ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS 2.1 The Concept of Algebraic Expressions. We use the symbol 0, 1, 2, 3, ...9 in arithmetic. These symbols are constants since each represents a fixed value. We use not only constants but also the letters of the English alphabet to represent real numbers in algebra. These symbols called variables can assume any value depending on how they are used. Any combinations of constants and variables by the four fundamental operations which when taken as a whole represents a number is called as an algebraic expression. The set of all numbers that can be used in place of a variable is called the domain (set) of that variable, Definition of Algebraic Expression Algebraic expression is any combination of constants and variables involving the fundamental operations which when taken as a whole represents a number. The following are algebraic expressions: 1 6x! + 8x +70 - Ix +4 2. Sx%y® = L2xy 3. 3s't- 78° + 3st 4, -4x?—7a’b 5. 17x’y* ‘A term refers to the part of an algebraic expression separated by a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. Hence, in example 1 above, 6x‘ is a term, 8x° is a term, 7x’ is term and —2x and 4 are term. Example 1 thus contains $ terms. When a term is preceded by a negative sign, then we say the term is negative and positive when preceded by a plus sign. But, when no sign precedes a term, it implies that the term is positive. Thus, example 5 is a positive term. When an expression has only one term, it is referred to as monomial. Example 5 is @ monomial while example 2 is not. The expressions 2x, 3yz, Sa’ are monomials. When an expression has two terms, then it is a binomial. The following are binomials axe 3x + 5y, Sx’y — Oxy’, 2x-1, —— y contains three terms is known as trinomial. Example 3 least two terms, then such expression Is, All these are called polynomials in An algebraic expression which above is a trinomial. Generally, if an expression contains at is called multinomial. Example 1, 2, 3 and 4 are multinomial x and y or any variables. ‘The degree of the term in one variable is the exponent of the variable. The degree of a term in two or more variables is the sum of the exponents of those variables.The degree of the first term of t the general fa s fx is vile that of 1 1 he Of he Beneal form of a polynomial isn; in Sx'y, the exponent legree is 441 = 5 The degree of a h Polynomial is that of of hig ot os a of the term of highest degree, The degree of 3x”y s 10 since 8x"y’ is the term of highest degree When a term is expressed as a product of two or more symbols, then each of the symbols is called as the coefficient of the product of the others. To illustrate, let us have the term 2x7 We say that 2 is a coefficient of xy, x” is the coefficient of 2y, y is the coefficient of 2x”, and xy is the coefficient of the number 2, The symbol 2 is called the numerical coefficient while x, y and y and x’y are literal coefficients. Note that the sign is involved in the coefficient. So, in the expression —Sxy, the coefficient of xy is -S and the coefficient of y is 5x. If an expression has no indicated numerical coefficient, then by convention, its coefficient is understood to be equal to | Thus, the coefficient of z is 1 and the coefficient of —z is —1 Terms to be understand: 1, Constant — is an object or symbol that does not change its value in a particular problem or discussion 2. Variable - is an object or symbol that change its value in a particular problem or discussion. 3. Domain of a variable - Set of all numbers that can be used in place of a variable. . Term - refers to the part of an algebraic expression separated by a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. . Monomial — Algebraic expression consisting of only one term. . Binomial — Algebraic expression which consists of exactly two terms . Trinomial — Algebraic expression, which has exactly three terms. . Multinomial — Algebraic expression, which consists of many terms. Literal coefficient — It is the symbol or letter in a particular expression. 10.Numerical coefficient — A numeral/number in a particular expression. = wera Let us have the expression x’. This expression is a notation to show that the variable x slied 3 times. The symbol 3 represents the exponent and the variable x, the base. In hall be multiplied n times and is read as the nth power of x, thus, the power of ‘by multiplying that number by itself for a number of times. To illustrate, §? =5x5=25 the second power of the base 5. Similarly, x’ is the third power of xpression has no indicated exponent, that exponent is understood on 11x”y'z, the exponent of z is 1 same or similar if they have exactly the same literal factors.Example: 1. 3x’y, 7xy* 2. xy, 3xy 3 4. In example I, the terms are said to be not similar since x’, and x have different exponents, In example 2, the terms also unlike since x? and x have different exponents. In example 3, the terms have similar exponents but different variables. Thus they are unlike, In example 4, the terms have the same exponent, same number and type of variables. So we may say that 3x’y and 10x’y are similar terms. (i Example: Below are like terms 1. Sabe, 1Sabe, -13abe 2. 2xtyz?, -Sx"yz’, -10x°yz* 3. -12r'm'n, 4r°m’n, 2°'m'n 2.2 Addition of Algebraic Expressions To be able to add or subtract algebraic expressions, we shall consider first whether the terms are similar or dissimilar. If the terms are similar, we may combine the terms by adding the numerical coefficients. We shall apply the properties of real numbers like the associative, ‘commutative and the distributive property. Example 1. Add the expressions 1Sab, -Sab, and 2ab ‘Solution: Since the three terms are similar, then we shall add their numerical coefficients. Hence, Sab + (-Sab) + 2ab = (15 — 5 +2) ab = 12ab Example2. Add the following expressions: 3xy, acy’, 10x°y’, -8x°y? Solution: Through the use ofthe method employed inthe preceding example, we have o ay? + By? + Oxy? — 18x’? = = -5x'y? 44+8+9-18)xy" rials, we arranged these multinomials such that similar When the addends are multinoy olumnn is added separately as we are adding monomials terms fall in vertical column. Then each Let us have some examples: Example 3. Add the following monomials: 3x~ Sy + 6,x~7, xt 2y, -x- Sy +5 Solution: We first arrange the multinomials such that like’ terms fall in vertical column. ‘Then add like terms vertically. Therefore,3x-S5y +6 x iy 7x +2y =x=Sy+5 10x — 8y-4 Add the following multinomials: 5x? + 6y?— Bxy + 92”, 2x? + 523 y?— 92? — oxy the method used in the preceding example, we have: only combine or add the numerical coefficients of like terms. We do ly copy the literal coefficients.23 Subtraction of Algebraic Expressions Like addition or subtraction of al commutative and the distributive properties, 1 numerical coefficients by using the rules for si But if the terms are dissimilar, simply change in vertical column. We change the sign of the illustrate let us study some examples, Igebraic expressions, both use the associative, if the terms are the same, we simply subtract the igned numbers. Then we copy the literal coefficient. the sign of the subtrahend, do not combine the terms subtrahend mentally then proceed as in addition. To Example 1. Subtract 3x ~ Sy from 8x + Ty. Solution: ‘The minuend is 8x + 7y and the subtrahend is 3x — Sy. Hence, _ 8x+7y i 3x — 5y 5x +12y Subtract -10m + Sn + 36 from 15m — 12n +25 Arranging like terms in vertical column, we have 15m - 12n + 25 ~ -10m+ Sn +36 25m ~17n-11 =2x? +5 from 7x’ — 3x — 15 we use in the preceding example, we have Bae —3x-15 12x°-3x7 +5 ~5x' + 3x7 —3x-15 m the sum of x* + 3y” and 2x? + 3x —sy? Sy? and 2x7+ 3x — Sy? fae. +3y7 2x? + 3x - Sy?2.4 Grouping Symbols . There are some cases when it is easier to group together two or more terms into one, "Expressions enclosed within a grouping symbol are considered as a single quantity regardless of the number of terms it may contain, The symbols that are generally used are parenthesis, ( ) + brackets, {], and the braces, { } We only combine like terms, in simplifying to algebraic expressions. But, when the given expressions have grouping symbols, we first remove the grouping symbols before like terms can te combined. In removing grouping symbols, we shall follow these rules: Rule 1. If a grouping symbol is preceded by a plus sign, then that grouping symbol may be removed without changing the sign of every term enclosed. Rule 2. If a grouping symbol is preceded by a minds sign, then such grouping symbol may be removed provided the sign; if each term enclosed within it is changed. Rule 3. "If grouping symbol is preceded by a constant other than I then such grouping symbol may be removed provide the constant is multiplied to every term within it. Rule 4. If an expression contains two or more grouping symbols, That is, one pair of grouping symbols is contained within other such symbols, and then we removed the innermost symbols first Removing the innermost symbol is simpler and has a least chance of committing error. Example 1. Simplify the expression’ 15x —(x -6) +4 Solution: Since the sign preceding the grouping symbol is negative, then the grouping symbols é may be removed by changing the sign of the terms x and 5. Thus, 15x — (x -6) +4 = 15x-x +6+4=14x+10 wlbx-x 4 o¢4 Example 2. Simplify the expression: ~ 14x 4 jo “15x + 8y + (-5x - 9y +2) Solution: The sign preceding the grouping symbol is positive. Therefore, o15x + By + (5x - Sy +2) =-I5x + By 5x -9y +2 p =-20x-y +2 Example 3. Simplify the expression: 8 + 7x — 13y —3(2x - dy -3)Solution: The grouping symbol is preceded by a constant —2. Therefore, the SrOuping symbols may be removed by multiplying the three terms within by —2. 8 + 7x — 13y -3(2x -4y — 3) 8+ 7x-13y —6x + 12y +9 x-y+17 W Example 4. Simplify the expression: 10a — [3 + 2(b — 3c) — 8] Solution: The expression has two pairs of grouping symbols. Using rule 1, we shall remove first the innermost pair. The outer pair of grouping symbols is removed next. Then we combine like terms. Hence, 10a — [3 + 2(b — 3c) — 8] = 10a — [3 + 2b — 6c -8] =10a—3-2b+ 6c+8 =10a—2b+6c+5 Example 5. Simplify the expression: 5x —3{x + 2y —2[x + y— 6(x + 3) + (y—2) - 1]-3} Solution: Applying the method discussed in the preceding example, we have, 5x —3{x + 2y - 2fx ty - (x +3) + (y-2)- 1] -3} =S5x—3{x + 2y—2[x+y—6x-18+y-2-1] -3} = 5x —3{x + 2y —2x—2y + 12x + 36 -2y+4+2-3} = 5x —3{11x—2y + 39} = 5x —33x+ 6y— 117 = -28x + 6y—1172.5 Multiplication of Algebraic Expression We discus o1 me if es addition and subtraction of algebraic expressions in the preceding sections. We 8 i eed a ‘er, that some problems need multiplying of algebraic expressions. In section 3.1, we introduced the symbol x" where n is the exponent and x is the base. It was noted that x" is the result of multiplying x n times, that is. x (x is multiplied twice) * (x is multiplied thrice) x x" (xis multiplied n times) os ae. X to itself, its exponents are simply added. But, if x is multiplied to a variable other than x, exponents are not added. Thus, the result is written as the product of the two. : = are many rules involving exponents, We will have two of these rules for purposes of discussing the concept of multiplication of algebraic expressions If'n and m are integers, then the following statements are true Example2. The product of -3x’ and 6x’ is (-3x°) (6x*) = -18x?** 18x" Example3. The product of 3x"y*z, and 20x"y'z" is Bx? y*z) (20x"y'°z4) = 60x7 7y°72" 60x"y*z? In the discussion, we have just considered multiplication of monomials. When we want to determine the product of two multinomials, we shall have the following rules. Rule 1; To multiply a monomial to a multinomial, simply multiply each term of the| ‘multinomial by the monomial. This is a direct application of the distributive) Property. Rule 2: To multiply a multinomial to another multinomial we apply the distributive property by multiplying the whole multiplicand by each of the term of the multiplier. Then we simplify the result by combining like terms. Example 4. The product of 2x and 2x’ 2x + 5 is 2x (2x? - 2x +5) = 4x! — 4x" + 10x Example 5. The of x’y and 5x*y” + 2xy’ — 6xy is Uy + 2xy? - 6xy) = 5x + 2x'y’ ~ 6x'y*Example 6. Multiply (4x ~ 1) to (4x41) Solution: This is a case where a multinomial is o be multiplied to another multinomial. The product can be obtained by multiplying 4x to 4x + | and —1 to 4x + 1. Then we combi e terms, Thus, (x= DX HD) ax 4x 1) 1 x4 1) 16x? + 4x —4x=1 16x? 1 Example 7. Get the product of (3x + 2) and (2x? ~ 5x + 1} Solution: Employing the procedure we use in the preceding example, we have (2x +1) Gx? = 2x + 2) = 3x (2x? 5x +1) +2(2x?-5x +1) = 6x! — 15x? + 3x + 4x7 — 10x +2 = 6x! — 11x? - 7x +2 ‘Another method of multiplying two multinomials is by placing the simple factor below the more complicated factor. ‘The product of each multiplication is arranged in vertical column to facilitate addition of like terms Example 8 Multiply (2x - 3) and (Sx +6) Solution: We shall put one factor below the other such that each term of the multiplier is multiplied to the multiplication. Hence, 3x-2 x+7 3x°- 2x 2Ix-14 3x?— 19x- 14 Therefore, (3x — 2) (x + 7) = 3x? — 19x -14 Example 9 Multiply m‘-m?+m?+m+1 tom—1 Solution: The multiplicand is simpler than the multiplier. Thus, we will place this expression below the latter. Therefore, m!—m) +m? +m+1 m-1 Diesen oS m°-m‘+m>+m +m -m'+m?—m? ~m-1 peeteniea eens m’—-2m‘+2m* -1 Hence, we may say that (an! +m’ +m? +m+1)(m-1)= m?—2m‘+2m’ - 12.6 Division of Algebraic Expression Let us first analyze one of the ee f rules of involvin; é ; division of algebraic expressions. If m and n are ees Bao pa a aaee: a The eS aoe, States that the quotient of two numbers with similar base but different expon raise to the difference of their exponents. If the value of n= m, then, We shall not assign anyIn the preceding examples, division includes tWo monomials. What is the resui multinomial is divided by a monomial? a Example 4. Divide 40x* - 10x’ + 20x by 10x Solution: Each of the term of the dividend shall be divided by 5x. Hence, (40x° - 10x? + 20x) / 10x. 40x' —10x”_——20x r + 10x 10x 10x. =4x?-x4+2 Example 5 Divide 78x° - 36x‘ + 54x? by 6x” Solution: Divide each term of the dividend by 6x’, then 7x5 36x' 54x" (78x? + 36x‘ + 54x?) / 6x? = 6x? xe Gx: = 13x + 6x7-9 If a multinomial is divided by a multinomial, we will apply the method that is similar However, before proceeding with the division, always arrange the long division in arithmetic. erve the steps below terms of the dividend and divisor in descending power. Then obs: Divide the first term of the dividend by the first term of the divisor. The result isthe first term of the quotient. This is usually written above the dividend. Multiply the result in step 1 to the divisor. The product shall be written below the dividend. See to it that like terms fall within a single column to facilitate subtraction. Subtract the result in step 2 from the dividend. The result shall be treated as a new dividend. If the difference is zero, then stop. We say that division is exact Otherwise, proceed to step 4. If the degree of the dividend in step 3 is greater than or equal to the degree of the divisor, then proceed to step 1. Otherwise stop. The difference in step 3 shall be treated as the remainder. The remainder is usually written as a fraction with the <== Example 6, Dividex?-2x+ 1byx- 1 Fo 2 oe 1. Divide x? by x. x-l x EE eos Reqieoee xt 1 es es 2. Multiply x to the divisor x - 1 BPI X(x-I)=x*-x Bie eet, 3. Subtract the result in step 2 from the divide 4. Repeat the process since the degree of he dividend is equal to the degree of the 0since the difference is 0, then we say that div Rca Thus, gxample 7, Divide 6x? - 12x -1 by 2x -1 Solution: Steps: i 1. Divide 6x? by 2x. xt 2 praee 2x Rene 6x22 2x-1 2. Multiply 3x to the divisor. 2 3x (2x -1) 6x? - 3x peoxu3x 3. Subtract 6x? - 3x from the dividend. eet 6x -2x-1 Bae a 6x? - 3x D x-1 4, Since the degree of the new quotient is equal to the degree of the divisor, then we repeat the process. By 2-1 Example 8. Divide x° - 1 by x-1 Solution: Applying the same procedure as in the preceding examples, xoxtx txt] nail TR -1 Bc ae =) -1 xt-x? a pees; - I x x el x-x x-l x-1Thus, we can say that (-D/(&R- Dex ext 4x41 Example 9. Divide 4x* - 3x? + 2x + 1 by x’-x +1 Solution: Utilizing the same procedure as in the preceding example, we have xt) ext) /4x>-3x?+2x+1 4x3 - 4x? + 4x x? -2x41 goex tl -x Since the exponent of the new quotient is less than the exponent of the first term of the divisor, we stop. The expression -x shall be treated as the remainder. Therefore, Xx (4x3 - 3x? + 2x + 1)/ (7? -x 4+ 1)=4x4+ 17 -xt+] To check the correctness of the quotient, we shall multiply the divisor to the quotient and the result is added to the remainder. However, checking serves as an exercise to the students,