Final answer:
The first step in solving rational equations is to check where the equation is undefined. Then, set the equation equal to zero and solve for the variable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in solving rational equations is to check where the equation is undefined. This is because rational equations can have values of the variable that make the equation undefined, such as denominators equal to zero. Once we identify these undefined values, we can exclude them from the solution set. After identifying the undefined values, we then proceed to set the equation equal to zero and get everything on the same side. Finally, we solve the resulting equation to find the values of the variable that satisfy the original rational equation.
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