# Rational Expressions and Equations

## Solve Rational Equations

After defining the terms expression and equation early in Foundations, we have used them throughout this book. We have simplified many kinds of expressions and solved many kinds of equations. We have simplified many rational expressions so far in this chapter. Now we will solve rational equations.
The definition of a rational equation is similar to the definition of equation we used in Foundations.
You must make sure to know the difference between rational expressions and rational equations. The equation contains an equal sign.

### Solve Rational Equations

We have already solved linear equations that contained fractions. We found the LCD of all the fractions in the equation and then multiplied both sides of the equation by the LCD to “clear” the fractions.
Here is an example we did when we worked with linear equations:


We will use the same strategy to solve rational equations. We will multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD. Then we will have an equation that does not contain rational expressions and thus is much easier for us to solve.
But because the original equation may have a variable in a denominator we must be careful that we don’t end up with a solution that would make a denominator equal to zero.
So before we begin solving a rational equation, we examine it first to find the values that would make any denominators zero. That way, when we solve a rational equation we will know if there are any algebraic solutions we must discard.
An algebraic solution to a rational equation that would cause any of the rational expressions to be undefined is called an extraneous solution.
We note any possible extraneous solutions, c, by writing  next to the equation.
The steps of this method are shown below.
We always start by noting the values that would cause any denominators to be zero.
When one of the denominators is a quadratic, remember to factor it first to find the LCD.
The equation we solved in  had only one algebraic solution, but it was an extraneous solution. That left us with no solution to the equation. Some equations have no solution.

### Solve a Rational Equation for a Specific Variable

When we solved linear equations, we learned how to solve a formula for a specific variable. Many formulas used in business, science, economics, and other fields use rational equations to model the relation between two or more variables. We will now see how to solve a rational equation for a specific variable.
We’ll start with a formula relating distance, rate, and time. We have used it many times before, but not usually in this form.
 uses the formula for slope that we used to get the point-slope form of an equation of a line.
Be sure to follow all the steps in . It may look like a very simple formula, but we cannot solve it instantly for either denominator.

### Key Concepts

1. Strategy to Solve Equations with Rational Expressions






### Practice Makes Perfect

Solve Rational Equations
In the following exercises, solve.
Solve a Rational Equation for a Specific Variable
In the following exercises, solve.

### Everyday Math


### Writing Exercises


### Self Check

ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.
ⓑ After reviewing this checklist, what will you do to become confident for all objectives?