General

Mathematics
Quarter 1 – Module 6:
Solving Rational Equations
and
Inequalities
 Lesson
Solving Rational Equations
1 and Inequalities

In this lesson, you shall explore more about solving rational equations and
inequalities by carefully studying the step by step methods of solutions. You will
first start from the easiest procedures in solving this type of equation and as you
progress, you will learn more techniques and concepts that will help you to solve
more complex problems related to this topic. Exercises will range from the simplest
problems to the most complex.

At this point, students like you have already solved a variety of equations,
including linear and quadratic equations from the previous grade level. Rational
equations and inequalities follow the sequence of solving problems by combining
the concepts used in solving both linear and quadratic equations. Students will be
assessed using both formative and summative assessments along the way to best
evaluate your progress.

What’s In

Let’s Review!
How do you solve algebraic expressions? What are the different properties you need
to apply to solve problems involving rational equations and inequalities?

For you to begin, you need to recall some properties and processes to simplify
rational expressions by answering the following problems below. Write your
answer inside the box.
 4. Find the difference of the given rational expressions with unlike denominators:

6 2
−
𝑥 2 − 4 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥

Let’s check if you have made it! You can also write your solution on the prepared
box to compare the techniques you apply.

1. To simplify the rational expression you can do the following steps.

Steps in simplifying 𝑥− 2
rational expression
𝑥2 – 4
1. Factor the 𝑥−2 Write your previous
denominator of the solution here for
rational expression. (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2) comparison.
2. Cancel the common
factor.

3. Write the simplified 1

rational expression.
𝑥+2

2. To multiply rational expressions you can do the following steps.

Steps in multiplying
rational expressions

1. Factor out all Write your previous

possible common solution here for
factors. comparison.

2. Multiply the
numerators and
denominators.
3. Cancel out all
common factors.

4. Write the simplified 1

rational expression.
𝑥(𝑥− 1)
3. To add and subtract rational expressions with like denominators you can do the
following steps.

Steps in addition or
subtraction of rational
expressions with like
denominators
1. Add or subtract the Write your previous
numerators of both solution here for
expressions and 5𝑥− 1 + 3𝑥 + 4 comparison.
keeping the common
denominator. 𝑥−8

2. Combine like terms 5𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 4 − 1

in the numerator.
𝑥−8
3. Write the simplified 8𝑥 + 3
rational expression.
𝑥−8

4. To add and subtract rational expressions with unlike denominators you can do
the following steps.
Steps in adding or
subtracting
rational
expressions with
unlike
denominators
1. Factor the Write your previous
denominator of solution here for
each fraction to comparison.
help find the
LCD.
2. Find the least
common
𝐿CD: (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3)
denominator
(LCD).
3. Multiply each
expression by
its
LCD
4. Write the
simplified 6(𝑥− 3) − 2(𝑥 + 2)
expression.
 5. Let the
simplified
expression as
the numerator
and the LCD as
the denominator
of the new
fraction
6. Combine like
terms and
reduce the
rational
expression if
you can. In this
case, the
rational
expression
cannot be
simplified.

How was the activity? Did you answer all the reviewed items correctly? Great! If
you did, then you can now move forward on the next stage of this topic and I am
confident that it will be very easy for you to understand the lesson.

What’s New
Follow Me Activity
Solving Rational Equations and Inequalities
Before you proceed on the lesson proper try to answer the rational equation and
inequality using guided procedure. You can synthesize your own steps in solving
the problem. You can refer to previous activities if you are having difficulty
processing arithmetic properties. Hope you enjoy answering before you continue
to the next part of the discussion.
1. Solve example 2 of the rational equation by following the given steps.
Example 1 Example 2

Rational Equation

1. Find the Least LCD:

Common (𝑥+ 5)(𝑥− 5)
Denominator
(LCD).
2. Multiply both
sides of the
equation by its the
LCD.
 3. Apply the
Distributive
Property and then
simplify.

4. Find all the

possible values of 𝑥 = 13
x.
5. Check each value Checking:
by substituting
into original
equation and
reject any
extraneous root/s

Note: No extraneous root

2. Solve example 2 of rational inequality. You can refer to example 1 for the guided
steps.
Example 1 Example 2
3𝑥 + 1
Rational Inequality 3 ≥2
≤ −1 𝑥
−2 𝑥−1

1. Put the rational inequality

in general form. 3
𝑅(𝑥) +1 ≤ 0
−2
>0
𝑄(𝑥)
where > can be replaced by
<, ≤ 𝑎nd ≥
3. Write the inequality 3 + 1(𝑥− 2)
into a single rational ≤0
expression on the left side. 𝑥− 2
𝑥+1
≤0
𝑥− 2
3. Set the numerator and Numerator:
denominator equal to zero 𝑥+1=0
and solve. The values you 𝑥 = −1
get are called critical Denominator:
values.
𝑥− 2 = 0
𝑥=2
4. Plot the critical values on a
number line, breaking the
number line into intervals.

5. Substitute critical values to 3

the inequality to determine ≤ −1
−2
if the endpoints of the
intervals in the solution when 𝑥 = −1
should be included or not.

−1 ≤ −1 ✓
( 𝑥 = −1 is included in the
solution)
When 𝑥

𝑢ndefined ≤ −1 ☓
( 𝑥 = 2 is not included in the
solution)

5. Select test values in each

interval and substitute
those values into the
inequality.
Note:
If the test value makes the
inequality true, then the
entire interval is a solution to
the inequality.
If the test value makes the
inequality false, then the
entire interval is not a
solution to the inequality.
 6. Use interval notation or
set notation to write the [−1,2)
final answer.

What is It
Rational equation is an equation containing at least one rational expression with
a polynomial in the numerator and denominator. It can be used to solve a variety
of problems that involve rates, times and work. Using rational expressions and
equations it can help us to answer questions about how to combine workers or
machines to complete a job on schedule.
Let us use the previous activity to discuss and deepen your knowledge and skills
in solving rational equation. The first thing to be in your mind in solving rational
equation is to eliminate all the fractions.

Let us solve

Step 1. You need to find the Least Common Denominator (LCD).

The LCD of the given fractions is 2(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)
Step 2. You need to multiply LCD to both sides of the equation to eliminate the
fractions. You can also apply cross multiplication if and only if you have one
fraction equal to one fraction, that is, if the fractions are proportional. In this
case you cannot use the cross multiplication unless you simplify the left equation
into a single fraction.

Step 3. You simplify the resulting equation using the distributive property and
then combine all like terms.

2(2) − 2(𝑥 + 1) = (𝑥− 1)(𝑥 + 1)

4 − 2𝑥 − 2 = 𝑥2 − 1
𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 3 = 0
Step 4. You need to solve the simplified equation to find the value/s of x. In this
case, we need to get the equation equal to zero and solve by factoring.
𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 3 = 0
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥− 1) = 0
𝑥 + 3 = 0 𝑜r 𝑥− 1 = 0
𝑥 = −3 𝑜r 𝑥 = 1
So possible solutions are -3 and 1.
Step 5. Finally, you can now check each solution by substituting in the original
equation and reject any extraneous root/s (which do not satisfy the equation).

When 𝑥 = −3

In this case, 𝑥 = −3 is the only solution. That’s why it is always important to check
all solutions in the original equations. You may find that they yield untrue
statements or produce undefined expressions.

Rational inequality is an inequality which contains one or more rational

expressions. It can be used in engineering and production quality assurance as
well as in businesses to control inventory, plan production lines, produce pricing
models, and for shipping/warehousing goods and materials.
Solving an inequality is much like solving a rational equation except that there are
additional steps that focus on illustrating the solution set of an inequality on a
number line.
Let us use problem number 2 in the previous activity to discuss and deepen your
knowledge and skills in solving rational inequality.
3𝑥 + 1
≥2
𝑥− 1
Step 1. Put the rational inequality in the general form where > can be replaced by
<, ≤ 𝑎nd ≥.

Step 2. Write the inequality into a single rational expression on the left-hand side.
3𝑥 + 1 − 2(𝑥 − 1)
≥0
𝑥−1

𝑥+3
≥0
𝑥−1
Note: Remember that one side must always be zero and the other side is always a
single fraction, so simplify the fractions if there is more than one fraction. Step 3.
Set the numerator and denominator equal to zero and solve. The values you get
are called critical values.

Numerator: 𝑥+3=0
𝑥 = −3
Denominator: 𝑥− 1 = 0
𝑥=1

Step 4. Plot the critical values on a number line, breaking the number line into
intervals.

Step 5. Substitute critical values to the inequality to determine if the endpoints of

the intervals in the solution should be included or not.
3𝑥 + 1
≥2
𝑥−1
when 𝑥𝑥 = −3

2 ≥ 2 ✓ ( 𝑥 = −3 is included in the solution)

when 𝑥𝑥 = 1

𝑢ndefined ≥ 2 ☓ ( 𝑥 = 1 is not included in the solution)

See the illustration below.
Step 6. Select test values in each interval and substitute those values into the
inequality.
3𝑥 + 1
≥2
𝑥𝑥− 1
𝑥

when 𝑥𝑥 = −5

𝑜r 2.33 ≥ 2 ( 𝑥 = −5 TRUE)
when 𝑥 = −1

1≥2 ( 𝑥 = −1 FALSE)

when 𝑥 = 3

5≥2 ( 𝑥 = 5 TRUE)
Note:
a. If the test value makes the inequality TRUE, then the entire interval is a
solution to the inequality.
b. If the test value makes the inequality FALSE, then the entire interval is not a
solution to the inequality.

Step 7. Use interval notation to write the final answer.

(−∞, −3] ∪ (1, ∞)

Let’s learn more!

Solve each rational equation and inequality.
Solution:

4𝑥 + 1 12
−3=
Rational Equation
𝑥+1 𝑥2 − 1

1. Find the Least Common LCD:

Denominator (LCD). (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥− 1)
2. Multiply both sides of the equation by
its the LCD.

3. Apply the Distributive Property and (𝑥− 1)(4𝑥 + 1) − 3(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥− 1) = 12

then simplify.
simplify:
4𝑥2− 3𝑥− 1 − 3𝑥2 + 3 = 12
𝑥2− 3𝑥 + 2 = 12
𝑥2− 3𝑥− 10 = 0
Factor (𝑥− 5)(𝑥 + 2) = 0

𝑥− 5 = 0 𝑥=5
4. Find all the possible values of x. 𝑥+2=0 𝑥 = −2
5. Check each value by substituting Checking:
into original equation and reject any 4𝑥 + 1 12
extraneous root/s −3=
𝑥+1 𝑥2 − 1

Note: No extraneous root

2𝑥 − 8
Rational Inequality ≥0
𝑥−2
1. Put the rational inequality in general
form. This inequality is already in general
𝑅(𝑥) form. We are all set to go.
>0
𝑄(𝑥)

where > can be replaced by <, ≤

𝑎nd ≥
2. Write the inequality into a single
rational expression on the left side. This inequality is already in a single
(You can refer to the review section rational expression wherein 0 is on one
for solving unlike denominators) side.
2𝑥 − 8
≥0
𝑥−2

3. Set the numerator and denominator Numerator:

equal to zero and solve. The values 2𝑥− 8 = 0
you get are called critical values. 2𝑥 = 8
𝑥=4
 Denominator:
𝑥− 2 = 0
𝑥=2

4. Plot the critical values on a number

line, breaking the number line into
intervals.

5. Substitute critical values to the 2𝑥 − 8

inequality to determine if the ≥0
endpoints of the intervals in the 𝑥−2
solution should be included or not. when 𝑥

𝑢ndefined ≥ 0 ☓
( 𝑥 = 2 is not included in the solution)
when 𝑥

0≥0 ✓
( 𝑥 = 4 is included in the solution)

6. Select test values in each interval and

substitute those values into the
inequality.
Note:
If the test value makes the inequality
true, then the entire interval is a solution
to the inequality. 2𝑥 − 8
≥ 0
If the test value makes the inequality 𝑥𝑥− 2
false, then the entire interval is not a when 𝑥 = 1 𝑥
solution to the inequality.

6 ≥ 0 ✓ 𝑡rue
when 𝑥

−2 ≥ 0 ☓ false

when 𝑥 = 5
 0 ✓ 𝑡rue

7. Use interval notation or set notation to (−∞, 2) ∪ [4, ∞)

write the final answer.

What’s More

Activity 1.
Solve the following rational equations and inequalities using the guided procedure
on the table below.

1.

Rational Equation

1. Find the Least Common

Denominator (LCD).

2. Multiply both sides of the equation

by its the LCD.

3. Apply the Distributive Property and

then simplify.

4. Find all the possible values of x.

𝑥=6

5. Check each value by substituting

into the original equation and reject
any extraneous root/s
2.

Rational Equation

1. Find the Least Common

Denominator (LCD).

2. Multiply both sides of the equation

by its the LCD.

3. Apply the Distributive Property and

then simplify.

4. Find all the possible values of x.

𝑥 = 10

5. Check each value by substituting

into original equation and reject any
extraneous root/s

3.
2(𝑥− 4)
< −4
Rational Inequality
𝑥

1. Put the rational inequality in general

form.
𝑅𝑅(𝑥𝑥)
>0
𝑄𝑄(𝑥𝑥)

where > can be replaced by <, ≤

𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ≥
2. Write the inequality into a single
rational expression on the left side.
(You can refer to the review section
for solving unlike denominators)
3. Set the numerator and denominator
equal to zero and solve. The values
you get are called critical values.
4. Plot the critical values on a number
line, breaking the number line into
intervals.
 5. Substitute critical values to the
inequality to determine if the
endpoints of the intervals in the
solution should be included or not.
6. Select test values in each interval
and substitute those values into the
inequality.
Note:
If the test value makes the inequality
true, then the entire interval is a
solution to the inequality.
If the test value makes the inequality
false, then the entire interval is not a
solution to the inequality.
7. Use interval notation or set notation
to write the final answer.
4.

Rational Inequality

1. Put the rational inequality

in general form.
𝑅(𝑥)
>0
𝑄(𝑥)

where > can be replaced by

<, ≤ and ≥
2. Write the inequality into a
single rational expression
on the left side. (You can
refer to the review section
for solving unlike
denominators)
3. Set the numerator and
denominator equal to zero
and solve. The values you
get are called critical
values.
4. Plot the critical values on a
number line, breaking the
number line into intervals.
5. Substitute critical values to
the inequality to determine if
the endpoints of the
intervals in the solution
should be included or not.
 6. Select test values in each
interval and substitute
those values into the
inequality.
Note:
If the test value makes the
inequality true, then the
entire interval is a solution to
the inequality.
If the test value makes the
inequality false, then the
entire interval is not a solution
to the inequality.
7. Use interval notation or set
notation to write the final [−3, −1 ) ∪ [ 2, 4 )
answer.
Activity 2
Solve each problem below and choose the letter that corresponds to the solution
to each problem. Place the correct answer in the corresponding lines.

What did the bible verses 1John 4:7-21 is all about?

______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9