From Zach: I can solve easy problems such as (x/2)+3=2+(3x/4). That is easy because the Lowest Common Denominator is 4. But what really gets me stuck is a problem like this one.
(6/x-2) = ( 21/(x-2)(x+2) )+ 1. Answered by Penny Nom.
From A student: In general, I understand rational expressions except when it comes to solving problems such as:
x+y/2x-y - 2x/y-2x or m-4/3m-4 + 3m+2/4-3m
I am confounded by the issue of having to find a common denominator. For example, if I tried to solve these problems by multiplying both denominators they would still be uncommon. Answered by Claude Tardif.
From Simone: hi, i'm totally lost. i understand that you need to find a lowest common denominator to subtract two fractions (rational expressions) with different denominators. but what if the denominators are "x-1" and "x". is x the common denominator? if so what happens to the "-1"? do you know of any live online help i can get with the following:
3/(x-1) - (1-2x)/x
i've looked through my notes and have no examples that quite match that i can follow to get through it. please help!
From Josh: Why do you think it is necessary to include the "excluded values" when you write your answers to rational expressions? Answered by Penny Nom.