Mathematics exercises algebra introduction

MATHEMATICS EXERCISES 1º ESO I.
Torres

Unit 4: “CURIOSITIES”
THE LANGUAGE OF ALGEBRA
Learning algebra is a little like learning another language. In fact, algebra is

a simple language, used to create mathematical models of real-world
situations and to handle problems that we can't solve using just arithmetic.
In algebra, we often use letters to represent numbers.
Since algebra uses the same symbols as arithmetic for adding, subtracting,
multiplying and dividing, you're already familiar with the basic vocabulary.
In algebra, letters are used instead of numbers when numbers are not
known. So, 'r + 2s' means an unknown number that is being called 'r', plus 2
multiplied by an unknown number being called 's'.
In this lesson, you'll learn some important new vocabulary words, and you'll
see how to translate from plain English to the "language" of algebra.
ALGEBRAIC CONVENTIONS
• A term is a collection of numbers, letters and brackets all multiplied

together.
• When we write algebraic terms we leave the multiplication signs out.

Rather than '2 x s', we write 2s, rather than '8 x y' we write 8y, and so on.
• Terms are separated by + and – signs. Each term has a + or a – attached

to the front of it.
3xy − 5r − 2 x 2 + 4
• A string of numbers and letters joined together by mathematical

operations such as + and - is called an algebraic expression: r + 2s is an
algebraic expression.
Unit 4 Introduction to the algebra Page 1

MATHEMATICS EXERCISES 1º ESO I. Torres

TRANSLATING WORDS INTO ALGEBRA LANGUAGE
Here are some statements in English. Just below each statement is its
translation in algebra.
the sum of three times a number and eight
3x + 8
The words "the sum of" tell us we need a plus sign because we're going to
add three times a number to eight. The words "three times" tell us the
first term is a number multiplied by three.
In this expression, we don't need a multiplication sign or parenthesis.

Phrases like "a number" or "the number" tell us our expression has an
unknown quantity, called a variable. In algebra, we use letters to represent
variables.
the product of a number and the same number less 3
x(x – 3)
The words "the product of" tell us we're going to multiply a number times
the number less 3. In this case, we'll use parentheses to represent the
multiplication. The words "less 3" tell us to subtract three from the
unknown number.
the sum of a number and 6
x + 6
"A number" means a variable. Pick a letter: x is a popular one. "The sum"
means you add, and what you add comes next, 6.
12 times a number less 30
12n - 30
Let's use a different variable, n. Twelve times the number is 12n. "Less"
means you subtract one part of the expression from another. Be careful
which part is subtracted from which.


1.- Write the algebraic expression for these:
a) Three more than x:
b) Seven less than y:
c) Four multiplied by x:
d) Y multiplied by y:
e) Ten divided by b:
f) A number add five:
g) Paul has d DVDs. He buys 3 more. How many DVDs has Paul got
now?
h) Rob has a apples. He eats 2 apples. How many apples has Rob got
now?
i) Tom has x €. He spends 5 €. How much money has Tom got now?
2.- Steven is 16 years old. How old will he be in:
a) 5 years? b) 10 years? c) x years?
3.- There are n books in a pile. Write an expression for the number of books in
a pile that has:
a) 3 more books:
b) 4 fewer books:
c) Twice as many books:
4.- a) I have 6 CDs and I buy 5 more. How many CDs have I now?
b) I have 6 CDs and I buy w more. How many CDs have I now?
c) I have x CDs and I buy w more. How many CDs have I now?


5.- a) Imagine a square that has sides of length 3 cm.
What is its perimeter?
What is its area?
b) Imagine now other square that has sides of length d cm.
What is its perimeter?
What is its area?
SUBSTITUTING VALUES INTO FORMULAS
Replacing a letter with a number is called substitution. When substituting:
- Write out the expressions first and then replace the letters
with the values given.
- Work out the value, paying attention to the order of operations.
6.- Evaluate the expression 3x – 5 for:

a) x=0
b) x=2
c) x=-2
d) x=-3


7.- Evaluate the following for a=-1, b = 3. Then try the same formulas with a=5
and b=2
a) (b-a)2
b) ab-b
c) a2+b2
ADDING AND SUBTRACTING LIKE TERMS
In algebra, like terms are terms that contain the same letter and power.
9b, -7b and 13b è like terms
6t, 5x and -11z è not like terms.
When like terms are added and subtracted it is called simplifying.
Note that x and x 2 must be treated as if they were different letters. You
cannot add an x term to an x 2 term. The + and – signs go with the term
which follows.
Only like terms can be added or subtracted
Example:
Simplify 4x + y - 2x + 6y.
4x - 2x + y + 6y = 2x + 7y
8.- Make these expressions simpler by adding or subtracting like terms:
a) 4d + d
b) 7a + 2a
c) 8p – 3p
d) 4z + z + 3z
e) 6g – 3g + 2g
f) 10x + x – 13x

9.- Simplify the following expressions completely collecting like terms
together:
a) 3d + 5b + 2d + 4d
b) 5p + 3q – 2p + q
c) 5a + 7 – 3a – 4
d) 3a + 5b + 3b + a
e) 5ab + 3ab - 4a + ab – 3a
f) 3x3 – 2x + 5x2 – x3 + 4x2
EQUATIONS
An equation is a mathematical sentence containing an equal sign. The

expression on the left side of the equal sign has the same value as the
expression on the right side. It tells us that two expressions mean the
same thing, or represent the same number. An equation can contain
variables and constants. Using equations, we can express math facts in
short, easy-to-remember forms and solve problems quickly.
Here are several examples of equations. You can think of the letters as
containers, or boxes, that can hold different numbers.
Example 1
3z + 2 = 14 x - 9 = 20 p + 2p = 3
The most important skill to develop in algebra is the ability to translate a

word problem into the correct equation, so that you can solve the problem
easily. Let's try a few examples:
Example 2
A number n times 3 is equal to 120.
This is an easy one. The word "times" tells you that you must multiply the
variable n by 3, and that the result is equal to 120. Here's how to write this
equation:
3n = 120


Example 3
A packet of sweets is divided equally among 5 children and each child is

given 4 sweets. Write down an equation to describe this situation and solve
it to find the number of sweets in the packet.
Let x be the number of sweets in the packet:
x
Then = 4 , since the 5 children have 4 sweets each.
5
SOLVING EQUATIONS
In an equation, letters stand for a missing number: one or both of the

expressions may contain variables. Solving an equation means manipulating
the expressions and finding the value of the variables.
An example might be:

Solve the equation 2a + 3 = 7
This means we need to find the value of a. The answer is a = 2
SOLVING SIMPLE EQUATIONS
Example:
'I think of a number, add four, and the answer is seven.'
Written algebraically, this statement becomes 'x + 4 = 7', where 'x'

represents my number.
'x + 4 = 7' is an example of an algebraic equation. The letter x represents

an unknown number.
We can see from the statement that the number we first thought of must
be three (3 + 4 = 7). Therefore, x = 3 is the solution of the equation.
The best way to solve an equation is by using 'inverses', or undoing what

the equation is doing.
To use this method to solve equations remember that:
• Adding and subtracting are the inverse (or opposite) of each
other.
• Multiplying and dividing are the inverse of each other.


Example using inverses:

• First write down the expression: 2a + 3 = 7
To solve these, you need to get the unknown on its own.
• Then undo the + 3 by subtracting 3. Remember, you need to do it
to BOTH sides!
• 2a + 3 - 3 = 7 - 3
• so 2a = 4
• Undo the multiply by 2 by dividing by 2 - again on both sides:
• 2a ÷ 2 = 4 ÷ 2
The answer is: a = 2
In the example we've just looked at, we saw that:
To solve the equation x + 3 = 5, we subtract 3 from both sides.

To solve the equation 2x = 6, we divide both sides by 2.
Similarly, to solve the equation x - 5 = 2, we add 5 to both sides.

To solve the equation x/2 = 3, we multiply both sides by 2.
Sample questions:
Solve the following:
a) a - 3 = 4
Did you get a = 7? Well done!
If not, remember that we need to add 3 to both sides.
b) 5b = 35
Did you get b = 7? Well done!
If not, remember that we need to divide both sides by 5.
When solving algebraic equations, always check your answers! If the left
side of the equation equals the right side of the equation after the
substitution, you have found the correct answer.
E.g. If you think that the answer to the equation 'x + 5 = 12' is x = 7,
replace the x by the number 7.
7 + 5 does equal 12, so your answer is correct.


10.- Solve each of these equations:




12.- The angles on a straight line add up to 180º. Write down and solve an
equation for each diagram shown below.
13.- Sanjit is two years older than is brother. His brother is 16. Write down an
equation which uses x to represent Sanjit´s age. Solve the equation for x.


14.- To pay for a school trip, 12 children take the same amount of money to
school. If the total money collected is £54 and the amount each child takes is
x, write down an equation to describe this situation. Solve your equation for x.
15.- Majid knows that when a certain number is doubled, the answer is 52.
Explain in words, starting with 52, how he can work out the number.
16.- Ali is twice as old as Sue. Sue is 2 years younger than Philip. Philip is 11
years old.
a) How old is Sue?
b) How old is Ali?


SOLVING MORE COMPLEX EQUATIONS
We have seen how to solve simple equations, but what happens when things
become a little bit more complicated?
EQUATIONS WITH BRACKETS
If an equation has brackets in it one method of solving it is to multiply out

the brackets first, for example:
Solve the equation 3(b + 2) = 15
• Write down the equation:
• 3(b + 2) = 15
• Multiply out the brackets. Remember, everything inside the
brackets gets multiplied by 3
• 3 × b + 3 ×2 = 15
• When you have multiplied out the brackets you get:
• 3b + 6 = 15
• Next, undo the + 6. In other words, do the inverse and subtract 6
from both sides.
• 3b + 6 - 6 = 15 - 6
• So 3b = 9
Therefore, to find out what b is you need to do the inverse of multiplying
by 3 which is dividing by 3.
So b = 3
Recall the following:
- In order to solve for the unknown variable, you must isolate the
variable.
- In the order of operations, multiplication and division are
completed before addition and subtraction.




18.- Solve these equations:


19.- For each diagram below, write down an equation involving x and solve it.


SOLVING PROBLEMS WITH EQUATIONS
Most of the time when someone says “word problems” there is automatic
panic. But word problems do not have to be the worst part of a math class.
By setting up a system and following it, you can be successful with word
problems. So what should you do? Here are some recommended steps:
1. Read the problem carefully and figure out what it is asking you to find.
Usually, but not always, you can find this information at the end of the
problem.
2. Assign a variable to the quantity you are trying to find.
Most people choose to use x, but feel free to use any variable you like. For
example, if you are being asked to find a number, some students like to use
the variable n. It is your choice.
3. Write down what the variable represents.
At the time you decide what the variable will represent, you may think
there is no need to write that down in words. However, by the time you
read the problem several more times and solve the equation, it is easy to
forget where you started.
4. Re-read the problem and write an equation for the quantities given in the
problem.
This is where most students feel they have the most trouble. The only way
to truly master this step is through lots of practice. Be prepared to do a
lot of problems.
5. Solve the equation.
The examples done in this lesson will be linear equations. Solutions will be
shown, but may not be as detailed as you would like.
6. Answer the question in the problem.
Just because you found an answer to your equation does not necessarily
mean you are finished with the problem. Many times you will need to take
the answer you get from the equation and use it in some other way to
answer the question originally given in the problem.


7. Check your solution.
Your answer should not only make sense logically, but it should also make
the equation true. If you are asked for a time value and end up with a
negative number, this should indicate that you’ve made an error somewhere.
If you are asked how fast a person is running and give an answer of 700
miles per hour, again you should be worried that there is an error. If you
substitute these unreasonable answers into the equation you used in step 4
and it makes the equation true, then you should re-think the validity of
your equation.
When converting word problems to equations, certain "key" words tell you
what kind of operations to use: addition, multiplication, subtraction, and
division. The table below shows some common phrases and the operation to
use.
Word Operation Example As an equation

sum addition The sum of my age and 10 y + 10 = 27
equals 27.
difference subtraction The difference between my y - 11 = 5
age and my younger sister's
age, who is 11 years old, is 5
years.
product multiplication The product of my age and 14 y × 14 = 168
is 168.
times multiplication Three times my age is 60. 3 × y = 60
less than subtraction Seven less than my age equals y - 7 = 32
32.
total addition The total of my pocket y + 20 = 22.43
change and 20 dollars is
$22.43.
more than addition Eleven more than my age 11 + y = 43
equals 43.
Let's Practice:
i. When 6 is added to four times a number, the result is 50. Find the number.
Step 1: What are we trying to find?

A number.
Step 2: Assign a variable for the number.
Let’s call it n.


Step 3: Write down what the variable represents.
Let n = a number
Step 4: Write an equation.
We are told 6 is added to 4 times a number. Since n represents the
number, four times the number would be 4n. If 6 is added to that,
we get . We know that answer is 50, so now we have an
equation
Step 5: Solve the equation.
Step 6: Answer the question in the problem

The problem asks us to find a number. We decided that n would be
the number, so we have n = 11. The number we are looking for is 11.
Step 7: Check the answer.
The answer makes sense and checks in our equation from Step 4.
ii. The sum of a number and 9 is multiplied by -2 and the answer is -8. Find
the number.

A number.
Step 2: Assign a variable for the number.
Let’s call it n.
Let n = a number
We know that we have the sum of a number and 9 which will give us
n + 9. We are then told to multiply that by -2, so we have .
Be very careful with your parentheses here. The way this is worded
indicates that we find the sum first and then multiply. We also know
the answer is -8. So we will solve


The problem asks us to find a number. We decided that n would be
the number, so we have n = -5. The number we are looking for is -5.
iii. On an algebra test, the highest grade was 42 points higher than the lowest
grade. The sum of the two grades was 138. Find the lowest grade.

The lowest grade on an algebra test.
Step 2: Assign a variable for the lowest test grade.
Let’s call it l.
Let l = the lowest grade
Whatever the lowest grade is, we are told that the highest grade is
42 points higher than that. That means we need to add 42 to the
lowest grade. This tells us the highest grade is . We also know
that the highest grade added to the lowest grade is 138. So,
(highest grade) + (lowest grade) = 142. In terms of our variable,

The problem asks us to find the lowest grade. We decided that l
would be the number, so we have l = 48. The lowest grade on the
algebra test was 48.
iv. In a given amount of time, Jamie drove twice as far as Rhonda. Altogether
they drove 90 miles. Find the number of miles driven by each.


The number of miles driven by Jamie and by Rhonda.
Step 2: Assign a variable.
Since we are looking for two numbers here, we need to choose which
one we will assign a variable to. The number of miles driven by either
Jamie or Rhonda will work. We need to just choose one and move to
Step 3. Let’s assign a variable to represent the number of miles
driving by Rhonda
Let’s call it R.
Let R = the number of miles driven by Rhonda
We know that Jamie drove twice as far a Rhonda. As with Example
4, let’s think about this in terms of numbers before jumping into an
equation. If Rhonda drives 10 miles, then Jamie will drive twice as
far which would be 20. So whatever amount Rhonda drives, Jamie’s
amount will be two times that number. We have already decided that
the number of miles driven by Rhonda is R, so the number of miles
driven by Jamie is 2R. Together they drove a total of 90 miles. So
we have (Rhonda) + (Jamie) = 90, or

The problem asks us to find out how far Rhonda and Jamie drove.
The solution to the equation tells us R = 30, which means Rhonda
drove 30 miles. Now we have to find out how far Jamie drove. She
drove twice as far as Rhonda, so the distance would be 20 miles.
v. The length of a rectangular map is 15 inches and the perimeter is 50

inches. Find the width.

The width of a rectangle.


Step 2: Assign a variable for the width.
Let’s call it w.
Let w = the width of a rectangle
We know the length is 15 inches. We also know the perimeter is 50
inches. Perimeter is the distance all the way around a figure. So to
go all the way around a rectangle, you have
Perimeter = width + length + width + length.
Since length is 15 inches, width is w, and perimeter is 50, we get
Step 6: Answer the question in the problem.

The problem asks us to find the width of a rectangle. We decided
that w would represent width, so we have w = 10. The width of the
rectangle is 10 inches. Don’t forget your units.
inches


20.- A rope of length 10 m is used to mark out a rectangle, so that the two long
sides are 1 m longer than the short sides. If x is the length of the short sides,
write down an equation to describe this situation and hence find x.
21.- You ask a friend to think of a number, double it and add 10. His answer is
42. If x is the number your friend thought of, write down the relevant
equation and find x.
22.- Three people drive a car on a long journey. John drives for 2 hours more
than Mary. Philip drives for twice as long as Mary. The whole journey takes 6
hours. Use an equation to find out for how long each person drives.


23.- A child was asked to think of a number and follow these instructions. In
each case, let x be the number the child thinks of, write down an equation, and
find the value of x.
a) Think of a number, add 6 and double it. Answer: 18
b) Think of a number, divide by 2 and add 10. Answer: 16
c) Think of a number, divide by 2, add 2 and multiply by 2. Answer: 9
d) Think of a number, subtract 7, divide by 2 and multiply by 10. Answer:

115


24.- Example:
The apartments in Kelly´s apartment house are numbered consecutively on

each floor. The sum of his number and his next door neighbors number is 1419.
What are the two numbers?
Solution:
Remember, consecutive numbers follow the form: x, x+1, x+2, etc...

So for example, the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are consecutive numbers
So because "The apartments in Kelly´s apartment house are numbered
consecutively on each floor", this means that Kelly's apartment number is
either one more or one less than her neighbours.
Let's make:
x = Kelly's number
and let's make her neighbour be one more, which means that
x+1=neighbor's number
Now since "The sum of his number and his next door neighbors number is
1419", this tells us that:
Kelly's Number + Neighbor's Number = 1419
which also looks like:
Solving it, x = 709
So the answer is x = 709
This means that Kelly's house number is 709 and her neighbor's is 710.
Check:
709+710=1419
1419=1419 ... works


25.- Four consecutive numbers, when added together, give a total of 114. If x
is the lowest number, write down an equation and solve it. Find out the four
numbers.
26.- The lengths of the sides of a triangle are x cm, (x+3) cm and (x-2) cm.
a) What is the perimeter of the triangle in terms of x?
b) The triangle has a perimeter of 22 cm. Find the length of each side
of the triangle.
27.- A pint of milk costs x pence.
a) Write, in terms of x, the cost of two pints of milk.


The cost of a carton of fruit juice is 10 p more than the cost of a pint of milk.
b) Write in terms of x, the cost of a carton of fruit juice.
Sam pays £ 1.70 for three pints of milk and two cartons of fruit juice. He
writes down the correct equation.
3x + 2(x + 10) = 170
c) Solve this equation to find the cost of a pint of milk.
28.- Jack makes a frame with one side twice as long as the sum of the other
side and 4. The perimeter is 75 inches. What are the dimensions of the
frame?
29.- Randy makes twice as much as Janet and Janet makes $3 more per hour
than Todd. It costs the boss $33 per hour to have all three work at once. How
much does each employee make per hour? Hint: Let x be Todd’s wage per hour.


30.- Go to this page:
http://www.fema.gov/kids/dizmath.htm
and do all the activities on it about natural disasters:
Earthquake - Hurricane - Tornado - Wild Fire - Winter Storm - Flood
31.- CURIOSITIES:
After reading the box below, choose the correct answer for each question
and complete, using:
http://www.france-property-and-
information.com/quick_metric_converter.htm
(A gallon from the USA system is not the same that one from the Imperial
units. This text is from the US)
• There is the same amount of water on Earth as there was when the Earth
was formed. The water from your faucet could contain molecules that
dinosaurs drank.
• Water is composed of two elements, Hydrogen and Oxygen. 2 Hydrogen + 1
Oxygen = H2O.
• Nearly 97% of the world’s water is salty or otherwise undrinkable. Another
2% is locked in ice caps and glaciers. That leaves just 1% for all of
humanity’s needs — all its agricultural, residential, manufacturing,
community, and personal needs.
• Water regulates the Earth’s temperature. It also regulates the
temperature of the human body, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells,
cushions joints, protects organs and tissues, and removes wastes.
• 75% of the human brain is water and 75% of a living tree is water.
• A person can live about a month without food, but only about a week
without water.
• The average total home water use for each person in the U.S. is about 50
gallons a day.
• Water expands by 9% when it freezes. Frozen water (ice) is lighter than
water, which is why ice floats in water.


1.- Water is the only substance found on earth naturally in three forms.
a) True (Solid, liquid and gas)
b) False
2.- Does water regulate the earth’s temperature?

a) Yes (it is a natural insulator)
b) No, that is not true
3.- At what temperature does water freeze?

a) 32 degrees F, 0 degrees C
b) 212 degrees F, 100 degrees C
4.- At what temperature does water vaporize?

a) 32 degrees F, 0 degrees C
b) 212 degrees F, 100 degrees C
5.- How long can a person live without food?

a) More than a month
b) Approximately one week, depending upon conditions
6.- How long can a person live without water?

a) More than a month
b) Approximately one week, depending upon conditions
7.- How much of the human body is water?

a) 66%
b) 80%
8.- How much of the earth’s surface is water?

a) 80%
b) 66%
9.- Of all the earth’s water, how much is ocean or seas?

a) 97%
b) 1%
10.- How much of the earth’s water is suitable for drinking water?
a) 1%
b) 97%
11.- Is it possible for me to drink water that was part of the dinosaur era?
a) Yes - water is constantly recycled
b) No, that is impossible


12.- How much water does the average residence use during a year?
Over 100,000 gallons (indoors and outside): ______________ litres
13.- How much water is used to flush a toilet?

2-7 gallons: ______________ litres
14.- How much water is used in the average five-minute shower?

15-25 gallons:______________ litres
15.- How much water is used on the average for an automatic dishwasher?
9-12 gallons: _____________ litres
16.- On the average, how much is used to hand wash dishes?

9-20 gallons:________________ litres
17.- What is the total amount of water used to manufacture a new car,
including new tires?
39,090 gallons per car:______________litres per car
18.- How much water must a dairy cow drink to produce one gallon of milk?
4 gallons: ___________ litres

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MATHEMATICS EXERCISES 1º ESO I.

THE LANGUAGE OF ALGEBRA

Learning algebra is a little like learning another language. In fact, algebra is

• A term is a collection of numbers, letters and brackets all multiplied

• When we write algebraic terms we leave the multiplication signs out.

• Terms are separated by + and – signs. Each term has a + or a – attached

• A string of numbers and letters joined together by mathematical

Unit 4 Introduction to the algebra Page 1

TRANSLATING WORDS INTO ALGEBRA LANGUAGE

the sum of three times a number and eight

In this expression, we don't need a multiplication sign or parenthesis.

the product of a number and the same number less 3

the sum of a number and 6

12 times a number less 30

Unit 4 Introduction to the algebra Page 2

a) Three more than x:

b) Seven less than y:

f) A number add five:

2.- Steven is 16 years old. How old will he be in:

a) 5 years? b) 10 years? c) x years?

c) Twice as many books:

Unit 4 Introduction to the algebra Page 3

What is its perimeter?

What is its area?

b) Imagine now other square that has sides of length d cm.

What is its perimeter?

What is its area?

SUBSTITUTING VALUES INTO FORMULAS

Replacing a letter with a number is called substitution. When substituting:

- Work out the value, paying attention to the order of operations.

6.- Evaluate the expression 3x – 5 for:

Unit 4 Introduction to the algebra Page 4

ADDING AND SUBTRACTING LIKE TERMS

9b, -7b and 13b è like terms

6t, 5x and -11z è not like terms.

When like terms are added and subtracted it is called simplifying.

Only like terms can be added or subtracted

8.- Make these expressions simpler by adding or subtracting like terms:

f) 3x3 – 2x + 5x2 – x3 + 4x2

An equation is a mathematical sentence containing an equal sign. The

The most important skill to develop in algebra is the ability to translate a

A number n times 3 is equal to 120.

Unit 4 Introduction to the algebra Page 6

A packet of sweets is divided equally among 5 children and each child is

Let x be the number of sweets in the packet:

In an equation, letters stand for a missing number: one or both of the

An example might be:

SOLVING SIMPLE EQUATIONS

'I think of a number, add four, and the answer is seven.'

Written algebraically, this statement becomes 'x + 4 = 7', where 'x'

'x + 4 = 7' is an example of an algebraic equation. The letter x represents

The best way to solve an equation is by using 'inverses', or undoing what

Unit 4 Introduction to the algebra Page 7

Example using inverses:

In the example we've just looked at, we saw that:

To solve the equation x + 3 = 5, we subtract 3 from both sides.

Similarly, to solve the equation x - 5 = 2, we add 5 to both sides.

Solve the following:

Did you get a = 7? Well done!

If not, remember that we need to add 3 to both sides.

Did you get b = 7? Well done!

If not, remember that we need to divide both sides by 5.