document.write( "Question 452345: I am supposed to solve this rational equation. x/x+1 + 5/x-1=1 (x over x+1 plus 5 over x-1 equals 1). I know i need to find the least common denominator. i think that is (x+1)(x-1). My biggest problem is knowing what to do with the numerator. Thanks and please help! \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #310972 by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
solve this rational equation. \"x%2F%28x%2B1%29+%2B+5%2F%28x-1%29\" = 1
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "Multiply each term by (x+1)(x-1)
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "(x+1)(x-1)*\"x%2F%28x%2B1%29\" + (x-1)(x+1)*\"5%2F%28x-1%29\" = (x-1)(x+1)*1
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "Cancel the denominators and you are left with
\n" ); document.write( "(x-1)*x + (x+1)*5 = (x+1)(x-1)
\n" ); document.write( "then
\n" ); document.write( "x^2 - x + 5x + 5 = x^2 - x + x - 1
\n" ); document.write( "x^2 + 4x + 5 = x^2 - 1
\n" ); document.write( "Combine the x^2 on the left, number on the right
\n" ); document.write( "x^2 - x^2 + 4x = - 1 - 5
\n" ); document.write( "4x = -6
\n" ); document.write( "x = \"%28-6%29%2F4\"
\n" ); document.write( "x = -1.5
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "see if that works in the original problem
\n" ); document.write( "\"%28-1.5%29%2F%28-1.5%2B1%29+%2B+5%2F%28-1.5-1%29\" = 1
\n" ); document.write( "\"%28-1.5%29%2F%28-.5%29+%2B+5%2F%28-2.5%29\" = 1
\n" ); document.write( "+3 - 2 = 1 \n" ); document.write( "
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