Question

How can you solve a rational equation without graphing?

Answer 1

Answer:

To figure out the common denominator for these fractions, I'll first need to factor that quadratic in the denominator on the right-hand side of the rational equation. This will also allow me to find the disallowed values for this equation. Factoring gives me:

x2 – 6x + 8 = (x – 4)(x – 2)

The factors of the quadratic on the right-hand side "just so happen" to be duplicates of the other denominators. This often happens in these exercises. (So often, in fact, that if you get completely different factors, you should probably go back and check your work.)

Step-by-step explanation: