Discovery Quest 3

Directions: Answer the following rational equation and inequality using the
guided procedure. Discover on your own the steps in solving the given
problem.

Example 1 Example 2
Rational Equation x−3 1 1 3 x−3 x−6 x−9
+ = − 2 = 2
x −25 x +5 x −5
2 2
x −13 x + 40 x −22 x +112 x −19 x +70
1. Find the Least LCD:
Common Denominator (x +5)(x−5)
(LCD).
2. Multiply both sides of
the equation by its the
LCD.
(x +5)(x−5) 2
[ x−3
+
1
x −25 x +5 x−5
=
1
]
3. Apply the ( x−3 )+1 ( x−5 ) =1 ( x +5 )
Distributive x−3+ x−5=x +5
Property and then Simplify:
simplify. 2 x−8=x+5
2 x−x=5+8
x=13
4. Find all the possible
values of x. x=13
5. Check each value by Checking:
substituting into x−3 1 1
+ =
original x −25 x +5 x −5
2

equation and reject any

13−3 1 1
extraneous root/s + =
2
13 −25 13+ 5 13−5
10 1 1
+ =
169−25 18 8
10 1 1
+ =
144 18 8
10+8 1
=
144 8
18 1
=
144 8

1 1
= ✓
8 8
Note: No extraneous
roots
Example 1 Example 2
 Rational Inequality 3 3 2
x −6 x
≤−1 ≤0
x−2 x−2
1. Put the rational
inequality 3
+1 ≤ 0
R( x ) x−2
in general form. >0
Q(x)
where > can be replaced by
<, ≤ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ≥
2. Write the inequality into 3+1(x−2)
a ≤0
x−2
single rational expression
on the left side. x+ 1
≤0
x−2
3. Set the numerator and Numerator x +1=0
denominator equal to zero x=−1
and solve. The values you Denominator x−2=0
get are called critical x=2
values.
4. Plot the critical values on
a
number line, breaking the
number line into intervals.
5. Substitute critical values 3
to the inequality to
≤−1
x−2
determine if the endpoints 3
of the intervals in the when x=−1 ≤−1
−1−2
solution should be included
or not. 3
≤−1
−3
−1 ≤−1 ✓
( x=−1is included in the solution)
3
when x=2 ≤−1
2−2
3
≤−1
0
undefined ≤−1 ☓
( x=2is not included in the solution)
6. Select test values in each
interval and substitute
those values into the
inequality. 3
when x=−2 : ≤−1
−2−2
Note:
3
≤−1 ☓
If the test value makes the −4
inequality true, then the 𝑓alse
entire interval is a solution 3
when x=0 : ≤−1
to the inequality. 0−2
If the test value makes the 3
≤−1 ✓
−2
inequality false, then the
entire interval is not a 𝑡rue
solution to the inequality. 3
when x=3 : ≤−1
3−2
3 ≤−1 ☓ 𝑓alse

7. Use interval notation/set

notation to write the final [−1,2)
answer.