This document provides instructions for solving rational equations in 5 steps: factor polynomials; state non-permissible values; cancel factors; multiply both sides by the lowest common denominator to remove fractions; and solve the resulting linear or quadratic equation, checking solutions against non-permissible values.

1. Solving Rational Equations
This topic was covered in grade ten, and we will
continue with it.
To solve a rational equation:
1. Factor all of the polynomials in the equation.
2. State any non­permissible values.(values of x that will
cause any of the denominators to = 0)
3. Cancel any of the factors that you can in the fractions
4. Multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD of all
of the fractions.
• This is done to cancel out the denominators in all of
the fractions.
5. Once you have removed the fractions denominators,
use equation solving strategies for linear equations
or quadratics to solve for the unknown value.
6. Check your solutions against the non­permissible
values that you stated earlier.
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