Dumb question but in a data set, half of the numbers are greater and half are less than the .

Median

Step-by-step explanation:

In a data set, half of the numbers are greater and half are less than the median.

a4 - 3a2 - 1

step-by-step explanation:

step   1   :

equation at the end of step   1   :

  ((a4) -   3a2) -   1

step   2   :

trying to factor by splitting the middle term

2.1     factoring   a4-3a2-1  

the first term is,   a4   its coefficient is   1 .

the middle term is,   -3a2   its coefficient is   -3 .

the last term, "the constant", is   -1  

-3(b-8)-5=9(b+2)+1

distribute

-3b+24-5=9b+18+1

add/ subtract

-3b+20=9b+19

20-19= 1

-3b+1=9b

9b+3b= 12b

1=12b

1 divided by 12 = 1/12

answer: 1/12 = b