SOLUTION: The section I am doing is Solving Rational Equations. The problem is 2/x+1 = 1/x-2. This is how I've tried it making the LCD (x+1)(x-1). Then I see how many times the numerator

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: The section I am doing is Solving Rational Equations. The problem is 2/x+1 = 1/x-2. This is how I've tried it making the LCD (x+1)(x-1). Then I see how many times the numerator      Log On


   

Question 27574: The section I am doing is Solving Rational Equations.
The problem is 2/x+1 = 1/x-2. This is how I've tried it making the LCD (x+1)(x-1). Then I see how many times the numerator goes into the denominator. I multiply the numerator by the denominator that it doesn't have already. For example I'd multiply 2 by x-2. "/" That I use as a division bar. The answer in the back of my book says 5. I would just like this problem done so I can do the rest!
Thank you very, very, very, very much!
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Solve:
2%2F%28%28x%2B1%29%29+=+1%2F%28%28x-2%29%29 Multiply both sides of the equation by (x+1)
2+=+%28%28x%2B1%29%29%2F%28%28x-2%29%29 Now multiply both sides by (x-2)
2%28x-2%29+=+x%2B1 Simplify.
2x-4+=+x%2B1 Subtract x from both sides.
x-4+=+1 Finally, add 4 to both sides.
x+=+5