In this case, the denominators tell me that my answer will have the following restriction: Method 1: To solve this equation, I can convert everything to the common denominator of 5x(x + 2) and then compare the numerators: At this point, the denominators are the same. Now let's move around the equation. To learn how to solve a rational equation by finding the lowest common denominator, scroll down! Multiply both sides of the equation by (x-3). Divide by 6: x = 17/24. In such cases, use a lowest common denominator approach. Also, there's the new wrinkle of variables in the denominator. Then 5 + 4 = 12x, 9 = 12x, and x = 9/12 = ¾. Rather than converting the fractions to this denominator (something that would be required if I were adding or subtracting these rational fractions), I can instead multiply through (that is, multiply both sides of the equation) by 15. Solving Rational Equations Rational equations are simply equations with rational expressions in them. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 99,758 times. http://www.mesacc.edu/~scotz47781/mat120/notes/rational/solving/solving.html, https://www.purplemath.com/modules/solvrtnl.htm, http://www.montereyinstitute.org/courses/Algebra1/COURSE_TEXT_RESOURCE/U11_L2_T1_text_final.html, http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/Alg/RationalExpressions.aspx, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. These fractions may be on one or both sides of the equation. Multiply both sides by 6 to cancel the denominators, which leaves us with 2x+3 = 3x+1. Since the denominator of each expression is the same, the numerators must be equivalent as well. All right reserved. So x+3 and (x+3)/1 both have the same value, but the latter expression is considered a rational expression, because it's written as a fraction. A common way to solve these equations is to reduce the fractions to a common denominator and then solve the equality of the numerators. Since the numerators are so simple, I immediately arrive at my answer: This equation has fractions on either side of the "equals" sign. After clearing the fractions, we will be left with either a linear or a quadratic equation that can be solved as usual. In our basic example, after multiplying every term by alternate forms of 1, we get 2x/6 + 3/6 = (3x+1)/6. An equation involving rational expressions is called a rational equation. At this point, the two sides of the equation will be equal as long as the numerators are equal. These fractions will be equal when their numerators are also the same, and only then. Eliminate any solutions that would make the LCD become zero. In other words, I'd do this: This process of "crossing" the "equals" sign with each denominator and multiplying each against its opposing numerator is what is meant by "cross-multiplying". Unfortunately, this method only works for rational equations that contain exactly one rational expression or fraction on each side of the equals sign. For example, if your original rational expression was (x+3)/4 = x/(-2), after cross multiplying, your new equation is -2(x+3) = 4x. x+3 / x-3 + x+5 / x-5 = x+5 / x-5. A rational equation is any equation that involves at least one rational expression. \frac{P(x)}{Q(x)}. Once you've solved for the variable in question, check your answer by plugging the variable value into the original equation. How do I solve this rational equation? These fractions have the same denominator. This method can also be used with rational equations. Solving Rational Equations. Let's begin by looking at solving an equation with rational functions in it. This means that I'll need to keep track of the values of x that would cause division by zero. If one or more of your fractions' denominators contains a variable, this process is more involved, but not impossible. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. To solve a rational equation, start by rearranging it so you have 1 fraction on each side of the equals sign.

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