Math Problem Statement

solve this rational equation: 7/4x - 3/x² = 1/x²

Solution

To solve the rational equation:

74x3x2=1x2\frac{7}{4x} - \frac{3}{x^2} = \frac{1}{x^2}

First, we will find a common denominator for all the terms. The common denominator is 4x24x^2. We will rewrite each term with this common denominator:

74x=7x4xx=7x4x2\frac{7}{4x} = \frac{7 \cdot x}{4x \cdot x} = \frac{7x}{4x^2}

3x2=34x24=124x2-\frac{3}{x^2} = \frac{-3 \cdot 4}{x^2 \cdot 4} = \frac{-12}{4x^2}

1x2=44x2\frac{1}{x^2} = \frac{4}{4x^2}

Substitute these back into the equation:

7x4x2124x2=44x2\frac{7x}{4x^2} - \frac{12}{4x^2} = \frac{4}{4x^2}

Combine all the terms over the common denominator:

7x124x2=44x2\frac{7x - 12}{4x^2} = \frac{4}{4x^2}

Since the denominators are the same, we can equate the numerators:

7x12=47x - 12 = 4

Solve for xx:

7x=4+127x = 4 + 12

7x=167x = 16

x=167x = \frac{16}{7}

Therefore, the solution is:

x=167x = \frac{16}{7}

Do you want more details or have any questions?


  1. How to find the common denominator of more complex rational expressions?
  2. What happens if the equation has no solution?
  3. How to handle rational equations with extraneous solutions?
  4. What if the denominators contain polynomial expressions?
  5. How to solve rational inequalities?

Tip: Always check the solution of a rational equation to ensure it doesn't make any denominator zero, which would make the expression undefined.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Equations
Algebra
Common Denominator

Formulas

Common denominator method: a/b - c/d = (ad - bc)/bd
Equation solving: ax + b = c

Theorems

Rational equation principles
Numerator equivalence in fractions with common denominators

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11