B.

ALGEBRA
Algebraic Expression Examples With Answers

Algebra is one of the oldest mathematical studies in human history. The ancient Egyptians and
Babylonians used it to solve equations, approximate values, and explain geometric properties. From
then on, algebra has become an indispensable tool in mathematics, physics, architecture,
engineering, finance, and even social sciences.

Algebra is all about representing numbers and quantities using symbols or letters. It is like a
puzzle where you have to unravel the value a particular symbol represents.

This review will introduce you to the foundation of the study of algebra through algebraic expression
examples with answers.

Table of Contents
Variables and Constants
1. Variables
2. Constants
3. Coefficients
Algebraic Expression
Translating Verbal Expressions into Algebraic Expressions
Keywords for Mathematical Operations
1. Keywords for Addition
2. Keywords for Subtraction
3. Keywords for Multiplication
4. Keywords for Division
Translating Verbal Expressions Into Algebraic Expressions with Multiple Operations Involved
Other Important Keywords
1. Keywords for Radicals
2. Keywords for Exponents
3. Keywords for Equality
4. Keywords for Inequality
Translating Verbal Expressions Into Algebraic Expressions in Real-Life Scenarios
Translating Algebraic Expressions into Verbal Expressions
Evaluating Algebraic Expressions

Variables and Constants

Let us start with the most fundamental terms in the algebra study – the variables and the constants.

1. Variables
Let me present to you a simple puzzle. In this puzzle, your goal is to determine what is the number
being represented by the triangle. What do you think must be the number represented by the
triangle?

If you have answered 8, you got it right. The triangle represents the number 8 in the mathematical
equation above.

The triangle used in our simple “puzzle” or equation above is an example of a variable.

A variable is a symbol that we use to represent a specific number. Again, the triangle is variable
in our equation above since it represents the number 8. The variable is also called unknown since
we have to solve the equation first so that we will be able to determine the value represented by the
symbol.

Let us have another example:

Example 1: What do you think is the value of the banana in the equation below?
Solution: If your answer is three, you got our puzzle right. Now, can you determine the variable used
in the equation above?

The banana acts as a variable since it represents the number three in the equation.

Again, a variable can be any symbol representing an unknown quantity or number. It can be a
triangle, banana, square, circle, etc. However, an alphabetical letter is the most convenient way
to represent an unknown quantity in a mathematical expression.

Let us retake a look at our example above, but this time, let us use a letter as a variable instead of a banana.

In this case, the letter x is a variable that represents the number 3.

Example 2: Look at the expression x + y + z + 3. What are the variables in the expression?

Solution: x, y, and z are the variables used in the expression x + y + z.

x, y, and z represent specific quantities or numbers.

Since a variable represents specific quantities or values, the value of a variable is not fixed. For
instance, in x + y + z, the values of x, y, and z can be any number.

In the algebra study, English letters are the most commonly used variables. Thus, in this review, we
will use letters to denote a variable representing a specific value.

2. Constants
A constant is a quantity with a fixed value. This means that the value of a constant does not
change in the expression. For example, three is a constant since its value is always equivalent to 3,
and it never changes once you include it in a mathematical expression.

It is important to note that all numbers are constants.

For example, in the expression x + 5, 5 is a constant because its value is always 5 in that expression,
and it will never change. However, x is not a constant since its value is not fixed and specified and
can be any number. 

3. Coefficients
If you multiply a variable by a specific number, the latter is called a numerical
coefficient. Meanwhile, the variable becomes a literal coefficient.
Suppose we have a variable x which represents a certain quantity.

Now, our variable x is multiplied by 2. Thus, we have 2 × x. 

In algebra, when we multiply a variable by a specific number, we refrain from using the arithmetic sign
for multiplication (×). Instead, we just put the variable and the constant together.

Therefore, when we multiply x by 2, we write it as 2x instead of  2 × x.

Now, please look at 2x. 2 is a numerical coefficient since it is the number multiplied by a variable.
Meanwhile, x is a literal coefficient since it is a variable multiplied by a number.

Example 1: Determine the numerical coefficient and literal coefficient in ¼ y.

Solution: The numerical coefficient is ¼ since it is the number multiplied by the variable y.

Meanwhile, y is the literal coefficient since it is a variable multiplied by a number.

If a variable has no number written on its left, the numerical coefficient is 1. For instance, consider the
variable x. Note that there is no number written on its left. This does not mean that it has no numerical
coefficient. Instead, its numerical coefficient is 1. Thus, x can also be interpreted as 1x or “1 times x”. 

However, in algebra, if the numerical coefficient is 1, we do not write it because it is already

understood that a specific variable has a numerical coefficient of 1.

Example 2: Determine the numerical coefficient of the following:

1. 3y
2. 0.23x
3. w
Solution: For item 1, the numerical coefficient is 3. For item 2, the numerical coefficient is 0.23.
Lastly, for item 3, the numerical coefficient is 1. 

Algebraic expression
An algebraic expression is a mathematical expression that involves constants, variables,
and arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division).

For example, x + 5 is an algebraic expression since it has a variable (which is x) that represents a
certain quantity, a constant (which is 5), and an arithmetic operation (addition).
Another example, 3x – 9, is an algebraic expression where x is a variable, 9 is a constant, and the
mathematical operations involved are multiplication (because 3x represents “3 times x”) and subtraction. Also,
3 is a numerical coefficient of x.

Example 1: Determine the variables, constant, coefficient, and operations involved in 9 + 3xy – z.

Solution: The variables are x, y, and z. The constant is 9. Meanwhile, the operations involved are
addition, multiplication (3xy can be interpreted as 3 times x times y), and subtraction. Furthermore, 3
is a numerical coefficient of xy.

Example 2: Determine the variables, constants, and operations of the algebraic expression x⁄y – 2.

Solution: Before we answer this, note that in algebra, we usually indicate division as the ratio or
a fraction between two numbers. Therefore, if we want to write x ÷ y, we write it as x/y instead. 

Therefore, in x/y – 2, the variables are x and y, the constant is 2, and the operations involved are
division and subtraction.

Translating Verbal Expressions into Algebraic Expressions

You have already learned what algebraic expressions are. This section will teach you how to write an
algebraic expression from an English sentence or phrase. This skill is crucial since you will solve
word problems in the succeeding chapters.

Write “7 plus 4 equals 11” into a mathematical expression.

I know that you can translate that one with ease. The sentence “7 plus 4 equals 11” is simply: 7 + 4 =
11.
This is precisely what we will do in this section: Translate a sentence or phrase into a mathematical
expression. But this time, we will be using variables and constants.

Having said that, let us try to translate this sentence into a mathematical expression:

“A number plus 4 equals 11”

The sentence is the same as the previous example above except for one thing. Notice that instead of
stating 7, we replace it with the words “a number.”  How can we translate the given sentence into a
mathematical expression?

Let’s find out the answer.

The word “a number” implies we are unsure what that number is. In other words, that number is
unknown. For this reason, we need to use a variable that will represent this unknown number.

Recall that a variable is any symbol or letter representing an unknown number. Let us use the
letter x to represent that unknown number in the given sentence.

Thus, we can translate the given sentence: “A number plus 4 equals 11” as:

 x + 4 = 11

And we’re done! We have already translated a verbal expression into an algebraic expression.

Example 1: Translate this verbal expression into an algebraic expression: “18 minus a number
equals 5”.

Solution: The phrase “a number” means we are unsure what that number is. This means that we
need to represent it using a letter or symbol. In other words, we need to use a variable to represent
that unknown number.

Let us use the letter g to represent this unknown number. Thus, if we translate “18 minus a number is
5” into an algebraic expression, we will obtain the following:

18 – g = 5

Remember that you can use any letter in the English alphabet as a variable to represent a specific
number. However, the most commonly used letters are x and y. Furthermore, small letters are more
commonly used than capital letters. 

You now know how to use variables to translate verbal expressions into algebraic expressions.
However, in your algebra study, you will encounter complicated sentences that are quite challenging
to convert into algebraic expressions. For this reason, you need the help of keywords.

Keywords for Mathematical Operations

Keywords are words in a verbal expression that tell you what mathematical operations are involved in
that sentence. They serve as your signals so that you can put the proper operations in the
corresponding algebraic expression.
For instance, in our earlier example, “A number plus 4 equals 11”, the word “plus” is the keyword. It
signals that you must use the addition sign (+) when you convert the given sentence into an algebraic
expression.

This section will tackle some keywords that indicate the four fundamental mathematical operations.

1. Keywords for Addition

Some common keywords for addition are sum, plus, increased by, more than, and total. Once you
see these keywords, it means that addition will be involved when you translate the verbal expression
into an algebraic expression. 

The table below shows how these keywords are usually used in a sentence and how they can be
translated into algebraic expressions.

Keyword Example (Verbal Expression) Algebraic Expression

sum  The sum of 8 and a number 8+x

plus -6 plus a number -6 + x

increased by A number increased by 7 x + 7

more than 3 more than a number x + 3

total The total of a number and -10 x + (-10)

The keywords sum and total are written before the given numbers. When you see these words, it
means that the numbers are added. For example, the sentence “The sum of 8 and a number” implies
that 8 and a certain number were added. Thus, the correct translation must be 8 + x.

The keyword increased by means that a certain number was added to another number. For instance,
the sentence “A number increased by 7” means that 7 was added to a certain number. Thus, the
correct translation must be x + 7.

Meanwhile, the keyword more than means the first number stated is added to the second number.
For instance, the sentence “3 more than a number” implies that 3 was added to a certain number.
Thus, when we translate it into an algebraic expression, we write 3 as the second addend since it is
being added to a certain number. The correct translation should be x + 3. 

Example 1: Translate “the sum of two numbers” into an algebraic expression.

Solution: The given sentence doesn’t explicitly state the values of two numbers. Thus, we need to
use variables to represent them. Let us use the letters x and y  to represent the numbers.

Since we have the keyword “sum,” the numbers must be added.

Thus, the sentence can be translated as x + y

The answer is x + y

Example 2: Translate “a number more than 18 is equal to 25” into an algebraic expression.

Solution: Let us assign k as the variable representing the sentence’s unknown number.

It’s stated that “a number more than 18 is equal to 25”. Since the keyword “more than” is used, it
means addition is involved.

Again, the keyword “more than” implies that the first number mentioned in the sentence was added to
the second number mentioned. This means that when we translate the sentence into an algebraic
expression, we must write the second number, 18, as the first addend.

Thus, we can translate the sentence as 18 + k = 25.

The answer is 18 + k = 25.

2. Keywords for Subtraction

Words such as difference, subtracted by, subtracted from, deducted by, deducted from, decreased
by, and minus are some of the keywords used for subtraction.

Keyword Example (Verbal Expression) Algebraic Expression

difference The difference between a number and 15 x – 15

subtracted by 9 subtracted by a number 9–x

subtracted from 9 subtracted from a number x–9

deducted by  15 deducted by a number 15 – x

deducted from  15 deducted from a number x – 15

decreased by A number decreased by 6 x–6

minus 11 minus a number 11 – x

The keyword difference is the subtraction counterpart of the keyword sum. It is written before two
numbers and implies that the given numbers were subtracted. Thus, if you have a sentence such
as the difference between a number and 15, it is just x – 15.

The keywords subtracted by and subtracted from are quite confusing and should not be used
interchangeably.
If the keyword subtracted by is used, it means the second number mentioned is the one being
subtracted. For example, the given sentence 9 subtracted by a number means the unknown number
was taken from 9. Thus, the correct translation is 9 – x.

On the other hand, the word subtracted from means the first number mentioned is the one being
subtracted. For example, 9 subtracted from a number means 9 was taken from the unknown number.
Thus, the correct translation is x – 9.

You can use this simple pattern if you still find it difficult to differentiate subtracted by and subtracted
from:

Verbal Expression Algebraic Expression

<First Number> subtracted by  <Second Number> <First Number> – <Second Number>

<First Number> subtracted from  <Second Number> <Second Number> – <First Number>

The words deducted by and deducted from work in the same way as the words subtracted

by and subtracted from. Thus, you can use the table below (the same as above) for the
words deducted by and deducted from.

Verbal Expression Algebraic Expression

<First Number> deducted by  <Second Number> <First Number> – <Second Number>

<First Number> deducted  from <Second Number> <Second Number> – <First Number>

Lastly, decreased by implies that the second number was subtracted from the first number. Hence, if
the sentence “6 decreased by a number” is translated into an algebraic expression, we will obtain 6 –
x.

Example 1: Translate “A number subtracted from – 19 is equal to 5” into an algebraic expression.

Solution: Let us use the letter p as the unknown number variable.

Recall that to translate a sentence with the keyword subtracted from into an algebraic expression, we
will write it in the form <second number> – <first number>.

Hence, the correct translation must be: – 19 – p = 5.

Example 2: Translate “54 decreased by a number” into an algebraic expression.

Solution: Let us use the letter q to represent the unknown number.

The keyword “decreased by” implies that a number was subtracted from 54.
Thus, the correct translation should be 54 – q.

3. Keywords for Multiplication

Some keywords that indicate multiplication are product, multiplied by, twice, triple, of, and times.

Keyword Example (Verbal Expression) Algebraic Expression

product The product of a number and 5 5x 

multiplied by -3 multiplied by a number -3x

twice  Twice of a number 2x

thrice  Thrice of a number 3x

of ½ of a number ½x

times 7 times a number 7x

As a reminder, when we express the multiplication of a variable and a constant, we are no longer
using the sign. Instead, we write the letter and the number together. For instance, if we want to write
“8 times x,” we write it as 8x instead of 8 x.

The keyword “product” works in the same way as the keywords “sum” and “difference.” It is written
before the given numbers and indicates that they were multiplied. For instance, if you want to
translate “the product of 5 and a number” into an algebraic expression, the answer is 5x.

The keyword “multiplied by” tells you that the first number was multiplied by the second number. For
instance, if you want to translate “– 3 multiplied by a number,” the answer is -3x.

The keyword “twice” means that the given number was multiplied by 2. For example, “twice of a
number” means that a certain number was multiplied by 2. Hence, the answer is 2x.

The keyword “thrice” means that the given number was multiplied by 3. For example, “thrice of a
number” means that a certain number was multiplied by 3. Hence, the answer is 3x.

The keyword “of” usually indicates a number multiplied by a fraction, a decimal, or a percent. For
instance, “½ of a number” means multiplying a number by ½. Thus, the correct translation is ½x.

The keyword “times” tells you that the first number is multiplied by the second number in the
sentence. For instance, the translation of “7 times a number: is simply 7x.

Example 1: Translate “20% of a number is equal to 50” into an algebraic expression.

Solution: The keyword “of” indicates multiplication. Thus, the correct translation is 20%x = 50. You
can also express the given percent in decimal. This means that 0.20x = 50 is also a translation for the
given sentence.

Example 2: Translate “The product of two numbers is equal to twice of another number” into an
algebraic expression.

Solution: We have three unknown numbers involved. Thus, we need to use three letters as
variables. Let us use the letters x, y, and z. 

The product of two numbers can be translated as xy. Meanwhile, since the keyword twice indicates
that a number is being doubled or multiplied by 2, then twice of another number can be translated as
2z. Hence, the correct translation of the given sentence should be xy = 2z.

4. Keywords for Division

Some keywords that indicate division are quotient, divided by, the ratio of, split equally, and average.

Keyword Example (Verbal Expression) Algebraic Expression

quotient The quotient of 8 and a number 8 ÷ x or 8⁄x

divided by A number divided by 4 x ÷ 4  or x⁄4

ratio of The ratio of a number and 2 x ÷ 2  or x⁄2

split equally A number is split equally into 3 x ÷ 3  or   x⁄3

Recall that we can express the division of two numbers in fraction form. For example, we can rewrite
8 ÷ x as 8⁄x. The fractional form of the division of two numbers is usually used since writing is more
convenient and less tedious when other operations are involved.

The keyword quotient is written before the given numbers and indicates that the operation of
division is involved. For instance, the translation of “The quotient of 8 and a number” is 8 ÷ x or 8⁄x.

The keyword divided by implies that the first number mentioned in the sentence is the dividend while
the second is the divisor. For example, if you want to translate “A number divided by 4”, the correct
answer would be x ÷ 4 or x⁄4.

The keyword ratio of works the same way as the keyword quotient. It is written before the given
numbers and indicates that the division operation is involved.  For example, the correct translation
of “The ratio of a number and 2” is x ÷ 2 or x⁄2.

The keyword split equally works the same way as the keyword divided by. Thus, if we want to
translate “A number is split equally into three,” the correct translation is x ÷ 3 or x⁄3.

Shown below is a summary of the keywords that are usually used for the four fundamental operations
of mathematics:
Translating Verbal Expressions Into Algebraic Expressions with Multiple
Operations Involved
We have translated various sentences or phrases into algebraic expressions. However, we have only
translated those with only one mathematical operation involved. In this section, we will translate those
involving multiple operations.

Ensure you still have the keywords in your mind because they are helpful in this section.

Example 1: What is “The sum of twice a number and 9” as an algebraic expression?

Solution: Let us start with the first keyword mentioned in the problem, the sum. Recall that if the
keyword sum is used in a sentence, it implies that numbers are being added. The question is: What
numbers are being added according to the verbal expression?

Let us repeat the verbal expression: The sum of twice a number and 9. It is clearly stated that two
quantities will be added- twice a number and 9. 

We can now express our translation in this form for a while: twice a number + 9
Now, let us translate twice a number into an algebraic expression. Again, the word twice implies that
a certain number is doubled or multiplied by 2. Let us use x to represent the unknown number. Thus,
twice of x is 2x.

Therefore, our final translation for The sum of twice a number and 9 is 2x + 9.

Example 2: Translate “Twice the difference between two numbers” into an algebraic expression.

Solution: Let us start with the keyword twice. This keyword implies that a certain quantity or number
will be multiplied by 2. What quantity will be multiplied by two according to the given verbal
expression?

Read the given problem again: Twice the difference between two numbers. The statement tells us the
difference between the two numbers is what will be multiplied by 2.

Hence, we can translate it this way: 2(difference between two numbers). We use parenthesis to
indicate multiplication.
Now, let us translate the difference between two numbers into an algebraic expression. We have two
unknown numbers, so let us use x and y to represent them. Thus, we can translate the difference
between two numbers as x – y.

We replace the expression difference between two numbers in 2(difference between two

numbers) with x – y.

Hence, Twice the difference between two numbers is 2(x – y).

Example 3: Write “the ratio of two numbers increased by 5” as an algebraic expression.

Solution: Let us start with the keyword ratio. The phrase the ratio of two numbers tells us that two
numbers are involved in a division process. Let x and y be these two numbers. Hence, we can
translate the ratio of two numbers as x ÷ y or x⁄y. For this problem, let us use x⁄y.

The following keyword increased by the ratio of two numbers increased by 5 tells us that 5 will be
added to x⁄y. This means that we need to add 5 to our translation. Thus, 

 x⁄y+ 5

Therefore, if the ratio of two numbers increased by 5 will be written as an algebraic expression, you
will have x⁄y+ 5

Other Important Keywords

More keywords are used in translating verbal expressions into algebraic expressions. Some of them
involve exponents, radicals, equality, or inequality signs.

Here are other keywords commonly used that do not indicate any of the four fundamental operations:
1. Keywords for Radicals

Keywords for Radicals Example (Verbal Expression) Algebraic Expression

square root  The square root of a number  √x

cube root Cube root of a number ∛x

2. Keywords for Exponents

Keywords for Exponents Example (Verbal Expression) Algebraic Expression

raised to A number raised to 5 x5

square of Square of a number x2
cube of Cube of a number x3

The keyword raised to tells us that a number has a specific exponent. The keyword square of means
that a number is raised to the power of 2. Meanwhile, the keyword cube of means that a number is
raised to the power of 3.

3. Keywords for Equality

Keywords for Equality Example (Verbal Expression) Algebraic Expression

equal to 4 is equal to a number 4 = x

yields 3 plus a number yields 9 3 + x = 9
is 7 minus a number is 0 7 – x = 0

4. Keywords for Inequality

Keywords for Inequality Example (Verbal Expression) Algebraic Expression

Not equal to 5 is not equal to a number 5 ≠ x

Greater than 7 is greater than a number 7>x
Less than 7 is less than a number 7<x
Greater than or equal to 0 is greater than or equal to a number 0 ≥ x
Less than or equal to 0 is less than or equal to a number 0 ≤ x
At least 5 plus a number is at least 9 5 + x ≥ 9
At most 3 minus a number is at most 2 3 – x ≤ 2

The keywords greater than or equal to is synonymous with at least. Meanwhile, the keywords less
than or equal to are synonymous with at most.

Example 1: Write “the sum of the square of a number and 3 is at least 9” as an algebraic expression.

Solution: The keyword sum tells us that specific quantities will be added. These quantities are the
square of a number and 3.
Let us use x to represent the unknown number. Its square can be represented as x2.

Thus, the quantities that will be added are x2 and 3. 

The sum of the square of a number and 3 is at least 9. This means that x2  + 3 is greater than or
equal to 9.
Hence, the correct translation is x2.+ 3 ≥ 9

Translating Verbal Expressions Into Algebraic Expressions in Real-Life Scenarios

We have now arrived at the most exciting part of this review. We will apply what we have learned in
translating verbal expressions into algebraic expressions in various real-life scenarios.

Example 1: Lea has 150 books that she collected during her college years. She decided to give
some of her books to her friends. After giving some to her friends, 40 books were left to Lea. Write an
algebraic expression that will illustrate Lea’s scenario.

Solution: It’s stated in the given scenario that Lea has 150 books. She gave some of her books to
her friends. Forty books were left to Lea after giving some of them. This can be interpreted as 150
books minus the number of books given equal 40.

Let us use b to represent the number of books Lea gave to her friends.

Thus, we have this algebraic expression: 150 – b = 40

Example 2: A burger costs ₱32 each, while a can of pineapple juice costs ₱25 each. Dario bought
some burgers and cans of pineapple juice. Write an algebraic expression that shows how much Dario
will pay for the burgers and cans of pineapple juice he bought.

Solution: The scenario does not explicitly state how many burgers and cans of pineapple juice Dario
bought. Thus, we can use variables to represent the number of burgers and cans of pineapple juice
he bought.

Let b represent the number of burgers that Dario bought. Meanwhile, let p represent the number of
cans of pineapple juice that Dario bought.

Each burger costs ₱32. Thus, the total amount Dario will pay for the burgers can be represented as
32b.

Meanwhile, each can of pineapple juice costs ₱25. Thus, the total amount Dario will pay for the cans
of pineapple juice can be represented as 25p.

Combining the total amount he will pay for the burgers and cans of pineapple juice: 32b + 25p.

Thus, the answer is 32b + 25p.

Translating Algebraic Expressions into Verbal Expressions

You have learned to translate a given sentence or phrase into algebraic expressions. This time, let us
discuss translating a given algebraic expression into words or verbal expressions.

Translating an algebraic expression into a sentence or phrase has no general process. However,
using the proper keywords helps perform the translation.

Example 1: Write x + 2 as a verbal expression.

Solution: The algebraic expression involves the operation of addition. Thus, you can use the
keywords for addition in translating x + 2. Moreover, use the words “a number” to translate the
variable.

Let’s use the keyword sum. We know that sum is written before the quantities that are added. Thus,
one possible translation could be “the sum of a number and 2.”

Another possible translation is using the keyword “increased by.” You can translate x + 2 as “A
number increased by 2”.

Example 2: Translate 4z + 5 into a verbal expression.

Solution: 4z indicates multiplication. Hence, you can use any keyword for multiplication. Let us use
the keyword “product.” One possible translation for 4z is “the product of 4 and a number.”

Now, we incorporate the plus 5 in 4z + 5 to complete our translation. Hence, one possible translation
is “the product of 4 and a number plus 5” Another possible translation could be “four times a number
increased by 5”.

Example 3: Translate y2 ≤ 2 into a verbal expression.

Solution: y represents a specific number. Thus, we can translate it as “a number.”

Meanwhile, y2 means that we squared that number. Hence, y2 can be translated as “the square of a
number.”

The symbol ≤ means less than or equal. We can use the phrase less than or equal for this symbol or
the phrase at most. In this problem, let us use the phrase at most.

Therefore, one possible translation for y2 ≤ 2 could be the square of a number is at most 2.

Evaluating Algebraic Expressions

We have mentioned that variables in an algebraic expression represent a specific number or quantity.
What if the values that these variables represent are specified? Can we compute the value of the
algebraic expression?

Evaluating an algebraic expression means determining its value according to the values
assigned to its variables. To further understand how this works, let us have some examples.

Example 1: Evaluate x + 2 if x = 2

Solution: The variable in x + 2 is x. In this example, we have assigned a value to x: x = 2. This
means that we need to substitute or replace x with 2.
Afterward, we calculate the algebraic expression’s value when x = 2.

Thus, x + 2 = 4 if x = 2.

Example 2: Evaluate 5x + y if x = 2 and y = 0

Solution: We substitute 2 for x and 0 for y in 5x + y. Take note that 5x is the multiplication between 5

and x. Thus, once you substitute 2 for x, you will have 5(2), which implies “5 times 2”. 

Hence, the answer is 10.

There are instances there is more than one mathematical operation involved when you evaluate an
algebraic expression. In this case, to perform the computation, apply the order of operations or
PEMDAS.
Example 3: Evaluate 2x – 3(y + z) if x = 10, y = 1, and z = 3

Solution: Plug in the assigned values for x, y, and z in the given algebraic expression:

Since there are multiple operations involved, let us apply PEMDAS:

Therefore, the answer is 8.

Also, there are instances where the assigned values to the variables are real numbers and not just
whole numbers. Thus, it is crucial that you still remember how to perform operations with
integers, fractions, or decimals since variables can represent these numbers.

Example 4: Evaluate 8a – 3b if a = ½ and b = – 2

Solution: Let us add the values of a and b to the given algebraic expression.

Performing the operations involved:

Thus, the answer is 10.

 
 Laws of Exponents
Exponents’ discovery revolutionized how we compute enormous and small values. Exponents help us
understand the concepts of compound interest, population growth, bacterial growth, and radioactive decay.
They also serve as a tool to express distances between astronomical bodies, describe computer memory, and
express some scientific scales. 

With this reviewer containing the laws of exponents worksheet, you’ll learn about exponents and the rules
applied to perform mathematical operations with them.

Table of Contents
Review on Exponents

What Is an Exponent?

Computing Whole Numbers With Exponents

Computing Negative Numbers With Exponents

Variables Raised to an Exponent

Variables With Coefficients

Laws of Exponents

1. Product Rule

2. Quotient Rule

3. Power Rule

4. Power of a Product Rule

5. Power of a Quotient Rule

6. Zero-Exponent Rule

7. Negative Exponent Rule

Laws of Exponents Summary

Simplifying Exponential Expressions Using the Laws of Exponents

Review on Exponents

What Is an Exponent?
An exponent is a small number written on the upper right of another number (or variable)
called the base. It tells you that the base is raised to the power of the exponent. 
For example, in 52, the exponent is the small number (i.e., 2), written above and on the right of 5. Meanwhile,
the larger number (i.e., 5) is the base. The exponent tells us that the base, which is 5, is raised to the power of 2.

Computing Whole Numbers With Exponents

The exponent indicates how many times the base will be multiplied by itself. Thus, in 52, the exponent of 2 tells
you that five is multiplied by itself twice.

Hence, 52 = 25.

Example 1: Compute 35

Solution: The exponent of 5 tells us that three is multiplied by itself five times.

Therefore, 35 = 243

To generalize, given am  where a and m  are both real numbers, it means that a is multiplied by itself m times.

So far, we have tried to calculate numbers with exponents. However, all of our examples have positive bases. In
our next section, let us discuss how to compute exponents of negative bases.

Computing Negative Numbers With Exponents

Let’s say we want to compute -22. This means that only the number 2 is being raised to the power of 2 and not -
2. We can also interpret -22 as – 1 x 22

Note that by applying the order of operations (PEMDAS), you must perform exponents before multiplication.

Hence, to compute -22, you must first start computing for 22.

22 = 4

Afterward, multiply four by – 1:

-22 = – 4

On the other hand, if we put a negative number inside a parenthesis, we are raising the number with the negative
sign to the exponent.
For example, suppose we want to compute for (- 2)2. This means that – 2 is being raised to two.

Thus, to compute (- 2)2, we multiply – 2 by itself two times:

Thus, (- 2)2 = 4.

From the computations we have performed above, we can conclude that -22 ≠ (- 2)2

Thus, a question that requires computing a negative number raised to an exponent may come in two forms.
Here’s how to solve each of them:

 Case 1: To compute –ab where a and b  represent specific real numbers, we evaluate ab first and then multiply the
result by – 1.
 Case 2: To compute (- a)b  where a  and b  represent specific real numbers, we multiply –a by itself b times.
Example 1: What is the value of -94?

Solution: -94 is an example of Case 1. To compute for -94, we need to calculate 94 first. Afterward, multiply the
result by -1:

Example 2: What is the value of (- 9)4?

Solution: Since – 9 is inside the parentheses, it indicates that – 9 is what is being raised to the power of 4.
Thus, we need to multiply – 9 by itself four times.

Variables Raised to an Exponent

When a variable has an exponent, the variable is raised to a specific power. The variable’s exponent tells you
how many times it is being multiplied by itself.

For instance, what does m3 mean?

The exponent in m3 tells us that the variable m is raised to the power of 3. In other words, it tells us that m is
multiplied thrice.

m3 = m ⋅ m ∙ m 

Note: As shown above, the solid dot is an alternative way to express multiplication.

Example 1: Write k5 in expanded form.

Solution: The exponent in k5 tells us that the variable k is multiplied by itself five times. Thus, the expanded
form of k5 is:

k5  = k ∙ k ∙ k ∙ k ∙ k

Example 2: Express  u ∙ u ∙  u ∙ u ∙ u ∙  u in exponential form.

Solution: Note that the variable u is used six times. Hence, we must use an exponent of 6. Thus:

u ∙ u ∙ u ∙ u  ∙ u ∙ u = u6

Variables With Coefficients

Take a look at this algebraic expression: 5m3 
Recall that 5 is the numerical coefficient of m3 since it is a number multiplied by a variable.

Now, what does the exponent of 3 tell us in 5m3? What is the base of that exponent?

If you look closely at 5m3, the variable m is the only one raised to the power of 3, and 5 is not included.  Hence,
the base of the exponent 3 in 5m3 is m  only and not 5m.

Thus 5m3 means 5(m ∙ m ∙ m)

Now take a look at this algebraic expression: (5m)3

What does the exponent of 3 tell us in (5m)3? What is the base of that exponent?

This time, the base is 5m. It means that 5m is being multiplied by itself thrice.

Thus, (5m)3 means 5m ∙ 5m ∙ 5m

In summary: When expanding a coefficient and variable raised to an exponent, check first the
base of the exponent. Determine whether the coefficient is included in the base of the
exponent or not.

 5m3 = 5(m  ∙  m  ∙  m). In this case, the numerical coefficient is not included in the base of the exponent.
 (5m)3 = 5m  ∙  5m  ∙  5m. In this case, the numerical coefficient is included in the base of the exponent.
Example 1: Write -3x5 in expanded form.

Solution: The variable x is the only one raised to the power of 5. Thus, only the variable x is the base of
exponent 5 in the given, and -3 is not included.

Thus, -3x5 = -3(x ∙ x ∙ x ∙  x  ∙ x)  

Example 2: Write (-3x)5 in expanded form.

Solution: The existence of the parentheses indicates that both the -3 and x in -3x are raised to the power of 5.
Thus, -3x is the base of exponent 5.

In other words, (-3x)5 = -3x ∙ –3x ∙ -3x ∙ –3x ∙ -3x 

L aws of Exponents
There are a lot of computations involving exponents that you will encounter as you study algebra. However,
laws or specific rules must be observed to perform these computations correctly. These laws are referred to as
the Laws of Exponents.

Let us discuss these laws in this section one by one.

1. Product Rule
Suppose we want to multiply x2 by x4. Note that x2 and x4 have the same base. How can we multiply them?

One possible method is to expand x2 and x4:

 x2  = x ∙ x

x4 =  x  ∙ x ∙ x ∙ x

Multiplying the expanded values:

                      x2 ∙ x4

                      (x ∙ x) ∙  ( x  ∙ x ∙ x ∙ x)

Note that we can express the product of the expanded values in exponential form:

                   (x ∙ x) ∙ ( x ∙ x ∙ x ∙ x) = x ∙  x ∙  x  ∙ x ∙ x ∙ x = x6

Therefore, x2 ∙  x4  = x6

What have you noticed? Have you noticed a relationship between the exponents in x2 ∙ x4 = x6?

Yes, the exponent in x6 is just the sum of the exponents of x2 and x4.

You now know what the first law of exponent is all about. That is,

Product Rule: When multiplying exponential expressions with the same base, copy the
common base and add the exponents.

Thus, when multiplying expressions with the same base, you do not have to expand the given expressions to
determine the answer. Just apply the product rule.

Remember that you cannot apply the product rule if the given bases are different. For example, if you multiply
a2 by p3, you cannot apply the product rule since the given bases are different.

Example 1: Compute for 24 ∙ 22

Solution: We have expressions with the same bases (i.e., 2) multiplied together. Thus, we can apply the
product rule.

Let us copy the common base first:

Then, add the exponents:

Thus, using the product rule:  24 ∙ 22  = 26

Example 2: Multiply b5 by b3

Solution: Since we have the same bases being multiplied together, we can apply the product rule:

Let us copy the common base first:

Then, add the exponents:

Therefore, using the product rule: b5 ∙ b3  = b8

Example 3: Multiply a3b2 by a2b4

Solution: We have two bases involved here, the variables a and b.

Thus, we need to apply the product rule, each for a and b:

Let us copy the common bases first:

Add the exponents for the common bases.

Hence, a3b2 ∙ a2b4  = a5b6

Example 4: Multiply (x + 5)6 by (x + 5)3 

Solution: In this case, the common base is x + 5. Hence, we can apply the product rule.

Let us copy the common base first:

Add the exponents:

Therefore, (x + 5)6 ∙ (x + 5)3 = (x + 5)9

Example 5: Compute for a(a2)

Solution: If two variables are written together with the other one enclosed in parentheses, it implies that the
variables are being multiplied. Since we have a common base in the given (i.e., a), we can apply the product
rule here.

Note that if a number or a variable has no exponent written above it, it implies that the exponent is 1.

Let us copy the common base first: 

Add the exponents:

Therefore, a(a2) = a3 

2. Quotient Rule
The Quotient Rule is the opposite of the Product Rule.

It states that if you divide exponential expressions with the same base, you can just copy the
common base and then subtract the exponents.

Example 1: Compute for x7 ÷ x3

Solution: We can apply the quotient rule since we are dividing exponential expressions with the same base.

Let us copy the common base first:

Subtract the exponents:

Therefore, x7 ÷ x3 = x4

Example 2: Simplify x9⁄x4

Solution: x9⁄x4 also means x9 ÷ x4. Since we are dividing exponential expressions with the same base, we can
apply the quotient rule.

Let us start by copying the common base:

Finally, subtract the exponents:

Therefore, x9⁄x4= x5

Example 3: Simplify p8q2⁄p6q

Solution: We have two bases involved: the variables p and q. Thus, we will use the quotient rule for the
variables p and q. 

Copying the common bases:

Finally, subtract the exponents for each of the common bases.

Hence, p8q2⁄p6q = p2q

Example 4: Divide 1,000,000,000 by 1,000,000.

Solution: Note that we can express 1,000,000,000 as 109. On the other hand, we can express 1,000,000 as 106.
Therefore, we can answer the problem by dividing 109 by 106.

Since we have a common base (i.e., 10), we can apply the quotient rule:

Let us copy the common base first:

Then, subtract the exponents:

Therefore, the answer is 103 or 1000.

Tip: We can express a multiple of 10 into exponential form quickly by counting the number of zeros it has. For
example, 1,000,000,000 has nine zeros. Thus, if we express 1,000,000,000 in exponential form, we can
determine the exponent to be used based on the number of zeros it has. Therefore 1,000,000,000 = 109

3. Power Rule
Imagine a number raised to an exponent and then raised to another exponent. What do you think will happen?

Suppose we have b2 and want to raise it, say to the power of 3. This will give us (b2)3
Can we express (b2)3  using a single exponent only? The power rule states that we can!

The power rule states that if a number is raised to an exponent and then all is raised to
another exponent, you can combine the exponents into one by multiplying them.

Example 1: Simplify (k4)2 

Solution: Notice that the entire k4 is raised to 2. We can combine the exponents into one by multiplying them
by applying the power rule. Thus, 

(k4)2 = k4  ×  2  = k8

Therefore, (k4)2 = k8

Example 2: What is the value of (32)3?

Solution: Applying the product rule:

(32)3 = 32 ×3 = 36

Now, all we need to do next is expand 36:

3 ∙ 3 ∙ 3 ∙ 3 ∙ 3 ∙ 3 = 729

Therefore, (32)3 = 729

Example 3: Simplify (a5)2 

Solution: Applying the product rule:

(a5)2 = a5 × 2 = a10

Therefore, (a5)2 = a10

Example 4: Simplify (8y5)2

Solution: Note that the base of the exponent 2 is 8y5. This means that we need to apply the power rule both for
8 and y5:

(8y5)2 = 82y5 × 2 = 82y10

Since 82 = 8 ∙ 8 = 64, then  82y10 = 64y10

Therefore, (8y5)2 = 64y10

4. Power of a Product Rule

If an expression has more than one variable multiplied together and raised to a specific power,
we can simplify that expression using the power of the product rule. This rule allows us to raise the
variables involved in the multiplication process to the given exponent.

Example 1: Simplify (xy)2

Solution: The given expression has two variables multiplied (xy) and raised to the power of 2. This means we
can simplify it using the power of a product rule.

The power of the product rule allows us to “distribute” the exponent to each variable:

(x y)2  = (x2)(y2)

Therefore,  (xy)2 = x2 y2

Example 2: Simplify (a4b3)3

Solution: Let us apply the power of the product rule to simplify the given expression.

We start by “distributing” 3 to each of the variables:

(a4b3)3 = (a4)3 (b3)3 

To further simplify the expression, we can apply the product rule to each variable:
  (a4)3 (b3)3 = a4 × 3 b3 × 3  = a12b9

Hence, (a4b3)3 =  a12b9

Example 3: Simplify (4a3b2)2

Solution: Let us apply the power of the product rule to simplify the given expression. Note that we should also
raise 4 to the power of 2:

(4a3b2)2 = (4)2 (a3)2 (b2)2

Now, we apply the product rule to each variable:

(4)2(a6)(b4)

Lastly, since 42 = 16:

16a6b4

Therefore, (4a3b2)2 = 16a6b4

5. Power of a Quotient Rule

The power of the quotient rule is the opposite of the previous rule. It tells us that if variables are divided
and raised to a specific power, we can simplify the expression using the power of the quotient
rule. 

Suppose we have the expression m⁄n, and we want to raise it to the power of 3: (m⁄n)3 

Since we have two variables (m and n) divided together and raised to a specific power, we can apply the power
of the quotient rule.

This rule allows us to raise the variables involved in the division process to the given exponent.

 (m⁄n)3 = (m3⁄n3)
Example 1: Apply the power of the quotient rule to (x⁄y)2

Solution: Through the power of the quotient rule, we can distribute the exponent to the variables involved in
the division process:

Therefore, using the power of the quotient rule, (x⁄y)2 = x2⁄y2

Example 2: Simplify (a4⁄b2)2

Solution: Since we have two variables (a4 and b2) divided together and raised to a specific power, we can
apply the power of the quotient rule:

Notice that we can simplify the expression further using the product rule:
Therefore, (a4⁄b2)2 = a8⁄b4

6. Zero-Exponent Rule
What happens if you raise a number or a variable to the power of zero? 

The zero-exponent rule tells us that the result will be 1.

The Zero-Exponent Rule states that any nonzero base raised to 0 equals 1.

Example 1: Suppose that m ≠ 0; what is the value of m0?

Solution: By the zero-exponent rule, m0 = 1.

Example 2: What is the value of 1090?

Solution: By the zero-exponent rule, 1090 = 1

Example 3: Simplify 15x0

Solution: We know that by the zero-exponent rule, x0  = 1. Take note that x0 is multiplied by 15 in 15x0.
Since x0  = 1:
Hence, 15x0 = 15

Example 4: Simplify a0b2c

Solution: By the zero-exponent rule, a0  = 1. Since a0  is multiplied to b2c  in the given expression a0b2c:

Hence,  a0b2c = b2c

7. Negative Exponent Rule

The negative exponent rule states that if a base is raised to a negative number, the base
should be put to the denominator, and the given negative exponent changed into a positive
exponent.
Let’s apply the negative exponent rule to 2-2. Using the rule, we can put the base (i.e., 2) to the denominator.
Note that the denominator of 2-2 is 1. Once we put the base into the denominator, we can change the negative
exponent into a positive exponent.

Therefore, 2-2 = ¼

Let us look at the examples below to understand this rule further.

Example 1: What is the value of 5-3?

Solution: Using the negative exponent rule, we can express 5-3 as 1⁄53. We can expand 53 as 5 x 5 x 5 and
obtain 125. Therefore, 5-3 = 1⁄125

Example 2: Express y-1 as an expression without a negative exponent.

Solution: Using the negative exponent rule, we can express y-1 as 1⁄y with no negative exponent involved.

Thus, the answer is 1⁄y.

Example 3: Express a2b-3c without a negative exponent.

Solution: We can apply the negative exponent rule to express a2b-3c without a negative exponent. However,
since b– 3 is the only base raised to a negative exponent, we can only apply the negative exponent rule to b– 3, and
it is the only base that we will put in the denominator.

Therefore, a2b-3c can be written without a negative exponent as a2c⁄b3

Laws of Exponents Summary
We are now done discussing the mathematical rules that govern the exponential expressions. As a recap, here’s
a table that summarizes the laws of exponents.

Product Rule am  ∙  an  = am + n

Quotient Rule am⁄an= am – n   

Power Rule (am)n  = amn

Power of a Product Rule (a b)p    = ap  bp

Power of a Quotient Rule (a⁄b)m = am⁄bm, where b ≠ 0

Zero Exponent Rule a0  = 1

Negative Exponent Rule a-m  = 1⁄am

Simplifying Exponential Expressions Using the Laws of Exponents

An exponential expression is simplified if there are fewer terms and exponents involved. Furthermore, a
simplified exponential expression has positive exponents.

As we simplify various exponential expressions, we have to apply different laws of exponents discussed above.

Example 1: Simplify 5p0q-2 

Solution: We can simplify the given expression by making all its exponents positive.

Let us start by applying the zero-exponent rule:

5p0q-2

5(1)q-2 (since p0 = 1)

5q-2

We can then remove the negative exponent using the negative exponent rule:

5q-2

5⁄q2

Thus, the answer is 5⁄q2

Example 2: Simplify (a4⁄a2)2

Solution 1: Note that we can distribute the exponent (i.e., 2), which is outside the parentheses, to the bases
that are inside the parentheses using the power of the quotient rule:

(a4⁄a2)2 = a4 × 2⁄a2 × 2 = a8⁄a4  

Since we are dividing the same bases, we can apply the quotient rule:

a8⁄a4  = a8 – 4 = a4

Therefore, (a4⁄a2)2  = a4

You can also simplify the given expression using the alternative solution below.

Solution 2: This time, let us start applying the quotient rule since we are dividing the same bases:

(a4⁄a2)2  = (a4 – 2)2 = (a2)2

Notice that we can now apply the power rule since (a2)2 is an expression raised to an exponent and then raised to
another exponent.

        (a2)2 = a2 × 2 = a4

Example 3: Simplify [(x + y)2(x + y)3]-1

Solution: We can start by making the negative exponent positive. To do this, put the base into the denominator
(negative exponent rule). The base in the given expression is the entire (x + y)2(x + y)3

We can simplify the expression further using the product rule since we are multiplying the same bases:

Therefore, the answer is 1⁄(x + y)5

 Logarithm Evaluation Without a Calculator
Imagine yourself as a mathematician during the 16th century. This is an era without calculators, computers, and
spreadsheets, so dealing with calculations of numbers with multiple digits is tedious and time-consuming. 

In this review, you’ll learn logarithm evaluation without using a calculator so you can confidently perform
complex computations in any exam.

Table of Contents
Logarithms

Components of a Logarithm

Evaluating Logarithms

Evaluating Logarithms With an Argument of 1

Transforming Exponential Form Into Logarithmic Form and Vice Versa

1. Exponential Form Into Logarithmic Form

2. Logarithmic Form Into Exponential Form

Common and Natural Logarithms

1. Common Logarithms

2. Natural Logarithms

Properties of Logarithms

1. Product Property of Logarithms

2. Quotient Property of Logarithms

3. Power Property of Logarithms 

More Sample Problems on Properties of Logarithms

Simplifying Logarithms
Logarithms
Logarithms are an alternative way of expressing quantities that involve exponents.

For instance, the mathematical sentence 32 = 9 can be written in its equivalent logarithmic form, log39 = 2. 

Recall that the exponent tells us the number of ways the base is used as a factor in a multiplication sentence. For
instance, 32 = 9 means we must use 3 as a factor twice in a multiplication sentence to get 9 (i.e., 3 x 3 = 9 ). 

Meanwhile, logarithms tell us how many times a number must be multiplied to obtain another number. For
instance, log39 = 2 (read as “log of 9 to the base 3 is equal to 2”) tells us that if we use an exponent to transform
3 into 9, we must use 2. 

You will understand further how logarithms work once we discuss their components in the next section. 

CONCEPT OF LOGARITHM
Components of a Logarithm

A logarithm has the following major components:

1. The “log” function, which states that we are dealing with a logarithm

2. The base or the small number below the “log” symbol 
3. The argument or the larger number on the right of the base. 
4. Finally, the number on the right of the equal sign is the exponent.
For instance, in log39 = 2, the base is 3, the argument is 9, and the exponent is 2.

The logarithm shows us what exponent must be used so that the base will be equal to the argument. In the case
of log39 = 2, it tells us that 2 must be used as the exponent so that 3 becomes 9.

Here is the general notation for the logarithms:

 logam = n 

Where a, m, and n are real numbers with a ≠ 1 and m ≠ 0. a is called the base, m is the argument, and n is the
exponent.

Note: The “formal” way to read logbx = y is “logarithm of x to the base b is equal to y.” 

Evaluating Logarithms
Convert Exponential and Logarithmic...

In this section, we will discuss how to evaluate a logarithm.

Logarithm evaluation means identifying an exponent that must be used for the base so that we can obtain the
argument.

Let us compute for log416. This means we must consider the exponent used for 4 to get a value of 16. 

Note that if we multiply 4 by itself, we can get 16 (i.e., 4 x 4 = 16); hence, we must use an exponent of 2 for 4
to get 16.

Therefore, log416 = 2.

Sample Problem: Compute the value of the following:

1. log327
2. log232
3. log525
4. log71
Solution:

1. Note that if we multiply 3 by itself three times, we can get 27 (i.e., 3 x 3 x 3 = 27). Therefore, log327 = 3.
2. If we multiply 2 by itself five times, we can get 32 ( 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 32). Therefore, log232 = 5.
3. Multiplying 5 by itself two times will result in 25. Therefore, log525 = 2.
4. To evaluate the value of log71, we think of a power to which we must raise 7 to obtain 1. The zero-exponent rule
shows that any real number raised to zero equals 1. Hence, we must raise 7 to the power of 0 to get 1. Therefore,
log71 = 0.

Evaluating Logarithms With an Argument of 1

Recall that logarithms generally are expressed as logam = n where a, m, n are real numbers with a ≠ 1 and m ≠ 0.
But what if the argument (or m) is equal to 1? How can we evaluate the value of the logarithm?

Say we want to evaluate the value of log61. 

log61 tells us what exponent we should raise 6 to get 1.

Recall that the zero-exponent rule states that any real number raised to 0 will result in 1. So, if we raise 6 to the
power of 0, we can obtain 1. Mathematically, 60 = 1.

Therefore, the value of log61 must be equal to 0 (log61 = 0). 

To sum up, if the argument of the logarithm is 1, then the value of the logarithm is automatically 0 as per the
zero-exponent rule:

loga1 = 0, where a is a real number

Transforming Exponential Form Into Logarithmic Form and Vice Versa

1. Exponential Form Into Logarithmic Form

To convert a quantity in exponential form into logarithmic form, follow the steps below:

1. Write the “log” sign to indicate that you’re using the logarithm operator
2. Write the base of the exponential form as the base of the logarithmic form (i.e., the small number on the right of the
log)
3. Write the value of the exponential form as the argument of the logarithmic form (i.e., the number on the right of the
base of the logarithmic form)
4. Write the exponential form as the exponent of the logarithmic form.
Generally, a quantity in exponential form by = x is written as logbx = y in logarithmic form. 

Sample Problem: Write 53 = 125 in logarithmic form.

Solution: Using the steps on transforming the exponential form into the logarithmic form:

Step 1: Write the “log” sign to indicate that you’re using the logarithm operator

Note: the boxes in the expression above serve as placeholders for the remaining components of the logarithm. 

Step 2: Write the base of the exponential form as the base of the logarithmic form (i.e., the small number on
the right of the log)

The base of 53 = 125 is 5. Hence we use it as the base of the logarithmic form:
Step 3: Write the value of the exponential form as the argument of the logarithmic form (i.e., the number on
the right of the base of the logarithmic form) 

The value of the exponential form 53 = 125 is 125. Hence, we will use it as the argument of the logarithmic
form.

Step 4: Write the exponential form as the exponent of the logarithmic form

Finally, we use “3” (the exponent in 53 = 125) in the logarithmic form.

log5125 = 3

2. Logarithmic Form Into Exponential Form

To transform a quantity expressed in logarithmic form into exponential form, we have to follow these steps:

1. Drop the “log” sign

2. Use the base of the logarithmic form (i.e., the small number on the right of the “log” symbol) as the base of the
exponential form
3. Use the exponent of the logarithmic form (i.e., the number on the right of the equal sign) as the exponent for the
exponential form
4. Use the argument as the value of the exponential form
Sample Problem: Express log5125 = 3 into exponential form.

Solution:

Step 1: Drop the “log” sign

Step 2: Use the base of the logarithmic form (i.e., the small number on the right of the “log” symbol) as the
base of the exponential form

The base of the logarithmic form is 5, so we use it as the base of the exponential form:

Step 3: Use the exponent of the logarithmic form (i.e., the number on the right of the equal sign) as the
exponent for the exponential form
The exponent of the logarithmic form is 3, so we’ll use it as the exponent in the exponential form.

Step 4: Use the argument as the value of the exponential form

Finally, we use 125 (the argument in log5125 = 3) as the value of the exponential form. 

Therefore,log5125 = 3 can be written as  53 = 125.

Common and Natural Logarithms

1. Common Logarithms
Common logarithms are logarithms with a base of 10. 

For instance, log10100 = 2 can be considered a common logarithm.

In a common logarithm, we no longer need to write the “10” as the base. We leave it blank since it is already
understood that we are dealing with a common logarithm.
For instance, log 100 = 2 automatically means log10100 = 2.

Suppose we want to write a common logarithm to its equivalent exponential form. In that case, all we need to
do is use ten as the base, use the logarithm argument as the value of the exponential form, and then use the
exponent of the logarithm form as the exponent of the exponential form. For instance, log 100 = 2 is equivalent
to 102 = 100.

Note that it’s not always easy to compute the common logarithm of numbers. For instance, log 350 (log10350)
cannot be determined easily through manual computation since its value is not a whole number (log10350 =
2.544). In these cases, scientific calculators are the most convenient tool to use. Since we are reviewing for
exams that prohibit using any calculator, we will limit our discussion to common logarithms that can be
evaluated only through manual calculation. 

Sample Problem: Evaluate log 1000

Solution: log 1000 is a common logarithm. Although it appears to have no base, it means the base is 10.
Therefore, log 1000 = log101000.

To find the value of log101000, we need to think of how many times ten must be multiplied by itself to get 1000.
Note that if we multiply ten by itself thrice, the result will be 1000 (10 x 10 x 10 = 1000). Thus, log101000 = 3. 

2. Natural Logarithms
Natural logarithms use a “special number” as the base. This number is an irrational number represented as e.
Formally, e is called Euler’s number (named after the mathematician Leonhard Euler). e is approximately equal
to 2.718… 

loge10 is an example of a natural logarithm since it uses the base e. 

However, we do not write natural logarithms like your ordinary logarithms. We use the symbol “ln” instead of
“log” and omit the base e. So, loge10 can be written as ln 10 (read as “natural logarithm of 10”). Another
example: loge1 is equal to ln 1.

Let’s write a natural logarithm to its equivalent exponential form. We use the constant e as the base of the
exponential form, the argument as the value of the exponent, and the logarithm value as the exponent of the
exponential form. For instance, if we transform ln x = y to exponential form, we’ll have ey = x. 

Natural logarithms are widely applied in different real-life calculations, such as for exponential growth and
decay of microorganisms, compound interest, statistical analysis, calculus, physical sciences, and more. 
Properties of Logarithms
Now that you know logarithms, let us discuss their mathematical properties. These properties allow us to
calculate operations involving logarithms. 

Note that the properties below also apply to common logarithms and natural logarithms.

Property of Logarithms In symbols

Product Property of Logarithms  logaPQ = logaP + logaQ

Quotient Property of Logarithms loga(P∕Q) = logaP – logaQ

Power Property of Logarithms logaPq = q logaP

1. Product Property of Logarithms

This property states that the logarithm of products can be expressed as the sum of the logarithms:

logaPQ = logaP + logaQ

For instance, let us express log28 as a sum of logarithms. We can do this by simply thinking of some factors of
8.

4 and 2 are factors of 8 since 4 x 2 = 8. Therefore, we can express log28 as log2(4 x 2).

According to the product property, we can express log28 = log2(4 x 2) as the sum of the logarithms of the factors
of 8: log28 = log2(4 x 2) = log24 + log22.

Therefore, log28 = log24 + log22.

Sample Problem 1: Express log25 + log24 as a single logarithm.

Solution: By applying the product property of logarithms, we just multiply the arguments of the given
logarithms. 

log25 + log24 = log2(5 x 4) = log220

Sample Problem 2: Given that log 3 ≈ 0.48 and log 2 ≈ 0.30. What is the approximate value of log 6?

Solution: Since log 3 and log 2 are common logarithms, they have the same base of 10. This means that we
can apply the product property to them. 

Note that “log 3 ≈ 0.48” means that the approximate value of log 3 is 0.48. This means that log 3 is not exactly
0.48 since this value is just an approximation. The “ ≈ “ symbol denotes an approximation of a particular
quantity.

Applying the product property, we have: log 6 = log (3 x 2) = log 3 + log 2 

This means that the value of log 6 is equal to the value of log 3 + log 2:

log 6 = log 3 + log 2

Using the given approximate values of log 3 and log 2:

log 6 = log 3 + log 2

log 6 ≈ 0.48 + 0.30

log 6 ≈ 0.78

Hence, the approximate value of log 6 is 0.78 (the value of log 6, when computed using a calculator, is
0.77815… which is extremely near to our obtained value). 

Sample Problem 3: Expand log4(7a(b + 4)) using the product property of logarithms.

Solution: Note that in log4(7a(b + 4)), the argument 7a(b + 4) is the product of 7a and b + 4. Furthermore, 7a is
also the product of two quantities: 7 and a.

Therefore, log4(7a(b + 4)) = log4(7 ∙ a ∙ (b + 4)). By product rule, we can now express this as the sum of
logarithms:

log4(7a(b + 4)) = log4(7 ∙ a ∙ (b + 4)) = log47 + log4a + log4(b + 4)

2. Quotient Property of Logarithms

This property states that the logarithm of the quotient can be expressed as the difference of logarithms.

For instance, let us express log26 as the difference between logarithms. We think of two numbers such that when
these numbers are divided, the result will equal 6. For instance, 12 ÷ 2 = 6. Hence, log26 can be expressed as
log2(12∕2).

By the quotient property of logarithms, we can express log26 as the difference between the logarithm of the
numbers that, when divided, results in 6: log2(12∕2) = log212 – log22. 

Sample Problem 1:

Solution: The argument is
which is the quotient of x – 1 and 3. By the quotient property of logarithms, we can express the logarithm of the
quotient of x – 1 and 3 as the difference between the logarithm of x – 1 and the logarithm of 3. 

By applying the quotient property of logarithms:

Sample Problem 2:

Solution: The argument is the quotient of 9 and b. By the quotient property of logarithms, we can express the
logarithm of a quotient of 9 and b as the difference between the logarithm of 9 and b.

By applying the quotient property of logarithms:

3. Power Property of Logarithms

The power rule of logarithms states that the logarithm of a quantity raised to an exponent is equal to the
exponent times the logarithm of the quantity. 

logaPq = q ∙ logaP

For instance, log2x2 is a logarithm with a quantity raised to an exponent (x2). By the power property of
logarithms, we can express it as follows: 2 ∙ log2x

The power property of logarithms allows you to “move” the exponent to the left of the logarithm symbol. 
Sample Problem 1: Expand log a3 

Solution: Since we are dealing with a logarithm that has an argument with a quantity raised to an exponent
(a3), we can apply the power property of logarithms.

log a3 = 3 ∙ log a = 3 log a

Hence, the answer is 3 log a.

Sample Problem 2: Expand ln j2

Solution: By applying the product property of logarithms:

ln j2 = 2 ∙ ln j = 2 ln j

Therefore, the answer is 2 ln j.

More Sample Problems on Properties of Logarithms

Sample Problem 1: Expand log4a2b

Solution: The argument in the expression log4a2b is a2b which is the product of a2 and b. Hence, we can apply
the product property of logarithms to start expanding the given expression:

log4a2b = log4a2 + log4b

Note that we can still expand the expression log4a2 since we have an argument with a quantity raised to an
exponent (a2). We can apply the power property of logarithms for this case:

log4a2b = log4a2 + log4b

                                log4a2b = 2 log4a + log4b

Hence, the expanded form of log4a2b is 2 log4a + log4b.

Here’s the summary of what we have performed above:

log4a2b
log4a2 + log4b Product Property of Logarithms

2 log4a + log4b Power Property of Logarithms

Sample Problem 2: Expand ln x2y3

Solution: The argument in the expression ln x2y3 is x2y3 or x2 and y3. This means we can apply the product
property of logarithms to expand the given expression.

ln x2y3 = ln x2 + ln y3

Note that we can still expand both ln x2 and ln y3 since they involve arguments that are quantities raised to an
exponent (x2 and y3). Thus, we can apply the power property of logarithms for this case:

ln x2y3 = ln x2 + ln y3

ln x2y3 = 2 ln x + 3 ln y

Hence, the answer for this example is 2 ln x + 3 ln y.

Here’s the summary of our calculation above:

ln x2y3

ln x2 + ln y3 Product Property of Logarithms

2 ln x + 3 ln y Power Property of Logarithms

Sample Problem 3:

Solution:

The argument of the given logarithm is the quotient of 3a2 and 2(a + b). Hence, we can apply the quotient
property to expand the given logarithm.

Notice that we can expand both log 3a2 and log 2(a + b). Let us expand log 3a2 first.

The argument of log 3a2 is 3a2, which is the product between 3 and a2. As per product property:

log 3a2 = log 3 + log a2

We can still expand log a2 by applying the power property:

log 3a2 = log 3 + 2 log a

Therefore, we now have the following:

Now, let us focus on log 2(a + b). The argument here is 2(a + b), the product of 2 and a + b. Hence, we can
apply the product property:

Thus, the final answer is (log 3 + 2 log a) – ( log 2 + log(a + b))

Here’s the summary of what we have performed above:

Simplifying Logarithms
Simplifying logarithmic expressions means expressing them as a single logarithm. We can do this by applying
the properties of logarithms we’ve learned from the previous section. 
For instance, suppose we want to express log310 + log35 as a single logarithm. 

The expression log310 + log35 involves the mathematical operation of addition. Note that we have learned in the
previous section that the logarithm of a product can be expressed as the sum of logarithms (product property).
Hence, we can apply the reverse of this property and express the sum of logarithms as the logarithms of a
product. 

By product property, we can express log310 + log35 as the logarithm of the product of 10 and 5 (to the base 3):

log310 + log35 

 log3(10 x 5) = log350 Product Property of Logarithms

Hence, the simplified form of log310 + log35 is log350.

Sample Problem 1: Simplify log28 + log27 

Solution: By the product property, we can express the sum of logarithms as the logarithm of their product:

log28 + log27 

log2(8 x 7) Product Property of Logarithms

log256

Thus, the answer is log256.

Sample Problem 2: Simplify log3(x + 5) + log3x + log34

Solution: By the product property of logarithms, we can express the sum of logarithms as the logarithm of
their product:

log3(x + 5) + log3x + log34

log3[(x + 5) ∙ x ∙ 4]

log3(4(x)(x + 5))

log3(4x(x + 5))

log3(4x2 + 20x)

Thus, the simplified form is log3(4x2 + 20x).

Sample Problem 3: Apply the properties of logarithms to simplify ln 6 + ln 3 – ln 2

Solution: We are now dealing with two operations in the given logarithmic expression: addition and
subtraction. 
Let us deal with the addition sign first. By product property, we can express the sum of logarithms as the
logarithm of their product:

ln 6 + ln 3 – ln 2

ln (6 x 3) – ln 2

ln 18 – ln 2

The resulting logarithmic expression ln 18 – ln 2 can be simplified further. The difference between logarithms
can be expressed as the logarithm of their quotient using the quotient property. Thus:

ln 18 – ln 2 = ln (18∕2) = ln 9

Thus, the final answer is ln 9.

Here’s a summary of our solution above:

ln 6 + ln 3 – ln 2

ln (6 x 3) – ln 2 Product Property of Logarithms

ln 18 – ln 2

ln (18/2) Quotient Property of Logarithms

ln 9

Sample Problem 4: Simplify 3 log2a + log2b

Solution: Note that by power rule, we can express the product of a constant and the logarithm of a quantity as
the logarithm of the quantity raised to the constant. Note that 3 log2a is the product of a constant (i.e., 3) and a
logarithm of a quantity (log2a). Hence, we can apply the power rule to simplify it:

3 log2a + log2b

log2a3 + log2b  Power Rule of Logarithms

Now, we can apply the product rule to complete the solution:

log2a3 + log2b

log2a3b Product Rule of Logarithms

Thus, the final answer is log2a3b.

 How To Solve Polynomials
Algebraic expressions come in different forms. However, certain expressions in algebra are significant and
offer a lot of practical applications. These expressions are called polynomials.

In this review, we’ll discuss what polynomials are, the types of polynomials, and how to solve polynomials
involving different mathematical operations.

Table of Contents
What Are Polynomials?

What Expressions Are NOT Polynomials?

1. Expressions with fractional or decimal exponents in the variable are not polynomials

2. Expressions with negative exponents in the variable are not polynomials

3. Expressions with variables in the denominator are not polynomials

4. Expressions with variables under the radical sign are not polynomials

Terms of a Polynomial

Like Terms

Degree of a Polynomial

Types of Polynomials

1. Types of Polynomials According to the Number of Terms

2. Types of Polynomials According to Degree

Standard Form of a Polynomial

Operations on Polynomials

1. Addition of Polynomials

2. Subtraction of Polynomials

3. Multiplication of Polynomials

a. Multiplying a Polynomial by a Monomial

b. Multiplying a Polynomial by a Binomial

c. Multiplying a Polynomial by Another Polynomial

4. Division of Polynomials

3. Math Mock Exam + Answer Key

What Are Polynomials?

A polynomial is an algebraic expression where the exponents of its variables are whole numbers.

As you may recall, whole numbers are positive counting numbers, including 0. Thus, the exponents in the
variables of a polynomial are all positive counting numbers or 0. If a variable has an exponent of 0, the variable
is a constant.

3x4 + 2x3 – x2y + 3 is an example of a polynomial since all the variables’ exponents are whole numbers.

What Expressions Are NOT Polynomials?

Now that you know what polynomials are, it is essential to understand what makes an expression non-
polynomial. Here’s a list of algebraic expressions that are not considered polynomials:

1. Expressions with fractional or decimal exponents in the variable are not polynomials
For example, 4x1/2 + 2y3 is not a polynomial since one of its variables, which is x, has a fractional exponent of ½.

2. Expressions with negative exponents in the variable are not polynomials

For example, 2a-3b – 5a2b3 + ab is not a polynomial since one of its variables, a, has a negative exponent of – 3. 

3. Expressions with variables in the denominator are not polynomials

For example, 3x – 2⁄y is not a polynomial since it has a variable (y) in the denominator. 

How about x + y⁄2? Is this polynomial?

Although 2 is the denominator, 2 is not a variable. This means that x + y⁄2 can be considered a polynomial since
it has no variable in the denominator.

Why does a variable in the denominator disqualify an algebraic expression as a polynomial?

As per the negative exponent rule, if a variable is raised to a negative exponent, we should put that variable in
the denominator so that the variable will now have a positive exponent.

If a variable is in the denominator, it implies that before the negative exponent rule was applied, the variable
had a negative exponent in the numerator.

We know that a negative exponent in the variable makes an expression a non-polynomial.  This is the reason why
variables in the denominator make an expression non-polynomial.

4. Expressions with variables under the radical sign are not

polynomials
Square root (√) and cube root (∛) are some examples of radical signs.

As an example, let’s consider the expression √x – y. Since it has a variable (x) under the radical sign, √x – y is
not a polynomial.

How about √2 + x? Is this polynomial?

Look at the radical sign. Note that 2 is inside the radical sign. 2 is a constant, not a variable. Thus, we can
consider √2 + x as a polynomial.

Terms of a Polynomial
A term in a polynomial consists of a number multiplied by a variable with a whole number exponent. The
constant part is also a term of the polynomial.

The name polynomial comes from “poly” (Greek) which means many, and “nomen” (Latin) which means
name (in this case, “term”). This means that a polynomial consists of different terms.

The terms in a polynomial are separated by addition or subtraction signs. 

Take, for example, the polynomial 9×2 + 36xy + 4y2 + 3.  The terms in this polynomial are 9×2, 36xy, 4y2, and
3. Notice that addition signs separate these terms.

Example: Determine the terms in 3x2 + 5y – 2xz

Solution: The terms in the given polynomials are 3x2, 5y, and 2xz.

Like Terms
Two or more terms are like terms if their variables and exponents (of the variables) are the same. The numerical
coefficient of like terms can be different.

For example, 5y2 and 3y2 are like terms because these terms have the same variable (y), and their exponents are
the same (which is 2).

On the other hand, 7x2 and 5a2 are not like terms because these terms have different variables.

Also, 5x2 and 5x3  are not like terms because even if the variables of these terms are the same, the exponents are
different.

Example 1: Are 2xz and 5xz like terms?

Solution: Yes, because these terms have the same variables (which are x and z).

Example 2: Which of the following does not belong to the group of like terms: 5a2b, -4a2b, 3a2b2, and 9a2b?

Solution: 3a2b2 does not belong to the group because it has a different exponent for its variable b. 
 

Degree of a Polynomial
The degree of a polynomial is the highest exponent of the variable of a polynomial.

Example: What is the degree of the polynomial 3k7  – 5k2 + k – 9?

Solution: The highest exponent of the variable in the polynomial is 7. Thus, the degree of the polynomial is 7.

If a polynomial has more than one variable, we add the exponents on each term, and the highest resulting sum is
the degree of the polynomial.

Types of Polynomials
We can classify polynomials according to degree or their number of terms.

1. Types of Polynomials According to the Number of Terms

 Types of Polynomials According to Number of Terms Number of Terms

Monomial A polynomial with one term

Binomial A polynomial with two terms

Trinomial A polynomial with three terms

Multinomial A polynomial with four terms and above

If we base the polynomial classification on the number of terms, the polynomial could be a monomial, binomial,
trinomial, or multinomial.

 Monomial – an expression that has one term. This means that a constant, a variable, or a product of a constant and
a variable with an exponent is a monomial. Examples are 4, a, 5x, -9y2, and 4a2b.
 Binomial – an expression that has two terms. Examples are x + 2, 2y + z, 4ab – 3b2, and p2q – 3.
 Trinomial – an expression that has three terms. Examples are x2 + 2xy + y2 , 3x – y + 5, and 6x3y + y – 9.
 Multinomial – an expression with more than three terms. Examples are a + 2ab + 3abc + 4bcd and 4x2yz + xy3z –
xyz2 + xyz + 1.

2. Types of Polynomials According to Degree

Types of Polynomials According to Degree Degree

Constant 0

Linear 1

Quadratic 2

Cubic 3

Quartic 4

Quintic 5

If we base the classification of a polynomial on its degree, the polynomial could be a constant, linear, quadratic,
cubic, quartic, or quintic. 

 Constant –  a polynomial with a degree of 0. For example, the classification of 9 according to its degree is constant
since its highest exponent is 0. Note that we can express 9 as 9x0.
 Linear – a polynomial with a degree of 1. For example, x + y is linear since the highest exponent of its variables is 1.
Also, 3x + 9 is linear since the highest exponent of the variable is 1.
 Quadratic – a polynomial with a degree of 2. For example, x2 + 2x + 1 is quadratic since the highest exponent of its
variable is 2.
 Cubic – a polynomial with a degree of 3. For example, x3 + 3x2 + 3x + 1 is cubic since the highest exponent of its
variable is 3.
 Quartic – a polynomial with a degree of 4. For example, x4 + 4x2 + 8x + 2 is quartic since the highest exponent of its
variable is 4.
 Quintic – a polynomial with a degree of 5. For example, x5 + 5x3 + 8x2 + 2x – 3 is quantic since the highest exponent
of its variable is 5.
 
Standard Form of a Polynomial
A polynomial is written in its standard form if the terms of the polynomial are arranged in a manner where the
exponents of the variable are in decreasing order.

If we express a polynomial in its standard form, the first term of that polynomial is called the leading term.
Thus, the leading term is the term of the polynomial with the highest exponent.

Example 1: Write 8y2 + y3 – 4y + y5 in standard form.

Solution: We write the terms of the polynomial so that the exponents of the variables are in decreasing
order. Thus, the standard form of the given polynomial is  y5 + y3 + 8y2 – 4y.

Example 2: What is the leading term of 5z8 + 2z + z7 – 2?

Solution: To determine the leading term of this polynomial, we should write it first in standard form. If we express the
polynomial in standard form, we have 5z8 + z7 + 2z – 2. The first term of this polynomial in standard form is
5z8.  Therefore, 5z8  is the leading term.

 
Operations on Polynomials
This section will discuss how to solve polynomials involving the four fundamental operations.

1. Addition of Polynomials
To learn how to add polynomials, follow the steps below:

1. Arrange the given polynomials in standard form

2. Place the like terms of the given polynomials in columns 
3. Add the like terms
Example 1: Add 5x2 + 3x + 2 and 2x2 + x – 1

Solution:

Step 1: Arrange the given polynomials in standard form. Note that the given polynomials are already
written in standard form since the exponents of their variables are in decreasing order. Hence, we can skip this
step.

Step 2: Place like terms of the given polynomials in columns. Recall that the terms of given
polynomials are like terms if the variables and the exponents of these variables are the same. Recall also that the
numerical coefficients of like terms can be different.

Step 3: Add the like terms. To add like terms, we add the numerical coefficients and bring down the
common variable and exponent.
Thus, the answer is 7x2 + 4x + 1.

Example 2: What is the sum if you add y2 – 2z + x3, 5z – 3y + x2,  and 2x3 + 5y2?

Solution:

Step 1: Arrange the given polynomials in standard form. If we arrange the given polynomials into
standard form, we will have the following:

x3 + y2 – 2z

x2 – 3y + 5z

2x3 + 5y2

Step 2: Place the like terms of the given polynomials in columns.

Step 3: Add the like terms.

Therefore, the sum is 3x3 + x2 + 6y2 – 3y + 3z

Example 3: Add 62xy – 5x2y + 3 by -2x2y + 10xy – y + 5

Solution:

Step 1: Arrange the given polynomials in standard form. If we arrange the given polynomials into
standard form, we will have the following:

-5x2y + 62xy + 3

-2x2y + 10xy – y + 5

Step 2: Place the like terms of the given polynomials in columns.

Step 3: Add the like terms. Do not forget the rules on operations on integers when dealing with signed
numbers.
The answer is -7x2y + 72xy – y + 8.

2. Subtraction of Polynomials
To know how to subtract polynomials, follow these steps:

1. Write the given polynomials in standard form

2. Change the sign into addition and reverse the sign of each term of the subtrahend (or the second polynomial)
3. Add the polynomials 
Example 1: Subtract 8x2 – 2x + 1 by 2x2 – 5x – 7

Solution:

Step 1: Write the given polynomials in standard form. The given polynomials are already in standard
form since their terms are arranged based on the decreasing exponent of the variables.

Step 2: Change the sign into addition and reverse the sign of each term of the subtrahend (or
the second polynomial). The subtrahend in the given problem is 2x2 – 5x – 7. If we switch the sign of each
term of this polynomial, we have -2x2 + 5x + 7. 
Step 3: Add the polynomials. We are now going to add 8x2 – 2x + 1 to the polynomial we have obtained
from step 2:

Hence, the answer is 6x2 + 3x + 8.

Example 2: What is the difference between 7x5 – 5y + z2 and 5x3 + 2x5 – 6x – 2z2?

Solution:

Step 1: Write the given polynomials into standard form. If we arrange the given polynomials into
standard form, we will obtain the following:

7x5 + z2 – 5y

2x5 + 5x3 – 2z2 – 6x

Step 2: Change the sign into addition and reverse the sign of each term of the subtrahend (or
the second polynomial). If we reverse the signs of each term of the second polynomial, we will obtain: -
2x5 – 5x3 + 2z2 + 6x
Step 3: Add the polynomials. We are now going to add 7x5 + z2 – 5y to the polynomial we have obtained
from step 2:

Hence, the answer is 5x5 – 5x3 + 3z2 + 6x – 5y

3. Multiplication of Polynomials
When we multiply polynomials, we apply the distributive property of multiplication over addition (or
simply distributive property). Before we start discussing how to multiply polynomials, let’s take a look first at
what the distributive property is.

The distributive property tells us that multiplying the sum of two or more addends by a certain
number equals the result when we multiply each addend by the same number.

The distributive property tells us that multiplying the sum of two or more addends by a certain
number

In symbols,
 a(b + c) = ab + ac

Example: Compute for 4(5 + 9).

Solution: If we use PEMDAS, we will obtain the following:

4(5 + 9)

4 (14)

  56

Thus, 4(5 + 9) = 56.

Now, let’s try to apply the distributive property:

4(5 + 9) = 4(5) + 4(9) = 20 + 36 = 56

Thus, by applying the distributive property, we obtain the following: 4(5 + 9) = 56.

Remember the concept of distributive property because we will apply this a lot when multiplying polynomials.

a. Multiplying a Polynomial by a Monomial

Let us start with the simplest one: How should we multiply a polynomial by a monomial?

Suppose we have the polynomial 5x2 + 3x – 1 and want to multiply it by a monomial like 2x.

Let us express our problem above as a mathematical sentence:

(5x2 + 3x – 1)(2x)

Since multiplication is commutative (changing the position of numbers in a multiplication process will not
change the result), we can express it as:

(2x)(5x2 + 3x – 1)

Take a look at our mathematical sentence above. Notice that we are multiplying a certain quantity (2x)  by a
sum of addends (5x2 + 3x – 1). This means that we can apply the distributive property.

Applying the distributive property:

After ” distributing” 2x to the addends, we will perform multiplication. Note that we apply the laws of
exponents (the product rule, in particular) when we multiply the same variables.

Therefore, (2x)(5x2 + 3x – 1) = 10x3 + 6x2 – 2x

Example: Multiply 8ab + 2a – 3c by 4ab

Solution: We have (4ab)(8ab + 2a – 3c). Applying the distributive property: 

(4ab)(8ab) +(4ab)(2a) – (4ab)(3c)

Performing multiplication to each term:

32a2b2 + 8a2b – 12abc

Therefore, the answer is 32a2b2 + 8a2b – 12abc

b. Multiplying a Polynomial by a Binomial
Suppose we have the polynomial 3p2 + 2p – 1 and want it multiplied by a binomial such as 2p + 1. How can we
multiply these expressions?

If we can express our given problem as a mathematical sentence, we have:

(2p + 1)(3p2 + 2p – 1)

In this case, we can apply the distributive property. We can distribute the first term of the binomial, which is 2p,
to 3p2 + 2p – 1, and we can also distribute the second term of the binomial, which is 1, to the same polynomial
(i.e., 3p2 + 2p – 1). 

After we have distributed the terms of the binomial to the addends of the polynomial, we can apply again the
distributive property:

Perform multiplication to each term and apply the product rule.

Note that we can combine some of the like terms of the resulting polynomial:

Therefore, the answer is 6p3 + 7p2 – 1

Example: Multiply 5a2 – 3ab + 2 by a – 2b

Solution: We have: (a – 2b)(5a2 – 3ab + 2). Distributing each term of the binomial to the polynomial:

a(5a2 – 3ab + 2) – 2b(5a2 – 3ab + 2)

Applying the distributive property:

[a(5a2) – a(3ab) + a(2)] – [2b(5a2) – 2b(3ab) + 2b(2)]  

Multiplying each term:

[5a3 – 3a2b + 2a] – [10a2b – 6ab2 + 4b]

We can rewrite the expression above as:

[5a3 – 3a2b + 2a] + [-10a2b + 6ab2 – 4b]

Combining like terms:

5a3 – 13a2b + 6ab2 + 2a – 4b

Therefore, the answer is 5a3 – 13a2b – 6ab2 + 2a – 4b

c. Multiplying a Polynomial by Another Polynomial

You have learned how to multiply a polynomial by a monomial or a binomial in the previous sections of this
review. Recall that we just applied the distributive property to multiply these expressions. Using the same
technique, you can multiply a polynomial by another.

To multiply a polynomial by another, multiply each term of one polynomial by each term of the other
polynomial and then combine like terms of the resulting polynomial.

Example 1: Multiply 3a2 + 2a – 1 by a3 – 4a + 1.

Solution: Expressing the mathematical problem above as a mathematical sentence, we have:

(3a2 + 2a – 1)(a3 – 4a + 1) 

We then multiply each term of 3a2 + 2a – 1 to a3 – 4a + 1

Applying the principle of distributive property:

Putting together the terms and combining like terms:

Therefore, the answer is 3a5 + 2a4 – 13a3 – 5a2 + 6a – 1.

Example 2: Multiply 5x2y + y + 2 by y2 + 3x – 1

Solution: Expressing the mathematical problem above as a mathematical sentence, we have:

(5x2y + y + 2)(y2 + 3x – 1)

We multiply each term of 5x2y + y + 2 to y2 + 3x – 1:

5x2y(y2 + 3x – 1) + y(y2 + 3x – 1) + 2(y2 + 3x – 1)

Applying the distributive property:

5x2y(y2 + 3x – 1) + y(y2 + 3x – 1) + 2(y2 + 3x – 1)

        (5x2y3 + 15x3y – 5x2y) + (y3 + 3xy – y) + (2y2 + 6x – 2)

Combining like terms and writing the resulting polynomial in standard form:

(5x2y3 + 15x3y – 5x2y) + (y3 + 3xy – y) + (2y2 + 6x – 2)

   5x2y3 + 15x3y – 5x2y + y3 + 2y2 + 3xy + 6x – y – 2

Therefore the answer is 5x2y3 + 15x3y – 5x2y + y3 + 2y2 + 3xy + 6x – y – 2

The next chapter will discuss different techniques to multiply polynomials under different conditions. We call
these techniques “special products.” This includes multiplying a binomial by another binomial, squaring a
binomial, cubing a binomial, and so on.

4. Division of Polynomials
To divide polynomials, we use the long division method. This method allows us to use the division brackets
used to divide whole numbers.

Suppose we want to divide 25x2 + 10x – 15 by 5x + 5

25x2 + 10x – 15 ÷ (5x + 5)

We first have to put  25x2 + 10x – 15 inside the division bracket and then put 5x + 5 outside of it.

Next, we divide the first term of the polynomial inside the division bracket by the first term of the polynomial
outside the division bracket. To perform this, we apply the quotient rule. We put the result above the bracket
and aligned it to the first term of the polynomial inside the bracket.

We divide 25x2 by 5x and obtain 5x. We then put this answer (i.e., 5x) above the division bracket, ensuring it’s
aligned with the first term of the dividend.
Then, we multiply the divisor by the answer we obtained earlier and subtract the answer from the dividend.

This means we multiply 5x + 5 by 5x to obtain 25x2 + 25x. We then subtract 25x2 + 25x from 25x2 + 10x to
obtain -15x. 

We bring down – 15 to create a new polynomial.

We repeat the things we performed above.

Hence, the answer is 5x – 3.

Special Products and Factoring

The previous chapter taught you how to multiply polynomials. However, you may have realized that
multiplying polynomials requires a lot of brute force and is oftentimes cumbersome.
Fortunately, there are some instances when multiplying polynomials becomes easier and more
convenient, thanks to different techniques developed by some mathematicians. The result we obtain
when multiplying polynomials under special circumstances is called special products.

This reviewer covers the different special products as well as the process of factoring, which is
related to special products.

Table of Contents
Part I: Special Products
What Are Special Products?
Special Cases Resulting in Special Products
1. Multiplying a Binomial by Another Binomial (FOIL Method)
How To Use the FOIL Method in 5 Steps
2. Squaring a Binomial
3. Difference between two squares
4. Cubing a binomial
Part II: Factoring
What Is Factoring?
Factoring Techniques
1. Factoring by the Greatest Common Factor
a. How To Factor a Monomial Using the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
b. How To Factor a Polynomial Using the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
2. Factoring a Quadratic Trinomial
a. How To Factor a Quadratic Trinomial if a = 1
b. How To Factor a Quadratic Trinomial if a ≠ 1
3. Factoring a Perfect Square Trinomial
How To Factor a Perfect Square Trinomial in 3 Steps
4. Factoring the Difference of Two Squares

Part I: Special Products

What Are Special Products?
Special products are the result when we multiply polynomials in some special cases, which include:

 Multiplying a binomial by another binomial (FOIL method)

 Squaring a binomial (multiplying a binomial by itself)
 Difference of two squares (multiplying binomials with the same terms but with opposite signs)
 Cubing a binomial (multiplying a binomial by itself thrice)
Don’t worry if you cannot grasp now what each case means. You’ll gradually understand these cases
as we go along with this reviewer.

You might also notice that special products seem to be exclusive for binomials. There are also special
products with trinomials. However, we will be focusing only on the special cases above since these
are the ones that are usually applied in algebra, such as when solving quadratic
equations and simplifying rational algebraic expressions.

Special Cases Resulting in Special Products

1. Multiplying a Binomial by Another Binomial (FOIL Method)
Let us start with the first special case. This case involves multiplying a binomial by another binomial. 

You have learned from the previous chapter that we can apply the distributive property to multiply
these binomials. However, the FOIL method provides us with an easier way to multiply binomials.

FOIL stands for First Terms, Outer Terms, Inner Terms, and Last Terms. The FOIL method is a
technique used to multiply two binomials.

How To Use the FOIL Method in 5 Steps

1. Multiply the first terms of the binomials.

2. Multiply the outer terms of the binomials.
3. Multiply the inner terms of the binomials.
4. Multiply the last terms of the binomials.
5. Combine like terms.

Example 1: Compute for (x + 3)(x + 2).

Solution: Let us use the FOIL method to compute for (x + 3)(x + 2).

Step 1: Multiply the first terms of the binomials. The first terms of the binomials are both x. Hence,
x times x is equal to x2.

Step 2: Multiply the outer terms of the binomials. The outer terms are the first term of the first
binomial and the last term of the second binomial. That is, x times two is equal to 2x.

Step 3: Multiply the inner terms of the binomials. The inner terms are the first binomial’s second
term and the second binomial’s first term. That is, three times x is equal to 3x.
Step 4: Multiply the last terms of the binomials. The last terms of (x + 3) and (x + 2) are 3 and 2,
respectively. Thus, 3 x 2 = 6

Step 5: Combine like terms. So far, we have obtained x2 + 2x + 3x + 6. Note that we can combine
2x and 3x since they are like terms.

Therefore, using the FOIL method, (x + 3)(x + 2) = x2 + 5x + 6

Example 2: Use the FOIL method to multiply (3x – 1) by (x + 7)

Solution:

Step 1: Multiply the first terms of the binomials.

Step 2: Multiply the outer terms of the binomials.

Step 3: Multiply the inner terms of the binomials.

Step 4: Multiply the last terms of the binomials.

Step 5: Combine like terms

Hence, using the FOIL method, (3x – 1)(x + 7) = 3x2 + 20x – 7.

 
2. Squaring a Binomial
In the previous section, you have learned how to multiply a binomial by another binomial. How about
if we multiply a binomial by itself?

If we multiply a binomial by itself, we obtain the square of that binomial. For instance, if we multiply (x
+ 3) by itself, we have this mathematical sentence:

(x + 3)(x + 3) 

We can also express (x + 3)(x + 3) as (x + 3)2. (x + 3)2 is the square of (x + 3).

Now, what is (x + 3)2 or (x + 3)(x + 3) equal to?

You may use the FOIL method to answer this. However, I’ll teach you another technique to determine the
square of a binomial. 

Take note that squaring binomial results in a trinomial. If the square of a binomial leads to a
trinomial, we say that the square of the binomial is expanded.

How To Square a Binomial in 4 Steps

The square of a binomial (x + y)2  is equal to x2 + 2xy + y2. 

This means that to square a binomial, you should:

1. Square the first term of the binomial.

2. Multiply the first and second term of the binomial then multiply the product by 2.
3. Square the last term of the binomial.
4. Combine the results you have obtained from Step 1 to Step 3.
Example 1: Expand (x + 3)2

Solution:

Step 1: Square the first term of the binomial. The first term of the binomial is x. Squaring x means
raising it to the power of 2. Therefore, the square of x is simply x 2.
Step 2: Multiply the product of the first and second terms of the binomial by 2. The first term is x, while the
second term is 3. Multiplying them together, we have 3 times x or 3x. Afterward,  we multiply the result by 2.
Therefore, we have 6x.

Step 3: Square the last term of the binomial. The last term of the binomial is 3, and its square is
equal to 32 = 9. 

Step 4: Combine the results you have obtained from Step 1 to Step 3. Combining the results we
have obtained from the first three steps, we have x 2 + 6x + 9

Therefore, (x + 3)2 = x2 + 6x + 9

We have stated earlier that squaring binomial leads to a trinomial. It is important to note that the kind
of trinomial you will obtain when you square a binomial is called a perfect square trinomial. x 2 + 6x + 9
is an example of a perfect square trinomial since it was derived from a square of a binomial,
particularly (x + 3)2.

Example 2: Expand (p – q)2

Solution:
Thus, (p – q)2 = p2 – 2pq + q2

Example 3: Compute for (2z – 3)(2z – 3)

Solution: We can express (2z – 3)(2z – 3) as (2z – 3)2. This means we can apply the steps on
squaring a binomial to determine the answer to (2z – 3)(2z – 3).

Thus, (2z – 3)(2z – 3) = 4z2 – 12z + 9

Example 4: What is the product of (5x – 2)(5x – 2)?

Solution: We can express (5x – 2)(5x – 2) as (5x – 2)2. This means we can apply the steps on
squaring a binomial to determine the answer to (5x – 2)(5x  – 2).
Therefore, (5x – 2)(5x – 2) = 25x2 – 20x + 4

As you practice further, you will realize that it is manageable to square a binomial using mental
calculation. For instance, let us try to expand (2w – 3) 2 mentally.

The square of the first term (i.e., 2w) is 4w2.

Multiply the first and second terms: 2w times – 3 is -6w. Multiply -6w by 2, and we have -12w.

Then, we square the last term, which is -3: (-3) 2 = 9

Combining what we have obtained, we have 4w2 – 12w + 9.

 
3. Difference between two squares
The difference between two squares is a special product we obtain when we multiply binomials with
the same terms but with opposite signs (i.e., one uses a positive/addition sign while the other has a
negative/subtraction sign).
For instance, if we multiply (x + y) by (x – y), we will obtain a difference of two squares since (x + y)
and (x – y) have the same terms (which are x and y) but opposite signs.

If we multiply binomials with the same terms and one binomial has an addition sign while the other
has a subtraction sign, the result is just the square of the first term minus the square of the second
term; hence, the term difference of two squares.

Example 1: Compute for (x + 3)(x – 3).

Solution: Since the binomials have the same terms but with opposite signs, we can conclude that the
result will be a difference of two squares.

We square the first term (x) to obtain x2 and square the second term (3) to obtain the answer, so we
obtain 9.

Since we have concluded earlier that the result is a difference of two squares, we just put a minus
sign between x2 and 9.

Therefore, (x + 3)(x – 3) = x2 – 9

Example 2: What is the product of (5y – a)(5y + a)?

Solution: Since the binomials have the same terms but with opposite signs, we can conclude that the
result will be a difference of two squares.

Squaring the first term: (5y)2 = 25y2

Squaring the second term: (a)2 = a2

Thus, the answer is 25y2 – a2

Example 3: Compute for (a2 + b2)(a2 – b2)

Solution: Since the binomials have the same terms but with opposite signs, we can conclude that the
result will be a difference of two squares.

Squaring the first term: (a2)2 = a4 (take note that we apply the power rule here)
Squaring the second term: (b2)2 = b4 

Therefore, the answer is a4 – b4

Example 4: Multiply (1 – 3p)(1 + 3p)

Solution:

Squaring the first term: (1)2 = 1

Squaring the second term: (-3p)2 = 9p2

Therefore, (1 – 3p)(1 + 3p) = 1 – 9p2

Example 5: What is [(x + y) – 2][(x + y) + 2] in expanded form?

Solution: Although three terms seem to be involved in each expression, we can consider (x + y) as a

single term since it is grouped using a parenthesis. Thus, we have two terms for each expression and
can consider them binomials.

Since the binomials have the same terms but with opposite signs, we can conclude that the result will
be a difference of two squares.

Squaring the first term: (x + y)2 

Squaring the second term: (2)2 = 4

Thus, we have (x + y)2 – 4

However, note that (x + y)2 can be expanded further since it is a square of a binomial.

Applying the steps on squaring a binomial. We have: (x + y) 2 = x2 + 2xy + y2

Thus, (x + y)2 – 4 = x2 + 2xy + y2 – 4

Therefore, the answer is x2 + 2xy + y2 – 4

 
4. Cubing a binomial
Whereas the square of a binomial is the product obtained when we multiply a binomial by itself,
a cube of a binomial is what you get when you multiply the same binomial by itself three times.

The cube of a binomial (x + y) can be expressed as:

(x + y)3 = (x + y)(x + y)(x + y)

How to Cube a Binomial in 5 Steps

To find the cube of a binomial:

1. Cube the first term of the binomial (or raise the first term to the exponent of 3).
2. Multiply the square of the first term by the second term, then multiply the product by 3.
3. Multiply the first term by the square of the second term, then multiply the product by 3.
4. Cube the last term (or raise the last term to the exponent of 3).
5. Combine the results you have obtained from Steps 1 – 4.
You must also need to consider the operation used in the binomial. If it’s addition, all of the terms of
the expansion are positive. On the other hand, if the operation is subtraction, the second and the last
terms are negative, and the rest are positive.

In symbols,

(x + y)3 = x3 + 3x2y  + 3xy2 + y3

    (x – y)3 = x3 – 3x2y + 3xy2 – y3

Example 1: Expand (a + 1)3

Solution:

Step 1: Cube the first term of the binomial (or raise the first term to the exponent of 3). The first
term of the binomial is a. Cube of a is just a3.

Step 2: Multiply the square of the first term by the second term, then multiply the product by 3.
The first term of the binomial is a, and its square is a2. We multiply a2 by the second term, which is 1.
Hence, a2 ✕ 1 = a2. Finally, we multiply a2 by 3 to obtain 3a2.

Step 3: Multiply the first term by the square of the second term, then multiply the product by 3.
The first term of the binomial, which is a, must be multiplied by the square of the second term, which
is 1 (12 = 1). Thus, we have a ✕ 1 = a. We multiply a by 3 to obtain 3a.

Step 4: Cube the last term (or raise the last term to the exponent of 3). The last term of the
binomial is 1, and its cube is just 13 = 1.
Step 5: Combine the results you have obtained from Steps 1 – 4. Combining what we have
obtained from Steps 1 – 4, we have a3 + 3a2 + 3a + 1.

Since (a + 1)3 has the addition sign, it means that the terms of the expansions must be all positive.

Therefore, (a + 1)3 = a3 + 3a2 + 3a + 1.

Example 2: Expand (2a – b)3

Solution:

Let us apply the steps on how to cube a binomial:

Step 1: Cube the first term of the binomial (or raise the first term to the exponent of 3). The first
term is 2a, and its cube is (2a)3 = 8a3.

Step 2: Multiply the square of the first term by the second term, then multiply the product by
3. The first term is 2a, and its square is 4a2. We multiply the latter by the second term, which is b.
Hence, 4a2 ✕ b = 4a2b . Then, we multiply the product by 3: 4a2b ✕ 3 = 12a2b.

Step 3: Multiply the first term by the square of the second term, then multiply the product by 3.
The first term of the binomial is 2a. We multiply 2a by the square of the second term (the second term
is b, and its square is b2). Thus, 2a ✕ b2 = 2ab2. Then, we multiply the product by 3 to give the
following result: 2ab2 ✕ 3 = 6ab2

Step 4: Cube the last term (or raise the last term to the exponent of 3). The last term of the
binomial is b, and the cube of b is b3.

Step 5: Combine the results you have obtained from Steps 1 – 4

Since the binomial (2a – b) involves a subtraction sign, the expansion’s second and last terms must
be negative, and the remaining terms must be positive.

Therefore, the answer is 8a3 –  12a2b + 6ab2 – b3.

PART II: FACTORING

What Is Factoring?
Factoring is determining the factors of a certain expression or polynomial. We can consider factoring
as the reverse process of multiplying polynomials. 

Based on what we’ve learned from the previous chapter in Arithmetic about factors and multiples,
factors are the numbers we multiply to obtain the product. Just like numbers, some polynomials also
have factors. Through factoring, we will be able to determine what these factors are.

For example, the trinomial x2 + 4x + 3 can be factored as (x + 1)(x + 3). Using the FOIL method, you
can verify that (x + 1)(x + 3) = x2 + 4x + 3

Factoring Techniques
We can use different factoring techniques to determine a specific polynomial’s factors. In this section,
we will study those techniques one by one:

1. Factoring by the Greatest Common Factor

Do you still remember the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) concept? This section will still apply the
same concept to factor polynomials.

Suppose we have 3x2 and 6x. How can we determine the GCF of these expressions?

We need to perform prime factorization on these expressions. To do this, we write the numerical
coefficients as a product of its prime factors and the variables with exponents in expanded form.

3x2 = 3 ⋅ x ⋅ x

6x = 2 ⋅ 3 ⋅ x

To find the GCF of these expressions, we take the common factors of the expressions and multiply
them together. In our list above, note that the common factors are three and x. Thus, the GCF of
3x2 and 6x is 3x.
a. How To Factor a Monomial Using the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
A quicker way to determine the GCF of monomials is by following these steps:

1. Find the GCF of the numerical coefficients.

2. Obtain the common variables and write the smallest exponent among these common variables.
3. Multiply what you have obtained from Steps 1 and 2. The result is the GCF of the monomials.
Example 1: Find the GCF of 35y2 and 49y3.

Solution:

Step 1: Find the GCF of the numerical coefficients. The GCF of 35 and 49 is 7.

Step 2: Obtain the common variables and write the smallest exponent among these common
variables. The common variable between 35y2 and 49y3 is y. We put the smallest exponent among
the common variables to y. Notice that the smallest exponent is 2. So we put two as the exponent
of y. Thus, we have y2.

Step 3: Multiply what you have obtained from Steps 1 and 2. We have obtained seven from Step
1 and y2 from Step 2. Thus, the GCF is 7y2.

Example 2: What is the GCF of -16x2y3 and 2xy4z?

Solution:

Step 1: Find the GCF of the numerical coefficients. The GCF of -16 and 2 is -2.

Step 2: Obtain the common variables and write the smallest exponent among these common
variables. The common variables between the given monomials are x and y. The smallest exponent
in x is one, while the smallest exponent in y is three. Thus, we have xy3.

Step 3: Multiply what you have obtained from Steps 1 and 2. We have obtained -2 from Step 1
and xy3 from Step 2. Thus, the GCF is -2xy3.

Example 3: What is the GCF of a4b3c and ab5c2?

Solution:

Step 1: Find the GCF of the numerical coefficients. Both expressions have a numerical coefficient
of 1. Thus, the GCF is 1.

Step 2: Obtain the common variables and write the smallest exponent among these common
variables. The common variables are a, b, and c. The smallest exponent of a is 1, the smallest
exponent of b is 3, and the smallest exponent of c is 1. Thus, we have ab3c.

Step 3: Multiply what you have obtained from Steps 1 and 2. We have obtained one from Step 1
and ab3c from Step 2. Thus, the GCF is ab3c.

Now that you have an idea of how to find the GCF of some monomials. Let us use the same
technique to factor polynomials.

b. How To Factor a Polynomial Using the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

Let us try to factor 15x2 + 3 using its GCF. Again, recall that factoring means determining the factors
of a certain expression.

The first step is to determine the GCF of the terms of the polynomial. The terms of 15x 2 + 3 are
15x2 and 3. Thus, we need to find the GCF of 15x2 and 3.

Using the steps we have learned earlier to find the GCF of monomials (since both 15x 2 and 3 are
monomials), we can obtain the GCF, which is 3.

The next step is to divide each polynomial term by the GCF. 

Combining them will give us 5x2 + 1. This means that the GCF (which is 3) and 5x2 + 1 are the factors
of 15x2 + 3.

Therefore, if we factor 15x2 + 3, we have 3(5x2 + 1). Using the distributive property, you can verify that
3(5x2 + 1) = 15x2 + 3.

The factors we obtained by factoring a polynomial using the GCF are prime factors. They are called
as such because we cannot factor them any further. In our previous example, three and 5x 2 + 1 are
prime factors.

Example 1: Factor 14a2b3 – 32a3b

Solution:

The GCF of the terms of the given polynomial is 2a2b.

We divide the terms of the given polynomial by the GCF:

By dividing the terms by the GCF, we can obtain 7b 2 and -16a. Combining them will give us 7b2 – 16a.

This means that the GCF (which is 2a2b) and 7b2 – 16a are the factors of 14a2b3 – 32a3b

Therefore, if we factor 14a2b3 – 32a3b, we’ll have 2a2b(7b2 – 16a). You can verify using the distributive
property that 2a2b(7b2 – 16a) = 14a2b3 – 32a3b

Example 2: Factor -21pq2r + 9pqr

Solution:

The GCF of the terms of the given polynomial is -3pqr.

Dividing each term of the given polynomial by -3pqr:

We have obtained 7q and -3. Combining them will give us 7q – 3.

Thus, -21pq2r + 9pqr = –3pqr(7q – 3).

Example 3: Factor ab + ad

Solution:

The GCF of the terms of the given polynomial is a.

If we divide each polynomial term by a, we will obtain b and d, respectively. Combining them will give
us b + d.

Therefore, ab + ad = a(b + d). 

Example 4: Factor -12x2 + 9x + 3 using the Greatest Common Factor.

Solution:

The GCF of the terms of the given polynomial is -3.

Dividing each term of the polynomial by -3: 

We have obtained 4x2, -3x, and -1. Combining them will give us 4x2 -3x – 1.

Therefore, -12x2 + 9x + 3 = -3(4x2 -3x – 1).

Factoring using the GCF is a powerful technique to determine the factors of an expression. However,
not every expression is factorable this way. For instance, x 2 + 6x + 9 is factorable, but its terms’ GCF
is 1. We cannot use the steps we have discussed above to factor x 2 + 6x + 9. The next section will
discuss another way to factor an expression.

 
2. Factoring a Quadratic Trinomial
A quadratic trinomial is a trinomial in ax2 + bx + c form, where a, b, and c are real numbers, but a is
not equal to 0. We usually encounter quadratic trinomials when we perform the FOIL method. For
example, if we multiply x + 2 by x + 3:
x2 + 5x + 6 is an example of a quadratic trinomial since it is in the ax2 + bx + c form.

Other examples of a quadratic trinomial are a 2 + 7a + 10; 4x2 + 8x + 1; y2 + 4y + 3; and so on.

Example 1: Is 8x2 + 2x + x a quadratic trinomial?

Solution: No. Note that we can combine 2x and x since they are like terms. Thus, 8x2 + 2x + x is
actually 8x2 + 3x. 8x2 + 3x, although it is quadratic, is not a trinomial.

a. How To Factor a Quadratic Trinomial if a = 1

Let us begin with the simplest type of quadratic trinomials: those whose leading coefficient is one,
such as x2 + 5x + 6.

A quadratic trinomial can be obtained by multiplying two binomials by the FOIL method. Hence, if we
factor a quadratic trinomial, there should be two binomials.

Here are the steps to factor a quadratic trinomial if a = 1:

1. Write the binomials with the first terms as the square root of the leading term of the given quadratic
trinomial.
2. Think of the factors of the third term whose sum equals the second term.
3. Write the numbers you have obtained from Step 2 as the second term of the binomials.
Example 1: Let us apply these steps to factor x2 + 5x + 6.

Solution:

Step 1: Write the binomials with the first terms as the square root of the leading term of the
given quadratic trinomial. We start by writing two binomials with x as the first term.

Step 2: Think of the factors of the third term whose sum equals the second term. The third term
of x2 + 5x + 6 is 6. Think of the factors of 6 that will give you the second term (5).

Here are the factors of 6 and their sums:

 1 and 6 (sum: 1 + 6 = 7)
 -6 and -1 (sum: -1 + (-6) = -7)
 3 and 2 (sum: 3 + 2 = 5)
 -3 and -2 (sum: (-3) + (-2) = -5)
Looking at pairs of factors of 6 above, the sum of 3 and 2 equals the second term, which is 5.

Step 3: Write the numbers you have obtained from Step 2 as the second term of the
binomials. In this case, 3 and 2 are the factors of 6 we obtained from Step 2, so these numbers
become the second term of the binomials:
Thus, the factored form of x2 + 5x + 6 is (x + 3)(x + 2).

Example 2: Factor x2 + 8x + 15.

Solution:

Step 1: Write the binomials with the first terms as the square root of the leading term of the
given quadratic trinomial. We start by writing two binomials with x as the first term.

Step 2: Think of the factors of the third term whose sum equals the second term. The third term
of x2 + 8x + 15 is 15. Think of the factors of 15 that will give you the second term (8).

Here are the factors of 15 and their sums:

 1 and 15 (sum: 1 + 15 = 16)

 -1 and -15 (sum: -1 + (-15) = -16)
 3 and 5 (sum: 3 + 5 = 8)
 -3 and -5 (sum: (-3) + (-5) = -8)
Looking at the pairs of factors of 15 above, the sum of 3 and 5 equals the second term, which is 8.

Step 3: Write the numbers you have obtained from Step 2 as the second term of the
binomials. In this case, the numbers 3 and 5 each become the second term of the binomials:

Thus, the factored form of x2 + 8x + 15 is (x + 3)(x + 5).

Example 3: Factor x2 – 12x + 27.

Solution:

Step 1: Write the binomials with the first terms as the square root of the leading term of the
given quadratic trinomial. We start by writing two binomials with x as the first term:

Step 2: Think of the factors of the third term whose sum equals the second term. The third term
of x2 – 12x + 27 is 27. Think of the factors of 27 that will give you the second term (which is -12).

Here are the factors of 27 and their sums:

 9 and 3 (sum: 9 + 3 = 12)

 -9 and -3 (sum: -9 + (-3) = -12)
 27 and 1 (sum: 27 + 1 = 28)
 -27 and -1 (sum: (-27) + (-1) = -28)
Looking at the pairs of factors of 27 above, the sum of -9 and -3 equals the second term of -12.

Step 3: Write the numbers you have obtained from Step 2 as the second term of the
binomials. In this case, the numbers -9 and -3 we have obtained from Step 2 become the second
term of the binomials:

Thus, the factored form of x2 – 12x + 27 is (x + (-9))(x + (-3)) or more appropriately, (x – 9)(x – 3).
b. How To Factor a Quadratic Trinomial if   a  ≠ 1
The previous section discussed factoring quadratic trinomials if a = 1. However, not every quadratic
trinomial has a leading coefficient of 1. Most of the quadratic trinomials we will encounter in
mathematics have a leading term that is not equal to 1.

So how do we factor quadratic trinomials with a leading coefficient not equal to 1, such as 2x 2 + 5x +
2; 3x2 – 4x + 1; and 6x2 – x – 1?

Here are the steps to factor a quadratic trinomial if a ≠ 1:

1. Multiply the coefficients of the first and third terms of the quadratic trinomial. 
2. Think of the factors of the number you have obtained in Step 1, whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the
second term.
3. Expand the second term of the trinomial using the factors you have obtained from Step 2. After expanding,
the expression should now consist of four terms.
4. Group the trinomial into two groups.
5. Factor out the GCF of each group. Once you have factored out the GCF, expect a common binomial.
6. Factor out the common binomial.
The steps seem to be intimidating, but we will discuss them one by one in our succeeding examples:

Example 1: Factor 3x2 – 4x + 1.

Solution:

Step 1: Multiply the coefficients of the first and third terms of the quadratic trinomial. The
coefficient of the first term is three, while the coefficient of the third term is one. Multiplying these two
numbers to each other will give us the number 3 as the product.

Step 2: Think of the factors of the number you have obtained in Step 1, whose sum is equal to
the coefficient of the second term. The number we have obtained from Step 1 is 3. Consider the
factors of 3 such that their sum is the coefficient of the second term, which is -4.

Here are the factors of 3 together with their sums:

 3 and 1 (sum is 4)
 -3 and -1 (sum is -4)
As you can see, the factors of 3 that give -4 as their sum are -3 and -1.

Step 3: Expand the second term of the trinomial using the factors you have obtained from
Step 2. After expanding, the expression should now consist of four terms. The second term of
the trinomial  3x2 – 4x + 1 is -4x. We will expand it by replacing it with the numbers obtained from Step
2. Recall that we have obtained -3 and -1 from Step 2.  Thus, we will replace -4x with -3x and -1x:

3x2 – 3x – 1x + 1

Step 4: Group the trinomial into two groups. We group the trinomials using parentheses:
 (3x2 – 3x) – (1x + 1)

Step 5: Factor out the GCF of each group. Once you have factored out the GCF, expect a
common binomial.

We have (3x2 – 3x) – (1x + 1). The first group is 3x2 – 3x, while the second group is 1x + 1 or x + 1.
The GCF of the first group is 3x, while the GCF of the second group is 1. We factor out the GCF of
the respective groups:

3x(x – 1) – 1(x – 1)

Note that (x – 1) is the common binomial to 3x(x – 1) – 1(x – 1).

Step 6: Factor out the common binomial. In 3x(x – 1) – 1(x – 1), (x – 1) is the common binomial.
We factor it out to complete the factoring process.

(x – 1)(3x – 1)

Therefore, the factored form of 3x2 – 4x + 1 = (x – 1)(3x – 1)

Here’s a preview of what we have performed above:

3x2 – 4x + 1 

3x2 – 3x – x + 1

(3x2 – 3x) – (x + 1)

3x(x – 1) – 1(x – 1)

(3x – 1)(x – 1)

Example 2: Factor 2x2 + 5x + 2.

Solution:

Step 1: Multiply the coefficients of the first and third terms of the quadratic trinomial. The
coefficient of the first term is two, while the coefficient of the third term is two. Their product is 4.

Step 2: Think of the factors of the number you have obtained in Step 1, whose sum is equal to
the coefficient of the second term. The number we have obtained from Step 1 is 4. Consider the
factors of 4 such that their sum is the coefficient of the second term, which is 5.

Here are the factors of 4 together with their sums:

 4 and 1 (sum is 5)
 -4 and -1 (sum is -5)
 2 and 2 (sum is 4)
 -2 and -2 (sum is -4)
As you can see, the factors of 4 that give five as their sum are 4 and 1.

Step 3: Expand the second term of the trinomial using the factors you have obtained from
Step 2. After expanding, the expression should now consist of four terms. The second term of
the trinomial 2x2 + 5x + 2 is 5x. We will expand it by replacing it with the numbers obtained from Step
2. Recall that we have obtained 4 and 1 from Step 2. Thus, we will replace 5 with 4 and 1:

2x2 + 4x + x + 2

Step 4: Group the trinomial into two groups. We group the trinomials using parentheses:

(2x2 + 4x) + (x + 2)

Step 5: Factor out the GCF of each group. Once you have factored out the GCF, expect a common
binomial.

Continuing from the previous step, we have (2x 2 + 4x) + (x + 2). The first group is 2x2 + 4x, while the
second is x + 2. The GCF of the first group is 2x while the GCF of the second group is 1. We factor
out the GCF of the respective groups:

2x(x + 2) + 1(x + 2)

Note that (x + 2) is the common binomial to 2x(x + 2) + 1(x + 2).

Step 6: Factor out the common binomial. In 2x(x + 2) + (x + 2), (x + 2) is the common binomial.
We factor it out to complete the factoring process.

(x + 2)(2x + 1)

Therefore, the factored form of 2x2 + 5x + 2 = (x + 2)(2x + 1)

 
3. Factoring a Perfect Square Trinomial
In the previous section, we discussed how to factor quadratic trinomials. However, it is interesting that
some special quadratic trinomials can be factored easily without performing the above steps. What
are these quadratic trinomials?

A perfect square trinomial is a quadratic trinomial that is derived from squaring a binomial.

Suppose (x + 1)2, which we know using the techniques in squaring a binomial, equals x 2 + 2x + 1.
Since x2 + 2x + 1 was derived by squaring x + 1 (a binomial), then x 2 + 2x + 1 is a perfect square
trinomial.

How can we determine if a quadratic trinomial is a perfect square trinomial?

Simple: Get the square root of the first term and the square root of the third term. Multiply them
together, then double it. If the result is equal to the second term of the trinomial, then that quadratic
trinomial is a perfect square trinomial.
For example, x2 + 2x + 1 is a perfect square trinomial. To prove this, we get the square root of the first
term (square root of x2 is x) and the square root of the third term (square root of 1 is 1). Multiply them
(1 multiplied by x is equal to x) and double it (x times 2 is 2x), and the result is equal to the second
term (which is 2x). 

Example: Is x2 + 6x + 9 a perfect square trinomial?

Solution:
How To Factor a Perfect Square Trinomial in 3 Steps
Once you have confirmed that a quadratic trinomial is a perfect square trinomial, you can factor it
using the steps below:

1. Get the square root of the first term. It is the first term of our factors.
2. Get the positive square root of the last term. It is the second term of our factors.
3. The factors will have a subtraction sign if the perfect square trinomial has a subtraction sign. Otherwise,
they will be using an addition sign.
Take note that the factors of a perfect square trinomial are two identical binomials.

Example 1: Factor x2 + 14x + 49.

Solution:

Step 1: Get the square root of the first term. It is the first term of our factors. The first term
is x2,  and its square root is x. Thus, x is the first term of our factors.
Step 2: Get the positive square root of the last term. It is the second term of our factors. The
last term is 49, and its square root is 7. Thus, 7 is the last term of our factors.

Important Note: When we get the square root of a number, we obtain two values–one is positive,
and the other is a negative number. For instance, the square root of 49 is 7 and -7. However, in this
case of factoring perfect square trinomials, we will only consider the positive square root of the third
term.

Step 3: The factors will have a subtraction sign if the perfect square trinomial has a
subtraction sign. Otherwise, they will be using an addition sign.

Since x2 + 14x + 49 has no subtraction sign involved, the binomials do not have a subtraction sign but
an addition sign.
Thus, x2 + 14x + 49 = (x + 7)(x + 7)

Example 2: Factor x2 – 18x + 81.

Solution:

Step 1: Get the square root of the first term. It is the first term of our factors.

The square root of x2 is x.

Step 2: Get the positive square root of the last term. It is the second term of our factors.

The square root of 81 is 9.

Step 3: If the perfect square trinomial has a subtraction sign, the factors will have a
subtraction sign. Otherwise, they will be using an addition sign.
Thus, x2 – 18x + 81 = (x – 9)(x – 9)

 
4. Factoring the Difference of Two Squares
A difference of two squares is a binomial in the form a2 – b2. In the first part of this review, you
learned that the difference between two squares is obtained when two binomials with the same terms
but with opposite signs are multiplied together.

To factor a difference between two squares:

1. Get the square root of the first term and the square root of the last term.
2. Express the factors as the sum and difference of the quantities you have obtained in Step 1.
Example: Factor a2 – 9.

Solution:

Step 1: Get the square root of the first term and the square root of the last term. The square
root of the first term is a, while the square root of the second term is 3.

Step 2: Express the factors as the sum and difference of the quantities you have obtained in
Step 1. Expressing the quantities we have obtained from Step 1 as sum and difference, we have (a –
3)(a + 3).

Thus, the answer is (a – 3)(a + 3).

 
 How To Solve Linear Equations
Algebra is like solving a puzzle that challenges you to find a missing piece. In the case of algebra,
that missing piece comes as an unknown value.

Solving equations is the “puzzle-solving” part of algebra. In this chapter, you’ll learn how to find the
value of an unknown variable of a linear equation, just like looking for a missing piece in a puzzle. 

Table of Contents
What Is an Equation?
The Solution to an Equation
Properties of Equality
1. Reflexive Property of Equality
2. Symmetric Property of Equality
3. Transitive Property of Equality
4. Addition Property of Equality (APE)
5. Subtraction Property of Equality (SPE)
6. Multiplication Property of Equality (MPE)
7. Division Property of Equality
8. Distributive Property of Equality
9. Substitution Property of Equality
Linear Equations in One Variable
How To Solve Linear Equations in One Variable
Transposition Method
Applying the Division Property of Equality to Solve Linear Equations in One Variable
More Examples of Solving Linear Equations in One Variable
Solving Word Problems Using Linear Equations in One Variable
Linear Equations in Two Variables (Systems of Linear Equations)
Solutions of Linear Equations in Two Variables
How To Solve a System of Linear Equations
1. How To Solve a System of Linear Equations by Substitution
2. How To Solve a System of Linear Equations by Elimination

 
What Is an Equation?
An equation is a mathematical statement that tells you that two quantities are equal in value. 

To determine whether a mathematical statement is an equation, look for the equal sign (=). If there’s
a presence of an equal sign, then the mathematical statement is an equation.

For instance, 3 + 3 = 6 is an equation because it has an equal sign. 3 + 3 = 6 tells us that the value of
3 + 3 is equivalent to the value of 6.

Example: Which of the following are equations?

a. 2x + 3 = – 9

b. x = – 7

c. x – 5

Solution: The mathematical statements in a and b are equations because they have an equal sign.
On the other hand, c is not an equation because of the absence of an equal sign.

In an equation, it is essential to recognize its left and right sides.

 The left-hand side of the equation – quantities on the left of the equal sign.
 The right-hand side of the equation – quantities on the right of the equal sign.

In the above example, the left-hand side of the equation 2x + 3 = -9 is 2x + 3, while its right-hand side
is -9.

 
The Solution to an Equation
An equation involves a variable or a value that is unknown or not determined yet. When we say “solve an
equation,” we mean to determine the value that unknown variable represents to make the equation hold.  

For example, x + 9 = 10 is an equation telling us that x + 9 must be equivalent to 10.

x is the unknown variable in the equation. When we solve for x + 9 = 10, we determine the value
of x so that x + 9 equals 10.

If x = 1, the left-hand side of the equation and the right-hand side of the equation will be of the same
value.

Once we have shown that the equation’s left-hand and right-hand sides are equal, the value of
the variable we used is the solution to the equation. Therefore, the solution to the equation x + 9
= 10 is x = 1.

On the other hand, let’s say we use x = 2 for x + 9 = 10 

In this case, the left and right sides are not equal. Thus, x = 2 is not the solution to the equation x + 9
= 10.

Therefore, the solution to an equation is the value of the unknown variable that will make the
equation true. When we say that the equation is true, it means that the left-hand side and the
right-hand side of it are equal in value.

Example: Is x = 5 the solution to x + 2 = 7?

Solution: Yes, because if we substitute x = 5 to x + 2 = 7:

x+2=7

(5) + 2 = 7

   7 = 7

The left-hand side and the right-hand side of the equation are equal. Indeed, x = 5 is the solution to x
+ 2 = 7.

An equation is a puzzle with a missing piece. That missing piece is the unknown variable. When you
solve for the value of the unknown variable, you are looking for the missing piece that will complete
the puzzle or the equation. 

But how do we find that missing piece? How do we find the solution to the equation? 

The answer is we apply the properties of equality to solve an equation. In this reviewer’s next section, we will
discuss these properties.
 
Properties of Equality
The properties of equality are rules or principles that allow us to manipulate equations to determine
the values of the unknown variable. We can use the properties of equality as the logical explanation
for why we manipulate an equation in a certain way.

Here are the properties of equality: 

1. Reflexive Property of Equality

For any real number p:

p=p

This property is pretty evident and logical. The value of a number is always equal to itself. 

For instance, 1020 will always be equal to 1020. If someone tells you that 1020 = 1100, he is logically
false since 1020 is always equal to 1020 by the reflexive property.

2. Symmetric Property of Equality

For any real numbers p and q: 

If p = q, then q = p

This property tells us that if we switch the positions of the quantities on the left-hand side and the
right-hand side of the equation, the equation will still hold. This also implies that both sides of the
equation are of the same value.

For example, 3 + 4 = 1 + 6 is true. By the symmetric property of equality, 1 + 6 = 3 + 4 must also be

true.

3. Transitive Property of Equality

For any real numbers p, q, and r:

If p = q and q = r, then p = r

The transitive property of equality tells us that if a quantity is equal to a second quantity, and if the
second quantity is equal to a third quantity, then we can conclude that the first quantity is equal to the
third quantity.

For example, if we assume that x = y and y = w, then by the transitive property, we can conclude that
x = w.

Another example: We know that 10 – 5 = 2 + 3 is true. We also know that 2 + 3 = 9 – 4. By the transitive
property, we can conclude that 10 – 5 = 9 – 4. 

4. Addition Property of Equality (APE)

For any real numbers p, q, and r:

If p = q, then p + r = q + r
APE tells us that the result will still be equal if we add a specific number to two equal quantities. 

For example, 5 + 2 = 6 + 1 is true. Suppose that we add 8 to both sides of the equation:

Notice that the resulting quantities are still equal even after adding the same number to both
quantities.

APE implies that adding the same number to two equal quantities retains their equality.

5. Subtraction Property of Equality (SPE)

For any real numbers p, q, and r:

If p = q, then p – r = q – r

What if we subtract the same number from two equal quantities? Will equality be retained?

The equality will remain if we subtract a number from two equal quantities.

For instance, 5 + 2 = 6 + 1 is true. Suppose that we subtract two from both sides of the equation: 

As we can see above, equality is retained. 

SPE tells us that if we subtract two equal quantities by the same number, the results will still be equal.
6. Multiplication Property of Equality (MPE)
For any real numbers p, q, and r:

If p = q, then pr = qr

MPE tells us that the results will still be equal if we multiply two equal quantities by the same number.

For example, we know that 2 + 2 = 3 + 1. Suppose that we multiply both sides of this equation by 5:

As shown above, the results will still be equal even after multiplying both sides by the same number.

7. Division Property of Equality

For any real numbers p, q, and r where r ≠ 0:

If p = q, then p/r = q/r 

This property tells us that the results will still be equal if we divide two equal quantities by the same
number (that number can be any number but must not be equal to 0).

For example, we know that 9 = 8 + 1. Suppose that we divide both sides of this equation by 3:
As per the division property of equality, the results are still equal.

8. Distributive Property of Equality

For any real numbers p, q, and r:

p(q + r) = pq + pr

You most likely remember learning about this in the previous reviewer (i.e., multiplication of
polynomials). This property tells us that multiplying the sum of two or more addends equals the result
when we multiply the addends by that number and add them.

For example, suppose we want to double the sum of 3 and 5. We can express it as:

2(3 + 5)

By the distributive property, we can distribute 2 to each addend and preserve equality.

2(3) + 2(5)

Now, 2(3) + 2(5) = 16. Hence, 2(3 + 5) = 2(3) + 2(5) = 16

9. Substitution Property of Equality

If x = y, then either x or y can be substituted into any equation for the other.

Suppose that x + y = 12. Assuming that x = y, we can replace y with x, and the equation will still hold.

Thus, if x = y, then x + y = 12 can be x + x = 12  or y + y = 12.

Here’s a table that summarizes the properties of equality:

 Property of Equality
Summary
(Suppose that p, q, and r are real numbers)

Reflexive Property p=p

Symmetric Property If p = q, then q = p

Transitive Property If p = q and q = r, then p = r

Addition Property of Equality If p = q, then p + r = q + r

Subtraction Property of Equality If p = q, then p – r = q – r

Multiplication Property of Equality If p = q, then pr = qr

Division Property of Equality If p = q, then p/r = q/r where r  0

Distributive Property of Equality p(q + r) = pq + pr

Substitution Property of Equality If x = y and ax + by = c, then ax + bx = c or ay + by = c

We will use the properties above to manipulate equations and determine the value of an unknown
variable. In other words, these properties will be used to find the solution to an equation.

Linear Equations in One Variable

The first type of equation that we will learn how to solve is linear equations in one variable. These
equations are the simplest type of equations and the easiest ones to answer. 

Linear equations are equations such that the highest exponent of its variable is 1. The type of linear
equations we will solve in this section is those with one variable only (linear equations with more than
one variable will be discussed in the later sections).

For example, x + 3 = 9 is a linear equation since the highest exponent of its variable is 1. As you can
notice, x + 3 = 9 has only one variable involved (which is x). Thus, x + 3 = 9 is a linear equation in
one variable.

In other words, linear equations in one variable are in ax + b = c form,

where a, b, and c are real numbers and a ≠ 0.

Example: Which of the following are linear equations in one variable?

a. 2x + 7 = 19
b. x2 + 6x + 9 = 0

c. x + y = 2

Solution: The equation in a is the only linear equation in one variable among the given equations
since the highest exponent of its variable is one, and it has only one variable. The equation in b is not
linear since the highest exponent of its variable is 2 (it is a quadratic equation). Meanwhile, the
equation in c, although the highest exponent of its variable is 1, is not linear in one variable because
two variables are involved (i.e., x and y).

Furthermore, note that the equation in a is the only equation in the form ax + b = c form.

In the next section, you will learn how to solve linear equations in one variable by applying the
equality properties discussed above.

How To Solve Linear Equations in One Variable

Example 1: Let us try to solve for the value of x in x – 9 = 10.

Solution: To find the value of x, we aim to isolate the variable from the constants. If we want to solve
for x, then x must be the only quantity on the left side of the equation, and the other quantities must
be on the right side. But how can we achieve that?

x will be the only quantity on the left if we eliminate -9 on the left side. How can we then remove -9 on
the left side?

The addition property of equality (APE) states that we can add the same number to both sides of the
equation.

Applying the APE, we can add 9 to both sides of the equation so we can cancel -9 on the left side:

Now, it is seen that x = 19.

That’s it! We have solved the value of x in x – 9 = 10. The answer is x = 19.

Example 2: Solve for x in x – 12 = 22

Solution:

x – 12 = 22

x – 12 + 12 = 22 + 12        (Adding 12 to both sides of the equation)

x = 34

Hence, x = 34.

Note that the explanation for why it is valid to add 12 to both sides of the equation is that we apply the
addition property of equality.

Example 3: Solve for x in x + 10 = 52

Solution: To isolate x from the constants, we must eliminate 10 by subtracting 10 from both sides of
the equation. Subtracting the same number from both sides of the equation is valid because of the
subtraction property of equality (SPE) discussed earlier.

x + 10 = 52

x + 10 – 10 = 52 – 10  (Subtracting 10 from both sides of the equation)

x = 42

Thus, the answer is x = 42

Transposition Method
We can use a “shortcut” method instead of applying the APE or SPE. To isolate x from the constants,
we can transpose the constant to the right-hand side of the equation so that x will be the only quantity
that will remain on the left side.

Example 1: Let us solve x + 9 = 10 using the transposition method.

Solution:

We aim to isolate x from other constants by transposing 9 to the right-hand side of the equation. Once
a quantity “crosses” the equality sign, its sign reverses (i.e., from positive 9 to -9).

After transposing 9 to the right-hand side and reversing its sign, we add it to the quantity on the right-
hand side (10).
Then, we perform some arithmetic:

Thus, the answer is x = 1.

Example 2: Use the transposition method to solve for x in x – 9 = 12.

Solution: Transposing -9 to the right-hand side will reverse its sign (i.e., from negative to positive):

x = 9 + 12

x = 21
Thus, the answer is x = 21.

Example 3: Solve for x in x + 6 = 5 using the transposition method.

Solution: Transposing 6 to the right-hand side will reverse its sign (i.e., from positive to negative):

x=–6+5

x=–1

Thus, the answer is x = -1.

Example 4: Solve for x in x – 4 = – 9 using the transposition method.

Solution:

x – 4 = -9 

x = 4 + (- 9) (Transposing -4 to the right-hand side will change its sign to positive)

x = -5

Thus, the answer is x = -5.

Note: In this review, we will use the transposition method more frequently to isolate x from other
quantities. The transposition method is more convenient than adding numbers to or subtracting
numbers from both sides of the equation.

Applying the Division Property of Equality to Solve Linear Equations in One Variable
Most of the linear equations in one variable we have solved above are in ax + b = c form where a = 1
(the coefficient of x is 1)  But what if a is not equal to 1 like in 2x + 4 = 6? If this is the case, we can
solve for x by applying the division property of equality.

Example 1: Let us try to solve for x in 2x + 4 = 6.

Solution: Again, to solve for x in an equation, it must be isolated from the constants, or x should be
the only quantity on the left-hand side of the equation.

Let us start by getting rid of 4 on the left-hand side by using the transposition method:
What is left is 2x = 2. Again, we aim to make x the only quantity on the left-hand side. This means
that we need to cancel out 2 in 2x. But how do we cancel it?

We can divide both sides of the equation by two to cancel two in 2x. This is valid because equality’s
division property guarantees that dividing both sides of the equation by the same number will
preserve equality.

As we can see, the answer is x = 1. 

Here’s a quick preview of what we have done above:

2x + 4 = 6
2x = -4 + 6 (Transposing 4 to the right-hand side will turn it into -4)

2x = 2

2x⁄2 = 2⁄2 (Dividing both sides of the equation by 2)

x=1

Thus, the solution to 2x + 4 = 6 is x = 1

You can verify that x = 1 is the solution by substituting it back to 2x + 4 = 6. Notice that the equation
will be true if x = 1:

2(1) + 4 = 6

2+4=6

6=6

Example 2: Solve for x in 3x – 18 = 27

Solution: To solve for x, x should be the only quantity on the left-hand side.

We start by transposing -18 to the right-hand side. If we transpose it, it will have a positive sign.

3x = 18 + 27

3x = 45

To cancel out 3 in 3x, we divide both sides of the equation by 3:

3x⁄3= 45⁄3

x = 15

Therefore, the answer is x = 15

Example 3: Solve for x in 4x – 18 = 2

Solution: To solve for x, x should be the only quantity on the left-hand side.

We start by transposing -18 to the right-hand side. If we transpose it, it will change its sign from
negative to positive.

4x = 18 + 2

4x = 20

To cancel out 4 in 4x, we divide both sides of the equation by 4:

 4x⁄4= 20⁄4

x=5

Therefore, the answer is x = 5.

Example 4: Solve for x in 7x + 2 = 16

Solution:

7x + 2 = 16

7x = -2 + 16 Transposition Method (we transpose 2 to the right-hand side)

7x⁄7= 14⁄7 Division Property of Equality (divide both sides of the equation by 7)

x=2

More Examples of Solving Linear Equations in One Variable

This section contains more linear equations in one variable to solve. However, these equations are
trickier than we have solved since they appear in different forms. Just remember three things so you
can solve them: the properties of equality, the transposition method, and our goal to isolate x from
other constants (or x should be the only quantity on the left-hand side).

Example 1: Solve for x in 3x – 3 = x + 5

Solution: Let us put all x first on the left-hand side. We can do this by transposing the x on the right-
hand side to the left-hand side. Like numbers, variables will also reverse their sign once they cross
the equality sign.

We can then combine 3x and -x to obtain 2x:

Now, we have 2x – 3 = 5. We can apply the techniques we have learned above to solve this one:

2x – 3 = 5

2x = 3 + 5 Transposition Method

2x = 8

2x⁄2= 8⁄2 Division Property of Equality

x=4

Example 2: Solve for 9 – x = 2x – 3

Solution: We start by putting all x on the left-hand side of the equation using the transposition
method.
We can then combine -2x and -x to obtain -3x:

Thus, we have –3x + 9 = – 3. Let us now use the techniques we have learned to solve for x:

-3x + 9 = -3

-3x = -9 + (-3) Transposition Method

-3x = -12

–3x⁄-3= -12⁄-3 Division Property of Equality

x=4
Example 3: Solve for 3(2x + 1) = 15

Solution: Since 3 is multiplied by the sum of addends, we can apply the distributive property so that
our equation will be in ax + b = c form.

3(2x + 1) = 15

3(2x) + 3(1) = 15 Distribute 3 to 3(2x + 1)

6x + 3 = 15

Now, let us continue the process using the techniques we have learned in the previous sections:

6x = -3 + 15 Transposition Method

6x = 12

6x⁄6= 12⁄6 Division Property of Equality

x=2

Therefore, the answer is x = 2

Example 4: Solve for x in

Solution: If a linear equation in one variable is fractional in form, we “remove” the denominator by
multiplying both sides of the equation by the Least Common Denominator (this method is valid
because of the multiplication property of equality).

The Least Common Denominator (LCD) is the lowest common multiple of the denominators 3 and 2.
Therefore, the LCD should be 6.

We then multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD (which is 6):
Now, our equation becomes 3(3x + 2) = 2

Let us continue solving for x:

x = -4/9 

Therefore, the answer is x = -4/9

Example 5: Solve for x in

Solution:

x = -7⁄2

Solving Word Problems Using Linear Equations in One Variable

Now that you have learned the essential techniques and principles to solve linear equations in one
variable, we can apply this skill to solve some word problems.

To solve word problems using linear equations, follow these steps:

1. Read and understand the given problem and determine what is being asked.
2. Represent the unknown in the problem using a variable.
3. Construct a linear equation that will describe the problem.
4. Solve for the value of the unknown variable in the linear equation.
Example 1: The sum of a number and 5 is – 3. What is the number?

Solution:

Step 1: Read and understand the problem and determine what is being asked. The problem
asks us to determine the number such that the sum of that number and 5 is – 3.

Step 2: Represent the unknown in the problem using a variable. Let x represent the number we
are looking for.
Step 3: Construct a linear equation that will describe the problem. The problem states that the
sum of the unknown number (represented by x) and 5 is – 3. Therefore, we construct the linear
equation below:

x+5=–3

Step 4: Solve for the value of the unknown variable in the linear equation. Using the equation,
we have derived from Step 3, we solve for the value of x:

x+5=–3

x = – 5 + (-3) Transposition Method

x = -8

Thus, the number is -8.

Example 2: Fred has 52 books in his collection. He gave some of these books to Claude. Fred also
gave books to Franz. The number of books that Fred gave to Franz is twice the number of books that
he gave to Claude. The number of books left to Fred after he gave some to Claude and Franz is 22.
How many books did Claude receive?

Solution:

Step 1: Read and understand the problem and determine what is being asked. The problem is
asking us to determine the number of books Claude received from Fred.

Step 2: Represent the unknown in the problem using a variable. Let x be the number of books
that Claude received. Since Franz received twice the number of books Claude received, we let 2x be
the number Franz received.

To summarize:

 x = number of books that Claude received

 2x = number of books that Franz received
Step 3: Construct a linear equation that will describe the problem. It’s stated that after Fred gave
some books to Claude and Franz, there were only 22 books left.

We can express this statement this way:

52 – (number of books that Claude received) – (number of books that Franz received) = 22

Using the variables we have set in Step 2:

52 – x – 2x = 22

Step 4: Solve for the value of the unknown variable in the linear equation.

52 – x – 2x = 22
52 – 3x = 22 Combining like terms

-3x = -52 + 22 Transposition Method

-3x = -30

-3x⁄-3= -30⁄-3 Division Property of Equality

 x = 10

Since x represents the number of books Claude received from Fred, then Claude received ten books
from Fred.

Using the value of x we obtained in the problem, can you determine how many books Franz received
from Fred?

The answer is 20 since Franz received twice the number of books Claude received.

Example 3: The total number of participants in a mini-concert by a local band is 300. The number of
female participants in the mini-concert is half the number of male participants in the event. How many
male participants are there in the mini-concert?

Solution:

Step 1: Read and understand the problem and determine what is being asked. The problem is
asking us to determine the number of male participants in the mini-concert.

Step 2: Represent the unknown in the problem using a variable. Let x be the number of male
participants in the mini-concert. Since the number of female participants in the mini-concert is half the
number of male participants, we let ½ x represent the number of female participants in the event.

Step 3: Construct a linear equation that will describe the problem. The total number of
participants in the mini-concert is 300. We can express this as:

(Number of Male Participants) + (Number of Female Participants) = 300

Using the variables we have set in Step 2:

x + ½ x = 300

Step 4: Solve for the value of the unknown variable in the linear equation.

Let us solve for x in x + ½ x = 300

x + ½ x = 300

2(x + ½ x) = 2(300) Multiplying both sides of the equation by the LCD

2(x) + 2(½ x) = 600 Distributive Property

2x + x = 600

3x = 600

3x⁄3= 600⁄3 Division Property of Equality

x = 200

Since x represents the number of male participants in the mini-concert, there are 200 male
participants.

Linear Equations in Two Variables (Systems of Linear Equations)

As the name suggests, linear equations in two variables are linear equations with two variables
involved. For instance, x + y = 5 is an example of a linear equation in two variables because two
variables are involved (i.e., x and y).

Formally, linear equations in two variables are in ax + by = c form, where a, b, and c are real numbers
and a and b are nonzero.

Solutions of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Linear equations in two variables have two solutions: one for x and one for y. For example, one
possible solution for x + y = 5 is x = 2 and y = 3.

However, note that other x and y pairs will satisfy x + y = 5. For instance, the equation will be true if x
= 0 and y = 5. Also, if x = 1  and y = 4, the equation will also be true. In other words, there are infinite
values of x and y that will satisfy x + y = 5!

A linear equation with two variables has infinite possible x and y values. For this reason, we need
another two or more linear equations in two variables that will provide us with a single pair of values
of x and y only.

Let us add x – y = 1 in the discussion. For instance, if we solve for the values of x and y that satisfy x
+ y = 5 and x – y = 1 simultaneously, we obtain x = 3 and y = 2. Note that these x and y values are
the only ones satisfying both x + y = 5 and x – y = 1.
The pair of equations x + y = 5 and x – y = 1 is called a system of linear equations.

A system of linear equations is composed of two or more linear equations. The solution of a
system of linear equations will satisfy all of the equations in the system.

Again, the pair x + y = 5 and x – y = 1 is an example of a system of linear equations.

At x = 3 and y = 2, the equations are both satisfied:

x+y=5

(3) + (2) = 5 at x = 3 and y = 2

5=5

x–y=1

(3) – (2) = 1 at x = 3 and y = 2

1=1

Therefore, x = 3 and y = 2 is the solution of the system of linear equations x + y = 5 and x – y = 1.

How To Solve a System of Linear Equations

There are different ways of solving a system of linear equations. In this section, we will discuss two
methods: the substitution method and the elimination method. 

1. How To Solve a System of Linear Equations by Substitution

To solve a system of linear equations using the substitution method, follow these steps:

1. Solve for the value of one variable in one of the linear equations in terms of the other variable. 
2. Substitute the expression for the variable you have obtained in Step 1 in the other linear equation.
3. Solve for the value of the other variable in the equation you have obtained from Step 2.
4. Plug in the value of the unknown variable you have computed in Step 3 in the expression you have
obtained in Step 1 to find the value of the other variable.
The steps might be too abstract now, but they are easy to follow. Let us use these steps in our
example below:

Example 1: Solve for the values of x and y that will satisfy x + y = 9 and x – y = 3

Solution:

Let us write first the given equations:

Equation 1: x + y = 9 

Equation 2: x – y = 3
Step 1: Solve the value of one variable in one of the linear equations in terms of the other
variable. Using Equation 1, we solve for the value of y in terms of x. This means we let y be the only
quantity on the left side while the other quantities must be on the right side, including x. To make this
possible, we transpose x to the right side:

x+y=9⟶y=–x+9

Step 2: Substitute the expression for the variable you have obtained in Step 1 in the other
linear equation. We have obtained y = -x + 9 in Step 1. What we are going to do is to substitute this
value of y into the y in Equation 2:

x – y = 3 (Equation 2)

x – (-x + 9) = 3 (We substitute y = -x + 9)

Notice that once we substitute y = -x + 9 in Equation 2, Equation 2 will be a linear equation in one
variable.

Step 3: Solve for the value of the other variable in the equation you have obtained from Step 2.
The equation obtained in Step 2 is x – (-x + 9) = 3. Our goal now is to solve for x.

We use the techniques in solving linear equations in one variable:

x – (-x + 9) = 3

x + x – 9 = 3 Distributive Property

2x – 9 = 3

2x = 9 + 3 Transposition Method

2x = 12

2x⁄2= 12⁄2 Division Property of Equality

x=6

Now that we have obtained the value for x, which is x = 6, let us solve for y.

Step 4: Plug in the value of the unknown variable you have computed in Step 3 in the
expression you have obtained in Step 1 to find the value of the other variable. From Step 3, we
have obtained x = 6. We substitute x to the equation obtained in Step 1, y = -x + 9.

y = -x + 9 (The expression we have obtained in Step 1)

y = -(6) + 9 (Substitute x = 6 which we have obtained in Step 3)

y=3

That’s it! The solution for our system of linear equations is x = 6 and y = 3.
2. How To Solve a System of Linear Equations by Elimination
To solve a system of linear equations using the elimination method, follow these steps:

1. Write the given equations in standard form.

2. Add or subtract the given equations so that one variable will be eliminated. If no variable can be eliminated
by adding or subtracting the equations, you may multiply an equation by a constant to allow the elimination
of a variable.
3. Solve for the value of the remaining variable.
4. Substitute the value of the variable you have computed in Step 3 to any of the given equations, then solve
for the value of the other variable.
Let us follow the above steps in our example below:

Example 1: Solve for the values of x and y that will satisfy x + y = 10 and x – y = 12

Solution:

Step 1: Write the given equations in standard form. If you recall, the standard linear equation in
two variables is ax + by = c. Both x + y = 10 and x – y = 12 are already in standard form so we can
skip this step.

Step 2: Add or subtract the given equations to eliminate one variable. If no variable can be
eliminated by adding or subtracting the equations, you may multiply an equation by a
constant to allow the elimination of a variable.

If we add the equations x + y = 10 and x – y = 12, the y variable will be eliminated. There’s no need to
multiply the equations with a constant since we can immediately cancel a variable by adding the
equations. 

After adding the equations, the resulting equation will be 2x = 22

Step 3: Solve for the value of the remaining variable. The remaining variable in 2x = 22 is x. We
solve for x in this step by dividing both sides of 2x = 22 by 2:

Thus, x = 11

Step 4: Substitute the value of the variable you have computed in Step 3 to any of the given
equations, then solve for the value of the other variable. We substitute x = 11 into one of the given
equations. Let us use x + y = 10:

x + y = 10

(11) + y = 10 Substituting x = 11

y = -11 + 10 Transposition Method

y = -1

Therefore, the solution for the system of linear equations is x = 11 and y = -1.

 
 How To Solve Quadratic Equation by Extracting Square
Roots (and Other Techniques)
In the previous chapter, we reviewed linear equations and how to use them to solve word problems. 

However, there are word problems where linear equations are insufficient to describe the given situation. In
cases like these, we need another type of equation: the quadratic equation.

In this review, we’ll explore the definition of a quadratic equation, the different ways to solve it, and how we
can apply it to solve word problems.

Table of Contents
What Are Quadratic Equations?

Standard Form of a Quadratic Equation

Different Forms of Quadratic Equations

ax2 = c  or ax2 + c = 0 Form.

(x + a)(x + b) Form or the Factored Form.

How To Solve Quadratic Equations

Method 1: How To Solve Quadratic Equation by Extracting Square Roots

Method 2: How To Solve Quadratic Equations by Factoring

Method 3: How To Solve Quadratic Equations by Completing The Square

Method 4: How To Solve Quadratic Equations Using Quadratic Formula

The Quadratic Formula

Discriminant of a Quadratic Equation

Sum and Product of the Roots of a Quadratic Equation

Using Quadratic Equations to Solve Word Problems

BONUS: How Was the Quadratic Formula Derived?

What Are Quadratic Equations?
Quadratic equations are equations in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 where a, b, and c are real numbers and a is not
equal to 0.

Simply put, a quadratic equation has two as the highest exponent of its variable. For example, x2  + 4x + 4 = 0 is
a quadratic equation since the highest exponent of the variable in this equation is 2.

Example: Which of the following are quadratic equations?

a) x2 – 2x + 1 = 0

b) x2 = 9

c) x + 2 = -2

Solution: The equations in letters a and b are quadratic since the highest exponent of their x (or variable) is 2.
On the other hand, c is not a quadratic equation since the highest exponent of its x (or variable) is 1, making it a
linear equation.

Standard Form of a Quadratic Equation

The standard form of a quadratic equation is ax2 + bx + c = 0
When we say that a quadratic equation is in standard form, it means that the terms of the equation are arranged
in a manner where the exponents of the variable are decreasing.

For example, x2 + 4x + 4 = 0 is in standard form because the terms are arranged in a manner where the
exponents of the variable are in decreasing order.

But why is it important to know if a quadratic equation is in standard form?

If a quadratic equation is in standard form ax2 + bx + c = 0, we can quickly determine the values for a, b, and c.

a, b, and c are the real number parts of the equation.

Retake a look at this equation: x2 + 4x + 4 = 0. We already know that this quadratic equation is in standard
form.

The a of a quadratic equation in standard form is the numerical coefficient of the quadratic
term or the term with x2. In x2 + 4x + 4 = 0, the quadratic term is x2 and its numerical coefficient is 1.
Thus a = 1

The b of a quadratic equation in standard form is the numerical coefficient of the linear term or
the term with x. In x2 + 4x + 4 = 0, the linear term is 4x and its numerical coefficient is 4. Thus, b = 4.

Lastly, the c of a quadratic equation in standard form is the constant term or the term without
the x. In x2  + 4x + 4 = 0,  the constant term is 4. Thus, c = 4.

Therefore, in x2  + 4x + 4 = 0, the values of a, b, and c are a = 1, b = 4, and c = 4.

Example: Determine the values of a, b, and c (the real number parts) in 2x2 + 4x – 1 = 0

Solution: Since the 2x2  + 4x – 1 = 0 is already in standard form, then the values of a, b, and c are easy to
determine:

 a = 2 (the numerical coefficient of 2x2)

 b = 4 (the numerical coefficient of 4x)
 c = -1 (the constant term is -1)
A quadratic equation’s a, b, and c can be determined only once we have expressed it in standard form ax2  + bx
+ c = 0. Otherwise, we cannot immediately tell the values of a, b, and c.

Later in this review, you’ll learn the importance of determining the values of a, b, and c of a quadratic equation,
especially when solving them using the quadratic formula.

 
Different Forms of Quadratic Equations
Not every quadratic equation you will encounter and solve is standard. Quadratic equations appear in different
forms. It is essential to learn about them since there are specific techniques that we can use to solve equations in
these forms.

ax 2  = c or ax 2  + c = 0 Form.
Quadratic equations such as x2 = 9, 2x2 = 16, 5x2 = 10, -x2 = -1 are in the form ax2 = c. As you might have
noticed, quadratic equations in this form do not have a linear term or a term with a variable raised to 1. 

Quadratic equations in the form ax2 = c can also appear in the form of ax2 + c = 0. 

For example, x2 = 9  is a quadratic equation in ax2 = c  form. However, if we transpose 9 to the left-hand side of
the equation, it will result in the following:

x2 = 9

x2 – 9 = 0 Transposition Method

This shows that x2  = 9  is the same as x2  – 9 =0. In other words, quadratic equations in ax2  = c form can also appear in the
form ax2  + c = 0.

We usually extract the square root to solve quadratic equations in these forms. You will learn more about this
method in the succeeding sections.

(x + a)(x + b) Form or the Factored Form.

In some quadratic equations, the exponent of 2 in the variable can’t be identified unless you perform some
computations first.

For instance, (x + 2)(x + 3) = 0 can be considered a quadratic equation.

You’re probably asking: “But there’s no x2 in (x + 2)(x + 3) = 0, so why is it a quadratic equation?”

?”

Try to perform the FOIL method on (x + 2)(x + 3) and let’s see what we’ll obtain:
(x + 2)(x + 3) when multiplied is equal to x2 + 5x + 6. Thus, the equation (x + 2)(x + 3) = 0 is actually x2 + 5x
+ 6 = 0. This is why (x + 2)(x + 3) = 0  is a quadratic equation.

Here are more examples of a quadratic equation in (x + a)(x + b) form or factored form:

 (x + 1)(x – 3) = 0
 (x – 2)(x + 1) = 0
 (x – 1)(x – 1) = 0
Example: Which of the following are quadratic equations?

a) (x + 2)(x – 1) = 0

b) x2 + x3 = -9

c) 2x2 + 3x = -1

d) x2 = 1

Solution:

 Equation a is a quadratic equation in factored form.

 Equation b  is NOT a quadratic equation since the highest exponent of its variable is 3.
 Equation c is a quadratic equation but not yet in standard form. We can transpose -1 to the left side to be in standard
form.
 Equation d is a quadratic equation in ax2  = c  form.
Thus, equations a, c, and d are all quadratic equations.

How To Solve Quadratic Equations

Let us discuss in this section the different methods of solving quadratic equations. 
Method 1: How To Solve Quadratic Equation by Extracting Square Roots
We usually use this method to solve for x of quadratic equations in the ax2 = c or ax2 + c = 0 form.

Here are the steps to solve quadratic equations by extracting the square root:

1. Isolate the square variable (x2) from other quantities. This means that x2  must be the only quantity on the left side,
and other quantities must be on the right side.
2. Take the square root of both sides of the equation.
Example 1: Solve for x in x2 = 9

Solution:

Step 1: Isolate the square variable (x2) from other quantities.

x2 is the only quantity on the left-hand side of x2 = 9. This means that x2 is already isolated from other
quantities. Thus, we can skip this step.

Step 2: Take the square root of both sides of the equation.

We get the square root of both sides of the equation.

Notes:        

 If we get the square root of  x2, the result will be x.
 There are two square roots of a number: a positive root and a negative root; this is why we put the sign ± when we
take the square root of a number.
Thus, the answers are x1 = 3 and x2 = -3
The solutions of a quadratic equation are also called the roots of a quadratic equation. Thus, when we say
the roots of x2  = 9, we refer to the solution of x2 = 9.

Example 2: What are the roots of 2x2  = 8?

Solution:

Step 1: Isolate the square variable (x2) from other quantities.

To remove the numerical coefficient and make x2 the only quantity on the left-hand side of the equation, we can
divide both sides by 2.

2x2⁄2 = 8⁄2

x2  =  4

Step 2: Take the square root of both sides of the equation.

x2  =  4

√x2  =  √4

x  = ±2

Thus, the roots of the equation are x1 = 2 and x2 = – 2

Example 3: What are the roots of x2  + 4 = 20?

Solution:

Although the given equation seems to be not in the ax2  = 0 or ax2 + c = 0 form, we can manipulate the equation
to solve it by extracting the square root.

Step 1: Isolate the square variable (x2) from other quantities.

To isolate x2  from other quantities, we can transpose 4 to the right-hand side of the equation:

x2 + 4 = 20

x2 = – 4 + 20

x2 = 16

Step 2: Take the square root of both sides of the equation.

x2 = 16

√x2 = √16

x  = ±4
Thus, the roots of the equation are x1 = 4 and x2 = – 4

Example 4: Solve for the roots of 2x2 – 6 = 0

Solution:

Step 1: Isolate the square variable (x2) from other quantities.

To isolate x2  from other quantities, we can transpose -6 to the right-hand side of the equation:

2x2 – 6 = 0

2x2 = 6

2x2⁄2 = 6⁄2

x2 = 3

Step 2: Take the square root of both sides of the equation.

x2 = 3

√x2 = √3

x  = ± √3

√3 is not a perfect square number (there’s no integer multiplied by itself that will give 3). Thus, we write it as
√3.

Thus, the roots of the equation are x1 = √3 and x2 = – √3

Example 5: Solve for x in x2 – 19 = 6

Solution:

x2 – 19 = 6

x2 = 19 + 6 Transposition Method

x2 = 25

√x2 = √25     Taking the square root of both sides

x = ±5

The values of x are 5 and -5

Example 6: Solve for x in (x + 4)2 = 9

Solution:
Note that it is much easier if we start extracting the square root of both sides first so that the resulting equation
is just a linear equation:

(x + 4)2 = 9

√(x + 4)2 = √9 Taking the square root of both sides

x + 4 = ±3

Since we have two square roots for 9, we are going to have to solve two linear equations:

 Equation 1: x + 4 = 3
 Equation 2: x + 4 = -3
Solving for Equation 1 first:

x+4=3

x = – 4 + 3 Transposition Method

x=–1

Thus, the first root is -1

Solving for Equation 2:

x+4=–3

x = – 4 + (-3)

x=–7

Thus, the second root is -7

Therefore, the roots of the quadratic equation are – 1 and – 7.

Method 2: How To Solve Quadratic Equations by Factoring

In this method, we will apply what you have learned about factoring, precisely the method of factoring
quadratic trinomials.

To solve quadratic equations by factoring, follow these steps:

1. Express the given equation in standard form. This means that one side of the quadratic equation must be 0.
2. Factor the expression. You must come up with two factors after factoring.
3. Equate each factor to zero and solve each resulting equation.
Example 1: Solve for the roots of x2 + 5x + 4 = 0 by factoring.
Solution:

Step 1: Express the given equation in standard form. The given equation is already in standard form
since it is in ax2  + bx + c = 0 form, and one of the sides of the quadratic equation is already 0. Hence, we can
skip this step.

Step 2: Factor the expression. To factor x2 + 5x + 4, follow the steps on factoring quadratic trinomials.

 x2 + 5x + 4 = 0

(x + 4)(x + 1) = 0

As shown above, we can come up with two factors x + 4 and x + 1.

Step 3: Equate each factor to zero and solve each resulting equation. We have obtained x +
4 and x + 1 as factors of x2 + 5x + 4. We set both of these factors to zero. This means that we are going to have
two linear equations.

 Equation 1: x + 4 = 0
 Equation 2: x + 1 = 0
Solving the equations above

Equation 1 Equation 2

x+4=0 x+1=0

x=–4 x=–1

Thus, the roots of the equation are x1 = – 4 and x2 = – 1.

Here’s a quick preview of what we have done above:

Example 2: Solve for the values of x in x2 – 7x = – 10

Solution:

Step 1: Express the given equation in standard form. To express x2 – 7x = – 10, we have to transpose
– 10 to the left side so that the right side will be 0:

x2 – 7x = – 10

x2 – 7x + 10 = 0

Step 2: Factor the expression. Factoring x2 – 7x + 10 will give us (x – 5)(x – 2)

x2 – 7x + 10 = 0

(x – 5)(x – 2) = 0

Step 3: Equate each factor to zero and solve each resulting equation. We have obtained x –
5 and x – 2 as the factors of x2  – 7x + 10. We set both of these factors to zero. This means that we are going to
have two linear equations.

 Equation 1: x – 5 = 0
 Equation 2: x – 2 = 0
Solving the equations above

Equation 1 Equation 2

x–5=0 x–2=0
 x=5 x=2

Thus, the roots of the equation are x1 = 5 and x2 =  2.

Here’s a quick review of our solution above:

Example 3: Solve for the roots of 2x2 + 3x – 2 = 0 by factoring.

Solution:

Step 1: Express the given equation in standard form. Since 2x2 + 3x – 2 = 0 is already in ax2 + bx + c
= 0 form and one of its sides is already 0, we can skip this step.

Step 2: Factor the expression. You must come up with two factors after factoring. Factoring 2x2 + 3x –
2 will give us (2x – 1)(x + 2):

2x2 + 3x – 2 = 0

(2x – 1)(x + 2) = 0

Step 3: Equate each factor to zero and solve each resulting equation. We have obtained 2x –
1 and x + 2 as the factors of 2x2 + 3x – 2. We set both of these factors to zero. This means that we are going to
have two linear equations.

 Equation 1: 2x – 1 = 0
 Equation 2: x + 2 = 0
Solving the equations above

Equation 1 Equation 2
 2x – 1 = 0 x+2=0

2x = 1 x=–2

To cancel the numerical coefficient in Equation 1, we divide both of its sides by 2:

2x⁄2 = ½

x = ½ 

Thus, the roots of the equation are x1 = ½ and x2 =  -2.

Here’s a quick review of what we have done above:

Factoring seems to be a powerful technique for solving quadratic equations. However, not every quadratic
equation can be factored. For instance, x2 + x + 2 = 0 cannot be solved by factoring since there are no two
integers whose product is 2 and have a sum of 1. 

But don’t worry; there are other methods available that we can use in case a quadratic equation is not factorable.
These methods are completing the square method and quadratic formula.

Method 3: How To Solve Quadratic Equations by Completing The Square

This method is advisable to use if a quadratic equation is non-factorable. 

To solve quadratic equations by completing the square, follow these steps:

1. Put the terms with variable x on the left-hand side of the equation while the constant term is on the right-hand side.
2. Divide both sides of the equation by a (or the coefficient of the quadratic term).
3. Divide the b (or the coefficient of the linear term) by 2 and square the result. Add the result to both sides of the
equation.
4. Factor the left-hand side of the equation. Express the factors as a square of a binomial.
5. Take the square root of both sides of the equation.
6. Solve the resulting linear equations.
Don’t get intimidated by the steps above because we will discuss each in detail in our examples below.

Example 1: Solve for the roots of x2 + 8x – 10 = 0

Solution:

A closer look will reveal that x2 + 8x – 10 is non-factorable since there are no two integers whose product is –
10 and have a sum of 8. For this reason, we will solve x2 + 8x – 10 = 0 by completing the square.

Step 1: Put the terms with variable x on the left-hand side of the equation while the constant
term is on the right-hand side. In this case, transpose – 10 (i.e., the constant) to the right-hand side of the
equation while all terms with x stay on the left-hand side.

x2 + 8x – 10 = 0

x2 + 8x = 10

Step 2: Divide both sides of the equation by a (or the coefficient of the quadratic term).
The a in x2 + 8x = 10 is the coefficient of x2. The coefficient of x2 is 1. If we divide x2 + 8x = 10 by 1, the result
will still be x2 + 8x = 10.

Thus, we can skip this step.

Step 3: Divide the b (or the coefficient of the linear term) by 2 and square the result. Add the
result to both sides of the equation. The b of x2 + 8x = 10 is the coefficient of 8x which is 8. Thus, b = 8.

Divide 8 by 2 (8 ÷ 2 = 4)

Square the result (42 = 16)

The number we obtain is 16.

We add 16 to both sides of x2  + 8x = 10:

x2 + 8x = 10

x2 + 8x + 16 = 10 + 16

x2 + 8x + 16 = 26
We have obtained the equation x2 + 8x + 16 = 26. After you apply this step, you will obtain a perfect square
trinomial (i.e., x2  + 8x + 16). As we have learned from a previous chapter, perfect square trinomials can be
factored.

Step 4: Factor the left-hand side of the equation. Express the factors as a square of a
binomial. The left-hand side of x2 + 8x + 16 = 26  is x2 + 8x + 16. This can be factored as (x + 4)(x + 4). We
express (x + 4)(x + 4) as (x + 4)2

To summarize:

x2 + 8x + 16 = 26

(x + 4)(x + 4) = 26

(x + 4)2 = 26

Step 5: Take the square root of both sides of the equation.

Let us take the square root of both sides of the equation we have obtained from the previous step:

(x + 4)2 = 26

√(x + 4)2 = √26 Taking the square root of both sides

x + 4 = ±√26

Since 26 has two square roots (i.e., a positive and a negative square root), we have two linear equations:

 Equation 1: x + 4 = √26

 Equation 2:  x + 4 = -√26
Step 6: Solve the resulting linear equations.

Solving each linear equation:

Equation 1 Equation 2

 x + 4 = √26 x + 4 = -√26

x = – 4 + √26 x = – 4  -√26

Therefore, the roots of the equation x2 + 8x – 10 = 0  are x1 = – 4 + √26   and x2 = – 4  –√26

Here’s a quick review of what we have done above:

Example 2: Solve for the roots of 2x2 + 12x + 14 = 0
Solution:

Since 2x2  + 12x + 14 = 0 is not factorable, let us solve this quadratic equation by completing the square.

Step 1: Put the terms with variable x on the left-hand side of the equation while the constant
term is on the right-hand side. By transposing 14 (i.e., the constant) to the right-hand side of the equation,
all terms with x will remain on the left-hand side.

2x2 + 12x + 14 = 0

2x2 + 12x = – 14

Step 2: Divide both sides of the equation by a (or the coefficient of the quadratic
term). The a in 2x2 + 12x + 14 = 0   is the coefficient of x2. The coefficient of 2x2 is 2. Thus,

2x2 + 12x = – 14

[2x2 + 12x] ÷ 2 = -14 ÷ 2

x2 + 6x = – 7

Step 3: Divide the b (or the coefficient of the linear term) by 2 and square the result. Add the
result to both sides of the equation. The b of x2 + 6x = – 7 is the coefficient of 6x which is 6. Thus, b =
6.

Divide 6 by 2 (6 ÷ 2 = 3)

Square the result (32 = 9)

The number we obtain is 9.

We add 9 to both sides of x2  + 6x = -7:

x2 + 6x = – 7

x2 + 6x + 9 = – 7 + 9

x2 + 6x + 9 = 2

We have obtained the equation x2 + 6x + 9 = 2. After completing this step, you will obtain a perfect square
trinomial. x2 + 6x + 9 is a perfect square trinomial. As we learned from a previous chapter, perfect square
trinomials can be factored.

Step 4: Factor the left-hand side of the equation. Express the factors as a square of a
binomial. The left-hand side of the equation is x2 + 6x + 9. This can be factored as (x + 3)(x + 3). We
express (x + 3)(x + 3) as (x + 3)2

x2 + 6x + 9= 2

(x + 3)(x + 3) = 2
(x + 3)2 = 2 Expressing as a square of a binomial

Step 5: Take the square root of both sides of the equation.

Let us take the square root of both sides of the equation we have obtained from the previous step:

(x + 3)2 = 2

√(x + 3)2 = √2

x + 3 = ±√2

Since 2 have two square roots (i.e., a positive and a negative square root), we have two linear equations:

 Equation 1: x + 3 = √2
 Equation 2:  x + 3 = -√2
Step 6: Solve the resulting linear equations.

Solving each linear equation:

Equation 1 Equation 2

x + 3 = √2 x + 3 = -√2

x = – 3 + √2 x = – 3  -√2

Therefore, the roots of the equation 2x2 + 12x + 14 = 0  are x1 = -3  + √2   and x2 = – 3  –√2

Here’s a quick review of what we have done above:

 

Method 4: How To Solve Quadratic Equations Using Quadratic Formula

The quadratic formula is a formula that will give you the roots of a quadratic equation. You can use this formula
for any type or form of a quadratic equation.
The Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula is:

Where:

 a  is the numerical coefficient of the quadratic term

 b  is the numerical coefficient of the linear term
 c is the constant term
The quadratic formula was derived by completing the square (see the previous method). If you are curious about
how the quadratic formula was derived, kindly read the BONUS part of this review.

To use the quadratic formula, determine the values of a, b, and c first. Afterward, substitute these values to the
formula and compute. You will arrive at two values because of the ± sign.

Example 1: Use the quadratic formula to solve for the values of x in 3x2 – 2x – 1 = 0

Solution:

The values of a, b, and c are:

 a=3
 b = –  2
 c=–1
Let us substitute these values to the quadratic formula:
Computing for the values of x:
Hence, the roots of the equation are x1 = 1 and x2 = -⅓

Example 2: Use the quadratic formula to solve for the values of x in x2 + 3x – 5 = 0

The values of a, b, and c are:

 a=1
 b=3
 c=–5
Let us substitute these values to the quadratic formula:

Computing for the values of x:

 
Discriminant of a Quadratic Equation
The discriminant of a quadratic equation allows you to determine the “nature of the roots” of a quadratic
equation without actually solving it.

When we say “nature of the roots,” we are referring to three things:

1. The signs of the roots;

2. Whether the roots are real or complex numbers; and
3. Whether the roots are identical or not.
Through the discriminant, we can determine if a quadratic equation will give us roots that are real numbers or
complex numbers, as well as if they are positive or negative numbers. We can also determine if that equation’s
roots are identical.

The discriminant is the part of the quadratic formula under the radical sign (or the square root symbol).

What does the discriminant tell us?

 If the computed value of the discriminant is positive (D > 0), then the quadratic equation has two real
distinct roots (or two real different roots).
 If the computed value of the discriminant is 0 (D = 0), then the quadratic equation has two identical real
roots (or has only one repeated root).
 If the computed value of the discriminant is negative (D < 0), then the quadratic equation has no real roots.
This means that the roots of the quadratic equation are complex numbers.
Let us have some examples:

Example 1: Using the discriminant, determine the nature of the roots of x2 + 4x + 4 = 0

Solution:
We have a = 1, b = 4, and c = 4

Using the discriminant:

D = b2 – 4ac

D = (4)2 – 4(1)(4)

D = 16 – 16

D=0

The value of the discriminant is 0. This means that the x2 + 4x + 4 = 0 roots are identical (or one root is just
being repeated).

If we try to solve x2 + 4x + 4 = 0 using factoring:

x2.+ 4x + 4 = 0

(x + 2)(x + 2) = 0

x1 = – 2    x2 = – 2

The roots of x2  + 4x + 4 = 0 are both – 2. Indeed, the roots of the equation are identical and real numbers. The
discriminant is correct.

Example 2: What is the nature of the roots of 2x2 + 5x – 1 = 0?

Solution:

We have a = 2, b = 5,  and c = – 1

Using the discriminant:

D = b2 – 4ac

D = (5)2 – 4(2)(-1)

D = 25 + 8

D = 33

The discriminant is positive. This means that the nature of the 2x2 + 5x – 1 = 0 roots is real and distinct.

Try to verify using any method that 2x2 + 5x – 1 = 0 roots are distinct and real.

Example 3: The quadratic equation x2 – (k + 2)x + 49 = 0 has two identical roots. What must be the value of
k?

Solution:
If the quadratic equation has two identical roots, its discriminant is equal to 0.

Thus, we set the following:

D = b2 – 4ac

0 = b2 – 4ac

We have a = 1, b = k + 2, and c = 49. Substituting these values:

0 = b2 – 4ac

0 = (k + 2)2 – 4(1)(49)

Now, let us solve for the value of k:

0 = k2 + 4k + 4 – 196

0 = k2 + 4k – 192

k2 + 4k – 192 = 0

(k + 16)(k – 12) = 0

Equation 1 Equation 2

k + 16 = 0 k – 12 = 0

k = -16 k = 12

Therefore, the values of k should be k1 = – 16 and k2 = 12

Sum and Product of the Roots of a Quadratic Equation

There’s another fun thing about quadratic equations. We can determine their roots’ sum and product without
actually computing for them. All you have to do is to use the formulas below.

The formula for the sum of the roots of a quadratic equation is:

x1 + x2 = -b⁄a

The formula for the product of the roots of a quadratic equation is:

x1 ⋅ x2 = c⁄a

The formulas above were derived using the quadratic formula, but this review will not show the derivation. You
may refer here if you’re interested in the formulas’ derivation.

Example 1: What is the sum and product of the roots of x2 + 8x + 2 = 0?

Solution:

Using the formulas for the sum and product of the roots:

Thus, the sum and product of the roots are – 8 and 2, respectively.

 
Using Quadratic Equations to Solve Word Problems
A lot of word problems can be described using quadratic equations. In this section, we will solve some word
problems using quadratic equations.

Here are the steps that you may follow to solve word problems involving quadratic equations:

1. Read and understand the problem. Identify what is being asked.

2. Represent unknown quantities using a variable.
3. Construct a quadratic equation that represents the given situation or problem.
4. Solve the quadratic equation.
Example 1: The sum of two numbers is 8, while their product is 15. What are the numbers?

Solution:

Step 1: Read and understand the problem. Identify what is being asked. The problem asks us to
determine two numbers whose sum is 8 and whose product is 15.

Step 2: Represent unknown quantities using a variable. Let x be one of the numbers. Since the sum of
the numbers is 8, we can represent the second number as 8 – x.

 x = first number

 8 – x = second number
Step 3: Construct a quadratic equation representing the given situation or problem. The problem
states that the product of the numbers is 15. We can express it as:

(first number)(second number) = 15

Using the variables we set in Step 2:

x (8 – x) = 15

By the distributive property, we have:

8x – x2 = 15

The equation above can be expressed in standard form as:

-x2 + 8x = 15

Multiplying both sides by – 1, we obtain:

x2 – 8x = – 15

x2 – 8x + 15 = 0

Step 4: Solve the quadratic equation.

Let us solve for the values of x in x2 – 8x + 15 = 0.  We can solve this quadratic equation by factoring:

x2 – 8x + 15 = 0

(x – 3)(x – 5) = 0

x1 = 3 x2 = 5

Based on the solution of our quadratic equation, the numbers are 3 and 5.

Example 2: A small rectangular garden has a perimeter of 12 meters and an area of 8 square meters.
Determine the length and width of the rectangular garden.

Solution:

Step 1: Read and understand the problem. Identify what is being asked. The problem asks us to
determine the length and the width of the small rectangular garden given that its perimeter is 12 meters and its
area is 8 square meters.

Step 2: Represent unknown quantities using a variable. Let l be the length of the small rectangular
garden while let w represent its width.

Step 3: Construct a quadratic equation representing the given situation or problem.

The perimeter of a rectangle is defined as P = 2l + 2w. Since the small rectangular garden has a perimeter of 12
meters, we have:

12 = 2l + 2w (Equation 1)

Meanwhile, the area of a rectangle is defined as A = l  ⋅  w. Since the small rectangular garden has an area of 8
square meters, we have the following:

8 = l ⋅ w (Equation 2)

Using Equation 1, we can solve for the value of w in terms of l:

12 = 2l + 2w

12 = 2(l + w) Distributive Property

6 = l + w Division Property of Equality

w = 6 – l Transposition Method

Now, we substitute the value of w in terms of l  in our second equation:

8=l⋅w

8 = l (6 – l) Substituting w = 6 – l

8 = 6l – l2
We have obtained the quadratic equation 8 = 6l – l2

Note that we can write it in standard form:

8 = 6l – l2

l2 – 6l + 8 = 0 Transposition Method

Step 4: Solve the quadratic equation.

Let us solve for l in l2 – 6l + 8 = 0  by factoring:

l2 – 6l + 8 = 0

(l – 4)(l – 2) = 0 

l1 = 4 l2 = 2

Thus, according to our solution, we have two values for the length of the small rectangular garden, which are 4
meters and 2 meters.

Let us substitute this value of l to w = 6 – l to determine the possible values of the width:

Using l1  = 4:

w=6–4

w1 = 2

Using l2  = 2

w=6–2

w2 = 4

Thus, the possible width values are 2 meters and 4 meters.

Hence the values of the length and width of the rectangle are 4 meters and 2 meters, respectively.

 
BONUS: How Was the Quadratic Formula Derived?
The quadratic formula was derived using the completing the square method:

 
 Example of Rational Algebraic Expression (With
Solution)
We know that a fraction is a rational number that consists of integers as its numerator and denominator. But
what if instead of integers, we replace them with polynomials?

Let me introduce you to the concept of rational expressions – the ratio of two polynomials. In this reviewer, we
are going to review its definition and mathematical operations.

Table of Contents
What Is a Rational Expression?

Simplifying Rational Expressions

How To Simplify Rational Expressions: 3 Steps

How To Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of Rational Expressions

Operations on Rational Expressions

1. Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions

a. Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions With the Same Denominator

b. Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions With Different Denominators.

2. Multiplication of Rational Expressions

Using Cancellation Method in Multiplying Rational Expressions

3. Division of Rational Expressions

What Is a Rational Expression?

A rational expression (or rational algebraic expression) is a ratio of two polynomials. Think of it as a fraction
but instead of whole numbers, its numerator and denominator are polynomials.
Formally, a rational expression R(x) is the ratio of two polynomials P(x) and Q(x), such that the value of the
polynomial Q(x) is not equal to 0 (because division by 0 is undefined).

R(x) = P(x)∕Q(x), where Q(x) ≠ 0

Example: Which of the following is/are rational expressions?

Solution:

The expression in a) is a rational expression since both its numerator and denominator are polynomials.

The expression in b) is also a rational expression because x2 + 2x + 1 can be expressed as:
Take note that a constant can be considered a polynomial. Thus, b) has a numerator and denominator
that are both polynomials.

The expression in c) is also a rational expression since its numerator (which is 1) is a polynomial while its
denominator is also a polynomial.

The expression in d) is not a rational expression since its numerator is not a polynomial. Recall that if a variable
is under the radical sign, then the expression is not a polynomial.

Simplifying Rational Expressions

Just like fractions, we can also reduce rational expressions into their simplest form. A rational expression is said
to be in its simplest form if and only if its numerator and denominator have no common factor except 1.

For instance, let us take a look at the following rational expression:

If we factor both the numerator and denominator, you will notice that there’s a common factor between them. That
common factor is x:
We can cancel out the common factor:
What’s left with us is ⅖. Both 2 and 5 are prime and have no common factor except 1. Therefore, the simplified
form of the rational expression in this example is ⅖.

How To Simplify Rational Expressions: 3 Steps

Here are the steps to simplify a rational expression:

1. Factor the numerator and the denominator.

2. Look for the common factors between the numerator and the denominator.
3. Cancel out the common factors between the numerator and the denominator.
Example 1: Simplify the following rational expression:

Solution:

1. Factor the numerator and the denominator.

2. Look for the common factors between the numerator and the denominator.
3. Cancel out the common factors between the numerator and the denominator.

Thus, the simplified form of the rational expression is 6x2.

Example 2: Simplify the following rational expression:

Solution:

1. Factor the numerator and the denominator

We can factor out x2 – 2x as x(x – 2)  by factoring using the Greatest Common Factor (GCF).

2. Look for the common factors between the numerator and the denominator

3. Cancel out the common factors between the numerator and the denominator
Example 3: Simplify the following rational expression:

Solution:

1. Factor the numerator and the denominator

Since y2 – 16 is a difference of the two squares, we can factor it as (y + 4)(y – 4). On the other hand, y2 – 8y +
16 is a perfect square trinomial that we can factor as (y – 4)(y – 4).
2. Look for the common factors between the numerator and the denominator

2. Look for the common factors between the numerator and the denominator

3. Cancel out the common factors between the numerator and the denominator
Example 4: Simplify the following rational expression:

Solution:

1. Factor the numerator and the denominator

Since x2 – 16x + 64 is a perfect square trinomial, we can factor it as (x – 8)(x – 8). Meanwhile, we can factor 2x
– 16 as 2(x – 8) using its GCF.

2. Look for the common factors between the numerator and the denominator
3. Cancel out the common factors between the numerator and the denominator

Example 5: Simplify the following rational expression:

Solution:

1. Factor the numerator and the denominator

We can factor a2 + 7a + 10 as (a + 5)(a + 2).

2. Look for the common factors between the numerator and the denominator

3. Cancel out the common factors between the numerator and the denominator

Therefore, the simplified form of the rational expression is a + 2.

Example 5: Simplify the following rational expression:

Solution:

1. Factor the numerator and the denominator

We can factor n2 – 16 as (n + 4)(n – 4). Meanwhile, we can factor n2 + 6n + 8 as (n + 4)(n + 2).

2. Look for the common factors between the numerator and the denominator

3. Cancel out the common factors between the numerator and the denominator
Thus, the answer to this example is n – 4.

How To Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of Rational

Expressions
Play
Before we study how to apply basic operations to rational expressions, you must learn first how to find the
Least Common Denominator (LCD) of rational expressions.

To find the LCD of rational expressions, follow these steps:

1. Factor the denominators of the rational expressions.

2. Write the factors of the denominators. Match the common factors in columns.
3. Bring down each factor in every column. Common factors in the column must be brought down also.
4. Multiply the factors you brought down. The resulting expression is the LCD.
Example 1:

Solution:
The denominators of the given expressions are x – 1  and x2 – 1. Our task is to determine their Least Common
Denominator using the steps above:

1. Factor the denominators of the rational expressions.

x – 1 cannot be factored further. Meanwhile, since x2 – 1 is a difference of two squares, we can factor it as (x +
1)(x – 1).

2. Write the factors of the denominators. Match the common factors in columns

3. Bring down each factor in every column. Common factors in the column must be brought
down also

4. Multiply the factors you brought down. The resulting expression is the LCD
Thus, the LCD is (x + 1)(x – 1) or x2 – 1.

Example 2:

Solution:

1. Factor the denominators of the rational expressions.

x2 + 7x + 10 can be factored as (x + 5)(x + 2). Meanwhile, x2 + 4x + 4 can be factored as (x + 2)(x + 2).

2. Write the factors of the denominators. Match the common factors in columns

3. Bring down each factor in every column. Common factors in the column must be brought
down also
4. Multiply the factors you brought down. The resulting expression is the LCD

Based on our computations above, the LCD of x2 + 7x + 10 and x2 + 4x + 4 is (x + 2)(x + 2)(x + 5).

Note: When we are determining the LCD of two rational expressions, it is advisable to write
the obtained LCD in factored form since expressions are much easier to multiply and divide if
they are in factored form.

Make sure that you already mastered the skill of determining the LCD of rational expressions before proceeding
to the actual process of adding and subtracting them.

Operations on Rational Expressions

In this section, we’ll discuss how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions.

1. Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions

The process of adding and subtracting rational expressions is actually similar to the process of adding and
subtracting fractions. Thus, if you know how to add or subtract fractions, then adding and subtracting rational
expressions will not be so strange to you.
The first thing you have to do when adding or subtracting rational expressions is to look at their denominators.
If the denominators are the same, then we can just add the numerators of the rational expressions and then copy
the denominator. 

a. Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions With the Same Denominator

Here are the steps in adding rational expressions with the same denominator:

1. Add the numerators of the rational expressions. The resulting expression is the numerator of the answer.
2. Copy the common denominator and use it as the denominator of your answer.
3. Simplify the resulting rational expression, if possible.
Formally,

Example 1:

Solution:

1. Add the numerators of the rational expressions. The resulting expression is the numerator
of the answer
2. Copy the common denominator and use it as the denominator of your answer

3. Simplify the resulting rational expression, if possible

In this case, we can’t simplify the resulting rational expression further so it automatically becomes the final
answer.

Example 2:
Solution:

Example 3:

Solution:
Example 4:

Solution:
Example 5:

Solution:
Now that you know how to add and subtract rational expressions with the same denominators, our next goal is
to learn how to add and subtract rational expressions with different denominators.

b. Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions With Different Denominators.

To add or subtract rational expressions with different denominators, follow these steps:

1. Determine the LCD of the rational expressions.

2. Express the given rational expressions using the LCD you have obtained by dividing the LCD by the
denominator of the rational expression and then multiplying the result to the numerator of the rational
expression. The results will be the new numerators of the rational expressions.
3. Add or subtract the rational expressions you have obtained from the second step. Simplify the resulting
expression, if possible.
Let us try to apply these steps to our examples below:

Example 1:
Solution:

Using the steps we have mentioned above on adding and subtracting rational expressions with different
denominators, we’ll be able to obtain the answer.

1. Determine the LCD of the rational expressions.

2. Express the given rational expressions using the LCD you have obtained by dividing the
LCD by the denominator of the rational expression and then multiplying the result to the
numerator of the rational expression. The results will be the new numerators of rational
expressions.
3. Add or subtract the rational expressions you have obtained from the second step. Simplify
the resulting expression, if possible.

Example 2:
Solution:

1. Determine the LCD of the rational expressions.

The LCD is (x – 1)(x + 1).

2. Express the given rational expressions using the LCD you have obtained by dividing the
LCD by the denominator of the rational expression and then multiplying the result to the
numerator of the rational expression. The results will be the new numerators of rational
expressions.
3. Add or subtract the rational expressions you have obtained from the second step. Simplify
the resulting expression, if possible.

Example 3:
Solution:

1. Determine the LCD of the rational expressions

2. Express the given rational expressions using the LCD you have obtained by dividing the
LCD by the denominator of the rational expression and then multiplying the result to the
numerator of the rational expression. The results will be the new numerators of the rational
expressions.
3. Add or subtract the rational expressions you have obtained from the second step. Simplify
the resulting expression, if possible.

2. Multiplication of Rational Expressions

The steps in multiplying rational expressions are actually similar to the steps in multiplying fractions. Here are
the steps:

1. Multiply the numerators of the rational expressions. Write the answer as the numerator of the resulting
expression.
2. Multiply the denominators of the rational expressions. Write the answer as the denominator of the resulting
expression.
3. Simplify the resulting expression, if possible.
Example:

Solution:

Using the steps in multiplying rational expressions:

1. Multiply the numerators of the rational expressions. Write the answer as the numerator of
the resulting expression.

2. Multiply the denominators of the rational expressions. Write the answer as the denominator
of the resulting expression.
We will not perform distributive property in this case since we are simplifying the expression in the next step.

3. Simplify the resulting expression, if possible.

Using Cancellation Method in Multiplying Rational Expressions

Just like fractions, we can also apply the cancellation method to cancel out common factors among the given
expressions to make our computation much easier. Let us try to apply this technique in our next examples.

Example 1: Apply the cancellation method to calculate the product of

Solution:

Example 2:

Solution:
3. Division of Rational Expressions
If you still remember how to divide fractions, dividing rational expressions will be easier because the steps are
actually similar. Otherwise, here are the steps you need to remember when dividing rational expressions:

1. Get the reciprocal of the divisor or the second rational expression.

2. Multiply the rational expression you have obtained in Step 1 by the first rational expression.
3. Simplify the result, if possible.
Example 1:

Solution:

1. Get the reciprocal of the divisor or the second rational expression.

2. Multiply the rational expression you have obtained in Step 1 by the first rational expression.

3. Simplify the result, if possible.

The result is already in simplified form, so we can skip this step.

Example 2:

Solution: