GM - Lesson 2.1 Solving Rational Equations

Lesson 2.
1
Solving Rational Equations
De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute - Special Health Sciences Senior High School 0
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to
• distinguish rational function, rational equation, and rational

inequality; and
• solve rational equations.
Look Back!
Before you begin with this lesson, it is suggested that you

revisit the following topics from your previous math lessons to
better understand the topics to be discussed in this lesson.
• Fractions and Rational Expressions

• Operations on Fractions
• Prime Factorization
• Finding the Least Common Denominator
• Solving Linear and Quadratic Equations
Rational Expression
A rational expression is a ratio between two polynomials. It

is like a fraction showing the relationship of one quantity to
another.
3 7𝑥 − 1 𝑥3 + 8 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 6
2𝑥 𝑥2 − 5 4𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1 𝑥+3
All numerators and denominators in the given ratios are

considered polynomials.
Rational Expression
How about these ratios? Can they be considered as rational

expressions also?
2𝑥 + 5 8
𝑥−3 𝑥−2
𝑥+1
The latter 2 examples are not considered as rational

expressions since they do not show a ratio between two
polynomials.
Rational Expression
2𝑥 + 5 This is a ratio between a radical expression

𝑥−3 and a polynomial.
8 This is a ratio between a polynomial and a

𝑥−2 rational expression.
𝑥+1 But, if this is to be simplified, then, it may
result to the rational expression:
8(𝑥+1) 8𝑥+8
or
𝑥−2 𝑥−2
Rational Expression
Recall that for a polynomial:
• The variable cannot be inside a radical sign.

• The variable should not have a fractional or a negative
exponent.
Try This!
Classify the following ratios whether they are
considered as rational expressions or not:
−8 8𝑥 3 −1
1. 4.
7𝑥 4𝑥 2 + 4𝑥+1
5−6𝑥 2
𝑥
2. 5.
3 𝑥+2
4+3 𝑥
3.
𝑥−1
De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute - Special Health Sciences Senior High School
7
Mathematical Statements using Rational Expressions
Rational Equation – an equality 2𝑘 4

−2=
involving at least 1 rational expression 𝑘−4 𝑘
Rational Inequality - an inequality 𝑦

<3
involving at least 1 rational expression 𝑦−1
Rational Function – a function that 6 − 2.5𝑥

𝑓 𝑥 =
involves a rational expression 𝑥
Rational Equation
A rational equation is a type of equation involving at least one

rational expression.
2 4 𝑥 𝑥+1 2𝑘 4
= = −2=
5𝑦 10 𝑥−3 −4 𝑘−4 𝑘
As an equation, it tells that both sides and quantities have the

same value.
To solve for a rational equation means finding a value or a set

of values that will satisfy the equation. In doing so, the easiest
approach is to eliminate the denominator of the given
rational expression/s.
In eliminating the denominator from a rational equation, the

least common multiple of the denominators (or the least
common denominator or LCD) will be used. This must be
multiplied to each term of the equation, cancelling out common
factors that will be observed from the numerator and
denominator.
Determining the least common multiple makes use of the prime

factors of the denominators.
Consider the following equation:

10 4 5
2
+ =
𝑥 − 2𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 − 2
The denominators are 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥, 𝑥, and 𝑥 − 2.
List down the denominators and their corresponding prime factors.

Align the common factors that may be observed. Afterwards, get
the factor from each column to be the factors of the LCD.
Denominators Prime Factors

𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 = 𝑥 • 𝑥−2
𝑥 = 𝑥
𝑥−2 = 𝑥−2
LCD = 𝑥 • 𝑥 − 2 = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙
Hence, in the equation

10 4 5
2
+ =
𝑥 − 2𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 − 2
the least common denominator to be used is 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 or its

factored form 𝒙(𝒙 − 𝟐).
Now, consider the following equation:

5𝑟 3𝑟 − 1
+4=
10𝑟 − 5 2𝑟 − 1
The denominators are10𝑟 − 5 and 2𝑟 − 1.
Again, list down the denominators and their corresponding prime

factors; align the common factors that may be observed; then, get
the factor from each column to be the factors of the LCD.

10𝑟 − 5 = 5 • 2𝑟 − 1
2𝑟 − 1 = 2𝑟 − 1
LCD = 5 • 2𝑟 − 1 = 𝟏𝟎𝒓 − 𝟓
Hence, in the equation

5𝑟 3𝑟 − 1
+4=
10𝑟 − 5 2𝑟 − 1
the least common denominator is 𝟏𝟎𝒓 − 𝟓 or its factored form

𝟓(𝟐𝒓 − 𝟏).
Now, let these be the denominators from a given rational

equation:
7𝑡, 𝑡 2 , and 𝑡 2 + 3𝑡
What would be the least common multiple between these

polynomials that will serve as the LCD in solving the equation?
We will have

7𝑡 = 7 • 𝑡
𝑡2 = 𝑡 • 𝑡
𝑡 2 + 3𝑡 = 𝑡 • 𝑡+3
LCD = 7 • 𝑡 • 𝑡 • 𝑡+3
= 7𝑡 2 𝑡 + 3 or
= 𝟕𝒕𝟑 + 𝟐𝟏𝒕𝟐
Try This!
Find the least common multiple of the following
polynomials:
1. 𝑏2 , 4𝑏 and 𝑏 − 1
2. 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 and 𝑥 2 − 9
3. 𝑥 2 − 4 and 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4
20
How to solve rational equations?
1. Determine the least common denominator (LCD) or the least

common multiple of the denominators.
2. Multiply the entire equation by the LCD to eliminate the

denominator.
3. Solve the remaining linear, quadratic or polynomial equation to

find the solution for the unknown.
4. Check the solution if it satisfies the given equation by substituting

it to the unknown.
Note:
 When checking the solution if it satisfies the given equation, solve

both sides of the equation separately. Never make a transposition.
 If the equation results to equal values on both sides, then it is

considered as true solution. In case, it makes the denominator
zero making the rational expression undefined, it is not a true
solution and is called extraneous solution.
Example 1:
2 4
=
Solve for y in 5𝑦 10
Solution:
Step 1: Determine the least common denominator (LCD) or the
least common multiple of the denominators.

5𝑦 = 5 • 𝑦
10 = 5 • 2
LCD = 5 • 𝑦 • 2
Thus, the LCD to be used is 5 • 𝑦 • 2 = 𝟏𝟎𝒚.
Step 2: Multiply the entire equation by the LCD to eliminate the

denominator. As the LCD is being multiplied to each term, simplify
the product resulting to a polynomial equation.
Step 3: Solve the remaining linear, quadratic or polynomial equation

to find the solution for the unknown.
This means that the possible value of y is 𝟏.
Step 4: Check the solution if it satisfies the given

equation by substituting it to the unknown.
Let 𝑦 = 1 in the given equation.
Hence, 𝟏 is a true solution to the equation since

the resulting values on both sides of the equation
are equal.
Example 2:
𝑥 𝑥+1
Solve for x in 𝑥 − 3 = −4
Solution:
Step 1: Determine the least common denominator (LCD) or the least
common multiple of the denominators.

𝑥−3 = 𝑥−3
−4 = 2 • (−2)
LCD = 𝑥 − 3 • 2 • (−2)
Thus, the LCD to be used is 𝑥 − 3 •2• −2 = −𝟒 𝒙 − 𝟑 or − 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐.


denominator. You may use the product or the factored form of the
LCD when doing the process.
Step 3: Solve the remaining linear, quadratic or polynomial equation

to find the solution for the unknown.
This means that the possible value of x are 𝟏 and −𝟑.

Step 4: Check the solution if it satisfies the given 𝑥 𝑥+1

=
equation by substituting it to the unknown. 𝑥−3 −4
Let 𝑥 = −3 in the given equation.
Hence, −3 satisfies the equation.
Step 4: Check the solution if it satisfies the given 𝑥 𝑥+1

=
equation by substituting it to the unknown. 𝑥−3 −4
Let 𝑥 = 1 in the given equation.
Hence, 1 satisfies the equation.
This means that both −𝟑 and 𝟏 are true solutions for the given
rational equation 𝑥 𝑥+1
=
𝑥−3 −4
Example 3:
𝑦 3 𝑦−1
+ = 2
Solve for y in 𝑦 − 2 𝑦 + 2 𝑦 − 4
Solution:
Step 1: Determine the least common denominator (LCD).

𝑦−2 = 𝑦−2
𝑦+2 = 𝑦+2
𝑦2 − 4 = 𝑦 − 2 • (𝑦 + 2)
LCD = 𝑦 − 2 • (𝑦 + 2)
Thus, the LCD to be used is 𝑦 − 2 • 𝑦 + 2 = 𝒚𝟐 − 𝟒.

denominator.
Step 3: Solve the remaining

polynomial equation to find the
solution for the unknown.
This means that the possible value

of y are −𝟓 and 𝟏.
Step 4: Check the solutions. 𝑦 3 𝑦−1

+ = 2
𝑦−2 𝑦+2 𝑦 −4
Let 𝑦 = −5 in the given equation.

Step 4: Check the solutions. 𝑦 3 𝑦−1

+ = 2
𝑦−2 𝑦+2 𝑦 −4
Let 𝑦 = 1 in the given equation.
Hence, 1 satisfies the equation.

This means that both −𝟓 and 𝟏 are true solutions for the given
rational equation 𝑦 3 𝑦−1
+ = 2
𝑦−2 𝑦+2 𝑦 −4
Example 4:
𝑥 𝑥−1 𝑥+9
+ = 2
Solve for x in 𝑥 + 3 𝑥 − 3 𝑥 − 9
Solution:

𝑥+3 = 𝑥+3
𝑥−3 = 𝑥−3
𝑥2 − 9 = 𝑥 + 3 • (𝑥 − 3)
LCD = 𝑥 + 3 • (𝑥 − 3)
Thus, the LCD to be used is 𝑥 + 3 • 𝑥 − 3 = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟗.

denominator.

This means that the possible

value of x are −𝟐 and 𝟑.
Step 4: Check the solutions. 𝑥

+
𝑥−1 𝑥+9
= 2
𝑥+3 𝑥−3 𝑥 −9
Let 𝑥 = −2 in the given equation.

Step 4: Check the solutions. 𝑥 𝑥−1 𝑥+9

+ = 2
𝑥+3 𝑥−3 𝑥 −9
Let 𝑥 = 3 in the given equation.
Notice that there will be undefined values,

2 12
and
0 0
Hence, 3 does not satisfy the equation, which
is called an extraneous solution.
This means that only −𝟐 is the true solution for the given rational
equation 𝑥 𝑥−1 𝑥+9
+ = 2
𝑥+3 𝑥−3 𝑥 −9
Example 5:
10 4 5
Solve for r in 𝑟(𝑟 − 2) − 𝑟 = 𝑟 − 2
Solution:

𝑟(𝑟 − 2) = 𝑟 • 𝑟−2
𝑟 = 𝑟
𝑟−2 = (𝑟 − 2)
LCD = 𝑟 • (𝑟 − 2)
Thus, the LCD to be used is 𝑟 • 𝑟 − 2 = 𝒓𝟐 − 𝟐𝒓.

denominator. Since the given denominators are in factored form,
you may use the factored form of the LCD.

This means that the possible value

of r is 𝟐.
Step 4: Check the solutions. 10 4 5

− =
𝑟(𝑟 − 2) 𝑟 𝑟 − 2
Let 𝑟 = 2 in the given equation.
Notice that there will be undefined values,

10 5
and
0 0
Hence, 2 does not satisfy the equation and is
an extraneous solution.
This means that there is no true solution for the given rational
equation 10 4 5
− =
𝑟(𝑟 − 2) 𝑟 𝑟 − 2
Try This!
Find the value/s of the unknown satisfying the

following equations:
2𝑘 4
1. 𝑘−4
−2=
𝑘
1 8 6
2. + 2 =
𝑗 − 2 𝑗 − 7𝑗 + 10 𝑗 − 5
𝑥+6 1 4
3. − = 2
𝑥 − 6 𝑥 − 2 𝑥 − 8𝑥 + 12
55
Key Ideas
 A rational expression is a ratio between two polynomials.
 A rational equation is an equation with at least one rational

expression.
 A rational inequality is an inequality with at least one rational

expression.
 A rational function is a function that involves a rational

expression.
Key Ideas
 The following are the steps in solving a rational equation:

Step 1: Determine the least common denominator (LCD)
between the denominators.
Step 2: Eliminate the denominators by multiplying the entire
equation by the LCD.
Step 3: Solve for the unknown value in the remaining equation.
Step 4: Check your solution/s.
 An extraneous solution may exist, which is a solved value for

the unknown but will not satisfy the given equation.

GM - Lesson 2.1 Solving Rational Equations

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

GM - Lesson 2.1 Solving Rational Equations

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Lesson 2.

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to

• distinguish rational function, rational equation, and rational

• solve rational equations.

Before you begin with this lesson, it is suggested that you

• Fractions and Rational Expressions

A rational expression is a ratio between two polynomials. It

All numerators and denominators in the given ratios are

How about these ratios? Can they be considered as rational

The latter 2 examples are not considered as rational

2𝑥 + 5 This is a ratio between a radical expression

8 This is a ratio between a polynomial and a

Recall that for a polynomial:

• The variable cannot be inside a radical sign.

Rational Equation – an equality 2𝑘 4

Rational Inequality - an inequality 𝑦

Rational Function – a function that 6 − 2.5𝑥

A rational equation is a type of equation involving at least one

As an equation, it tells that both sides and quantities have the

To solve for a rational equation means finding a value or a set

In eliminating the denominator from a rational equation, the

Determining the least common multiple makes use of the prime

Consider the following equation:

The denominators are 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥, 𝑥, and 𝑥 − 2.

List down the denominators and their corresponding prime factors.

Denominators Prime Factors

Hence, in the equation

the least common denominator to be used is 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 or its

Now, consider the following equation:

The denominators are10𝑟 − 5 and 2𝑟 − 1.

Again, list down the denominators and their corresponding prime

Denominators Prime Factors

Hence, in the equation

the least common denominator is 𝟏𝟎𝒓 − 𝟓 or its factored form

Now, let these be the denominators from a given rational

What would be the least common multiple between these

Denominators Prime Factors

How to solve rational equations?

1. Determine the least common denominator (LCD) or the least

2. Multiply the entire equation by the LCD to eliminate the

3. Solve the remaining linear, quadratic or polynomial equation to

4. Check the solution if it satisfies the given equation by substituting

 When checking the solution if it satisfies the given equation, solve

 If the equation results to equal values on both sides, then it is

Denominators Prime Factors

Thus, the LCD to be used is 5 • 𝑦 • 2 = 𝟏𝟎𝒚.

Step 2: Multiply the entire equation by the LCD to eliminate the

Step 3: Solve the remaining linear, quadratic or polynomial equation

This means that the possible value of y is 𝟏.

Step 4: Check the solution if it satisfies the given

Let 𝑦 = 1 in the given equation.

Hence, 𝟏 is a true solution to the equation since

Denominators Prime Factors

Thus, the LCD to be used is 𝑥 − 3 •2• −2 = −𝟒 𝒙 − 𝟑 or − 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐.

Step 2: Multiply the entire equation by the LCD to eliminate the

Step 3: Solve the remaining linear, quadratic or polynomial equation

This means that the possible value of x are 𝟏 and −𝟑.

Step 4: Check the solution if it satisfies the given 𝑥 𝑥+1

Let 𝑥 = −3 in the given equation.

Hence, −3 satisfies the equation.

Step 4: Check the solution if it satisfies the given 𝑥 𝑥+1

Let 𝑥 = 1 in the given equation.