Solving Algebraic exspressions

Steps for solving key terms.
Variable: The number that is able to change to depending on the equation.

Steps for solving equations:
1. Ask your self what is being done to the variable.
2. Do the inverse operation to both sides of the equations.(Mathematicians call it isolating the variable)
3.Lastly write the variable as a correct number.

All together it looks like this Ex.

x-2=6( my variable is being subtracted by two)
+2 +2(I do the inverse operation)
x=8( I plugged in the answer)

!Make sure you dont do the same operation!

Check
If you are unsure that your equation is write you can do a check

To do a ckeck you:
1.Rewrite the equation
2.Plug in the number you think the variable is
3.Simplify the equation
4.Then you have the variable isolated
so you can see if your answer is right.

Right now I bet your wondering why am I doing all of this when will I use this.
Well in just about every job you use it If you can give me three jobs that dont then you proved me wrong. Here a few examples a pumber, any kind of salesman, and even baseball players.
http://www.algebrahelp.com/lessons/equationbasics/

Factors and GCF

A factor is a number that can go into a bigger number a even amount of times.
Example:2 is a factor of 8 cause it goes into it 4 times without going over or under .

To find factors of a number you have to test each number to see if it goes in evenly.
Example: factors of 6 I would test 1 it works then 2 it also works 3 is another factor 4 deosnt work nor does 5. 6 goes in evenly too.

When you have two numbers and you need to find the GCF which is the greatest common factor. You would have to list factors of both numbers. Then you would have to find which factors work for both of the numbers. Then you pick the greatest one.
Example:6,12
6=1,2,3,6
12=1,2,3,4,6,12

http://www.helpwithfractions.com/greatest-common-factor.html