1

ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA

HENRISON C. SANCHEZ
Assistant Professor
Department of Engineering Sciences
College of Engineering, Central Luzon State University

REAL NUMBER SYSTEM

Real
Number

Rationals Irrationals

Odd Number

Integers Fractions
Even Number

Negative Whole
Integers Number

Positive
{0}
Integers

Composite
Prime No. {1}
No.

SETS

A set is a collection or grouping of distinct elements. The elements of a set are called
members. The symbol "∈" is used to denote membership in a set. The cardinal number
(represented by|𝐴|) is the size of any set A.

Operation on Sets
a) Union. The union of set A and B, denoted as 𝐴 ∪ 𝐵, is a set of all elements in either A or
B.
b) Intersection. The intersection of set A and B, denoted by 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵, is the set of all elements
that are both present to A and B.
c) Difference. The difference of set A and B, denoted by 𝐴 − 𝐵, is the set of all elements in A
that are not in B.
d) Complement. The complement of any set A, denoted by 𝐴′, is the set of elements of the
universal set (𝑈) which do not belong to A.
e) Cross Product. The cross product of any set A and B, denoted by 𝐴 × 𝐵, is the set of
ordered pair (𝑥, 𝑦) where 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 and 𝑦 ∈ 𝐵.

SOME THEOREMS ON REAL NUMBERS

𝑎 −𝑎 𝑎
Theorem 1. For any 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ ℝ with 𝑏 ≠ 0, we have − 𝑏 = = −𝑏.
𝑏
𝑎𝑐 𝑎
Theorem 2. Multiplicative Cancellation. For any 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 ∈ ℝ with 𝑏, 𝑐 ≠ 0, 𝑏𝑐 = 𝑏 .

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Theorem 3. Sum of Quotients.

𝑎 𝑐 𝑎+𝑏
(a) For any 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 ∈ ℝ with 𝑐 ≠ 0, we have 𝑐 + 𝑐 = 𝑐 .
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎𝑑+𝑏𝑐
(b) For any 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑 ∈ ℝ with 𝑐, 𝑑 ≠ 0, 𝑐 + 𝑑 = .
𝑐𝑑
𝑎 𝑐 𝑎𝑐
Theorem 4. Product of Quotients. For any 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑 ∈ ℝ with 𝑏, 𝑑 ≠ 0, 𝑏 × 𝑑 = 𝑏𝑑.
𝑎 𝑐 𝑎 𝑑 𝑎𝑑
Theorem 5. Quotients of Quotients. For any 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑 ∈ ℝ with 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑 ≠ 0, 𝑏 ÷ 𝑑 = 𝑏 × 𝑐 = .
𝑏𝑐

NOTE: In the following theorems, 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑 may stand for any algebraic expression.
0 𝑎 𝑎
= 0; 0 = 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑; ∞ = 0.
𝑎

LAWS OF EXPONENTS

For any 𝑚, 𝑛 ∈ 𝑍 + , and any real numbers 𝑎 and 𝑏, we have

1. 𝑎𝑚 ∙ 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚+𝑛
𝑎𝑚
2. = 𝑎𝑚−𝑛
𝑎𝑛
3. (𝑎𝑚 )𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚𝑛
4. (𝑎𝑏)𝑚 = 𝑎𝑚 𝑏𝑚
𝑎 𝑚 𝑎𝑚
5. (𝑏 ) = 𝑏𝑚
𝑚
6. 𝑎 𝑛 = √𝑎𝑚
𝑛

7. 𝑎0 = 1 provided 𝑎 ≠ 0. Note: 00 is indeterminate.

1
8. 𝑎−𝑚 = 𝑎𝑚
9. If 𝑎𝑚 = 𝑎𝑛 , then 𝑚 = 𝑛.

LAWS OF RADICALS
1
1. 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛√𝑎
𝑚 𝑚
2. 𝑎 𝑛 = √𝑎𝑚 = ( 𝑛√𝑎)
𝑛

𝑛
3. ( √𝑎) = 𝑎
𝑛

𝑛 𝑛
4.
𝑛
√𝑎 × √𝑏 = √𝑎𝑏
𝑛
√𝑎 𝑛 𝑎
5. 𝑛 = √ 𝑏 provided that 𝑏 ≠ 0
√𝑏

SPECIAL PRODUCTS AND FACTORING

1. 𝑎(𝑥 + 𝑦) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎𝑦
2. (𝑥 ± 𝑦)(𝑥 ± 𝑦) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 ± 𝑦 2
3. (𝑥 + 𝑦)(𝑥 − 𝑦) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2
4. (𝑥 ± 𝑦)3 = 𝑥 3 ± 3𝑥 2 𝑦 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 ± 𝑦 3
5. (𝑥 ± 𝑦)(𝑥 2 ∓ 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 ) = (𝑥 3 ± 𝑦 3 )
6. (𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧)2 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑧 + 2𝑦𝑧
7. (𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 + 𝑤)2 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 𝑤 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑧 + 2𝑥𝑤 + 2𝑦𝑧 + 2𝑦𝑤 + 2𝑧𝑤

To determine the coefficient of the terms in a binomial expansion, we use the Pascal's
𝑛!
triangle or by the equation 𝑟 𝑡ℎ 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 = ((𝑛−𝑟+1)!(𝑟−1)!) 𝑎𝑛−𝑟+1 𝑏𝑟−1 where 𝑟 is the terms of the
unknown, 𝑛 is the binomial exponent, 𝑎 is the first term, and 𝑏 is the second term.
Example 1: Find the 3rd term in the expansion of (𝑥 + 𝑦)5
5!
3rd term = (5−3+1)!(3−1)! 𝑥 5−3+1 𝑦 3−1
5!
= 3!2! 𝑥 3 𝑦 2
= 10𝑥 3 𝑦 2

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On the other hand, to determine the sum of all coefficients of the expansion, substitute 1
to all variables and solve.

Example:
Find the sum of all coefficients of the expansion of (𝑥 + 𝑦)5 .
Solution: Let 𝑥 and 𝑦 be equal to 1.
(𝟏 + 𝟏)𝟓 = 𝟑𝟐.

DIVISION OF POLYNOMIALS

There are two ways in dividing polynomials that is, using the long method or synthetic
division. However, synthetic division can only be used if the divisor is a one degree polynomial.

Illustration:

By Long Division, divide 𝑥 4 − 18𝑥 2 + 32 by 𝑥 − 4

𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 8
𝑥 − 4√𝑥 4 + 0𝑥 3 − 18𝑥 2 + 0𝑥 + 32 ← 𝑠𝑞𝑟𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑎𝑠 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛
𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3
4𝑥 3 − 18𝑥 2
4𝑥 3 − 16𝑥 2
−2𝑥 2 + 0𝑥
−2𝑥 2 + 8𝑥
−8𝑥 + 32
−8𝑥 + 32
0 ← 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜

By Synthetic Division, divide 𝑥 4 − 18𝑥 2 + 32 by 𝑥 − 4.

Write the coefficients of the terms, supplying zero as a coefficient of the missing power of 𝑥.
1 0 -18 0 32 |4
4 16 -8 -32
1 4 -2 -8 0 ← 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜

SOLVING EQUATIONS

Solving an equation means finding all the values that satisfy the equation. This is done
by applying the above properties.

Illustrations:
Example 1. Solve 2𝑥 − 3 = 𝑥 + 21
2𝑥 − 3 = 𝑥 + 21 *transpose all variables to the left and constants
to the right.
2𝑥 − 3 + 3 + (−𝑥 )= 𝑥 + (−𝑥 ) + 21 + 3
𝒙 = 𝟐𝟒

Example 2. Solve (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 5) = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 8

(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 5) = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 8
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 10 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 8 *Expand
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 10 − 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 8 = 0 *Move to the left; change sign
−𝑥 − 2 = 0
𝒙 = −𝟐

Example 3. Solve 5𝑥 2 − 10𝑥 = 0

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5𝑥 2 − 10𝑥 = 0
5𝑥(𝑥 − 2) = 0 *Use factoring then, equate each factor to zero.
5𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 − 2 = 0 *This is only applicable if the equation is
equated to zero
𝒙=𝟎 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = 𝟐 *no. of values satisfying the eqn. is equal to its
degree
This equation can also be solved by dividing 5x in both sides, we will get 𝑥 − 2 = 0 which
only have one solution, that is 𝑥 = 2. The solution 𝑥 = 0 will be lost.

Note: There also some cases in which values fail to satisfy the original equation. This case occurred
mainly when we used the "squaring both sides" method or when we are solving problems with
restrictions.

LINEAR EQUATIONS IN ONE UNKNOWN

The standard form of linear equation with one unknown is 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 = 0 where 𝑎, 𝑏 are
constant with 𝑎 ≠ 0. To solve this, we apply properties of real numbers, algebraic processes such
as operation on fractions, removal of parenthesis, and combining similar terms. The ultimate goal
𝑏
is to trabsform the linear equation into 𝑥 = 𝑎 which specifies the value of 𝑥, called its solution or
root.

Example 1. Solve 5(2𝑥 − 1) = 2(8𝑥 − 7) − 3(2𝑥 − 3)

Solution: 10𝑥 − 5 = 16𝑥 − 14 − 6𝑥 + 9
10𝑥 − 5 = 10𝑥 − 5
𝟎=𝟎 *This is a true statement implies that any number is a solution of the
equation

𝑥+5
Example 2. Solve = 1; 𝑥 ≠ 5.
𝑥−5
𝑥+5
Solution: (𝑥 − 5) ( ) = 1(𝑥 − 5)
𝑥−5
𝑥+5 =𝑥−5
𝟓 = −𝟓 *This is a false statement implies that it has no solution.

𝑥 4 4 3
Example 3. 𝑥−1
+ 15 = 5𝑥−5 + 5
Solution: (3)(5)𝑥 + (𝑥– 1)(4) = (3)(4) + 3(𝑥– 1)(3)
15𝑥 + 4𝑥– 4 = 12 + 9𝑥– 9
19𝑥 – 4 = 9𝑥 + 3 Multiplying both sides by the
19𝑥 – 9𝑥 = 3 + 4 LCD which is 3(5)(x – 1)
10𝑥 = 7
𝟕
𝒙 = 𝟏𝟎

LINEAR EQUATION IN TWO UNKNOWN

The standard form of linear equation with one unknown is 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 = 𝑐 where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are
constant with 𝑎, 𝑏 ≠ 0. Any pair of values for the variables 𝑥 and 𝑦 that satisfies the equation is
called a linear equation solution. The solution forms a straight line when plotted into a cartesian
coordinate plane. There are different methods to determine the solution of a system of linear
equations.

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Graphical Method

The point of intersection/s of two lines represents the value of 𝑥 and 𝑦 that satisfies the
system of linear equation.
2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 3
Example 1. { This two lines intersect only at (2,1), which is the only solution
2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 7

2𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 3
Example 2. { These two lines coincide, thus have infinite points of intersection
4𝑥 − 6𝑦 = 6
or infinite solutions.

𝑥 + 𝑦 = −1
Example 3. { These two lines do not intersect; they are parallel. Thus there is no point
𝑥+𝑦=2
of intersection or no solution.

Note: We can determine whether the system of linear equations has a unique solution, infinitely
many solutions, or no solution by looking at its coefficient. By applying MPE and the linear equations
become equal, then it has infinitely many solutions. If the coefficients of the equations are similar
but not on the right-hand side, then the system has no solution.
Graphical method also has disadvantages in solving linear equations. There are cases
where the solution is not integer which is difficult to measure using graphical. Also, graphical
method is not applicable if there are three or more unknown variables.

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Substitution Method

Solve any of the two equations for 𝑦 (or for 𝑥), then substitute the result into the other
equations.
2𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 3 (1)
Example 1. Solve {
3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = −1 (2)
2𝑥−3
Solution: Solving for 𝑦 in eqn. 1, we have 𝑦 = . (3)
3
Substituting eqn. 3 into eqn. 2,
2(2𝑥−3)
3𝑥 + = −1
3
9𝑥 + 2(2𝑥 − 3) = −3
9𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 6 = −3
13𝑥 = 3
3
𝑥 = 13
Substituting this value into eqn. 3,
2(3)
−3 6−39 11
13
𝑦= = = − 13
3 39
3 11
Here, the solution of the system is (𝑥, 𝑦) = (13 , − 13).

Note: Using the substitution method, if the resulting equation is true (e.i., 0=0), the system has
infinitely many solutions. If the resulting equation is false (e.i., 0 ≠ 5), the system has no solution.

Elimination Method

Eliminate one of the two variables (𝑥 or 𝑦) to end up with an equation that involves only
one variable by either adding or subtracting the two equations.
𝑥 𝑦
+ =1 (1)
Example 1. Solve {5 3
3𝑥 − 𝑦 = 0 (2)
Solution: First, clear eqn. 1 of fractions by multiplying both sides with 15. Then
subtract the eqn. 2 to eliminate 𝑥.
3𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 15
− (3𝑥 – 𝑦 = 0 )
+6𝑦 = 15
15 5
𝑦 = 6 or 𝑦 = 2
Substitute the value of 𝑦 into eqn. 2 to find 𝑥.
5
3𝑥 − 2 = 0
6𝑥 − 5 = 0
𝟓
𝟔𝒙 = 𝟓 or 𝒙 = 𝟔
5 5
Here, the solution (𝑥, 𝑦) of the given system is (6 , 2).
Note: For cases with infinitely many solutions and no solution, similar conditions to substitute
methods should be met.

Determinant Method

𝑎 𝑏| 𝑎 𝑏|
For any real number 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑, we define the determinant | as | = 𝑎𝑑 − 𝑏𝑐. The
𝑐 𝑑 𝑐 𝑑
method of solving a system of linear equations using determinants is called Cramer's Rule.
Illustration:
3𝑥 − 2𝑦 = −2
Example 1. Solve {
2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 2

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Solution:
−2 −2
| | −6−(−4) −6+4 2
2 3
𝑥= 3 −2 = 9−(−4) = 9+4 = − 13
| |
2 3
3 −2
| | 6−(−4) 6+4 10
2 2
𝑦= 3 −2 = 9−(−4) = 9+4 = 13
| |
2 3
2 10
Hence, the solution is (𝑥, 𝑦) = (− 13 , 13).

𝑥+1
𝑦−1=
Example 2. Solve { 𝑥 𝑦
2
+3 =1
2
Solution:
First, transform the equations into standard form to make it easier, we have 𝑥 − 2𝑦 = −3
and 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6.
−3 −2
| | −6−(−12) −6+12 6 3
6 2
𝑥= 1 −2 = 2−(−6) = 2+6 = − 8 𝑜𝑟 4
| |
3 2
1 −3
| | 6−(−9) 6+9 15
3 6
𝑦= 1 −2 = 2−(−6) = 2+6 = 8
| |
3 2
3 15
Hence, (𝑥, 𝑦) = (4 , 8 ).

QUADRATIC EQUATIONS

The standard form of the quadratic equation is 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0. To find the solutions or

root, use either Factoring or Quadratic Equation.

Factoring

This method only works if 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 is factorable into two binomials.

Example 1. Solve 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 2 = 0.
Solution: 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 2 = 0
(3𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2) = 0
3𝑥 + 1 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 − 2 = 0
𝟏 1
𝒙 = −𝟑 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = 𝟐 Roots are − 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 2.

Example 2. Solve 3𝑥 2 = 6𝑥
Solution: 3𝑥 2 = 6𝑥
3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 = 0
3𝑥(𝑥 − 2) = 0
3𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 − 2 = 0
𝒙=𝟎 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = 𝟐 Roots are 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 2.

Example 3. Solve 𝑥 (3𝑥 − 1) = 2

Solution: 𝑥(3𝑥 − 1) = 2
3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 = 2
3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2 = 0
(3𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1) = 0
(3𝑥 + 2) = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥−1=0
𝟐 2
𝒙 = −𝟑 𝒐𝒓 𝒙=1 Roots are − 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 1

Note: Though example 3 is already in factor form, it is wrong to equate it since the right-hand
side is 2 and not equal to 0. By equating, the equation into 2, the answers will be 𝑥 = 2 𝑜𝑟 3𝑥 −

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1 = 2, which gives a wrong solution 𝑥 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = 1. Remember, before equating the factor of
the equations, the right-hand side of the equation must be equal to zero (0).

Quadratic Equation

−𝑏±√𝑏2 −4𝑎𝑐
If 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, then the roots of the equation is given by 𝑥 = .
2𝑎
Remarks: 1. 𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 is called the discriminant of the quadratic equation.
𝑏
2. If 𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 = 0, then the roots are real and both are equal to − 2𝑎
3. If 𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 > 0, then the roots are real and unequal.
4. If 𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 < 0, then the roots are imaginary numbers.

Example 1. Solve 4𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 = −9.

Note: Before identifying the value of 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, make sure that the equation is in standard form.
4𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 9 = 0 ← 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑚, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑎 = 4, 𝑏 = −12, 𝑐 = 9
−(−12)±√(−12)2 −4(4)(9)
𝑥= 2(4)
12±√144−144
𝑥= ← 𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 = 0, 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙
8
𝟑 3
𝒙=𝟐 Thus, roots are both equal to 2.

Example 2. Solve 3𝑥 2 = 5𝑥 + 22.

3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 22 = 0 ← 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑎 = 3, 𝑏 = −5, 𝑐 = −22
−(−5)±√(−5)2 −4(3)(−22)
𝑥= 2(3)
5+√25+264
𝑥= ← 𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 > 0, 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙
6
5±√289
𝑥= 6
5±17
𝑥= ← 𝑅𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠
6
𝟏𝟏 11
𝒙= 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = −𝟐 Thus roots are 𝑟1 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟2 = −2.
𝟑 3

Example 3. Solve 2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 5 = 0
𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = −4, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 = 5
−(−4)±√(−4)2 −4(2)(5)
𝑥=
2(2)
4±√16−40
𝑥= ← 𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 < 0, 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑟𝑦
4
4±√−24
𝑥= 4
𝒊√𝟔
𝒙=𝟏± ← √(−24) = 2𝑖√6, Note: √−1 = 𝑖
𝟐

Properties of Roots:
𝑏
1. Sum of the Roots: 𝑟1 + 𝑟2 = − 𝑎
𝑐
2. Product of the Roots: 𝑟1 ∙ 𝑟2 = 𝑎
Example 1. Find the value of 𝑘 in 𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 𝑘 = 0 such that one root is twice the other root.
Solution:
Let 𝑟 be the smaller root and 2𝑟 be the larger root. From the given,
we know that 𝑎 = 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = −12, then,
𝑟 + 2𝑟 = 12
3𝑟 = 12
𝑟=4
𝑐
To solve for 𝑘, we need to find the value of 𝑐 using 𝑟1 ∙ 𝑟2 = . Then,
𝑎
𝑐
𝑟 ∙ 2𝑟 = 1

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4 ∙ 2 (4) = 𝑐
𝑐 = 32 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 = 32
Thus, the quadratic equation must be 𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 32 = 0.
Example 2. One root of the equation 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 is 2. Find the other root and the value of 𝑐.

Solution:
We know that 𝑎 = 2; 𝑏 = −3; 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟1 = 2. Let 𝑟 be the other root.
(−3)
𝑟+2 =− 2
1
𝑟 = −2
Using product of the roots,
1 𝑐
2 (− 2) = 2
𝑐
−1 = 2
𝑐 = −2
Thus, the equation must be 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 2 = 0.

Equations Leading to Quadratic Equations

There are many situations where a quadratic equation is not evident and manipulation and
simplification of the equation is required. See the following problems.

Example 1. Solve √3𝑥 − 5 = 𝑥 − 1.

Solution. Square both sides to remove the radical.
3𝑥 − 5 = (𝑥 − 1)2
3𝑥 − 5 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1
𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6 = 0
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 2) = 0
𝒙=𝟑 𝒐𝒓 𝒙=𝟐

Example 2. Solve √2𝑥 + 5 + √𝑥 − 1 = 2

Solution. Separate the radicals in such a way that they are on the opposite side of the
equation. Then, continuously square both sides to remove the radical signs.
√2𝑥 + 5 = 2 − √𝑥 − 1
2
2𝑥 + 5 = (2 − √𝑥 − 1)
2𝑥 + 5 = 4 − 4√𝑥 − 1 + (𝑥 − 1)
𝑥 + 2 = −4√𝑥 − 1
(𝑥 + 2)2 = 16(𝑥 − 1)
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4 = 16𝑥 − 16
𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 20 = 0
(𝑥 − 10)(𝑥 − 2) = 0
𝒙 = 𝟏𝟎 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = 𝟐
However, upon substituting the values to 𝑥 in the original equation,
If 𝑥 = 10, 𝑤𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 √25 + √9 ≠ 2
If 𝑥 = 2, 𝑤𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 √9 + √1 ≠ 2
Therefore, 𝑥 = 10 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = 2 are not solutions, or the given quadratic equation has no
roots. Both 10 and 2 are extraneous.

Example 3. Solve (𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 )2 − 2(𝑥 2 − 3𝑥) − 8 = 0

Solution. Let 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥. Then the given reduces to the familiar quadratic form
𝑦 2 − 2𝑦 − 8 = 0
(𝑦 − 4)(𝑦 + 2) = 0
𝑦 = 4 𝑜𝑟 𝑦 = −2
4 = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 𝑜𝑟 − 2 = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 4 = 0 or 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2 = 0

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(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 1) = 0
𝒙 = 𝟒 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = −𝟏 𝒙 = 𝟐 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = 𝟏
Therefore, the above equation has 4 roots, that is, 𝑥 = 4, −1, 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 1. Remember, the
highest exponent in the equation indicates the maximum number of possible roots.

PARTIAL FRACTION

Illustrations:
3 𝐴 𝐵
1. (𝑥−1)(𝑥+2)
= 𝑥−1 + 𝑥+2
3𝑥 2 +2𝑥+1 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
2. (𝑥−1)3
= 𝑥−1 + (𝑥−1)2 + (𝑥−1)3
3𝑥−5 𝐴 𝐵𝑥+𝐶 𝐷𝑥+𝐸
3. (𝑥−1)(𝑥 2 +𝑥+1)2
= 𝑥−1 + 𝑥 2+𝑥+1 + (𝑥 2+𝑥+1)2
3𝑥−2 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶𝑥+𝐷
4. (𝑥−1)2 (𝑥 2+𝑥+1)
= + (𝑥−1)2 +
𝑥−1 𝑥 2 +𝑥+1

Illustration:
3 𝐴 𝐵
(𝑥−1)(𝑥+2)
= +
𝑥−1 𝑥+2
3 = 𝐴 (𝑥 + 2) + 𝐵 (𝑥 − 1 )
3 = 𝐴𝑥 + 2𝐴 + 𝐵𝑥 − 𝐵
(𝐴 + 𝐵)𝑥 = 0𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 2𝐴 − 𝐵 = 3
𝐴 = −𝐵 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 − 2𝐵 − 𝐵 = 3
3 1 1
𝐵 = −1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴 = 1 Thus, (𝑥−1)(𝑥+2)
= 𝑥−1 − 𝑥+2.

PROGRESSION

DESCRIPTION LAST TERM SUM MEAN

Arithmetic Sequence of 𝐿 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1 )𝑑 𝑛 𝑎+𝑐

𝑆= (𝑎 + 𝐿) 𝑏=
Progression number with a 2 2
fixed common
difference
i.e., 1, 3, 5, 7, 9

Geometric Sequence of 𝐿 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 𝑎 (1 − 𝑟 𝑛 ) 𝑏 = ±√𝑎𝑐

𝑆=
Progression number with a 1−𝑟
fixed common ratio
i.e., 1, 3, 9, 27

Harmonic The sequence of numbers formed by the reciprocals of the terms of an

Progression arithmetic progression (i.e., 1, 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 ).
1 1 1 1

where 𝐿 is the last term; 𝑎 is the first term; 𝑛 is the number of terms; 𝑑 is the common difference;
𝑟 is the common ratio; 𝑆 is the sum of all terms; and 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are any three consecutive terms of the
progression.

Example 1. Find the 20th terms of the sequence 1, 4, 7, 10, … and determine the sum of the first
20 terms.
Solution: 𝐿 = 𝑢𝑛𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑎 = 1, 𝑑 = 3, 𝑛 = 20
𝐿20 = 1 + (20 − 1)3
𝑳𝟐𝟎 = 𝟓𝟖 Thus, the 20th term of the sequence is 58.

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20
𝑆20 = (1 + 58)
2
𝑺𝟐𝟎 = 𝟓𝟗𝟎 Thus, the sum of the first 20 terms is 590.

Example 2. If the 4th term of an arithmetic progression is 16 while the 9th term is 46, find the 1st
term.
Solution. The phrase “4th term is 16” means that
16 = 𝑎 + (4 – 1)𝑑
16 = 𝑎 + 3𝑑
Similarly, “9th term is 46” means that
46 = 𝑎 + (9 − 1)𝑑
46 = 𝑎 + 8𝑑
Solving equations simultaneously, we get 𝑑 = 6 and 𝑎 =– 2. That is, the required first term
must be – 2.

Example 3. Find the sum of all multiples of 6 that are between 25 and 200.
Solution. Between the numbers 25 and 200, the smallest multiple of 6 is 30, while the last
multiple of 6 is 198. So,
a = 30 and L = 198
To determine n, we use 𝐿 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
198 = 30 + (n – 1)6
n = 29

𝟐𝟗
𝑺= (𝟑𝟎 + 𝟏𝟗𝟖) = 𝟑, 𝟑𝟎𝟔 ← 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑠𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒
𝟐
Thus, the sum of the integers between 25 and 200 that are multiple of 6 is 3,306.

Example 4. The 7th term of a GP is 128 and the 4th term is 2. Write the first four terms.
Solution. It is easy to write the first 4 terms if we know the 1st term a and the common
ratio r. The given tells us that
L7 = ar7 – 1 L4 = ar4 – 1
2
128 = ar6 2 = ar3 or a=
r3
By substituting 𝑎,
2 6
128 = •r
r3
128 = 2r3
64 = r3
r=4
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
which gives a = 1/32. Thus, the first 4 terms are , , , 𝟐.
𝟑𝟐 𝟖 𝟐

Example 5. The 1st term of a geometric progression is 64, last term is –2 and the sum of the
terms is 42. Find the common ratio and how many terms are there?
Solution. With the given that a = 64, L = –2 and S = 42, we can use the formula for sum
of geometric progression.
𝑎−𝐿𝑟
𝑆= 1−𝑟
64−(−2)𝑟
42 =
1−𝑟
42 − 42𝑟 = 64 + 2𝑟
1
𝑟 = −2
Using the equation for last term of geometric progression,
𝐿 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1 𝑛−1
−2 = 64 (− 2)
1 1 𝑛−1
− = (− )
32 2
1 5 1 𝑛−1
(− 2) = (− 2)

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5=𝑛−1 The geometric sequence has 6 terms

1
𝒏=𝟔 and common ratio of − 2.
32
Example 6. . Find four geometric means between 3 and .
81
32
Solution: Given are 𝑛 = 6, 𝑎 = 3, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿 = 81.
𝐿 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
32
= 3𝑟 5
81
32
= 𝑟5
81∙3
2 5 2
(3) = 𝑟 5 implies that 𝑟 = 3.
𝟒 𝟖 𝟏𝟔 𝟑𝟐
Hence, the progression is 𝟑, 𝟐, 𝟑 , 𝟗 , 𝟐𝟕 , 𝟖𝟏. .

COMPLEX NUMBERS

Complex numbers are written in the form 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖, where 𝑎 is the real part and 𝑏𝑖 is the
imaginary part. When dealing with imaginary number always remember that 𝑖 2 = −1.
Example: 𝑖 15 = 𝑖 14 𝑖 = (𝑖 2 )7 𝑖 = (−1)7 𝑖 = −𝑖

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REVIEW QUESTIONS

DIRECTIONS: Choose the best answer. If none of the choices is correct, write Q.

1. What is the 30th element of the arithmetic sequence for which the first element is 5 and the third
is 13?
a. 237 b. 125 c. 121 d. 150

2. Find the value of k such that the roots of 2x2 + 3kx + 9 = 0 are equal.
a. ±3 b. 5 2 c. 2 2 d. ±4

3. One pipe can fill a tank in 45 minutes and another pipe can fill it in 30 minutes. If these two
pipes are open while a 3rd pipe is drawing water from the tank, it takes 27 minutes to fill the
tank. How long will it take the 3rd pipe alone to empty a full tank?
a. 48 min b. 20 min c. 54 min d. 60 min

4. A student in a chemistry laboratory wants to form a 32 ml mixture of 2 solutions to contain

30% acid. Solution A contains 42% acid and solution B contains18% acid. How many ml of
each solution must be used?
a. A = 16, B = 16 b. A = 10, B = 22
c. A = 14, B = 18 d. A = 15, B = 17

5. A’s rate doing a work is three times faster than that of B. On a given day, A and B work
together for 4 hours, then B is called away and A finished the rest of the job in 2 hours. How
long would it take B to do the complete job alone?
a. 20 hours b. 21 hours c. 22hours d. 23 hours

6. Each bacterium splits into 4 bacteria every hour. If there are 4 bacteria at the start, how
many will there be after 5 hours?
a. 64 b. 256 c. 1024 d. 4096

7. Mary was four times as old as Ann four years ago and if Mary will be twice as old as Ann four
years hence. How old is Ann?
a. 14 b. 12 c. 10 d. 8

8. A series of numbers wherein each term is derived from the previous term by adding a fixed
value is known as a/an _____ sequence:
a. arithmetic b. geometric c. harmonic d. analytic

9. The number of centimeters in the perimeter of a certain square is equal to the number of
square centimeter in its area. Find the length of the sides of the square.
a. 5 cm b. 2 cm c. 4 cm d. 6 cm

10. How many fifths are there in 7 3/5:?

a. 38 b. 7 c. 3 d. 35

11. If thrice a number is increased by 11, the result is 35. What is the number?
a. 9 b. 11 c. 10 d. 8
12. The sum of the ages of David and Ann is 25. Five years ago David was four times as old as
Ann. How old is David.
a. 17 b. 21 c. 24 d. 28

13. One sixth’s of the dentist’s age 8 years ago equal’s one tenth of his age 8 years hence. What
is his age now?

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a. 11 b. 32 c. 29 d. 35

14. George is starting a math club. He is the only member now but his plan is to have each member
find two members each month. If his plan works out, how many members would the club have
at the end of 12 months?
a. 24 b. 8191 c. 1819 d. 2048

15. The difference between the square of a positive number and the number itself is 42, what is
the number?
a. 8 b. 7 c. 10 d. 9

16. Mary is twice as old as Ann now. When Ann is old as Mary, the sum of their ages is 180. Find the
age of Mary
a. 90 b. 72 c. 88 d. 36

17. A steel rod, 34 cm long is to be cut into 3 parts wherein 2 parts are equal. The length of each
of the two equal parts is 5 cm more than the 3rd part. Find the length of the third part.
a. 13 b. 10 c. 8 d. 14

18. Jan jogs a certain distance at 8 kph & returns over the same track running 24 kph. If it took
him a total time of 2 ½ hours, what is the total distance covered? a. 15
b. 45 c. 30 d. 35

19. The square of a number exceeds a 2nd number by 11. The square of the difference of the
numbers is 361. Find the larger no.
a. 6 b. 310 c. 25 d. 35

20. Doubling a number and subtracting it from 35 will result in thrice the number. Find the no.
a. 7 b. 8 c. 8 d. 35

21. Three chums wanted to buy a complete set of Pelota rackets with 3 balls. However they figure
out that each of them would need to pay P100 less if they can find two more chums, to share
equally the cost of the sporting equipment they wish to buy. How much is the Pelota Set?
a. 450.00 b. 750.00
c. 1, 500.00 d. 250.00

22. Give a 3rd term so that 4x4 + 9y2 becomes a perfect square trinomial.
a. 6x2y b. 12x2y2 c. 12x2y d. 36x2y

23. x3 – y3 is equivalent to which of the following?

a. (x–y)3 b. (x–y)(x2+2xy+y2)
2 2
c. (x–y)(x +y ) d. (x–y)(x2+xy+y2)

24. LCM(x3, x3 – x , 2x2 – 2) is

a. 2x4(x+1)(x–1) b. x3(x3–x)(2x2–2)
c. 2x3(x+1)(x–1) d. x3(x+1)(x–1)

25. a + b b  a − b b is equivalent to

a. a + b b b. a2 − b3 c. a − b b d. a2 − b2

26. Which of the following is a geometric progression?

a. 16, 8, 4, … b. 16, 12, 8, …
c. ½, 1/3, ¼, … d. 1, 3, 6, …

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27. Give the sum of the roots of 2x2 – 8x + 1

a. 4 b. –5 c. –2 d. 2

4
𝑥𝑦 −1 𝑥 2 𝑦 −2
28. Simplify: (𝑥 −2𝑦 3) ÷ (𝑥 −3𝑦 3)
𝑦 1
a. 𝑥𝑦 3 b. 𝑥 3 c. 𝑥 3 𝑦 d. 𝑥 3𝑦

m3 − 8 2m2 + 3m − 2
29. • is equivalent to
2m − 1 m2 − 4
a. m2 + 2m + 4 b. m2 + 2m – 4
c. m2 – 2m + 4 d. m2 – 2m – 4

30. The values of x in the equation x 2/ 5 − x1/ 5 − 2 = 0 are

a. 1 & –2 b. –1 & 2 c. –1 & 32 d. 1 & –32

31. (x – 3) x + 2 is equivalent to
a. x2 – 3x + 2 b. x2 – x – 6 c. x2 + 5x – 6 d. (x–3)(x+2)

xxxx
32. If = 2 , then what is x?
x+x+x+x
a. 2 b. 4 c. 8 d. 16

33. What is the biggest common factor of 60xy2 + 36x2y + 48xyz?

a. 12 b. 6xy c. 12xy d. 12xyz

34. Which of the following are the correct factors of 6x2 + 23x – 4 ?
a. (6x–1)(x+4) b. (3x+4)(2x–1)
c. (6x+1)(x–4) d. (3x–4)(2x+1)

35. If x2 + y2 = 22 while xy = 9, then (x – y)2 = ______.

a. 4 b. 13 c.31 d. 40

36. Which of the following is equivalent to 64x6 – y6 ?

a. (8x3 – y3)2 b. (4x2 – y2)3
c. (2x – y)6 d. (4x2)3 – (y2)3

37. (3 – 2i)(4 + 2i) is equal to

a. 12 – 4i b. 8 – 2i c. 16 – 2i d. 8 + 2i

38. If x5/3 = 32, then x = _____.

a. 2 b. 4 c. 8 d. 16

39. Find the sum of the coefficients of all terms in (5x – 3y)3.
a. 2 b. 4 c. 8 d. 16

40. What is the remainder if 2x3 – 3x2 + 5x – 4 is divided by x – 1?

a. 0 b. –8 c. –4 d. 6

x
41. is equivalent to ________.
1
1+
x
1 x2 x x2
a. b. c. d.
x +1 x +1 x +1 2

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42. If 7x2 – 42x + K = 7(x – 3)2, then what is K?

a. 9 b. 21 c. 42 d. 63

43. The value of x in the equation 4x – 2 = 6x + 12 is _______.

a. 7 b. –7 c. 5 d. –5

44. Which of the following equations has NO solution?

a. 4x = 2(2x–3) b. 4x = 2(2x)
c. 4x = 3(2x–3) d. 4x – 6 = 2(2x–3)

x+5
45. Which of the following equations is equivalent to −4=0 ?
3
a. 3x – 4 = –15 b. x + 5 = –12
c. x + 5 = 4 d. 12 – x = 5

46. If A = bh/2, then ____.

a. b = Ah/2 b. b = 2Ah c. b = 2h/A d. b = 2A/h

47. If a kid was x years old 5 years ago, how old is he now?
a. x – 5 b. x + 5 c. 5x d. 5x – 5

48. If x-1 is the 1st (smallest) integer among three consecutively odd integers, the 3rd integers is
a. 3x + 3 b. x + 1 c. x + 3 d. x + 4

49. If there are x 1-peso coins and y 50-cent coins, how much is the total value?
a. x + 50y b. 1.50(x + y) c. x + y + 1.50 d. x + 0.50y

50. Four times the average of 2 numbers is equal to how many times their sum?
a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

CLSU ABELE Review Class 2023 Elementary Algebra