Chapter 1 - Tools of Algebra

ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSION
A generalization of arithmetic ideas using variables to represent any
number.

1. Write "the difference of 7 and x" in algebraic form.

2. Write "the product of 5 and z" in algebraic form.

EXPONENTS
In the expression b , b is called the base and n is called the exponent.
This expression can be read "b to the nth power".
If n is a positive integer and b is any real number, then b n means to
multiply b times itself n number of times.
bn = bbb b
If n = 2, then b2 can be read "b squared".
If n = 3, then b3 can be read "b cubed".
n

Simplify:
3. 43 = _________
= ___
7. - (0.5)2
4. ()3

8. (1/2)3

5. (-4)2

6. - (-3)2
1

9. -182
ORDER OF OPERATIONS
Operations on numerical expressions will be performed in the following order:
1. Expressions contained in grouping symbols. ( ), { }, [ ], ----,
(Begin with the innermost set of symbols.)
2. Evaluate any exponents.
3. Multiply or divide in the order of appearance from left to right.
4. Add or subtract in the order of appearance from left to right.
Simplify:
5 + 6 - 34 2

3 + 2[9 - 23]

5 + 6 - ____ 2

3 + 2 [9 -____ ]

5 + 6 - ____

3 + 2[ ____ ]

____ - ____

3 + ____

____

____

10.16 - 12 4 2 + 3

12.18 - [5(3 - 1)] + 5

11.12 - 2[15 - 34]

13.

14 2 + 3 1
1+ 8 2

THE REAL NUMBER SYSTEM

Natural numbers
{1,2,3,4, . . .}
.}

counting numbers

Whole numbers non-negative numbers

Integers
1,0,1,2,3}

whole #s and opposites

Rational numbers
-4, 0, 0.3
Irrational numbers

{0,1,2,3, . .
{-3,-2,-

Terminating decimal

2/3,

Non-terminating decimal

How are the following numbers classified?

14.The number 5/3
15.The number -8

OPPOSITE NUMBERS AND INEQUALITIES

The opposite of a positive number is a negative number: -(5) = -5
The opposite of a negative number is a positive number: -(-8) = 8
> greater than
< less than

greater than or equal to.

less than or equal to.

16.(-12) =

18.If -2 is to the left of 5

on a number line, then
-2
5. (< or >)

17."the opposite of x"

would be written
algebraically as
.

19.-(-25)=

21.Place a > or <

between the two
numbers -5
-8.

20.the opposite of 5 =

ABSOLUTE VALUE
The distance the number is from zero on the number line.
22. 16 = ____
25.- -9 = ____
28. 5 = ____

23. 0 = ____
26.- 31 = ____
24. -20 = ____
27. -10 = ____

OPERATIONS WITH REAL NUMBERS

Adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing

29.23 + (15)
30.0 + (-13)

39.(0)(-3)
34.(-7.4) 9.2
35.-11- (-4)

31.(-9) + (15)
32.29 + (29)
33.29 - (14)

40.(12)(-4)

41.

- 27
9

42.

- 18
-3

43.

0
12

36.32 40
37.(-15)(2)
38.(-30)(-6)

44.

3.5
-5

REVIEW: Use the four basic operations to simplify:

45.3 - 2(-4) + 3(5)

46. -2 + 4[12 - 54]