Scribd
Upload
45 views7 pages

Time To Read

The document discusses solving rational equations by clearing fractions through multiplying both sides of the equation by the least common denominator. This may result in linear, quadratic, or no solutions. It is important to check that solutions satisfy the original equation and are not extraneous. Literal equations can also be solved using these techniques to isolate the variable of interest.

Uploaded by

Kristina Pablo
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
45 views7 pages

Time To Read

The document discusses solving rational equations by clearing fractions through multiplying both sides of the equation by the least common denominator. This may result in linear, quadratic, or no solutions. It is important to check that solutions satisfy the original equation and are not extraneous. Literal equations can also be solved using these techniques to isolate the variable of interest.

Uploaded by

Kristina Pablo
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
You are on page 1/ 7

7.

5 Solving Rational Equations

LEA RN IN G OBJ ECTIV ES

1. Solve rational equations.


2. Solve literal equations, or formulas, involving rational expressions.

Solving Rational Equations

A rational equation is an equation containing at least one rational expression. Rational


expressions typically contain a variable in the denominator. For this reason, we will take
care to ensure that the denominator is not 0 by making note of restrictions and checking
our solutions.

Solve rational equations by clearing the fractions by multiplying both sides of the
equation by the least common denominator (LCD).

Example 1: Solve: 5x−13=1x.

Solution: We first make a note that x≠0 and then multiply both sides by the LCD, 3x:

Check your answer by substituting 12 for x to see if you obtain a true statement.

Answer: The solution is 12.

 
After multiplying both sides of the previous example by the LCD, we were left with a
linear equation to solve. This is not always the case; sometimes we will be left with a
quadratic equation.

Example 2: Solve: 2−1x(x+1)=3x+1.

Solution: In this example, there are two restrictions, x≠0 and x≠−1. Begin by


multiplying both sides by the LCD, x(x+1).

After distributing and dividing out the common factors, a quadratic equation remains.
To solve it, rewrite it in standard form, factor, and then set each factor equal to 0.

Check to see if these values solve the original equation.

Answer: The solutions are −1/2 and 1.

Up to this point, all of the possible solutions have solved the original equation. However,
this may not always be the case. Multiplying both sides of an equation by variable
factors may lead to extraneous solutions, which are solutions that do not solve the
original equation. A complete list of steps for solving a rational equation is outlined in
the following example.

 
Example 3: Solve: xx+2+2x2+5x+6=5x+3.

Solution:

Step 1: Factor all denominators and determine the LCD.

The LCD is (x+2)(x+3).

Step 2: Identify the restrictions. In this case, they are x≠−2 and x≠−3.

Step 3: Multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD. Distribute carefully and then
simplify.

Step 4: Solve the resulting equation. Here the result is a quadratic equation. Rewrite it
in standard form, factor, and then set each factor equal to 0.

Step 5: Check for extraneous solutions. Always substitute into the original equation, or
the factored equivalent. In this case, choose the factored equivalent to check:

Here −2 is an extraneous solution and is not included in the solution set. It is important
to note that −2 is a restriction.

Answer: The solution is 4.

 
If this process produces a solution that happens to be a restriction, then disregard it as
an extraneous solution.

Try this! Solve: xx−5+3x+2=7xx2−3x−10.

Answer: −3

Video Solution
(click to see video)

Sometimes all potential solutions are extraneous, in which case we say that there is no
solution to the original equation. In the next two examples, we demonstrate two ways in
which a rational equation can have no solutions.

Example 4: Solve: 3xx2−4−2x+2=1x+2.

Solution: To identify the LCD, first factor the denominators.

Multiply both sides by the least common denonominator (LCD), (x+2)(x−2), distributing


carefully.

The equation is a contradiction and thus has no solution.

Answer: No solution, ∅

 
Example 5: Solve: xx−4−4x+5=36x2+x−20.

Solution: First, factor the denominators.

Take note that the restrictions are x≠4 and x≠−5. To clear the fractions, multiply by the
LCD, (x−4)(x+5).

Both of these values are restrictions of the original equation; hence both are extraneous.

Answer: No solution, ∅

Try this! Solve: 1x+1+xx−3=4xx2−2x−3.

Answer: ∅

Video Solution
(click to see video)

It is important to point out that this technique for clearing algebraic fractions only
works for equations. Do not try to clear algebraic fractions when simplifying
expressions. As a reminder, we have

Expressions are to be simplified and equations are to be solved. If we multiply the


expression by the LCD, x(2x+1), we obtain another expression that is not equivalent.
Literal Equations

Literal equations, or formulas, are often rational equations. Hence the techniques
described in this section can be used to solve for particular variables. Assume that all
variable expressions in the denominator are nonzero.

Example 6: Solve for x:   z=x−5y.

Solution: The goal is to isolate x. Assuming that y is nonzero, multiply both sides


by y and then add 5 to both sides.

Answer: x=yz+5

Example 7: Solve for c:   1c=1a+1b.

Solution: In this example, the goal is to isolate c. We begin by multiplying both sides
by the LCD, a⋅b⋅c, distributing carefully.

On the right side of the equation, factor out c.

Next, divide both sides of the equation by the quantity (b+a).


Answer: c=abb+a

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy