A/N: The document program does not want to let me use the greater than or less than signs or the multiplication sign either, so I had to write it out. Reviews would be appreciated, but please be gentle. This is my first Numb3rs fic and is coming from Charlie's POV, so I am writing through his eyes. I know it is short. I promise, the next one will be longer. Thanks:-)
"Alright class. We only have about fifteen minutes to go. Let's settle down now."
I knew the class was getting restless. It was a Friday, after all. They were looking forward to the weekend. Even I was looking forward to it. I shook my head and chuckled, before turning to the board and writing one last problem on it.
2/3 (x+2) is greater than 4/5 (x-3)
"Who can come up and solve this?"
I turned back to the class. The class looked like deers caught in a headlight. "It's simple math guys."
Finally, one student raised his hand. I nodded and he came up. I gave him the chalk, before stepping back from the board. I knew he was struggling with the problem.
"Let me show you," I said, walking over to him and taking the chalk.
15 times 2/3( x+2) is greater than 15 times 4/5 (x-3)
"You have to multiply both sides, by the LCD, or lowest common denominator, which in this case, is 15. Then you simplify."
10 (x+2) is greater than 12( x-3)
10x + 20 is greater than 12x - 36
-2x + 20 is greater than -36
-2x is greater than -56
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . -2
x is less than 28
"Don't forget to change the sign, because you divided by a negative," I reminded the class. That's when the bell rang.. I turned to them all.
"Alright everyone. Have a good weekend and we'll see you on Monday. Don't forget to do the homework!"
I laughed as everyone rushed out of class, almost knocking Larry down.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes. My world is completely balanced."
I laughed. "Is it just me or is it coincidental, that everytime you come into a room, the students want to leave?"
"Coincidence is the last refuge of the uninspired, Charles."
I knew he would say that and burst out again in laughter. "Come on. Let's go meet Don for lunch."