Factoring - 1
Factoring a negative quantity has the same effect on signs within parentheses as distributing a negative quantity does—every sign changes. Negative quantities are factored in the next examples and practice problems.
Factoring
Factoring
The distributive
property, 
, can be used to factor a quantity from two or more terms. In the formula 
, a is factored from (or divided into) ab and ac. The first step in
factoring is to decide what quantity you want to factor from each term. Second
write each term as a product of the factor and something else (this step will become
unnecessary once you are experienced). Third apply the distribution property in
reverse.
Adding/Subtracting Fractions
Adding/Subtracting Fractions
With the distributive property and the ability to combine like terms, the numerator of fraction sums/differences can be simplified. For now, we will leave the denominators factored.
Combining Like Terms
Combining Like Terms
Two or more terms are alike if they have the same variables and the exponents (or roots) on those variables are the same: 3x2y and 5x2y are like terms but 6xy and 4xy2 are not. Constants are terms with no variables. The number in front of the variable(s) is the coefficient—in 4x2y3, 4 is the coefficient. If no number appears in front of the variable, then the coefficient is 1. Add or subtract like terms by adding or subtracting their coefficients.
Distributing Multiplication over Addition and Subtraction - 2
Distributing negative quantities has the same effect on signs as distributing a minus sign: every sign in the parentheses changes.
