Unit: Rationals Module: Equations with Rationals

Solving a Linear Equation with Rationals

• Remove variables from the denominator by multiplying the entire equation

by the denominator.

• Cross-multiplying: When you have an equation with one fraction equal

to another fraction, as in ratios, you can multiply the denominator of one
fraction with the numerator of the other fraction both ways and eliminate
the denominators.

When a problem has the variable in the denominator,

multiply the entire equation by the denominator.
Multiplying both sides of the equation by the same number
keeps things “balanced.”

If there are variables in the denominator on both sides,

cross-multiply.

Parentheses are vital in a case like this. Distribute carefully

to avoid a wrong answer.

Once the denominators are eliminated, solve as usual:

1. isolate the x ; and
2. determine what value x equals.

Check the answer by substituting it in the original equation

to make sure the answer produces a true statement.
Remember: Eliminate any value that would have a
denominator equal 0.

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Copyright  2001, Thinkwell Corp. All Rights Reserved. 1911.doc –rev 03/26/2001

1
 Unit: Rationals Module: Equations with Rationals

Solving a Linear Equation with Rationals

Cross-multiplying works if both sides of your equation
have denominators.
Cross-multiplying eliminates both denominators in one
step. It works only when there is exactly one rational
expression on each side of the equal sign.
Once the denominators are eliminated, proceed using all
the usual tricks to solve for x..

In this example cross-multiplying will NOT work. Part of the

equation is not a fraction so cross-multiplying will ruin the
balance of the equation.

Solve this by multiplying both sides of the equation with

the denominator.

Then, use the regular tricks to solve for x..

WARNING: No denominator can EVER equal zero.

If the solution is a value that makes a denominator equal

to zero, that value cannot be a solution.
If that value is the only solution, then the equation cannot
be solved.
This is where the practice of checking every answer pays
off in a correct conclusion!

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Copyright  2001, Thinkwell Corp. All Rights Reserved. 1911.doc –rev 03/26/2001

2
 Unit: Rationals Module: Equations with Rationals

Solving a Linear Equation with Restrictions

• Denominators cannot equal 0.

• When working with equations, the two sides of each equation must stay
balanced. So, when making a change, always operate on both sides of the
equation in the same way.

• Some equations have no solution. This happens if working with the

equation leads to an equation that is untrue. It also happens if the solution
produces a denominator equal to zero.

Remember: Any time a variable is found in a

denominator, determine what values for x must be
excluded from the domain.
If possible, simplify one or both sides of the problem
before multiplying with the denominators.
The hope is to be able to cancel some factors. In this
example, one denominator cancels.

Now follow the normal steps to solve for x.

In this example, multiply both sides to cancel out the
remaining denominator.
Add and subtract to simplify and isolate variables from
constants.
And… if a problem worked with no mistakes produces a
false statement, the equation has no solution.

Arriving at a conclusion of “no solution” is OK; there are

problems like that out there.

Just be sure to double-check for mistakes before

declaring the finding.

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Copyright  2001, Thinkwell Corp. All Rights Reserved. 1912.doc –rev 03/26/2001