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Elementary Algebra

Introduction

Elementary AlgebraIntroduction
This is a photo of two people rowing a boat in a canal.
Figure 8.1 Rowing a boat downstream can be very relaxing, but it takes much more effort to row the boat upstream.

Chapter Outline

8.1 Simplify Rational Expressions
8.2 Multiply and Divide Rational Expressions
8.3 Add and Subtract Rational Expressions with a Common Denominator
8.4 Add and Subtract Rational Expressions with Unlike Denominators
8.5 Simplify Complex Rational Expressions
8.6 Solve Rational Equations
8.7 Solve Proportion and Similar Figure Applications
8.8 Solve Uniform Motion and Work Applications
8.9 Use Direct and Inverse Variation

Like rowing a boat, riding a bicycle is a situation in which going in one direction, downhill, is easy, but going in the opposite direction, uphill, can be more work. The trip to reach a destination may be quick, but the return trip whether upstream or uphill will take longer.

Rational equations are used to model situations like these. In this chapter, we will work with rational expressions, solve rational equations, and use them to solve problems in a variety of applications.

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