Practice problems of Rational Equations ?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on finding practice problems for Rational Equations and understanding how to determine the Least Common Denominator (LCD) when dealing with algebraic denominators. Participants clarify that the LCD is not always the product of the denominators, especially when they share common factors. The correct approach involves factoring the denominators and identifying the highest powers of each factor. A structured method for calculating the LCD is provided, emphasizing the importance of factoring completely and considering common factors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Rational Equations
  • Knowledge of factoring polynomials
  • Familiarity with Least Common Denominator (LCD) concepts
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for factoring polynomials in algebra
  • Learn about Least Common Multiple (LCM) in the context of rational expressions
  • Practice solving Rational Equations with varying denominators
  • Explore resources for algebra practice problems, specifically focusing on Rational Equations
USEFUL FOR

Students learning algebra, educators seeking teaching resources, and anyone looking to improve their skills in solving Rational Equations and understanding algebraic fractions.

kupid
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Does anyone know where i can find some practice problems of Rational Equations ?
 
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I don't know how to take the LCM of the denominators when the denominators are algebraic terms .

For example ,

View attachment 6704

How do i take the LCM there ? Do we simply multiply the terms in the denominator ?
 

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kupid said:
I don't know how to take the LCM of the denominators when the denominators are algebraic terms .

For example ,
How do i take the LCM there ? Do we simply multiply the terms in the denominator ?

Hi kupid,

The least common denominator (LCD) of a set of fractions is the least number that is a multiple of all the denominators.
In this case that means indeed that we simply multiply the denominators.
That only changes if the denominators have a factor in common.
 
Thanks

But i don't know how to check for common factors when the denominators are algebraic terms .

How do we check for common factors when the denominators are algebraic terms ?
 
kupid said:
Thanks

But i don't know how to check for common factors when the denominators are algebraic terms .

How do we check for common factors when the denominators are algebraic terms ?

By factoring denominators to the form (x-a)(x-b)(x-c).
If both denominators contain (x-a), then the LCD has (x-a) only once.
 
Oh , That is how you find the LCM in such cases ? Thanks a lot :-)
 
using the example you posted earlier ...

$\dfrac{4}{x+2} + 3 = \dfrac{3x}{x-3}$

$\dfrac{4\color{red}{(x-3)}}{(x+2)\color{red}{(x-3)}} + \dfrac{3\color{red}{(x+2)(x-3)}}{\color{red}{(x+2)(x-3)}}= \dfrac{3x\color{red}{(x+2)}}{(x-3)\color{red}{(x+2)}}$

$4(x-3) + 3(x+2)(x-3) = 3x(x+2)$ ; $x \ne \{-2,3\}$
 
  • #10
bottom line (no pun intended) ... just make all the denominators the same using the least number of common factors possible
 
  • #11
Thanks ,To calculate an LCM for a rational function, follow these steps:
1. Factor all denominator polynomials completely.
2. Make a list that contains one copy of each factor, all multiplied together.
3. The power of each factor in that list should be the highest power that factor is
raised to in any denominator.
4. The list of factors and powers you generated is the LCM.
 

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