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.

-8a - 6 = 1 + 2a
-8a = 1 + 2a + 6
-8a - 2a = 1 + 6
-10a = 7
a = \( \frac{7}{-10} \)
a = -\(\frac{7}{10}\)

To factor a quadratic expression, apply the FOIL method (First, Outside, Inside, Last) in reverse. First, find the two Last terms that will multiply to produce 9 as well and sum (Inside, Outside) to equal -10. For this problem, those two numbers are -9 and -1. Then, plug these into a set of binomials using the square root of the First variable (y²):

y² - 10y + 9
y² + (-9 - 1)y + (-9 x -1)
(y - 9)(y - 1)

The entire length of this line is represented by AD which is AB + BD:

AD = AB + BD

When solving an equation with two variables, replace the variables with the values given and then solve the now variable-free equation. (Remember order of operations, PEMDAS, Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction.)

To multiply monomials, multiply the coefficients (the numbers that come before the variables) of each term, add the exponents of like variables, and multiply the different variables together.

(8a)(5ab) + (2a²)(6b)
(8 x 5)(a x a x b) + (2 x 6)(a² x b)
(40)(a¹⁺¹ x b) + (12)(a²b)
40a²b + 12a²b
52a²b