To do this, you are essentially distributing the outer term into the inner terms. Multiply the term outside the parentheses by the first term in the parentheses. Then multiply it by the second term. If there are more than two terms, keep distributing the term until there are no terms left. Keep whatever operation (plus or minus) is in the parentheses.  2(x−3)=10{\displaystyle 2(x-3)=10} 2(x)−(2)(3)=10{\displaystyle 2(x)-(2)(3)=10} 2x−6=10{\displaystyle 2x-6=10} Before you can solve the equation, you will have to combine like terms. Combine all numerical terms with each other. Separately, combine any variable terms. To simplify the equation, arrange the terms so the variables are on one side of the equals sign and the constants (numbers only) are on the other.   2x−6=10{\displaystyle 2x-6=10}…..(original problem)  2x−6(+6)=10(+6){\displaystyle 2x-6(+6)=10(+6)}….. (Add 6 to both sides)  2x=16{\displaystyle 2x=16}….. (Variable on left; constant on right) Solve for x{\displaystyle x} by dividing both sides of the equation by the coefficient in front of the variable.   2x=16{\displaystyle 2x=16}…..(original problem)  2x/2=16/2{\displaystyle 2x/2=16/2}…..(divide both sides by 2)  x=8{\displaystyle x=8}…..(solution)

Summary: Multiply the term outside of the parentheses by each term in the parentheses. Combine like terms. Solve the equation.


Once the dressing is in, the salad cannot sit for too long, or it will get soggy. If you are serving guests at a party, consider separating the salad into individual portions first, then garnish each plate. This will make a nicer presentation. Consider garnishing individual servings with lemon wedges.

Summary: Serve the salad immediately.


Trim the base of the tree trunk once you take it home. Use a handsaw or chainsaw to remove at least half an inch off the end.  If you get your tree from a nursery or store, staff may be able to trim the trunk of the tree for you when you purchase it. Just make sure you are able to get the tree into water shortly thereafter. If you want to shorten the tree slightly to fit the height of your ceiling, cut off a larger portion of the trunk. Just remember that you will likely need a decent section of the trunk clear of branches to fit it into a tree stand. Trimming the trunk is essential to the tree absorbing water and staying fresh, so make sure you cut off at least a half inch even if you don’t need to alter the height at all. Cut off any branches of the tree that appear dead, discolored, or overly dry.  Make sure that you are not removing so many branches that there will be large chunks of the tree missing when you’re done. If a tree looks like it has a lot of dry or dead branches to begin with, don’t buy it. Test dry branches by gentling shaking them and observing how many needles fall off; if more than half, the branch is probably too dry. Also bend needles in half; they should snap if from a fir tree and not break at all if from a pine.  Use pruning shears, hedge clippers, or a shearing knife to remove any branches. Locate the most central, vertical branch at the top of your tree and trim it to about 10 inches if it is any longer.  The top center branch is important to keep and trim to a sturdy length so you can use it as a support for a tree topper, like a star or angel, if you choose to decorate with one. Remove any other longer branches that appear to be competing for the center branch. Trim the ends of any branches that stick out from the overall shape of the tree, keeping it a generally uniform cone shape, or however you want your tree to look.  In general, for the classic look, you’ll want the base of the branches to be widest with the circumference getting gradually smaller as you go up to the top, which ends in a tapered point. The ideal proportion for most Christmas trees is a “two-thirds taper,” which means that the base of the three is two-thirds as wide as the height. So, a six-foot-tall tree would ideally have a four-foot-wide base. Try to cut as little of the branches as possible, sticking to the lighter green new growth. Don’t cut into the old growth (which is characterized by a darker green color, usually) unless you have to.

Summary: Cut off some of the base. Remove dead or dry branches. Trim the top of the tree. Shape the rest of the branches.


Before you provide any services or goods, contract with your customer so they understand what they are responsible for paying and when. Make sure all document language is clear. Discuss the account with the customer so you can be sure they are familiar with any charged amounts and due dates. Payment terms need to be agreed on by both parties.  Consider adopting a late payment fee to encourage on-time payments. You may choose to charge a percentage of the total bill when payments become delinquent—2% is typical. Make sure all late fee policies are included in your contract or payment policy. You may prefer to ask for at least 50% of payment upfront. This ensures you at least receive something in exchange for your time and efforts. Do research about collecting interest. Federal and state laws regulate the collection of interest on debts. Always make sure that any interest you charge is lawful and included in your payment policy to avoid debt forfeiture or a fine. You can check usa.gov for your state's usury laws. You can also check your state's attorney general website for information on legal interest rates and legal practices in your state. Some invoices state, "payment due upon receipt." You may also use "net 15 days," "net 30 days" or any other period of time in which you expect someone to remit payment.  Placing a due date on a bill encourages your customer to include it in a current or upcoming billing cycle. If you do not place a due date on the bill, the business or individual may wait a month or two before paying, especially if bills are tight. Don't wait 30 days from the date of service or delivery of the product to send out a bill. Bill every 15 to 30 days. The sooner you send out the bill, the more likely you will get paid sooner. When a payment becomes past due, immediately send a reminder noting the amount owed as well as the fact that payment is now past due. Many customers are so busy that they simply forget a bill hasn’t been paid. They will often pay it as soon as they realize payment is past due. Keep a record of all contact with the debtor. You will need the dates and times of your calls, letters and any other communication about the late payment, in case of legal action. You may also need to address this information when you contact the debtor. Make sure you have relevant contact information, such as address, telephone number and extension number, if available.It is also good to check in with your business contacts regularly. Engaged business relationships promote a mutual desire to fulfill transactions.  Address each bill directly to the person who makes financial decisions in a business or the person responsible for the account. If you don’t have a contact for a business transaction, you can usually call the front desk and be connected to Accounts Payable. You will need to decide what happens when payments are late. Generally, you first send out a reminder, then call the customer or business that is late with a payment, follow up, try to negotiate and then take it to collections or pursue legal action if the debt remains unpaid. Everyone in your company should understand the process so they know where to direct those who owe debts when they reach out to you.
Summary: Develop a payment policy. List the due date on every bill you send. Send reminder bills. Keep a contact with each company or customer. Create a procedure for dealing with debts.