How to solve rational equations

A rational number is a number that can be represented a/b where a and b are integers and b is not equal to 0.

   Find the common denominator.

   Multiply everything by the common denominator.

   Simplify.

   Check the answer(s) to make sure there isn't an extraneous solution.

hello from mrbilldoesmath!

answer:

a(n) - a(n-1) -3

discussion:

this ones a bit interesting. given a(n) = 5 - 3n consider this:

a(n-1) = 5 - 3(n-1)

          = (5 - 3n) + 3             => but a(n) = 5 - 3n, the first term

          = a(n)   + 3                 => subtract 3 from both sides

a(n-1) -3 = a(n)  

or

a(n) - a(n-1) -3

you,

mrb

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step-by-step explanation: