1. Lesson 4

1.10. Connect

Mathematics 20-1 Module 6

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.

 

This shows a photo of a man navigating an obstacle course as his teammates look on.

Goodshoot/Thinkstock



Lesson 4 Assignment


assignment

Open your copy of Lesson 4 Assignment, which you saved in your course folder at the start of this lesson. Complete the assignment.

 

course folder Save your work in your course folder.

 

Project Connection


assignment

Go to Module 6 Project: Game Challenge. Complete Step 4.

 

course folder Save your work in your course folder.

 

Going Beyond

 

This is a photo of a child’s hand removing a wooden block from a wooden-block tower.

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.

 

 

This is a play button that opens “Image Shuffle.”

Brett McNamara.  Use licensed under GNU-GPL Ver. 3

 

 



search

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!