Warm Up: Find The Least Common Multiple For Each Pair

Solving Rational Equations
5-5 and Inequalities
Warm Up
Find the least common multiple for each
pair.
1. 2x2 and 4x2 – 2x 2x2(2x – 1)
2. x + 5 and x2 – x – 30 (x + 5)(x – 6)
Add or subtract. Identify any x-values for

which the expression is undefined.
3. 1 1 5x – 2
+
x–2 4x 4x(x – 2)
1 1 –(x – 1) x≠0
4. – x2
x2 x
Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Objective
Solve rational equations and
inequalities.

Vocabulary
rational equation
extraneous solution
rational inequality

A rational equation is an equation that contains

one or more rational expressions. The time t in hours
that it takes to travel d miles can be determined by
d
using the equation t = r , where r is the average rate
of speed. This equation is a rational equation.

To solve a rational equation, start by multiplying

each term of the equation by the least common
denominator (LCD) of all of the expressions in the
equation. This step eliminates the denominators of
the rational expression and results in an equation
you can solve by using algebra.

Example 1: Solving Rational Equations
Solve the equation x – 18 = 3.

x
x(x) – 18 (x) = 3(x) Multiply each term by the LCD, x.

x
x2 – 18 = 3x Simplify. Note that x ≠ 0.
x2 – 3x – 18 = 0 Write in standard form.
(x – 6)(x + 3) = 0 Factor.
x – 6 = 0 or x + 3 = 0 Apply the Zero Product Property.
x = 6 or x = –3 Solve for x.

Example 1 Continued
Check x – 18
x =3 x – 18
x =3
6 – 18 3 (–3) – 18 3
6 (–3)
6–3 3 –3 + 6 3
3 3  3 3 

Check It Out! Example 1a
Solve the equation 10 = 4 + 2.

3 x
10 (3x) = 4 (3x) + 2(3x) Multiply each term by

3 x the LCD, 3x.
10x = 12 + 6x Simplify. Note that x ≠ 0.
4x = 12 Combine like terms.
x=3 Solve for x.

Check It Out! Example 1b
Solve the equation 6 + 5 = – 7 .

x 4 4
6 (4x) + 5 (4x) = – 7 (4x) Multiply each term by

x 4 4 the LCD, 4x.
24 + 5x = –7x Simplify. Note that x ≠ 0.
24 = –12x Combine like terms.
x = –2 Solve for x.

Check It Out! Example 1c
Solve the equation x = 6 – 1.

x
x(x) = 6 (x) – 1(x) Multiply each term by the LCD, x.

x
x2 = 6 – x Simplify. Note that x ≠ 0.
x2 + x – 6 = 0 Write in standard form.
(x – 2)(x + 3) = 0 Factor.

An extraneous solution is a solution of an

equation derived from an original equation that
is not a solution of the original equation. When
you solve a rational equation, it is possible to get
extraneous solutions. These values should be
eliminated from the solution set. Always check
your solutions by substituting them into the
original equation.

Example 2A: Extraneous Solutions
Solve each equation.
5x = 3x + 4
x–2 x–2
5x 3x + 4 Multiply each term by
x–2 (x – 2) = (x – 2)
x–2 the LCD, x – 2.
5x 3x + 4 Divide out common
x–2 (x – 2) = (x – 2)
x–2 factors.
5x = 3x + 4 Simplify. Note that x ≠ 2.
x=2 Solve for x.
The solution x = 2 is extraneous because it makes
the denominators of the original equation equal to 0.
Therefore, the equation has no solution.
Example 2A Continued
Check Substitute 2 for x in the original equation.
5x = 3x + 4
x–2 x–2
5(2) 3(2) + 4
2–2 2–2
10 10 Division by 0 is
0 0 undefined.

Example 2B: Extraneous Solutions
Solve each equation.
2x – 5 + x = 11
x–8 2 x–8
Multiply each term by the LCD, 2(x – 8).
2x – 5
2(x – 8) + x 2(x – 8) = 11 2(x – 8)
x–8 2 x–8
Divide out common factors.
2x – 5
2(x – 8) + x 2(x – 8) = 11 2(x – 8)
x–8 2 x–8
2(2x – 5) + x(x – 8) = 11(2) Simplify. Note that x ≠ 8.
Use the Distributive
4x – 10 + x2 – 8x = 22
Property.
Example 2B Continued
x2 – 4x – 32 = 0 Write in standard form.
(x – 8)(x + 4) = 0 Factor.
The solution x = 8 us extraneous because it

makes the denominator of the original equation
equal to 0. The only solution is x = –4.

Example 2B Continued
Check
Write
2x – 5 + x = 11 as 2x – 5 + x – 11 = 0.
x–8 2 x–8 x–8 2 x–8
Graph the left side of the

equation as Y1. Identify
the values of x for which
Y1 = 0.
The graph intersects the
x-axis only when x = –4.
Therefore, x = –4 is the
only solution.
Solve the equation 216 = 2 .
x – 16 x–4
Multiply each term by the LCD, (x – 4)(x +4).
16 2
(x – 4)(x + 4) (x – 4)(x + 4) = x–4
(x – 4 )(x + 4)

16 2
(x – 4)(x + 4) (x – 4)(x + 4) = x–4
(x – 4 )(x + 4)
16 = 2x + 8 Simplify. Note that x ≠ ±4.

x=4 Solve for x.
The solution x = 4 is extraneous because it makes
the denominators of the original equation equal to 0.
Therefore, the equation has no solution.
Solve the equation 1 = x + x .

x–1 x–1 6
Multiply each term by the LCD, 6(x – 1).
1 x
6(x – 1) = 6(x – 1) + x 6(x – 1)
x–1 x–1 6
1 x x 6(x – 1)
x–1 6(x – 1) = 6(x – 1) +
x–1 6
6 = 6x + x(x – x) Simplify. Note that x ≠ 1.
6 = 6x + x2 – x Use the Distributive
Property.

Check It Out! Example 2b Continued
0 = x2 + 5x – 6 Write in standard form.

0 = (x + 6)(x – 1) Factor.
x + 6 = 0 or x – 1 = 0 Apply the Zero Product Property.

x = –6 or x = 1 Solve for x.
The solution x = 1 us extraneous because it

makes the denominator of the original equation
equal to 0. The only solution is x = –6.

Example 3: Problem-Solving Application
A jet travels 3950 mi from Chicago, Illinois,
to London, England, and 3950 mi on the
return trip. The total flying time is 16.5 h.
The return trip takes longer due to winds
that generally blow from west to east. If the
jet’s average speed with no wind is 485
mi/h, what is the average speed of the wind
during the round-trip flight? Round to the
nearest mile per hour.

Example 3 Continued
1 Understand the Problem

The answer will be the average speed of
the wind.
List the important information:

• The jet spent 16.5 h on the round-trip.
• It went 3950 mi east and 3950 mi west.
• Its average speed with no wind is 485 mi/h.

Example 3 Continued
2 Make a Plan
Let w represent Average
the speed of the Distance Speed
wind. When the jet (mi) (mi/h) Time (h)
is going east, its East 3950
3950
485 + w 485 + w
speed is equal to
3950
its speed with no West 3950 485 – w 485 – w
wind plus w. When
the jet is going total time = time east + time west
west, its speed is
equal to its speed 16.5 = 485 3950 + 3950
with no wind +w 485 – w
minus w.
3 Solve
The LCD is (485 + w)(485 – w).
3950
16.5(485 + w)(485 – w) = (485 + w)(485 – w)
485 + w
+ 3950 (485 + w)(485 – w)

485 – w
Simplify. Note that x ≠ ±485.
16.5(485 + w)(485 – w) = 3950(485 – w) + 3950 (485 + w)
Use the Distributive Property.
3,881,212.5 – 16.5w2 = 1,915,750 – 3950w + 1,915,750 + 3950w
3,881,212.5 – 16.5w2 = 3,831,500 Combine like terms.
–16.5w2 = –49,712.5 Solve for w.
w ≈ ± 55
The speed of the wind cannot be negative. Therefore,
the average speed of the wind is 55 mi/h.
Example 3 Continued
4 Look Back
If the speed of the wind is 55 mi/h, the jet’s speed
when going east is 485 + 55 = 540 mi/h. It will
take the jet approximately 7.3 h to travel 3950 mi
east. The jet’s speed when going west is 485 – 55
= 430 mi/h. It will take the jet approximately 9.2
h to travel 3950 mi west. The total trip will take
16.5 h, which is the given time.

Check It Out! Example 3
On a river, a kayaker travels 2 mi upstream

and 2 mi downstream in a total of 5 h. In
still water, the kayaker can travel at an
average speed of 2 mi/h. Based on this
information, what is the average speed of
the current of this river? Round to the
nearest tenth.

Check It Out! Example 3 Continued
1 Understand the Problem

The answer will be the average speed of
the current.
List the important information:

• The kayaker spent 5 hours kayaking.
• She went 2 mi upstream and 2 mi
downstream.
• Her average speed in still water is 2 mi/h.

2 Make a Plan
Let c represent the

Average
speed of the
Distance Speed
current. When the (mi) (mi/h) Time (h)
kayaker is going 2
upstream, her speed Up 2 2 – c 2–c
is equal to her speed 2
Down 2 2+c 2+c
in still water minus
c. When the kayaker
is going total time = time up- + time down-
downstream, her stream stream
speed is equal to her 2 2
speed in still water 5 = 2–c + 2+c
plus c.
3 Solve
The LCD is (2 – c)(2 + c).
2 2
5(2 + c)(2 – c) = (2 + c)(2 – c) + (2 + c)(2 – c)
2–c 2+c
Simplify. Note that x ≠ ±2.
5(2 + c)(2 – c) = 2(2 + c) + 2(2 – c)
Use the Distributive Property.
20 – 5c2 = 4 + 2c + 4 – 2c
20 – 5c2 = 8 Combine like terms.
–5c2 = –12 Solve for c.
c ≈ ± 1.5
The speed of the current cannot be negative. Therefore,
the average speed of the current is about 1.5 mi/h.
4 Look Back
If the speed of the current is about 1.5 mi/h, the
kayaker’s speed when going upstream is 2 – 1.5 =
0.5 mi/h. It will take her about 4 h to travel 2 mi
upstream. Her speed when going downstream is
about 2 + 1.5 = 3.5 mi/h. It will take her 0.5 h to
travel 2 mi downstream. The total trip will take
about 4.5 hours which is close to the given time of
5 h.

Example 4: Work Application
Natalie can finish a 500-piece puzzle in about
8 hours. When Natalie and Renzo work
together, they can finish a 500-piece puzzle in
about 4.5 hours. About how long will it take
Renzo to finish a 500-piece puzzle if he works
by himself?
1
Natalie’s rate: of the puzzle per hour
8
Renzo’s rate: 1 of the puzzle per hour, where h is the
h
number of hours needed to finish the puzzle by himself.

Example 4 Continued
Natalie’s rate + Renzo’s rate = 1 complete

 hours worked  hours worked puzzle
1 (4.5) + 1 (4.5) = 1
8 h
1 (4.5)(8h) + 1 (4.5)(8h) = 1(8h) Multiply by the LCD,8h.
8 h
4.5h + 36 = 8h Simplify.
36 = 3.5h Solve for h.
10.3 = h
It will take Renzo about 10.3 hours, or 10 hours 17 minutes

to complete a 500-piece puzzle working by himself.
Check It Out! Example 4
Julien can mulch a garden in 20 minutes.

Together Julien and Remy can mulch the
same garden in 11 minutes. How long will it
take Remy to mulch the garden when
working alone?
1
Julien’s rate: of the garden per minute
20
Remy’s rate: 1 of the garden per minute, where m is
m
the number of minutes needed to mulch the garden by
himself.

Julien’s rate + Remy’s rate = 1 complete

 min worked  min worked job
1 (11) + 1 (11) = 1
20 m
1 (11)(20m)+ 1 (11)(20m) = 1(20m) Multiply by the LCD,
20 m 20m.
11m + 220 = 20m Simplify.
220 = 9m Solve for m.
24 ≈ m
It will take Remy about 24 minutes to mulch the garden

working by himself.
A rational inequality is an inequality that

contains one or more rational expressions. One
way to solve rational inequalities is by using
graphs and tables.

Example 5: Using Graphs and Tables to Solve
Rational Equations and Inequalities
Solve x ≤ 3 by using a graph and a table.

x– 6
Use a graph. On a
graphing calculator, (9, 3)
Y1 = x and Y2 = 3.
x– 6
The graph of Y1 is at
or below the graph of
Y2 when x < 6 or Vertical
asymptote:
when x ≥ 9. x=6
Example 5 Continued
Use a table. The table shows that Y1 is

undefined when x = 6 and that Y1 ≤ Y2
when x ≥ 9.
The solution of the inequality is x < 6 or x ≥ 9.

Solve x ≥ 4 by using a graph and a table.
x– 3
Use a graph. On a
graphing calculator, (4, 4)
Y1 = x and Y2 = 4.
x– 3
Y2 when x < 3 or Vertical
when x ≥ 4. asymptote:
x=3

Check It Out! Example 5a continued

undefined when x = 3 and that Y1 ≤ Y2
when x ≥ 4.
The solution of the inequality is x < 3 or x ≥ 4.

Solve 8 = –2 by using a graph and a table.

x+ 1
Use a graph. On a
(–5, –2)
graphing calculator,
Y1 = 8 and Y2 = –2.
x+ 1
Y2 when x = –5. Vertical
asymptote:
x = –1
Check It Out! Example 5b continued

undefined when x = –1 and that Y1 ≤ Y2
when x = –5.
The solution of the inequality is x = –5.

You can also solve rational inequalities

algebraically. You start by multiplying each
term by the least common denominator
(LCD) of all the expressions in the inequality.
However, you must consider two cases: the
LCD is positive or the LCD is negative.

Example 6: Solving Rational Inequalities
Algebraically
Solve 6 ≤ 3 algebraically.
x– 8
Case 1 LCD is positive.
Step 1 Solve for x.
6 (x – 8) ≤ 3(x – 8)
x–8 Multiply by the LCD.
6 ≤ 3x – 24 Simplify. Note that x ≠ 8.
30 ≤ 3x Solve for x.
10 ≤ x Rewrite with the variable
x ≥ 10 on the left.
Example 6 Continued
x– 8
Step 2 Consider the sign of the LCD.

x–8>0 LCD is positive.
x>8 Solve for x.
For Case 1, the solution must satisfy x ≥ 10

and x > 8, which simplifies to x ≥ 10.

Example 6: Solving Rational Inequalities
Algebraically
x– 8
Case 2 LCD is negative.
Step 1 Solve for x.
6 (x – 8) ≥ 3(x – 8) Multiply by the LCD.
x–8 Reverse the inequality.
6 ≥ 3x – 24 Simplify. Note that x ≠ 8.
30 ≥ 3x Solve for x.
10 ≥ x Rewrite with the variable
x ≤ 10 on the left.
Example 6 Continued
x– 8
x>8 Solve for x.
For Case 2, the solution must satisfy x ≤ 10
and x < 8, which simplifies to x < 8.
The solution set of the original inequality is the
union of the solutions to both Case 1 and Case 2.
6
The solution to the inequality ≤ 3 is x < 8
x– 8
or x ≥ 10, or {x|x < 8  x ≥ 10}.


Solve 6 ≥ –4 algebraically.
x– 2
Step 1 Solve for x.

6 (x – 2) ≥ –4(x – 2)
x–2 Multiply by the LCD.
6 ≥ –4x + 8 Simplify. Note that x ≠ 2.
–2 ≥ –4x Solve for x.
1 Rewrite with the variable
≤x
2
1 on the left.
x≥
2
Check It Out! Example 6a Continued
x– 2
x>2 Solve for x.
1
For Case 1, the solution must satisfy x ≥
2
and x > 2, which simplifies to x > 2.

x– 2
Step 1 Solve for x.
6 (x – 2) ≤ –4(x – 2) Multiply by the LCD.
x–2 Reverse the inequality.
6 ≤ –4x + 8 Simplify. Note that x ≠ 2.
–2 ≤ –4x Solve for x.
≥x
2
1 on the left.
x≤
2
x– 2
x–2<0 LCD is negative.
x<2 Solve for x.
1
For Case 2, the solution must satisfy x ≤ 2
1
and x < 2, which simplifies to x ≤
2.
6
The solution to the inequality ≥ –4 is x >
1 1 x– 2
2 or x ≤ 2 , or {x| x ≤ 2  x > 2}.
Solve 9 < 6 algebraically.
x+ 3

Step 1 Solve for x.
9 (x + 3) < 6(x + 3)
x+3 Multiply by the LCD.
9 < 6x + 18 Simplify. Note that x ≠ –3.
–9 < 6x Solve for x.
– <x
2
3 on the left.
x>–
2

x+ 3
x+3>0 LCD is positive.
x > –3 Solve for x.
3
For Case 1, the solution must satisfy x >–
3 2
and x > –3, which simplifies to x >– .
2


x+ 3
Step 1 Solve for x.
9 (x + 3) > 6(x + 3) Multiply by the LCD.

x+3 Reverse the inequality.
9 > 6x + 18 Simplify. Note that x ≠ –3.
–9 > 6x Solve for x.
– >x
2
3 on the left.
x<–
2
x+ 3
x+3<0 LCD is negative.
x < –3 Solve for x.
3
For Case 2, the solution must satisfy x <–
2
and x < –3, which simplifies to x < –3.
9
The solution to the inequality < 6 is x < –3
3 3 x+ 3
or x > – , or {x| x > –  x < –3}.
2 2
Lesson Quiz
Solve each equation or inequality.
1. x+2 = x–1
x 2
2. 6x = 7x + 4
x+4 x+4
x+2 5
3. + x =
x–3 5 x–3
4. 4
≥2
x– 3
158

Warm Up: Find The Least Common Multiple For Each Pair

Uploaded by

Document Information

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

Warm Up: Find The Least Common Multiple For Each Pair

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Solving Rational Equations

5-5 and Inequalities

Add or subtract. Identify any x-values for

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

A rational equation is an equation that contains

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

To solve a rational equation, start by multiplying

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Solve the equation x – 18 = 3.

x(x) – 18 (x) = 3(x) Multiply each term by the LCD, x.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Solve the equation 10 = 4 + 2.

10 (3x) = 4 (3x) + 2(3x) Multiply each term by

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Solve the equation 6 + 5 = – 7 .

6 (4x) + 5 (4x) = – 7 (4x) Multiply each term by

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Solve the equation x = 6 – 1.

x(x) = 6 (x) – 1(x) Multiply each term by the LCD, x.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

An extraneous solution is a solution of an

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Check Substitute 2 for x in the original equation.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

x2 – 4x – 32 = 0 Write in standard form.

The solution x = 8 us extraneous because it

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Graph the left side of the

Divide out common factors.

16 = 2x + 8 Simplify. Note that x ≠ ±4.

Solve the equation 1 = x + x .

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

0 = x2 + 5x – 6 Write in standard form.

x + 6 = 0 or x – 1 = 0 Apply the Zero Product Property.

The solution x = 1 us extraneous because it

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

1 Understand the Problem

List the important information:

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

+ 3950 (485 + w)(485 – w)

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

On a river, a kayaker travels 2 mi upstream

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

1 Understand the Problem

List the important information:

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Let c represent the

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Natalie’s rate + Renzo’s rate = 1 complete

It will take Renzo about 10.3 hours, or 10 hours 17 minutes

Julien can mulch a garden in 20 minutes.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Julien’s rate + Remy’s rate = 1 complete

It will take Remy about 24 minutes to mulch the garden

A rational inequality is an inequality that

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

Solve x ≤ 3 by using a graph and a table.

Use a table. The table shows that Y1 is