EQUATIONS INVOLVING FRACTIONS (RATIONAL EQUATIONS)

Note:

• A rational equation is an equation where at least one denominator contains a variable.

• There is a restriction on the domain. The variable cannot take on any number that would cause any denominator to be zero.

• The first step in solving a rational equation is to convert the equation to an equivalent equation without denominators.

• Then set the equation equal to zero and solve.

• Remember that you are trying to isolate the variable.

If you would like an in-depth review of fractions, click on Fractions.

Solve for x in the following equation.

Example 4:

The only way that a fraction can have a value of zero is when the numerator of the fraction is zero.

The numerator equals zero when x-5=0. Therefore the answer is x=5.

You can check your answer by graphing the function f(x) = . You will note that the graph crosses the x-axis at 5. This verifies our solution that x=5.

If you would like to work another example, click on Example

If you would like to test yourself by working some problems similar to this example, click on Problem

If you would like to go back to the equation table of contents, click on Contents

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