1 Methods

in algebra

Fluency in algebra, particularly in factoring, is absolutely vital for everything in this course.
This chapter is intended as a review of earlier algebraic techniques, and readers should do as
much or as little of it as is necessary.

Digital Resources are available for this chapter in the Interactive Textbook and Online Teaching
Suite. See the Overview at the front of the textbook for details.

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 1A Arithmetic with pronumerals 3  

1A Arithmetic with pronumerals

A pronumeral is a symbol that stands for a number. The pronumeral may stand for a known number or
for an unknown number, or it may be a variable and stand for any one of a whole set of possible numbers.
Pronumerals, being numbers, can take part in all the operations that are possible with numbers, such as
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division (except by zero).

Like and unlike terms

An algebraic expression consists of pronumerals, numbers and the operations of arithmetic. Here is
an example:
x2 + 2x + 3x2 − 4x − 3 = 4x2 − 2x − 3
This particular algebraic expression can be simplified by combining like terms.
• The two like terms x2 and 3x2 can be combined to give 4x2.
• Another pair of like terms 2x and −4x can be combined to give −2x.
• This yields three unlike terms, 4x2, −2x and −3, which cannot be combined.

Example 1 1A
Simplify each expression by combining like terms.
a 7a + 15 − 2a − 20 b x2 + 2x + 3x2 − 4x − 3

SOLUTION
a 7a + 15 − 2a − 20 = 5a − 5 b x2 + 2x + 3x2 − 4x − 3 = 4x2 − 2x − 3

Multiplying and dividing

To simplify a product such as 3y × (−6y), or a quotient such as 10x2y ÷ 5y, work systematically through the
signs, then the numerals, and then each pronumeral in turn.

Example 2 1A
Simplify these products and quotients.
a 3y × (−6y) b 4ab × 7bc c 10x2y ÷ 5y

SOLUTION
a 3y × (−6y) = −18y2 b 4ab × 7bc = 28ab2c c 10x2y ÷ 5y = 2x2

Index laws
Here are the standard laws for dealing with indices. They will be covered in more detail in Chapter 7.

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4 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra 1A

1 THE INDEX LAWS

•• To multiply powers of the same base, add the indices: ax ay = ax+y

ax
•• To divide powers of the same base, subtract the indices: = ax−y
ay
•• To raise a power to a power, multiply the indices: (ax) n = axn
•• The power of a product is the product of the powers: (ab) x = ax bx

(b)
a x ax
•• The power of a quotient is the quotient of the powers: = x
b

In expressions with several factors, work systematically through the signs, then the numerals, and then each
pronumeral in turn.

Example 3 1A
Use the index laws above to simplify each expression.
a 3x4 × 4x3 b (20x7y3) ÷ (4x5y3) c (3a4) 3

(3y)
2x 4
d (−x2) 3 × (2xy) 4 e

SOLUTION
a 3x4 × 4x3 = 12x7 (multiplying powers of the same base)

b (20x7y3) ÷ (4x5y3) = 5x2 (dividing powers of the same base)

c (3a4) 3 = 27a12 (raising a power to a power)

d (−x2) 3 × (2xy) 4 = −x6 × 16x4y4 (two powers of products)

= −16x10y4 (multiplying powers of the same base)

(3y)
2x 4 16x4
e = (a power of a quotient)
81y4

Exercise 1A F OU N DATI O N

1 Simplify:
a 3x + x b 3x − x c −3x + x d −3x − x

2 Simplify:
a −2a + 3a + 4a b −2a − 3a + 4a c −2a − 3a − 4a d −2a + 3a − 4a

3 Simplify:
a −x + x b 2y − 3y c −3a − 7a d −8b + 5b
e 4x − (−3x) f −2ab − ba g −3pq + 7pq h −5abc − (−2abc)

4 Simplify:
a −3a × 2 b −4a × (−3a) c a2 × a3 d (a2) 3

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 1A Arithmetic with pronumerals 5  

5 Simplify:
a −10a ÷ 5 b −24a ÷ (−8a) c a9 ÷ a3 d 7a2 ÷ 7a

6 Simplify:
a t2 + t2 b t2 − t2 c t2 × t2 d t2 ÷ t2

7 Simplify:
a −6x + 3x b −6x − 3x c −6x × 3x d −6x ÷ 3x

8 If a = −2, find the value of:

a 3a + 2 b a3 − a2 c 3a2 − a + 4 d a4 + 3a3 + 2a2 − a

D E V E L OP M E NT

9 Simplify:
a 6x + 3 − 5x b −2 + 2y − 1
c 3a − 7 − a + 4 d 3x − 2y + 5x + 6y
e −8t + 12 − 2t − 17 f 2a2 + 7a − 5a2 − 3a
g 9x2 − 7x + 4 − 14x2 − 5x − 7 h 3a − 4b − 2c + 4a + 2b − c + 2a − b − 2c

10 Simplify:
5x −7m3 −12a2b −27p6q7r2
a b c d
x −m ab 9p3q3r
11 Subtract:
a x from 3x b −x from 3x c 2a from −4a d −b from −5b

12 Multiply:
a 5a by 2 b 6x by −3 c −3a by a
d −2a2 by −3ab e 4x2 by −2x3 f −3p2q by 2pq3

13 Divide:
a −2x by x b 3x3 by x2 c x3y2 by x2y
d a6x3 by −a2x3 e 14a5b4 by −2a4b f −50a2b5c8 by −10ab3c2

14 Simplify:
a 2a2b4 × 3a3b2 b −6ab5 × 4a3b3 c (−3a3) 2 d (−2a4b) 3

15 If x = 2 and y = −3, find the value of:

a 3x + 2y b y2 − 5x c 8x2 − y3 d x2 − 3xy + 2y2

CHAL L E NG E

16 Simplify:
3a × 3a × 3a 3c × 4c2 × 5c3 ab2 × 2b2c3 × 3c3a4
a b c
3a + 3a + 3a 3c2 + 4c2 + 5c2 a3b3 + 2a3b3 + 3a3b3
17 Simplify:
(−2x2) 3 (3xy3) 3 (−ab) 3 × (−ab2) 2 (−2a3b2) 2 × 16a7b
a b c d
−4x 3x2y4 −a5b3 (2a2b) 5

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6 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra 1B

1B Expanding brackets
Expanding brackets is routine in arithmetic. For example, we can calculate 7 × 61 as
7 × (60 + 1) = 7 × 60 + 7 × 1
which quickly gives the result 7 × 61 = 420 + 7 = 427. The algebraic version of this procedure can be
written as:

2 EXPANDING BRACKETS IN ALGEBRA

a(x + y) = ax + ay and (x + y)a = xa + ya

There may then be like terms to collect.

Example 4 1B
Expand and simplify each expression.
a 3x(4x − 7) b 5a(3 − b) − 3b(1 − 5a)

SOLUTION
a 3x(4x − 7) = 12x2 − 21x

b 5a(3 − b) − 3b(1 − 5a) = 15a − 5ab − 3b + 15ab

= 15a + 10ab − 3b (collecting like terms)

Expanding the product of two bracketed terms

Expand one pair of brackets, then expand the other pair of brackets. Then collect any like terms.

Example 5 1B
Expand and simplify each expression.
a (x + 3)(x − 5) b (3 + x)(9 + 3x + x2)

SOLUTION
a (x + 3)(x − 5) b (3 + x)(9 + 3x + x2)
= x(x − 5) + 3(x − 5) = 3(9 + 3x + x2) + x(9 + 3x + x2)
= x2 − 5x + 3x − 15 = 27 + 9x + 3x2 + 9x + 3x2 + x3
= x2 − 2x − 15 = 27 + 18x + 6x2 + x3

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 1B Expanding brackets 7  

Special expansions
These three identities are important and must be memorised. Examples of these expansions occur constantly,
and knowing the formulae greatly simplifies the working. They are proven in the exercises.

3 SPECIAL EXPANSIONS

•• Square of a sum:        (A + B) 2 = A2 + 2AB + B2

•• Square of a difference:        (A − B) 2 = A2 − 2AB + B2
•• Difference of squares: (A + B)(A − B) = A2 − B2

Example 6 1B
Use the three special expansions above to simplify:
a (x + 4) 2 b (s − 3t) 2 c (x + 3y)(x − 3y)

SOLUTION
a (x + 4) 2 = x2 + 8x + 16 (the square of a sum)

b (s − 3t) 2 = s2 − 6st + 9t2 (the square of a difference)

c (x + 3y)(x − 3y) = x2 − 9y2 (the difference of squares)

Exercise 1B F OU N DATI O N

1 Expand:
a 3(x − 2) b 2(x − 3) c −3(x − 2)
d −2(x − 3) e −3(x + 2) f −2(x + 3)
g −(x − 2) h −(2 − x) i −(x + 3)

2 Expand:
a 3(x + y) b −2(p − q) c 4(a + 2b)
d x(x − 7) e −x(x − 3) f −a(a + 4)
g 5(a + 3b − 2c) h −3(2x − 3y + 5z) i xy(2x − 3y)

3 Expand and simplify:

a 2(x + 1) − x b 3a + 5 + 4(a − 2) c 2 + 2(x − 3)
d −3(a + 2) + 10 e 3 − (x + 1) f b + c − (b − c)
g (2x − 3y) − (3x − 2y) h 3(x − 2) − 2(x − 5) i 4(2a − 3b) − 3(a + 2b)
j 4(s − t) − 6(s + t) k 2x(x + 6y) − x(x − 5y) l 5(2a − 5b) − 6(−a − 4b)

4 Expand and simplify:

a (x + 2)(x + 3) b (y + 4)(y + 7) c (t + 6)(t − 3)
d (x − 4)(x + 2) e (t − 1)(t − 3) f (2a + 3)(a + 5)
g (u − 4)(3u + 2) h (4p + 5)(2p − 3) i (2b − 7)(b − 3)
j (5a − 2)(3a + 1) k (6 − c)(c − 3) l (2d − 3)(4 + d)

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8 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra 1B

D E V E L OP M E NT

5 a By expanding (A + B)(A + B), prove the special expansion (A + B) 2 = A2 + 2AB + B2.

b Similarly, prove the special expansions:
i (A − B) 2 = A2 − 2AB + B2 ii (A − B)(A + B) = A2 − B2

6 Use the special expansions to expand:

a (x + y) 2 b (x − y) 2 c (x − y)(x + y) d (a + 3) 2
e (b − 4) 2
f (c + 5) 2 g (d − 6)(d + 6) h (7 + e)(7 − e)
i (8 + f) 2 j (9 − g) 2 k (h + 10)(h − 10) l (i + 11) 2
m (2a + 1) 2 n (2b − 3) 2 o (3c + 2) 2 p (2d + 3e) 2
q (2f + 3g)(2f − 3g) r (3h − 2i)(3h + 2i) s (5j + 4) 2 t (4k − 5l) 2
u (4 + 5m)(4 − 5m) v (5 − 3n) 2 w (7p + 4q) 2 x (8 − 3r) 2

CHAL L E NG E

7 Expand and simplify:

( t) ( t) ( t )( t)
1 2 1 2 1 1
a t+ b t− c t+ t−

8 By writing 102 as (100 + 2), and adopting a similar approach for parts b and c, use the special
expansions to find (without using a calculator) the value of:
a 1022 b 9992 c 203 × 197

9 Expand and simplify:

a (a − b)(a2 + ab + b2) b (x + 2) 2 − (x + 1) 2
c (a − 3) 2 − (a − 3)(a + 3) d (2x + 3)(x − 1) − (x − 2)(x + 1)
e (x − 2) 3 f (p + q + r) 2 − 2(pq + qr + rp)

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 1C Factoring 9  

1C Factoring
Factoring is the reverse process of expanding brackets, and is needed routinely throughout the course. There
are four basic methods, but in every situation common factors should always be taken out first.

4 THE FOUR BASIC METHODS OF FACTORING

•• Highest common factor: Always try this first.

•• Difference of squares: This involves two terms.
•• Quadratics: This involves three terms.
•• Grouping: This involves four or more terms.
Factoring should continue until each factor is irreducible, meaning that it cannot be factored further.

Factoring by taking out the highest common factor

Always look first for any common factors of all the terms, and then take out the highest common factor.

Example 7 1C
Factor each expression by taking out the highest common factor.
a 4x3 + 3x2 b 9a2b3 − 15b3

SOLUTION
a The highest common factor of 4x3 and 3x2 is x2,
so  4x3 + 3x2 = x2 (4x + 3).

b The highest common factor of 9a2b3 and 15b3 is 3b3,

so  9a2b3 − 15b3 = 3b3 (3a2 − 5).

Factoring by difference of squares

The expression must have two terms, both of which are squares. Sometimes a common factor must be taken
out first.

Example 8 1C
Use the difference of squares to factor each expression.
a a2 − 36 b 80x2 − 5y2

SOLUTION
a a2 − 36 = (a + 6)(a − 6)

b 80x2 − 5y2 = 5(16x2 − y2) (take out the highest common factor)
= 5(4x − y)(4x + y) (use the difference of squares)

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10 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra 1C

Factoring monic quadratics

A quadratic is called monic if the coefficient of x2 is 1. Suppose that we want to factor the monic quadratic
expression x2 − 13x + 36. Look for two numbers:
• whose sum is −13 (the coefficient of x), and
• whose product is +36 (the constant term).

Example 9 1C
Factor these monic quadratics.
a x2 − 13x + 36 b a2 + 12a − 28

SOLUTION
a The numbers with sum −13 and product +36 are −9 and −4,
so  x2 − 13x + 36 = (x − 9)(x − 4).

b The numbers with sum +12 and product −28 are +14 and −2,
so  a2 + 12a − 28 = (a + 14)(a − 2).

Factoring non-monic quadratics

In a non-monic quadratic such as 2x2 + 11x + 12, where the coefficient of x2 is not 1, look for two numbers:
• whose sum is 11 (the coefficient of x), and
• whose product is 12 × 2 = 24 (the constant times the coefficient of x2).
Then split the middle term into two terms.

Example 10 1C
Factor these non-monic quadratics.
a 2x2 + 11x + 12 b 6s2 − 11s − 10

SOLUTION
a The numbers with sum 11 and product 12 × 2 = 24 are 8 and 3,
so 2x2 + 11x + 12 = (2x2 + 8x) + (3x + 12) (split 11x into 8x + 3x)
= 2x(x + 4) + 3(x + 4) (take out the HCF of each group)
= (2x + 3)(x + 4) (x + 4 is a common factor)

b The numbers with sum −11 and product −10 × 6 = −60 are −15 and 4,
so 6s2 − 11s − 10 = (6s2 − 15s) + (4s − 10) (split −11s into −15s + 4s)
= 3s(2s − 5) + 2(2s − 5) (take out the HCF of each group)
= (3s + 2)(2s − 5) (2s − 5 is a common factor)

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 1C Factoring 11  

Factoring by grouping
When there are four or more terms, it is sometimes possible to factor the expression by grouping.
• Split the expression into groups.
• Then factor each group in turn.
• Then factor the whole expression by taking out a common factor or by some other method.

Example 11 1C
Factor each expression by grouping.
a 12xy − 9x − 16y + 12 b s2 − t2 + s − t

SOLUTION
a 12xy − 9x − 16y + 12 = 3x(4y − 3) − 4(4y − 3) (take out the HCF of each pair)
= (3x − 4)(4y − 3) (4y − 3 is a common factor)

b s2 − t2 + s − t = (s + t)(s − t) + (s − t) (factor s2 − t2 using the difference of squares)

= (s − t)(s + t + 1) (s − t is a common factor)

Exercise 1C F OU N DATI O N

1 Factor each expression by taking out any common factors:

a 2x + 8 b 6a − 15 c ax − ay d 20ab − 15ac
e x + 3x
2
f p + 2pq
2
g 3a2 − 6ab h 12x2 + 18x
i 20cd − 32c j a b + b a
2 2
k 6a2 + 2a3 l 7x3y − 14x2y2

2 Factor each expression by grouping in pairs:

a mp + mq + np + nq b ax − ay + bx − by c ax + 3a + 2x + 6
d a + ab + ac + bc
2
e z3 − z2 + z − 1 f ac + bc − ad − bd
g pu − qu − pv + qv h x2 − 3x − xy + 3y i 5p − 5q − px + qx
j 2ax − bx − 2ay + by k ab + ac − b − c l x3 + 4x2 − 3x − 12
m a − 3a − 2a + 6
3 2
n 2t3 + 5t2 − 10t − 25 o 2x3 − 6x2 − ax + 3a

3 Factor each expression by using the difference of squares:

a a2 − 1 b b2 − 4 c c2 − 9 d d2 − 100
e 25 − y 2
f 1 − n 2
g 49 − x2 h 144 − p2
i 4c − 9
2
j 9u − 1
2
k 25x2 − 16 l 1 − 49k2
m x2 − 4y2 n 9a2 − b2 o 25m2 − 36n2 p 81a2b2 − 64

4 Factor each quadratic expression. They are all monic quadratics.

a a2 + 3a + 2 b k2 + 5k + 6 c m2 + 7m + 6 d x2 + 8x + 15
e y + 9y + 20
2
f t + 12t + 20
2
g x2 − 4x + 3 h c2 − 7c + 10
i a2 − 7a + 12 j b2 − 8b + 12 k t2 + t − 2 l u2 − u − 2
m w2 − 2w − 8 n a2 + 2a − 8 o p2 − 2p − 15 p y2 + 3y − 28
q c2 − 12c + 27 r u2 − 13u + 42 s x2 − x − 90 t x2 + 3x − 40
u t − 4t − 32
2
v p + 9p − 36
2
w u2 − 16u − 80 x t2 + 23t − 50

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12 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra 1C

D E V E L OP M E NT

5 Factor each quadratic expression. They are all non-monic quadratics.

a 3x2 + 4x + 1 b 2x2 + 5x + 2 c 3x2 + 16x + 5 d 3x2 + 8x + 4
e 2x2 − 3x + 1 f 5x2 − 13x + 6 g 5x2 − 11x + 6 h 6x2 − 11x + 3
i 2x − x − 3
2
j 2x + 3x − 5
2
k 3x2 + 2x − 5 l 3x2 + 14x − 5
m 2x2 − 7x − 15 n 2x2 + x − 15 o 6x2 + 17x − 3 p 6x2 − 7x − 3
q 6x2 + 5x − 6 r 5x2 + 23x + 12 s 5x2 + 4x − 12 t 5x2 − 19x + 12
u 5x2 − 11x − 12 v 5x2 + 28x − 12 w 9x2 − 6x − 8 x 3x2 + 13x − 30

6 Use the techniques of the previous questions to factor each expression.

a a2 − 25 b b2 − 25b c c2 − 25c + 100
d 2d + 25d + 50
2
e e3 + 5e2 + 5e + 25 f 16 − f 2
g 16g2 − g3 h h2 + 16h + 64 i i2 − 16i − 36
j 5j2 + 16j − 16 k 4k2 − 16k − 9 l 2k3 − 16k2 − 3k + 24
m 2a2 + ab − 4a − 2b n 6m3n4 + 9m2n5 o 49p2 − 121q2
p t2 − 14t + 40 q 3t2 + 2t − 40 r 5t2 + 54t + 40
s 5t + 33t + 40
2
t 5t3 + 10t2 + 15t u u2 + 15u − 54
v 3x3 − 2x2y − 15x + 10y w (p + q) 2 − r2 x 4a2 − 12a + 9

CHAL L E NG E

7 Factor each expression as fully as possible. (Take out any common factors first.)
a 3a2 − 12 b x4 − y4 c x3 − x d 5x2 − 5x − 30
e 25y − y 3
f 16 − a 4
g 4x2 + 14x − 30 h a4 + a3 + a2 + a
i c3 + 9c2 − c − 9 j x3 − 8x2 + 7x k x4 − 3x2 − 4 l ax2 − a − 2x2 + 2

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 1D Algebraic fractions 13  

1D Algebraic fractions
An algebraic fraction is a fraction that contains pronumerals. Algebraic fractions are manipulated in the
same way as arithmetic fractions, and factoring may play a major role.

Adding and subtracting algebraic fractions

A common denominator is needed. Finding the lowest common denominator may involve factoring each
denominator.

5 ADDING AND SUBTRACTING ALGEBRAIC FRACTIONS

•• First factor each denominator.

•• Then work with the lowest common denominator.

Example 12 1D
Use a common denominator to simplify each algebraic fraction.
x x 5x 11x 2 3 1 1
a − b + c − d −
2 3 6 4 3x 5x x−4 x

SOLUTION
x x 3x 2x 5x 11x 10x 33x
a − = − b + = +
2 3 6 6 6 4 12 12
x 43x
= =
6 12

2
−
3
=
10
−
9 1 1 x − (x − 4)
c d − =
3x 5x 15x 15x x−4 x x(x − 4)
1 4
= =
15x x(x − 4)

Example 13 1D
2+x 5
Factor the denominators of   −  ,  then simplify the expression.
x −x
2 x − 1

SOLUTION
2+x 5 2+x 5
− = −
x − x x − 1 x(x − 1) x − 1
2

2 + x − 5x
=
x(x − 1)
2 − 4x
=
x(x − 1)

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14 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra 1D

Cancelling algebraic fractions

The key step here is to factor the numerator and denominator completely before cancelling factors.

6 CANCELLING ALGEBRAIC FRACTIONS

•• First factor the numerator and the denominator.

•• Then cancel out all common factors.

Example 14 1D
Simplify each algebraic fraction.
6x + 8 x2 − x
a b
6 x2 − 1

SOLUTION
6x + 8 2(3x + 4)
a =
6 6
3x + 4
(which could be written as x + 3 )
4
=
3

x2 − x x(x − 1)
b =
x − 1 (x + 1)(x − 1)
2

x
=
x+1

Multiplying and dividing algebraic fractions

These processes are done exactly as for arithmetic fractions.

7 MULTIPLYING ALGEBRAIC FRACTIONS AND DIVIDING BY AN ALGEBRAIC FRACTION

Multiplying algebraic fractions

•• First factor all numerators and denominators completely.
•• Then cancel common factors.

Dividing by an algebraic fraction

•• To divide by an algebraic fraction, multiply by its reciprocal. For example:
3 4 3 y
÷ = ×   .
x y x 4
4 y
•• The reciprocal of the fraction   is    .
y 4

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 1D Algebraic fractions 15  

Example 15 1D
Simplify these products and quotients of algebraic fractions.
2a a−3 12x 6x
a 2 × b ÷ 2
a −9 5a x + 1 x + 2x + 1

SOLUTION
2a a−3 2a a−3
a × = × (factor a2 − 9)
a −92 5a (a − 3)(a + 3) 5a
2
= (cancel a − 3 and a)
5(a + 3)

12x 6x 12x x2 + 2x + 1
b ÷ 2 = × (multiply by the reciprocal)
x + 1 x + 2x + 1 x + 1 6x
12x (x + 1) 2
= × (factor x2 + 2x + 1)
x+1 6x
= 2(x + 1) (cancel x + 1 and 6x)

Simplifying compound fractions

A compound fraction is a fraction in which either the numerator or the denominator is itself a fraction.

8 SIMPLIFYING COMPOUND FRACTIONS

•• Find the lowest common multiple of the denominators on the top and the bottom.
•• Multiply top and bottom by this lowest common multiple.
This will clear all the fractions from the top and bottom together.

Example 16 1D
Simplify each compound fraction.
1 1 1
2
− 3 t
+1
a 1 1
b 1
4
+ 6 t
−1

SOLUTION
1 1 1 1 1 1
2
− 3 12 2
− 3
+1 +1 t
a = × b t
= t
×
1
+ 1
+ 12 1 1 1
−1 1
−1 t
4 6 4 6 t t
6−4 1+t
= =
3+2 1−t
2
=
5

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16 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra 1D

Exercise 1D F OU N DATI O N

1 Simplify:
x 2x x a 3x2 12ab
a b c d e f
x x 2x a2 9xy 4a2b
2 Simplify:
x 3 a a 3 1
a × b ÷ c x2 × d × b2
3 x 4 2 x 2b
3x 2 5 2ab 6 8ab 4ab
e × 2 f ÷ 10 g × 2 h ÷
4 x a 3 ab 5 15
3 Write as a single fraction:
x y y m m n n
a x + b + c − d +
2 4 2 3 9 2 5
x y 2a 3a 7b 19b xy xy
e − f + g − h −
8 12 3 2 10 30 30 12
4 Write as a single fraction:
1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 3 4 5 1
a + b − c + d − e + f −
a a x x a 2a 2x 3x 4a 3a 6x 3x

D E V E L OP M E NT

5 Simplify:
x+1 x+2 2x − 1 2x + 3 x+3 x−3
a + b + c +
2 3 5 4 6 12
x+2 x+3 2x + 1 2x − 3 2x − 1 2x + 1
d − e − f −
2 3 4 5 3 6
6 Factor where possible and then simplify:
2p + 2q 3t − 12 x2 + 3x
a b c
p+q 2t − 8 3x + 9
a 3a2 − 6ab x2 + 2x
d e f
ax + ay 2a2b − 4ab2 x2 − 4
a2 − 9 x2 + 2x + 1 x2 + 10x + 25
g h i
a2 + a − 12 x2 − 1 x2 + 9x + 20

7 Simplify:
1 1 1 1 1 1
a + b − c +
x x+1 x x+1 x+1 x−1
2 3 3 2 2 2
d + e − f −
x−3 x−2 x+1 x−1 x−2 x+3

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 1D Algebraic fractions 17  

8 Simplify:
3x + 3 x2 a2 + a − 2 a2 − 3a
a × 2 b × 2
2x x −1 a+2 a − 4a + 3
c2 + 5c + 6 c + 3 x2 − x − 20 x2 − x − 2 x+1
c ÷ d × ÷ 2
c2 − 16 c−4 x − 25
2
x + 2x − 8 x + 5x
2

CHAL L E NG E

9 Simplify:
b−a 1 1 m n x2 − 5x + 6
a b − c + d
a−b a−b b−a m−n n−m 2−x
10 Simplify:
1 1 1 2x − y
a + 2 b +
x +x x −x
2 x − y x2 − y2
3 2 1 1 1
c 2 − 2 d 2 + 2 − 2
x + 2x − 8 x + x − 6 x − 4x + 3 x − 5x + 6 x − 3x + 2

11 Study the worked example on compound fractions and then simplify:

1 1 1 17
1− 1
2
2+ 3 2
− 5 20
− 34
a 1
b 2
c 1
d 4 3
1+ 2
5− 3
1+ 10 5
− 10
x y
1
t− 1
1 y
+ x
x t
e f g h x y
1+ 2
t+ 1 1
+ 1
y
− x
x t b a
1 3 2
1− x + 1 x + 2
− x + 1
i 1 1
j
5 4
x
+ x + 1 x + 2
− x + 1

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18 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra 1E

1E Solving linear equations

The first principle in solving any equation is to simplify it by doing the same things to both sides. Linear
equations can be solved completely this way.

9 SOLVING LINEAR EQUATIONS

•• Any number can be added to or subtracted from both sides.

•• Both sides can be multiplied or divided by any non-zero number.

An equation involving algebraic fractions can often be reduced to a linear equation by following these steps.

Example 17 1E
Solve each equation.
4 − 7x
a 6x + 5 = 4x − 9 b =1
4x − 7
SOLUTION
6x + 5 = 4x − 9 4 − 7x
a b =1
4x − 7
− 4x 2x + 5 = −9
× (4x − 7) 4 − 7x = 4x − 7
−5 2x = −14
+ 7x 4 = 11x − 7
÷2 x = −7
+7 11 = 11x
÷ 11 x=1

Changing the subject of a formula

Similar sequences of operations allow the subject of a formula to be changed from one pronumeral to
another.

Example 18 1E
Change the subject of each formula to x.
x+1
a y = 4x − 3 b y =
x+2
SOLUTION
x+1
a y = 4x − 3 b y=
x+2
+ 3 y + 3 = 4x
× (x + 2) xy + 2y = x + 1
y+3
÷4 =x Rearranging, xy − x = 1 − 2y
4
y+3 Factoring, x(y − 1) = 1 − 2y
x= 1 − 2y
4 ÷ ( y − 1) x=
y−1

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 1E Solving linear equations 19  

Exercise 1E F OU N DATI O N

1 Solve:
a
a 2x + 1 = 7 b 5p − 2 = −2 c 2
−1=3 d 3 − w = 4
e 3x − 5 = 22 f 4x + 7 = −13 g 1 − 2x = 9 h 11 − 6x = 23

2 Solve:
a 3n − 1 = 2n + 3 b 4b + 3 = 2b + 1 c 5x − 2 = 2x + 10
d 5 − x = 27 + x e 16 + 9a = 10 − 3a f 13y − 21 = 20y − 35
g 13 − 12x = 6 − 3x h 3x + 21 = 18 − 2x

D E V E L OP M E NT

3 Solve:
a 2 y 4 1 2
a = b = c =3 d =5
12 3 20 5 x a
3 2x + 1 3a − 5 7 − 4x 3
e 1 = f = −3 g =4 h =
2y 5 4 6 2
20 + a 9 − 2t 3 3x 5
i = −3 j = 13 k = −1 l =
a t x−1 2x − 1 3
4 a If v = u + at, find a when t = 4, v = 20 and u = 8.
b Given that v2 = u2 + 2as, find the value of s when u = 6, v = 10 and a = 2.
1 1 1
c Suppose that + =  . Find v, given that u = −1 and t = 2.
u v t
d If S = −15, n = 10 and a = −24, find ℓ, given that S = n2 (a + ℓ).
e The formula F = 95 C + 32 relates temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius. Find the
value of C that corresponds to F = 95.
1 5
f Suppose that c and d are related by the formula =  . Find c when d = 4.
c+1 d−1
5 Solve each problem by forming, and then solving, a linear equation.
a Three less than four times a certain number is equal to 21. Find the number.
b Five more than twice a certain number is one more than the number itself. What is the number?
c Bill and Derek collect Batman cards. Bill has three times as many cards as Derek, and altogether they
have 68 cards. How many cards does Derek have?
d If I paid $1.45 for an apple and an orange, and the apple cost 15 cents more than the orange, how
much did the orange cost?

6 Solve:
y x x a a x 2 x 5
a y + =1 b − =2 c − =1 d + = −
2 3 5 10 6 6 3 2 6
x x 1 1 1 2 1 x−2 x+4
e − 2 = − 3 f −3= g − =1− h =
3 2 x 2x 2x 3 3x 3 4
3 4 x+1 x−3
i = j =
x − 2 2x + 5 x+2 x+1

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20 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra 1E

7 Rearrange each formula so that the pronumeral written in square brackets is the subject.
a a = bc − d [ b] b t = a + (n − 1)d [ n]
p 3 [ ]
c = t [ r] d u = 1 + v
q+r v
8 Expand the brackets on both sides of each equation, then solve it.
a (x − 3)(x + 6) = (x − 4)(x − 5) b (1 + 2x)(4 + 3x) = (2 − x)(5 − 6x)
c (x + 3) = (x − 1)
2 2
d (2x − 5)(2x + 5) = (2x − 3) 2

CHAL L E NG E

9 Solve:
a+5 a−1 3 x+1 2 x−1
a − =1 b − = −
2 3 4 12 3 6
3 1 4x + 1 2x − 1 3x − 5 6x + 1
c (x − 1) − (3x + 2) = 0 d − = −
4 2 6 15 5 10
10 Rearrange each formula so that the pronumeral written in square brackets is the subject.
a b 1 2 5 [ ] y b+5
a − = a [ a] b + = g c x = [ y] d a = [ b]
2 3 f g h y+2 b−4

11 Solve each problem by forming, and then solving, a linear equation.

a My father is 40 years older than me and he is three times my age. How old am I?
b A basketballer has scored 312 points in 15 games. How many points must he average per game in his
next 3 games to take his overall average to 20 points per game?
c A cyclist rides for 5 hours at a certain speed and then for 4 hours at a speed 6 km/h greater than his
original speed. If he rides 294 km altogether, what was his first speed?

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 1F Solving quadratic equations 21  

1F Solving quadratic equations

There are three approaches to solving a quadratic equation:
• factoring
• completing the square
• the quadratic formula.
This section reviews factoring and the quadratic formula. Completing the square is reviewed in Section 1H.

Solving a quadratic by factoring

This method is the simplest, but it only works in special cases.

10 SOLVING A QUADRATIC BY FACTORING

•• Get all the terms on the left, then factor the left-hand side.
•• Then use the principle that if A × B = 0, then A = 0 or B = 0.

Example 19 1F
Solve the quadratic equation 5x2 + 34x − 7 = 0 by factoring.

SOLUTION
5x2 + 34x − 7 = 0
5x2 + 35x − x − 7 = 0 (35 and −1 have sum 34 and product −7 × 5 = −35)
5x(x + 7) − (x + 7) = 0
(5x − 1)(x + 7) = 0 (the LHS is now factored)
5x − 1 = 0 or x + 7 = 0 (one of the factors must be zero)
1
x= 5
or x = −7 (there are two solutions)

Solving a quadratic by the formula

This method works whether the solutions are rational numbers or involve surds. It will be proven in the last
challenge question of Exercise 3E.

11 THE QUADRATIC FORMULA

•• The solutions of ax2 + bx + c = 0 are:

−b + √b2 − 4ac −b − √b2 − 4ac
x= or x= .
2a 2a
•• Always calculate b2 − 4ac first.
(Later, this quantity will be called the discriminant and given the symbol Δ.)

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22 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra 1F

Example 20 1F
Solve each quadratic equation using the quadratic formula.
a 5x2 + 2x − 7 = 0 b 3x2 + 4x − 1 = 0

SOLUTION
a For 5x2 + 2x − 7 = 0, b For 3x2 + 4x − 1 = 0,
a = 5, b = 2 and c = −7. a = 3, b = 4 and c = −1.
Hence b2 − 4ac = 22 + 140 Hence b2 − 4ac = 42 + 12
= 144 = 28
= 122, = 4 × 7,
−2 + 12 −2 − 12 −4 + 2√7 −4 − 2√7
so x= or so x= or
10 10 6 6
= 1 or −125 . −2 + √7 −2 − √7
= or .
3 3

Exercise 1F F OU N DATI O N

1 Solve:
a x2 = 9 b y2 = 25 c a2 − 4 = 0
d c2 − 36 = 0 e 1 − t2 = 0 f x2 = 94
g 4x2 − 1 = 0 h 9a2 − 64 = 0 i 25y2 = 16

2 Solve by factoring:
a x2 − 5x = 0 b y2 + y = 0 c c2 + 2c = 0 d k2 − 7k = 0
e t2 = t f 3a = a2 g 2b2 − b = 0 h 3u2 + u = 0
i 4x2 + 3x = 0 j 2a2 = 5a k 3y2 = 2y l 3n + 5n2 = 0

3 Solve by factoring:
a x2 + 4x + 3 = 0 b x2 − 3x + 2 = 0 c x2 + 6x + 8 = 0
d a2 − 7a + 10 = 0 e t2 − 4t − 12 = 0 f c2 − 10c + 25 = 0
g n2 − 9n + 8 = 0 h p2 + 2p − 15 = 0 i a2 − 10a − 24 = 0
j y2 + 4y = 5 k p2 = p + 6 l a2 = a + 132
m c2 + 18 = 9c n 8t + 20 = t2 o u2 + u = 56
p k2 = 24 + 2k q 50 + 27h + h2 = 0 r a2 + 20a = 44

D E V E L OP M E NT

4 Solve by factoring:
a 2x2 + 3x + 1 = 0 b 3a2 − 7a + 2 = 0 c 4y2 − 5y + 1 = 0
d 2x2 + 11x + 5 = 0 e 2x2 + x − 3 = 0 f 3n2 − 2n − 5 = 0
g 3b2 − 4b − 4 = 0 h 2a2 + 7a − 15 = 0 i 2y2 − y − 15 = 0
j 3y2 + 10y = 8 k 5x2 − 26x + 5 = 0 l 4t2 + 9 = 15t
m 13t + 6 = 5t2 n 10u2 + 3u − 4 = 0 o 25x2 + 1 = 10x
p 6x2 + 13x + 6 = 0 q 12b2 + 3 + 20b = 0 r 6k2 + 13k = 8

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 1F Solving quadratic equations 23  

5 Solve each equation using the quadratic formula. Give exact answers, followed by approximations
correct to four significant figures where appropriate.
a x2 − x − 1 = 0 b y2 + y = 3 c a2 + 12 = 7a
d u2 + 2u − 2 = 0 e c2 − 6c + 2 = 0 f 4x2 + 4x + 1 = 0
g 2a2 + 1 = 4a h 5x2 + 13x − 6 = 0 i 2b2 + 3b = 1
j 3c2 = 4c + 3 k 4t2 = 2t + 1 l x2 + x + 1 = 0

6 Solve by factoring:
x+2 10
a x = b a + =7
x a
2 9
c y + = d (5b − 3)(3b + 1) = 1
y 2

7 Find the exact solutions of:

1 4x − 1 a+4 5m 1
a x = +2 b =x c a = d =2+
x x a−1 2 m

8 a If y = px − ap2, find p, given that a = 2, x = 3 and y = 1.

b Given that (x − a)(x − b) = c, find x when a = −2, b = 4 and c = 7.
c Suppose that S = (2a + (n − 1)d). Find the positive value of n that gives S = 80 when a = 4
n
2
and d = 6.

9 a Find a positive integer that, when increased by 30, is 12 less than

its square. (x + 2) cm
x cm
b Two positive numbers differ by 3 and the sum of their squares is 117.
Find the numbers.
c Find the value of x in the diagram opposite. (x – 7) cm

CHAL L E NG E

10 Solve each equation.

5k + 7 u+3 2u − 1 y+1 3−y
a = 3k + 2 b = c =
k−1 2u − 7 u−3 y+2 y−4
4 − 5k 2 a + 3 10 k + 10 10 11
d 2(k − 1) = e + = f − =
k+1 a+3 2 3 k−5 k 6
3t 3m + 1 3m − 1
g = √3 h − =2
t −6
2 3m − 1 3m + 1

11 Solve each problem by constructing and then solving a quadratic equation.

a A rectangular area can be completely tiled with 200 square tiles. If the side length of each tile was
increased by 1 cm, it would take only 128 tiles to tile the area. Find the side length of each tile.
b A photograph is 18 cm by 12 cm. It is to be surrounded by a frame of uniform width whose area is
equal to the area of the photograph. Find the width of the frame.
c Two trains each make a journey of 330 km. One of the trains travels 5 km/h faster than the other and
takes 30 minutes less time. Find the speeds of the trains.

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24 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra 1G

1G Solving simultaneous equations

There are two algebraic approaches to solving simultaneous equations — substitution and elimination. They
can be applied to both linear and non-linear simultaneous equations.

Solution by substitution
This method can be applied whenever one of the equations can be solved for one of the variables.

12 SOLVING SIMULTANEOUS EQUATIONS BY SUBSTITUTION

•• Solve one of the equations for one of the variables.

•• Then substitute it into the other equation.

Example 21 1G
Solve each pair of simultaneous equations by substitution.
a 3x − 2y = 29 (1) b y = x2 (1)
4x + y = 24 (2) y=x+2 (2)

SOLUTION
a Solving (2) for y, y = 24 − 4x. (2A)
Substituting (2A) into (1), 3x − 2(24 − 4x) = 29
x = 7.
Substituting x = 7 into (1), 21 − 2y = 29
y = −4.

Hence x = 7 and y = −4.  (This should be checked in the original equations.)

b Substituting (1) into (2), x2 = x + 2

x2 − x − 2 = 0
(x − 2)(x + 1) = 0
x = 2 or −1.
From (1), when x = 2, y = 4, and when x = −1, y = 1.
Hence x = 2 and y = 4, or x = −1 and y = 1.  (Check in the original equations.)

Solution by elimination
This method, when it can be used, is more elegant, and usually involves less algebraic manipulation.

13 SOLVING SIMULTANEOUS EQUATIONS BY ELIMINATION

•• Take suitable multiples of the equations so that one variable is eliminated when the equations are
added or subtracted.

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 1G Solving simultaneous equations 25  

Example 22 1G
Solve each pair of simultaneous equations by elimination.
a 3x − 2y = 29 (1) b x2 + y2 = 53 (1)
4x + 5y = 8 (2) x2 − y2 = 45 (2)

SOLUTION
a Taking 4 × (1) and 3 × (2), b Adding (1) and (2),
12x − 8y = 116 (1A) 2x2 = 98

12x + 15y = 24. (2A) x2 = 49.
Subtracting (1A) from (2A), Subtracting (2) from (1),
23y = −92 2y2 = 8
2
÷ 23 y = −4. y = 4.
Substituting into (1). Hence x= 7 and y = 2,
3x + 8 = 29 or x= 7 and y = −2,

x = 7. or x= −7 and y = 2,
Hence x = 7 and y = −4. or x= −7 and y = −2.

Exercise 1G F OU N DATI O N

1 Solve by substituting the first equation into the second:

a y = x and 2x + y = 9 b y = 2x and 3x − y = 2
c y = x − 1 and 2x + y = 5 d a = 2b + 1 and a − 3b = 3
e p = 2 − q and p − q = 4 f v = 1 − 3u and 2u + v = 0

2 Solve by either adding or subtracting the two equations:

a x + y = 5 and x − y = 1 b 3x − 2y = 7 and x + 2y = −3
c 2x + y = 9 and x + y = 5 d a + 3b = 8 and a + 2b = 5
e 4c − d = 6 and 2c − d = 2 f p − 2q = 4 and 3p − 2q = 0

D E V E L OP M E NT

3 Solve by substitution:
a y = 2x and 3x + 2y = 14 b y = −3x and 2x + 5y = 13
c y = 4 − x and x + 3y = 8 d x = 5y + 4 and 3x − y = 26
e 2x + y = 10 and 7x + 8y = 53 f 2x − y = 9 and 3x − 7y = 19
g 4x − 5y = 2 and x + 10y = 41 h 2x + 3y = 47 and 4x − y = 45

4 Solve by elimination:
a 2x + y = 1 and x − y = −4 b 2x + 3y = 16 and 2x + 7y = 24
c 3x + 2y = −6 and x − 2y = −10 d 5x − 3y = 28 and 2x − 3y = 22
e 3x + 2y = 7 and 5x + y = 7 f 3x + 2y = 0 and 2x − y = 56
g 15x + 2y = 27 and 3x + 7y = 45 h 7x − 3y = 41 and 3x − y = 17
i 2x + 3y = 28 and 3x + 2y = 27 j 3x − 2y = 11 and 4x + 3y = 43

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26 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra 1G

5 Solve by substitution:
a y = 2 − x and y = x2 b y = 2x − 3 and y = x2 − 4x + 5
c y = 3x2 and y = 4x − x2 d x − y = 5 and y = x2 − 11
e x − y = 2 and xy = 15 f 3x + y = 9 and xy = 6

6 Solve each problem by forming and then solving a pair of simultaneous equations.
a Find two numbers that differ by 16 and have a sum of 90.
b I paid 75 cents for a pen and a pencil. If the pen cost four times as much as the pencil, find the cost
of each item.
c If 7 apples and 2 oranges cost $4, and 5 apples and 4 oranges cost $4.40, find the cost of each apple
and orange.
d Twice as many adults as children attended a certain concert. If adult tickets cost $8 each, child tickets
cost $3 each, and the total takings were $418, find the numbers of adults and children who attended.
e A man is 3 times as old as his son. In 12 years’ time he will be twice as old as his son. How old is
each of them now?
f At a meeting of the members of a certain club, a proposal was voted on. If 357 members voted and
the proposal was carried by a majority of 21, how many voted for and how many voted against?

CHAL L ENG E

7 Solve simultaneously:
a x + y = 15 and x2 + y2 = 125 b x − y = 3 and x2 + y2 = 185
c 2x + y = 5 and 4x2 + y2 = 17 d x + y = 9 and x2 + xy + y2 = 61
e x + 2y = 5 and 2xy − x2 = 3 f 3x + 2y = 16 and xy = 10

8 Set up a pair of simultaneous equations to solve each problem.

a Kathy paid $320 in cash for a CD player. If she paid in $20 and $10 notes, and there were 23 notes
altogether, how many of each type were there?
b Two people are 16 km apart on a straight road. They start walking at the same time. If they walk
towards each other, they will meet in 2 hours, but if they walk in the same direction (so that the
distance between them is decreasing), they will meet in 8 hours. Find their walking speeds.

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 1H Completing the square 27  

1H Completing the square

Completing the square can be done with all quadratic equations, whereas factoring is only possible in
special cases.
The review in this section is mostly restricted to monic quadratics, in which the coefficient of x2 is 1.
Chapter 3 will deal with non-monic quadratics. Chapter 3 will also require completing the square in a
quadratic function, which is only slightly different from completing the square in a quadratic equation.

Perfect squares
The expansion of the quadratic (x + 5) 2 is
(x + 5) 2 = x2 + 10x + 25.
Notice that the coefficient of x is twice 5, and the constant is the square of 5.
Reversing the process, the constant term in a perfect square can be found by taking half the coefficient of x
and squaring the result.

14 COMPLETING THE SQUARE IN AN EXPRESSION x 2 + bx + ⋯

Halve the coefficient b of x, and square the result.

Example 23 1H
Complete the square for each expression.
a x2 + 16x + ⋯ b x2 − 3x + ⋯

SOLUTION
a The coefficient of x is 16, half of 16 is 8, and 82 = 64,
so  x2 + 16x + 64 = (x + 8) 2.

b The coefficient of x is −3, half of −3 is −112 , and (−112)2 = 214 ,

so  x2 − 3x + 214 = (x − 112)2.

Solving a quadratic equation by completing the square

This process always works.

15 SOLVING A QUADRATIC EQUATION BY COMPLETING THE SQUARE

Complete the square in the quadratic by adding the same to both sides.

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28 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra 1H

Example 24 1H
Solve each quadratic equation by completing the square.
a t2 + 8t = 20 b x2 − x − 1 = 0

SOLUTION
a t2 + 8t = 20 b x2 − x − 1 = 0
+ 16 t2 + 8t + 16 = 36 +1 x2 − x = 1
(t + 4) 2 = 36 + 14 x2 − x + 14 = 114
t + 4 = 6 or t + 4 = −6

(x − 2) =
t = 2 or −10 1 2 5
4

x − 12 = 12√5 or x − 12 = − 12√5

x = 12 + 12√5 or 1
2
− 12√5

The word ‘Algebra’

Al-Khwarizmi was a famous and influential Persian mathematician who worked in Baghdad during the early
ninth century when the Baghdad Caliphate excelled in science and mathematics. The Arabic word ‘algebra’
comes from al-jabr, a word from the title of his most important work, and means ‘the restoration of broken
parts’ — a reference to the balancing of terms on both sides of an equation. Al-Khwarizmi’s own name came
into modern European languages as ‘algorithm’.

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 1H Completing the square 29  

Exercise 1H F OU N DATI O N

1 What constant must be added to each expression in order to create a perfect square?
a x2 + 2x b y2 − 6y c a2 + 10a d m2 − 18m
e c2 + 3c f x2 − x g b2 + 5b h t2 − 9t

2 Factor:
a x2 + 4x + 4 b y2 + 2y + 1 c p2 + 14p + 49 d m2 − 12m + 36
e t2 − 16t + 64 f x2 + 20x + 100 g u2 − 40u + 400 h a2 − 24a + 144

3 Copy and complete:

a x2 + 6x + … = (x + …) 2 b y2 + 8y + … = (y + …) 2
c a2 − 20a + … = (a − …) 2 d b2 − 100b + … = (b − …) 2
e u2 + u + … = (u + …) 2 f t2 − 7t + … = (t − …) 2
g m2 + 50m + … = (m + …) 2 h c2 − 13c + … = (c − …) 2

D E V E L OP M E NT

4 Solve each quadratic equation by completing the square.

a x2 − 2x = 3 b x2 − 6x = 0 c a2 + 6a + 8 = 0
d x2 + 4x + 1 = 0 e x2 − 10x + 20 = 0 f y2 + 3y = 10
g b2 − 5b − 14 = 0 h y2 − y + 2 = 0 i a2 + 7a + 7 = 0

CHAL L E NG E

5 Solve, by dividing both sides by the coefficient of x2 and then completing the square.
a 2x2 − 4x − 1 = 0 b 2x2 + 8x + 3 = 0 c 3x2 + 6x + 5 = 0
d 4x2 + 4x − 3 = 0 e 4x2 − 2x − 1 = 0 f 2x2 − 10x + 7 = 0

6 a If x2 + y2 + 4x − 2y + 1 = 0, show that (x + 2) 2 + (y − 1) 2 = 4.
b Show that the equation x2 + y2 − 6x − 8y = 0 can be written in the form
     (x − a) 2 + (y − b) 2 = c,
where a, b and c are constants. Hence find a, b and c.
c If x2 + 1 = 10x + 12y, show that (x − 5) 2 = 12(y + 2).
d Find values for A, B and C if y2 − 6x + 16y + 94 = (y + C) 2 − B(x + A).

ISBN 978-1-108-46904-3 © Pender et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 30 Chapter 1 Methods in algebra

Chapter 1 Review
Review activity
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Chapter 1 Multiple-choice quiz

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Chapter review exercise

Review

1 Simplify:
a −8y + 2y b −8y − 2y c −8y × 2y d −8y ÷ 2y
2 Simplify:
a −2a2 − a2 b −2a2 − (−a2) c −2a2 × (−a2) d −2a2 ÷ (−a2)
3 Simplify:
a 3t − 1 − t b −6p + 3q + 10p
c 7x − 4y − 6x + 2y d 2a2 + 8a − 13 + 3a2 − 11a − 5
4 Simplify:
a −6k6 × 3k3 b −6k6 ÷ 3k3 c (−6k6) 2 d (3k3) 3
5 Expand and simplify:
a 4(x + 3) + 5(2x − 3) b 8(a − 2b) − 6(2a − 3b) c −(a − b) − (a + b)
d −4x2 (x + 3) − 2x2 (x − 1) e (n + 7)(2n − 3) f (r + 3) 2
g (y − 5)(y + 5) h (3x − 5)(2x − 3) i (t − 8) 2
j (2c + 7)(2c − 7) k (4p + 1) 2 l (3u − 2) 2
6 Factor:
a 18a + 36 b 20b − 36 c 9c2 + 36c
d d2 − 36 e e2 + 13e + 36 f f 2 − 12f + 36
g 36 − 25g2 h h2 − 9h − 36 i i2 + 5i − 36
j 2j2 + 11j + 12 k 3k2 − 7k − 6 l 5l2 − 14l + 8
m 4m2 + 4m − 15 n mn + m + pn + p o p3 + 9p2 + 4p + 36
p qt − rt − 5q + 5r q u2w + vw − u2x − vx r x2 − y2 + 2x − 2y

ISBN 978-1-108-46904-3 © Pender et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 Chapter 1 Review 31  

7 Simplify:

Review
x x x x x x x x
a + b − c × d ÷
2 4 2 4 2 4 2 4
3a 2a 3a 2a 3a 2a 3a 2a
e + f − g × h ÷
2b 3b 2b 3b 2b 3b 2b 3b
x y x y x y x y
i + j − k × l ÷
y x y x y x y x
8 Simplify:
x+4 x−5 5 3 x+1 x−4
a + b + c −
5 3 x+4 x−5 2 5
2 5 x x+3 2 4
d − e − f −
x+1 x−4 2 4 x x+3
9 Factor each expression where possible, then simplify it.
6a + 3b 2x − 2y x2 + 2x − 3
a b 2 c
10a + 5b x − y2 x2 − 5x + 4
2x2 + 3x + 1 a+b 3x2 − 19x − 14
d e   f
2x3 + x2 + 2x + 1 a + 2ab + b2
2
9x2 − 4
10 Solve each linear equation.
x+5
a 3x + 5 = 17 b 3(x + 5) = 17 c = 17
3
x
d + 5 = 17 e 7a − 4 = 2a + 11 f 7(a − 4) = 2(a + 11)
3
a − 4 a + 11 a a
g = h − 4 = + 11
7 2 7 2
11 Solve each quadratic equation by factoring the left-hand side.
a a2 − 49 = 0 b b2 + 7b = 0 c c2 + 7c + 6 = 0
d d2 + 6d − 7 = 0 e e2 − 5e + 6 = 0 f 2f 2 − f − 6 = 0
g 2g2 − 13g + 6 = 0 h 3h2 + 2h − 8 = 0
12 Solve using the quadratic formula. Write the solutions in simplest exact form.
a x2 − 4x + 1 = 0 b y2 + 3y − 3 = 0 c t2 + 6t + 4 = 0
d 3x − 2x − 2 = 0
2
e 2a + 5a − 5 = 0
2
f 4k2 − 6k − 1 = 0
13 Solve each quadratic by completing the square on the left-hand side.
a x2 + 4x = 6 b y2 − 6y + 3 = 0 c x2 − 2x = 12 d y2 + 10y + 7 = 0

ISBN 978-1-108-46904-3 © Pender et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.