 = .
x +3
Solution:
The domain is {xϵ R, x ≠ -3}.
2 Given
5=
x +6 x +9
x +3

( x+3 )2 Factoring a perfect square trinomial


5=
x +3
5 = x+3 Canceling common factors
X=2 Addition Property of Equality

2
x +6 x +9 ( x +3)(x+ 3)
=
x +3 (x +3)
=x+3

The solution set of the equation is {2}.


Example 2:
2 2
2 x −5 x−12 x +7 x−8
Solve the equation: = .
x−4 x−1
Solution:
The domain is { xϵ R, x ≠ 1,4}
2 2 Given
2 x −5 x−12 = x +7 x−8
x−4 x−1

(2 x+ 3)( x−4) ( x−1)(x +8) Factoring quadratic trinomials


=
x−4 x−1
2x+3 = x+8 Canceling common factors
2x-x = 8-3 Addition Property of Equality
X=5 Simplification

The solution set of the equation is {5}.

Example 3: Solve the following rational equations:


2 x+5 3 5 2
a. 4 = b. = c. =
x 3x 4 x+3 x

Solution:
2
a. 4 = Use the means- extremes product theorem
x
4x = 2 Divide both side by 4
1
x= Reduce to lowest term
2

x+5 3
b. 3 x = 4

4(x +5) = 3(3x) Use the means-extremes product theorem


4x + 20 = 9x Combining similar terms by addition property of equality
4x – 9x = -20 Adding similar terms
-5x = -20 Divide both sides by -5
x= 4

5 2
c. x+3 = x

5 2
x(x+3)( ¿ = x(x+3)( ¿ Clear all fractions by multiplying both sides of the
x+3 x
equations by the

x(5) = 2(x+3) LCD of the terms, x(x+3)

5x = 2x + 6 Removing the grouping symbols


5x – 2x = 6 Combining similar terms
3x = 6 Adding similar terms
x=2 Dividing both sides by 3

Example 4: Find the value of x in each of the following:

Solution:
3x 1 3x 1
1. + =4 =4 -
5 x +1 2 5 x +1 2

3x 7
=
5 x +1 2
2 (3x) = 7(5x + 1)
6x = 35x + 7
6x – 35x = 7
-29x = 7
−7
x = 29

Solution:
7 x−1 7x – 1 = 6 (2x – 3)
2. = 2x – 3 7x – 1 = 12x – 18
6
7x – 12x = -18 + 1
-5x = -17
17
X=
5
Solution:
6 x−1 4 x +3 3 ( 6x – 1) = 5 ( 4x + 3)
3. = 18x – 3 = 20x + 15
5 3
18x – 20x = 15 + 3
-2x = 18
X = −9

Remember that rational functions primarily deal with dividing polynomials. Specifically, the
polynomial divisor must not be zero, as this would result an undefined expression.

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