Solving Rational Equations

Front

What is a rational equation?

Back

An equation that can be expressed as the ratio of two polynomials.

Front

What does it mean to solve a rational equation?

Back

Finding the value(s) of the variable that make the equation true.

Front

What is the first step in solving a rational equation?

Back

Identify and eliminate any denominators by multiplying both sides by the least common denominator (LCD).

Front

What is the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The smallest expression that can be used to eliminate the denominators in a rational equation.

Front

How do you find the least common multiple (LCM) of two expressions?

Back

Factor each expression and take the highest power of each factor.

Front

TRUE/FALSE: You can solve a rational equation without finding a common denominator.

Back

FALSE

Front

What happens if you multiply both sides of a rational equation by zero?

Back

The equation becomes undefined.

Front

What is a key principle when solving rational equations?

Back

Always check for extraneous solutions after solving.

Front

Solve for x: (x/2) + 3 = 5

Back

x = 4.

Front

Solve for x: (x-1)/(x+2) = 3/4

Back

x = 10/3.