Math Problem Statement

Find the LCD of the following rational equation

Solution

Let's examine the problem from the image.

The task is to find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of the given rational equations. Below is the transcription of the equations from the image:

  1. xx+3+5x29=1x3\frac{x}{x+3} + \frac{5}{x^2 - 9} = \frac{-1}{x-3}
  2. x+2x1+1x2+4x+3=1x+3\frac{x + 2}{x - 1} + \frac{1}{x^2 + 4x + 3} = \frac{-1}{x + 3}
  3. xx212x+1=1x1\frac{x}{x^2 - 1} - \frac{2}{x + 1} = \frac{-1}{x - 1}
  4. x3x+1+7x2x12=1x3\frac{x - 3}{x + 1} + \frac{7}{x^2 - x - 12} = \frac{-1}{x - 3}

Steps to find the LCD:

  1. Factor the denominators in each equation.
  2. Identify the distinct factors present in all the denominators.
  3. Multiply the distinct factors to form the LCD.

Let's go through each equation step by step.

1. xx+3+5x29=1x3\frac{x}{x+3} + \frac{5}{x^2 - 9} = \frac{-1}{x-3}

  • x+3x+3 is already factored.
  • x29x^2 - 9 factors to (x3)(x+3)(x - 3)(x + 3).
  • x3x - 3 is already factored.

The distinct factors are x+3x + 3 and x3x - 3.

LCD: (x3)(x+3)(x - 3)(x + 3)

2. x+2x1+1x2+4x+3=1x+3\frac{x + 2}{x - 1} + \frac{1}{x^2 + 4x + 3} = \frac{-1}{x + 3}

  • x1x - 1 is already factored.
  • x2+4x+3x^2 + 4x + 3 factors to (x+3)(x+1)(x + 3)(x + 1).
  • x+3x + 3 is already factored.

The distinct factors are x1x - 1, x+3x + 3, and x+1x + 1.

LCD: (x1)(x+3)(x+1)(x - 1)(x + 3)(x + 1)

3. xx212x+1=1x1\frac{x}{x^2 - 1} - \frac{2}{x + 1} = \frac{-1}{x - 1}

  • x21x^2 - 1 factors to (x1)(x+1)(x - 1)(x + 1).
  • x+1x + 1 is already factored.
  • x1x - 1 is already factored.

The distinct factors are x1x - 1 and x+1x + 1.

LCD: (x1)(x+1)(x - 1)(x + 1)

4. x3x+1+7x2x12=1x3\frac{x - 3}{x + 1} + \frac{7}{x^2 - x - 12} = \frac{-1}{x - 3}

  • x+1x + 1 is already factored.
  • x2x12x^2 - x - 12 factors to (x4)(x+3)(x - 4)(x + 3).
  • x3x - 3 is already factored.

The distinct factors are x+1x + 1, x4x - 4, and x+3x + 3.

LCD: (x+1)(x4)(x+3)(x + 1)(x - 4)(x + 3)

Summary of the LCDs for Each Equation:

  1. (x3)(x+3)(x - 3)(x + 3)
  2. (x1)(x+3)(x+1)(x - 1)(x + 3)(x + 1)
  3. (x1)(x+1)(x - 1)(x + 1)
  4. (x+1)(x4)(x+3)(x + 1)(x - 4)(x + 3)

Would you like to go over the steps in more detail, or do you have any questions?

Here are five related questions:

  1. How do you factor a quadratic expression like x29x^2 - 9?
  2. What is the importance of finding the LCD in rational equations?
  3. How would you solve a rational equation after finding the LCD?
  4. Can the LCD of two rational expressions be one of the original denominators?
  5. What happens if you multiply both sides of a rational equation by the LCD?

Tip: When working with rational equations, always factor the denominators completely before finding the LCD. This ensures you include all necessary factors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Equations
LCD (Least Common Denominator)
Factoring

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

High School