Rational Equations

and Inequalities
 Sections
1 – Simplifying Rational Expressions
2 – Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
3 – Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with the
Same Denominator and Least Common Denominators
4 – Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with
Different Denominators
5 – Solving Equations Containing Rational Expressions
6 – Problem Solving with Rational Expressions
7 – Simplifying Complex Fractions

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 2

 Objectives:
Represent real life situations using rational
functions
Distinguish rational function, rational equation,
and rational inequality.
Solve rational equations and inequalities

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 3

ENTRY CARD:

Activity: Entry Card

1.Complete the table:
a b a*b Simplified
form
1.
5 x + 1/5
2.
12 m – 1/12
3.
3x 4/x + 4
4.
10a 1/(2a) + 3/(5a)
5
12m 2/(3m) – 5/(2m)
6.
x+2 3 – {4/ (x + 2)}

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 4

Answer the following questions:
Which of the terms in column “ a “ is the
LCD of the expression in item column
“b”?
Discuss how to find the LCD. Give
examples.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 5

Simplifying Rational
Expressions
 Simplifying Rational Expressions

RULE:
1. Factor the numerator and denominator.
2. Write a product of two rational expressions,
one factor containing the GCF of the
numerator and denominator, and the other
containing the remaining factors.
3. Rewrite the factor containing the GCF as 1.
4. Multiply the remaining factors by 1.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 7

 Rational Expressions
P
Rational expressions can be written in the form
Q
where P and Q are both polynomials and Q  0.
It is also called Algebraic Fractions.
Examples of Rational Expressions

3x 2  2 x  4 4x  3 y 3x 2
4x  5 2 x 2  3xy  4 y 2 4

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 8

 Rational Expressions

The following are NOT rational expressions

1 3
5 x x 2
2 x 4
2

x x2 x 1

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 9

 Evaluating Rational Expressions
To evaluate a rational expression for a particular
value(s), substitute the replacement value(s) into the
rational expression and simplify the result.

Example
Evaluate the following expression for y = 2.

y2 2  2 4 4
  
 5  y 5  (2)  7 7

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 10

Evaluating Rational Expressions
In the previous example, what would happen if we
tried to evaluate the rational expression for y = 5?

y2 5  2 3
 
 5  y 5  5 0

This expression is undefined!

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 11

Undefined Rational Expressions

We have to be able to determine when a

rational expression is undefined.
A rational expression is undefined when the
denominator is equal to zero.
The numerator being equal to zero is okay
(the rational expression simply equals zero).

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 12

 Undefined Rational Expressions
Find any real numbers that make the following rational
expression undefined.

Example
9 x3  4 x
15 x  45
The expression is undefined when 15x + 45 = 0.

So the expression is undefined when x = 3.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 13

Simplifying Rational Expressions
Simplifying a rational expression means writing it in
lowest terms or simplest form.

To do this, we need to use the

Fundamental Principle of Rational Expressions
If P, Q, and R are polynomials, and Q and R are not 0,

PR P

QR Q

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 14

Simplifying Rational Expressions
Simplifying a Rational Expression
1) Completely factor the numerator and
denominator.
2) Apply the Fundamental Principle of Rational
Expressions to eliminate common factors in the
numerator and denominator.
Warning!
Only common FACTORS can be eliminated from
the numerator and denominator. Make sure any
expression you eliminate is a factor.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 15
Simplifying Rational Expressions

Example

Simplify the following expression.

7 x  35 7( x  5) 7
 
x  5x
2
x( x  5) x

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 16

Simplifying Rational Expressions

Example

Simplify the following expression.

x  3x  4 ( x  4)( x  1)
2
x 1
 
x  x  20 ( x  5)( x  4) x  5
2

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 17

Simplifying Rational Expressions

Example

Simplify the following expression.

7  y  1( y  7)
  1
y 7 y 7

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 18

Multiplying and Dividing
Rational Expressions
Multiplying Rational Expressions

Multiplying rational expressions when P,

Q, R, and S are polynomials with Q  0
and S  0.
P R PR
 
Q S QS

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 20

Multiplying Rational Expressions
Note that after multiplying such expressions, our result
may not be in simplified form, so we use the following
techniques.
Multiplying rational expressions
1) Factor the numerators and denominators.
2) Multiply the numerators and multiply the
denominators.
3) Simplify or write the product in lowest terms
by applying the fundamental principle to all
common factors.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 21

Multiplying Rational Expressions
Example

Multiply the following rational expressions.

2
6 x 5x 2  3 x  x  5  x 1
  
10 x 12 2  5  x  x  x  2  2  3
3
4

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 22

 Multiplying Rational Expressions
Example
Multiply the following rational expressions.

( m  n)
2
m (m  n)(m  n)  m
 2  
m  n m  mn (m  n)  m(m  n)

mn
mn
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 23
 Dividing Rational Expressions

Dividing rational expressions when P, Q, R,

and S are polynomials with Q  0, S  0 and
R  0.

P R P S PS
   
Q S Q R QR

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 24

 Dividing Rational Expressions

When dividing rational expressions, first

change the division into a multiplication
problem, where you use the reciprocal of the
divisor as the second factor.
Then treat it as a multiplication problem
(factor, multiply, simplify).

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 25

 Dividing Rational Expressions
Example
Divide the following rational expression.

( x  3) 5 x  15 ( x  3)
2
25 2
   
5 25 5 5x  15
( x  3)( x  3)  5  5
 x3
5  5( x  3)

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 26

 Units of Measure
Converting Between Units of Measure
Use unit fractions (equivalent to 1), but with
different measurements in the numerator and
denominator.
Multiply the unit fractions like rational
expressions, canceling common units in the
numerators and denominators.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 27

 Units of Measure
Example

Convert 1008 square inches into square feet.

 1 ft   1 ft 
(1008 sq in)    
 12 in   12 in 
 1 ft   1 ft 
(2·2·2·2·3·3·7 in ·    
in)  2  2  3 in   2  2  3 in 

7 sq. ft.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 28
Adding and Subtracting Rational
Expressions with the Same
Denominator and Least Common
Denominators
 Rational Expressions

If P, Q and R are polynomials and Q  0,

P Q PQ
 
R R R
P Q P Q
 
R R R

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 30

 Adding Rational Expressions

Example

Add the following rational expressions.

4 p 3 3p 8 4 p 3 3p 8 7 p  5
  
2p 7 2p 7 2p 7 2p 7

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 31

Subtracting Rational Expressions
Example
Subtract the following rational expressions.

8y 16 8 y  16 8( y  2)
    8
y2 y2 y2 y2

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 32

Subtracting Rational Expressions
Example
Subtract the following rational expressions.
3y 6 3y  6
 2  2 
y  3 y  10 y  3 y  10
2
y  3 y  10

3( y  2) 3

( y  5)( y  2) y 5

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 33

 Least Common Denominators
To add or subtract rational expressions with
unlike denominators, you have to change
them to equivalent forms that have the same
denominator (a common denominator).
This involves finding the least common
denominator of the two original rational
expressions.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 34

 Least Common Denominators

To find a Least Common Denominator:

1) Factor the given denominators.
2) Take the product of all the unique factors.
Each factor should be raised to a power equal
to the greatest number of times that factor
appears in any one of the factored
denominators.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 35

 Least Common Denominators
Example
Find the LCD of the following rational expressions.
1 3x
,
6 y 4 y  12
6 y  2  3y
4 y  12  4( y  3)  2 ( y  3)
2

So the LCD is 2  3 y ( y  3)  12 y ( y  3)
2

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 36

 Least Common Denominators
Example

Find the LCD of the following rational expressions.

4 4x  2
, 2
x  4 x  3 x  10 x  21
2

x  4 x  3  ( x  3)( x  1)
2

x  10 x  21  ( x  3)( x  7)
2

So the LCD is (x  3)(x  1)(x  7)

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 37
 Least Common Denominators
Example

Find the LCD of the following rational expressions.

2
3x 4x
, 2
5x  5 x  2 x  1
2

5 x  5  5( x  1)  5( x  1)( x  1)
2 2

x  2 x  1  ( x  1)
2 2

So the LCD is 5(x  1)(x - 1) 2

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 38

 Least Common Denominators
Example
Find the LCD of the following rational expressions.

1 2
,
x 3 3 x

Both of the denominators are already factored.

Since each is the opposite of the other, you can
use either x – 3 or 3 – x as the LCD.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 39
 Multiplying by 1

To change rational expressions into equivalent

forms, we use the principal that multiplying
by 1 (or any form of 1), will give you an
equivalent expression.

P P P R PR
 1   
Q Q Q R Q R

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 40

 Equivalent Expressions
Example
Rewrite the rational expression as an equivalent
rational expression with the given denominator.

3
5

9y 72 y 9
4
3 3 8y 24 y 4
5
 5
 4  9
9y 9 y 8 y 72 y
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 41
 Adding and Subtracting
Rational Expressions with
Different Denominators
 Unlike Denominators

As stated in the previous section, to add or

subtract rational expressions with different
denominators, we have to change them to
equivalent forms first.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 43

 Unlike Denominators
Adding or Subtracting Rational Expressions with
Unlike Denominators
1) Find the LCD of all the rational
expressions.
2) Rewrite each rational expression as an
equivalent one with the LCD as the
denominator.
3) Add or subtract numerators and write result
over the LCD.
4) Simplify rational expression, if possible.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 44

Adding with Unlike Denominators
Example
Add the following rational expressions.
15 8
,
7 a 6a
15 8 6 15 7  8
   
7 a 6 a 6  7 a 7  6a
90 56 146 73
  
42a 42a 42a 21a
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 45
Subtracting with Unlike Denominators

Example
Subtract the following rational expressions.
5 3
,
2x  6 6  2x
5 3 5 3
   
2x  6 6  2x 2x  6 2x  6
8 222 4
 
2 x  6 2( x  3) x  3
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 46
Subtracting with Unlike Denominators

Example
Subtract the following rational expressions.
7
and 3
2x  3
7 7 3(2 x  3)
3   
2x  3 2x  3 2x  3
7 6 x  9 7  6 x  9 16  6 x
  
2x  3 2x  3 2x  3 2x  3
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 47
Adding with Unlike Denominators
Example
Add the following rational expressions.
4 x
, 2
x  x  6 x  5x  6
2

4 x 4 x
   
x  x  6 x  5x  6 ( x  3)( x  2) ( x  3)( x  2)
2 2

4( x  3) x( x  3)
 
( x  3)( x  2)( x  3) ( x  3)( x  2)( x  3)
4 x  12  x  3x
2 x 2
 x  12

( x  2)( x  3)( x  3) ( x  2)( x  3)( x  3)
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 48
 Solving Equations
Containing Rational
Expressions
 Solving Equations

First note that an equation contains an equal sign

and an expression does not.
To solve EQUATIONS containing rational
expressions, clear the fractions by multiplying
both sides of the equation by the LCD of all the
fractions.
Then solve as in previous sections.
Note: this works for equations only, not
simplifying expressions.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 50
 Solving Equations
Example
Solve the following rational equation.
5 7 Check in the original equation.
1 
3x 6 5 7
1 
 5  7 3 10 6
6 x  1   6 x
 3x   6  5 7
1 
10  6 x  7 x 30 6
10  x 1 7
1  true
6 6
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 51
 Solving Equations
Example
Solve the following rational equation.
1 1 1
  2
2 x x  1 3x  3x
 1 1   
6 x x  1  6 xx  1
1
  
 2 x x  1   3x( x  1) 
3x  1  6 x  2
3x  3  6 x  2
3  3x  2
 3x  1
x 1 Continued.
3
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 52
 Solving Equations
Example Continued
Substitute the value for x into the original
equation, to check the solution.
1 1 1
 
2    
1
3
1
3
1 3 1  3 1
3
2
   
3
3 3 1
 
2 4 1 1
3
6 3 3
  true
4 4 4
So the solution is x  1
3
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 53
 Solving Equations
Example
Solve the following rational equation.
x2 1 1
 
x  7 x  10 3x  6 x  5
2

 x2   1 1 
3x  2x  5 2   3x  2x  5
 x  7 x  10   3x  6 x  5 
3x  2  x  5  3x  2
3x  6  x  5  3x  6
3x  x  3x  5  6  6
5x  7
x  7 Continued.
5
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 54
 Solving Equations
Example Continued
Substitute the value for x into the original
equation, to check the solution.
7 2 1 1
5  
 7 
5
2
  
 7  7  10 3  5  6  5  5
5
7 7   
3
5 1 1
 
49  49  10  21  6 18
25 5 5 5
5 5 5 true
18 9 18
So the solution is x   7 5
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 55
 Solving Equations
Example
Solve the following rational equation.
1 2

x 1 x  1
 1   2 
x  1x  1  x  1x  1
 x 1   x 1 
x  1  2x 1
x  1  2x  2
3 x
Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 56
 Solving Equations
Example Continued
Substitute the value for x into the original
equation, to check the solution.
1 2

3 1 3 1
1 2
 true
2 4

So the solution is x = 3.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 57

 Solving Equations
Example
Solve the following rational equation.
12 3 2
 
9 a 3 a 3 a
2

 12 3   2 
3  a 3  a    3  a 3  a 
 9 a 3 a   3 a 
2

12  33  a   23  a
12  9  3a  6  2a
21  3a  6  2a
15  5a
3a Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 58
 Solving Equations
Example Continued
Substitute the value for x into the original
equation, to check the solution.
12 3 2
2  33  33
93
12 3 2
 
0 5 0
Since substituting the suggested value of a into the
equation produced undefined expressions, the
solution is .
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 59
Solving Equations with Multiple Variables
Solving an Equation With Multiple Variables for
One of the Variables
1) Multiply to clear fractions.
2) Use distributive property to remove
grouping symbols.
3) Combine like terms to simplify each side.
4) Get all terms containing the specified
variable on the same side of the equation,
other terms on the opposite side.
5) Isolate the specified variable.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 60

Solving Equations with Multiple Variables

Example
Solve the following equation for R1
1 1 1
 
R R1 R2
1  1 1 
RR1 R2       RR1 R2
 R   R1 R2 
R1R2  RR2  RR1
R1R2  RR1  RR2
R1 R2  R  RR2
RR2
R1 
R2  R
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 61
Problem Solving with
Rational Equations
 Ratios and Rates
Ratio is the quotient of two numbers or two
quantities.
The ratio of the numbers a and b can also be
a
written as a:b, or .
b
The units associated with the ratio are important.
The units should match.
If the units do not match, it is called a rate, rather
than a ratio.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 63

 Proportions
Proportion is two ratios (or rates) that are
equal to each other.
a c

b d
We can rewrite the proportion by multiplying
by the LCD, bd.
This simplifies the proportion to ad = bc.
This is commonly referred to as the cross product.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 64
 Solving Proportions
Example
Solve the proportion for x.
x 1 5

x2 3
3x  1  5x  2
3x  3  5x  10
 2x  7
x  7
2
Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 65
 Solving Proportions
Example Continued
Substitute the value for x into the original
equation, to check the solution.
 7 1 5
2 
7  2 3
2
5
25
3 3 true
2
So the solution is x   7
2
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 66
 Solving Proportions
Example
If a 170-pound person weighs approximately 65 pounds
on Mars, how much does a 9000-pound satellite weigh?

170 - pound person on Earth 65 - pound person on Mars


9000 - pound satellite on Earth x - pound satellite on Mars

170 x  9000  65  585,000

x  585000 / 170  3441 pounds

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 67

 Solving Proportions
Example

Given the following prices charged for

various sizes of picante sauce, find the best
buy.
• 10 ounces for $0.99
• 16 ounces for $1.69
• 30 ounces for $3.29

Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 68
 Solving Proportions
Example Continued
Size Price Unit Price

10 ounces $0.99 $0.99/10 = $0.099

16 ounces $1.69 $1.69/16 = $0.105625

30 ounces $3.29 $3.29/30  $0.10967

The 10 ounce size has the lower unit price, so it is the

best buy.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 69

 Similar Triangles

In similar triangles, the measures of

corresponding angles are equal, and
corresponding sides are in proportion.
Given information about two similar triangles,
you can often set up a proportion that will
allow you to solve for the missing lengths of
sides.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 70

 Similar Triangles
Example
Given the following triangles, find the unknown
length y.

12 m
5m

10 m y

Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 71
 Similar Triangles
Example
1.) Understand
Read and reread the problem. We look for the corresponding
sides in the 2 triangles. Then set up a proportion that relates
the unknown side, as well.

2.) Translate
By setting up a proportion relating lengths of corresponding
sides of the two triangles, we get
12 10

5 y
Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 72
 Similar Triangles
Example continued
3.) Solve
12 10

5 y
12 y  5 10  50
y  50  25
12 6 meters

Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 73
 Similar Triangles
Example continued
4.) Interpret
Check: We substitute the value we found from
the proportion calculation back into the problem.

12 10 60
  true
5 25 25
6
State: The missing length of the triangle is 25 6 meters

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 74

 Finding an Unknown Number
Example
The quotient of a number and 9 times its reciprocal
is 1. Find the number.
1.) Understand

Read and reread the problem. If we let

n = the number, then
1
= the reciprocal of the number
n

Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 75
 Finding an Unknown Number
Example continued
2.) Translate

The quotient of is
a number and 9 times its reciprocal 1

 1
n 9  = 1
n
Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 76
 Finding an Unknown Number
Example continued
3.) Solve
 1
n  9    1
 n
9
n   1
n
n
n 1
9
n2  9
n  3,3 Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 77
 Finding an Unknown Number
Example continued
4.) Interpret
Check: We substitute the values we found from the
equation back into the problem. Note that nothing in
the problem indicates that we are restricted to positive
values.
 1  1 
3  9   1  3  9   1
 3  3
3  3  1 true  3  3  1 true
State: The missing number is 3 or –3.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 78
 Solving a Work Problem
Example
An experienced roofer can roof a house in 26 hours. A
beginner needs 39 hours to do the same job. How long will it
take if the two roofers work together?
1.) Understand
Read and reread the problem. By using the times for each
roofer to complete the job alone, we can figure out their
corresponding work rates in portion of the job done per hour.

Time in hrs Portion job/hr

Experienced roofer 26 1/26
Beginner roofer 39 /39
Together t 1/t
Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 79
 Solving a Work Problem
Example continued
2.) Translate
Since the rate of the two roofers working together
would be equal to the sum of the rates of the two
roofers working independently,

1 1 1
 
26 39 t

Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 80
 Solving a Work Problem
Example continued
3.) Solve
1 1 1
 
26 39 t
 1 1  1
78t      78t
 26 39   t 
3t  2t  78
5t  78

t  78 / 5 or 15.6 hours

Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 81
 Solving a Work Problem
Example continued
4.) Interpret
Check: We substitute the value we found from the
proportion calculation back into the problem.
1 1 1
 
26 39 78
5
3 2 5
  true
78 78 78
State: The roofers would take 15.6 hours working
together to finish the job.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 82
 Solving a Rate Problem
Example
The speed of Lazy River’s current is 5 mph. A boat travels 20
miles downstream in the same time as traveling 10 miles
upstream. Find the speed of the boat in still water.
1.) Understand
Read and reread the problem. By using the formula d=rt, we
can rewrite the formula to find that t = d/r.
We note that the rate of the boat downstream would be the rate
in still water + the water current and the rate of the boat
upstream would be the rate in still water – the water current.
Distance rate time = d/r
Down 20 r + 5 20/(r + 5)
Up 10 r – 5 10/(r – 5) Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 83
 Solving a Rate Problem
Example continued
2.) Translate
Since the problem states that the time to travel
downstairs was the same as the time to travel
upstairs, we get the equation
20 10

r 5 r 5

Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 84
 Solving a Rate Problem
Example continued
3.) Solve
20 10

r 5 r 5
 20   10 
r  5r  5  r  5r  5
 r 5  r 5
20r  5  10r  5
20r 100  10r  50
10r  150
r  15 mph Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 85
 Solving a Rate Problem
Example continued
4.) Interpret
Check: We substitute the value we found from the
proportion calculation back into the problem.
20 10

15  5 15  5
20 10
 true
20 10
State: The speed of the boat in still water is 15 mph.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 86
Simplifying Complex
Fractions
 Complex Rational Fractions

Complex rational expressions (complex

fraction) are rational expressions whose
numerator, denominator, or both contain one or
more rational expressions.
There are two methods that can be used when
simplifying complex fractions.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 88

Simplifying Complex Fractions

Simplifying a Complex Fraction (Method 1)

1) Simplify the numerator and denominator of
the complex fraction so that each is a single
fraction.
2) Multiply the numerator of the complex
fraction by the reciprocal of the denominator
of the complex fraction.
3) Simplify, if possible.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 89

 Simplifying Complex Fractions
Example

x
2 x 4 x4

2  2 2 2  x4 2  x4
x x 4 x4 2 x4 x4
2 
2 2 2 2

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 90

Simplifying Complex Fractions
Method 2 for simplifying a complex fraction
1) Find the LCD of all the fractions in both the
numerator and the denominator.
2) Multiply both the numerator and the
denominator by the LCD.
3) Simplify, if possible.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 91

 Simplifying Complex Fractions
Example

1 2

y 2
3 6y 2
6  4y 2
 2
1 5 6y
 6y  5y 2

y 6

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 92

 Word Problems:
Find two consecutive integers such that the
sum of one-third of the first and one-fourth of
the second is 9.

Number Problem:
The denominator of a fraction is 2 more than the
numerator. If 1 is subtracted from both numerator
and denominator, the resulting fraction has a value
of ½. Find the original fraction.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 93

 Motion Problem:
An express lane travels 150 km in the same
time that a freight train travels 100 km. If the
express train goes 20 km/hr. faster than the
freight train, find the rate of each term.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 94