Solve Rational Equations 1

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Taught by YourMathGal
  • Currently 4.0/5 Stars.
9133 views | 1 rating
Part of video series
Meets NCTM Standards:
Lesson Summary:

In this lesson, we learn about solving rational equations, which are equations that have fractions in them. We start by finding the least common denominator and multiplying each term by it to clear the fractions. Then, we solve the equation by simplifying and isolating the variable on one side. Finally, we check our answer to ensure that there are no denominators that could equal zero. An alternative method is the jealousy method, where we make all the denominators the same so that we can ignore them when multiplying by the least common denominator.

Lesson Description:

Part 1 of Solving Rational Equations; more examples.

More free YouTube videos by Julie Harland are organized at http://yourmathgal.com

Questions answered by this video:
  • What is a rational equation?
  • When is a fraction undefined?
  • How do you solve equations with fractions in them?
  • What are some methods for solving rational equations?
  • How do you solve x/6 + 4x/3 = x/18?
  • How do you get rid of all fractions in a rational equation?
  • How do you check your solution to a rational equation?
  • How do you solve a rational equation using the jeolousy method of getting common denominators?
  • When can you eliminate denominators from Algebra problems?
  • How do you solve an Algebraic rational equation when the variable is in the denominator?
  • How do you solve 3 - 12/x = 7?
  • Staff Review

    • Currently 4.0/5 Stars.
    This lesson explains what rational equations are and some strategies for solving them. Several example problems are shown and all steps for solving the equations are explained. This is a great place to start if you are having trouble solving equations with fractions in them.