To expand an expression, use the distributive property to rewrite a product as a sum. The new expression is equivalent to the original expression.

For example, the expression can be expanded to get the equivalent expression .

To factor an expression, use the distributive property to rewrite a sum as a product. The new expression is equivalent to the original expression.

For example, the expression can be factored to get the equivalent expression .

A solution to an inequality is a number that can be used in place of the variable to make the inequality true.

• A solution to the inequality is 5, because it is true that .
• Some other solutions to this inequality are 9.9, 0, and -4.

Terms are the parts of an expression that are added together. They can be a single number, a variable, or a number and a variable that are multiplied together.

• 7, , and  are examples of terms.
• The expression has 3 terms: , 3, and -18.