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Solving Rational Equations

Hint for solving:


Check for non-permissible values
A quick way to solve a rational
equation is to multiply everything
through by the LCD.
Beware of extraneous solutions!
Check left side = right side

Example: Solve.
3 1 12

x 2 x
2 x * 3 2 x 2 x *12

x
2
x

6 x 24

x 18

x 18

LCD: 2x
Multiply each fraction
through by the LCD
3
1 12

18 2 18

3 9 12
Check your solution!

Solve.

5x
5
4
x 1
x 1

LCD: ?
LCD: (x+1)

5 x( x 1)
5( x 1)
4( x 1)
( x 1)
( x 1)
5(1)
5
4
11
1 1

5x 4 x 4 5
5x 4x 1
x 1

5
5
4
0
0

Check your solution!

No Solution!

Solve.

3x 2
6
2
1
x2 x 4

Factor 1st!

3x 2
6

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

(3 x 2)( x 2)( x 2) 6( x 2)( x 2)

( x 2)( x 2)
( x 2)
( x 2)( x 2)

3x 6 x 2 x 4 6 x 2 x 2 x 4
3x 2 4 x 4 x 2 2
2

2x 4x 6 0
2

x2 2x 3 0
( x 3)( x 1) 0
x 3 0 or x 1 0

x 3 or x 1
Check your solutions!

Short Cut!
When there is only fraction on each side
of the =, just cross multiply as if you
are solving a proportion.

Example: Solve.

3
1

2
x 4x x 4

x 4 x 3( x 4)
2

x 4 x 3 x 12
2
x x 12 0
2

( x 4)( x 3) 0

x 4 0 or x 3 0
x 4 or x 3

Check your solutions!

Last Example: Solve.

6
x2

2
2x 2x x 1

6
x2

2 x( x 1) x 1

2 x( x 1)( x 2)

2 x( x 2) 6
x ( x 2) 3
2
x 2x 3 0

( x 3)( x 1) 0
x 3 0 or x 1 0

x 3 or x 1

Check your solutions!

Solving Rational Functions


Graphically Using Your Calculator
Method 1: Use a single function and find the x-intercepts.
How? Move everything to one side and make it = 0
Enter your function into your calculator. Use the Calc button to
find the zeros (x-intercepts)

3 1 12
0
x 2 x
Method 2: Use a system of 2 functions and find the points of
intersection.
How? Enter left side into y1 and right side into y2. Use the Calc
button to find the intersection point of the two functions.

3 1 12

x 2 x

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