LINEAR EQUATIONS
Algebra
Example 2:
Solve the fractional equation
1
x
2
1
x
3
0
Solution:
The LCD is (x - 2)(x + 3); therefore, multiply both sides of the equation by (x -
2)(x + 3).
(x
2)(x
3)
1
x
2
1
x
3
(0)(x
2)(x
3)
(x
2)(x
3)
(x
2)
(x
2)(x
3)
(x
3)
0
(x + 3) + (x - 2) = 0
2x + 1 = 0
Now solve the equation like an ordinary linear equation.
Step 1.
Transpose the +1 from the left-hand
to the right-hand side of the equation
by changing its sign.
2x = 0 - 1
2x = - 1
Step 2.
Using Axiom 4, divide both sides of
the equation by 2.
2x
2
1
2
x
1
2
MA-02
Page 12
Rev. 0
