SOLVING RATIONAL EQUATIONS
Steps for Solving Rational Equations:
 Determine any restriction(s) on the values of x.
 Multiply each side of the equation by the LCD.
 Solve the resulting polynomial using algebraic methods
(if possible) or graphing technology.
Example 
Solve:
x  3 x 1

x4 x2
LCD =
Example 
Solve:
1 1
1


x 45 2x  3
LCD =
Example 
Mrs. McCarthy bought a box of calculators for $450. She kept two
calculators for herself and sold the rest to her advanced functions
students for $560 making a profit of $10 on each calculator.
Determine the number of calculators that were in the box.
Homework:
p.286–287 #5, 6, 9–11, 12a