1.

ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

1.1. Variables, coefficient & constant

An algebraic expression in mathematics is an expression which is made up of unknown variables,

constants and coefficients along with algebraic operations (addition, subtraction, etc.).

It is to be noted that, unlike the algebraic equation, an algebraic expression has no sides or equal to sign.
Below are some examples.

Consider the following algebraic expression,

In this expression, is a variable, whose value is unknown to us and which can take any value.

5 is known as the coefficient of , as it is a constant value used with the variable term and is well defined.

3 is the constant value term which has a definite value.

1.2. Types of algebraic expression

There are 3 main types of algebraic expressions, namely:

a- Monomial expression: An algebraic expression which has only one term is known as a monomial.

b- Binomial expression: A binomial expression is an algebraic expression which have two unlikely terms.

c- Polynomial expression: In general, an expression with one or more terms with non-negative integral
exponents of a variable is known as a polynomial.

Examples:

Monomial Binomial Trinomial

One Term Two terms Three terms

MODULE 2 MATHEMATICS THEORY

1. ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS (continued from Module 1)

1.3. Simplification of algebraic expressions

1.4. Evaluation of algebraic expressions

2. EQUATIONS
2.1. Algebraic equations

2.2. Solution of an equation

1. ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS (continued from Module 1)

1.3. Simplification of algebraic expressions

Before evaluating an algebraic expression, it is necessary to simplify it to make all the calculations around
it much easier to perfom. The basic steps to simplify an algebraic expression are listed below:

1. Remove parentheses by multiplying factors.

2. Use exponent rules to remove parentheses in terms with exponents.

3. Combine like terms by adding the coefficients.

4. Combine the constants.

Let's work through an example :

When simplifying an expression, the first thing to look for is whether we can clear any parentheses.
Often, we can use the distributive property to clear parentheses, by multiplying the factors times the
terms inside the parentheses. In this expression, we can use the distributive property to get rid of the
first two sets of parentheses.

Now we can get rid of the parentheses in the term with the exponents by using the exponent rules.
When a term with an exponent is raised to a power, we multiply the exponents, so ( becomes .

The next step in simplifying is to look for like terms and combine them. The terms and are like terms,
because they have the same variable raised to the same power (first power) thus we can combine these
two terms to get .

=
Finally, we look for any constants that we can combine. Here, we have the constants 10 and 12. We can
combine them to get 22.

Now our expression is simplified.

Just one more thing -- usually we write an algebraic expression in a certain order. We start with the
terms that have the largest exponents and work our way down to the constants. Using the commutative
property of addition, we can rearrange the terms and put this expression in correct order, like this.

1.4. Evaluation of algebraic expressions

For evaluating algebraic expressions, the following steps must be followed:

1. Replace each letter in the expression with the assigned value.

First, replace each letter in the expression with the value that has been assigned to it. To make your
calculations clear and avoid mistakes, always enclose the numbers you are substituting inside
parentheses.

The value that is given to a variable stays the same throughout the entire problem, even if the letter
occurs more than once in the expression. However, since variables “vary”, the value assigned to a
variable can change from problem to problem, just not within a single problem.

2. Perform the operations in the expression using the correct order of operations.

Once you've substituted the value for the letter, do the operations to find the value of the expression.
Don't forget to use the correct order of operations: first do any operations involving exponents, then do
multiplication and division, and finally do addition and subtraction.
Example: evaluate the expression.

2. EQUATIONS

An equation is a statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, which are connected by the
equals sign "=".

For example: The expression is equal to the expression (because they are both equal to 8), so we can
write the following equation: .

Observation: All the equations which have their left-hand side expression equal to the expression on the
right-hand side are called true equations otherwise they are called false equations.

2.1. Algebraic equations

The example displayed above, has included only numbers, but most equations include a variable. For
example, the equation , has a variable in it. Whenever we have an equation like this, with a variable, we
call it an algebraic equation.

In an algebraic equation, our goal is usually to figure out what value of the variable will satisfy the
“equal” condition.

2.2 Solution of an equation

As explained before, an algebraic equation is an algebraic expression which typically relates unknown
variables to other variables or constants.

For example, is an equation, as is .

The solution, or root, of an equation is any value or set of values that can be substituted into the
equation to make it a true statement.

For the first example, the solution for is 13.

The second example has two values that will make the statement true, namely 2 and –2.

These values make up the solution set of the equation.

Additive and multiplicative properties of equality

Using these two fundamental rules of algebra, solutions to many simple equations can be obtained.

a. Additive property of equality

States that the same quantity can be added to both sides of an equation without changing the solution
to the equation.

Example:

The equation has a solution of .

According to this rule, one can add any number to both sides of the equation and still get the same
solution.

has a same solution of .

To use this property to find the solution of an equation, all that is required is choosing the right number
to add.

or and the equation is solved.

b. Multiplicative property of equality

States that every term on both sides of an equation can be multiplied or divided by the same number
without changing the solution to the equation.

Example:

For instance, the solution for the equation is .

Using the multiplicative rule, one can obtain an equivalent equation, one with the same solution set, by
multiplying both sides by any number, such as 2.

but the solution remains

This property can also be used to solve algebraic equations.

Example:

For the equation:

Often, both rules must be employed to solve a single equation.

Example:

For the equation:

Solving more complex equations

Consider the equation

The first step in solving this equation is to combine like terms on each side of the equation.

On the right side, there are no like terms, but the 4x and –x on the left side are like terms.

This equation, when simplified, becomes

The next step is to eliminate the unknown from one side of the equation.

For this example, this is accomplished by adding to both sides of the equation, which gives .

Using the additive property, the solution is obtained by adding 5 to both sides of the equation, so .

The entire process for solving single variable algebraic equations can be summarized by the following
steps.

1. Eliminate any parentheses by multiplying out factors.

2. Add the like terms in each side.

3. Eliminate the unknown from one side of the equation using the multiplicative or additive properties.

4. Eliminate the constant term from the side with the unknown using the additive property.

5. Finally, eliminate any coefficient on the unknown by using the multiplicative property

MODULE 2 SCIENCE THEORY - Part 1/3

1. MEASUREMENTS OF LENGTH AND AREA

1.1. Measuring Length

1.1.1. Measuring length using a ruler in metrics and imperial units

1.1.2. Measuring length using Vernier Caliper

1.1.3. Measuring length using a micrometre Screw Gauge

1. MEASUREMENTS OF LENGTH AND AREA

In science, a measurement is a collection of quantitative or numerical data that describes a property of

an object or event. A measurement is made by comparing a quantity with a standard unit. We can in fact
measure many different things, but mostly in the next sections we are going to learn how we can
measure Length, Area, Volume, Mass and few other quantities.

1.1. Measuring Length

Length is the term used for identifying the size of an object or distance from one point to another.

The standard unit of length based on the metric system is a meter (m). According to the length that
needs to be measured, we can convert a meter into various units like millimeters (mm), centimeter (cm),
and kilometer (km).

Centimeters and millimeters help measure smaller lengths and meters and kilometers help measure
larger lengths like distance. For example, the length of the pencils can be calculated in centimeters (cm),
while kilometers can measure the distance between two buildings or places.

One hundred equal divisions of a meter give a centimeter. It is written as 'cm'. That is:

1 m = 100 cm

One thousand equal divisions of kilometer give a meter. That is:

1 km = 1.000 m

Metric system and customary system

With the assortment of various units, the metric system seems quite a logical system as compared to the
customary system and converting units in the metric system is much simpler than converting them in the
customary system.

However, it is easy to convert units in metric to the customary system by using the given conversion.

1 meter (m) = 39,4 inches = 1,09 yards.

1 yard = 0,92 m.

1 centimeter (cm) = 0,39 inches.

1 inch = 2,54 cm.

1km = 0,621 miles.

NB: In LNG industry, all piping, vessels, valves and many equipments use the imperial system (mainly
inches and feet).

1.1.1. Measuring length using a ruler in metrics and imperial units

A ruler can be defined as a tool or device used to measure length and draw straight lines.

The ruler shows both imperial and metric measurements. One side is 12 "inches" long (imperial), while
the other is 30 centimeters (metric). The yardstick (3 feet long) or meter stick (100 cm or 1000 mm long)
are two longer rulers.

To measure the length of an object, place the zero-hash mark of the ruler exactly along one end of the
object. Align the object you are measuring along the edge of the ruler. Note the hashmark on the ruler
along which the other side of the object ends.

Here for example, the shoelace is 17,6 cm long in metric units of length, and 7 inches long in customary
units of length.

Reading a Ruler:
I. Reading Centimeters and Millimeters:

A centimeter is smaller than an inch. The long hash marks under which numbers are written on the ruler
denote centimeters.

A millimeter is even smaller than a centimeter. The smaller hash marks between each centimeter
represents millimeters.

10-millimeter hash marks make 1 centimeter.

II. Reading Inches:

An inch is bigger than a centimeter. The big, long hash marks above which numbers are written on the
opposite side of the centimeter ruler denote inches

1.1.2. Measuring Length Using Vernier Caliper

The precision of length measurements may be increased by using a device that uses a sliding Vernier
scale. One such instrument that is based on a Vernier scale which you might use in the laboratory to
measure lengths of objects is the Vernier calipers. Thus, a Vernier caliper is an instrument that measures
internal or external dimensions and distances. This instrument has a main scale (in millimeters) and a
sliding Vernier scale. It may be used to measure outer dimensions of objects (using the main jaws), inside
dimensions (using the smaller jaws at the top), and depths (using the stem).

How to measure length using a Vernier Caliper?

To measure outer dimensions of an object, the object is placed between the jaws, which are then moved
together until they secure the object. The screw clamp may then be tightened to ensure that the reading
does not change while the scale is being read.

In figure 1 below, the main scale reading is the first reading on the main scale immediately to the left of
the zero of the Vernier scale (3 mm), while the Vernier scale reading is the mark on the Vernier scale
which exactly coincides with a mark on the main scale (0,7 mm). The reading is therefore 3,7 mm.
1.1.3. Measuring Length Using a Micrometre Screw Gauge

The micrometer screw gauge is used to measure even smaller dimensions than the Vernier calipers. The
micrometer screw gauge also uses an auxiliary scale (measuring hundredths of a millimeter) which is
marked on a rotary thimble.

How to measure length using Micrometer Screw Gauge?

- Hold the object whose dimension is to be measured between the anvil and spindle of micrometer
screw gauge with gentle pressure

- Note down the main scale reading just before zero of a circular scale. This is called the main scale
reading (M.S.R.)

- Note down the number of circular scale division (n) which coincides with the main scale line. Then
circular scale reading, .

- Add the M.S.R. and the C.S.R. to get reading.

Example: Consider a micrometer screw gauge with the least count of 0,01.

The main scale reading is 2,5 mm, and the circular scale reading is 38.

Hence the total reading = MSR + CSR x LC = 2,5 + 38 x 0,01 = 2,88 mm

MODULE 2 SCIENCE THEORY - Part 2/3

1. MEASUREMENTS OF LENGTH AND AREA

1.2. Measuring area in metric and imperial units

1.2.1. Imperial units for area

1.2.2. Metric units for area

1.2.3. Units of area, conversions

1. MEASUREMENTS OF LENGTH AND AREA

1.2. Measuring area in metric and imperial units

Area can be defined as the amount of two-dimensional space taken up by an object. The area of all the
shapes depends upon its dimensions and properties. Different shapes have different areas. The area of a
football field is different from the area of a basketball field and so on.

1.2.1. Imperial units for area

Imperial units of area measure are: Square Inch, Square Foot, Square Yard, Acre and Square Mile.

a. Square Inch: A square inch is an area square shaped, with sides measuring 1 inch.

The notation can be 1 inch² or 1 in².

b. Square Foot and Square Yard

A square foot is a square area measuring 1 foot by 1 foot. Room sizes in building plans are often
measured in square feet.

The common notation is 1 ft², though 1 feet² can be used.

A square yard just happens to be equal to 9 square feet, 9ft².

Acre

1 Acre is 4,840 square yards, or 43,560 square feet. An acre doesn't need to be an exact square shape.
For example, the average soccer field is usually just over 2 acres in size.

Square Mile
A square mile is a large area, 1 mile by 1 mile. 1 square mile is equal to 640 acres.

Cities, farm fields and large lakes are examples of places where measuring size in square miles is
common practice.

1.2.2. Metric units for area

The metric units for measuring area are: Square Centimeter, Square meter, Hectare, Square Kilometer.

Square Centimeter and Meter

A square centimeter is a square area 1cm by 1cm.

A square meter is a square area 1m by 1m.

Hectare

A hectare is an area of ten thousand square meters, 10.000 m². Very often hectares are used to measure
farmland sizes.

Square Kilometer

A large area that is 1 Km by 1 Km. The notation is 1 Km².

1.2.3. Units of area, conversions

Below is a list of some conversions between metric and imperial units for measuring area sizes.

1 in² = 6,4516 cm²

1 ft² = 0,0929 Km²

1 square yard = 0,8361 m²

1 acre = 4.046,9 m²
1 square mile = 2,59 Km²

1 cm² = 0,1550 m²

1 m² = 10,7643 ft²

1 m² = 1,1960 square yards

1 Km² = 100 hectares

MODULE 2 SCIENCE THEORY - Part 3/3

2. MEASUREMENT OF MASS AND VOLUME

2.1. Mass

2.1.1. Metric and imperial units mass

2.1.2. Relation between SI and imperial units of mass

2. MEASUREMENT OF MASS AND VOLUME

2.1. Mass

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object. Mass measures the quantity of matter
regardless of both its location in the universe and the gravitational force applied to it. An object's mass is
constant in all circumstances; contrast this with its weight, a force that depends on gravity.

Your mass on the earth and the moon are identical. Your weight on the moon is about one-sixth of your
weight on the earth. It is important to mention that mass can never be zero.

2.1.1. Metric and imperial units Mass

The kilogram (kg) is the base unit of mass in the metric system. Other units of mass which are commonly
used are the milligram (mg) gram (g) and ton (t).

1 Kilogram = 1000 g

1 Ton = 1000 Kilograms

To measure mass in the imperial system, ounces (abbreviated to ‘oz’), pounds (lb) and stones (st) are
used. These are listed in increasing order of size and you can see the relationship between these units
below:

16 ounces in 1 pound

14 pounds in 1 stone

2.1.2. Relation between SI and imperial units of mass

For the units covered in this chapter, the two systems are related as shown below:

Mass

1 kg = 2,2 lb

1 ounce = 28,3 g

1 stone = 6,4 kg