SOLUTION: When solving a rational equation, 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

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Question 23005: When solving a rational equation, 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 rapaljer(4551) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
This is an EXCELLENT question!! When solving a rational equation, you are actually multiplying both sides of the EQUATION by the LCD. It is a property of equations that allows you to multiply both sides of the equation by the same non-zero number or expression.

However, when you are simplifying rational expressions--did you get that key word there?? EXPRESSIONS!! Now you are NOT dealing with an equation, but only an expression. So with an EXPRESSION, you don't have the properties of EQUATIONS!!

One of my favorite questions! Thanks for asking it!!

R^2 at SCC