Module 2
Rational Functions

Lesson 1 Solving Rational Equation

Objectives: Solve rational equation
Find LCD of rational equation
Determine the solution of rational equation

An equation involving rational expressions is called a rational equation. To solve rational equations, follow these
steps.

1. Find the least common denominator (LCD). The LCD is actually the least common multiple (LCM) of the
denominators.
2. Multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD.
3. Solve the equation.
4. Check the solution.

!!!! !!!
Example 1 Solve for x in the equation =
!!! !!!
Step 1 Find the LCD.
The denominators are x – 5 and x – 1, so the LCD is (x – 5)(x – 1).

Step 2 Multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD.

!!!! !!!
𝑥−5 𝑥−1 = (𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 − 1)
!!! !!!

2𝑥 + 6 𝑥 + 3
𝑥−5 𝑥−1 = (𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 − 1)
𝑥−5 𝑥−1

(2x + 6)(x – 1) = (x + 3)(x – 1)

Step 3 Solve the equation

(2x + 6)(x – 1) = (x + 3)(x – 5)
2x – 2x + 6x – 6 =
2 x2 – 5x + 3x – 15
2x2 + 4x – 6 = x2 – 2x – 15
2x2 - x2 + 4x + 2x – 6 + 15 = 0
x2 + 6x + 9 = 0

Solve the quadratic equation by factoring

x2 + 6x + 9 = 0
(x + 3) ( x + 3) = 0 equate each factor to zero
x+3=0 and x+3=0
x=-3 and x=-3
So, the solution of the equation is x = - 3

  10  
  
 
Step 4 Check the solution by substituting the computed value of x in the equation.
If x = - 3, then
!!!! !!!
=
!!! !!!

! !! !! !!!!
=
!!!! !!!!
0 = 0

! ! !
Example 2 Solve for x in the equation + =  
!! ! !

Step 1 Find the LCD.

The denominators are 2x, 5, and 2. So, the LCD is 10x.

Step 2 Multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD.

1 3 1
(10𝑥) + =   (10𝑥)
2𝑥 5 2
5 + 6x = 5x
Step 3 Solve the equation
5 + 6x = 5x
6x – 5x = - 5
x = -5
Step 4 Check the solution by substituting the computed value of x in the equation.

! ! ! ! !
+               =             =  
!! ! ! !" !
! ! ! ! !
+     =                   =  
!(!!) ! ! ! !
! ! !
+           =  
!!" ! !
!!!! !
                    =  
!" !

Activity:
Find the solution to the following rational equations.

! ! ! !!! ! ! !
1. +   =   2. =   3. =  
! !! ! !!!! ! ! !!!!

  11