6th Grade Pre-Algebra: Math Study Guide

Distributive Property and Factoring:

The Distributive Property is the property that involves multiplication and addition/subtraction. It is used
to expand the numbers using multiplication, and linking them together using addition or subtraction.
For example, a(b+c) = ab + ac. Factoring is when you use reverse distributive property to place the
result back into distributive form. For example, if there was 20xy+40y, you use the Greatest Common
Factor (GCF), 20y in this case. So, the factored form of 20xy+40y is 20y(x+2).
Numerical and Algebraic Expressions and Equations: A numerical expression is one that only has
numerals as the divisor, dividend, factor, addend, etc. The numerical expression cannot have an
equal sign; however since it is an expression, the answer (quotient, product, difference, sum) can be
the expression itself. An algebraic expression is one that may have a numeral but it must have at
least one variable. Again, the algebraic expression cannot have an equal sign but it can be the
answer itself (9x, 3e, 8t, 2wx). The equation is two expressions that have an equal sign. The equation
must have an equal sign; an example is this: 7x+5=68
Variable: A variable is any letter that represents an unknown number (or numbers).
Inequality:
<
>
<
>

Inequality chart:
Keywords

Inequality Symbol

Graph Example

Open or Closed Circle

fewer than, below, less

<

2<8

Open

more than, above

>

8>2

Open

no more than, at most

<

Zack had no more than $1 in

Closed

than

his bank account. Write an

inequality. Ex: 1< n.

at least, no less than

>

Zach has inherited at least

$0.01 from his entire family,

Closed