In the next topic, you will learn to solve equations containing rational expressions (which we call rational equations). In many respects, solving this new type of equation will be similar to solving most other types of algebraic equations. Remember the goal whenever you are solving an equation: determine the values of the variable which make the equation true!

As you look ahead to learning this new skill, review the various techniques for solving algebraic equations containing variables:

• For linear equations in one variable, you may solve for that variable by first separating the variable and numerical terms, and then isolating the variable on one side of the equation to identify a single solution.
• When the linear equation has two variables, you may only solve for one of the variables in terms of the other (for example: the equation may be solved for y in terms of x, , or x in terms of y, . These equations have infinite solutions (points in the form (x,y ) which solve the equation) and graph as lines.
• A quadratic equation has two solutions: begin by placing the equation in its standard form and selecting an appropriate method (graphing, factoring, taking square roots, completing the square, or quadratic formula).
• A radical equation requires you to isolate and then square the radical term (or one of the radical terms if there are more than one) and then use algebra to solve for the linear variable.