Topics:
• Discussion of homework problems on solving radical equations, p. 538 #22, 24, 38, 40, 42
Once again, emphasizing that when checking the answers, we need to distinguish the times that the checking fails because we made an error somewhere, from the times that the checking fails because our method gives so-called “extraneous solutions” sometimes. See notes last time.
• More on complex numbers:
Definition of a complex number
Real and imaginary parts of a complex number
Operations on complex numbers
The operations on complex numbers work basically like normal algebra, except that in a complex number 
Also, to divide complex numbers, we are actually rationalizing the denominators. But in this case, the product of a complex number and its conjugate is always a positive real number, so it works out even more nicely – we never get negative numbers as denominators.
Homework:
• Review the radical equation homework problems we discussed in class. Make sure that you understand how to tell when you have made an error (and need to go back and correct it) versus when you have an “extraneous solution” that needs to be thrown out.
• Review the definition of complex number, real part, and imaginary part
• Review the operations on complex numbers. Addition and subtraction should not be any trouble at all: in multiplying or dividing (rationalizing denominators) you just need to remember that
• Do the assigned problems from the Course Outline in section 6.8
• Do the WeBWorK: due by Sunday 11 PM, but do not wait to the last minute!
Remember that you can use the Piazza discussion board to ask questions if you get stuck on any of the WeBWorK or the other homework problems. Don’t forget to include the problem itself in your question, as that will make it easier for you to get a quick response!
