Lesson 4
1. Lesson 4
1.10. Connect
Module 6: Rational Expressions
Connect
Solving rational equations is like working your way through an obstacle course. You have to see the pitfalls, think of a plan, and proceed carefully. Solving rational equations is just as much fun but is not nearly as dangerous.
Goodshoot/Thinkstock
Lesson 4 Assignment
Open your copy of Lesson 4 Assignment, which you saved in your course folder at the start of this lesson. Complete the assignment.
Save your work in your course folder.
Project Connection
Go to Module 6 Project: Game Challenge. Complete Step 4.
Save your work in your course folder.
Going Beyond
iStockphoto/Thinkstock
You have learned that the principles guiding the solutions of rational equations are the same as those for any other type of equation. To solve an equation, you must
- isolate the variable
- balance the equation
In this activity you will explore different types of games, both of which are puzzles that require forward thinking.
Part A: Sliding Puzzles
Have you ever solved a sliding puzzle? The object of these puzzles is to slide the pieces around until each one is in the right place. Launch “Image Shuffle.” Double-click on the image and then try to solve the puzzle by clicking on the puzzle pieces to move them.
Brett McNamara. Use licensed under GNU-GPL Ver. 3
You may have seen sliding puzzles that use image fragments instead of numbers. Search the Internet for “sliding puzzle picture.” Are these puzzles more or less difficult? How does your strategy change when dealing with image fragments instead of numbers?
Part B: Perfect Balance
There are many ways to balance an equation. However, some ways are more efficient than others. Search the Internet for “Kongregate Perfect Balance.” Play the interactive game or download the “Perfect Balance” app to test your skills at balancing shapes. Be careful! Each round gets progressively more difficult. Plan ahead so you can achieve the perfect balance!