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Solving Rational Equations Guide

The document provides examples of solving rational equations. It shows taking the least common denominator to clear fractions, setting the equations equal to each other, and using techniques like the quadratic formula to solve for the variable. The examples demonstrate solving linear, quadratic, and combined rational equations for the unknown variable.

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Danrie Caminade
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109 views1 page

Solving Rational Equations Guide

The document provides examples of solving rational equations. It shows taking the least common denominator to clear fractions, setting the equations equal to each other, and using techniques like the quadratic formula to solve for the variable. The examples demonstrate solving linear, quadratic, and combined rational equations for the unknown variable.

Uploaded by

Danrie Caminade
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 EQUATIONS

Example 1
3 4
Solve for x if 𝑥−1 = 𝑥+2

Solution:

Multiply both sides by the LCD which is (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 2). Simplify the equation to have 3(𝑥 + 2) = 4(𝑥 − 1). This is done
only when the equation involves only one term in each side of the equation. Note that this process is the same as cross
multiplying. You have:

3(𝑥 + 2) = 4(𝑥 − 1)
3𝑥 + 6 = 4𝑥 − 4
6 + 4 = 4𝑥 − 3𝑥
10 = 𝑥
Hence, x= 10

Example 2
1 2
Find the solution of − =1
𝑥+1 𝑥+2

Solution:

The LCD is (x+1)(x+2). Multiplying both sides of the equation by the LCD yields

3(𝑥 + 2) − 2(𝑥 + 1) = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 2)

3𝑥 + 6 − 2𝑥 − 2 = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2

𝑥 + 4 = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
0 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 2

or 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 2 = 0

Using the quadratic formula,

−𝑏 ± √𝑏 − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑥=
2𝑎
−2 ± √4 − 4(1)(−2) −2 ± √12 2(−1 ± 3)
𝑥= = = = −1 ± √3
2 2 2
Hence, the solution set is {−1 − √3, −1 + √3}.

Example 3
2 1
Solve for y in the equation = − 3.
𝑦 𝑦−2

Solution:

Multiplying both sides by the LCD, which is𝑦(𝑦 − 2),yields Using quadratic formula,
−𝑏±√𝑏−4𝑎𝑐
2(𝑦 − 2) = 𝑦 − 3(𝑦)(𝑦 − 2) 𝑥= 2𝑎

5±√25−4(3)(−4)
2𝑦 − 4 = 𝑦 − 3𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 𝑥= 2(3)

2𝑦 − 4 = −3𝑦 2 + 7𝑦 𝑥 = 5 ± √73

0 = −3𝑦 2 + 5y + 4 Hence, the solution set is {5 − √73, 5 + √73}

or 3𝑦 2 − 5𝑦 − 4 = 0

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