Solutions

Solving Using LCDs

One way of solving rational equations is to multiply all terms in the equation by the least common denominator (LCD). Then simplify the products, eliminating the denominators.

Example 1 Solve.

Step 1. Find the LCD:

12 is the LCD because it is the least common multiple of 12, 3, and 4.

Step 2. Multiply each term by the LCD:

Step 3. Set the equation equal to zero.

Step 4. Solve by factoring and use the Zero Product Property.

or

or

*Remember: you can always check your answers by plugging the solutions into the original equation.