Math Problem Statement

rational equation

Solve the rational equation: 3(y + 3) / (y + 1) + 2 = (3y + 1) / (y + 1)

Solution

Let's solve the given equation step-by-step. The equation is:

3(y+3)y+1+2=3y+1y+1\frac{3(y + 3)}{y + 1} + 2 = \frac{3y + 1}{y + 1}

Step 1: Simplify the left-hand side

First, expand the numerator of the first term on the left-hand side:

3(y+3)=3y+93(y + 3) = 3y + 9

Now the equation becomes:

3y+9y+1+2=3y+1y+1\frac{3y + 9}{y + 1} + 2 = \frac{3y + 1}{y + 1}

Step 2: Eliminate the denominators

To eliminate the fractions, multiply both sides of the equation by y+1y + 1 (assuming y+10y + 1 \neq 0):

(3y+9)+2(y+1)=3y+1(3y + 9) + 2(y + 1) = 3y + 1

Step 3: Distribute the 2 on the left-hand side

(3y+9)+2y+2=3y+1(3y + 9) + 2y + 2 = 3y + 1

Simplifying the left-hand side:

3y+9+2y+2=3y+13y + 9 + 2y + 2 = 3y + 1

5y+11=3y+15y + 11 = 3y + 1

Step 4: Solve for yy

Move all the terms involving yy to one side and constants to the other side:

5y3y=1115y - 3y = 1 - 11

2y=102y = -10

y=5y = -5

Step 5: Verify the solution

We should check that y=5y = -5 does not make any denominator zero. The denominators are y+1y + 1, so for y=5y = -5, y+1=4y + 1 = -4, which is non-zero. Thus, the solution is valid.

Final Answer:

The solution to the equation is:

y=5y = -5

Would you like a deeper explanation of any steps, or do you have other questions?


Here are 5 related questions to extend your understanding:

  1. How would the solution change if the denominator was y1y - 1 instead of y+1y + 1?
  2. What would happen if we didn't multiply both sides by y+1y + 1 in Step 2?
  3. Can you solve similar equations where multiple terms have different denominators?
  4. How would you handle this equation if it included a quadratic term?
  5. What is the general approach to solving rational equations?

Tip: Always check for any restrictions in the domain (like values that make the denominator zero) when solving rational equations.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Equations

Formulas

Simplifying Rational Expressions
Solving Linear Equations

Theorems

Distributive Property
Equality of Rational Expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12