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Solving
Solve the rational equation .
Step 1 — Identify restricted values. Factor all three denominators: Setting each unique factor to zero gives the restricted values: , , and .
Step 2 — Find the LCD. The factored denominators share the factors , , and . The LCD is .
Step 3 — Clear the fractions. Multiply every term by the LCD and cancel matching denominator factors: Simplify to obtain the fraction-free equation:
Step 4 — Solve the resulting equation. Distribute: . Combine like terms: . Subtract from both sides: . Subtract from both sides: .
Step 5 — Check. The algebraic solution matches one of the restricted values. Because substituting would make two denominators equal to zero, it is an extraneous solution.
Since the algebraic process yielded only an extraneous solution, there is no solution to this equation.
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Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax
Ch.7 Rational Expressions and Functions - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax
Algebra