28/09/2023

SOLVING RATIONAL EQUATIONS AND STEPS IN SOLVING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

INEQUALITIES
A rational equation is an equation
with at least a fraction on one side
whose numerator and denominator
are polynomials.
1. Eliminate fractions.
There are two ways to do this:
a. multiply the equation by the LCD
b. use the means – extremes product
theorem
2. Simplify and solve the resulting equation.
Distribute and combine like terms.

3. Check the solution. Substitute the

Example: Solve for x in the equation.
solution(s) into the denominator of the
𝑥+5 3 2𝑥+1
original equation and reject any solution that 1.
2𝑥
=
4
4. =5
𝑥−3
will cause the denominator to be equal to 0.
𝑥+𝟐 𝐱−𝟐 𝑥 2 −4
2. = 5. =2
𝒙+𝟒 𝐱+𝟐 𝑥+2
𝑥−4 4𝑥+5 3 1
3. − =0 6. + =1
−2 2𝑥+3 𝑥 𝑥+2

Solve the inequality

Example
2𝑥−1 3𝑥+2
1. ≤3 4. ≤2
𝑥+2 𝑥+2

𝑥 2 −9 2𝑥−1
2. >0 5. ≥1
𝑥−2 𝑥+1
1
3. > −1
𝑥