Solving Rational

Equation
Solving Rational
Equation
Definition: A rational
expression is an expression that
can be written as a ratio of two
polynomials.
x 1 x7
Example: , 2 and
x 1 x  2x 1 x  16
 Rational Equation Rational Inequality Rational Function

p  x
Definition An equation involving An inequality involving A function of the form f  x   q  x  where p  x 
rational expressions. rational expressions. and q  x  are polynomials, such thatq  x   0.

Example
x 1 1 x2 1 1  x 2
  12 2 f  x 
x  2 x 1 3x  5 x5
To solve rational equation:

(a) Eliminate denominators by multiplying each term of the

equation by the least common denominator.

(b) Note that eliminating denominators may introduce

extraneous solutions. Check the solutions of the
transformed equations with the original equation.
Example: Solve for x.
2 3 1
1.  
x 2x 5

x 1 8
2.   2
x2 x2 x 4