How are rational functions similar to linear, quadratic, or exponential functions? how are they different? when are these similarities or differences important when looking for intersections between rational functions and other types of functions? be sure to cite examples as you explain your ideas.

The average hourly earnings for a construction worker is projected to be $24.50 in 2012. jason wants to join the construction work force after he graduates in 2012. his friend tells him that average hourly earnings for construction workers will rise by 2% from 2009 to 2012. based on the data below, assuming that the projected hourly earnings are correct, is jason’s friend’s statement accurate? construction industry - average hourly earnings, 2000-2009 a. his friend’s statement is accurate. the average hourly earnings will increase by 2%. b. his friend’s statement is not accurate. the percent increase will be more than 2% c. his friend’s statement is not accurate. the percent increase will be less than 2% d. his friend’s statement is not accurate. the average hourly earnings will decrease

At the olympic games, many events have several rounds of competition. one of these events is the men's 100-meter backstroke. the upper dot plot shows the times (in seconds) of the top 8 finishers in the final round of the 2012 olympics. the lower dot plot shows the times of the same 8 swimmers, but in the semifinal round. which pieces of information can be gathered from these dot plots? (remember that lower swim times are faster.) choose all answers that apply: a: the swimmers had faster times on average in the final round. b: the times in the final round vary noticeably more than the times in the semifinal round. c: none of the above.

2x minus y equals 6, x plus y equals negative 3