MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY OF CARAGA, INC.

North Montilla Boulevard, Brgy. Ong-Yiu, Butuan City, 8600

Tel. No: (085) 817 0476 Mobile No.: (+63) 917 105 9644 (Globe)
E-mail Address: schoolpresident@mmacibutuan.edu.ph

Page 1 of 7
 MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY OF CARAGA, INC.
North Montilla Boulevard, Brgy. Ong-Yiu, Butuan City, 8600
Tel. No: (085) 817 0476 Mobile No.: (+63) 917 105 9644 (Globe)
E-mail Address: schoolpresident@mmacibutuan.edu.ph

Lesson 7: RATIONAL EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES

 RATIONAL EQUATIONS
Example 1: Find 𝒙 in the equation. You can also apply the means-extremes
STEPS IN SOLVING RATIONAL
𝑥+5 3 product theorem to obtain the same
EQUATION =
2𝑥 4 result for 𝑥.
1. Find the Least Common Denominator. LCD: (4𝑥)
2. Multiply both sides by its LCD. 𝑥+5
(4𝑥) (
3
) = ( )(4𝑥) 𝑥+5 3
2𝑥 4 =
4𝑥 𝑥+5 3 4𝑥 2𝑥 4
( ) ( )=( ) ( ) - Cross Multiply
1 2𝑥 4 1
4𝑥 𝑥+5 3 4𝑥
( )( ) = ( )( ) - Divide
2𝑥 1 1 4 𝑥 + 5 ∶ 2𝑥 = 3 ∶ 4
𝟐(𝒙 + 𝟓) = 𝟑𝒙
3. Apply the Distributive Property. 2𝑥 + 10 = 3𝑥
4. Simplify 2𝑥 − 3𝑥 = −10 (𝑥 + 5)(4) = (2𝑥)(3)
−𝒙 = −𝟏𝟎
4𝑥 + 20 = 6𝑥 ✓ By means-extremes
5. Find all the possible values of 𝑥. 𝑥 = 10 - Divide both sides by −1 product theorem
6. Substitute the value of 𝑥 in the original 𝑥+5 3 4𝑥 − 6𝑥 = −20 ✓ Combine similar
=
equation and reject any extraneous 2𝑥 4 terms by addition
solution. 10 + 5 3 property of equality
=
2(10) 4 ✓ Add the similar
Extraneous solution – is an apparent −2𝑥 = −20
15 3 terms.
solution that does not solve its equation. = −2𝑥 −20
20 4 = ✓ Divide both sides by
15 5 3 −2 −2 −2.
÷ 5 = 4 - Find the Greatest Common Factor
20
𝑥 = 10
3 3
=
4 4

Assignment No. 7.1

1 𝑥−3
Direction(s): Solve the following Rational Equation = . (10 pts.)
5 𝑥+2

Example 2: Find 𝒙 in the equation. You can also apply the means-
STEPS IN SOLVING RATIONAL 𝑥+2 𝑥−2 extremes product theorem to obtain
EQUATION =
𝑥+4 𝑥+2 the same result for 𝑥.
1. Find the Least Common 𝑥+2 𝑥−2
LCD: (𝑥 + 4) (𝑥 + 2) =
Denominator. 𝑥+4 𝑥+2
2. Multiply both sides by its LCD. 𝑥+2 𝑥−2
(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 2) ( )=( ) (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 2)
𝑥+4 𝑥+2 (𝑥 + 2) ∶ (𝑥 + 4) = (𝑥 − 2) ∶ (𝑥 + 2)
(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 2) 𝑥 + 2 𝑥 − 2 (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 2)
( )=( ) (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 2) = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 4)
1 𝑥+4 𝑥+2 1
(𝒙 + 𝟐)(𝒙 + 𝟐) = (𝒙 − 𝟐)(𝒙 + 𝟒) 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 4 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 8
3. Apply the Distributive Property (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 2) = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 4) 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 8
or FOIL Method. (𝑥)(𝑥) + 2(𝑥) + 2(𝑥) + 2(2) = (𝑥)(𝑥) + 4(𝑥) − 2(𝑥) − 2(4)
4. Simplify 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 4 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 8 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 2𝑥 = −4 − 8
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 8 2𝑥 = −12
𝑥 − 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 2𝑥 = −4 − 8
2
2𝑥 −12
𝟐𝒙 = −𝟏𝟐 =
5. Find all the possible values 2𝑥 −12 2 2
=
of 𝑥. 2 2 𝒙 = −𝟔
𝒙 = −𝟔
6. Substitute the value of 𝑥 in the 𝑥+2 𝑥−2
original equation and reject =
𝑥+4 𝑥+2
any extraneous solution. −6 + 2 −6 − 2
=
−6 + 4 −6 + 2
−4 −8
=
−2 −4
2=2

Assignment No. 7.2

𝑥−3 𝑥+1
Direction(s): Solve the following Rational Equation = . (10 pts.)
2 3

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 MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY OF CARAGA, INC.
North Montilla Boulevard, Brgy. Ong-Yiu, Butuan City, 8600
Tel. No: (085) 817 0476 Mobile No.: (+63) 917 105 9644 (Globe)
E-mail Address: schoolpresident@mmacibutuan.edu.ph

Example 7: Find 𝒙 in the equation. Example 8: Find 𝒙 in the equation.

STEPS IN SOLVING 1 3 1 𝑥 − 4 4𝑥 + 5
RATIONAL EQUATION = − − =0
4 𝑥 2 −2 2𝑥 + 3
1. Find the Least LCD: 4𝑥
LCD: (−2)(2𝑥 + 3)
Common Denominator. - We use 4, since 4 can be divided by 2.
2. Multiply both sides by 1 3 1 𝑥 − 4 4𝑥 + 5
its LCD. 4𝑥 ( ) = ( − ) 4𝑥 (−2)(2𝑥 + 3) ( − ) = 0[(−2)(2𝑥 + 3)]
4 𝑥 2 −2 2𝑥 + 3
𝑥−4 4𝑥 + 5
(−2)(2𝑥 + 3) ( ) − (−2)(2𝑥 + 3) (− )=0
−2 2𝑥 + 3
(2𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 4) − (−2)(4𝑥 + 5) = 0
3. Apply the Distributive
Property or FOIL
𝟑 𝟏 𝟒𝒙
Method. 4𝑥 1 𝟑 𝟏 𝟒𝒙 ( − )
( )=( − ) 𝒙 𝟐 𝟏
3 4𝑥 1 4𝑥 (2𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 4) − (−2)(4𝑥 + 5) = 0
1 4 𝒙 𝟐 𝟏 = ( )( ) − ( )( ) (2𝑥)(𝑥) + (2𝑥)(−4) + 3(𝑥) + 3(−4) − (−2)(4𝑥) − (−2)(5) = 0
𝒙 = 𝟏𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 𝑥 1 2 1
12𝑥 4𝑥 2𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 12 + 8𝑥 + 10 =0
= −
𝑥 2
= 12 − 2𝑥

4. Simplify 𝑥 + 2𝑥 = 12 2𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 8𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 12 + 10 = 0
3𝑥 = 12 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 −2 =0
(2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 2) = 0
5. Find all the possible 3𝑥 12 2𝑥 − 1 = 0 𝑥+2=0
values of 𝑥. =
1 3 2𝑥 = 1 𝑥 = −2
𝒙=𝟒 2𝑥 1
=
2 2
1
𝑥=
2
6. Substitute the value of 1 3 1 when 𝑥 = −2:
𝑥 in the original = − 𝑥 − 4 4𝑥 + 5
4 𝑥 2
equation and reject − =0
1 3 1 −2 2𝑥 + 3
any extraneous = − −2 − 4 4(−2) + 5
solution. 4 4 2 − =0
−2 2(−2) + 3
1 3 2 −6 −8 + 5
= − − =0
4 4 4 −2 −4 + 3
1 1 −3
= 3− =0
4 4 −1
3−3 =0
0=0

1
Assignment 7.3: Solve, when 𝑥 =2

Assignment No. 7.3

3 𝑥−7
Direction(s): Solve the following Rational Equation + = 0. (10 pts.)
4 𝑥+14

Page 3 of 7
 MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY OF CARAGA, INC.
North Montilla Boulevard, Brgy. Ong-Yiu, Butuan City, 8600
Tel. No: (085) 817 0476 Mobile No.: (+63) 917 105 9644 (Globe)
E-mail Address: schoolpresident@mmacibutuan.edu.ph

 RATIONAL INEQUALITIES
STEPS IN SOLVING Example 9: Example 10:
RATIONAL INEQUALITIES
𝑥+2 2𝑥 − 5
≤0 ≤3
𝑥−3 𝑥−5
1. Write the inequality This inequality is already in a single rational 2𝑥 − 5
−3 ≤ 0
with a single rational expression wherein 0 is on one side. 𝑥−5
expression on the left- 2𝑥 − 5 − 3(𝑥 − 5)
≤0
hand side of the 𝑥+2 𝑥−5
≤0 2𝑥 − 5 − 3𝑥 + 15
inequality and zero on 𝑥−3 ≤0
the right-hand side of 𝑥−5
the inequality. 2𝑥 − 3𝑥 − 5 + 15
≤0
𝑥−5
−𝒙 + 𝟏𝟎
≤𝟎
𝒙−𝟓
2. Determine the meaning Numerator: 𝑥 + 2 = 0 Numerator: −𝑥 + 10 = 0
numbers. 𝑥 = −2 −𝑥 = −10
−2+2 0 −𝑥 −10
Set both the numerator
Test−2: = = 0 ≤ 0. TRUE. Thus −2 =
−2−3 −5 is a solution. −1 −1
and denominator equal 𝑥 = 10 TRUE. Thus
to zero. Then solve and Denominator: 𝑥 − 3 = 0 2𝑥−5 2(10)−5 20−5 15 is a
Test10: = = = = 3 ≤ 3. 10
test the meaningful 𝑥−5 10−5 5 5 solution.
𝑥=3
numbers. FALSE. Thus 3
3+2 5
Test 3: = = 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑
is NOT a Denominator: 𝑥 − 5 = 0
3−3 0
FALSE.
solution. 𝑥=5
2𝑥−5 2(5)−5 10−5 5
Thus 5 is
Test 3: = = = = 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 NOT a
𝑥−5 5−5 0 0
solution.
3. Separate the number A B C A B C
line into interval using
numbers found in Step
−𝟐 𝟑 𝟓 𝟏𝟎
2.
4. Get the test values for For A, test −3: For A, test 3:
A, B and C and 𝑥+2 2(3) − 5
≤0 ≤3
substitute those values 𝑥−3 3−5
into the inequality. −3 + 2 6−5
≤0 ≤3
3−3 −2
Note: −1 1
≤0 ≤3
a. You can choose any −6 −2
number as long it is 1
≤ 0 FALSE
1
− ≤ 3 TRUE
6
included in the 𝟏
2
𝟏
interval. Thus, interval A is not a solution because is not Thus, interval A is a solution because − is less than
𝟔 𝟐
b. If the test value makes less than or equal (≤) to 𝟎. or equal (≤) to 𝟑.
the inequality true,
then the entire interval For B, test 1: For B, test 7:
is a solution to the 𝑥+2 2(7) − 5
inequality. If the test ≤0 ≤3
𝑥−3 7−5
value makes the 1+2 14 − 5
inequality false, then ≤0 ≤3
1−3 2
the entire interval is 3 9
≤0 ≤ 3 FALSE
not a solution to the −2 2
9
inequality. 3
− ≤ 0 TRUE Thus, interval A is not a solution because is not less
2 2
𝟑 than or equal (≤) to 𝟑.
Thus, interval B is a solution because − is less
𝟐
than or equal (≤) to 𝟎. For C, test 12:
2(12) − 5
For C, test 4: ≤3
12 − 5
𝑥+2 24 − 5
≤0 ≤3
𝑥−3 7
4+2 19
≤0 𝑜𝑟 2.71 ≤ 3 TRUE
4−3 7
6 19
≤0 Thus, interval A is a solution because is less than or
1 7
6 ≤ 0 FALSE equal (≤) to 𝟑.
Thus, interval C is not a solution because 6 is
not less than or equal (≤) to 𝟎.

Page 4 of 7
 MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY OF CARAGA, INC.
North Montilla Boulevard, Brgy. Ong-Yiu, Butuan City, 8600
Tel. No: (085) 817 0476 Mobile No.: (+63) 917 105 9644 (Globe)
E-mail Address: schoolpresident@mmacibutuan.edu.ph

5. Answer in interval {−𝟐} ∪ (−𝟐, 𝟑) = [−𝟐, 𝟑)
notation.
Note:
▪ Parentheses represent solutions greater
than or less than the number.
▪ Use parentheses to represent infinity or
negative infinity, since postive and
negative infinity are not numbers in the
usaul sense of the word and therefore
cannot be “equaled”.
▪ Brackets represent solutions greater than
or equal to and less than or equal to the
number.
Source:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/waymakercollegealgebra/chapter/write-
and-manipulate-inequalities/?fbclid=IwAR28MaktHSWiu6ZqDbPPeCgbIv-
UrPRKTO0yCHJ2yec4kHn12nrK3lN7cRk
[−2, 3) - This means that all numbers between −2
and 6 including −2 but not including 6.
{𝟏𝟎} ∪ (−∞, 𝟓) ∪ (𝟏𝟎, +∞) = (−∞, 𝟓) ∪ [𝟏𝟎, +∞)
- We have here negative infinity (−∞) since in
interval A we can use any number that belongs
to this interval (5,4,3,2,1,0 −
1, −2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜 𝑜𝑛)that would make our equation
true.
- We also have positive infinity (+∞) since in
interval C we can use any number that belongs
to this interval (10,11,12,13 𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜 𝑜𝑛) that would
make our equation true.
(−∞, 5)- This means that all real numbers less than
5 and including 5.
(The table below outlines the possibilities.)

Assignment No. 7.4

𝑥+2
Direction(s): Solve the following Rational Equation < 4. (10 pts.)
𝑥

QUIZ No.7 :
Direction(s): Complete the following statements by writing the correct word/s and formulas.
1. A ________________________ is an equation containing at least one rational
expression with a polynomial in the numerator and denominator.
2. To determine if the endpoints of the intervals in the solution should be included or not you
need to _____________________ the critical values to the inequality.
3. In order to get the critical values you need to set __________________________ and
_________________________ equal to zero.
4. The first step in solving rational inequality is to put the inequality in general form where in one
side must always be ____________________________ and the other side is in a
_________________________ fraction.
5. If the test value makes the inequality ___________________________, then the entire
interval is a solution to the inequality.

Page 5 of 7
 MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY OF CARAGA, INC.
North Montilla Boulevard, Brgy. Ong-Yiu, Butuan City, 8600
Tel. No: (085) 817 0476 Mobile No.: (+63) 917 105 9644 (Globe)
E-mail Address: schoolpresident@mmacibutuan.edu.ph

Direction(s): Read each statement carefully and write the correct letter that corresponds to your
answer.
𝑥2
6. Which of the following is the set interval notation for the inequality > 0?
𝑥+3
a. (−3, −1) ∪ (1, ∞) c. (1, ∞)
b. [−3, −1) ∪ (1, ∞) d. (−∞, −3) ∪ (−3, −1)

7. Which of the following is an example of rational equation?

(𝑥+2)
a. 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 9 = 0 b. 𝑋 2 𝑥 = 𝑥9 c. 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 1 d. =0
(𝑥−1)
8. Which of the following is described as an equation containing at least one fraction whose
numerator and denominator are polynomials?
a. rational function c. rational inequality
b. irrational equation d. rational equation

9. If the test value makes the inequality ___________________________, then the entire
interval is not a solution to the inequality.
a. true b. false c. proportional d. reciprocal

10. The usual technique to eliminate denominator in solving a rational equation is to multiply
both sides of the equation by its ______.
a. inverse factor c. least common denominator
b. greatest common factor d. greatest common denominator

11. Which of the following is an inequality that involves one or more rational expressions?
a. rational function c. rational inequality
b. rational equation d. irrational equation

12. Below are the steps in solving rational inequality EXCEPT _______________________.
a. Put the inequality in general form.
b. Set the numerator and denominator equal to one and solve.
c. Plot the critical values on a number line, breaking the number line into intervals and take a
test number from each interval by substituting into the original inequality.
d. Determine if the endpoints of the intervals in the solution should be included in the intervals.

13. Which of the following is described as an equation containing at least one fraction whose
numerator and denominator are polynomials?
a. rational function c. rational inequality
b. irrational equation d. rational equation

14. If the test value makes the inequality ___________________________, then the entire
interval is not a solution to the inequality.
a. true b. false c. proportional d. reciprocal

15. The usual technique to eliminate denominator in solving a rational equation is to multiply
both sides of the equation by its ______.
a. inverse factor c. least common denominator
b. greatest common factor d. greatest common denominator

16. Which of the following is an inequality that involves one or more rational expressions?
a. rational function c. rational inequality
b. rational equation d. irrational equation

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 MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY OF CARAGA, INC.
North Montilla Boulevard, Brgy. Ong-Yiu, Butuan City, 8600
Tel. No: (085) 817 0476 Mobile No.: (+63) 917 105 9644 (Globe)
E-mail Address: schoolpresident@mmacibutuan.edu.ph

17. Below are the steps in solving rational inequality EXCEPT _______________________.
a. Put the inequality in general form.
b. Set the numerator and denominator equal to one and solve.
c. Plot the critical values on a number line, breaking the number line into intervals and take a
test number from each interval by substituting into the original inequality.
d. Determine if the endpoints of the intervals in the solution should be included in the intervals.

For item 18-22: Refer to the rational equation below.

𝑥 1 𝑥
+ =
3 4 2
18. What is the LCD of the denominator 3, 4 and 2?
a. 3 b. 6 c. 8 d. 12
19. What property will be used if you multiply the LCD on both sides of the equation?
a. Distributive Property c. Commutative Property
b. Associative Property d. Additive Property

20. What will be the new form of the equation after applying the property and simplifying?
a. 4𝑥 + 3 = 6𝑥 b. 3𝑥 + 4 = 2𝑥 c. 6𝑥 + 4 = 3𝑥 d. 12𝑥 + 3 = 12𝑥

21. What will be the solution on the given rational equation?

2 3
a. b. c. 2 d. 3
3 2

22. How will you check if your solution is correct?

a. by eliminating the rational expressions.
b. by dividing both sides of the equation by LCD.
c. by applying Commutative Property.
d. by substituting the answer or solution in the original equation.

For item 23-24, solve for the solutions of the following rational inequality.
5 3
23. > + 1.
𝑥−3 𝑥
a.(−∞, −7) ∪ (−1, ∞) b. (−∞, −1) ∪ (3, ∞) c. (−7, −1) ∪ (3, ∞) d. (−7, −1] ∪ [3, 8)
(𝑥−3)(𝑥+2)
24. ≤ 0.
𝑥−1
a. (−∞, −2) ∪ (1, 3] b. (−∞, −2] ∪ (1, 3] c. (−∞, −2] ∪ [1, 3) d. (−∞, −2) ∪ [1, 3)

For item 25-27: Refer to the rational inequality below.

𝑥 + 12
≤2
𝑥+2
25. What are the critical values in the given rational inequality?
a. 𝑥 = −2 and 8 c. a. 𝑥 = −2 and 12
b. 𝑥 = −2 and −8 d. 𝑥 = −2 and −12

26. Which of the critical value/s is/are included as endpoints of the intervals?
a. −2 b. 2 c. −8 d. 8

27. Which of the following is the solution in the given inequality?

a. (−∞, −2) ∪ (8, ∞) b. (−∞, −2] ∪ [8, ∞) c. (−∞, −2) ∪ [8, ∞) d. (−∞, −2) ∪ [−8, ∞)

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