Solving Rational
Equations and Inequalities
After going through this module, you are expected
to:
1. Apply appropriate methods in solving rational equations
and inequalities.
2. Solve rational equations and inequalities using algebraic
techniques for simplifying and manipulating of expressions.
3. Determine whether the solutions found are acceptable for
the problem by checking the solutions.
Lesson 1
How do you solve algebraic expressions? What
are the different properties you need to apply to
solve problems involving rational equations and
inequalities?
Activity 1
1. Simplify the given rational expression: .
__________
2. Multiply the given rational expressions * .
__________
3. Find the sum of given rational expressions with like denominators:
+.
__________
4. Find the difference of the given rational expressions with unlike
denominators: - .
__________
Steps in solving Rational Equations
• Find the least common denominator (LCD)
• Multiply both sides of the equation
• Apply the Distributive property
• Find all the possible values of x
• Check each value by substituting into original equation and rejects
any extraneous root/s.
Example 1.
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.
Try it, - =
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.
2(x – 1)(x + 1) [ – = ]
Step 3. You simplify the resulting equation using the distributive
property and then combine all like terms.
= 2(x – 1)(x + 1) [ – = ]
= 4 – 2x – 2 = – 1
= + 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.
+ 2x – 3 = 0
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1) = 0
𝑥+3=0𝑥−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 - =
- =
=
When = 1 - =
- =
Ⅹ0=
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.
Steps in solving Rational Inequality
• Put the rational inequality in general form. > 0, where > can be replaced by <, ≤,
and ≥
• Write the inequality into a single rational expression on the left side. (You can refer
to the review section for solving unlike denominators)
• Set the numerator and denominator equal to zero and solve. The values you get are
called critical values.
• Plot the critical values on a number line, breaking the number line into intervals.
• Substitute critical values to the inequality to determine if the endpoints of the
intervals in the solution should be included or not.
• 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.
• Use interval notation or set notation to write the final answer.
Example 2:
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.
Try it, ≥ 2
Step 1. Put the rational inequality in the general form where
> can be replaced by <, ≤, and ≥
>0
–2≥0
Step 2. Write the inequality into a single rational expression
on the left-hand side.
≥0
≥0
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.
≥2
When, x = -3 ≥2
≥2
2 ≥ 2 ✓ (x = -3 is included in the solution)
When x = 1 ≥2
≥2
0≥2
undefined ≥ 2 ☓ ( 𝑥 = 1 is not included in the solution)
Step 6. Select test values in each interval and substitute those values into the
inequality.
≥2
When = -5 ≥2
≥2
7/3 or 2.33 ≥ 2 (x = -5 is true)
When x= -1 ≥2
≥2
1 ≥ 2 (x = -1 is false)
When x = 3 ≥2
≥2
5 ≥ 2 (x = 3 is 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.
PERFORMANCE TASK
Solve each rational equation and inequality
1. - 3 =
2. ≥ 0
ASSESSMENT TASK
The new Power Plant facility in Lucena City is operating
with two laboratory technicians. Technician A takes 2
hours to finish 50 samples of radioactive specimens.
Technician B takes 3 hours to finish 45 samples of
radioactive specimens. Working together, how long
should it take them to finish 150 samples of radioactive
specimens?
Hint: Think about how many samples of radioactive
specimens each technician can finish in one hour. This is
their testing rate.
