A rational number (or fraction) is represented as a ratio between two integers, a and b, and has the form \({a \over b}\) where a is the numerator and b is the denominator. An improper fraction (\({5 \over 3} \)) has a numerator with a greater absolute value than the denominator and can be converted into a mixed number (\(1 {2 \over 3} \)) which has a whole number part and a fractional part.

The greatest common factor (GCF) is the greatest factor that divides two integers.

To simplify a radical, factor out the perfect squares:

\( \sqrt{18} \)
\( \sqrt{9 \times 2} \)
\( \sqrt{3^2 \times 2} \)
3\( \sqrt{2} \)

The least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest positive integer that is a multiple of two or more integers.

To add or subtract terms with exponents, both the base and the exponent must be the same. In this case they are so add the coefficients and retain the base and exponent:

9a³ + 1a³
(9 + 1)a³
10a³