How to solve rational equation

Introduction:

Solving rational equations is one of the important topics that we need to know. What we do to one side of the equation, must do to the other. If we have fractions, we try to eliminate them by multiplying by the common denominator. Suppose, If there are quadratics involved, we must get all terms to one side with zero on the another.

Steps involved in solving a rational equation

Solving rational equation is an important to see at an equation that not having a variable in the denominator to make confident that we see the pattern for calculating rational equations. The following steps we will use in the solution process.

1. First we need to determine the least common denominator of the fractions in the given rational equation.

2. We need to take out the fractions by multiplying All terms by the least common denominator.

3. Then we have to simplify the terms in rational equation.

4. Solve the resulting equation.

5. Check the answers to make confident the solution does not make the fraction undefined.

Let’s look at first, how we would handle the equations like x/3 + 2x/2 = 4

Our first step in solving this equation is to multiply each term by its least common denominator of the fractions, which is 6

(6) x/3 + (6) 3x/2 = (6) 4

Simplifying the above equation results in the linear equation which we can solve to get our final answer.

2x + 6x = 24

8x = 24

x = 3

Hope you like the above explanation. Please leave your comments, if you have any doubts.