To solve a rational equation, follow these steps:

1. Identify any restrictions on the variable. Look for values of the variable that would make the denominator equal to zero. These values are not allowed in the solution.

2. Multiply both sides of the equation by the common denominator of all the fractions in the equation. This will eliminate the fractions and leave you with a polynomial equation.

3. Simplify the resulting equation by combining like terms and moving all terms to one side of the equation.

4. Solve the simplified equation by factoring, using the quadratic formula, or any other appropriate method.

5. Check your solution(s) by substituting them back into the original equation and ensuring that both sides of the equation are equal.

6. If any of the solutions violate the restrictions identified in step 1, they are not valid solutions.

7. Write the final solution(s) in the form of a set of numbers or an interval, depending on the context of the problem.