2.07  Fractional Equations

Intermediate Algebra: One Step at a Time.   Page 212:   #21

Dr. Robert J. Rapalje

Seminole State College of Florida

Sanford, FL  32773

p. 212.  # 21.    

Notice that this is a fractional equation.  The first step is to find the LCD, which is  , and multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD, being careful NOT to allow any of the denominators to be zero.  In other words, in this problem, you must be careful that  and .

This looks pretty ugly, but when you reduce all the fractions, it really is not bad.  In fact, ALL THE DENOMINATORS DIVIDE OUT!!  When you reduce all the fractions, this is what is left—NO FRACTIONS!!

The answer  is valid, since this value of  x does NOT make the denominator zero.   However, the value of  must be rejected, since it DOES make the denominator zero.  This is NOT allowed.  !

The final answer is .

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