Honors Algebra 2 Name:
Class Notes: Unit 5 Rational Expressions Date:
5.9 Fractional (Rational) Equations
A rational equation is an equation that contains one or more rational expressions.
Steps for solving rational equations:
1) Factor denominators completely, if necessary.
2) Note any restrictions on the variables.
3) Find the LCD of the fractions.
4) Multiply BOTH sides of the EQUATION by the LCD of all of the rational expressions to eliminate
the denominators.
5) Solve the resulting equation.
6) Check for possible extraneous solutions using original equation.
Examples: Solve the equation.
1) 2)
3) 4)
5) 6)
Work Problems *In general, the rate of work is the reciprocal of the time
it takes to complete one task
Formula:
1. Working alone, it takes 24 minutes for Joe to paint a flat. It takes 18 minutes for Mickey to paint it on
his own. How long would it take them if they worked together?
2. Pump A can empty a pool in 12 hours, pump B in 4 hours, and pump C in 6 hours. All three pumps are
put in the same full pool. Pumps A and B are turned on at noon. 30 minutes later, pump C is turned on. At
what time will the pool be empty?
Mixture Problems
3. How much of a 50% saline solution should be added to 80 L of a 5% saline solution to obtain a 30%
saline solution?
4. A technician has 200 mL of a solution that is 30% alcohol. How much water should be evaporated so
that the solution that remains is 40% alcohol?
More word problems
5. The sum of the reciprocal of twice a number and twice the reciprocal of the number is the same as the
sum of the reciprocal of the number and the reciprocal of 2. Find the number.
6. If you drive 70% of a trip (by distance) at 60 mph and 30% of the trip at 40 mph, how fast would you
have to drive on the return trip to average 50mph for the entire journey?
7. Excited to be on vacation, you drive to your campground averaging 72 mph. Of course, you’re stopped
and given a speeding ticket. Deciding to be more careful, you drive the remaining 30 miles at a safe 50
mph. On your trip home, you drive the entire distance averaging 55 mph. When you get home, you
calculate that your average speed for the entire round trip was 60 mph. How far away was the
campground?
