Note:
If you would like an in-depth review of fractions, click on Fractions.
Solve for x in the following equation.
Example 1:
Recall that you cannot divide by zero. Therefore, the first fraction is
valid if , 
the second fraction is valid if 
and the third fraction is valid is 
.
If either 3 or-3 turn out to be the solutions, you must discard them
as extraneous solutions.
Rewrite the problem so that every denominator is factored
Multiply both sides by the least common (x-3)(x+3) multiple
(the smallest expression that
all the denominators will divide into evenly).
which is equivalent to
which can be rewritten
which can be rewritten
which can be rewritten
The answer is 
Check this answer in the original equation.
Check the solution x=5 by substituting 5 in the original equation for x.
If the left side of the equation equals the right side of the equation after
the substitution, you have found the correct answer.
You can also check your answer by graphing 
(formed by subtracting the right side of
the original equation from the left side). Look to see where the graph
crosses the x-axis; that will be the real solution. Note that the graph
crosses the x-axis at 5. This means that the real solution is 5.
If you would like to test yourself by working some problems similar to this
example, click on Problem
If you would like to go back to the equation table of contents, click on
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