A line on the coordinate grid can be defined by a slope-intercept equation: y = mx + b. For a given value of x, the value of y can be determined given the slope (m) and y-intercept (b) of the line. The slope of a line is change in y over change in x, \({\Delta y \over \Delta x}\), and the y-intercept is the y-coordinate where the line crosses the vertical y-axis.

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.

-7b - 8 = \( \frac{b}{9} \)
9 x (-7b - 8) = b
(9 x -7b) + (9 x -8) = b
-63b - 72 = b
-63b - 72 - b = 0
-63b - b = 72
-64b = 72
b = \( \frac{72}{-64} \)
b = -1\(\frac{1}{8}\)

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.

9a⁹ + 6a⁹ = 15a⁹

An isosceles triangle has two sides of equal length. An equilateral triangle has three sides of equal length. In a right triangle, two sides meet at a right angle.

To multiply binomials, use the FOIL method. FOIL stands for First, Outside, Inside, Last and refers to the position of each term in the parentheses:

(y + 7)(y - 7)
(y x y) + (y x -7) + (7 x y) + (7 x -7)
y² - 7y + 7y - 49
y² - 49