Math Problem Statement

Find the LCD of the following rational equation

Solution

Let's work through finding the Least Common Denominator (LCD) for each of the rational expressions in the equations provided. The LCD is the least common multiple of the denominators involved.

  1. Equation (a): x3x225+1x5\frac{x-3}{x^2-25} + \frac{1}{x-5} The denominators are x225x^2 - 25 and x5x - 5. Factor x225x^2 - 25: x225=(x5)(x+5)x^2 - 25 = (x-5)(x+5) So, the LCD is (x5)(x+5)(x-5)(x+5).

  2. Equation (b): x2x1=12\frac{x^2}{x-1} = \frac{1}{2} The only denominator here is x1x - 1, so the LCD is x1x - 1.

  3. Equation (c): 4x+1x13x2=12x23x+2\frac{4x + 1}{x - 1} - \frac{3}{x - 2} = \frac{12}{x^2 - 3x + 2} Factor the denominator x23x+2x^2 - 3x + 2: x23x+2=(x1)(x2)x^2 - 3x + 2 = (x - 1)(x - 2) The denominators are x1x - 1, x2x - 2, and (x1)(x2)(x - 1)(x - 2). Therefore, the LCD is (x1)(x2)(x - 1)(x - 2).

  4. Equation (d): 1x4+1x+12=1x2\frac{1}{x - 4} + \frac{1}{x + 12} = \frac{1}{x - 2} The denominators are x4x - 4, x+12x + 12, and x2x - 2. The LCD is (x4)(x+12)(x2)(x - 4)(x + 12)(x - 2).

  5. Equation (e): x6x24x12+2x+12=1x6\frac{x - 6}{x^2 - 4x - 12} + \frac{2}{x + 12} = \frac{1}{x - 6} Factor x24x12x^2 - 4x - 12: x24x12=(x6)(x+2)x^2 - 4x - 12 = (x - 6)(x + 2) The denominators are (x6)(x+2)(x - 6)(x + 2), x+12x + 12, and x6x - 6. The LCD is (x6)(x+2)(x+12)(x - 6)(x + 2)(x + 12).

Would you like more detailed steps for any specific part of this process?

Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. How do you factor quadratic expressions like x225x^2 - 25 or x24x12x^2 - 4x - 12?
  2. What is the importance of finding the LCD in solving rational equations?
  3. How do you simplify expressions once you have the LCD?
  4. What are some common mistakes to avoid when finding the LCD?
  5. How can you verify that your calculated LCD is correct?

Tip: Always double-check the factorization of the denominators to ensure accuracy when finding the LCD.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational expressions
Least Common Denominator (LCD)
Factoring quadratic expressions

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12