SOLUTION: why it is OK to remove the denominator by multiplying both sides by the LCD and why can you not do the same operation when simplifying a rational expression?

Question 206920: why it is OK to remove the denominator by multiplying both sides by the LCD and why can you not do the same operation when simplifying a rational expression?

Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
why it is OK to remove the denominator by multiplying both sides by the LCD and why can you not do the same operation when simplifying a rational expression?
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When you multiply thru the equation each of the denominators is canceled
because the LCD contains all the factors of each of the denominators.
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A rational expression can be simplified only if numerator and denominator
contain a common factor which can be canceled.
There are no equal sides to be multiplied.
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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