66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.

2 Algebra Page 1

1.2 Algebra

a) Simple algebraic expressions, addition, subtraction,

multiplication and division, use of brackets, simple
algebraic fractions;

b) Linear equations and their solutions;

Indices and powers, negative and fractional indices ;
Binary and other applicable numbering systems;
Simultaneous equations and second degree equations
with one unknown;
Logarithms.
Module 1- Mathematics

1.2- Algebra Lesson Plan

1. Octal and hexadecimal numbers; general numbering

number; symbolic notation.
2. Basic operations; algebraic fractions;
3. Indices and logarithms;
4. Solution of equations;
5. Idea of a function.
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 2

Numbers, Binary system Octal numbers

! Decimal system ! Binary system
! Ten symbols: 0, 1, … 9 ! Two symbols : 0 and 1 ! Eight symbols Octal Binary
0..8 0 000
! Base is 10 ! Base is 2
1 001
! Base is 8
! Power: 10n-1 ! Power : 2 n-1 2 010
! 23 =8 3
! 555.5 = 5 x 102 + 5 x 101 ! ( 110101)2 = 1 x 25 + 1 x 011
+ 5 x 100 + 5 x 10 -1 24 + 0 x 23 + 1x 22 + 0 x 21 ! 3 binary digits represent 4 100
+ 1 x 20=( 53)10 a single octal digit 5 101
1 9
+1 6 110
+1
0 7
0 111
1 1
10
10

Binary to decimal conversion Hexadecimal numbers

Hex Binary
Binary ! Sixteen symbols 0 0000
digit 0..9, A..F 1 0001
10th 9th 8th 7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
2 0010
power 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 ! Base is 16 3 0011
4 0100
5 0101
Decimal 512 256 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1 ! 24 = 16 6 0110
value 7 0111
4 + 1= 5 1 0 1 ! 4 binary digits represent 8 1000
a single hexadecimal 9 1001
32 + 16 + 8 + 2 + 1 = 59 1 1 1 0 1 1 A 1010
B 1011
C 1100
Decimal equivalent Binary number D 1101
E 1110
F 1111
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 3

Octal and Hexadecimal Numbering Systems

In arithmetic we generally work with decimal numbers.

However numbers of different radix or base may be used. The hexadecimal number system (Hex) uses base 16.
The hexadecimal number system uses the numbers 0 through9,
In the binary system the value of the bits doubles as they along with the letters A, B, C, D, E and F, to make up the 16
progress from right to left. The values of the first ten bits, symbols.
reading from right to left, are:1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, and
512. An important point to recognize about the hexadecimal number
system is that 4 binary digits represent a single hexadecimal
a. To find the binary equivalent of a decimal number, start digit. This is significant because a 16-bit binary code can be
with the left side of the chart and subtract the binary place represented with a 4-digit hexadecimal number.
values from the decimal number. Proceeding to the right,
every time a place value goes into the decimal number, put a
1 for the place value. When a place value does not go into
the decimal number, put a zero for that place value. For
example, the binary equivalent of 152 is 10011000.

b. To find the decimal equivalent of a binary number, add all

of the place values in which there is a 1. The decimal
equivalent of 0100111000 is 312.

The octal notation system is a binary representation of an octal

number. Octal numbers are composed of eight different
symbols. Octal notation is comprised of a series of three-bit
groups. Since the largest decimal number represented by three
binary digits is 7 (111), this is a base 8 or octal, system. In short,
octal notation is a means to represent octal (base 8) numbers in a
binary language.

The octal notation system has a base of 8; that is, each three-
digit binary group (triad) can be represented as in table.
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 4

Binary to octal conversion Hex to binary conversion

Hex Binary
! Example Octal Binary ! Example
0 0000
0 000 1 0001
010100001 ! 2F916 2 0010
! 1 001
3 0011
2 010
4 0100
3 011 5 0101
010 100 001 4 2 F 9
100 6 0110
5 101 7 0111
1 6 110 8 1000
2 4 0010 1111 1001 9 1001
7 111
A 1010
0101000012 = 2418 B 1011
C 1100
2F916 = 0010111110012 D 1101
E 1110
F 1111

Hex to decimal conversion Binary to hex conversion

Hex Decimal
Hex Binary
! Example 0 0 ! Example
1 1 0 0000
2 2 1 0001
! FA216 ! 101100011012 2 0010
3 3
4 4 3 0011
power
5 5 4 0100
6 6 0101 , 1000 , 1101 5 0101
FA216 = 15 x 162 + 10 x 161 + 2 x 160 7 7 6 0110
8 8 7 0111
= 3840 + 160 + 2 9 9 5 8 D 8 1000
A 10 9 1001
= 400210 A 1010
B 11
C 12 B 1011
D 13 C 1100
E 14 101100011012 = 58D16 D 1101
F 15 E 1110
F 1111
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 5

Hex/ Octal/ Binary/ Decimal Conversion

Each digit in a base 16 number possesses a magnitude that
corresponds to that digit’ s position. The right-most digit in a
sequence, or the least significant digit (LCD ), has a magnitude
of 160, or 1. The left-most digit in the sequence, or the most Convert 41210 to its hex equivalent:
significant digit (MSD), has a 16 n-1, where n is the number of
digits in the sequence. 412/ 16 = 25 + remainder of 12
25/ 16 = 1 + remainder of 9
a. To convert the number 65316 to its decimal equivalent: 1/ 16 = 0 + remainder of 1

65316 = 6 ´ 162 + 5 ´ 161 + 3 ´ 160 therefore, 41210 = 19C 16.

= 1536 + 80 + 3
= 161910 c. Hex to binary conversion- Convert each hexadecimal digit
is converted to its 4-bit binary equivalent:
FA216 = 15 ´ 162 + 10 ´ 161 + 2 ´ 160
= 3840 + 160 + 2 To convert 2F916 to its binary equivalent:
= 400210
2 F 9
Note that 15 was substituted for F and 10 was substituted for
A in the second example. 0010 1111 1001

b. As with decimal to binary conversion, repeated division is therefore, 2F916 = 0010111110012

used to calculate the equivalent base 16 number.
d.
To convert 324 10 to its hex equivalent:
324 / 16 = 20 + remainder of 4
20 / 16 = 1 + remainder of 4
1 / 16 = 0 + remainder of 1
Binary to hex conversion- This is simply a matter of
converting each group of 4 binary digits to its hexadecimal
equivalent. Starting from the right of the binary number,
count every 4 bits and convert.
To convert 101100011012 to its hexadecimal equivalent:

therefore, 324 10 = 144 16. 101100011012 = 0101 1000 1101

5 8 D
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 6

therefore, 101100011012 = 58D 16

 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 7

Use of symbols General numbering system

! Radix (base) x H T U
! Use positive and negative ! Express and analyze
quantities, letters and relationships among units
symbols. of quantitative data. ! The number [abc]x is 123 10 = 1 x 100+ 2 x 10 + 3

AC16 = 10 x 16 + 12
3a, 6x,±1, 5², N= ax2 +bx +c
( ) , ´ , % ... A = l .w 354 8 = 3 x 64 + 5 x 8 + 4
! The general case for a
Area of rectangle equals number radix x is
xy²m, 2x3y, a²b² , 6x = 12 length times width
3x + 2y
x = 3 + 2y

E = a0xn +a1xn-1 +…..+an-1 x + an

Module 1.2 Algebra Page 8

Square root operation

10 6 1 6
1 / 2 56
A 1
10 6 / 1 56
1 20 2x 6 x 10
36 6x6
A B
6

Let N = the given number

Let 10a +b = an approximation to the square root of N
The remainder = N - (10a +b)2
= (N- 100a2 ) - (20ab +b2 )
= (N- 100a2 ) - (2 .10a.b +b2 )

Like and unlike terms

! 457 ! 4x2 +5x +7 Digits having the place of
significance are like terms
! 712 ! 7x2 + x +2

! 1169 ! 11x2 + 6x +9

Different symbols are

! 1710 + 368 ! (x +7) + (3y +6) unlike terms

! 2210 + 418 ! (2x + 2) + (4y +1)

! 3910 + 778 ! (3x + 9) + (7y + 7)

 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 9

Symbolic notation and Algebra

Algebra may be defined as the branch of mathematics that uses

positive and negative quantities, letters and other symbols to
express and analyze relationships among units of quantitative
data.
Aviation maintenance technician use many algebraic formulas
and expressions on a daily basis. In many cases, these
operations have become so routine that many do not realize
algebra is being used.
The formula for the area of a rectangle, A= l.w, is an algebraic
expression. The formula for finding the force on a hydraulic
piston may be expressed F = p.A, where p is the pressure of the
fluid and A the area of the piston.
General Numbering Systems- It can be generalized that any
number of radix x has a magnitude given by:
Power 0: A constant.
Power 1: [ab]x = ax + b = a linear expression in x.
Power 2: [abc]x = ax2 + bx + c
= a quadratic expression in x
… coefficients, they are called like terms; otherwise they are unlike
Power n: [a0a1a2….an]x
= a0 xn +a1 xn-1 + a2 xn-2 +…+ an-1 x + an
= a polynomial expression in x
Terminology
Literal number- A letter that is used in place of a number.
Term- Combination of sign, numbers and letters.
Coefficient- The multiplier of the literal number.
Monomial- Expression containing only one term, e.g. x, ab, 2c,
xy2m, a2b2y.
Binomial- Expression containing two terms connected by a
minus (-) or plus (+) sign, e.g. a+ b, 2x+ 3y, ab- xyz.
Polynomial- Any expression in general containing two or more
algebraic terms e.g. 4y2- 3z, 6a+ 7b+ xyz.
Exponent- Symbol to show a power e.g. x3.
Order- The highest power in a polynomial expression.
Equation- An expression of equality such as 2x + 6 = 8.
Formula- Expression of a calculation in literal numbers, e.g.
speed s = d/ t.
Like and unlike terms- When terms differ only in their
terms. Like terms can be combined and simplified.
Most computations in aviation have been simplified to where the
problem can be solved by placing the proper numbers into
formulas. However a knowledge of algebra is essential for the
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 10
technician to understand what is happening in the procedure or
system.
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 11

Algebraic addition Algebraic subtraction

Rule Example 3 x + 4 y - 10x - y Rule Example 6x + 5y - 8z
- (-2x +3y +4z)
! 1. Collect like terms ! (3 x - 10x) + (4 y - y)

! 2. Combine the values of ! -7x + 3y ! Change the sign of the 6x + 5y - 8z

like terms with regard to subtrahend
signs
+ (2x - 3y - 4z)

! 3. Leave the expression ! Answer = -7x + 3y ! Add

8x + 2y -12z
with all unlike terms as
the answer.
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 12

Monomial multiplication
Rule Example abx × (-aby)

! Collect like terms ! a (-a) b b x y

! To like terms, raise the ! -a2 b2

power.

! To unlike terms, gather ! xy

together as a unit.

! Check that when like signs ! - a2 b2 xy

are multiplied, the product
is positive and vice versa.

Algebraic division
Rule Example 4a2 + 6ab
2a

! Divide the divisor ! 4a2 /2a = 2a

into the first term

! Divide the divisor ! 6ab / 2a = 3b

into the second term

! Add ! 2a + 3 b
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 13

Finding H.C.F. & L.C.M Algebraic fraction

Rule Example (x +1) (x +2) ! 11/ 3 ! (3x + 2) / x
and (x + 2) (x + 3) ! 2/ 125 ! 2 / (x2 + 2x + 5 )

! H.C.F is the highest ! The H.C.F. ! 2 / (4x2 + 2 )

common factor of the
polynomial. = 2 /2 (2x2 + 1 )
=x+2
= 1 / (2x2 +1 )
! L.C.M is the lowest ! The L.C.M.
common multiple of
the polynomial. = (x +1) (x + 2) ( x + 3)

An algebraic fraction is a quotient of two polynomials.

In its lowest terms, it has no common factor in the
numerator and denominator.
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 14

Cancellation

Rule Example

! A /B = A ´ M / B ´ M ! a / (a + 1)
= ab / b(a + 1)
! A /B = A ÷ M / B ÷ M
! (1 - a) / (1 - a2 )

(1- a)/(1- a)
=
(1 - a2 )/(1- a)

Reduction to lowest terms

Rule Example 4(x – 2) / y (x – 2)

! Find a common factor of ! A common factor is x-2

the numerator and
denominator.
! 4(x – 2) / y (x – 2)
! Divide both the
numerator and ! =4/y
denominator by the
common factor.
! Continue until there is ! No more common factors
no more common exist. The fraction is in its
factors. simplest terms.
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 15

Use of brackets- BODMAS RULE Simple factors

! B ! Operations in brackets ! 35 = 5 x 7 ! 7x + 7y =7 (x +y )

! O ! Of (Functional evaluation of a single ! Group like terms to ! 5x +5y – kx –ky

term as independent variable.) help identify a common
factor between terms. = 5 (x + y) – k (x + y)
! D ! Division ! Apply the rule = (5 – k) (x + y )
ax + ay = a ( x + y )
! M ! Multiplication

! A ! Addition

! S ! Subtraction The reverse process of expanding, that is to write

ax + ay = a ( x + y ) is called factorization .
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 16

Simplify algebraic fraction

Rule Simplify 3b – 3a × (a3 + b3)
a2 – b2

! Factorize each term 3b – 3a

× (a3 + b3)
in the numerator and a2 – b2
denominator.

-3 (a – b)
! Cancel a pair of = × (a + b)(a2 – ab + b2)
(a – b) (a +b)
common factors as
they occur once in the
numerator and once = -3 (a2 – ab + b2)
in the denominator.

Simplify algebraic fraction

Rule Simplify 1 + 1 + 2
1+a a-1 1-a2
! Find the L.C.M ! 1- a2

! Divide the L.C.M by each ! (1-a2)/(1+a)=1-a

denominator
(1-a2)/(a-1)=-(1+a)

! Multiply the numerator (1-a2)/(1-a2)=1

and denominator of each
fraction by the quotient 1-a 1+a + 2
-
1-a2 1-a2 1-a2
! Add all the fractions
! [1-a-(1+a)+2]/1-a2 =2/(1+a)
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 17

Use of Parenthesis (Brackets)

Grouping of terms- Parenthesis are used in algebra to indicate
two or more terms are considered as one single term.
a. In the simplest situation, 3 x (5+2 ) means that the 5 and 2
should be added and then multiplied by 3.
b. In the expression –(4x -2) when the parenthesis are
removed, the 4x takes a negative sign and the 2 becomes
positive.
In general, when two terms of like signs are multiplied, the
sign of the product is positive. When two terms of unlike
signs are multiplied, the product is negative.
d. A perfect square consists of terms such as
x2 + 2xy + y2
= x2 + xy + xy + y2
= x ( x+ y) + y (x + y)
= (x+ y)2
Order of operation- Parenthesis are also used to indicate the
order of operations. When an algebraic expression involves
multiple terms and multiple operations, the operation should be
carried out according to the BODMAS rule.

These rules may be demonstrated as follows: B The terms enclosed within parenthesis or
brackets.
-5 (a + b) = -5a – 5b O Functional evaluation of a single term as
-3a (2x – 4y) = -6ax +12 ay independent variable.
D Division operation
c. Grouping of like terms may be used to help identify a
common factor between terms. E.g. M Multiplication operation

5x + 5y – kx – ky A Addition of like terms

= 5 (x+ y) – k (x+ y)
= (5- k) (x+ y) S Subtraction of like terms

x2 – y2
= x2 – xy + xy – y2 Where two operations belong to the same level of hierarchy,
= x (x+ y) – y (x+ y) begin with the operation from the innermost.
= (x- y) (x+ y)
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 18

Indices Extension to fractional indices

! For any positive integer ! Example ! Meaning of a quantity ! 81/2 = Ö 8 = 2Ö 2

n such as a 1/3
! a2 = a ´ a
! an = a ´ a ´ …... ´ a ! In general,
( n times) ! a3 = a´a´a ! a 1/3 a 1/3 a 1/3
! (a1/n ) n = a 1/n. n = a1 = a
! where a is called the ! a2 ´ a 3
base ! = a 1/3 +1/3 +1/3 = a 1 = a
! =a´a´a´a´a ! Therefore a1/n = nÖ a
! n is called the index or
exponent of an ! Let x = a 1/3 then
42
1 31
22 x.x.x = a
35 !

For positive integers m, n am · an = am + n ! x3 = a; x = 3Ö a

Extension to negative indices Law of indices

! Meaning of a quantity ! 8-2 = 8 0- 2 = 80 / 8 2 ! Bases are equal ! Other important

raised to the power zero
i e. a 0 = ?
! a 3 / a3= a 3-3= a 0
! a / a cancel to 1
3 3
therefore a 0 = 1
properties
am · an = am + n
! = 1/8² =1/64 a0 = 1 , where a ¹ 0
am /an = am - n
(am )n = am n a-m = 1/am , where a ¹ 0
! In general,
! Indices are equal a1/n = n Öa
! a-n = a 0- n = a0 / a n
( a b )m = am bm am/n = (n Ö a) m
! = 1/an
( a / b )m = am / bm
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 19

Indices and Logarithms

A number written in index notation consists of two parts. The
first part is known as the base, the second part is called the
power (or index) and is written superscript to the base. Laws of Logarithms

Numbers written in Index form cannot be added or subtracted 1) loga m + loga n 4) loga m = logc m/ logc a
explicitly, but they are much easier to multiply and divide when = loga mn
they have the same base. As the laws show, multiplication of 2) loga m - loga n 5) loga a = 1
indices with the same base is achieved simply by adding the = loga m/n
indices, while division of indices with the same base is achieved 3) loga mn = n. loga m 6) loga 1 = 0
by subtracting the indices. An index may also be raised to a
power, in which case you multiply the indices. Any number to
the power of 0 is equal to 1.
Since logarithms are an alternative method of writing indices, it
can be shown that the laws of logarithms are equivalent to the
Laws of Indices corresponding laws of indices. Important things to note are that
the loga a is equal to 1, and loga 1 is equal to 0.
1) aman = am+n 5) (a/b)m = am/bm
Common Logarithms
m n m-n 0
2) a /a = a 6) a =1 Powers of 10 are found to be the easiest to handle, and they form
the tables which come into common usage.
3) (am)n = amn 7) a-m = 1/(am)
Let us take the example given above 25.2 * 36.3.
4) (ab)m = ambm 8) am/n = n Öam
If we look up 25.2 and 36.3 in the table then we find that the
power relating to these numbers are 101.401400541 and
Logarithms- The power of a which equals y is called the log of 101.559906625 respectively. Therefore 25.2 * 36.3 =
y to base a of y, or written in the form loga y. 101.401400541 * 101.559906625 = 101.401400541 +
1.559906625 = 102.961307166. If we look up 102.961307166
y = ax; where y is the number, a is the base and x is the we find that 25.2 * 26.3 = 914.76.
logarithm.
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 20
You can not find a log value for a negative number. That is there
is no power of a positive base that will give a negative number,
remember the base must be greater than zero.
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 21

Introducing Logarithms P arts o f th e L o g arith m

Rule:
2 = 100.301 2 = 100.301 y = log x
Example:
Log 7.2430 = 0.8599
! Index viewpoint ! Logarithm viewpoint
mantissa exponent
! Base = 10 ! Base = 10
! Index = 0.301 ! Logarithm = 0.301
! Number (function value ! Anti-log = dependant 0.8599 is the mantissa of the log 7.2430
when the index varies) variable when the
logarithm varies 0.8599 is the exponent of 10 0.8599
! =2
! =2
0 is the characteristic of the log
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 22

Determining the characteristic

! For numbers bigger than ! Find the characteristic of
1 50.3
Log x x
! The characteristic is
always a positive integer 2 100

! It is one less than the

number of figures to left
of the decimal point. 50.3
! 2- 1 = 1
1 10
0 1

Finding the anti-logarithms

! Separate the log into 2
parts. ! Log x = 2 . 5327

! Find the antilog of the
mantissa.
! Use the characteristic to
determine the decimal
point.
! Mantissa = 0.5227
! Characteristic =2
! From the tables, anti-log
of the mantissa is 3.410
! Insert the decimal point
as shown.

3 4 1 0
Starting
point
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 23

Exponential curve Logarithmic curve

Y The logarithm of a Y
y = log x
! When x= 0, y= 1 non-positive number is
y= 10x not defined.
! When x=1, y = 10

1 X
When x = 1, y = 0
When x =10, y = 1

X
O O
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 24

Properties of Logarithms
! Log a (M N) = log a M + log a N
! Log a (M / N) = log a M – log a N
! Log a M n = n log a M
! Log a 1 = 0
! Log a a = 1

The logarithm of a non-positive number is not defined.

Worked examples
! Approach: ! If log x = log (a +y) – 1,
express y in terms of a and x
! Start with the given
equation ! Log x = log (a + y) – log 10
Log x = log (a + y) / 10
! Take the logarithm of both
sides x = (a + y) / 10
10x = a + y
! Apply the properties of
logarithm y = 10x - a
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 25

Linear equations Linear equation- Worked example

! Linear equations in one ! The general solution of 7x + 3(x-y) - 8x -4 = 2(x + 5) - 3y

variable ax + b¹ 0 is given by 2
! is a equation of the form ! x = -b/a. (a ¹ 0) 7x + 3x - 3y - 4x + 2 = 2x +10 - 3y
ax + b = 0
7x + 3x - 4x - 2x = 10 - 2 - 3y + 3y
! where a and b are real
numbers 4x = 8
! and a ¹ 0
x=2
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 26

Solving Linear Equations

! Rule ! Example
! Whatever we do to one ! (1) Equations
side of an equation we
must also do to the ! 3x + 4 = 0 ; -2y + 3 = 0 ;
other. 3t - 7 = 17

! (2) Solution Process

x + 14 = 5
x + 14 – 14 = 5 – 14
x=–9

Quadratic equations

! Quadratic equation in ! Discriminant

one variable D = Ö(b2 -4ac)

! is an equation of the ! The equation can have

form
! Case 1. Two unequal
a x2 + b x + c = 0 real roots D >0

! where a, band c are real ! Case 2. Two equal real

numbers roots D =0

! and a ¹ 0 ! Case 3. No real roots

D<0
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics
Solution of Equations
An equation is a mathematical expression of equality.
For example 2 + 5 = 7 is a simple equation. In terms of algebra,
this equation would be a + b = c. If the value of any two of the
symbols are known, the other one can be calculated.
When it is given a = 2 and b = 5 in the equation, then we know
that
c = 2 + 5 = 7.
If we ask the question: what number added to 6 will produce 10?,
we can express the question in an equation like this
6 + x = 10.
To find the number of x, we write
x = 10 – 6 = 4.
Note that we changed the sign of 4 as we transposed it to the
other side of the equation.
In another case, when 3 x = 9, we write
x=9/3=3
Note that we divided by 3 as we transposed the factor 3 to the
other side of the equation. In general, we reverse the operation
as we transposed a term or a factor to the other side of an
equation.
1.2 Algebra Page 27
Solution of problems- Algebra can be used to solve problems
that may be difficult using only arithmetic methods.
In the first example, let’s say one number is 3 times another
number. The sum of the numbers is 48. If this is true, what are
the numbers?
Let x = the smaller positive number.
Then 3x = the larger positive number.
x + 3 x = 48
4 x= 48
x = 12, the smaller number
3x= 36, the larger number
Refer to the Appendix for more examples.
Methods of elimination and substitution- To solve a system of
equations (simultaneous equations) in two unknowns, we can
first eliminate one unknown from the system or substitute one
unknown by the other. This will reduce the equation system to a
simple problem of equation in one unknown.
Module 1.2 Algebra
Quadratic equation- Solution
Method 1
! By factorization
! If ax2 + bx + c = 0 can be
written as (x - p)(x - q) = 0
the p & q are the roots of
the equation .
Solving Quadratic Equations
! Rule
! When the product of
two factors is zero,
either factor must be
zero.
! If AB = 0 then
A= 0 or B= 0
Page 28
Solving Quadratic Equations
Method 2 ! Rule ! Factorize
! When the product of ! 2x2 - x - 15 = 0
! By formula two factors is zero,
either factor must be
zero. ! (2x + 5) (x - 3) = 0
! If ax2 + bx + c = 0 then ,
! If x2 -(a+b) x + ab = 0 ! x = -5/2 or 3
x = [-b ± Ö ( b2 - 4ac)] / 2a
! then (x-a ) (x-b) = 0
! x= a or b
Solving Quadratic Equations
! Example ! Rule ! Example
! (1) Equations ! Completing squares ! x2 - 8x - 33 = 0
! x2 -8 x + 15 = 0 ! ax2 + bx + c = 0 ! x= 8 ± Ö(64 + 4 x 33)
2
! (2) Solution Process ! x= -b ± Ö(b2- 4ac)
2a ! x= (8 ± Ö196) /2
(x-3) (x-5) = 0
! x = (8 ± 14) /2
x-3 = 0 or x-5 = 0
! x = 11 or -3
x= 3 or 5
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 29

Quadratic equation- Discriminant Quadratic equation- roots

! Nature of roots
! The discriminant, D of the
quadratic equation
ax2 + bx + c = 0 is defined
as D = b2- 4ac
the value of D determines
the nature of roots of the
quadratic equation
! If D > 0, the equation has 2
unequal real roots.
! If D = 0, the equation has 1
real root (or 2 equal real
roots)
! if D < 0 , the equation has no
real roots.
! Given p and q are roots to ! This is also the basis for
the quadratic equation the cross method of
factorization.
! x2 + bx + c =0
! Example
Then
! Factorize x2 + 8x + 15
x2 + 8x + 15
! Sum of roots = p + q = - b !
! Product of roots = c ! = (x+ 3) (x+5)
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 30

Solving Simultaneous Equations

Rule Example
! Modify each equation to 3x + 5y = 31
get the same coefficient of
x 2x + 3y = 20
6x +10y = 62
6x + 9y = 60

! Substitute for x to find y y=2

! Put the result for y into 3x+ 5(2) = 31

either of the given 3x = 21
equations to find x
x=7

Worked example

Solve: Solve :
4( x - 1) - 2(x + 3) = 2 2 x2+ 7x + 6 = 0

Solution: Solution:
4 (x - 1 ) - 2 (x + 3) = 2 2x2 +7x + 6 = o
4x -4 - 2x - 6 = 2 (2x + 3)(x +2) = 0
2x -10 = 2 \ 2x + 3 = 0 or x + 2 = 0
x=6 then, x = - 3/2 or x = -2
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 31

Change of subject of formula Area of a square

! Take F as the unknown ! Celsius and Fahrenheit Area of a square

temperatures
! ! The function y = f(x)
in the equation.
! A = x2 ! y= f(x)= 3x2 + 10
! C = (F- 32) *5/ 9
! Solve for F.
! When the independent ! When x= 0, y = 10
! Then F - 32 = C * 9/5 variable x takes on any
! The result is : value,
Then F= 32 + C* 9/5 ! When x= 1, y= 13
F becomes the subject of !
the formula. ! the dependent variable ! When x= 2, y = 22
A takes on a
! Given any value of C, the corresponding value. ! and so on.
corresponding value of F ! then A is said to be a
can be calculated. function of x.
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 32

Function

! When a dependant ! A function can be denoted

variable y varies as an by f (x) , g (x) , h (x)...etc
independent variable x,
then y is said to be a ! For example
function of x.
! If f (x) = 3 x2 + 4x – 1, then
! An algebraic expression of
y in terms of x satisfies ! f (2) = 3 (2)2 + 4(2) – 1 = 19
this condition.
! f (k) = 3 (k)2 + 4(k) – 1
! y = ax +b
! y = ax2 + bx +c
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 33

Idea of a Function

Change of subject of formula- Consider the conversion

formula from Fahrenheit degrees to Celsius degrees.
b. Given the height of a cylinder is twice its radius and its
C = 5/ 9 . (F- 32) volume is V. Find V(r), V(1), and V(3).

Sometimes, we need to do the inverse, convert Celsius degrees V = p r2 (2r) = 2 p r3

to Fahrenheit degrees. We should make F the subject of the
formula. In this case, simply treat the formula as an equation and
V(1) = p12 (2.1) = 2 p
solve for F. So, we have
V(3) = p32 (2.3) = 54 p
F = 32 + 9/5 .C

In the context of algebra, C is usually considered to be an c. Given f(x) = x2 + 1 and h(t) = 1/(t + 1) find f(h(x)) and
independent variable so that when C changes, the value of F also f(h(1)).
changes. F is said to be a dependent variable or function.
f (h (t)) = [1/(t + 1) ]2 + 1
In general, the notation f(x) is used to represent a function of the
independent variable x. Examples of functions are: f (h (1)) = [1/(1 + 1) ]2 + 1 = 5/4.

Linear function: f(x) = ax + b

Graph of a function- Use a horizontal real axis to represent the
Quadratic function: 2
f(x) = ax + bx + c independent variable x. Use a vertical real axis to represent the
dependent variable y = f(x). Corresponding to any point x on
the horizontal axis, associate with a point y on the vertical axis
such that y = f(x). This will give a point (x, y) in the x-y plane.
a. Given f(x) =( 3 x +5) / (x2+ 1 ), find f(2) Then draw a continuous curve through such points. The curve is
said to be the graph of the function.
f(2) = (6+5)/ (5+1) = 11/6
The graph of the linear function is a straight line; the graph of
the quadratic function is a parabola.
Module 1.2 Algebra Page 34

Appendix: More Examples

Example 1: One number, increased by 5, is equal to one-half Let h = height of the pyramid
another number. The sum of the numbers is 55. What are the Then, volume of the pyramid = 1/3 c2h
numbers? Volume of the cube = c3

Let x = the smaller number 1/3 c2h = 1/ 2 c3

Then 2(x + 5) = the larger number h = 3/2 c

x + 2(x+ 5) = 55
x + 2 x + 10 = 55 Example 4: A cuboid is 3 units long, x units wide and x units
high. Given that this cuboid has the same number of units of
3x = 55 -10 = 45 total surface area and volume. Find x.

Example 2: a man has five times as many dimes as he has Area of four sides = 2(x2 + 3x)
quarters. The total value of his dimes and quarters is $5.25. Area of top and bottom = 2.3x
What number of each does he have? Total surface area = 2x2 + 12x
Volume =3x2
Let x = the number of quarters
Then 5x = the number of dimes 2x2 + 12x = 3x2
12x = x2
25x + 10(5x) = 525 x2 - 12x = 0
25x + 50x = 525 x (x-12) = 0
75x = 525
Rejecting x=0, the cuboid is 12 units wide.
x = 7, the number of quarters
5x = 35, the number of dimes

Example 3: A pyramid on a square base c has the half the

volume of the cube of side c. Find the height of the pyramid.
 66B1/ B2 Module 1- Mathematics 1.2 Algebra Page 35

Example 5: Solve the equation system

Example 7: Solve 3(100.5x-2) = 96
y2 = 5x (a)
Log y = 2 (b) 3(100.5x-2) = 96
100.5x-2 = 32
From (b) y = 102 = 100 0.5x -2 = log1032
Substituting into (a) 5x = 100 x = 2×(log1032 + 2) = 7.0103
Therefore x = 20

Example 6: A quadratic equation has two real roots, one of

which is double the other. The graph of this quadratic equation
cuts the y-axis at y= 18. Find the roots.

Let a = the smaller root of the quadratic equation.

Then 2 a = the larger root of the quadratic equation.

The graph of the quadratic equation should be represented by

y = (x-a)(x-2a)
When x = 0, y = (-a)(-2a)= 18
2a2= 18
a= ±3
The roots are: ±3 and ±6