A monomial contains one term, a binomial contains two terms, and a polynomial contains more than two terms.

To solve this equation, repeatedly do the same thing to both sides of the equation until the variable is isolated on one side of the equal sign and the answer on the other.

9b - 8 = \( \frac{b}{-5} \)
-5 x (9b - 8) = b
(-5 x 9b) + (-5 x -8) = b
-45b + 40 = b
-45b + 40 - b = 0
-45b - b = -40
-46b = -40
b = \( \frac{-40}{-46} \)
b = \(\frac{20}{23}\)

You can only add or subtract monomials that have the same variable and the same exponent. For example, 2a + 4a = 6a and 4a² - a² = 3a² but 2a + 4b and 7a - 3b cannot be combined. However, you can multiply and divide monomials with unlike terms. For example, 2a x 6b = 12ab.

To combine like terms, add or subtract the coefficients (the numbers that come before the variables) of terms that have the same variable raised to the same exponent.

3a⁸ - 5a⁸ = -2a⁸

A right angle measures 90 degrees and is the intersection of two perpendicular lines. In diagrams, a right angle is indicated by a small box completing a square with the perpendicular lines.