Polynomial
Polynomial
Polynomial
4
Polynomials and
Exponents
E X A M P L E 1 Identifying coefficients
Determine the coefficients of x 3 and x 2 in each polynomial:
a) x 3 5x 2 6 b) 4x 6 x 3 x
Solution
a) Write the polynomial as 1 x 3 5x 2 6 to see that the coefficient of x 3
is 1 and the coefficient of x 2 is 5.
b) The x 2-term is missing in 4x 6 x 3 x. Because 4x 6 x 3 x can be written as
4x 6 1 x 3 0 x 2 x,
the coefficient of x 3 is 1 and the coefficient of x 2 is 0. ■
For simplicity we generally write polynomials with the exponents decreasing
from left to right and the constant term last. So we write
x 3 4x 2 5x 1 rather than 4x 2 1 5x x 3.
When a polynomial is written with decreasing exponents, the coefficient of the first
term is called the leading coefficient.
4.1 Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials (4-3) 209
E X A M P L E 2 Types of polynomials
Identify each polynomial as a monomial, binomial, or trinomial and state its degree.
a) 5x 2 7x 3 2 b) x 43 x 2 c) 5x d) 12
study tip Solution
Be active in class. Don’t be em- a) The polynomial 5x 2 7x 3 2 is a third-degree trinomial.
barrassed to ask questions or b) The polynomial x 43 x 2 is a binomial with degree 43.
answer questions. You can
often learn more from a c) Because 5x 5x1, this polynomial is a monomial with degree 1.
wrong answer than a right d) The polynomial 12 is a monomial with degree 0. ■
one. Your instructor knows
that you are not yet an expert Value of a Polynomial
in algebra. Instructors love
active classrooms and they A polynomial is an algebraic expression. Like other algebraic expressions involving
will not think less of you for variables, a polynomial has no specific value unless the variables are replaced by
speaking out. numbers. A polynomial can be evaluated with or without the function notation
discussed in Chapter 3.
E X A M P L E 3 Evaluating polynomials
a) Find the value of 3x4 x 3 20x 3 when x 1.
b) Find the value of 3x4 x 3 20x 3 when x 2.
c) If P(x) 3x 4 x 3 20x 3, find P(1).
calculator Solution
a) Replace x by 1 in the polynomial:
3x4 x 3 20x 3 3(1)4 (1)3 20(1) 3
close-up
3 1 20 3
To evaluate the polynomial in 19
Example 3 with a calculator,
first use Y to define the
So the value of the polynomial is 19 when x 1.
polynomial. b) Replace x by 2 in the polynomial:
3x4 x3 20x 3 3(2)4 (2)3 20(2) 3
3(16) (8) 40 3
48 8 40 3
77
So the value of the polynomial is 77 when x 2.
Then find y1(2) and y1(1). c) This is a repeat of part (a) using the function notation from Chapter 3. P(1), read
“P of 1,” is the value of the polynomial P(x) when x is 1. To find P(1), replace x
by 1 in the formula for P(x):
P(x) 3x 4 x 3 20x 3
P(1) 3(1)4 (1)3 20(1) 3
19
So P(1) 19. The value of the polynomial when x 1 is 19. ■
210 (4-4) Chapter 4 Polynomials and Exponents
Addition of Polynomials
You learned how to combine like terms in Chapter 1. Also, you combined like terms
when solving equations in Chapter 2. Addition of polynomials is done simply by
adding the like terms.
Addition of Polynomials
To add two polynomials, add the like terms.
E X A M P L E 4 Adding polynomials
Perform the indicated operation.
a) (x 2 6x 5) (3x 2 5x 9)
b) (5a3 3a 7) (4a2 3a 7)
Solution
a) We can use the commutative and associative properties to get the like terms next
helpful hint to each other and then combine them:
When we perform operations (x 2 6x 5) (3x 2 5x 9) x 2 3x 2 6x 5x 5 9
with polynomials and write
the results as equations, those 2x 2 x 4
equations are identities. For b) When adding vertically, we line up the like terms:
example,
(x 1) (3x 5) 4x 6 5a3 3a 7
is an identity. This equation is 4a 3a 7
2
Subtraction of Polynomials
When we subtract polynomials, we subtract the like terms. Because a b
a (b), we can subtract by adding the opposite of the second polynomial to the
first polynomial. Remember that a negative sign in front of parentheses changes the
sign of each term in the parentheses. For example,
(x 2 2x 8) x 2 2x 8.
Polynomials can be subtracted horizontally or vertically, as shown in the next
example.
E X A M P L E 5 Subtracting polynomials
Perform the indicated operation.
a) (x 2 5x 3) (4x 2 8x 9) b) (4y 3 3y 2) (5y 2 7y 6)
Solution
a) (x 2 5x 3) (4x 2 8x 9) x 2 5x 3 4x 2 8x 9 Change signs.
3x 2 13x 6 Add.
4.1 Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials (4-5) 211
Applications
Polynomials are often used to represent unknown quantities. In certain situations it
is necessary to add or subtract such polynomials.
M A T H A T W O R K
WARM-UPS
True or false? Explain your answer.
1. In the polynomial 2x 2 4x 7 the coefficient of x is 4. False
2. The degree of the polynomial x 2 5x 9x 3 6 is 2. False
3. In the polynomial x 2 x the coefficient of x is 1. True
4. The degree of the polynomial x 2 x is 2. True
5. A binomial always has a degree of 2. False
6. The polynomial 3x 2 5x 9 is a trinomial. True
7. Every trinomial has degree 2. False
8. x 2 7x 2 6x 2 for any value of x. True
9. (3x 2 8x 6) (x 2 4x 9) 4x 2 4x 3 for any value of x.
True
10. (x 2 4x) (x 2 3x) 7x for any value of x. False
4. 1 EXERCISES
Reading and Writing After reading this section, write out the 2. What is a polynomial?
answers to these questions. Use complete sentences. A polynomial is a single term or a finite sum of terms.
1. What is a term? 3. What is the degree of a polynomial?
A term is a single number or the product of a number and The degree of a polynomial in one variable is the highest
one or more variables raised to powers. power of the variable in the polynomial.
4.1 Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials (4-7) 213
4. What is the value of a polynomial? 46. (8.5x 2 3.27x 9.33) (x 2 4.39x 2.32)
The value of a polynomial is the number obtained when the 9.5x 2 1.12x 11.65
variable is replaced by a number. Perform the indicated operation. See Example 5.
5. How do we add polynomials? 47. (x 2) (5x 8) 48. (x 7) (3x 1)
Polynomials are added by adding the like terms. 4x 6 2x 6
6. How do we subtract polynomials? 49. (m 2) (m 3) 50. (m 5) (m 9)
Polynomials are subtracted by subtracting like terms. 5 4
Determine the coefficients of x 3 and x 2 in each polynomial. See 51. (2z 2 3z) (3z 2 5z) 52. (z 2 4z) (5z 2 3z)
Example 1. z 2 2z 4z 2 z
7. 3x 3 7x 2 3, 7 8. 10x 3 x 2 10, 1 53. (w w ) (w w ) w w4 w 3 w 2
5 3 4 2 5
Perform the operations indicated. c) Find the cost of labor for 500 transmissions and the cost
77. Find the sum of 2m 9 and 3m 4. 5m 5 of materials for 500 transmissions.
78. Find the sum of 3n 2 and 6m 3. 6m 3n 5 a) 0.4x2 450x 1350 b) $326,350
c) $275,550, $50,800
79. Find the difference when 7y 3 is subtracted from
9y 2. 2y 1 93. Perimeter of a triangle. The shortest side of a triangle is x
meters, and the other two sides are 3x 1 and 2x 4 me-
80. Find the difference when 2y 1 is subtracted from
ters. Write a polynomial that represents the perimeter and
3y 4. 5y 3
then evaluate the perimeter polynomial if x is 4 meters.
81. Subtract x 2 3x 1 from the sum of 2x 2 x 3 and 6x 3 meters, 27 meters
x 2 5x 9. 2x 2 7x 5
94. Perimeter of a rectangle. The width of a rectangular play-
82. Subtract 2y 2 3y 8 from the sum of 3y 2 2y 6 ground is 2x 5 feet, and the length is 3x 9 feet. Write
and 7y 2 8y 3. 6y 2 3y 11 a polynomial that represents the perimeter and then evalu-
Perform the indicated operations. See Example 6. ate this perimeter polynomial if x is 4 feet.
83. (4m 2) (2m 4) (9m 1) 3m 3 10x 8 feet, 48 feet
84. (5m 6) (8m 3) (5m 3) 8m 12
85. (6y 2) (8y 3) (9y 2) 11y 3
86. (5y 1) (8y 4) (y 3) 14y
87. (x 2 5x 4) (6x 2 8x 9) (3x 2 7x 1) 2x 5 ft
2x 2 6x 12
88. (8x 2 5x 12) (3x 2 9x 18)
(3x 2 9x 4) 8x 2 13x 10
89. (6z4 3z 3 7z 2) (5z 3 3z 2 2)
(z4 z 2 5) 5z4 8z 3 3z 2 7 3x 9 ft
1
Cost (millions of dollars)
Total
0.5
Labor 16t 2 7400 ft
16t 2 6600 ft
Materials
0
0 500 1000
Number of transmissions
98. Height difference. A red ball and a green ball are simul- 101. Harris-Benedict for females. The Harris-Benedict poly-
taneously tossed into the air. The red ball is given an ini- nomial
tial velocity of 96 feet per second, and its height t seconds 655.1 9.56w 1.85h 4.68a
after it is tossed is 16t 2 96t feet. The green ball is
given an initial velocity of 30 feet per second, and its represents the number of calories needed to maintain a
height t seconds after it is tossed is 16t 2 80t feet. female at rest for 24 hours, where w is her weight in
kilograms, h is her height in centimeters, and a is her
a) Find a polynomial that represents the difference in the
age. Find the number of calories needed by a 30-year-old
heights of the two balls. 16t feet
54-kilogram female who is 157 centimeters tall.
b) How much higher is the red ball 2 seconds after the
1321.39 calories
balls are tossed? 32 feet
c) In reality, when does the difference in the heights stop 102. Harris-Benedict for males. The Harris-Benedict polyno-
increasing? when green ball hits ground mial
66.5 13.75w 5.0h 6.78a
represents the number of calories needed to maintain a
150 male at rest for 24 hours, where w is his weight in kilo-
Red ball
grams, h is his height in centimeters, and a is his age. Find
Green ball the number of calories needed by a 40-year-old 90-kilo-
Height (feet)
100
gram male who is 185 centimeters tall.
1957.8 calories
50
GET TING MORE INVOLVED
Difference
103. Discussion. Is the sum of two natural numbers always
0
0 1 2 3 4 a natural number? Is the sum of two integers always an in-
Time (seconds) teger? Is the sum of two polynomials always a polyno-
FIGURE FOR EXERCISE 98 mial? Explain.
Yes, yes, yes
99. Total interest. Donald received 0.08(x 554) dollars 104. Discussion. Is the difference of two natural numbers al-
interest on one investment and 0.09(x 335) interest on ways a natural number? Is the difference of two rational
another investment. Write a polynomial that represents numbers always a rational number? Is the difference of
the total interest he received. What is the total interest if two polynomials always a polynomial? Explain.
x 1000? No, yes, yes
0.17x 74.47 dollars, $244.47 105. Writing. Explain why the polynomial 24 7x3 5x2 x
100. Total acid. Deborah figured that the amount of acid in has degree 3 and not degree 4.
one bottle of solution is 0.12x milliliters and the amount 106. Discussion. Which of the following polynomials does
of acid in another bottle of solution is 0.22(75 x) mil- not have degree 2? Explain.
liliters. Find a polynomial that represents the total amount a) r 2 b) 2 4 c) y 2 4 d) x 2 x 4
of acid? What is the total amount of acid if x 50? e) a2 3a 9
0.1x 16.5 milliliters, 11.5 milliliters b and d
98. Height difference. A red ball and a green ball are simul- 101. Harris-Benedict for females. The Harris-Benedict poly-
taneously tossed into the air. The red ball is given an ini- nomial
tial velocity of 96 feet per second, and its height t seconds 655.1 9.56w 1.85h 4.68a
after it is tossed is 16t 2 96t feet. The green ball is
given an initial velocity of 30 feet per second, and its represents the number of calories needed to maintain a
height t seconds after it is tossed is 16t 2 80t feet. female at rest for 24 hours, where w is her weight in
kilograms, h is her height in centimeters, and a is her
a) Find a polynomial that represents the difference in the
age. Find the number of calories needed by a 30-year-old
heights of the two balls. 16t feet
54-kilogram female who is 157 centimeters tall.
b) How much higher is the red ball 2 seconds after the
1321.39 calories
balls are tossed? 32 feet
c) In reality, when does the difference in the heights stop 102. Harris-Benedict for males. The Harris-Benedict polyno-
increasing? when green ball hits ground mial
66.5 13.75w 5.0h 6.78a
represents the number of calories needed to maintain a
150 male at rest for 24 hours, where w is his weight in kilo-
Red ball
grams, h is his height in centimeters, and a is his age. Find
Green ball the number of calories needed by a 40-year-old 90-kilo-
Height (feet)
100
gram male who is 185 centimeters tall.
1957.8 calories
50
GET TING MORE INVOLVED
Difference
103. Discussion. Is the sum of two natural numbers always
0
0 1 2 3 4 a natural number? Is the sum of two integers always an in-
Time (seconds) teger? Is the sum of two polynomials always a polyno-
FIGURE FOR EXERCISE 98 mial? Explain.
Yes, yes, yes
99. Total interest. Donald received 0.08(x 554) dollars 104. Discussion. Is the difference of two natural numbers al-
interest on one investment and 0.09(x 335) interest on ways a natural number? Is the difference of two rational
another investment. Write a polynomial that represents numbers always a rational number? Is the difference of
the total interest he received. What is the total interest if two polynomials always a polynomial? Explain.
x 1000? No, yes, yes
0.17x 74.47 dollars, $244.47 105. Writing. Explain why the polynomial 24 7x3 5x2 x
100. Total acid. Deborah figured that the amount of acid in has degree 3 and not degree 4.
one bottle of solution is 0.12x milliliters and the amount 106. Discussion. Which of the following polynomials does
of acid in another bottle of solution is 0.22(75 x) mil- not have degree 2? Explain.
liliters. Find a polynomial that represents the total amount a) r 2 b) 2 4 c) y 2 4 d) x 2 x 4
of acid? What is the total amount of acid if x 50? e) a2 3a 9
0.1x 16.5 milliliters, 11.5 milliliters b and d
So
3 factors 5 factors
x 3 x 5 (x x x )(x x x x x) x8.
8 factors
The exponent of the product of x and x5 is the sum of the exponents 3 and 5. This
3
Product Rule
If a is any real number and m and n are any positive integers, then
am an amn.
E X A M P L E 1 Multiplying monomials
Find the indicated products.
a) x2 x4 x b) (2ab)(3ab) c) 4x2y2 3xy5 d) (3a)2
Solution
a) x2 x4 x x2 x4 x1
study tip x7 Product rule
As soon as possible after class, b) (2ab)(3ab) (2)(3) a a b b
find a quiet place and work on
your homework. The longer
6a2b2 Product rule
you wait the harder it is to re- c) (4x2y2)(3xy5) (4)(3)x2 x y2 y5
member what happened in 12x3y7 Product rule
class.
d) (3a)2 3a 3a
9a2 ■
Multiplying Polynomials
To multiply a monomial and a polynomial, we use the distributive property.
Just as we use the distributive property to find the product of a monomial and a
polynomial, we can use the distributive property to find the product of two binomi-
als and the product of a binomial and a trinomial.
E X A M P L E 3 Multiplying polynomials
Use the distributive property to find each product.
a) (x 2)(x 5) b) (x 3)(x2 2x 7)
Solution
a) First multiply each term of x 5 by x 2:
x 5x x 21
3 2
Combine like terms. ■
E X A M P L E 4 Multiplying vertically
Find each product.
hint a) (x 2)(3x 7) b) (x y)(a 3)
helpful
Many students find vertical Solution
multiplication easier than ap- a) 3x 7 b) xy
plying the distributive prop-
x2 a3
erty twice horizontally. How-
ever, you should learn both 6x 14 ← 2 times 3x 7 3x 3y
methods because horizontal 3x 7x
2
← x times 3x 7 ax ay
multiplication will help you
with factoring by grouping in
3x2 x 14 Add. ax ay 3x 3y ■
Section 5.2.
These examples illustrate the following rule.
218 (4-12) Chapter 4 Polynomials and Exponents
Multiplication of Polynomials
To multiply polynomials, multiply each term of one polynomial by every
term of the other polynomial, then combine like terms.
E X A M P L E 5 Opposite of a polynomial
Find the opposite of each polynomial.
a) x 2 b) 9 y2 c) a 4 d) x 2 6x 3
Solution
a) (x 2) 2 x
b) (9 y2 ) y2 9
c) (a 4) a 4
d) (x 2 6x 3) x2 6x 3 ■
Applications
E X A M P L E 6 Multiplying polynomials
A parking lot is 20 yards wide and 30 yards long. If the college increases the length
and width by the same amount to handle an increasing number of cars, then what
polynomial represents the area of the new lot? What is the new area if the increase
is 15 yards?
Solution
If x is the amount of increase, then the new lot will be x 20 yards wide
x
and x 30 yards long as shown in Fig. 4.1. Multiply the length and width to get the
area:
WARM-UPS
True or false? Explain your answer.
1. 3x3 5x4 15x12 for any value of x.
False
2.3x 2x 5x for any value of x. False
2 7 9
4. 2 EXERCISES
Reading and Writing After reading this section, write out the 19. (5y)2 20. (6x)2
answers to these questions. Use complete sentences. 25y2 36x2
1. What is the product rule for exponents? 21. (2x3)2 22. (3y5)2
The product rule for exponents says that am an amn. 4x6 9y10
2. Why is the sum of two monomials not necessarily a mono- Find each product. See Example 2.
mial?
The sum of two monomials can be a binomial if the terms 23. 4y2(y5 2y) 4y7 8y3
are not like terms. 24. 6t3(t5 3t2) 6t8 18t5
3. What property of the real numbers is used when multiply- 25. 3y(6y 4) 18y2 12y
ing a monomial and a polynomial? 26. 9y(y2 1) 9y3 9y
To multiply a monomial and a polynomial we use the
27. (y2 5y 6)(3y) 3y3 15y2 18y
distributive property.
28. (x3 5x2 1)7x2 7x5 35x4 7x2
4. What property of the real numbers is used when multiply-
ing two binomials? 29. x(y2 x2) xy2 x3
To multiply two binomials we use the distributive property 30. ab(a2 b2) ab3 a3b
twice. 31. (3ab3 a2b2 2a3b)5a3 15a4b3 5a5b2 10a 6b
5. How do we multiply any two polynomials? 32. (3c2d d3 1)8cd2 24c3d3 8cd5 8cd 2
To multiply any two polynomials we multiply each term 1
of the first polynomial by every term of the second 33. t2v(4t3v2 6tv 4v) 2t5v3 3t3v2 2t2v2
2
polynomial. 1
34. m2n3(6mn2 3mn 12)
6. How do we find the opposite of a polynomial? 3
To find the opposite of a polynomial, change the sign of 2m3n5 m3n4 4m2n3
each term in the polynomial.
Use the distributive property to find each product. See
Find each product. See Example 1. Example 3.
7. 3x2 9x3 8. 5x7 3x5 9. 2a3 7a8 35. (x 1)(x 2) 36. (x 6)(x 3)
27x 5
15x12 14a11 x2 3x 2 x2 9x 18
10. 3y 5y
12 15
11. 6x2 5x2 12. 2x 2 8x 5 37. (x 3)(x 5) 38. ( y 2)( y 4)
15y 27
30x4 16x7 x2 2x 15 y2 2y 8
10
13. (9x )(3x ) 7
14. (2x2)(8x9) 15. 6st 9st 39. (t 4)(t 9) 40. (w 3)(w 5)
27x 17
16x11 54s2t2 t2 13t 36 w2 8w 15
16. 12sq 3s 17. 3wt 8w7t6 18. h8k3 5h 41. (x 1)(x2 2x 2) 42. (x 1)(x2 x 1)
36qs 2
24t7w8 5h9k3 x3 3x2 4x 2 x3 1
220 (4-14) Chapter 4 Polynomials and Exponents
43. (3y 2)(2y2 y 3) 44. (4y 3)(y2 3y 1) 83. (5x 6)(5x 6) 84. (2x 9)(2x 9)
6y y 7y 6
3 2
4y3 15y2 13y 3 25x2 36 4x2 81
45. (y z 2y )(y z 3z y )
2 4 2 2 4
85. 2x (3x 4x )
2 5 2
86. 4a3(3ab3 2ab3)
2y8 3y6z 5y4z2 3y2z3 6x 8x
7 4
4a4b3
46. (m3 4mn2)(6m4n2 3m6 m2n4) 87. (m 1)(m m 1)
2
88. (a b)(a2 ab b2)
18m7n2 23m5n4 3m9 4m3n6 m 1
3
a3 b3
Find each product vertically. See Example 4. 89. (3x 2)(x x 9) 3x 5x2 25x 18
2 3
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Price (dollars)
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Price (dollars)
There are four terms in x 2 2x 3x 6. The term x2 is the product of the first
term of each binomial, x and x. The term 3x is the product of the two outer terms,
3 and x. The term 2x is the product of the two inner terms, 2 and x. The term 6 is the
product of the last term of each binomial, 2 and 3. We can connect the terms multi-
plied by lines as follows:
L
F
E X A M P L E 4 Area of a garden
x Sheila has a square garden with sides of length x feet. If she increases the length by
7 feet and decreases the width by 2 feet, then what trinomial represents the area of
x7 the new rectangular garden?
x
x2 Solution
The length of the new garden is x 7 and the width is x 2 as shown in Fig. 4.2.
The area is (x 7)(x 2) or x2 5x 14 square feet. ■
FIGURE 4.2
WARM-UPS
True or false? Answer true only if the equation is true for all values of
the variable or variables. Explain your answer.
1. (x 3)(x 2) x2 6 False
2. (x 2)( y 1) xy x 2y 2 True
3. (3a 5)(2a 1) 6a2 3a 10a 5 True
4. (y 3)( y 2) y2 y 6 True
5. (x2 2)(x2 3) x4 5x2 6 True
6. (3a2 2)(3a2 2) 9a2 4 False
7. (t 3)(t 5) t2 8t 15 True
8. (y 9)( y 2) y2 11y 18 False
9. (x 4)(x 7) x2 4x 28 False
10. It is not necessary to learn FOIL as long as you can get the answer. False
4. 3 EXERCISES
Reading and Writing After reading this section, write out the 4. What is the maximum number of terms that can be obtained
answers to these questions. Use complete sentences. when two binomials are multiplied?
1. What property of the real numbers do we usually use to find The maximum number of terms obtained in multiplying bi-
the product of two binomials? nomials is four.
We use the distributive property to find the product of two
Use FOIL to find each product. See Example 1.
binomials.
5. (x 2)(x 4) x2 6x 8
2. What does FOIL stand for?
FOIL stands for first, outer, inner, and last. 6. (x 3)(x 5) x2 8x 15
3. What is the purpose of FOIL? 7. (a 3)(a 2) a2 a 6
The purpose of FOIL is to provide a faster method for find- 8. (b 1)(b 2) b2 b 2
ing the product of two binomials. 9. (2x 1)(x 2) 2x2 5x 2
224 (4-18) Chapter 4 Polynomials and Exponents
3 ft 3 ft a a
4 ft h
ft a b
a a2 ab So to square a b, we square the first term (a2), add twice the product of the two
terms (2ab), then add the square of the last term (b2). The square of a binomial
occurs so frequently that it is helpful to learn this new rule to find it. The rule for
b ab b2 squaring a sum is given symbolically as follows.
3 ft 3 ft a a
4 ft h
ft a b
a a2 ab So to square a b, we square the first term (a2), add twice the product of the two
terms (2ab), then add the square of the last term (b2). The square of a binomial
occurs so frequently that it is helpful to learn this new rule to find it. The rule for
b ab b2 squaring a sum is given symbolically as follows.
Solution
helpful hint
a) (x 3)2 x2 2(x)(3) 32 x 2 6x 9
You can mentally find the ↑ ↑
square of a number that ends Square ↑ Square
of Twice of
in 5. To find 252 take the 2
first the last
(from 25), multiply it by 3 (the product
next integer) to get 6, and
then annex 25 for 625. To find
b) (2a 5)2 (2a)2 2(2a)(5) 52
352, find 3 4 12 and annex 4a2 20a 25 ■
25 for 1225. To see why this
works, write CAUTION Do not forget the middle term when squaring a sum. The
(30 5)2 equation (x 3)2 x2 6x 9 is an identity, but (x 3)2 x2 9 is not an
302 2 30 5 52
identity. For example, if x 1 in (x 3)2 x2 9, then we get 42 12 9,
30(30 2 5) 25
which is false.
30 40 25
1200 25
1225. When we use FOIL to find (a b)2, we see that
2
Now find 45 and 552 mentally. (a b)2 (a b)(a b)
a2 ab ab b2
a2 2ab b2.
So to square a b, we square the first term (a2), subtract twice the product of the
two terms (2ab), and add the square of the last term (b2). The rule for squaring a
difference is given symbolically as follows.
Solution
helpful hint
a) (x 4)2 x2 2(x)(4) 42
Many students keep using x2 8x 16
FOIL to find the square of a
sum or difference. However, b) (4b 5y)2 (4b)2 2(4b)(5y) (5y)2
learning the new rules for 16b2 40by 25y2 ■
these special cases will pay off
in the future.
Product of a Sum and a Difference
If we multiply the sum a b and the difference a b by using FOIL, we get
(a b)(a b) a2 ab ab b2
a2 b2.
The inner and outer products have a sum of 0. So the product of a sum and a differ-
ence of the same two terms is equal to the difference of two squares.
4.4 Special Products (4-21) 227
Applications to Area
E X A M P L E 5 Area of a pizza
A pizza parlor saves money by making all of its round pizzas one inch smaller in ra-
dius than advertised. Write a trinomial for the actual area of a pizza with an adver-
tised radius of r inches.
Solution
A pizza advertised as r inches has an actual radius of r 1 inches. The actual area
is (r 1)2:
(r 1)2 (r 2 2r 1) r 2 2r .
So r 2 2r is a trinomial representing the actual area. ■
228 (4-22) Chapter 4 Polynomials and Exponents
WARM-UPS
True or false? Explain your answer.
1. (2 3)2 22 32 False
2. (x 3)2 x 2 6x 9 for any value of x. True
3. (3 5)2 9 25 30 True
4. (2x 7)2 4x 2 28x 49 for any value of x. True
5. (y 8)2 y2 64 for any value of y. False
6. The product of a sum and a difference of the same two terms is equal to the
difference of two squares. True
7. (40 1)(40 1) 1599 True
8. 49 51 2499 True
9. (x 3)2 x2 3x 9 for any value of x. False
10. The square of a sum is equal to a sum of two squares. False
4. 4 EXERCISES
Reading and Writing After reading this section, write out the Square each binomial. See Example 2.
answers to these questions. Use complete sentences. 19. (a 3)2 20. (w 4)2
1. What are the special products? a2 6a 9 w2 8w 16
The special products are (a b)2, (a b)2, and 21. (t 1)2 22. (t 6)2
(a b) (a b). t 2 2t 1 t 2 12t 36
2. What is the rule for squaring a sum? 23. (3t 2)2 24. (5a 6)2
(a b)2 a2 2ab b2 9t 2 12t 4 25a2 60a 36
3. Why do we need a new rule to find the square of a sum 25. (s t)2 26. (r w)2
when we already have FOIL? s2 2st t 2 r 2 2rw w2
It is faster to do by the new rule than with FOIL.
27. (3a b)2 28. (4w 7)2
4. What happens to the inner and outer products in the product 9a 2 6ab b2 16w2 56w 49
of a sum and a difference?
29. (3z 5y)2 30. (2z 3w)2
In (a b)(a b) the inner and outer products have a sum
9z2 30yz 25y2 4z 2 12wz 9w 2
of zero.
Find each product. See Example 3.
5. What is the rule for finding the product of a sum and a
difference? 31. (a 5)(a 5) 32. (x 6)(x 6)
(a b)(a b) a2 b2 a2 25 x 2 36
6. How can you find higher powers of binomials? 33. (y 1)(y 1) 34. (p 2)(p 2)
Higher powers of binomials are found by using the distrib- y2 1 p2 4
utive property. 35. (3x 8)(3x 8) 36. (6x 1)(6x 1)
9x2 64 36x 2 1
Square each binomial. See Example 1. 37. (r s)(r s) 38. (b y)(b y)
7. (x 1)2 8. (y 2)2 r2 s2 b2 y 2
x 2x 1
2
y2 4y 4
39. (8y 3a)(8y 3a) 40. (4u 9v)(4u 9v)
9. (y 4) 2
10. (z 3)2 64y2 9a2 16u2 81v 2
y 8y 16
2
z2 6z 9
41. (5x 2)(5x 2)
2 2
42. (3y2 1)(3y2 1)
11. (3x 8) 2
12. (2m 7)2 25x 4
4
9y 4 1
9x 2 48x 64 4m2 28m 49
Expand each binomial. See Example 4.
13. (s t)2 14. (x z)2
s2 2st t 2 x 2 2xz z2 43. (x 1)3 x 3 3x 2 3x 1
15. (2x y) 2
16. (3t v)2 44. (y 1)3 y3 3y 2 3y 1
4x 4xy y
2 2
9t 2 6tv v2 45. (2a 3)3 8a3 36a2 54a 27
17. (2t 3h) 2
18. (3z 5k)2 46. (3w 1)3 27w3 27w2 9w 1
4t 12ht 9h
2 2
9z2 30kz 25k 2 47. (a 3)4 a4 12a3 54a2 108a 81
4.4 Special Products (4-23) 229
48. (2b 1)4 16b4 32b3 24b2 8b 1 82. Square lot. Sam lives on a lot that he thought was a
49. (a b)4 a4 4a3b 6a2b2 4ab3 b4 square, 157 feet by 157 feet. When he had it surveyed, he
50. (2a 3b)4 16a4 96a3b 216a2b2 216ab3 81b4 discovered that one side was actually 2 feet longer than
he thought and the other was actually 2 feet shorter than he
Find each product. thought. How much less area does he have than he thought
51. (a 20)(a 20) 52. (1 x)(1 x) he had? 4 square feet
a 2 400 1 x2 83. Area of a circle. Find a polynomial that represents the area
53. (x 8)(x 7) 54. (x 9)(x 5) of a circle whose radius is b 1 meters. Use the value
x 2 15x 56 x 2 4x 45 3.14 for . 3.14b2 6.28b 3.14 square meters
55. (4x 1)(4x 1) 56. (9y 1)(9y 1) 84. Comparing dart boards. A toy store sells two sizes of cir-
16x 2 1 81y 2 1 cular dartboards. The larger of the two has a radius that is
57. (9y 1)2 58. (4x 1)2 3 inches greater than that of the other. The radius of the
81y 2 18y 1 16x 2 8x 1 smaller dartboard is t inches. Find a polynomial that repre-
59. (2t 5)(3t 4) 60. (2t 5)(3t 4) sents the difference in area between the two dartboards.
6t 2 7t 20 6t 2 7t 20 6t 9 square centimeters
61. (2t 5)2 62. (2t 5)2
4t 2 20t 25 4t 2 20t 25 t + 3 cm
63. (2t 5)(2t 5) 64. (3t 4)(3t 4) t cm
4t 2 25 9t2 16
65. (x2 1)(x 2 1) 66. (y3 1)(y3 1)
x4 1 y6 1
67. (2y3 9)2 68. (3z4 8)2
4y6 36y 3 81 9z8 48z4 64
69. (2x 3 3y2)2 70. (4y 5 2w 3)2
4x 6 12x 3y 2 9y 4 16y10 16y 5w 3 4w6
FIGURE FOR EXERCISE 84
3 y 2
1 1 2 2 1 2
71. x 72.
2 3
1 2 1 1 4 2 2 1 85. Poiseuille’s law. According to the nineteenth-century physi-
x x y y cian Poiseuille, the velocity (in centimeters per second) of
4 3 9 9 3 4
blood r centimeters from the center of an artery of radius R
73. (0.2x 0.1)2
centimeters is given by
0.04x2 0.04x 0.01
74. (0.1y 0.5)2 v k(R r)(R r),
0.01y2 0.1y 0.25 where k is a constant. Rewrite the formula using a special
75. (a b)3 product rule. v k(R2 r2)
a3 3a2b 3ab2 b3
76. (2a 3b)3
8a3 36a2b 54ab2 27b3
77. (1.5x 3.8)2
2.25x2 11.4x 14.44
78. (3.45a 2.3)2
11.9025a2 15.87a 5.29
79. (3.5t 2.5)(3.5t 2.5)
12.25t2 6.25 r
R
80. (4.5h 5.7)(4.5h 5.7)
20.25h2 32.49
In Exercises 81–90, solve each problem.
81. Shrinking garden. Rose’s garden is a square with sides of
length x feet. Next spring she plans to make it rectangular
by lengthening one side 5 feet and shortening the other side
FIGURE FOR EXERCISE 85
by 5 feet. What polynomial represents the new area? By how
much will the area of the new garden differ from that of the 86. Going in circles. A promoter is planning a circular race
old garden? x2 25 square feet, 25 square feet smaller track with an inside radius of r feet and a width of w feet.
230 (4-24) Chapter 4 Polynomials and Exponents
Use a special product rule to simplify this formula. What is FIGURE FOR EXERCISES 89 AND 90
the cost of paving the track if the inside radius is 1000 feet
and the width of the track is 40 feet? 90. Comparing investments. How much more would the in-
C 1.2[2rw w2], $307,624.75 vestment in Exercise 89 be worth in 10 years if the client
87. Compounded annually. P dollars is invested at annual in- invests in large company stocks rather than U.S. treasury
terest rate r for 2 years. If the interest is compounded annu- bills? $26,619.83
ally, then the polynomial P(1 r)2 represents the value of
the investment after 2 years. Rewrite this expression with- GET TING MORE INVOLVED
out parentheses. Evaluate the polynomial if P $200 and
r 10%. P 2Pr Pr 2, $242 91. Writing. What is the difference between the equations
88. Compounded semiannually. P dollars is invested at an- (x 5)2 x 2 10x 25 and (x 5)2 x2 25?
nual interest rate r for 1 year. If the interest is compounded The first is an identity and the second is a conditional
2 equation.
semiannually, then the polynomial P1 represents
r
2 92. Writing. Is it possible to square a sum or a difference with-
the value of the investment after 1 year. Rewrite this ex- out using the rules presented in this section? Why should
pression without parentheses. Evaluate the polynomial if you learn the rules given in this section?
P $200 and r 10%. A sum or difference can be squared with the distributive
Pr 2 property, FOIL, or the special product rules. It is easier with
P Pr , $220.50
4 the special product rules.
Use a special product rule to simplify this formula. What is FIGURE FOR EXERCISES 89 AND 90
the cost of paving the track if the inside radius is 1000 feet
and the width of the track is 40 feet? 90. Comparing investments. How much more would the in-
C 1.2[2rw w2], $307,624.75 vestment in Exercise 89 be worth in 10 years if the client
87. Compounded annually. P dollars is invested at annual in- invests in large company stocks rather than U.S. treasury
terest rate r for 2 years. If the interest is compounded annu- bills? $26,619.83
ally, then the polynomial P(1 r)2 represents the value of
the investment after 2 years. Rewrite this expression with- GET TING MORE INVOLVED
out parentheses. Evaluate the polynomial if P $200 and
r 10%. P 2Pr Pr 2, $242 91. Writing. What is the difference between the equations
88. Compounded semiannually. P dollars is invested at an- (x 5)2 x 2 10x 25 and (x 5)2 x2 25?
nual interest rate r for 1 year. If the interest is compounded The first is an identity and the second is a conditional
2 equation.
semiannually, then the polynomial P1 represents
r
2 92. Writing. Is it possible to square a sum or a difference with-
the value of the investment after 1 year. Rewrite this ex- out using the rules presented in this section? Why should
pression without parentheses. Evaluate the polynomial if you learn the rules given in this section?
P $200 and r 10%. A sum or difference can be squared with the distributive
Pr 2 property, FOIL, or the special product rules. It is easier with
P Pr , $220.50
4 the special product rules.
Quotient Rule
Suppose a 0, and m and n are positive integers.
am
If m n, then n a mn.
a
am 1
If n
m, then n .
a a nm
Note that if you use the quotient rule to subtract the exponents in x 4 x 4, you
get the expression x 44, or x 0, which has not been defined yet. Because we must
have x 4 x 4 1 if x 0, we define the zero power of a nonzero real number to
be 1. We do not define the expression 00.
Zero Exponent
For any nonzero real number a,
a0 1.
With the definition of zero exponent the quotient rule is valid for all positive in-
tegers as stated.
Solution
helpful hint
y9
Recall that the order of oper- a) 5 y95 y4
y
ations gives multiplication
and division an equal ranking Use the definition of division to check that y4 y5 y9.
and says to do them in order 12b2 12 b2 1 4
from left to right. So without b) 7 7 4 72 5
parentheses,
3b 3 b b b
6x 3 2x 9 Use the definition of division to check that
actually means 4 12b7
6x 3 9 5 3b7 12b2.
x. b b5
2
6x 3 3
c) 6x 3 (2x 9)
2x 9 x6
Use the definition of division to check that
3 6x 9
2x9
6x 3.
x6 x6
x8y2 x 8 y2
d) x 6 y0 x 6
x 2 y2 x 2 y2
Use the definition of division to check that x 6 x 2 y 2 x 8y2. ■
We showed more steps in Example 2 than are necessary. For division problems
like these you should try to write down only the quotient.
Now bring down 10 and continue the process. We get the second term of the quo-
tient (below) by dividing the first term of x 2 into the first term of 5x 10. So
divide 5x by x to get 5:
1 Divide: x5 5x x 5
2 Multiply: x 2x2
x
30
1
x2 2x ↓ Bring down 10.
5x 10
5x 10 5(x 2) 5x 10
3 Subtract: 0 10 (10) 0
Solution
Rearrange the dividend as 2x3 7x2 4. Because the x-term in the dividend is
helpful hint missing, we write 0 x for it:
Students usually have the x2 2x 3 2x 3 (2x) x 2
most difficulty with the sub- 2x 32
x 3
x
72 0x4
traction part of long division.
2x 3x2
3
So pay particular attention to
that step and double check 4x 2 0 x 7x 2 (3x2) 4x 2
your work. 4x 2 6x
6x 4 0 x 6x 6x
6x 9
13 4 (9) 13
234 (4-28) Chapter 4 Polynomials and Exponents
The quotient is x2 2x 3, and the remainder is 13. Note that the degree of the
remainder is 0 and the degree of the divisor is 1. To check, we must verify that
(2x 3)(x 2 2x 3) 13 2x3 7x2 4. ■
CAUTION To avoid errors, always write the terms of the divisor and the
dividend in descending order of the exponents and insert a zero for any term that is
missing.
If we divide both sides of the equation
dividend (quotient)(divisor) (remainder)
by the divisor, we get the equation
dividend remainder
quotient .
divisor divisor
This fact is used in expressing improper fractions as mixed numbers. For example,
if 19 is divided by 5, the quotient is 3 and the remainder is 4. So
19 4 4
3 3.
5 5 5
We can also use this form to rewrite algebraic fractions.
WARM-UPS
True or false? Explain your answer.
1. y10 y2 y5 for any nonzero value of y. False
7x 2
2. x 2 for any value of x. False
7
7x 2
3. x 2 for any value of x. True
7
4. If 3x2 6 is divided by 3, the quotient is x2 6. False
4.5 Division of Polynomials (4-29) 235
WARM-UPS
(continued)
5. If 4y2 6y is divided by 2y, the quotient is 2y 3. True
6. The quotient times the remainder plus the dividend equals the divisor.
False
7. (x 2)(x 1) 3 x2 3x 5 for any value of x. True
8. If x2 3x 5 is divided by x 2, then the quotient is x 1. True
9. If x2 3x 5 is divided by x 2, the remainder is 3. True
10. If the remainder is zero, then (divisor)(quotient) dividend. True
4. 5 EXERCISES
Reading and Writing After reading this section, write out the 9x 2y2 3 12z 4y2 6
25. 26. 6
answers to these questions. Use complete sentences. 3x 5y2 x3 2z10y 2 z
1. What rule is important for dividing monomials?
The quotient rule is used for dividing monomials. Find the quotients. See Example 3.
2. What is the meaning of a zero exponent? 3x 6
27. x 2
The zero power of a nonzero real number is 1. 3
3. How many terms should you get when dividing a polyno- 5y 10
28. y 2
mial by a monomial? 5
When dividing a polynomial by a monomial the quotient x5 3x4 x3 3
should have the same number of terms as the polynomial. 29. x 3x2 x
x2
4. How should the terms of the polynomials be written when 6y6 9y4 12y2
dividing with long division? 30. 2y4 3y2 4
3y2
The terms of a ploynomial should be written in descending
order of the exponents. 8x2y2 4x 2y 2xy2
31. 4xy 2x y
5. How do you know when to stop the process in long division 2xy
of polynomials? 9ab2 6a3b3
32. 3 2a2b
The long division process stops when the degree of the re- 3ab2
mainder is less than the degree of the divisor. 33. (x2y3 3x3y2) (x2y) y2 3xy
6. How do you handle missing terms in the dividend polyno- 34. (4h5k 6h2k2) (2h2k) 2h3 3k
mial when doing long division?
Insert a term with zero coefficient for each missing term Find the quotient and remainder for each division. Check by
when doing long division. using the fact that dividend (divisor)(quotient) remainder.
Simplify each expression. See Example 1. See Example 4.
7. 90 1 8. m0 1 9. (2x3)0 1 35. (x2 5x 13) (x 3) x 2, 7
3 0
10. (5a b) 1 11. 2 5 3 1 12. 4 0 8 0 2
0 0
36. (x2 3x 6) (x 3) x, 6
13. (2x y) 1 14. (a2 b2)0 1
0
37. (2x) (x 5) 2, 10
Find each quotient. Try to write only the answer. See Example 2. 38. (5x) (x 1) 5, 5
x8 y9 39. (a3 4a 3) (a 2) a2 2a 8, 13
15. 2 x6 16. 3 y6
x y 40. (w3 2w2 3) (w 2) w2 4w 8, 13
6a7 3 30b2 10 41. (x2 3x) (x 1) x 4, 4
17. 18.
2a12 a5 3b6 b4 42. (3x2) (x 1) 3x 3, 3
4 2 43. (h3 27) (h 3) h2 3h 9, 0
19. 12x5 (3x9) 20. 6y5 (3y10) 5
x4 y 44. (w3 1) (w 1) w2 w 1, 0
45. (6x2 13x 7) (3x 2) 2x 3, 1
21. 6y2 (6y) y 22. 3a2b (3ab) a
46. (4b2 25b 3) (4b 1) b 6, 9
6x3y2 4h2k4 47. (x3 x2 x 2) (x 1) x2 1, 1
23. 3x 24. 3 2hk
2x 2y2 2hk 48. (a3 3a2 4a 4) (a 2) a2 a 2, 0
236 (4-30) Chapter 4 Polynomials and Exponents
CAUTION The product and quotient rules apply only if the bases of the
expressions are identical. For example, 32 34 36, but the product rule cannot be
applied to 52 34. Note also that the bases are not multiplied: 32 34 96.
Note that in the quotient rule the exponents are always subtracted, as in
x7 y5 1
x4 and 8 3.
x3 y y
If the larger exponent is in the denominator, then the result is placed in the
denominator.
Solution
a) Because the bases are both 2, we can use the product rule:
23 22 25 Product rule
32 Simplify.
b) (3x) (5x )(4x) 1 5x 4x Definition of zero exponent
0 2 2
d) First use the product rule to simplify the numerator and denominator:
study tip (3a2b)b9 3a2b10
5 3 2 Product rule
Keep track of your time for (6a )a b 6a8b2
one entire week. Account for b8
how you spend every half 6 Quotient rule
hour. Add up your totals for 2a ■
sleep, study, work, and recre-
ation. You should be sleeping Raising an Exponential Expression to a Power
50–60 hours per week and When we raise an exponential expression to a power, we can use the product rule to
studying 1–2 hours for every
find the result, as shown in the following example:
hour you spend in the class-
room. (w4)3 w4 w4 w4 Three factors of w4 because of the exponent 3
w12 Product rule
By the product rule we add the three 4’s to get 12, but 12 is also the product of 4 and 3.
This example illustrates the power rule for exponents.
Power Rule
If m and n are nonnegative integers and a 0, then
(a m)n a mn.
In the next example we use the new rule along with the other rules.
Note that the power 3 is applied to each factor of the product. This example illus-
trates the power of a product rule.
Power of a Quotient
Raising a quotient to a power is similar to raising a product to a power:
helpful hint
x 3 x x x
Note that these rules of ex- Definition of exponent 3
5 5 5 5
ponents are not absolutely
xxx
necessary. We could simplify Definition of multiplication of fractions
every expression here by 555
using only the definition of x3
exponent. However, these
3 Definition of exponents
5
rules make it a lot simpler.
The power is applied to both the numerator and denominator. This example illus-
trates the power of a quotient rule.
3x4 33x12
3
b) 3 Power of a quotient and power of a product rules
2y 23y9
27x12
Simplify.
8y 9
c) Use the quotient rule to simplify the expression inside the parentheses before
using the power of a quotient rule.
12a5b 3a3
3 3
Use the quotient rule first.
4a2b7 b6
27a9
Power of a quotient rule
b18 ■
Summary of Rules
The rules for exponents are summarized in the following box.
helpful hint
Note that the rules of expo-
nents show how exponents
Rules for Nonnegative Integral Exponents
behave with respect to multi-
plication and division only. We The following rules hold for nonzero real numbers a and b and nonnegative
studied the more complicated
integers m and n.
problem of using exponents
with addition and subtraction 1. a0 1 Definition of zero exponent
in Section 4.4 when we 2. am an amn Product rule
learned rules for (a b)2 and
(a b)2. am
3. n amn for m n,
a
am 1
n for n
m Quotient rule
a anm
4. (am)n amn Power rule
5. (ab)n an bn Power of a product rule
an
a n
6. n Power of a quotient rule
b b
WARM-UPS
True or false? Assume that all variables represent nonzero real
numbers. A statement involving variables is to be marked true only if it
is an identity. Explain your answer.
1. 30 1 False 2. 25 28 413 False 3. 23 33 65 False
4. (2x)4 2x4 False 5. (q3)5 q8 False 6. (3x 2)3 27x6 False
a12 6w4
7. (ab3)4 a4b12 True 8. 4 a3 False 9. 9 2w5 False
a 3w
2y3 4y6
2
10. True
9 81
4.6 Positive Integral Exponents (4-35) 241
4. 6 EXERCISES
Reading and Writing After reading this section, write out the Simplify. See Example 4.
answers to these questions. Use complete sentences.
3 3
x4 x12 y2 y6
1. What is the product rule for exponents?
35. 36.
4 64 2 8
The product rule says that a man a mn.
37. 38.
2 4 3 2
2a 16a 8
9r 81r 6
2. What is the quotient rule for exponents?
3 12 5 10
The quotient rule says that aman amn if m
n and b b t t
1
39. 40.
aman nm if n
m. 2x y 2
x
3 6
3y 8
81y
4 24
a
4y 8y 2 3
2zy 2
16z 4
6 4 3 8 2 7 9
4. What is the power rule for exponents? 3x y z x 2rs t t
The power rule for exponents says that (am)n amn.
Simplify each expression. Your answer should be an integer or a
5. What is the power of a product rule? fraction. Do not use a calculator.
The power of a product rule says that (ab)n anbn.
43. 32 62 45 44. (5 3)2 4
6. What is the power of a quotient rule?
45. (3 6)2 81 46. 52 32 16
b.
n n
a a
The power of a quotient rule says that 47. 23 33 19 48. 33 43 91
n
b
49. (2 3) 3
1 50. (3 4)3 343
For all exercises in this section, assume that the variables rep-
5 4
3 3
2 8 3 27
resent nonzero real numbers. 51. 52.
125 64
Simplify the exponential expressions. See Example 1.
53. 52 23 200 54. 103 33 27,000
7. 22 25 128 8. x6 x7 x13
55. 23 24 128 56. 102 104 1,000,000
9. (3u8)(2u2) 6u10 10. (3r4)(6r 2) 18r 6
3 2 2
2 1 3 1
11. a3b4 ab6(ab)0 a4b10 57. 5 58. 3
2 16 3 81
2a3 1
12. x2y x3y6(x y)0 x5y7 13.
4a7 2a4 Simplify each expression.
3t9 1 2a 5b 3a7b3 2a6 59. 3x4 5x7 15x11 60. 2y3(3y) 6y4
14. 15. 4
6t18 2t9 15a6b8 5b 61. (5x4)3 125x12 62. (4z3)3 64z9
3xy 5xy
8 9
3y 3 63. 3y z 9yz 27y z
5 12 7 6 19
64. 2a b 2a9b2 4a13b7
4 5
16. 17. 23 52 200
20x3y14 4x 9u4v9 3v 20a5b13
65. 66. 4 4a
18. 2 10
2 3
4000 3u5v8 u 5a b13
Simplify. See Example 2. 67. (xt2)(2x2t)4 16x9t 6 68. (ab)3(3ba2)4 81a11b7
9y
2 3 6 2 4 8 2 3 2
19. (x ) x 20. (y ) y 2x 8 3y8
69. 6 70. 6
21. 2x 2 (x2)5 2x12 22. (y2)6 3y5 3y17 x4 x y5
(t 2)5 1 (r4)2 1
71. 72.
3 4 5 5
23. 34 2 24. 53 7 8a b 32a15b20 10a c 5
32c5
(t ) t (r ) r 5
25 5 4
2
4c c 5a b b0
3x(x5)2 1 5y3(y5)2 1
73. 74.
5 3 5
25. 26. 5 4 8x y 4 7
y5 5x yz 2
6x3(x 2)4 2 2 6
10y (y ) 2y 5 z10
16x y 5 6
32x 5x yz 2
Simplify. See Example 3.
27. (xy2)3 x3y6 28. (wy2)6 w6y12 Solve each problem.
29. (2t5)3 8t15 30. (3r3)3 27r9 75. Long-term investing. Sheila invested P dollars at annual
rate r for 10 years. At the end of 10 years her investment
31. (2x2y5)3 8x6y15 32. (3y2z3)3 27y6z9
was worth P(1 r)10 dollars. She then reinvested this
(a4b2c5)3 9 2 14 (2ab2c3)5 2b6c11 money for another 5 years at annual rate r. At the end
33. abc 34. 34
a3b4c (2a bc) a7 of the second time period her investment was worth
242 (4-36) Chapter 4 Polynomials and Exponents
P(1 r)10 (1 r)5 dollars. Which law of exponents can be GET TING MORE INVOLVED
used to simplify the last expression? Simplify it.
77. Writing. When we square a product, we square each factor
P(1 r)15
in the product. For example, (3b)2 9b2. Explain why we
76. CD rollover. Ronnie invested P dollars in a 2-year CD cannot square a sum by simply squaring each term of the
with an annual rate of return of r. After the CD rolled over sum.
two times, its value was P((1 r)2)3. Which law of expo- 78. Writing. Explain why we define 20 to be 1. Explain why
nents can be used to simplify the expression? Simplify it. 20 1.
P(1 r)6
4.7
NEGATIVE EXPONENTS AND
SCIENTIFIC NOTATION
We defined exponential expressions with positive integral exponents in Chapter 1
In this and learned the rules for positive integral exponents in Section 4.6. In this section
section you will first study negative exponents and then see how positive and negative inte-
gral exponents are used in scientific notation.
● Negative Integral Exponents
● Rules for Integral Exponents Negative Integral Exponents
● Converting from Scientific If x is nonzero, the reciprocal of x is written as 1. For example, the reciprocal of 23 is
Notation x
written as 13. To write the reciprocal of an exponential expression in a simpler way,
● Converting to Scientific 2
1
Notation we use a negative exponent. So 23 23. In general we have the following definition.
● Computations with
Scientific Notation Negative Integral Exponents
If a is a nonzero real number and n is a positive integer, then
1
an . (If n is positive, n is negative.)
an
P(1 r)10 (1 r)5 dollars. Which law of exponents can be GET TING MORE INVOLVED
used to simplify the last expression? Simplify it.
77. Writing. When we square a product, we square each factor
P(1 r)15
in the product. For example, (3b)2 9b2. Explain why we
76. CD rollover. Ronnie invested P dollars in a 2-year CD cannot square a sum by simply squaring each term of the
with an annual rate of return of r. After the CD rolled over sum.
two times, its value was P((1 r)2)3. Which law of expo- 78. Writing. Explain why we define 20 to be 1. Explain why
nents can be used to simplify the expression? Simplify it. 20 1.
P(1 r)6
4.7
NEGATIVE EXPONENTS AND
SCIENTIFIC NOTATION
We defined exponential expressions with positive integral exponents in Chapter 1
In this and learned the rules for positive integral exponents in Section 4.6. In this section
section you will first study negative exponents and then see how positive and negative inte-
gral exponents are used in scientific notation.
● Negative Integral Exponents
● Rules for Integral Exponents Negative Integral Exponents
● Converting from Scientific If x is nonzero, the reciprocal of x is written as 1. For example, the reciprocal of 23 is
Notation x
written as 13. To write the reciprocal of an exponential expression in a simpler way,
● Converting to Scientific 2
1
Notation we use a negative exponent. So 23 23. In general we have the following definition.
● Computations with
Scientific Notation Negative Integral Exponents
If a is a nonzero real number and n is a positive integer, then
1
an . (If n is positive, n is negative.)
an
1 1 3 5
is negative, it doesn’t mean 51 , 4, and .
the expression is negative.
5 4 5 3
1
Note that (2)3 while Because 32 32 1, the reciprocal of 32 is 32, and we have
1 8
(2)4 . 1
16 2
32.
3
These examples illustrate the following rules.
3 2
a) b) 101 101 c)
4 103
Solution
3 3 3
4 64
a)
calculator 4 3 27
1 1 2 1
b) 101 101
10 10 10 5
close-up 2 1
c) 2 2 103 2 1000 2000
You can use a calculator to 103 103 ■
demonstrate that the product
rule for exponents holds when Rules for Integral Exponents
the exponents are negative
numbers.
Negative exponents are used to make expressions involving reciprocals simpler
looking and easier to write. Negative exponents have the added benefit of working
in conjunction with all of the rules of exponents that you learned in Section 4.6. For
example, we can use the product rule to get
x2 x3 x2(3) x5
and the quotient rule to get
y3
5 y35 y2.
y
244 (4-38) Chapter 4 Polynomials and Exponents
With negative exponents there is no need to state the quotient rule in two parts as we
did in Section 4.6. It can be stated simply as
am
n amn
a
for any integers m and n. We list the rules of exponents here for easy reference.
The definitions of the different The following rules hold for nonzero real numbers a and b and any integers
types of exponents are a really m and n.
clever mathematical inven- 1. a0 1 Definition of zero exponent
tion. The fact that we have
2. a a a
m n mn
Product rule
rules for performing arith-
m
metic with those exponents a
3. n amn Quotient rule
makes the notation of expo- a
nents even more amazing. 4. (am)n amn Power rule
5. (ab)n an bn Power of a product rule
n
an
a
6. n Power of a quotient rule
b b
4x5 2
a) (a3)2 b) (10x3)2 c)
y2
close-up Solution
You can use a calculator to a) (a3)2 a3 2 Power rule
demonstrate that the power
a6
rule for exponents holds when
the exponents are negative 1
6 Definition of negative exponent
integers. a
b) (10x3)2 102(x3)2 Power of a product rule
102x(3)(2) Power rule
x6
2 Definition of negative exponent
10
x6
100
5 2
(4x5)2
4x
c) Power of a quotient rule
helpful hint y 2
(y 2)2
The exponent rules in this sec- 42x10
Power of a product rule and power rule
tion apply to expressions that y 4
involve only multiplication
1 a 1
and division. This is not too 42 x10 4 Because a .
surprising since exponents, y b b
multiplication, and division 1
are closely related. Recall that 2 x10 y4 Definition of negative exponent
4
a3 a a a and a b
a b1. x10y4
Simplify.
16 ■
Converting from Scientific Notation
Many of the numbers occurring in science are either very large or very small. The
speed of light is 983,569,000 feet per second. One millimeter is equal to 0.000001
kilometer. In scientific notation, numbers larger than 10 or smaller than 1 are writ-
ten by using positive or negative exponents.
Scientific notation is based on multiplication by integral powers of 10. Multi-
plying a number by a positive power of 10 moves the decimal point to the right:
10(5.32) 53.2
102(5.32) 100(5.32) 532
103(5.32) 1000(5.32) 5320
Multiplying by a negative power of 10 moves the decimal point to the left:
1
101(5.32) (5.32) 0.532
10
1
102(5.32) (5.32) 0.0532
100
3 1
10 (5.32) (5.32) 0.00532
1000
246 (4-40) Chapter 4 Polynomials and Exponents
calculator So if n is a positive integer, multiplying by 10n moves the decimal point n places to
the right and multiplying by 10n moves it n places to the left.
A number in scientific notation is written as a product of a number between
1 and 10 and a power of 10. The times symbol indicates multiplication. For
close-up example, 3.27 109 and 2.5 104 are numbers in scientific notation. In scien-
On a graphing calculator you tific notation there is one digit to the left of the decimal point.
can write scientific notation To convert 3.27 109 to standard notation, move the decimal point nine places
by actually using the power of to the right:
10 or press EE to get the letter 3.27 109 3,270,000,000
E, which indicates that the fol-
lowing number is the power 9 places to the right
of 10. Of course, it is not necessary to put the decimal point in when writing a whole number.
To convert 2.5 104 to standard notation, the decimal point is moved four
places to the left:
2.5 104 0.00025
4 places to the left
In general, we use the following strategy to convert from scientific notation to
standard notation.
Note that if the exponent is
not too large, scientific nota- Strategy for Converting from Scientific
tion is converted to standard
Notation to Standard Notation
notation when you press
ENTER. 1. Determine the number of places to move the decimal point by examining
the exponent on the 10.
2. Move to the right for a positive exponent and to the left for a negative
exponent.
1. Count the number of places (n) that the decimal must be moved so that it
will follow the first nonzero digit of the number.
2. If the original number was larger than 10, use 10n.
3. If the original number was smaller than 1, use 10n.
4.7 Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation (4-41) 247
Remember that the scientific notation for a number larger than 10 will have a
positive power of 10 and the scientific notation for a number between 0 and 1 will
have a negative power of 10.
WARM-UPS
True or false? Explain your answer.
1 1
1
1. 102 True 2. 5 False
100 5
32 1
3. 32 21 63 False 4. 1 True
3 3
5. 23.7 2.37 101 False 6. 0.000036 3.6 105 True
7. 25 107 2.5 108 True 8. 0.442 103 4.42 104 True
9. (3 109)2 9 1018 True
10. (2 105)(4 104) 8 1020 False
4.7 EXERCISES
Reading and Writing After reading this section, write out the 6. Which numbers are not usually written in scientific notation?
answers to these questions. Use complete sentences. Numbers between 1 and 10 are not written in scientific no-
1. What does a negative exponent mean? tation.
A negative exponent means “reciprocal,” as in an 1n. Variables in all exercises represent positive real numbers. Eval-
a
uate each expression. See Example 1.
2. What is the correct order for evaluating the operations indi-
1 1 1
cated by a negative exponent? 7. 31 8. 33 9. (2)4
3 27 16
The operations can be evaluated in any order.
1 1 1
3. What is the new quotient rule for exponents? 10. (3)4 11. 42 12. 24
81 16 16
The new quotient rule is aman amn for any integers m
and n. 52 34 4
13. 2
4 14. 2
4. How do you convert a number from scientific notation to 10 6 9
standard notation? Simplify. See Example 2.
Convert from scientific notation by multiplying by the ap- 5 3 8 4 2 9
1
propriate power of 10. 15. 16. 17. 61 61
2 125 3 16 3
5. How do you convert a number from standard notation to
3 1 0 1
scientific notation? 18. 21 41 19. 3 1250 20. 400
Convert from standard notation by counting the number of 4 5 25 104
places the decimal must move so that there is one nonzero 1 32 23 2
21. 3
1 82 22. 702
digit to the left of the decimal point. 4 2 102 72
4.7 Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation (4-43) 249
Simplify. Write answers without negative exponents. See 68. 5,670,000,000 5.67 109
Example 3. 69. 525 109 5.25 1011
23. x1x 2 x 24. y3y5 y2 70. 0.0034 108 3.4 1011
16 30
25. 2x2 8x6 4 26. 5y5(6y7) 2 Perform the computations. Write answers in scientific notation.
x y See Example 7.
6 1
27. 3a2(2a3) 5 28. (b3)(b5) 8 71. (3 105)(2 1015) 6 1010
a b
72. (2 109)(4 1023) 8 1014
u5 1 w4 1
29. 30. 4 108
u3 u8 w6 w10 73. 2 1038
8t3 22w4 2 2 1030
31. 4t 2 32. 9 104
2t5 11w3 w 74. 3 102
6x 5 51y6 3 106
33. 2x11 34. 3y15 3 1020
17y9 75. 5 1027
6 108
Simplify each expression. Write answers without negative expo-
nents. See Example 4. 1 108
76. 2.5 1016
1 1 4 107
35. (x2)5 10 36. (y2)4 8 37. (a3)3 a9
x y 77. (3 1012)2 9 1024
x12 y2 78. (2 105)3 8 1015
38. (b5)2 b10 39. (2x3)4 40. (3y1)2
16 9 79. (5 104)3 1.25 1014
y6 s2 80. (5 1014)1 2 1015
41. (4x2y3)2 4 42. (6s2t4)1 4
16x 6t 81. (4 1032)1 2.5 1033
2 3
2x1 a2
43.
y 3
x2
6
4y
44. 3
3b
27a6b9
82. (6 1011)2 3.6 1023
Perform the following computations by first converting each
3 4 2 2
45. 46.
2a a16 3w w4x6 number into scientific notation. Write answers in scientific nota-
2 8 4 3 tion. See Example 8.
ac 16c wx 9
83. (4300)(2,000,000) 8.6 109
Simplify. Write answers without negative exponents.
84. (40,000)(4,000,000,000) 1.6 1014
1 5
47. 21 31 48. 21 31 85. (4,200,000)(0.00005) 2.1 102
6 6
3 2 86. (0.00075)(4,000,000) 3 103
49. (2 31)1 50. (21 3)1
2 7 87. (300)3(0.000001)5 2.7 1023
51. (x2)3 3x7(5x1) 14x6 88. (200)4(0.0005)3 2 101
2a2 (4000)(90,000)
52. (ab1)2 ab(ab3) 89. 3 1015
b2 0.00000012
3 2 6 2 2
ab ba 2a4 (30,000)(80,000)
53. 90. 2 1017
a 1
b 5
b2 (0.000006)(0.002)
3
x3y1
6x9y3 Perform the following computations with the aid of a
54. 6x12y3
2x 3x3 calculator. Write answers in scientific notation. Round
Write each number in standard notation. See Example 5. to three decimal places.
55. 9.86 109 9,860,000,000 56. 4.007 104 40,070 91. (6.3 106)(1.45 104) 9.135 102
57. 1.37 10 3
0.00137 58. 9.3 10 5
0.000093 92. (8.35 109)(4.5 103) 3.758 1013
59. 1 106
0.000001 60. 3 101
0.3 93. (5.36 104) (3.55 105) 5.715 104
61. 6 105 600,000 62. 8 106 8,000,000 94. (8.79 108) (6.48 109) 7.359 109
(3.5 105)(4.3 106)
Write each number in scientific notation. See Example 6. 95. 4.426 107
3.4 108
63. 9000 9 103
64. 5,298,000 5.298 106 (3.5 108)(4.4 104)
96. 6.337 1057
65. 0.00078 7.8 104 2.43 1045
66. 0.000214 2.14 104 97. (3.56 1085)(4.43 1096) 1.577 10182
67. 0.0000085 8.5 106 98. (8 1099) (3 1099) 1.1 10100
250 (4-44) Chapter 4 Polynomials and Exponents
108
Value (millions of dollars)
106 Ra 1
Amount after
104 50 years, $1 million
Au
102
Cu 0.5
1 U
0
100 1 103 106 109 0 10 20 30 40 50
Concentration in ore (percent) Years
GET TING MORE INVOLVED 110. Discussion. Which of the following expressions is not
3 equal to 1? Explain your answer.
109. Exploration. a) If w 0, then what can you say about
a) 11 b) 12
w? b) If (5)m 0, then what can you say about m?
c) (11)1 d) (1)1
c) What restriction must be placed on w and m so that 2
e) (1)
w m 0?
e
a) w 0 b) m is odd c) w 0 and m odd
COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITIES
(x 3)(x 5) x 3x 5x 15 2
4. StudentAdraws a diagram to find the product (x 3)(x 7).
x 2 8x 15 Student B finds (x 3)(x 7) using FOIL.
1. a. With your partner, find the areas of the inner rectangles to 5. Student B draws a diagram to find the product (x 2)(x 1).
find the product (x 2)(x 7) below: Student A finds (x 2)(x 1) using FOIL.
2
Thinking in reverse: Work together to complete the product
that is represented by the given diagram.
(x + 2)
x
6.
x 7 9
(x + ?)
(x + 7)
x2
(x 2)(x 7) ?
b. Find the same product (x 2)(x 7) using FOIL.
(x + ?)
For problem 2, student A uses FOIL to find the given prod-
uct while student B finds the area with the diagram. 7.
10
2.
(x + ?)
x2
8 (x 8)(x 1) ?
(x + 8)
(x + ?)
x
x 1 Extension: Make up a FOIL problem, then have your partner
draw a diagram of it.
(x + 1)