Chapter 1- The Real Number System

1. Exponents         2⁵ = (2)(2)(2)(2)(2)      ' five factors of  2'  = 32

2. Order of operations-  first work in parenthesis, work out exponents, multiplication/division next,  last addition/subtraction

3. Number line- any point on the number line represents a real number

    Operations with numbers

4. Simplifying expressions-  collect all like terms and combine them

5. Variables-  a letter like x is assigned for the unknown

    Primary variable (unknown) and secondary variable (unknown)- the secondary variable is expressed in terms of the primary variable

   Example:  Max is six years older then Kim-  Let the age of Kim be x years (primary variable)

                                                                           the age of Max is x + 6 years (secondary variable)

6. Problem solving with unknowns- identify the primary and secondary variables, set up appropriate equations and solve for the unknowns.