Algebra Reviewer

CHAPTER 1
Algebraic Expressions
1.1 Definition of Terms

1. Algebraic Expression - any collection of symbols, letters, numbers, and operations which
may represent a value.
x 1 3 √
Example 1.1.1. The following are algebraic expressions: π, −3x2 , , x − 2x+
y+z 2
7 √
.5 x + 1.
4
2. Constants - numbers or symbols whose values are fixed.

√ 1
Example 1.1.2. π is a constant. The real numbers −4, 6, 3 and − are also
2
constants.
3. Variables - letters or symbols whose values vary.
Example 1.1.3. The letters x and y are commonly used for variables. Usually, it is
represented by an English or Greek letters.
4. Term - a number, a variable, a product or a quotient of a number and a variable, a

product of variables, and a quotient of variables.
Example 1.1.4. The terms of 3x5 − 2x2 + 5 are 3x5 , −2x2 and 5.
5. Factor - a constant or a variable multiplied together to form a term.
Example 1.1.5. 2, x, x, y are the prime factors of 2x2 y.
6. Numerical Coefficient - a factor which is a constant.

7. Literal Coefficient - a factor which is a variable.
Example 1.1.6. 2 is the numerical coefficient of 2x2 y, while x2 y is the literal coeffi-
cient.
8. Like terms or similar terms - terms having the same literal coefficient.
1
9. Unlike terms or dissimilar terms - terms having different literal coefficients.
2
Example 1.1.7. The terms 4x2 y 3 and − x2 y 3 are like terms while 3xyz and −8x2 y 3 z
5
are dissimilar terms.
10. Degree of a term - exponent or sum of the exponents of the literal coefficients in the
term.
Example 1.1.8. The degree of 4x3 is 3 since the exponent of x is 3. Moreover, the
1
degree of x5 y 4 is 9 since the sum of the exponents of x and y is 5 + 4 = 9.
2
11. Monomial - an algebraic expression with only one term. It may be a constant, a
constant multiplied to a variable, a variable raised to an exponent, or a product of
constants and variables raised to an exponent.
12. Binomial - an algebraic expression consisting of two terms.
13. Trinomial - an algebraic expression consisting of three terms.
14. Multinomial - an algebraic expression with more than three terms.

√
1 3 2x
Example 1.1.9. The following are monomials: x , 12ab2 and .
4 yz
2p − 3q
On the other hand, the expressions 5x + 4y, a3 − b3 and are binomials, while
5
1
the expressions x2 + 4xy + y 2 , x3 − x + 7 and −10 − 3x2 + x4 are trinomials. An
3
2
example of a multinomial is x − 3x3 y 3 + 8x4 y 2 − 2xy 5 + y 6 .
6
3
15. Polynomial - an algebraic expression whose terms are either a constant, a product of
constants, or a variable raised to a nonnegative integral exponent.
1 7 1 √
Example 1.1.10. Observe that 2x2 and x+ are polynomials, but x 3 , x+y 3 −z −1
3 5
1
and are not.
x+y
16. Degree of a polynomial - the highest degree among the degrees on the terms in the
polynomial.
2
1
Example 1.1.11. Given the polynomial 3x3 y 3 − 5xy 6 + x4 y, observe that since the
4
1
degree of 3x y is 3, the degree of −5xy is 7 and the degree of x4 y is 5, we find
3 3 6
4
that the degree of the polynomial is 7.
1.2 Operations on Polynomials

1. Addition of Polynomials
Add the numerical coefficients of liked terms and copy the common literal coefficient.
Example 1.2.1. Perform the indicated operation and simplify if necessary.

1. (3m2 + 4 − 2m) + (15m2 + 3m − 2)
(3m2 + 4 − 2m) + (15m2 + 3m − 2)

= (3m2 + 15m2 ) + (3m − 2m) + (4 − 2)
= 18m2 + m + 2
2. (4a2 − 3a + 10a4 ) + (2a − 3a2 + a3 + 2a4 )
(4a2 − 3a + 10a4 ) + (2a − 3a2 + a3 + 2a4 )

= (10a4 + 2a4 ) + (a3 ) + (4a2 − 3a2 ) + (−3a + 2a)
= 12a4 + a3 + a2 − a
2. Subtraction of Polynomials
Change the sign of the terms of the subtrahend and perform addition.

1. (8a + 2b − 3c) − (2a − 3b + 2c)
(8a + 2b − 3c) − (2a − 3b + 2c) = (8a + 2b − 3c) + (−2a + 3b − 2c)

= (8a + (−2a)) + (2b + 3b) + (−3c − 2c)
= 6a + 5b − 5c
3
2. (2x2 − 3x + 4) − (x2 − 3x + 5)
(2x2 − 3x + 4) − (x2 − 3x + 5) = (2x2 − 3x + 4) + (−x2 + 3x − 5)

= (2x2 + (−x2 )) + (−3x + 3x) + (4 − 5)
= x2 + 0 − 1
= x2 − 1
3. Multiplication of Polynomials
Definition 1.2.3. If n is a positive integer, we define the nth power of x, denoted by

xn , as the product of n factors each equal to x. In symbols, we write
xn = (x)(x) · · · (x) .
| {z }
n factors
We call x the base, n the exponent, and xn the power.
Laws of Exponents
Let x, y be real numbers and m, n be positive integers.
1. (xm )(xn ) = xm+n

2. (xm )n = xmn
3. (xy)m = xm y m
Example 1.2.4. Use the laws of exponents to simplify the following expressions.
4 4
1. (a4 )(a5 ) = a4+5 = a9 3. (st2 ) = (s4 )(t2 ) = (s4 )(t2·4 ) = s4 t8
2
2. (x6 ) = x6·2 = x12
Case 1: Multiplying a monomial to a monomial

Multiply the numerical coefficients of each monomial to get the numerical coeffi-
cient of the product and multiply the literal coefficients of each monomial to get
the literal coefficient of the product.
4
Example 1.2.5. Perform the indicated operation and simplify if nec-
essary.
1. (4a2 b3 )(3ab5 ) = (4 · 3)(a2 · a)(b3 · b5 )
= 12a2+1 b3+5 = 12a3 b8
2. (7x2 yz 4 )(6xy 2 z 3 ) = (7 · 6)(x2 · x)(y · y 2 )(z 4 · z 3 )
= 42x2+1 y 1+2 z 4+3 = 42x3 y 3 z 7
Case 2: Multiplying a polynomial by a monomial

Multiply each term of the polynomial by the monomial. Simplify if necesary.

essary.
1. 3x2 (5x3 − 2x + 2) = (3x2 )(5x3 ) + (3x2 )(−2x) + (3x2 )(2)
= 15x5 − 6x3 + 6x2
2. 2ab(a2 − 5ab + 4b2 ) = (2ab)(a2 ) + (2ab)(−5ab) + (2ab)(4b2 )
= 2a3 b − 10a2 b2 + 8ab3
Case 3: Multiplying a polynomial by another polynomial

Multiply each term of the first polynomial by each term of the second polynomial.
Simplify if necesary.

1. (2x3 − x2 + 4x + 1)(2x + 3)
= (2x3 )(2x) + (−x2 )(2x) + (4x)(2x) + (1)(2x) + (2x3 )(3) + (−x2 )(3)
+ (4x)(3) + (1)(3)
= 4x4 − 2x3 + 8x2 + 2x + 6x3 − 3x2 + 12x + 3
= 4x4 + (−2x3 + 6x3 ) + (8x2 − 3x2 ) + (2x + 12x) + 3
= 4x4 + 4x3 + 5x2 + 14x + 3
2. (3a5 + 2b3 )(a2 − 7ab2 − 12b5 )
= (3a5 )(a2 ) + (3a5 )(−7ab2 ) + (3a5 )(−12b5 ) + (2b3 )(a2 )

+ (2b3 )(−7ab2 ) + (2b3 )(−12b5 )
= 3a7 − 21a6 b2 − 36a5 b5 + 2a2 b3 − 14ab5 − 21b8
4. Division of Polynomials
Laws of Exponent
Let x, y be real numbers and m, n be positive integers.
5

xm−n if m>n
m

x 
1 if m=n
1. n =
x 1
if m<n


x m−n

m
x xm
2. = m
y y
Example 1.2.8. Simplify the following using the laws of exponents.
x5 d6 1 1
1. = x5−3 = x2 3. = 12−6 = 6
x3 d12 d d
(k)4 w 7 w 7
2. =1 4. = 7
(k)4 x x
Case 1: Dividing a monomial by a monomial

Divide the numerical coefficients of each monomial to get the numerical coeffi-
cient of the quotient and divide the literal coefficients of each monomial to get
the literal coefficient of the quotient.

essary.
15a4 b3
4 3
15 a b
4 3
1. 15a b ÷ 5a b =2
2
= 2
= 3a4−2 b3−1 = 3a2 b2
5a b 5 a b
9 4 2
9 4 2
8x y z 8 x y z
2. 8x9 y 4 z 2 ÷ 2xy 6 z 2 == 6 2
= 6
=
2xy z 2 x y z2
4x8

1
(4)(x9−1 ) (1) =
y 6−4 y2
Case 2: Dividing a polynomial by a monomial

Divide each term of the polynomial by the monomial. Simplify if necesary.

essary.
1. (15a3 b3 c3 − 25a2 b2 c2 + 35abc2 ) ÷ 5abc
15a3 b3 c3 −25a2 b2 c2 35abc2

= + +
5abc 5abc 5abc
2 2 2
= 3a b c − 5abc + 7c
6
2. (12a2 − 7ab + 4b2 ) ÷ ab
12a2
2
−7ab 4b
= + +
ab ab ab
12a 4b
= −7+
b a
Case 3: Dividing a polynomial by another polynomial

Steps:
(a) Arrange the dividend and divisor in descending power of a common literal
coefficient leaving a gap for any missing power of the variable in the dividend.
(b) Divide the first term of the dividend by the first term of the divisor. This
will result to the first term of the quotient.
(c) Multiply the divisor by the first term of the quotient and subtract the result
from the dividend.
(d) Consider the remainder obtained as the new dividend and repeat (b) and (c)
to find the second term of the quotient and the next remainder.
(e) Continue this process until a remainder which is zero or is of lower degree in
the common literal coefficient than the degree of the divisor.
(f) Write the answer in the form
Dividend Remainder
= Quotient +
divisor divisor
Example 1.2.11. Divide x3 − 6x2 + 8x + 5 by x − 2.
x2 − 4x
x − 2 |x3 − 6x2 + 8x + 5
x3 − 2x2
−4x2 + 8x + 5
−4x2 + 8x
+5
x3 − 6x2 + 8x + 5 5
= x2 − 4x +
x−2 x−2
7
Case 4: Dividing an n−th degree polynomial by a first-degree binomial
Definition 1.2.12. The function defined by the equation P (x) = an xn + an−1 xn−1 +
· · · + a1 x + a0 , where n is a nonnegative integer and an , an−1 , . . . , a1 , a0 are constants,
with an 6= 0 is called a polynomial in x of degree n.
To divide an n−degree polynomial, P (x) by a first-degree binomial, D(x) of the form

x − r, use the division algorithm known as synthetic division.
Steps in Using Synthetic Division:
(a) Arrange the coefficient of the dividend, P (x) in descending powers of x putting a
zero for any missing power of x.
(b) Replace the divisor x − r by r.
(c) Bring down the coefficient of the largest power of x and multiply it by r. Put
the product under the coefficient of the second largest power of x and add this
product to the coefficient of the second power of x. Continue this procedure until
there is a product added to the constant term.
(d) The last number in the third row is the remainder while the rest, reading from
left to right, are the coefficients of the terms of the quotient, whose degree is one
less than the dividend P (x).
(f) Write the answer in the form
Dividend Remainder
= Quotient +
divisor divisor
Example 1.2.13. Divide 5x2 − 14x + 3 by x − 2.
2 | 5 −14 3
10 −8
5 −4 −5
5x2 − 14x + 3 5
= 5x − 4 −
x−2 x−2
1.3 Special Products

1. Product of Two Binomials: (u + v)(s + t)
Use the FOIL method.
8
(a) Multiply the First terms in each binomial.
(b) Multiply the Outer terms in each binomial.
(c) Multiply the Inner terms in each binomial.
(d) Multiply the Last terms in each binomial.
(e) Add the results and simplify if necessary.

1. (2x + 3y)(3x + 5y)
= (2x)(3x) + (2x)(5y) + (3y)(3x) + (3y)(5y)

= 6x2 + 10xy + 9xy + 15y 2
= 6x2 + 19xy + 15y 2
2. (ab2 − c2 d)(2ab + 3cd)
= (ab2 )(2ab) + (ab2 )(3cd) + (−c2 d)(2ab) + (−cd2 )(3cd)

= 2a2 b3 + 3ab2 cd − 2abc2 d − 3c2 d3
2. Product of the Sum and Difference of Two Terms: (u + v)(u − v)

Square the first common term and subtract to it the square of the second common term.

1. (x + 3y)(x − 3y) = (x)2 − (3y)2 = x2 − 9y 2
2. (w − 5k)(w + 5k) = (w)2 − (5k)2 = w2 − 25k 2
3. Square of a Binomial: (u + v)2

Square the first term. Add to it twice the product of the two terms and add the square
of the second term of the binomial.
1. (x + 3)2 = (x)2 + (2)(x)(3) + (3)2 = x2 + 6x + 9
2. (2y − 7)2 = (2y)2 + (2)(2y)(−7) + (−7)2 = 4y 2 − 28y + 49
4. Cube of a Binomial: (u + v)3

Get the 3rd power of the first term and add to it thrice the product of the square of
the first term and the second term. Add to the sum thrice the product of the first
term and the square of the second term. Lastly, add the 3rd power of the second term
9
of the binomial.
1. (2x + y)3
= (2x)3 + (3)(2x)2 (y) + (3)(2x)(y)2 + (y)3

= 8x3 + (3)(4x2 )(y) + (3)(2x)(y 2 ) + y 3
= 8x3 + 12x2 y + 6xy 2 + y 3
2. (a − 3b)2 =
= (a)3 + (3)(a)2 (−3b) + (3)(a)(−3b)2 + (−3b)3

= a3 + (3)(a2 )(−3b) + (3)(a)(9b2 ) − 27b3
= a3 − 9a2 b + 27ab2 − 27b3
1.4 Factoring
1. Common Monomial Factor
• Determine the greatest common factor of all the terms in the given expression, if
there is any. This would be the common monomial factor.
• Divide each term of the expression by the common monomial facotr to determine
the other factor.
Example 1.4.1. Factor completely the given expression.
1. 2x + 10y = 2(x + 5y) 2. 4x2 y 2 − 16xy 3 = 4xy 2 (x − 4y)
2. Quadratic Trinomial: au2 + bu + c

The factors of a quadratic trinomial consist of two binomials where the first term of
each binomial is a factor of the first term in the trinomial, the second term of each
binomial is a factore of the last term in the trinomial. The signs and appropriate
factors to be used are determined by the middle term, which is the sum of the outer
and inner products of the two binomial factors. This process is actually the reverse of
the FOIL method.
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1. x2 − 8x + 15
The factors of 1 are ±1 and the factors of 15 are ±1, ±3, ±5, ±15. Now since
the middle term is −8x and the factors whose sum is −8 are −5 and −3, the
complete factorization of x2 − 8x + 15 is (x − 3)(x − 5).
2. 2x2 + 9x − 5 = (2x − 1)(x + 5)
3. Perfect Square Trinomial: u2 + 2uv + v 2

The factors of a perfect square trinomial consist of two like binomials whose terms are
the square roots of the terms which are perfect square and the operation between the
terms is determined by the sign of the remaining term in the trinomial.
1. y 2 + 14y + 49 = (y + 7)2 2. 4b2 − 4bc + c2 = (2b − c)2
4. Difference of Two Squares: u2 − v 2

The factors of the difference of two squares consist of two binomials, one of which is
the sum and the other is the difference of the square roots of the given squares.
1. x2 − 16y 2 = (x + 4y)(x − 4y) 2. 9k 2 − 25t2 = (3k + 5t)(3k − 5t)
5. Sum (Difference) of Two Cubes: u3 ± v 3

The factors of the sum (difference) of two cubes consist of a binomial and a trinomial,
where the terms of the binomial factor are the cube roots of the given cubic terms
with the operation between the terms of the binomial factor the same as that of the
given binomial, while the terms of the trinomial factor is determined by the binomial
factor, that is, it is consists of the square of the first term in the binomial factor, the
product of the two terms in the binomial factor and the square of the second term
in the binomial factor, with the operation preceding the second term in the trinomial
factor the inverse operation in the given binomial expression.
This rule can be generalized to the sum (difference) of odd powers. Thus, if n is odd,
un ± v n = (u ± v)(un−1 ∓ un−2 v + un−3 v 2 ∓ · · · ∓ uv n−2 + v n−1 ).
11
1. 27x3 − 8 = (3x − 2)[(3x)2 + (3x)(2) + (2)2 ] = (3x − 2)(9x2 + 6x + 4)
2. 64p3 + 125q 3 = (4p + 5q)[(4p)2 − (4p)(5q) + (5q)2 ] = (4p + 5q)(16p2 − 20pq + 25q 2 )
3. 32p5 − q 5 = ((2p)5 + (−q)5 )
= (2p + (−q)) (2p)4 − (2p)3 (−q) + (2p)2 (−q)2 − (2p)(−q)3 + (−q)4

= (2p − q) (16p4 + 8p3 q + 4p2 q 2 + 2pq 3 + q 4 )

4. x7 + 128 = (x7 + (2)7 ) = (x + 2)(x6 − (x5 )(2) + (x4 )(22 ) − (x3 )(23 ) + (x2 )(24 ) −
(x)(25 ) + (26 ))
= (x + 2)(x6 − 2x5 + 4x4 − 8x3 + 16x2 − 32x + 64)
6. Factoring by Grouping
This method is usually applied when the expression to be factored contains four or
more terms.
a. Grouping to Produce a Common Factor

Group terms in the polynomials that would yield a factor that is common to the
groups formed.

1. mn + 5m + n + 5
We can group this polynomial as (mn+5m)+(n+5) which when simplified
gives us m(n + 5) + (n + 5). Now by factoring out the common factor
between the groups, which is (n + 5), we get (n + 5)(m + 1).
We can also group this as (mn + n) + (5m + 5). Simplifying each factor
we get n(m + 1) + 5(m + 1). By again factoring out the common factor
(m + 1) of the groups, we get (m + 1)(n + 5).
2. a2 +ab−2b2 +2a−2b = (a2 +ab−2b2 )+(2a−2b) = (a−b)(a+2b)+2(a−b) =
(a − b)((a + 2b) + 2) = (a − b)(a + 2b + 2)
b. Grouping to Produce a Difference of Two Squares

To obtain a difference of two squares through grouping, we usually group the terms
in the expression that forms a perfect square trinomial since it can be factored as
the square of a binomial.
12
2
1. 4x4 + 4x2 y 2 + y 4 − z 2 = (4x4 + 4x2 y 2 + y 4 ) − (z 2 ) = (2x2 + y 2 ) − (z)2 =
(2x2 + y 2 + z)(2x2 + y 2 − z)
2. 9a2 − b2 + 8bc − 16c2 = (3a)2 − (b2 − 8bc + 16c2 ) = (3a)2 − (b − 4c)2 =
(3a − (b − 4c))(3a + (b − 4c)) = (3a − b + 4c)(3a − b + 4c)
3. 4w2 + 12wx + 9x2 − 25y 2 + 20yz − 4z 2 = (4w2 + 12wx + 9x2 ) − (25y 2 −
20yz + 4z 2 ) = (2w + 3x)2 − (5y − 2z)2 = ((2w + 3x) + (5y − 2z))((2w +
3x) − (5y − 2z)) = (2w + 3x + 5y − 2z)(2w + 3x − 5y + 2z)
7. Adding and Subtracting a Perfect Square

The goal in this method is also to form a difference of two squares. To do so, a perfect
square is added to the expression to make it a perfect square trinomial, but is also
subtracted to preserve the value of the original expression.

1. k 4 + 64
Adding and subtracting 16k 2 gives us k 4 + 64 + 16k 2 − 16k 2 . Now by grouping
we get (k 4 + 16k 2 + 64) − 16k 2 . Simplifying the expression we have,
2
(k 2 + 8) − (4k)2 = ((k 2 + 8) + 4k)((k 2 + 8) − 4k)
= (k 2 + 4k + 8)(k 2 − 4k + 8).
2. 16x4 − 24x2 y 2 + 25y 4

The middle term in this expression should be 40x2 y 2 . Thus we need to add and
subtract 64x2 y 2 to the expression, which gives us 16x4 −24x2 y 2 +25y 4 +64x2 y 2 −
64x2 y 2 . Simplifying this we have
2
(16x4 + 40x2 y 2 + 25y 4 ) − 64x2 y 2 = (4x2 + 5y 2 ) − (8xy)2
= ((4x2 + 5y 2 ) + 8xy)((4x2 + 5y 2 ) − 8xy)
= (4x2 + 5y 2 + 8xy)(4x2 + 5y 2 − 8xy).
Remark 1.4.9. Here are some suggestions in factoring polynomials.
• Common factors, if any, should be brought out first before applying any other factoring
method.
• If both the difference of two squares and the difference of two cubes are applicable, the
former is done first.
13
• If both the sum of two cubes and the sum of odd powers are applicable, the former is
used first.
14
Practice Exercises
Write the letter corresponding to your answer on your answer sheet.
(1) What do you call the letter used to represent an unknown number?
(a) term (b) constant (c) domain (d) variable
(2) Which of the following expressions is a polynomial?

4 x √
(a) + 2 (b) +2 (c) x−2 + 4 (d) x+4
x 4
(3) Which of the following is NOT a monomial?
xy 2 2 2 √
(a) (b) xy 2 − z (c) xy (d) 7 xy
z 7
(4) Which of the following expressions is NOT a binomial?
(a) 3x(x + 2) 3x + 2 (c) 4x + 7 (d) (3x + 2)2

(b)
5
(5) Which of the following is a trinomial?
(a) 27x3 (b) 2x2 + 3x − 6 1 5 (d) 8x3 −2x2 +x−4

(c) x − 3x
4
(6) The polynomial 2x2 y 3 + 3xy 2 − x4 y 2 is of degree
(a) 3 (b) 6 (c) 5 (d) 8
(7) What is the degree of y 3 − 5y 2 + 4y − 8?
(a) 1 (b) 3 (c) 5 (d) 6
(8) Which of the following is a set of similar terms?
(a) 7xy, 7x2 y 2 , 7x3 y 3 (c) 7xy, 7xy 2 , 7xy 3

(b) 7x2 y, 15x2 y, 24x2 y (d) 7xy 2 , 15x2 y, 24x2 y 2
15
(9) What is the simplest form of (13m + 2n) − (15m − 2n)?
(a) 2m (b) 2m − 4n (c) −2m (d) −2m + 4n
(10) The sum of (3x − 2y) and (2x + 3y) is
(a) x − y (b) 5x − y (c) 5x + y (d) x + y
(11) The difference when 5x2 + 2x + 7 is subtracted from 10x2 − x − 8 is
(a) 5x2 + x − 1 (b) 5x2 + 3x + 15 (c) 5x2 − 3x − 15 (d) −5x2 + 3x + 15
(12) The product of x3 , 2x2 and 3x is
(a) 6x6 (b) 6x7 (c) 5x6 (d) 5x7
(13) What is the product of (y 2 − 2y + 1) and (y + 3)?
(a) y 3 +5y 2 +7y+3 (b) y 3 −5y 2 −7y+3 (c) y 3 + y 2 − 5y + 3 (d) y 3 − y 2 + 5y − 3
(14) What is the product of (x + 2) and (2x − 3)?
(a) 2x2 − x + 6 (b) 2x2 + x − 6 (c) 2x2 + 4x − 6 (d) 2x2 − 3x − 6
(15) The product of (s + t) and (3s + 2r) is
(a) 3s2 + 2rt (c) 3s2 + 4rst + 3st

(b) 3s2 + 2rs + 3st + 2rt (d) 3s2 + 7rs2 t2
(16) The quotient when 10x3 + 31x2 + 10x − 3 is divided by 5x + 3 is
(a) 2x2 − 4x + 5 (b) 2x2 + 5x − 1 (c) 2x2 − 3x + 4 (d) 2x2 + 4x + 5
(17) The quotient when 12x2 y 3 is divided by 3xy is
(a) 36xy 2 (b) 4xy 2 (c) 15x3 y 4 (d) 4x3 y 4
(18) One factor of x2 − 4x + 4 is x − 2. What is the other factor?
(a) x + 2 (b) x − 2 (c) x + 4 (d) x − 4
16
(19) Which of the following expressions is a perfect square trinomial?
(a) x2 + 3x + 1 (b) x2 + 4x + 4 (c) x2 − 2x − 3 (d) x2 + 5x + 4
(20) The product of the sum of two terms by their difference is
(a) the sum of their squares (c) the difference of their squares
(b) the square of their sum (d) the square of their difference
(21) What is the simplest form of (3x − 2)2 ?
(a) 9x2 + 4 (b) 9x2 − 4 (c) 9x2 − 6x + 4 (d) 9x2 − 12x + 4
(22) What is the product of (3x − 4)(3x + 4)?
(a) 9x2 − 16 (b) 9x2 + 16 (c) 9x2 − 12x + 16 (d) 9x2 − 24x + 4
(23) The expression (x + y + z)2 when expanded is equal to
(a) x2 + y 2 + z 2 (c) x2 + y 2 + z 2 + 2x + 2y + 2z
(b) x2 + 2xy + y 2 + 2xz + z 2 + 2yz (d) x2 + y 2 − z 2 + 2xz − 2xy + 2yz
(24) What factors form the polynomial 4x2 − 4x as their product?
(a) 4x and (x − 1) (c) (2x − 1) and (2x + 1)

(b) (4x − 1) and (x + 4) (d) (2x − 2) and (2x − 2)
(25) What forms the polynomial x2 − 8x + 16 as its product?
(a) 8(x2 − x + 2) (b) (x − 4)(x + 4) (c) (x − 4)2 (d) (x + 4)2
(26) The common monomial factor of 2x2 + 4x is
(a) 2x (b) 4x (c) 2x2 (d) 4x2
(27) The complete factorization of x3 + 8 is
(a) (x + 2)3 (c) (x + 2)(x2 + 2x + 4)

(b) (x + 2)(x2 − 2x + 4) (d) (x2 + 2)(x + 4)
17
(28) x6 − y 6 when completely factored is equal to
(a) (x+y)(x−y)(x2 −xy+y 2 )(x2 +xy+y 2 ) (c) (x4 − y 4 )(x2 + y 2 )

2
(b) (x3 − y 3 ) (d) (x + y)2 (x2 − xy + y 2 )(x2 + xy + y 2 )
(29) What are the factors of 2x2 − x − 1?
(a) (2x − 1)(x + 1) (b) (2x + 1)(x − 1) (c) (2x)(x − 1) (d) (x − 2)(x − 1)
(30) What is the complete factorization of 4x2 − 16?
(a) 2(x − 4)(x + 4) (c) 4(x − 4)

(b) 4(x − 2)(x + 2) (d) 2(x − 2)(x + 2)
(31) The prime factors of 64x3 y 2 are
(a) 16 · 4 · x3 · y 2 (b) 42 · 22 · x3 · y 2 (c) 26 · x3 · y 2 (d) 43 · x3 · y 2
(32) What are the factors of x2 − 4x + 3?
(a) (x − 3)(x + 1) (b) (x + 3)(x − 1) (c) (x − 3)(x − 1) (d) (x + 3)(x + 1)
(33) Which of the following expressions is NOT factorable?
(a) 14x2 + 7x − 21 (b) 8x3 + y 3 (c) x4 + 4x (d) 2x + y 2
(34) The factors of xy + 2x + y + 2 is
(a) x and (y + 2) (c) x, (x + 1) and (y + 2)

(b) (x + 1) and (y + 2) (d) x, (x + 2) and (y + 1)
(35) Which of the following is NOT a factor of x8 − y 8 ?
(a) x + y (b) x − y (c) x2 + y 2 (d) x3 + y 3
18
CHAPTER 2
Rational Expressions
Definition 2.0.10. A rational expression is an expression that can be written in the form
P
where P and Q are polynomials, Q 6= 0.
Q
2.1 Simplifying Rational Expressions

A rational expression is said to be in its simplest form if the greatest common factor of the
numerator and the denominator is 1.
To simplify a rational expression
1. Find the greatest common factor between the numerator and the denominator.
2. Factor out the GCF from the numerator and from the denominator.
3. Divide the common factor/s in the fraction to get the simplified form of the expression.
Example 2.1.1. Reduce the following fractions into its simplest form.
24ab (2b)(12a) 12a x2 − y 2 (x + y)(x − y)
1. = = 2. 2 2
= =
14bc (2b)(7c) 7c x + 2xy + y (x + y)(x + y)
(x − y)
(x + y)
Remark 2.1.2. Note that

a −a a −a
(i) = =− =−
b −b −b b

a −a a −a
(ii) − = − = =
b −b −b b
2.2 Operations on Rational Expressions

The operations on rational expressions can be done using the same methods applied on
rational numbers or fractions.
1. Addition (Subtraction) of Rational Expressions
Case 1: Similar Rational Expressions
Add (Subtract) their numerators to get the resulting numerator and copy the
common denominator.
19
Case 2: Dissimilar Rational Expressions
Convert the given expressions into similar fractions before performing the indi-
cated operation.
2. Multiplication of Rational Expressions

The product of two rational expressions is a rational expression whose numerator is
the product of the numerators of the given expressions and whose denominator is the
product of the denominators of the given expressions.
3. Division of Rational Expressions

Dividing rational expressions is the same as multiplying the dividend by the reciprocal
of the divisor.
N D
Recall that the reciprocal of a rational expression is .
D N
Example 2.2.1. Perform the indicated operations and simplify the final answer.

m 2m − 10 m − (2m − 10) m + (−2m + 10) −m + 10 10 − m
1. − = = = =
5 5 5 5 5 5
2
5x2 (x2 − 4)(x − 2) (5x2 )(3x)

x −4
2. + = +
3x x−2 (3x)(x − 2) (3x)(x − 2)
(x2 − 4)(x − 2) + (5x2 )(3x)

=
(3x)(x − 2)
(x )(x) + (x2 )(−2) + (−4)(x) + (−4)(−2) + (5x2 )(3x)
2
=
(3x)(x − 2)
x − 2x − 4x + 8 + 15x3
3 2
=
(3x)(x − 2)
16x − 2x2 − 4x + 8
3
=
(3x)(x − 2)
12ck 2
2
12ck 2 (12ck 2 )(13) 156ck 2 (12ck 2 )(13)

6c k 13
3. ÷ = × = = = =
4k 13 4k 6c2 k (4k)(6c2 k) 24c2 k 2 (12ck 2 )(2c)
13
2c
20
(x + 1) 6(x + 1) (x + 1)(6)(x + 1)
4. × =
(x − 1)(x + 2) 5(x − 1) (x − 1)(x + 2)(5)(x − 1)
(6)(x2 + 2x + 1)
=
(5)(x + 2)(x2 − 2x + 1)
6x2 + 12x + 6
=
(5x + 10)(x2 − 2x + 1)
6x2 + 12x + 6
=
5x3 − 10x2 + 5x + 10x2 − 20x + 10
6x2 + 12x + 6
=
5x3 − 15x + 10
2.3 Complex Fractions

Definition 2.3.1. A complex fraction is a fraction which has a fraction in its numerator
or in its denominator or in both.
To simplify a complex fraction, perform all the indicated operations in both the numerator
and in the denominator.
Example 2.3.2. Simplify the following complex fractions.

y 2 − x2
x2
y− 2
y − x2
2
y − x2
2
y − x2

y y x x
1. 2 = 2 2 = ÷ = × 2 =
y y −x y x y y −x 2 y
−x
x x
k k k
2. = =
1 1 1
1− 1− 1−
1

(k − 1) + 1 k
1+
k−1 k−1 k−1
k k k
= = =
k k−1 k−1
1− 1÷ 1− 1× 1−
k−1 k k

k k k 1
= = = =k÷ = k · k = k2
k − (k − 1) k−k+1 1 k
k k k
21
2.4 Integral Exponents Leading to Complex Fractions
Definition 2.4.1. For any positive integer n and for any nonzero real number x, y
1 −n
1. x0 = 1 2. x−n = n x y n
x 3. =
y x
Note: Algebraic expressions involving integral exponents leads to complex fractions.
Example 2.4.2. Simplify the following expressions.

c4

0 −2 4 1
1. a b c = (1) 2 (c4 ) = 2
b b
−3 −5 2 5
n2·5 n10 n10

m n 10 1
2. = = −3·5 = −15 = =n ÷ = n10 m15
n2 m−3 m m 1 m15
m15
1 1 b+a
−1
a +b −1 +
b+a

1

b+a

a+b

3. = a b = ab = ÷ = =
(a + b)−1 1 1 ab a+b ab 1
(a + b) (a + b)
(a + b)2
ab
22
Practice Exercises

3
(1) Which of the following is NOT equal to ?
7
−3

−3
(a) (c) −
−7 −7

−3 3
(b) − (d) −
7 −7
6x − 6y
(2) The simplified form of is
3x − 3y
(a) 0 (b) 2 (c) 2(x − y) (d) x − y
3
2x2 y

z
2x6 y 3 2x5 y 3 6x6 y 3 8x6 y 3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
z3 z3 z3 z3
x2 + x
(4) when reduced to lowest terms is equal to
x
(a) x (b) x − 1 (c) x + 1 (d) x2
12y 2 + y − 1
(5) is equal to
6y 2 − y − 1
4y − 1 2y − 1 2y + 1 4y + 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2y − 1 y−1 y+1 2y + 1
(6) The least common multiple of 9a2 − 1 and 9a + 3 is
(a) 9a2 + 3 (c) 3(3a + 1)(3a − 1)

(b) (3a + 1)(3a − 1) (d) 3(3a − 1)
1 2 3
(7) The sum of + 2 + 3 is
x x x
3 2
x + 2x + 3x 6 6 3 + 2x + x2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
x3 x + x2 + x3 x3 x3
6xy 4y 2
(8) The LCD of 2
, 3 2
and is
9x y 18x y 3xy
23
(a) 3xy (b) 18x2 y (c) 9x2 y (d) 18x3 y 2
4x − y 2y + 2
(9) What is the LCD of and ?
3x 6xy
(a) 6xy (b) 18xy (c) 3xy (d) 6x2 y
2x 3x 12x2
(10) The expression + − 2 is equal to
3x − 1 3x + 1 9x − 1
x 3x2 − 5x x 7x2 − 3x
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3x + 1 (3x − 1)(3x + 1) 3x − 1 (3x + 1)(3x − 1)
2 3
(11) The difference when is subtracted from is
8−x x−8
5 1
(a) (c)
x−8 x+8
1 5
(b) (d)
8−x 8−x
4 3 2
a 2b
(12) The simplified form of 2
is
2b a
(a) a9 b2 (b) a6 b2 (c) 2a2 b4 (d) 2a2 b7
7ab2 18ac 8b2 c

(13) · ÷ is equal to
6bc3 28a3 b 9a
2b2 c 27b2 c 27 27b2 c3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
a 32a 32b2 c3 32a
x2 y 3 2y 5
(14) The quotient of ÷ is
5x5 z 7 35x3 z 8
7z 2y 2 2z 7y 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2y 2 7z 7y 2 2z
1
1−
(15) The fraction 3 is equal to
2
4+
3
1 1 (c) 7 8
(a) (b) (d)
8 7 9
x2
y−
y
(16) Which is the simplified form of ?
y2
−x
x
24
x2 y y2 x
(a) 2 (b) (c) 2 (d) −
y x x y
3x2 y −3
(17) The simplest form of the expression is
6x−4 y −2
x6 x6 2y 2y 5
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2y 2y 5 x6 x6
−1
(18) Which of the following is equal to (x−1 + y −1 ) ?
1 xy x+y
(a) x + y (b) (c) (d)
x+y x+y xy
(19) (x + y)−1 (x−2 − y −2 ) is equal to
(a) y − x (b) x − y y−x 1

(c) (d)
(xy)2 x2 y 2
(20) Which expression is equivalent to 2a−1 + 3b−1 ?

1 2a + 3b −1 2b + 3a
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2a + 3b ab 2a + 3b ab
25
CHAPTER 3
Radicals and Rational Exponents
3.1 Basic Terms and Properties

Definition 3.1.1. If x, y are real numbers and n is a positive integer (n ≥ 2) such that
xn = y, then y is called an nth root of x.
The nth root of x is not unique, thus we define the principal nth root of x as
√

n the positive nth root of x if x > 0
x=
the negative nth root of x if x < 0
√
n
x is called a radical, where x is the radicand, and n is the order or index. The index
is usually omitted if n = 2.
√
Definition 3.1.2. For any positive integer n and any real number x, if n x is a real number
then √
1
x n = n x.
In general,√for any positive integers m, n which are relatively prime, and any real number x
for which n x is a real number  √ m
m
 ( n x)
xn = or
 p n
(xm )
Laws on Radicals √ √ √
Let x, y be real numbers and m, n be positive integers such that n x, n y, and mn x are real
numbers.
√ √
x n
x
r
1. ( n x)n = x 3. n = √
y n y
√ √ √ p√ √
2. n xy = n x n y 4. m n x = mn x
3.2 Simplifying Radicals

A radical is in its simplest form if it satisfies the following conditions:
1. The radicand contains no factor that is a power having an exponent greater than or
equal to the index.
If not, extract all possible roots of the factors in the radicand.
26
2. The index cannot be reduced any further.
If not, express the radical using rational exponents and reduce the rational exponent
to lowest term before expressing it back to radical form.
3. The radicand contains no fraction.

If not, rationalize the denominator of the fraction in the radicand.
To rationalize, multiply the both the numerator and the denominator of the radical
by a factor (which is also a radical) that would yield a product with no radicals in the
denominator.
4. There is no radical in the denominator of a fraction.

If not, rationalize the radical in the denominator of the fraction.
Example 3.2.1. Simplify the following expressions.

2 √
3
p p
1. 8 3 = 82 = 3 (23 )2 = 3 (22 )3 = 22 = 4
v v
s
3
u 4 !3 u 3 !4 3
−3 √
4 4 1 u4 1 u 4 1 1 1
2. 81 4 = 81−3 = =t =t = =
81 2 2 2 8
√ √ √ √ √
3. 200 = 100 · 2 = 100 · 2 = 10 2
√
6
√6 2 1 √
4. 49 = 72 = 7 6 = 7 3 = 3 7
r √ √ √ √ √
5 5 7 5 7 35
5. =√ ·√ = =
7 7 7 7 7
√ √ √ √
4 4 3+ 2 4(3 + 2) 12 + 4 2 12 + 4 2
6. √ = √ · √ = √ = =
3− 2 3− 2 3+ 2 32 − ( 2)2 9−2 7
√
4
p 2 1 √ √ √ √
7. 25x4 = 4 (5x2 )2 = (5x2 ) 4 = (5x2 ) 2 = 5x2 = 5 x2 = x 5
r √
3
√3
√
3
√
3
√3
√
3
√
3
√
3
5
3 m m5 m5 n2 m5 n2 m5 n2 m3 m2 n2
8. = √ = √ · √
3
= √3
= = =
√ n 3
n 3
n n 2 n 3 n n
3
m m2 n2
n
√ √ √ √
5x 5x 3 3 5x 3 3 5x 3 3 5x 3 3
9. √
3
= √3
·√ = √ = √ 3
=
9 9 33 3
27 33 3
27
3.3 Operations on Radicals
1. Addition (Subtraction) of Radicals
Radicals like algebraic expressions can be added (subtracted) if they are similar.
Definition 3.3.1. Two radicals are similar if they have the same index and the same
radicand.
√ √
Example 3.3.2. 4 3 x and −3w 3 x are similar radicals.
To add (subtract) two radicals, add (subtract) the coefficients outside the radical and
copy the common radical. Simplify if necessary.
Example 3.3.3. Perform the indicated operations and simplify if necessary.

√ √ √
1. 3 2 + 2 18 − 2
√ √ √ √ √ √
3 2 + 2 18 − 2 = 3 2 + 2 9 · 2 − 2
√ √ √
= 3 2 + 2 32 · 2 − 2
√ √ √ √
= 3 2 + 2 32 2 − 2
√ √ √
= 3 2+2·3 2− 2
√ √ √
= 3 2+6 2− 2
√
= (3 + 6 − 2) 2
√
= 7 2
√
4
√
2. 64 + 2 32
√
4
√ √
4
√
64 + 2 32 = 26 + 2 16 · 2
6 √
= 2 4 + 2 42 · 2
3 √ √
= 2 2 + 2 42 2
√ √
= 23 + (2 · 4) 2
√ √
= 22 · 2 + 8 2
√ √ √
= 22 2 + 8 2
√ √
= 2 2+8 2
√
= 10 2
28
√
3
√ √
3. 27x4 + 3 −64x7 + 7 3 x
√3
√
3
√ √3
p √
27x4 + −64x7 + 7 3 x = 33 x3 x + 3 (−4)3 x6 x + 7 3 x
√3
√
3 √ p √
3 √ √
= 33 x3 3 x + 3 (−4)3 x6 3 x + 7 3 x
√ √ √
= 3x 3 x + (−4x2 ) 3 x + 7 3 x
√
= (3x + (−4x2 ) + 7) 3 x
√
= (−4x2 + 3x + 7) 3 x
2. Multiplication of Radicals
Case 1: Radicals of the Same Order

Multiply the coefficients of each expression to get the coefficient of the product
and multiply the radicands of each expression to get the radicand of the product
and copy the common order or index.

√ √ √ p √
1. 3 2 · 3 2x · 3 3y = 3 (2)(2x)(3y) = 3 12xy
√ √ √ p √ √
2. r · 2r√3 · 5r5 = (r)(2r3 )(5r5 ) = 10r9 = 10r8 r
√ √
= 10r r8 = r4 10r
p p
3. 4 36x2 y 3 · 4 72x3 y
p4
p p p
36x2 y 3 · 4 72x3 y = 4 (22 · 32 )x2 · y 3 4 (23 · 32 )x3 · y
p
= 4 22 · 23 · 32 · 32 · x2 · x3 · y 3 · y
p
= 4 25 · 34 · x5 · y 4
p
= 4 24 · 2 · 34 · x4 · x · y 4
p √
4
= 4 24 · 34 · x4 · y 4 2x
√4
= 2 · 3x · y 2x
√
4
= 6xy 2x
Case 2: Radicals of Different Orders

Convert the radicals into their equivalent radicals such that they all have the same
indices and apply the rule for Case 1.
29
√ √ √
1. x · 3 x · 4 x
1 1 1 6 4 3
= x√ 2 · x 3 · x 4 = x 12 · x 12 · x 12
12
√
12
√
12
√
12
= √x6 · x√4 · x3 =√ x6√· x4 · x3
12 12 12
= √ x13 = x12 x = x12 12 x
= x 12 x
√ √ 1 1
3 2 2 3
2. 3xp
2· 2x = p (3x2 ) 3 · (2x)
p 2 = (3x ) 6 · (2x) 6
p
=p 6
(3x2 )2 · 6 (2x)3 = 6 (32 ) √ · (x2 )2 · 6 (23 ) · (x
√
3)
6 6
=√ 6
(32 ) · (x2√ )2 · (23 ) · (x3 ) = 9 · x4 · 8 · x3 = 72x7
6 6
√
= √ 72x6 x = x6 6 72x
= x 6 72x
3. Division of Radicals
Write the expression in fractional form and rationalize the denominator.

√
√ √
6
9x4

36 x6 36 x 9 6−2
9 4
1. 36 x ÷ 8 x = √
6 2 = · = · x = · x =
8 x2 8 x2 2 2 2
√ √ √
2. (3 6a3 − 5 4a) ÷ 2a
√ √
√ √ √ (3 6a 3 − 5 4a)
(3 6a3 − 5 4a) ÷ 2a = √
2a
√ √ √ √ √ √
(3 6a3 − 5 4a) 2a (3 6a3 − 5 4a) 2a
= √ · √ = √
2a a 4a2
√ √ √ √
(3 6a3 )( 2a) − (5 4a)( 2a)
=
p 2a p
3
3 (6a )(2a) − 5 (4a)(2a)
=
√ √2a √ √
3 12a − 5 8a2
4 3 3 · 4 · a4 − 5 4 · 2 · a2
= =
√ √2a √ √ 2a√ √
4 2 2
3 4a 3 − 5 4a 2 3 · (2a ) 3 − 5 · (2a) 2
= =
√ 2a √ 2a
2a(3a 3 − 5 2) √ √
= = 3a 3 − 5 2
2a
30
Practice Exercises

2
(1) Another way of writing (x + y) 5 is
p p 2 2 p
(a) 5 (x + y)2 (b) (x + y)5 (c) x 5 + y 5 (d) 5
x2 + y 2
3

(2) − 9 2 is equal to
(a) −27 (b) −3 (c) 18 (d) 81

1 1
(3) The product of x 4 and x 8 is
1 1 1 3
(a) x 12 (b) x 6 (c) x 32 (d) x 8
√
2xy
(4) The expression p when simplified is equal to
√
4
4x2 y 2 √
2xy 2xy 1 (d) 1
(a) (b) p (c)
2xy 4x2 y 2 2
− 12
x−2 y 6

(5) When simplified, the expression is
9
3y 3x x xy 3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
x3 y3 3y 3 3
(6) Which of the following expressions is NOT equal to 1?

0
√ √ √
(a) (3x2 ) (b) 1 3x + 4 (d) −1
(c) √
4 + 3x
2 5
(7) The product x 3 y 6 can be written in radical form as
p p p p
(a) 3 x2 y 5 (b) 6 x4 y 5 (c) y 3 x2 y 2 (d) 6
x2 y 5
31
r
x
(8) What is the simplified form of ?
y
√ √ √ x
x xy xy (d)
(a) (b) √ (c) y
y y y
2
(9) When simplified, √ is equal to
√ 2+ 2 √
√ √
2− 2 (b) 2 + 2 (c) 2 − 2 2+ 2
(a) (d)
2 2
1 3
(10) All of the following are equal to x 2 y 4 EXCEPT
√ p 1 p 14
(a) x 4 y 3 (b) (y 3 x2 ) 4 (c) 4 x2 y 3
1 1
(d) x4 y 2
√
(11) The simplified form of 48a4 b3 c is
√ √ √ √
(a) 3abc (b) 16a2 b 3bc (c) 4a2 b 3bc (d) 4a 3b3 c
√ √ √
(12) The sum of 18, 50 and − 32 is
√ √ √
(a) 4 2 (b) 4 (c) 12 2 (d) 6 2
p √ p
(13) The simplified form of 20x3 y + x 45xy − 5x3 y
√ √ √ √
(a) 4x 5xy (b) 12x 5xy (c) 10x 5xy (d) x 5xy
√ √
(14) The simplest form of 2r5 t3 − r5 t6 is
√ √ √ √
(a) r2 t 2rt − r2 t3 r (c) 2r2 t rt − r2 t3 t
√ √ √
(b) (r2 t − r2 t3 ) 2rt − r (d) r4 t4 2rt
√ p√
3
√
6
(15) 8− 8− 8 is equal to
√ √
(a) 0 (b) 2 (c) 1 (d) 8
32
1 2
(16) The product of 9a 2 and (8a) 3 is equal to
1 7 7 7
(a) 72a 3 (b) 36a 6 (c) 12a 6 (d) 72a 6
p p
(17) The product of 18x2 y and 2xy 3 , in simplest form, is
√ √ √ √
(a) 36xy 2 x (b) 9xy 2 x (c) 2xy 2 5x (d) 6xy 2 x
√ √
(18) The product x−y−3 x − y + 3 is equal to
(a) x − y − 3 (c) (x − y)2 − 3

(b) (x − y)2 − 9 (d) x − y − 9
√ √
2 3−3 2
(19) The radical expression √ √ when rationalized is
√ 4 3 + 2 2√ √ √
9+4 6 −9 + 4 6 9−4 6 (d) 2 + 3 6
(a) (b) (c)
10 10 10
√ √
(20) As a single radical, 3 3 · 2 can be written as
√ √ √ √
(a) 5 6 (b) 6 6 (c) 6 36 (d) 6
72
33
CHAPTER 4
Linear and Quadratic Equations and Inequalities
4.1 Equations
Definition 4.1.1. An equation is a statement that shows two quantities or expressions are
equal. An equation may be true only for some values of the variable/s.
The value of the variable that makes a statement true is called solution or root of the
equation.
To solve an equation is to determine its solution/s.

Properties of Equality
If a and b represent the same quantity, then a = b. (read ”a equals b or a is equal to b.)
1. Substitution Property of Equality

If a, b are real numbers and a = b, then a may be replaced by b or b may be replaced
by a in any statement without changing the meaning of the statement.
2. Reflexive Property of Equality

If a is real number, then a = a.
3. Symmetric Property of Equality

If a, b are real numbers and a = b, then b = a.
4. Transitive Property of Equality

If a, b, c are real numbers, a = b, and b = c, then a = c.
5. Addition Property of Equality (APE)

If a, b, c are real numbers and a = b, then a + c = b + c.
6. Multiplication Property of Equality (MPE)

If a, b, c are real numbers and a = b, then ac = bc.
7. Property of Zero Product

If a, b are real numbers and ab = 0, then either a = 0 or b = 0.
8. Square Root Property √

x2 = c is equivalent to x = ± c.
34
4.2 Linear Equations in One Variable
Definition 4.2.1. A linear equation in one variable is an first-degree equation that can
be written in the form ax + b = 0 where a, b are real numbers and a 6= 0.
To solve a linear equation in one variable, apply the Addition Property of Equality (APE)
and the Multiplication Property of Equality (MPE).
Example 4.2.2. Solve for the value of x.
1. x + 7 = 18 2. 3x − 5 = 2x − 4
3x − 5 = 2x − 4
x + 7 = 18 3x − 2x = −4 + 5
x = 18 − 7 x = 1
x = 11
4.3 Linear Equations Involving Absolute Values

Definition 4.3.1. If a is a real number, then the absolute value of a, denoted by |a| is
given by,
a if a ≥ 0
|a| =
−a if a < 0
We consider three cases in solving linear equations involving absolute values.
Case 1: Equations of the form |u| = k where u is a linear expression in one variable and k is
a constant.
If k ≥ 0, then the equation |u| = k is equivalent to u = k and u = −k.
If k < 0,then |u| = k has no solution.
Example 4.3.2. Solve the following equations.

1. |5x − 4| = 0
|5x − 4| = 0 ⇔ 5x − 4 = 0
⇔ 5x = 4
4
⇔ x=
5
35
2. |2x − 3| = 5
|2x − 3| = 5 ⇔ 2x − 3 = 5 or 2x − 3 = −5
⇔ 2x = 5 + 3 2x = −5 + 3
⇔ 2x = 8 2x = −2
⇔ x=4 x = −1
3. |4x + 3| = −7
Since k = −7 < 0 the equation has no solution.
Case 2: Equations of the form |u| = |v| where u and v are linear expression in one variable.
|u| = |v| is equivalent to u = v or u = −v.
Example 4.3.3. Solve the following equations.

1. |3 − x| = |x + 2|
|3 − x| = |x + 2| ⇔ 3 − x = (x + 2) or 3 − x = −(x + 2)
⇔ 3−x=x+2 3 − x = −x − 2
⇔ 3−2=x+x 3 + 2 = −x + x
⇔ 1 = 2x 5= 6 0
1
⇔ x= no solution
2
2. |4x − 5| = |1 − 2x|
|4x − 5| = |1 − 2x| ⇔ 4x − 5 = 1 − 2x 4x − 5 = −1 + 2x
⇔ 4x + 2x = 1 + 5 4x − 2x = −1 + 5
⇔ 6x = 6 2x = −4
⇔ x=1 and x = −2
Case 3: Equations of the form |u| = v where u and v are linear expression in one variable.
The solutions of |u| = v are solutions of either u = v or u = −v or both. To identify
which is/are the solution/s, we substitute the obtained solutions for |u| = |v| to the
equation |u| = v. The value/s which will satisfy |u| = v are the solutions to the given
equation.
36

x − 4 x
Example 4.3.4. Find the solution/s of
= .
5 4

x − 4 x x − 4 x x−4 x
=
5 4 ⇔ = or = −
5 4 5 4
x−4 x x−4 −x
⇔ = =
5 4 5 4
x−4 x x−4 −x
⇔ 20 = 20 20 = 20
5 4 5 4
⇔ 4(x − 4) = 5(x) 4(x − 4) = 5(−x)
⇔ 4x − 16 = 5x 4x − 16 = −5x
⇔ 4x − 5x = 16 4x + 5x = 16
⇔ −x = 16 9x = 16
16
⇔ x = −16 x=
9
16
if x = −16 if x=
9
16 16

− 4

−16 − 4 −16
9
⇔ = = 9

5 4 5 4

16 − 36

−20 −16
9
16 1
⇔ 5 = 4 = ·

5 9 4

−20

9 4

⇔ |−4| = −4 =
5 9

−20 1 4
⇔ 4 6= −4 9 · 5 = 9

−4 4
⇔ x = −16 is not a solution =
9 9
4 ( 4
⇔ =
9 9
4
⇔ x = is the solution
9
37
Example 4.3.5. Find the solution/s of |3x − 4| = x + 1.
|3x − 4| = x + 1 ⇔ 3x − 4 = (x + 1) or 3x − 4 = −(x + 1)
⇔ 3x − 4 = x + 1 3x − 4 = −x − 1
⇔ 3x − x = 1 + 4 3x + x = −1 + 4
⇔ 2x = 5 4x = 3
5 3
⇔ x= x=
2 4
5 3
if x= if x=
2 4
5 5 3 3
⇔ 2 − 4 = 2 + 1
3
4 − 4 = 4 + 1
3

15
− 4 = 5 + 1
9
− 4 = 3 + 1

⇔ 2 2 4 4

15 − 8 5 + 2 9 − 16 3 + 4
⇔ 2 = 2

4 = 4

7 7 −7 7
⇔ =
2 2
=
4 4
7 ( 7 7 ( 7
⇔ = =
2 2 4 4
4.4 Quadratic Equations in One Variable

Definition 4.4.1. A quadratic equation in one variable is a second-degree equation
that can be written in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 where a, b, c are real numbers and a 6= 0.
Methods of Solving Quadratic Equations in One Variable
1. Factoring
Consider a quadratic equation in standard form with the left member being factorable.
Factor the left-hand side of the equation and apply the Property of Zero Product to
find the solution of the equation.
2. Completing the Squares

Consider the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a > 0.
(a) If a = 1, write the equation in the form x2 + bx = −c.

If a 6= 1, divide both sides of the equation by a and write the resulting equation
in the form x2 + bx = −c.
(b) From the equation in (a), take half of the coefficient of x, square it and add the
result to both sides of the equation. The left member of the resulting equation
will be a perfect square trinomial.
38
(c) Write the left-side of the equation in factored form and apply the Square Root
Property.
3. Quadratic Formula
The roots of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a 6= 0 can be obtained
using the formula √
−b ± b2 − 4ac
x=
2a
Example 4.4.2. Given x2 + x − 20 = 0. Solve for the value/s of x using all the
methods described above. Solution:
• Using Factoring:
Observe that the left-hand side of the equation can be factored as (x+5)(x−4).
Thus we have (x + 5)(x − 4) = 0. By the Property of Zero Product, we have
x + 5 = 0 and x − 4 = 0. Hence we find that x = −5 and x = 4. Thus, the
solution set S = {−5, 4}.
• Using Completing the Square:

Since the coefficienct of x2 in the given equation is 1, we write the equation in the
form x2 + bx = −c. Thus we have 2
x2 + x = 20. Now we add to both sides of the
2
b 1 1 1 1
equation the value of = = . Hence we have x2 +x+ = 20+ ⇐⇒
2 2 4 4 4
2 2 2 2
1 (20)(4) + 1 1 81 1 9
x+ = ⇐⇒ x + = ⇐⇒ x + = . Now
2 4 2 4 2 2
1 9
by applying the square root property we get x + = ± . Solving for the values
2 2
1 9
of x we have x = − ± , which gives us x = 4 and x = −5. Thus, the solution
2 2
set is again S = {−5, 4}.
• Using the Quadratic Formula:

Observepthat in the given equation √a = 1, b = 1 and√c = −20. Thus x =
−(1) ± (1)2 − 4(1)(−20) −1 ± 1 + 80 −1 ± 81 −1 ± 9
= = = . This
2(1) 2 2 2
results to x = −5 and x = 4. Thus the solution set is also S = {−5, 4}.
Remark 4.4.3. In the quadratic formula, the radicand D = b2 − 4ac, called the discrim-
inant, describes the nature of the roots of the quadratic equation even if the roots are not
known.
If D > 0 the roots are real and unequal.
39
If D = 0 the roots are real and equal.
If D < 0 the roots are nonreal(complex) and unequal.
Example 4.4.4. Determine the nature of the roots of the following quadratic equa-
tions.
1. 4x2 − 3x − 2 = 0
Observe that in the given equation a = 4, b = −3 and c = −2. Thus D =
b2 − 4ac = (−3)2 − (4)(4)(−2) = 9 + 32 = 41. Now since D = 41 > 0, the roots
of 4x2 − 3x − 2 = 0 are real and unequal.
2. 8x2 − 12x + 5 = 0
Note that a = 8, b = −12 and c = 5. Thus D = b2 − 4ac = (−12)2 − (4)(8)(5) =
144 − 160 = −16. Since D = −16 < 0, the roots of 4x2 − 3x − 2 = 0 are nonreal
(complex) and unequal.
3. 4x2 − 12x − 9 = 0 Observe that a = 4, b = −12 and c = −9. Hence D =

b2 − 4ac = (−12)2 − (4)(4)(−9) = 144 − 144 = 0. Therefore since D = 0, the
roots of 4x2 − 3x − 2 = 0 are real (complex) and equal.
Remark 4.4.5. If the roots r1 and r2 of a quadratic equation are given, the quadratic
equation is given by
x2 − (r1 + r2 )x + r1 r2 = 0.
Therefore, given a quadratic equation of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 and its roots r1 and r2 ,
observe that the sum of the roots,
b
r1 + r2 = −
a
and the product of the roots,
c
r 1 r2 = .
a
Example 4.4.6. Find a quadratic equation with the following roots.

2
1. ; −2
5
Solution:
2 2 2 + (−10) 8
Let r1 = and r2 = −2. Then r1 + r2 = + (−2) = =− .
5 5 5 5
2 (2)(−2) −4
Moreover, r1 r2 = (−2) = = .
5 5 5
−8 −4 8 4
Thus x2 − x+ = 0 ⇔ x2 + x − = 0.
5 5 5 5
Note that the quadratic equations with these roots is not unique. Another
equation with these roots is 5x2 + 8x − 4 = 0.
40
2. 3; 5
Solution:
Let r1 = 3 and r2 = 5. Then r1 + r2 = 3 + 5 = 8. Moreover, r1 r2 = (3)(5) = 15.
Thus x2 − (3)x + 5 = 0 ⇔ x2 − 3x + 5 = 0.
3 1
3. − ; −
4 2
Solution:
3 1 3 1 (−3) + (−2)
Let r1 = − and r2 = − . Then r1 + r2 = − + − = =
4 2 4 2 4
5
− .
4
3 1 (−3)(−1) 3
Moreover, r1 r2 = − − = = .
4 2 (4)(2) 8
5 3 5 3
Thus x2 − − x+ = 0 ⇔ x2 + x + = 0.
4 8 4 8
2
We can also write 8x + 10x + 3 = 0 as the equation with these roots.
4.5 Applications of Linear and Quadratic Equations

A word problem describes a situation involving both known and unknown quantities. Many
real life probles can be solved by expressing them as word problems that often lead to
equations.
The equation that represents a word problem is called a mathematical model. The success in
working out word problem depends largely on one’s ability to translate into a mathematical
model the word problem.
Steps in Solving a Word Problem
(1) Read the problem carefully and make sure that the situation is thoroughly understood.
(2) Identify the quantities, both known and unknown that are involved in the problem.
(3) Select one of the unknown quantities and represent it by a variable and then express
any other unknown in terms of this variable, if possible.
(4) Search the problem for information that tells what quantities or combination of them
are equal. Often, making a sketch helps to carry out this step.
(5) Write an equation using the expressions formed in (4). Carrying through the calcula-
tions with an initial guess sometimes helps to clarify the relationship between variables.
(6) Solve the equation obtained in (5).
41
(7) Check the solution in the original problem. This step is critical since the main goal is
to find a solution of the stated problem rather than of the equation that was written.
(8) Write the answer to the original problem.
Solve the following problems using linear equations:
Example 4.5.1. A 30-year old father has a 4-year old son. In how many years will
the father be thrice as old as his son?
Solution:
We want to determine the number of years the father’s age will be thrice the son’s
age. Thus we let x be the number of years the father’s age will be thrice the son’s
age. Now observe that the following information can be obtained from the problem:
Present Age Age after x years

Father 30 30 + x .
Son 4 4+x
Thus we have 30 + x = 3(4 + x). Hence solving for x we find that x = 9. Thus, the
father’s age will be thrice the son’s age after 9 years.
Example 4.5.2. The sum of the digits of a two-digit number is 12. The value of
the number is 6 less than 9 times the units digit. What is the number?
Solution:
Let x = units digit; 12 − x = tens digit.
10(12 − x) + x = 9x − 6
120 − 10x + x = 9x − 6
120 + 6 = 9x + 9x
126 = 18x
x = 7
12 − x = 12 − 7 = 5
The number is 57.
42
Example 4.5.3. How many liters of a 70% alcohol solution should be added to 200
liters of a 20% alcohol solution to make it 35% pure?
Solution:
Alcohol (in %) Alcohol Solution (in Liters) Alcohol (in Liters)
70% alcohol x 0.7x
.
20% alcohol 200 (0.2)(200)
35% alcohol 200 + x (0.35)(200 + x)
0.7x + (0.2)(200) = (0.35)(200 + x)

0.7x + 40 = 70 + 0.35x
0.7x − 0.35x = 70 − 40
0.35x = 30
x = 85.7143
85.7143 liters of 70% alcohol solution must be added to 200 liters of 20% alcohol
solution to get a 35% alcohol.
Solve the following problems using quadratic equations:
Example 4.5.4. Working together, Michael and Miguel can finish fixing a car in
two days. Working alone, Michael took three days longer than Miguel to finish the
job. How long did it take each to finish the job alone? Solution:
number of days part of job finished in 1 day

1
Michael x+3
x+3
1
Miguel x
x
1
together 2
2
Since the part of the job that Michael and Miguel can together is the same as the
combined part of the job that they can finish individually, we have the following
equation:
1 1 1
+ =
x+3 x 2
43
(Continuation)
Solving this equation, we have

1 1 1
(2)(x)(x + 3) + = (2)(x)(x + 3)
x+3 x 2
(2)(x) + (2)(x + 3) = (x)(x + 3)
2x + 2x + 6 = x2 + 3x
4x + 6 = x2 + 3x
2
x −x−6 = 0
(x − 3)(x + 2) = 0
Therefore x − 3 = 0 or x + 2 = 0. Thus either x = 3 or x = −2 but since x stands for

the the number of days, x cannot be negative so we have x = 3 days. Thus, Miquel
can finish the job in 3 days while Michael can finish the job in x + 3 = 3 + 3 = 6 days.
Example 4.5.5. The height of a triangle is 2cm more than its base. If its area is
40cm2 , what is the height of the triangle?
Solution:
Let x be the length of the base of the triangle. Thus the height of the triangle is
1
x + 2. Now recall that the area of a triangle, A = bh. Hence we have the equation
2
1 1
40 = (x)(x + 2) ⇐⇒ 40 = (x2 + 2x) ⇐⇒ 40(2) = (x2 + 2x) ⇐⇒ 0 =
2 2
x2 + 2x − 80. Observe that the resulting equation is quadratic and is factorable, thus
we can solve it by using Factoring Method. Note that factoring the right-hand side
gives us 0 = (x + 10)(x − 8). Thus solving for x we get x = −10 and x = 8. Since
x represents the base and base is a nonnegative number, we have the base x = 8cm.
Thus the height of the triangle is x + 2 = 8 + 2 = 10cm.
4.6 Inequalities
Definition 4.6.1. An inequality is a statement that one quantity or expression is greater
than or less than another quantity or expression.
The set of values that makes an inequality true is called a solution set.
To solve an inequality is to look for the values of the variable that satisfies the given inequality.
Properties of Inequality
For any real numbers a, b, and c,
1. a − b > 0 if a > b
a − b < 0 if a < b.
44
2. Closure Property of Inequality
If a > 0 and b > 0, then a + b > 0 and ab > 0.
3. Transitive Property of Inequality

If a < b and b < c, then a < c.
4. Continued Inequality
If a < b and b < c, then a < b < c.
5. Addition Property of Inequality

If a < b and c is a real number, then a + c < b + c.
6. Multiplication Property of Inequality

Suppose a < b.
Case 1: If c > 0, then ac < bc.
Case 2: If c < 0, then ac > bc.
Remark 4.6.2. Instead of using sets to display the solution to an inequality an interval is
often used. The representations are as follow:
set notation interval notation
{x < b} (−∞, b)
{x ≤ b} (−∞, b]
{x > a} (a, ∞)
{x ≥ a} [a, ∞)
{a < x < b} (a, b)
{a ≤ x < b} [a, b)
{a < x ≤ b} (a, b]
{a ≤ x ≤ b} [a, b]
Note that the symbol ”∞” means infinity and that we use parenthesis ”(”, ”)” when the
inequality is strict, that is, it is either a < or a > relationship and a square bracket ”[”, ”]”
is used if the inequality is either ≥ or ≤ .
4.7 Linear Inequality in One Variable

To solve a linear inequality in one variable, apply the Addition Property of Inequality and
the Multiplication Property of Inequality.
45
Example 4.7.1. Solve the following linear inequalities.
1. 2x − 4 > 3x + 3 1 3 3 1
2. x− ≤ x+
6 4 8 2

1 3 3 1
2x − 4 > 3x + 3 24 x− ≤ 24 x+
6 4 8 2
2x − 3x > 3+4 4x − 18 ≤ 9x + 12
−x > 7 4x − 9x ≤ 12 + 18
x < −7 −5x ≤ 30
x ≥ −6
4.8 Quadratic Inequalities in One Variable

Quadratic Inequalities in One Variable are solved by using the Split-point Method.
Steps:
1. Put all the terms of the inequalities on one side (preferably to the left) and write the
left-hand side expression in the form ax2 + bx + c.
2. By factoring, factor the left-hand side of the inequality and determine the roots of the
left-hand side of the inequality as if it is an equation.
3. Determine the intervals before and after each of the obtained solutions and analyze the
values of the inequality in each interval. The interval/s which satisfy the inequality
will be its solution set.
Example 4.8.1. Find the solution set of 3x2 − 16 < 2x.

Solution:
3x2 − 2x − 16 < 0
(3x − 8)(x + 2) < 0
8
Roots: and −2
3
46
(Continuation)
Analysis:
Intervals (3x − 8) (x + 2) (3x − 8)(x + 2)
x < −2 − − +
8
−2 < x < − + −
3
8
x> + − +
3
Since the left-hand side of the inequality must be less than 0, the solution set is
8
−2 < x < .
3
Example 4.8.2. Find the solution set of 2x2 − 7x − 4 ≥ 0.

Solution:
2x2 − 7x − 4 ≥ 0
(2x + 1)(x − 4) ≥ 0
1
Roots: − and 4
2
Analysis:
Intervals (2x + 1) (x − 4) (2x + 1)(x − 4)
1
x≤− − − +
2
1
− ≤x≤4 + − −
2
x≥4 + + +
Since the left-hand side of the inequality must be greater than 0, the solution set is
1[
x≤− x ≥ 4.
2
47
Practice Exercises
(1) The solution of the linear equation 4x − 2 = 2 is
(a) x = 0 (b) x = 1 (c) x = −1 (d) x = 4
(2) The equation 4x + 5 = 3x − 7 is true when x is equal to

12 (b) 2 (c) −12 2
(a) (d)
7 7
(3) The value of x in the equation 3x − 5 = 5 − 2x is
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 3
4 2 x − 10
(4) The solution of the equation − = 2
x+2 x−2 x −4
(a) 2 (b) −2 (c) 1 (d) ∅
2 5
(5) The value of x in − = 0 is
6x − 7 3x − 4
8 1 31 9
(a) (b) (c) (d)
9 8 12 8
(6) A plastic folder costs P25. How much will x folders cost if the total cost is represented
by y?
(a) y = x + 25 (b) x = 25 + y (c) x + y = 25 (d) y = 25x
(7) Angie is five years older than Greg. Three years ago, she was twice as old as Greg.
How old is Greg now?
(a) 6 (b) 8 (c) 13 (d) 15
48
(8) The solution set of |7x − 5| = 9 is

−4 4
(a) 2, (c) 2,
7 7

4 −4
(b) −2, (d) −2,
7 7
(9) Which of the following is a solution of the equation |x − 1| = 2x?
(a) −1 1 1 (d) both a and b

(b) (c)
3 2
(10) The solutions of the quadratic equation x(x − 2) = 3 are

3 (b) {3, −1} 3 (d) {−3, 1}
(a) 3, − (c) −3,
2 2
(11) The roots of the equation x2 + 3x − 10 = 0 are
(a) 5 and −2 (b) 10 and 1 (c) −5 and 2 (d) −5 and −2
(12) The sum of the roots of the quadratic equation 2x2 − 4x − 5 = 0 is

5 5 (c) −2 (d) 2
(a) − (b)
2 4
(13) The product of the roots of the equation x2 − 3x + 2 = 0 is
(a) −2 (b) 2 (c) −3 (d) 3
(14) Which of the following is TRUE about the nature of the roots of 2x2 − x − 3 = 0?
(a) The roots are real and unequal. (c) The roots are imaginary and unequal.
(b) The roots are real and equal. (d) The roots are imaginary and equal.
(15) What is the value of the discriminant of the quadratic equation 5x2 − 3x + 2 = 0?
(a) D = 7 (b) D = 49 (c) D = −31 (d) D = 31
49
√ √
(16) Which quadratic equation has 1 + 3 and 1 − 3 for its roots?
(a) x2 + 2x − 2 = 0 (c) x2 − 2x − 2 = 0
(b) x2 − 2x + 2 = 0 (d) x2 + 2x + 2 = 0
(17) Using the method of completing the square in solving the equation x2 − 7x + 4 = 0 the
constant term to be introduced is
49 9 (c) 4 (d) none of these
(a) (b)
4 4
(18) The solution of the linear inequality 4x − 8 ≤ 6x + 10 is
(a) x ≤ 2 (b) x ≤ −9 (c) x ≥ −9 (d) x ≥ 2
(19) The solution set of 3x + 1 > 6x − 2 is
(a) x > 1 (b) x < 1 (c) x > −1 (d) x < −1
(20) The solution of the inequality 7 < 4 − 3x < 13 is
(a) −1 < x < −3 (b) −1 > x > −3 (c) 1 < x < 3 (d) 1 > x > 3
(21) If x + 1 < 11, then the solution set is
(a) (−∞, 10) (b) (10, ∞) (c) (−10, ∞) (d) (−∞, 10)
(22) The solution set of the inequality 2x − 3 ≤ 5 is given by
(a) (−∞, 4) (c) (−∞, 4]

(b) (4, +∞) (d) [4, +∞)
3x
(23) The solution set of the inequality 1 − < 0 is
5

5 5
(a) −∞, (c) − , ∞
3 3

5 5
(b) −∞, − (d) ,∞
3 3
50
(24) The solution set of 6x2 + 7x − 20 ≥ 0 is

5 S 4 5 4
(a) −∞, − , +∞ (c) − ,
2 3 2 3

4 S 5 4 5
(b) −∞, − , +∞ (d) − ,
3 2 3 2
(25) The solution set to the inequality (x − 1)2 ≤ 0 is given by
(a) the set of real numbers (c) {1}

(b) (1, ∞) (d) ∅
51
CHAPTER 5
Systems of Linear Equations
5.1 Basic Concepts

Definition 5.1.1. A system of linear equations is a set of two or more linear equations
that are considered simultaneously.
Three Kinds of Systems of Linear Equations
1. Consistent System - a system having a finite number of solutions.
2. Inconsistent System - a system that has no solution.
3. Dependent System - a system having an infinite number of solutions.
To solve a system of linear equations means to find its solution set.
Methods of Solving a System of Linear Equations
1. Substitution Method
Substitution method is executed as follows:
(a) Solve one of the unknown in one of the equation in terms of the other unknowns.
(b) Substitute this expression in the other equations.
(c) Solve the resulting equation in step (b).
(d) Substitute the value obtained in step (c) back into the equation formed in step
(a) to find the value of the other unknown.
2. Elimination Method
Elimination method is done as follows:
(a) Multiply each equation in the system by an appropriate nonzero real number so
that one of the unknown can be eliminated by the process of addition.
Note: This step may be unnecessary.
(b) Add the resulting equations from step (a) and solve for one of the unknown.
(c) Substitute the result in step (b) back in any of the original equations to find the
value of the other unknowns.
52
5.2 Systems of Two Linear Equations in Two Unknowns
Definition 5.2.1. A system of two linear equations in two unknowns is a set of two
linear equations of the form ax + by + c = 0, where a, b, c are constants with a and b not
simultaneously zero unless c is also zero. In symbols, we write the system as
a1 x + b 1 y + c 1 = 0
a2 x + b 2 y + c 2 = 0
A solution to this system is an ordered pair that satisfies both equations.
Remark 5.2.2. Even without solving, we can identify the type of system the given is by
using the fact that:
a1 b 1 a1 c1 b1 c1
(i) If 6= ; 6= and 6= then the system is consistent or independent.
a2 b 2 a2 c2 b2 c2
a1 b 1 a1 c1 b1 c1
(ii) If = ; 6= and 6= then the system is inconsistent.
a2 b 2 a2 c2 b2 c2
a1 b1 c1
(iii) If = = then the system is dependent.
a2 b2 c2

x + y = 30
Example 5.2.3. Solve .
x − y = 20
Solution:
Solve this system of equations by substi- To get the value of y corresponding to

tution. x = 25, we substitute x = 25 to y = x−20
First, we solve for y in (2). Doing so, we and we get y = 25 − 20 = 5. Hence, y = 5.
get y = x − 20. Thus, we find that the solution to this sys-
Substitute y = x − 20 to equation (1). tem of equations is {(25, 5)}.
x + (x − 20) = 30
2x − 20 = 30
2x = 30 + 20
2x = 50
x = 25
53

4x + 5y − 2 = 0
Example 5.2.4. Solve .
2x − 7y − 20 = 0
Solution:
Multiply equation (2) by (-2). Solve for x by substituting the obtained

4x + 5y − 2 = 0 value of y in equation (1).
(−2) (2x − 7y − 20 = 0)
By the method of elimination, eliminate 4x + 5y − 2 = 0 ⇔ 4x + 5(−2) − 2 = 0
x by addition. ⇔ 4x − 10 − 2 = 0
4x + 5y − 2 = 0 ⇔ 4x − 12 = 0
+ −4x + 14y + 40 = 0
⇔ 4x = 12
19y + 38 = 0
⇔ x = 3.
Solve for y in the resulting equation.
19y + 38 = 0 ⇔ 19y = −38 Therefore, the solution to this system of
⇔ y = −2. linear equations is {(3, −2)}
5.3 Systems of Three Linear Equations in Three Unknowns

Definition 5.3.1. A system of three linear equations in three unknowns is a set of
three linear equations of the form ax + by + cz + d = 0, where a, b, c, d are constants with
a, b and c not all zero unless d is also zero. In symbols, we write the system as
a1 x + b1 y + c1 z + d1 = 0
a2 x + b2 y + c2 z + d2 = 0
a3 x + b3 y + c3 z + d3 = 0
A solution to this system is an ordered triple that satisfies all equation.
54

 3x − 5y + z − 9 = 0
Example 5.3.2. Solve 4x − y + 2z − 6 = 0 .
x − 2y + 3z − 2 = 0

Solution:
Solve for y in the resulting equation.

3x − 5y + z − 9 = 0 (1)
4x − y + 2z − 6 = 0 (2) −23y − 23 = 0 ⇔ −23y = 23
x − 2y + 3z − 2 = 0 (3) ⇔ y = −1.
Using equations (1) and (2) eliminate z
by multiplying (1) by (-2) then adding Solve for x by substituting the obtained
the resulting equation to equation (2) to value of y in equation (4).
get equation (4).
−2x + 9y + 12 = 0
(−2) (3x − 5y + z − 9 = 0 )
4x − y + 2z − 6 = 0 ⇔ −2x + 9(−1) + 12 = 0
−6x + 10y − 2z + 18 = 0 ⇔ −2x − 9 + 12 = 0
4x − y + 2z − 6 = 0 ⇔ −2x = 9 − 12
−2x + 9y + 12 = 0 (4) ⇔ −2x = −3
Again, using equations (1) and (3) elimi- 3
⇔ x=
nate z by multiplying (1) by (-3) and then 2
adding the resulting equation to equation
Solve for z by substituting the obtained
(3) to get equation (5).
values of x and y in equation (3).
(−3) (3x − 5y + z − 9 = 0 )
x − 2y + 3z − 2 = 0 x − 2y + 3z − 2 = 0
−9x + 15y − 3z + 27 = 0
3
x − 2y + 3z − 2 = 0 ⇔ − 2(−1) + 3z − 2 = 0
2
−8x + 13y + 25 = 0 (5)
3
Now using equations (4) and (5) eliminate ⇔ + 2 + 3z − 2 = 0
2
x by multiplying (4) by (-4), then adding
3
the resulting equation to equation (5) to ⇔ 3z = −
obtain a linear equation in y. 2
1
(−4) (−2x + 9y + 12 = 0) ⇔ z=−
−8x + 13y + 25 = 0 2
8x − 36y − 48 = 0 Therefore, the solution
to this system
of
−8x + 13y + 25 = 0 3 1
linear equations is , −1, − .
−23y − 23 = 0 2 2
55
Practice Exercises

x y
(1) Which of the following equations form a dependent system with + = 1?
2 3
(a) 2x + 3y = 1 (b) 3x + 2y = 6 (c) x + y = 1 x 3
(d) + = 6
2 y

x+y =3
(2) Given the system of equations , which method is best applicable in finding
x=y+1
its solution?
(a) substitution (b) elimination (c) comparison (d) none of these

2x + y = 2
(3) What is the value of x in the solution to the system ?
x−y =4
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 3

2x + y = 2
(4) What is the value of y in the solution to the system ?
x−y =4
(a) 2 (b) −2 1 1
(c) (d) −
2 2

5x + 3y = −26
(5) What is the solution set of the system ?
4x − 9y = 2
(a) {(−2, −4)} (b) {(−4, −2)} (c) {(2, 4)} (d) {(4, 2)}
(6) Which system of linear equations is described by 2x − 3y = 8 and 6x − 4y + 10 = 0?
(a) consistent (c) inconsistent

(b) dependent (d) cannot be determined
For numbers (7)-(10), consider the system of equations


 2x − z = 1
z − 3y = −7
x+y =7

56
(7) Which method is best to use in the given system of equations given above?
(a) elimination (c) comparison

(b) substitution (d) cannot be determined
(8) What is the value of z in the solution to the given system?
(a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 5 1

(d)
5
(9) What is the value of x in the system given above?
(a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 5 1

(d)
5
(10) What is the value of y in the given system?
(a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 5 1

(d)
5
57
CHAPTER 6
Relations and Functions
6.1 Domain and Range of a Relation

Definition 6.1.1. A relation is an association between two sets of objects which are paired
according to a pattern or a rule.A relation can be described in several ways, namely: arrow
diagrams, ordered pairs, tables, graphs, and mathematical sentences or equations.
Example 6.1.2.
(1) The sets of ordered pairs {. . . , (−n, −2n), . . . , (1, 2), (2, 4), (3, 6)
, (4, 8, · · · , (n, 2n), · · · }, {(−1, 2), (−1, 4), (−1, 6), (−1, 8)} and
{(1, −5), (2, −5), (3, −5), (4, −5), (5, −5)} are relations.
(2) Similarly, the sets {(x, y) : y = 3x}, {(x, y) : x2 − y 2 = 16} and {(x, y) : y =
|x| − 4} are relations.
Notice that in the first three examples the relations are described using ordered
pairs, while the last three examples are described using mathematical sentences or
equations.
Observe that the set {(1, −5), (2, −5), (3, −5), (4, −5), (5, −5)} can be represented in
a table as follow:
x 1 2 3 4 5
.
y -5 -5 -5 -5 -5
Definition 6.1.3. The set containing all the first components of the ordered pairs describ-
ing a relation is called the domain of the relation while the set containing all the second
components is called the range of the relation.
Remark 6.1.4. When the relation is described by an equation or a rule to generate the
ordered pairs (x, y), the domain is obtained by solving for all the values of x that can be
used to generate real values for y, while the range can be determined by determining all the
possible values of y that will result from using all the x values in the domain.
58
Example 6.1.5. Determine the domain and the range of each of the following:
1. {(1, 2), (2, 4), (3, 6), (4, 8)}
2. {. . . , (−1, 2), (0, 2), (1, 2), (2, 2), . . .}
3. {(2, 0), (2, 1), (2, 2), (2, 3), (2, 4)}
Solution:
1. Domain: {1, 2, 3, 4} Range: {2, 4, 6, 8}
2. Domain: The set of integers Range: {2}
3. Domain: {2} Range: {0, 1, 2, 3, 4}
Example 6.1.6. Determine the domain and the range of each of the relations defined
by the following equations:
1. y = 3x
2. y = 2x2
√
3. y = x − 2
x+2
4. y =
x−1
Solution:
1. Domain: The set of real numbers since there is no prohibited values for x.
Range: The set of real numbers since there is no prohibited values for y.
2. Domain: The set of real numbers since there is no restriction to the possible
values for x.
Range: The set of nonnegative even real numbers since 2x2 ≥ 0 and is always
even.
3. Domain: Observe that the index of the radical is even, thus the radicand must
be nonnegative. Hence, x − 2 ≥ 0, which implies that x ≥ 2. Therefore, the
Domain= {x ∈ R : x ≥ 2}.
For the range, note that since a square root is nonnegative, we find that y ≥ 0.
Therefore the Range= {y ∈ R : y ≥ 0}.
59
4. Domain: Since the relation is defined by a rational expression, we find that
it is not defined for the values of x where the denominator is zero.Thus, the
denominator x − 1 6= 0, which implies that x 6= 1. Hence the Domain= {x ∈ R :
x 6= 1}.
Range: To determine the range, we solve for x in terms of y, we get
x+2
y= ⇒ y(x − 1) = x + 2
x−1
⇒ yx − y = x + 2
⇒ yx − x = y + 2
⇒ x(y − 1) = y + 2
y+2
⇒ x=
y−1
Thus we find that y 6= 1 otherwise the denominator is also zero. Hence the
Range= {y ∈ R : y 6= 1}.
6.2 Functions
Definition 6.2.1. A function is a special kind of relation. It is defined as a correspondence
between two sets X and Y such that to each element x ∈ X there corresponds exactly one
element y ∈ Y. It is also defined as a set of ordered pairs (x, y) such that no two distinct
members have the same first element.
Example 6.2.2. Determine whether the given set is a function or a relation:
1. {(1, 1), (2, 2), (3, 3), (4, 4)}

Answer: Function, since no two ordered pair have the same value for x but
different value for y.
2. {. . . , (−1, 1), (0, 1), (1, 1), (2, 1), . . .} Answer: Function.
3. {(2, 0), (2, 1), (2, 2), (2, 3), (2, 4)}
Answer: Relation since 2 has several values of y corresponding to it.
4. y = 5x
Answer: Function, since each value of x will yield exactly one value of y when
substituted in the equation.
60
5. y = −2x2 Answer: Function.
6. x2 + y 2 = 1
Answer: Relation since for each value of x there are two values of y that would
satisfy the equation.
Remark 6.2.3. To evaluate a function for a specific value of x, replace each appearance of
x in the function with its given value and simplify the expression.
Example 6.2.4. Evaluate f (x) = 3x2 − 5x + 2 at x = 2.

We simply replace x by 2 in the function and simplify the result.
f (2) = 3(2)2 − 5(2) + 2 = 3(4) − 5(2) + 2 = 12 − 10 + 2 = 4.

Thus, f (2) = 4.
6.3 Operations on Functions

Given two functions f (x) and g(x).
1. The sum of f (x) and g(x) is defined by (f + g)(x) = f (x) + g(x).
2. The difference of f (x) and g(x) is defined by (f − g)(x) = f (x) − g(x).
3. The product of f (x) and g(x) is defined by (f · g)(x) = f (x) · g(x).

f f (x)
4. The quotient of f (x) and g(x) is defined by (x) = , where g(x) 6= 0.
g g(x)
5. The composition of f (x) and g(x) is defined by (f ◦ g)(x) = f (g(x))
Example 6.3.1. If f (x) = x + 1 and g(x) = x2 − 1, find
1. (f + g)(x) = f (x) + g(x) = (x + 1) + (x2 − 1) = x + 1 + x2 − 1 = x2 + x.
2. (f − g)(x) = f (x) − g(x) = (x + 1) − (x2 − 1) = x + 1 − x2 + 1 = 2 + x + x2 .
3. (f ·g)(x) = f (x)·g(x) = (x+1)(x2 −1) = (x)(x2 )+(x)(−1)+(1)(x2 )+(1)(−1) =

x3 + x2 − x − 1.

f f (x) (x + 1) (x + 1) 1
4. (x) = = 2 = = .
g g(x) (x − 1) (x + 1)(x − 1) x−1
5. (f ◦ g)(x) = f (g(x)) = f ((x2 − 1)) = (x2 − 1) + 1 = x2 .
61
6.4 Inverse Functions
Definition 6.4.1. A function f is said to be one-to-one if and only if whenever x1 and x2
are in the domain of f,
f (x1 ) = f (x2 ) =⇒ x1 = x2
or equivalently,
x1 6= x2 =⇒ f (x1 ) 6= f (x2 ).
The first implication means that for a function f each x corresponds to exactly one y,
while the second implication means that different values of x correspond to different values
of y.
Algebraic method of determining whether a function f is one-to-one

(1) Assume f (x1 ) = f (x2 ).
(2) Apply the defining equation on both members of the equation.
(3) Simplify the resulting equation.
(4) If the result gives x1 = x2 conclude that f is one-to-one, otherwise, conclude that f is
NOT one-to-one.
Example 6.4.2. In each of the following, determine whether the given function is
one-to-one.
1. f (x) = 3x + 1
f (x1 ) = f (x2 )
3x1 + 1 = 3x2 + 1
3x1 + 1 + (−1) = 3x2 + 1 + (−1)
3x1 3x2
=
3 3
x1 = x2
Since x1 = x2 , we conclude that f (x) = 3x + 1 is a one-to-one function.
2. G(x) = x3
G(x1 ) = G(x2 )
x1 3 = x2 3
p3
p
3
x1 3 = x2 3
x1 = x2
Since x1 = x2 , we conclude that G(x) = x3 is a one-to-one function.
62
3. g(x) = x2 + 5
g(x1 ) = g(x2 )
x1 2 + 5 = x2 2 + 5
x1 2 + 5 + (−5) = x2 2 + 5 + (−5)
x2 = x2 2
p 1 p
x1 2 = x2 2
|x1 | = |x2 |
But |x1 | = |x2 | does not necessarily imply that x1 = x2 since |x1 | = |x2 | ⇔
±x1 = ±x2 , we conclude that g(x) = x2 + 5 is NOT a one-to-one function.
Definition 6.4.3. If f is a one-to-one function then there is a function f −1 defined as
x = f −1 (y) if and only if y = f (x).
If f is the set of ordered pairs (x, y) then f −1 is the set of ordered pairs (y, x).
Remark 6.4.4. From the definition, the domain of f −1 is the range of f, while the range
of f −1 is the domain of f.
Moreover, for any function f and its inverse f −1 ,
• (f ◦ f −1 )(x) = x for every x in the domain of f −1 .
• (f −1 ◦ f )(x) = x for every x in the domain of f.
Note that only one-to-one functions have inverses. Thus otherwise stated you have to
check first whether the function is one-to-one before finding its inverse.
Procedure For Finding f −1
Given a function y = f (x).
(1) Interchange x and y in the equation y = f (x). Thus the equation becomes x = f (y).
(2) Solve for y in the resulting equation.
(3) Set y = f −1 (x).
63
Example 6.4.5. Determine the inverse of the following one-to-one functions.
1. f (x) = 3x + 1
y =
f (x)
y =
3x + 1
x =
3y + 1
x−1 =
3y
x−1 3y
=
3 3
x−1
y =
3
x − 1
f −1 (x) =
3
To check whether the inverse function obtained is correct, show that (f ◦
f −1 −1 −1 −1
)(x) = x and(f ◦f )(x) = x. Observe that (f ◦ f )(x) = f (f (x)) =
x−1 x−1
f = 3 + 1 = (x − 1) + 1 = x. Moreover, (f −1 ◦ f )(x) =
3 3
(3x + 1) − 1 3x
f −1 (f (x)) = f −1 (3x + 1) = = = x. Therefore, the inverse
3 3
x−1
function of f (x) = 3x + 1 is indeed f −1 (x) = .
3
√
2. g(x) = 3 x + 1
√
y = 3x+1
p
x = 3 y+1
p 3
(x)3 = 3
y+1
x3 = y + 1
x3 − 1 = y
g −1 (x) = x3 − 1
√
Observe that g −1 (x) = x3 −1 is the inverse of g(x) = 3 x + 1 since (g ◦g −1 )(x)
=
p √3
√
3 3 −1 −1 3
g(x − 1) = (x3 − 1) + 1 = x3 = x, and (g ◦ g)(x) = g x+1 =
√ 3
3
x + 1 − 1 = (x + 1) − 1 = x.
64
Practice Exercises
(1) What do you call a set of ordered pairs where no two elements have the same first
coordinate?
(a) domain (b) function (c) range (d) relation
(2) Which of the following statements about function is ALWAYS TRUE?
(a) The domain and range have equal number of elements.

(b) Some elements of the domain have corresponding values in the range.
(c) Every element of the domain has a corresponding value in the range.
(d) None of the above.
(3) The given table below is
x −1 −1 0 3 5 6
y 1 2 −3 4 −2 −3
(a) not a function (b) a function (c) a domain (d) a range
(4) If the domain of y = 3x − 2 is {−2, −1, 0, 1, 2}, what is its range?
(a) {1, 2, 4, 5, 8} (c) {−1, −4, 2, 5, 8}

(b) {1, 4, −2, −5, −8} (d) {−1, −2, −4, −5, −8}
4
(5) The domain of the function f (x) = is the set of
x−4
(a) all real numbers (c) all real numbers except 4
(b) all real numbers except ±4 (d) all real numbers except 0
(6) Which of the following equations defines a function?
(a) y 2 + (x + 1)2 = 4 (c) y 2 = x − 3

(b) x + y = 5 (d) x + y 2 = 0
65
(7) The following are functions EXCEPT
(a) {(1, 2), (6, 7), (3, 5), (9, 0)} (c) {(9, 2), (3, 9), (1, 9), (0, 1)}
(b) {(8, 9), (2, 3), (5, 8), (8, 8)} (d) {(0, 1), (1, 2), (2, 3), (3, 4)}
x
(8) The range of y = is
2x − 1
(a) all real numbers except 0 1
(c) all real numbers except 0 and
1 2
(b) all real numbers except (d) none of the above
2
√
(9) The domain of the function f (x) = x − 3 is
(a) {x : x > 3} (b) {x : x ≥ 3} (c) {x : x ≤ 3} (d) {x : x < 3}
(10) Which is NOT a function?
(a) y = 3x + 4 (b) x2 + y 2 = 1 (c) y = x2 (d) y = 9
(11) What equation represents the relation shown by the table of values below?
x 1 2 3
y 0 1 2
(a) x + y = 1 (b) x − y = 1 (c) x + y = −1 (d) x − y = −1
(12) What is the domain of the relation {(0, 0), (1, 1), (1, −1), (2, 4), (2, −4), (3, 9)}?
(a) {} (c) {0, 1, 2, 3}

(b) {−4, −1, 0, 1, 2, 4, 9} (d) {−4, −1, 0, 1, 4, 9}
(13) Which is NOT a one-to-one function?
(a) y = 5x − 3 (b) y = x2 + 3x 1 (d) y = 3x + 4

(c) y =
x+1
(14) If f (x) = 4x + 21 then f −1 (x) is equal to

x − 21 x
(a) f −1 (x) = (c) f −1 (x) = − 21
4 4
21 1
(b) f −1 (x) = x − (d) f −1 (x) =
4 4x + 21
(15) If f (x) = 3x + 1 then f [f −1 (7)] is equal to
66
(a) does not exist (c) 7
1
(b) (d) none of these
22
For numbers (16)-(19), consider the following functions: f (x) = 3x + 1; g(x) = 2x −

5; h(x) = 6x2 − 13x − 5.
(16) (f + g)(x) is equal to
(a) 5x + 4 (b) 5x + 3 (c) −5x − 4 (d) 5x − 4
(17) (g − f )(x) is equal to
(a) −x + 6 (b) x + 6 (c) x − 6 (d) −x − 6

h
(18) (x) is equal to
g
(a) 3x + 1 (b) 2x + 3 (c) 3x − 1 (d) 2x − 3
(19) (h ◦ g)(x) is equal to
(a) −14x + 30 (c) 14x − 30

(b) 24x2 − 146x + 210 (d) 24x2 − 146x + 80
(20) Given f (x) = x + 2 and g(x) = x2 − 4, find (g ◦ f )(1).
(a) 5 (b) −5 (c) 1 (d) −1
67
Comprehensive Examination
Write the letter corresponding to your answer.
(1) Which of the following pairs of algebraic expressions are similar?

a
(a) 4x − y and 4xy (c) and ab
b
(b) 3rs and −2rs (d) 7m2 n and −3mn2
(2) Which of the following expressions is a polynomial?

5 x 1 √
(a) +3 (b) +3 (c) x 2 + 1 (d) x+2
x 5
(3) Which of the following expressions is NOT a binomial?
(a) 4x(x + 1) x+1 (c) 4x + 5 (d) (2x − 1)2

(b)
2
(4) What is the degree of the term 3x2 yz?
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 5 (d) 3
(5) What is the degree of x4 y 3 z 2 + x6 y + xz − yz 5 ?
(a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 7 (d) 9
(6) The sum of 3x − y + 2z, 3y − 6z + 7x and 9z − 8x − 2y is
(a) 2x + 5z (c) 16x − y + 13z

(b) 18x + 7y − 17z (d) 2x − 5z
(7) The result of subtracting 6a − b from 4a + b is
(a) 2b − 2a (c) 2a
(b) 2a − 2b (d) 10a
68
(8) Which of the following is the sum when the difference between 20m2 + 4t − xh2 and
−2m2 + 10xh2 − 8t is added to −6xh2 + 13t − 8m2 ?
(a) 10m2 + 5xh2 + t (c) 10m2 + 25t − 17xh2

(b) 10m2 + 9t + 5xh2 (d) 14m2 + 25t − 17xh2
(9) What is the product of (3x − 4) and (2x − 5)?
(a) 6x2 − 7x + 20 (b) 6x2 + 7x + 20 (c) 6x2 − 23x + 20 (d) 6x2 − 23x − 20
3
(10) (−4x5 ) is equal to
(a) −4x15 (b) −4x8 (c) 64x15 (d) −64x15
(11) The reciprocal of (3x + 5) is
(a) (−3x − 5) (b) (5 + 3x) 1 1

(c) (d) −
(3x + 5) (3x + 5)
(12) The quotient when 18x2 y 3 is divided by 6xy is
(a) 3xy 2 (b) 12x3 y 4 (c) 24x3 y 4 (d) 6x2 y
(13) One of the factors of a2 − 7a − 18 is a + 2. What is the other factor?
(a) (a − 9) (c) (a − 4)
(b) (a − 6) (d) (a − 2)
(14) The product of (x3 + 3y 2 )(x3 − 3y 2 ) is
(a) x9 − 9y 4 (b) x6 − 9y 4 (c) x9 + 9y 4 (d) x6 + 9y 4
(15) Which is the product of (3x + y)3 ?
(a) 27x3 + y 3 (c) 27x3 + 27x2 y + 9xy 2 + y 3

(b) 27x3 − 9x2 y + y 3 (d) 27x3 − 27x2 y + 9xy 2 − y 3
(16) The square of (2ab − cd) is equal to
(a) 4a2 b2 − c2 d2 (c) 4a2 b2 − 4abcd + c2 d2

(b) 2abcd (d) none of these
69
2
(17) (2a3 + 3b2 − 5c) is equal to
(a) 4a6 + 9b4 + 25c2 + 6a3 b2 − 10a3 c − 15b2 c

(b) 4a6 + 9b4 + 25c2 + 12a3 b2 − 20a3 c − 30b2 c
(c) 4a9 + 9b4 + 25c2 + 12a3 b2 − 20a3 c − 30b2 c
(d) 4a9 + 9b4 + 25c2 + 6a3 b2 − 10a3 c − 15b2 c
(18) Which of the following is not a rationally factorable quadratic trinomial?
(a) 2a2 + 5a + 9 (b) 10a2 + 13a + 4 (c) 4a2 + 11a + 6 (d) 3a2 + 7ab + 4b2
(19) 4p2 − 16pq + 16q 2 can be factored as
(a) (2p + 4q)2 (c) (2p − 4q)(2p + 4q)

2
(b) (2p − 4q) (d) (4p − 2q)(4p + 2q)
1
(20) The factors of the polynomial x2 − are
25

1 1 (c) (x − 5) and (x − 5)
(a) x − and x +
5 5 (d) (x + 5) and (x + 5)

1
(b) (x − 1) and x −
25
(21) What is the complete factorization of x4 − y 4 ?
(a) (x2 + y 2 )(x − y)(x + y) (c) (2x + 2y)(x + y)(x − y)

(b) (x2 − y 2 )(x2 + y 2 ) (d) (2x + 2y)(x2 + y 2 )
(22) The factors of 8x2 + 2x − 15 are
(a) (2x + 3) and (4x − 5) (c) (2x + 15) and (4x − 1)

(b) (8x + 3) and (x − 5) (d) (2x − 3) and (4x + 5)
(23) x − 2 is a factor of the following EXCEPT
(a) x2 + x − 6 (c) x2 − 5x + 6
(b) x2 + 5x + 6 (d) x2 − 4
70
(24) The complete factorization of 3m3 − 9m2 + 6m is
(a) (m2 − 2m)(m − 3) (c) (3m2 − 2)(m − 3)

(b) (3m)(m − 2)(m − 1) (d) (3m)(m2 − 3m + 2)
(25) The factors of (2x − y)3 − 8 are
(a) [(2x−y)−2][(2x − y)2 +2(2x−y)+4] (c) [(2x−y)−2][(2x − y)2 −4(2x−y)+4]

(b) [(2x−y)−2][(2x − y)2 −2(2x−y)+4] (d) [(2x−y)−2][(2x − y)2 +4(2x−y)+4]
(26) An expression where a fraction is within a fraction is called
(a) rational expression (c) complex fraction

(b) algebraic expression (d) complex numbers
x3 − y 3
(27) The fraction is equivalent to
x2 − y 2
(a) x + y x2 + xy + y 2 (c) x − y x2 − xy + y 2
(b) (d)
x+y x+y
(28) Which of the following fractions cannot be reduced to lowest term?

(a + 2)(a − 4) x+5+y
(a) (c)
(a + 2)(a − 4) x+5+y
(x + 5) + y 3(x + 4)
(b) (d)
(x + 5) + c 6(x + 4)
1
(29) Which is equivalent to ?
a−1
a2 a2 + a + 1
(a) (c)
a2 − 1 a3 − 1
a−1 a2 − a + 1
(b) 2 (d)
a −1 a3 − 1
x+4
(30) when reduced to lowest term is
16x + 4x2
1 1
(a) − (c)
4x 4x
(b) 4 + x (d) 4 + x2
14m4 n3 z
−7m2 n
71
(a) 2m2 n2 z (b) 2mnz (c) −2mnz (d) −2m2 n2 z
(32) The LCD if the denominators are (x − 2)4 (x + 1)3 (x − 1)2 , (x − 2)(x + 1)3 (x − 1) and
(x − 2)2 (x − 1)2
(a) (x − 2)4 (x + 1)3 (x − 1)2 (c) (x − 2)7 (x + 1)4 (x − 1)3

(b) (x − 2)(x + 1)(x − 1) (d) (x − 1)
3x + 1 2 3
(33) The sum of 2
+ + is
x −1 x+1 x−1
10x 2x + 8 8x + 2 6x
(a) 2 (b) 2 (c) (d)
x −1 x −1 x2 − 1 x2 −1
2 3
(34) The difference when is subtracted from is
8−x x−8
5 1
(a) (c)
x−8 x+8
1 5
(b) (d)
8−x 8−x
3 2 1
(35) + 2 + 3 is equal to
a a a
6 a3 + 2a2 + 3a
(a) 3 (c)
a a3
6 1 + 2a + 3a2
(b) (d)
a + a2 + a3 a3
72
r+s 1 1
(36) The simplified form of − + is
rs s r−s
2 2r − s 2r − s (d) 2
(a) (b) (c)
r r−s r(r − s)
n r
(37) ÷ is equal to
d s
ns ds nr dr
(a) (b) (c) (d)
dr nr ds ns
" #
(x − y)3
2
x−y x + xy
(38) · ÷ is equal to
x+y xy 2 y2
1 1
(a) (c)
(x − y)2 x(x − y)2
y4 x+y
(b) (d)
(x − y)4 (x − y)2
(x + a)2 − x2
(39) , where a 6= 0 is identical to
a
(a) a (b) 2x (c) 2x + a 2x + a
(d)
a
−a
(40) The multiplicative inverse of the additive inverse of is
b−c
b−c b−c −b + c a
(a) − (b) (c) (d)
a a a b−c
x4 y 9 2y 5 z 8
(41) The quotient of ÷ is
17x9 z 7 51x3
2x2 z 5 2y 4 3x2 z 15 3y 4
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3y 4 2z 2 x15 2y 4 2x2 z 15
73
3 5
÷
x y
(42) The expression when simplified is
2
3y 4 16 3y + 5x
(a) (b) (c) (d)
10x x+y x+y 2xy
− 12
x−4 y 8

25
x2 (b) 5x2 y 4 5x2 x2 y 4
(a) (c) (d)
5y 4 y4 5
−1
(44) Which expression is equivalent to (a−2 + b−2 ) ?
(a) a2 + b2 a2 + b 2 a2 b 2 1 1
(b) (c) (d) 2
+ 2
a2 b 2 a2 + b 2 a b
x−1 + y −1
(45) is equal to
x−2 y −2
x+y (b) x2 y + xy 2 x2 y 2 x+y
(a) (c) (d)
xy x+y x2 y 2
1 2
(46) a 3 b 3 is the same as
1
√
3 2
(a) (ab2 ) 3 (b) ab2 (c)
1
a6 b3
1
(d) all of the above
1
!
x2 − x 2
(47) The simplified form of 3 is
x2
(a) x − 1
3
x2 − 1 x−1 (d) x2 − 1
(b) (c)
x x

1 1
1 4
1 −5
−
(48) The expression x 4 x 3 x 2 is equal to
1 (b) x− 3
1
(c) x 3
1
(d) x 3
2
(a) 2
x3
74
31
8u−6 v 3

(49) when simplified is equal to
27w0
2v 8 2
(a) u
3u2 (c) 3
2v
8
3u2 v
(b) (d) 3 2
2v 3u
√
6
(50) In its simplest form 25t4 s2 should be written as
√3
√
3
√ √
(a) 5t2 s (b) 5t2 (c) 5t2 s (d) 5ts
(51) All of the following are equal EXCEPT

√ p 1
(a) x 4 y 3 (c) (y 3 x2 ) 4
1
p 1 1
(b) 4 x2 y 3 (d) (x 4 y 2 ) 4
5x2
(52) All of the following expressions are equivalent to 3 EXCEPT
y
25x

5x x
(a) (c)
y y 2 5x−1 y 3
√ !2 s
x 5 125x2
(b) √ (d)
y y y6
6 √
q
(53) The simplified form of x2 is
√
12 √ √ √
6
(a) x2 (b) 6 x (c) 12
x (d) x2
p
(54) The simplest form of the radical 4 32x3 y 6 is
p p p p
(a) 2y 4 2x3 y 2 (b) 16x 4 2x3 y 6 (c) 2y 4 4 2x3 y 2 (d) y 2 4
32x3 y 2
2 3
(55) The simplified form of (3a− 3 ) is
(a) 27a2 27 a2 1
(b) (c) (d)
a2 27 27a2
(56) The following are TRUE EXCEPT
75
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1
(a) x 2 y 2 = (xy) 2 (b) (x 2 ) 2 = x 4 (c) (x + y) 2 = (d) x 2 x 2 = x
1 1
x2 + y 2
√ √ √
(57) 3 − 48 + 12 in its simplest form is equal to
√ √ √
(a) 3 − 12 (c) 3
√ √ √
(b) − 3 (d) − 3 + 12
√
3
√
3
√
(58) 27 +81 − 4 3 3 is equal to
√ √ √ √
(a) 3 − 3 3 (b) 4 3 3 (c) 3
3 (d) 3 3 3
√ √
3
(59) What is the product of 2ab and 2ab?
√3
√
6
(a) 4a2 b2 (c) 4a2 b2
√6
(b) 32a5 b5 (d) 2ab
√
3+ 2
(60) To rationalize √ , the fraction should be multiplied to
√ 2 + 3 √
3− 2 2− 3
(a) √ (c) √
3− 2 2− 3
√ √
3+ 2 3− 2
(b) √ (d) √
3− 2 2− 3
(61) If 4x − 5 = 3x + 7 then the value of x is

1 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 12
(a)
3
(62) The value of x in the equation 6 − 3(x + 1) − 2(x − 1) = 0 is
(a) −1 (b) 1 (c) −5 (d) 5
(63) Which of the following equations is NOT equivalent to x = 3?
(a) 7 + x = 10 1 3
(c) x=
2 2
2
(b) 3 − x = 0 (d) x = 9
(64) The difference of two numbers is 14 and twice the smaller number is 5 less than the
larger number. What are the numbers?
76
(a) 19 and 5 (b) 15 and 1 (c) 20 and 6 (d) 23 and 9
(65) Kinca can encode a 100-page thesis for 24 hours while Joy can encode the same thesis
for 16 hours. How many hours will it take them to finish the job if they agreed to help
each other?
(a) 10 hours (b) 9 12 hours (c) 11 hours (d) 9 35 hours
(66) If a2 − b2 = 64 and a + b = 16 then a − b equals
(a) −8 (b) −4 (c) 4 (d) 8
(67) The solution set of the equation |x + 2| = −5 is
(a) {−7, 3} (b) {−7} (c) {3} (d) ∅
(68) The solution set of the equation |y + 3| = 15 is
(a) {−18} (b) {12} (c) {−18, 12} (d) {−12, 18}
(69) The solutions of the quadratic equation x(x + 2) = 3 are
(a) 0 and −2 (c) 3 and 1

(b) 1 and −3 (d) 3 and −2
4 1
(70) In completing the square, we add to both sides of the equation x2 − x = the term
3 3
2x 2
2
2
4 4x
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3 3 3 3
(71) The sum of the roots of the quadratic equation 3x2 − 5x = 2 is
(a) 5 5 5 2
(b) (c) − (d) −
3 3 3
77
(72) If the solution/s to ax2 + bx + c = 0 (where a, b, c are real numbers) is/are complex
(nonreal) number/s then
(a) b2 = 4ac (b) b2 > 4ac (c) b2 ≥ 4ac (d) b2 < 4ac
(73) If the discriminant b2 − 4ac of a quadratic equation is negative then the roots are
(a) equal (c) equal but nonreal

(b) equal and real (d) unequal and nonreal
(74) The quadratic equation with roots 3 and −5 is
(a) x2 + 2x = −15 (c) 2x2 + 4x − 30 = 0

(b) x2 + 2x + 15 = 0 (d) x2 + 2x − 15 = 0
(75) What are the roots of (2x − 1)(x − 1) = 3?

(a) {2, 4} 1 −1 1
(b) ,1 (c) ,2 (d) , −2
2 2 2
(76) Which of the following equations has imaginary solutions?
(a) x2 − 3x − 2 = 0 (c) 2x2 − 5x + 2 = 0

(b) x2 + 2x + 3 = 0 (d) 4x2 − 12x + 9 = 0
(77) The solutions to the equation x(x − 1) = 12 are
(a) 12 and 13 (c) 4 and −3

(b) 1 and 12 (d) −4 and 3
(78) The sum of the roots of x2 + 4x + 4 = 0 is

1 1 (c) 4 (d) −4
(a) (b) −
4 4
(79) The solution set of the inequality 2x − 3 ≤ 5 is given by
(a) (−∞, 4) (c) (−∞, 4]

(b) (4, +∞) (d) [4, +∞)
78
(80) The solution set of x + 2 > 3x + 4 is
(a) {x : x < −1} (b) {x : x > −1} (c) {x : x < 1} (d) {x : x > 1}
(81) Translate in symbols ”the sum of a and b is greater than two”
(a) a + b + 2 (b) (a + b) < 2 (c) (a + b) > 2 (d) (a + b) ≤ 2
(82) The solution set of the inequality 4x ≥ 20 is
(a) x ≤ 5 (b) x ≥ 5 (c) x > 4 (d) 5
(83) Given 2x > 5 which of the following is NOT TRUE?
(a) −2x > −5 (b) 2x − 5 > 0 5 (d) 2x − 4 > 5 − 4

(c) x >
2
(84) The inequality 5x − 3 < 8x − 12 implies that
(a) x < 3 (b) x > 3 (c) x > −3 (d) x < −3
(85) Which of the following DOES NOT BELONG to the solution set of the inequality
(x + 2)(x − 5) ≥ 0?
(a) −2 (b) −3 (c) 5 (d) 0
(86) The system of equations x − 2y = 4 and 2x − 4y = 0 has
(a) one solution (c) infinitely many solutions

(b) two solutions (d) no solution
(87) If a system of equation is inconsistent, then it has
(a) exactly one solution (c) infinitely many solutions

(b) no solution (d) cannot be determined

x−y =3
(88) The solution of the linear system is the ordered pair
3x + 2y = 4
(a) (2, −1) (b) (−1, 2) (c) (4, −1) (d) (−1, 4)
79
(89) Given a system of linear equations in three variables, what do you call its solution set
consisting of three numbers?
(a) ordered pair (c) real numbers

(b) imaginary numbers (d) ordered triple
(90) The sum of two numbers is 11 and their difference is 1. Find the larger number.
(a) 1 (b) 5 (c) 6 (d) 11
(91) All are functions EXCEPT
(a) {(1, 4), (2, 4), (3, 4), (4, 4), (5, 4)}
(b) {(3, 4), (3, 5), (5, 6), (5, 7)}
(c) {(0, 2), (1, 2), (3, 4), (5, 6)}
(d) {(2, 3), (3, 5), (4, 6), (2, 7)}
(92) Which of the following equations define a function?
I. x2 + y 2 = 6 II. x2 + y = 6 III. x + y = 6 IV. xy = 4
(a) I and II (b) II and III (c) II, III and IV (d) I, II and IV
(93) Which of the following sets of ordered pairs does NOT define a function from X =
{a, b, c} to Y = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}?
(a) {(a, 1), (b, 3), (c, 5)} (c) {(a, 1), (b, 2), (c, 3)}
(b) {(b, 4), (a, 2), (c, 4)} (d) {(a, 5), (c, 3), (c, 5)}
(94) Which of the following is NOT a function?
(a) x + y = 3 (c) x + y 2 = 3
(b) y = 3 − x (d) x + y 3 = 3
√
(95) The domain of f (x) = x2 − 25 is
(a) {x ∈ R : x = 5} (c) {x ∈ R : −5 ≤ x ≤ 5}
(b) {x ∈ R : x 6= 5} (d) {x ∈ R : x ≤ −5 or x ≥ 5}
80
8−x
(96) If g(x) = the values of g(t + 2) is
3
6−t 10 − t (c) 2 (d) 2 − t
(a) (b)
3 3
(97) Given f (x) = 4x2 − 7x − 3, evaluate 3f (−2) + 1
(a) 27 (b) 81 (c) 82 (d) 80
(98) Consider f (x) = x2 and g(x) = x − 1, find (f − g)(x).
(a) x2 + x + 1 (b) x2 − x + 1 (c) x2 + x − 1 (d) x2 − 1

x
(99) Let f (x) = , and g(x) = 2x − 3, which of the following is equal to (f ◦ g)(x)?
x+3
2x − 3 2x − 3 2x − 3 3 − 2x
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2x x 3x 2x
8−x
(100) The inverse function of g(x) = is
3
8+x (c) g −1 (x) = 8 + 3x
(a) g −1 (x) =
3
−1
(b) g (x) = 8 − 3x (d) g −1 (x) = 3x − 8
81
ANSWER KEY
Chapter 1 Practice Exercises
(1) d (5) b (9) d (13) c (17) b (21) d (25) c (29) b (33) d
(2) b (6) b (10) c (14) b (18) b (22) a (26) a (30) b

(34) b
(3) b (7) b (11) c (15) b (19) b (23) b (27) b (31) c
(4) d (8) b (12) a (16) b (20) c (24) a (28) a (32) c (35) d
(1) c (3) d (5) a (7) d (9) a (11) a (13) c (15) b (17) a (19) c
(2) b (4) c (6) c (8) d (10) a (12) c (14) a (16) d (18) c (20) d
(1) a (3) d (5) b (7) b (9) b (11) c (13) a (15) a (17) d (19) c
(2) a (4) d (6) d (8) c (10) d (12) a (14) a (16) b (18) d (20) d
(1) b (4) d (7) b (10) b (13) b (16) c (19) b (22) c (25) d

(2) c (5) d (8) a (11) c (14) a (17) a (20) b (23) d
(3) c (6) d (9) d (12) a (15) c (18) c (21) a (24) a
(1) b (2) a (3) c (4) b (5) b (6) a (7) b (8) c (9) a (10) b
(1) d (3) a (5) c (7) b (9) b (11) b (13) b (15) c (17) d (19) b
(2) c (4) b (6) b (8) b (10) b (12) c (14) a (16) d (18) a (20) a
Comprehensive Examination
(1) b (3) d (5) d (7) a (9) c (11) c (13) a (15) c (17) b (19) b
(2) b (4) b (6) a (8) d (10) d (12) a (14) b (16) c (18) a (20) a
82
(21) a (29) c (37) a (45) b (53) b (61) d (69) b (77) c (85) d (93) d
(22) a (30) c (38) a (46) d (54) c (62) b (70) b (78) d (86) c (94) c
(23) b (31) d (39) c (47) b (55) b (63) d (71) b (79) c (87) c (95) d
(24) b (32) a (40) b (48) b (56) c (64) d (72) d (80) a (88) a (96) a
(25) a (33) c (41) d (49) a (57) b (65) d (73) d (81) c (89) d (97) c
(26) c (34) a (42) a (50) a (58) a (66) c (74) d (82) b (90) c (98) b
(27) b (35) d (43) c (51) d (59) b (67) d (75) c (83) a (91) b (99) a
(28) b (36) c (44) c (52) d (60) c (68) c (76) b (84) b (92) c (100) b
83

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CHAPTER 1

1.1 Definition of Terms

2. Constants - numbers or symbols whose values are fixed.

3. Variables - letters or symbols whose values vary.

4. Term - a number, a variable, a product or a quotient of a number and a variable, a

5. Factor - a constant or a variable multiplied together to form a term.

Example 1.1.5. 2, x, x, y are the prime factors of 2x2 y.

6. Numerical Coefficient - a factor which is a constant.

12. Binomial - an algebraic expression consisting of two terms.

13. Trinomial - an algebraic expression consisting of three terms.

14. Multinomial - an algebraic expression with more than three terms.

1.2 Operations on Polynomials

Example 1.2.1. Perform the indicated operation and simplify if necessary.

(3m2 + 4 − 2m) + (15m2 + 3m − 2)

2. (4a2 − 3a + 10a4 ) + (2a − 3a2 + a3 + 2a4 )

(4a2 − 3a + 10a4 ) + (2a − 3a2 + a3 + 2a4 )

Example 1.2.2. Perform the indicated operation and simplify if necessary.

(8a + 2b − 3c) − (2a − 3b + 2c) = (8a + 2b − 3c) + (−2a + 3b − 2c)

(2x2 − 3x + 4) − (x2 − 3x + 5) = (2x2 − 3x + 4) + (−x2 + 3x − 5)

Definition 1.2.3. If n is a positive integer, we define the nth power of x, denoted by

We call x the base, n the exponent, and xn the power.

1. (xm )(xn ) = xm+n

Case 1: Multiplying a monomial to a monomial

Case 2: Multiplying a polynomial by a monomial

Example 1.2.6. Perform the indicated operation and simplify if nec-

Case 3: Multiplying a polynomial by another polynomial

Example 1.2.7. Perform the indicated operation and simplify if necessary.

2. (3a5 + 2b3 )(a2 − 7ab2 − 12b5 )

= (3a5 )(a2 ) + (3a5 )(−7ab2 ) + (3a5 )(−12b5 ) + (2b3 )(a2 )

Example 1.2.8. Simplify the following using the laws of exponents.

Case 1: Dividing a monomial by a monomial

Example 1.2.9. Perform the indicated operation and simplify if nec-

Case 2: Dividing a polynomial by a monomial

Example 1.2.10. Perform the indicated operation and simplify if nec-

15a3 b3 c3 −25a2 b2 c2 35abc2

Case 3: Dividing a polynomial by another polynomial

Example 1.2.11. Divide x3 − 6x2 + 8x + 5 by x − 2.

To divide an n−degree polynomial, P (x) by a first-degree binomial, D(x) of the form

Steps in Using Synthetic Division:

Example 1.2.13. Divide 5x2 − 14x + 3 by x − 2.

1.3 Special Products

Example 1.3.1. Perform the indicated operation and simplify if necessary.

= (2x)(3x) + (2x)(5y) + (3y)(3x) + (3y)(5y)

2. (ab2 − c2 d)(2ab + 3cd)

= (ab2 )(2ab) + (ab2 )(3cd) + (−c2 d)(2ab) + (−cd2 )(3cd)

2. Product of the Sum and Difference of Two Terms: (u + v)(u − v)

Example 1.3.2. Perform the indicated operation and simplify if necessary.

3. Square of a Binomial: (u + v)2

4. Cube of a Binomial: (u + v)3

= (2x)3 + (3)(2x)2 (y) + (3)(2x)(y)2 + (y)3

= (a)3 + (3)(a)2 (−3b) + (3)(a)(−3b)2 + (−3b)3

Example 1.4.1. Factor completely the given expression.

1. 2x + 10y = 2(x + 5y) 2. 4x2 y 2 − 16xy 3 = 4xy 2 (x − 4y)

2. Quadratic Trinomial: au2 + bu + c

3. Perfect Square Trinomial: u2 + 2uv + v 2

Example 1.4.3. Factor completely the given expression.

1. y 2 + 14y + 49 = (y + 7)2 2. 4b2 − 4bc + c2 = (2b − c)2

4. Difference of Two Squares: u2 − v 2

Example 1.4.4. Factor completely the given expression.

1. x2 − 16y 2 = (x + 4y)(x − 4y) 2. 9k 2 − 25t2 = (3k + 5t)(3k − 5t)

5. Sum (Difference) of Two Cubes: u3 ± v 3

un ± v n = (u ± v)(un−1 ∓ un−2 v + un−3 v 2 ∓ · · · ∓ uv n−2 + v n−1 ).

= (2p − q) (16p4 + 8p3 q + 4p2 q 2 + 2pq 3 + q 4 )