Solving rational equations
An equation that contains at least on rational expression is called a rational equation. You solve a rational equation as you solve any other equation.
Example
x−32x+3x=5⇒x−32x+2⋅32⋅x=5⇒
x−3+62x=5⇒x+32x=5⇒
⧸2x(x+3)⧸2x=5⋅2x=10x⇒
x+3=10x⇒⧸x+3−⧸x=10x−x⇒
3=9x⇒39=9x9⇒13=x
Don't forget to check your solution and make sure that your answer is not an excluded value. When multiplying two rational expressions there is always a risk of getting false solutions or extraneous solutions.
Video lesson
Solve the rational equation
x+3x−x−1x+3=23