Solving Rational Equations

To solve a Rational Equation:

1. Find the domain.

2. Ask the question, “What is the common denominator of all of the fractions in

the equation?”

3. Multiply both sides of the equation by the common denominator.

(This means to multiply all terms of the equation by the common denominator.)

4. Then ask the question, “What kind of equation did I get as a result of the previous step?” Is it “Linear” or “Quadratic”?

5. Solve the resulting equation using the proper technique.

(This means: if it is linear, get the variable on one side of the equation the number on the other ; if it is quadratic, set the equation to zero and factor….)

6. Finally, check the answer to be sure it satisfies the domain restriction.