Article: When you have one or more algebra problems, you must read the instructions carefully. Look for key words in the instructions like “solve,” “simplify,” “factor,” or “reduce.” These are some of the most common instructions (although there are others that you will learn). Many people have problems because they try to “solve” a problem when they really only need to “simplify” it. When you read the problem instructions, you should identify the key words and then perform those operations. Many people feel frustration with algebra when they try doing something that is not really part of the intended problem. The basic operations you will be asked for are:  Solve. You will need to reduce the problem to an actual numerical solution, such as “x=4.” You need to find a value for the variable that can make the problem come true. Simplify. You need to manipulate the problem into some simpler form than before, but you will not wind up with what you might consider “an answer.” You will probably not have a single numerical value for the variable. Factor. This is similar to “simplify,” and is usually used with complex polynomials or fractions. You need to find a way to turn the problem into smaller terms. Just as the number 12 can be broken into factors of 3x4, for example, you can factor an algebraic polynomial.  For example, a simple expression like 5x{\displaystyle 5x} can be broken into factors of 5{\displaystyle 5} and x{\displaystyle x}. For example, the expression x2+3x+2{\displaystyle x^{2}+3x+2} can be factored into the terms (x+2){\displaystyle (x+2)} and (x+1){\displaystyle (x+1)}.   Reduce. To “reduce” a problem generally involves a combination of factoring and then simplifying. You would break the terms of a numerator and denominator into their factors. Then look for common factors on top and bottom, and cancel them out. Whatever remains is the “reduced” form of the original problem. For example, reduce the expression 6x22x{\displaystyle {\frac {6x^{2}}{2x}}} as follows:  1. Factor the numerator and denominator: (3)(2)(x)(x)(2)(x){\displaystyle {\frac {(3)(2)(x)(x)}{(2)(x)}}}  2. Look for common terms. Both the numerator and denominator have factors of 2 and x. 3. Eliminate the common terms: (3)(2)(x)(x)(2)(x){\displaystyle {\frac {(3)(2)(x)(x)}{(2)(x)}}}  4. Copy down what remains: 3x{\displaystyle 3x} ” In algebra, the difference between an “expression” and an “equation” is very important. An expression is any group of numbers and variables, collected together. Some examples of expressions are x{\displaystyle x}, 14xyz{\displaystyle 14xyz} and 2x+15{\displaystyle {\sqrt {2x+15}}}. All you can do to an expression is simplify or factor it. An equation, on the other hand, contains an = sign. You can simplify or factor equations, but you can also solve them to get a final answer. It is important to look for the difference. If you have an expression, like 4x2{\displaystyle 4x^{2}}, you can never find a single “answer” or “solution.” You could find out that if x=1{\displaystyle x=1}, then the expression would have a value of 4, and if x=2{\displaystyle x=2}, then the expression would have a value of (4)(2)2{\displaystyle (4)(2)^{2}}, which is 16. But you cannot get a single “answer.”
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Read the problem instructions carefully. Perform the operations that are instructed. Learn the difference between “expression” and “equation.
Article: Begin in the back corner of the room, and work your way toward the exit. Dip your roller into the bucket, and spread a thin layer of epoxy primer onto your floor. Avoid letting the roller get too dry.  It can help to use an extension handle on your roller. Be careful not to paint yourself into a corner. Remember to wear a respirator and keep the garage door open. Maintain adequate ventilation and avoid going near the floor while the primer coat cures. For best results, wait a full day before resuming work on the floor. Both epoxy primer and standard epoxy will come in 2 parts. These needs to be mixed together, one batch at a time, right before they are applied. Mix the two epoxy components for 5 minutes using a drill and stirring bit. Pour the entire contents into a second bucket and mix again.  Epoxy kits are pre-measured. Mix all of part A together with all of part B to create the amount of epoxy listed. Most epoxy products (including most primers) have a “bucket life” of about 40 minutes. This means that the product must be applied within this time window before it hardens. Once again use a 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) nap roller to apply your epoxy. Begin in the corner of the room, and make your way toward the exit. Try to keep the roller wet at all times, and try to keep your coat thin and even.  Remember to mix the epoxy immediately prior to application. Move as quickly as you can without being sloppy. Epoxy has a short working time. Always make sure there is adequate ventilation during the drying process. Avoid going near the floor while the first coat cures. Plan to wait a day before applying a second coat. Curing time will vary slightly across epoxy products. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions for the product you select. Examine your floor for any problems that have appeared. This can include cracks, holes, or uneven surfaces that weren’t visible before. Seal any cracks with an epoxy crack filler and/or sand down areas that are uneven. If you used sand paper, you may need to do another run with your vacuum to remove any debris. If you had to patch any new cracks in your first coat of epoxy, wait at least half a day for the crack filler to dry before applying a second coat. After mixing the epoxy for your second coat, consider adding a commercial non-skid product. Use a drill and stirring bit to blend well. Then apply your second coat. Begin in the corner and gradually move toward the exit. Add 3–4 fluid ounces (89–118 ml) per every 1 gallon (3.8 l) of epoxy. Avoid going near the floor while the second coat dries. Make sure there is adequate ventilation. Give the floor a day to cure before walking on it or using it.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Use a 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) nap roller to apply the epoxy primer. Let the primer coat dry for 12-24 hours. Mix one batch of each epoxy product immediately prior to application. Apply your first coat of epoxy. Wait 24 hours for your first coat to dry. Check for problems before applying a second coat. Wait 12-16 hours for the crack filler to dry, if you used it. Apply a second coat with an added non-skid product. Let the second coat dry for 24 hours.