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Elementary Algebra

Key Terms

Elementary AlgebraKey Terms

Key Terms

complex rational expression
A complex rational expression is a rational expression in which the numerator or denominator contains a rational expression.
extraneous solution to a rational equation
An extraneous solution to a rational equation is an algebraic solution that would cause any of the expressions in the original equation to be undefined.
proportion
A proportion is an equation of the form ab=cdab=cd, where b≠0,d≠0.b≠0,d≠0. The proportion is read “aa is to bb, as cc is to d.d.”
rational equation
A rational equation is two rational expressions connected by an equal sign.
rational expression
A rational expression is an expression of the form pqpq, where p and q are polynomials and q≠0.q≠0.
similar figures
Two figures are similar if the measures of their corresponding angles are equal and their corresponding sides are in the same ratio.
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