INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The simplest algebraic equations, those involving just a few variable terms with whole number coefficients and no fractions, radicals, etc., can often be solved in just a few steps. As with most math problems, the first step to simplifying your equation is to write it out! As an example problem, for the next few steps, let's consider the expression 1 + 2x - 3 + 4x. Next, search your equation for like terms. Remember that like terms have both the same variable(s) and exponent(s). For example, let's identify like terms in our equation 1 + 2x - 3 + 4x. 2x and 4x both have the same variable raised to the same exponent (in this case, the x's aren't raised to any exponent at all). In addition, 1 and -3 are like terms, as neither has any variables. So, in our equation, 2x and 4x and 1 and -3 are like terms. Now that you've identified like terms, you can combine them to simplify your equation. Add terms together (or subtract in the case of negative terms) to reduce each set of terms with the same variables and exponents to one singular term. Let's add the like terms in our example. 2x + 4x = 6x 1 + -3 = -2 After combining your like terms, construct an expression from your new, smaller set of terms. You should get a simpler expression that has one term for each different set of variables and exponents in the original expression. This new expression is equal to the first. In our example, our simplified terms are 6x and -2, so our new expression is 6x - 2. This simplified expression is equal to the original (1 + 2x - 3 + 4x), but is shorter and easier to manage. It's also easier to factor, which, as we'll see below, is another important simplifying skill. In extremely simple expressions like the one dealt with in the example problems above, identifying like terms is simple. However, in more complex expressions, like ones that involve terms in parentheses, fractions, and radicals, like terms which can be combined may not be immediately apparent. In these cases, follow the order of operations, performing operations on the terms in your expression as necessary until only addition and subtraction operations remain. For example, let's consider the equation 5(3x-1) + x((2x)/(2)) + 8 - 3x. It would be incorrect to immediately identify 3x and 2x as like terms and combine them because the parentheses in the expression dictate that we're supposed to do other operations first. First, let's perform the arithmetic operations in the expression in accordance with the order of operations to obtain terms we can use. See below: 5(3x-1) + x((2x)/(2)) + 8 - 3x 15x - 5 + x(x) + 8 - 3x 15x - 5 + x2 + 8 - 3x. Now, since the only operations left are addition and subtraction, we can combine like terms. x2 + (15x - 3x) + (8 - 5) x2 + 12x + 3

SUMMARY: Write your equation. Identify like terms. Combine like terms. Create a simplified expression from your simplified terms. Obey the order of operation when combining like terms.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: They might be purposely or accidentally ignoring you. Think back to the last time you spoke to themwere they angry or hostile toward you? Did you say something to offend them? If so, they are probably still stewing over whatever it was set them off in the first place. On the other hand, if you had a great time with them last time, there's probably some intervening factor which has led them to ignore you inadvertently. Perhaps they are busy studying for a test or have become infatuated with a new love interest. If the person ignoring you is a friend or coworker, ask a mutual friend or coworker if they might know why you're being ignored. Perhaps this mutual friend could identify or explain to you why the person ignoring you is doing so. Perhaps you've angered them without realizing it but rather than telling you so directly, they've decided to just ignore you to avoid deepening the conflict. A third party might be able to examine the situation more objectively and help you figure out why you're being ignored. Confront the individual who is ignoring you. Ask them to talk privately. In a quiet, private place, calmly ask "Hey, I was wondering why you've been ignoring me?" Present evidence that they've been ignoring you, such as not returning your calls or emails, or not responding when you speak to them. Listen attentively to their explanation. If this is the first time the person has ignored you, there may be a good reason. However, if your friend or coworker has made a pattern out of ignoring you or others, they may be getting some satisfaction from the act. They may, alternately, be using silence to evoke an apology or acquiescence to a certain demand. Finally, they might be ignoring you to disempower you: you might hear them say "If you really knew me / loved me, you wouldn't have to ask why I'm ignoring you." All the foregoing examples indicate a narcissistic personality which should be recognized and not catered to.
Summary: Ask yourself why the person ignoring you might be doing so. Ask a third party why you're being ignored. Ask the person ignoring you directly why they're ignoring you. Recognize manipulative behavior.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Safety is obviously important when dealing with fire, but you're also dealing with electrical charges and batteries, which contain dangerous ingredients. Wear gloves. Although there aren't many safety measures available in prison to make the infamous lighter from "Orange Is the New Black," you'll want to take safety precautions and protect your hands. Keep a fire extinguisher and garbage receptacle ready. If you need to dispose of batteries, be sure to recycle them. Some municipalities and states, like California, require batteries to be recycled, and your community might have battery collection procedures. Dispose of the battery immediately if it starts to leak. This could be battery acid, which is dangerous and corrosive. You don't want a leaky battery. Plus, you'll need a charge to generate the flame. Most batteries will work, but a AA alkaline battery is common for this type of lighter and a good size. Use two batteries if possible, or a single 9 volt, because one AA battery might not provide enough power. This type of flame will start quickly and burn out quickly. So, have a flammable source on hand to transfer the fire, if you want to keep the flame going. Sheets of loose paper, newspaper, or dry leaves will work well here. It is important to transfer the fire and not let the battery itself light on fire, since it could explode. On most batteries, this should be clearly marked. On a AA battery and other cylindrical batteries, the positive (+) end or terminalknown as the cathodehas a small convex bump, while the negative (-) end or terminalknown as the anodehas the inverse: a small concave indent into which the bump can fit.

SUMMARY:
Take safety precautions. Use new batteries. Prepare a transfer source. Find the positive and negative ends of the battery.