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Solving Rational Equations Guide

The document outlines the steps for solving rational equations, including finding the least common denominator (LCD), multiplying terms, and solving for the variable. It also discusses the importance of checking for extraneous solutions that may arise from manipulating the equation. Various examples illustrate the process of solving different types of rational equations.

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Holy Soodo
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8 views15 pages

Solving Rational Equations Guide

The document outlines the steps for solving rational equations, including finding the least common denominator (LCD), multiplying terms, and solving for the variable. It also discusses the importance of checking for extraneous solutions that may arise from manipulating the equation. Various examples illustrate the process of solving different types of rational equations.

Uploaded by

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

10.

6 Solving Rational Equations


Rational Equation
An equation containing one or more rational
expressions

x + 2 x −1 5
2
+ =
x 3 x
Steps to solve Rational Equations
1. Find the LCD
2. Multiply every term on both sides of the
equation by the LCD over 1
3. Cross Cancel
4. Solve for the variable
a. Linear equation: get variables on one side and
constants on the other
b. Quadratic: set your equation = 0 and factor.
Extraneous Solutions
• When both sides of the equation are mult by
a variable, the equation is transformed into
a new equation and may have an extra
solution.
• Check each solution in the original rational
equation
• Make sure that your answer does not make
the denominator 0
Solving Rational Equations
x (4 − x ) • 1 = 1 • x (4 − x )
x 4− x
Multiply both sides of the equation
by the LCM of the denominators.
Least Common Multiple: Each factor
raised to the greatest exponent.
4− x = x LCM is x ( 4 − x )
4 = 2x 2 = x
Solve for x:
24 3 5 x 24
+ = • LCM = 2 • 3 = 24
3
1 4 8 12 1
2
2 2 3 22 • 3

18 + 15 = 2 x
33
=x
2
Solve for x:
LCM = (x + 1)(x)
1 2
(x + 1)(x)• = •(x + 1)(x)
x +1 x
x = 2x + 2
−1x −1x
0= x+2
−2= x
Solve for x:
LCM = 2x
1 1
2x• + = −12 •2x
2x x

1 + 2 = − 24 x
1
− =x
8
Solve for x:
1
x• x + = 2 • x
x

x + 1 = 2x
2

x − 2x + 1 = 0
2

(x − 1) 2
=0
x =1
Solve for x:
2
x 4
=
x+2 x+2
x =4 2

x = 2 x = −2

-2 is an extraneous solution.
Solve for x:
2
x 4
=
x+2 x+2
x =4 2

x = 2 x = −2

-2 is an extraneous solution.
Cross products x−7 1
=
Short cut: x+2 4
4 ( x − 7 ) = 1( x + 2 )
4 x − 28 = x + 2
−1x −1x
3 x − 28 = 2
3 x = 30
extraneous solution? x = 10
Cross products: 2 1
=
x +1 x − 2
x +1 = 2x − 4
5= x
Cross products: x −3 1
=
3x + 2 5
5 x − 15 = 3 x + 2
2 x = 17
17
x=
2
Cross products: x − 2 x − 1
=
x − 3 x +1
x − x − 2 = x − 4x + 3
2 2

−x 2
−x 2

− x − 2 = −4 x + 3
+4x +4x
3x − 2 = 3 5
x=
3x = 5 3

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