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

y - 3 < -5 + 3y
y < -5 + 3y + 3
y - 3y < -5 + 3
-2y < -2
y < \( \frac{-2}{-2} \)
y < 1

The first step to solve a quadratic expression that's not set to zero is to solve the equation so that it is set to zero:

z² - 13z + 32 = -z - 4
z² - 13z + 32 + 4 = -z
z² - 13z + z + 36 = 0
z² - 12z + 36 = 0

Next, factor the quadratic equation:

z² - 12z + 36 = 0
(z - 6)(z - 6) = 0

For this expression to be true, the left side of the expression must equal zero. Therefore, (z - 6) must equal zero:

If (z - 6) = 0, z must equal 6

So the solution is that z = 6

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.

4a + 3a = 7a

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.

8a⁸ - 2a⁸ = 6a⁸