How to solve rational equations

Question

I have no idea how to do this and I have homework on it.

Answer 1

The best way to answer this question is by having a sample of your homework.  Then we can address your difficulty.  However, as an example, the following is a basic approach at solving rational equations. 

 

Ex.:  3x/10 + X/5 = 5/2  

 

when solving an equation that involves fractions, the first step is to get rid of the fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation by a common denominator. The common denominator in this equation is 10.  How do I know? I took the 5 and the 2 and multiplied both numbers to reach the common denominator.  Now we must multiply both sides of the equation by the common denominator of 10 and we get rid of the fractions (see below):

 

Therefore:

 

10 (3x/10 + x/5) = (5/2) 10

3x + 2x = 25

 

Let's simplify the left side of the equation to:

 

5x = 25

 

At this point, you are ready to solve for X.  So divide each side by 5 to get rid of the 5, and you have:

 

5x/5 = 25/5

 

X = 5

 

This is an example of how to solve a rational equation.