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

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> 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       Log On


   

Question 184294: 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(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION!! In the first case, you are talking about a property of EQUATIONS!! If you have a rational EQUATION, you are multiplying BOTH SIDES of an equation by a non-zero quantity, gives you an equivalent equation with the same solution as the original equation. If you have only an EXTRESSION, then you don't have an equation to multiply both sides by!

R^2