Math Problem Statement
Solve the following rational equations. Note that your solutions will be graded based on the correctness of your LCD (1 point), correctness of the steps prior to the final answer (1 point), correctness of the solutions/roots (1 point) and correctness of the checking part (1 point). (16 points)
- r - 6 1 -------- = ------ 1- 4r r
Solution
Let's solve the rational equation step by step:
Given equation:
Step 1: Identify the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
To eliminate the denominators, we need to find the LCD of and . The LCD is the product of these denominators:
Step 2: Multiply both sides by the LCD
We multiply both sides of the equation by to eliminate the denominators:
On the left-hand side, the cancels out, and on the right-hand side, the cancels out:
Step 3: Simplify the equation
Expand both sides:
Step 4: Move all terms to one side of the equation
Let's bring all terms to one side to set the equation equal to zero:
Simplify:
Step 5: Solve the quadratic equation
We can solve this quadratic equation using the quadratic formula:
Simplify the terms:
So, the two possible solutions are:
Step 6: Check the solutions
We must check for any restrictions on . From the original equation, the denominator and cannot be zero.
- (from ).
- implies .
Since neither nor violate these restrictions, both are valid solutions.
Final Answer:
The solutions to the equation are:
Would you like further details or clarifications?
Here are 5 related questions for practice:
- Solve .
- Solve .
- Solve .
- Find the LCD of .
- Solve .
Tip: Always check for excluded values that make denominators zero in rational equations!
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Algebra
Rational Equations
Quadratic Equations
Formulas
LCD (Least Common Denominator) concept
Quadratic equation formula: ax^2 + bx + c = 0
Quadratic formula: r = [-b ± sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)] / 2a
Theorems
Quadratic formula theorem
Rational equation properties
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12
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