Solving Rational Functions, Equations

and Inequalities
Module 6
 One Two Three

Apply appropriate methods in Solve rational equations and Determine whether the solutions
solving rational equations and inequalities using algebraic found are acceptable for the
inequalities. techniques for simplifying and problem by checking the solutions.
manipulating of expressions.

Objectives
Solving Rational Functions, Equations
2
and Inequalities
 REVIEW
For you to begin, you need to recall some properties and processes to simplify
rational expressions by answering the following problems below.

4. Find the difference of given rational expressions with like denominators:

 

5. Find the difference of the given rational expressions with unlike denominators:
 
Solving Rational Functions, Equations
3
and Inequalities
 REVIEW
For you to begin, you need to recall some properties and processes to simplify
rational expressions by answering the following problems below.

 
Solution:

1. Factor the denominator of the rational expression.  

2. Cancel the common factor.  

3. Write the simplified rational expression.  

Solving Rational Functions, Equations

4
and Inequalities
 REVIEW
For you to begin, you need to recall some properties and processes to simplify
rational expressions by answering the following problems below.
 

 
Solution:

1. Factor out all possible common factors.  

 
2. Multiply the numerators and denominators.

 
3. Cancel out all common factors.

4. Write the simplified rational expression.    

Solving Rational Functions, Equations

5
and Inequalities
 REVIEW
For you to begin, you need to recall some properties and processes to simplify
rational expressions by answering the following problems below.
 

 
Solution:

1. The numerators of both expressions and  

keeping the common denominator.

2. Combine like terms in the numerator.  

3. Write the simplified rational expression.  

Solving Rational Functions, Equations

6
and Inequalities
 REVIEW
For you to begin, you need to recall some properties and processes to simplify
rational expressions by answering the following problems below.
4. Find the difference of given rational expressions with like denominators:

 
Solution:

1. The numerators of both expressions and  

keeping the common denominator.

 
2. Change the subtrahend.

3. Combine like terms in the numerator.  

4. Write the simplified rational expression.  

Solving Rational Functions, Equations
7
and Inequalities
 REVIEW
For you to begin, you need to recall some properties and processes to simplify
rational expressions by answering the following problems below.
5. Find the difference of the given rational expressions with unlike denominators:
 

Solution:
1. Factor the denominator of each fraction  
to help find the LCD.

2. Find the least common denominator (LCD).  

 
3. Multiply each expression by its LCD

Solving Rational Functions, Equations

8
and Inequalities
 REVIEW
For you to begin, you need to recall some properties and processes to simplify
rational expressions by answering the following problems below.
5. Find the difference of the given rational expressions with unlike denominators:
 

Solution:
4. Write the simplified expression.  

5. Let the simplified expression as the numerator and  

the LCD as the denominator of the new fraction

6. Simplify further using distributive property.  

7. Combine like terms and reduce the rational

expression if you can. In this case, the rational  
expression cannot be simplified.
Solving Rational Functions, Equations
9
and Inequalities
 Rational Equation
An equation involving rational expression.
A rational equation is a type of equation where it involves at least one rational
expression, a fancy name for a fraction. The best approach to address this type
of equation is to eliminate all the denominators using the idea of LCD (least
common denominator).
STEPS in Solving Rational Equation

1. Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD).

2. Multiply both sides of the equation by its the LCD.

3. Solve for the value of x.

Solving Rational Functions, Equations

10
and Inequalities
 Rational Equation
Examples
 

1. Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD). LCD: 6

 
2. Multiply both sides of the equation by its the LCD.

3. Solve for the value of x.  

 
 
Solving Rational Functions, Equations
and Inequalities   11
 Rational Equation
Examples
 

Checking:   LCD: 6
 
 

 
 
  ✓

Solving Rational Functions, Equations

12
and Inequalities
 Rational Equation
Examples
 
 

1. Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD).  

2. Multiply both sides of the equation by its the LCD.

Solving Rational Functions, Equations

13
and Inequalities
 Rational Equation
Examples
 

3. Solve for the value of x.

 

Solving Rational Functions, Equations

14
and Inequalities
 Rational Equation
Examples
 

Checking:  

 
 

 
  ✓
 

 
Solving Rational Functions, Equations
15
and Inequalities
 Rational Inequality

Solving Rational Functions, Equations

16
and Inequalities
 STEPS in Solving Rational Inequality
(A graphical approach)
1. If necessary, rewrite the inequality so a zero appears on one side, with a single fraction on the
other side.
2. Find the x-value(s) that make the numerator equal to zero.
3. Find the x-value(s) that make the denominator equal to zero.
The values from steps 2 and 3 will determine the number line test intervals.

4. On a number line, mark each of the values from steps 2 and 3.
    Use only these values to create intervals on the number line.
5. Select a test point in each interval, and check to see if that test point satisfies
     the original inequality. (This will determine the intervals which satisfy the inequality.)
6. Mark the number line to reflect the values and intervals that satisfy the inequality.
7. State your answer using the desired form of notation.

Solving Rational Functions, Equations

17
and Inequalities
 Rational Inequality
Examples
 

Solution:

1. If necessary, rewrite the inequality so a zero appears on one side, with a single fraction on the
other side.
     
 

2. Find the x-value(s) that make the numerator 3. Find the x-value(s) that make the denominator
equal to zero. equal to zero.
   
   

Solving Rational Functions, Equations

18
and Inequalities
 Rational Inequality
The values from steps 2 and 3 will determine the number line test intervals.
   

4. On a number line, mark each of the values from steps 2 and 3.
    Use only these values to create intervals on the number line.

is
q u ality e an e used
c e
n e
the i than” u
s     canno a zero
t b
S i n s s -3 ses en
ly “le -8 Sin e se it cau se an op
c
strict circle at u u
beca inator,
open m
deno at -3.
circle

  ( -3-2 / -3+3 ) < 2

( -8-2 / -8+3 ) < 2

-10 / -5 < 2 -5 / 0 < 2

2<2 Undefined
Solving Rational Functions, Equations
19
and Inequalities
 Rational Inequality
5. Select a test point in each interval, and check to see if that test point satisfies
     the original inequality. (This will determine the intervals which satisfy the inequality.)
Test Point @ -9 Test Point @ -5 Test Point @ 0
     

     
or   or  

TRUE FALSE TRUE

6. Mark the number line to reflect the values and intervals that satisfy the inequality.

TRUE FALSE TRUE

   
7. State your answer using the desired form of notation.
Stated as an inequality, the solution is: Stated in interval notation, the solution is:
  or    
Solving Rational Functions, Equations
20
and Inequalities
 Rational Inequality
Examples
 

Solution:

1. If necessary, rewrite the inequality so a zero appears on one side, with a single fraction on the
other side.
       

2. Find the x-value(s) that make the numerator 3. Find the x-value(s) that make the denominator
equal to zero. equal to zero.
   
   

Solving Rational Functions, Equations

21
and Inequalities
 Rational Inequality
The values from steps 2 and 3 will determine the number line test intervals.
   

4. On a number line, mark each of the values from steps 2 and 3.
    Use only these values to create intervals on the number line.

Since the inequality is “less     Since 2 cannot be used

because it causes a zero
than or equal” use an
denominator, use an open
closed circle at -1
circle at 2.

  3 / ( x-2 ) < -1 3 / ( x-2 ) < -1

3 / ( -1-2 ) < -1 3 / ( 2-2 ) < -1

3 / -3 < -1 3 / 0 < -1
-1 < -1 0, undefined
Solving Rational Functions, Equations
and Inequalities 22
 Rational Inequality
5. Select a test point in each interval, and check to see if that test point satisfies
     the original inequality. (This will determine the intervals which satisfy the inequality.)
Test Point @ -1 Test Point @ 0 Test Point @ 2
     

       
or   or

TRUE FALSE FALSE

6. Mark the number line to reflect the values and intervals that satisfy the inequality.

TRUE FALSE FALSE

   
7. State your answer using the desired form of notation.
Stated as an inequality, the solution is: Stated in interval notation, the solution is:
   
Solving Rational Functions, Equations
23
and Inequalities
ANY
QUESTION?