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Rational Equations

Rational equations contain rational expressions connected by an equal sign. They can be solved by multiplying both sides of the equation by the least common denominator to eliminate fractions, then simplifying and solving the resulting equation. For example, to solve the equation (x+1)/(x+2) = 3, the LCD (x+2)(3) is used to clear fractions. This results in the equation 3x+3 = 2x+4, which can be rearranged and solved to obtain the solution x=1. Solutions are checked by substitution back into the original equation.

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13 views3 pages

Rational Equations

Rational equations contain rational expressions connected by an equal sign. They can be solved by multiplying both sides of the equation by the least common denominator to eliminate fractions, then simplifying and solving the resulting equation. For example, to solve the equation (x+1)/(x+2) = 3, the LCD (x+2)(3) is used to clear fractions. This results in the equation 3x+3 = 2x+4, which can be rearranged and solved to obtain the solution x=1. Solutions are checked by substitution back into the original equation.

Uploaded by

Norhainy Macawadib
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Rational Equations

A rational equation is an equation with one or more rational expressions on either or both sides of the
equation. The equations below are some examples of a rational equation.
4x 3 2
= − 5x =5
15 5 𝑥2 + 2𝑥 + 6
x 2 − 2x 2𝑥 2
= 5x =
2−x 2𝑥 + 3 5
Table 1: Examples of Rational Equations

Note that a rational equation always contains an equal symbol (=), that is why it is called an equation.

The next discussion will be about solving rational equations. You are provided with the steps on how to
solve rational equations, however, you are not limited to following these steps. You are free to follow
other steps considering the correct answer.

Steps in Solving Rational Equations

1. Eliminate all fractions by multiplying the LCD to both sides of the equation.
2. Simplify and solve the resulting equation.
3. Check each solution by substituting the computed value of 𝑥 to the given equation.

Examples:
x+1 2
1. =3
x+2

Solution:

Step 1: Eliminate all fractions by multiplying the LCD to both sides of the equation.

To easily identify the LCD of rational expressions, you just need to write the denominators in factored
form. If the denominators are in factored form, you can just multiply the denominator of the first rational
expression by the denominator of the other rational expression. Example if we have the rational
1 1
expressions 𝑥 and 𝑦, since both denominators are not factorable anymore, you just need to multiply the
denominators to get the LCD, therefore we have the LCD as 𝑥𝑦. Another example, if we have the rational
𝑥+1 2
expressions 3
and 𝑥+5, since both denominators are not factorable anymore you just need to multiply
the denominators to get the LCD, therefore we have the LCD as 3(𝑥 + 5).

LCD: (𝟑)(𝐱 + 𝟐)
x+1 2 Multiply the LCD on each side of the equation.
(3)(x + 2) ( ) = ( ) (3)(x + 2)
x+2 3

Step 2: Simplify and solve the resulting equation.


After multiplying, this will be your resulting equation.
(3)(x + 1) = (2)(x + 2)
For this equation, you need to use the distributive
property to simplify the equation.
After using the distributive property, this will be your
resulting equation. For this equation, we need to
3x + 3 = 2x + 4
combine all the like terms to perform the operation.
Transpose +2𝑥 on the left side of the equation and
transpose +3 on the right side of the equation.
3x − 2x = 4 − 3 After combining like terms, this will be your resulting
equation. For the last step, perform the indicated
operation.
𝐱=𝟏 This is your final answer.

Step 3: Check each solution by substituting the computed value of 𝑥 to the given example.
x+1 2 Evaluate the original equation using the resulting
= , when x = 1
x+2 3 value, which is 𝑥 = 1

1+1 2 Substitute the variable by its value, which is 𝑥 = 1


=
1+2 3

𝟐 𝟐 The resulting equation must have the same value


=
𝟑 𝟑 on both sides of the equation.

x x+2
2. 2x+1
= 2x+3

Solution:

Step 1: Eliminate all fractions by multiplying the LCD to both sides of the equation.

LCD: (2x + 3)(2x + 1)


x x+2 Multiply the LCD on each side of the equation.
(2x + 3)(2x + 1) = 2x+3 (2x + 3)(2x + 1)
2x+1

Step 2: Simplify and solve the resulting equation.

After multiplying, this will be your resulting equation.


For this equation, you need to use the distributive
(x)(2x + 3) = (2x + 1)(x + 2)
property on the left side of the equation and foil
method on the right side to simplify the equation.
After using the distributive property and foil method,
(2x 2 + 3x) = (2x 2 + 5x + 2) this will be your resulting equation. For this equation,
we need to combine all the like terms to perform the
operation. Transpose +2𝑥 2 and +5𝑥 on the left side of
the equation
2x 2 − 2x 2 + 3x − 5x = 2 After combining like terms, this will be your resulting
equation. For the last step, perform the indicated
operation.
For this equation, you need to divide both sides by −2
−2x = 2
to come up with the value of 𝑥
𝐱 = −𝟏 This is your final answer.
Step 3: Check each solution by substituting the computed value of 𝑥 to the given example.
x x+2 Evaluate the original equation using the resulting
= , when x = −1
2x + 1 2x + 3 value, which is 𝑥 = −1

−1 −1 + 2 Substitute the variable by its value, which is 𝑥 =


=
2(−1) + 1 2(−1) + 3 −1

−1 1 The resulting equation must have the same value


=
−1 1 on both sides of the equation.
𝟏=𝟏

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