Equations II: Clearing Denominators & Matching Coefficients
Two powerful techniques that transform difficult SAT problems into simple ones
Introduction
In this lesson, you'll master two essential equation-solving techniques:
🔧 Clearing Denominators
When to use: Equations contain fractions
What it does: Multiplies every term by the LCD to eliminate all fractions
Result: Converts messy fraction equations into clean integer equations
🔍 Matching Coefficients
When to use: Two polynomials must be identical (identities)
What it does: Sets corresponding coefficients equal to find unknowns
Result: Finds unknown constants by comparing like terms
💡 SAT Tip: Both techniques save time and reduce errors — the two biggest factors in your SAT Math score.