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 $\frac{a}{b}=\frac{c}{d}$, where $b\ne 0,d\ne 0.$ The proportion is read “$a$ is to $b$, as $c$ is to $d\text{.}$”

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 $\frac{p}{q}$, where p and q are polynomials and $q\ne 0.$

similar figures

Two figures are similar if the measures of their corresponding angles are equal and their corresponding sides are in the same ratio.