Algebra 2 9-6 Name _____________

Solving Rational Equations

The least common multiple of two or more polynomials

is the simplest polynomial that is a multiple of each of the
original polynomials.

Example 1: Find the least common multiple.

a. x2 and x3 – 1 b. x4, 6x2, and x(2x –

1)

c. x2 + 5x + 6 and x + 3 d. x2 – 9 and x2 –
5x – 24

• An equation that contains one or more rational

expressions is called a rational equation.
• It is easiest to solve a rational equation if the fractions
are eliminated. This can be accomplished by multiplying
each side of the equation by the least common denominator
(LCD). This will clear the equation of all fractions.
• Remember that when you multiply each side by the LCD,
every term on both sides must be multiplied by the LCD.

Example 2:
Solve and check:

Multiply each
term of the
equation by the
LCD (to clear
fractions).
Algebra 2 9-6 Name _____________
2

Example 3:
Solve and check:

a.

5 2 1
b. + =
24 3 −x 4

Example 4: Solve and check.

5 6 3 3 1
a. +2 = b. + =−
x x x( x +1) x +1 x

2 x 6 2 x +5
c. = + 2 d. =
x −2 x −2 x +3 x −10 x −4 5
Algebra 2 9-6 Name _____________
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p 2 − p +1 p 2 −7
Example 5: Solve and check: p +1
= 2
p −1
+p

Example 6: Tim and Ashley mow lawns together. Working

alone Tim could complete the job in 4.5 hours and
Ashley could complete the job in 3.7 hours. How
long does it take to complete the job when they
work together?
t = ___________________________

In one hour, Tim completes ______ of the job and Ashley

completes ____ of the job.
In t hours, Tim completes ______ of the job and Ashley completes
____ of the job.
Part completed by Tim + Part completed by Ashley = 1 job
completed.

Assignment: P. 510 – 511, 12, 14, 18, 24 – 32 e, 40 – 50 e