Download Solving Rational Equations Rational equations are equations that

Solving Rational Equations
Rational equations are equations that contain fractions.
Key to solving rational equations is eliminating the fractions.
(i.e. the denominator of the fractions)
There are two ways to eliminate the fractions:
 Cross multiply (Must be a proportion).
 Multiply both sides by the LCD.
Note: You must check for extraneous solutions because the
denominator of a fraction can never be zero!
Solving Rational Equations by Cross Multiplying
Example: Solve each equation. Check each solution.
6
-2
3
1
1.
2.
=
=
2
7 - 4x x + 4
x + 4x x + 4
Solving Rational Equations by using LCD
Example: Solve each equation. Check each solution.
x 10x -1 2x -1
3x - 2
6
1.
2.
=
= 2
+1
5
3
15
x -2 x -4
Now you try. Solve each equation. Check each solution.
3 2
4
5x +2
x -8
1.
2.
=
=
x x +1 x
10x - 3 2x +3