DBM10063 – MATHEMATICAL COMPUTING

BASIC ALGEBRA

FATIN HAMIMAH BINTI MOHAMED SALLEH

HASRUL HAFIZAN BIN RAHMATULLAH
Editors
Charles Cheng Wuen King
Shobhanambigha A/P Sivaguru

Writers
Fatin Hamimah binti Mohamed Salleh
Hasrul Hafizan bin Rahmatullah

Designer
Muhamad Shukri bin Ismail

© Department of Mathematics, Science and Computers, Politeknik Balik Pulau

1st Print 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any
information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher
Politeknik Balik Pulau.

Published by:
Department of Mathematics, Science and Computers
Politeknik Balik Pulau
Pinang Nirai, Mukim 6
11000 Balik Pulau
Tel : 04-868 9000 | Fax : 04-869 2061
Official Website : https://pbu.mypolycc.edu.my/

Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia

A catalogue record for this book is available

from the National Library of Malaysia

eISBN 978-967-2765-10-3

i
 DEDICATION

Basic Algebra is specially written for polytechnic students

who’s taking Diploma in Digital Technology programme.
Based on the latest syllabus, this book presents many
relevant theories and related formula regarding algebra in
a simple and concise manner. This publication is dedicated
to our students, who struggle and find success through
effort and hard work. They have inspired us to find ways to
make mathematics accessible and communicate
mathematics effectively. We hope that this book will help in
enhancing students’ comprehension and can be used as
an additional reference for polytechnic undergraduates. In
turn, it is hoped that they will inspire younger generations to
appreciate mathematics.

ii
 ABSTRACT

In this chapter, we will discuss how to identify the

differences between algebraic expressions, algebraic
equations and algebraic fractions. Basic algebra
discusses about how to perform addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division involving algebraic expressions
and algebraic fractions. The rules of positive and negative
number are used as a guideline as well as the order of
operations or BODMAS. In order to simplify the algebraic
expressions into simplest form, the technique of
combining the same terms or commonly known as
combining like terms is applied. Same goes on for the
algebraic fraction where to eliminate the common factor,
factorization method is used to form it as a single fraction.
Lastly, details explanation regarding how to applied
factorization method and quadratic formula method in
solving quadratic equations also will be discussing.

iii
 Table of
Contents
01
Definition Of Algebraic
Expressions
1-18
Expanding Brackets And Factorization

19-22
Of Algebraic Expression

Simplify Algebraic Expression By

24
Using Combining Like Terms
Technique

Definition Of Algebraic Fractions

25-37
Simplifying Algebraic Fractions

38
Definition Of Quadratic Equation

38-50
Solve Quadratic Equation

51
References
iv
1.0 DEFINITION OF ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

An algebraic expression is a mathematical expression that consists of variables,

numbers and operations (+, -, x). The value of this expression can change. An
expression is made up of one or more terms which is separated by ‘+’ or ‘-’. Details
explanation shows in Figure 1.1.

Constant
Power is a fixed quantity that does not
of variable or unknown. changed. Example 3, -6, π, 1/2

10x + 6x - 7 2 1
Operation
(+, -, x) between terms

Coefficient Variable
is the number multiplied to
is a symbol that assign to an
the variables. It is usually
unknown value. Usually
before the variable. represented by letters such as
x, y, or t.

Figure 1.1 Definition of algebraic expression

1.1 EXPANDING BRACKETS AND FACTORIZATION OF ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSION

The important skills in simplify an algebraic expression is able to expand and factorize
the expressions. There are two guidelines that been used here as a guidance where
the first one is the rule of positive and negative numbers. Meanwhile, the second one
is the order of operations that commonly known as BODMAS.

1
Sign Operation Sign Result

  
  

  
  
  
  

  
  
Table 1.1 The rule of positive and negative numbers

Figure 1.2 Order of operations

2
1.1.1 Concept of Expanding Brackets

In algebraic expressions, sometimes it come with a bracket either single brackets or

double brackets. The concept of expanding brackets follows the distributive property
where it is used to remove the parentheses or brackets in algebraic expression. Figure
1.3 below shows the concept of expanding single brackets.

Figure 1.3 Expanding single brackets

To expand double brackets, the FOIL method is used as a guidance. Figure 1.4 shows
how to expand double brackets or two brackets using FOIL method. Meanwhile Table
1.2 shows useful identities that is used in expanding brackets.

3
 Figure 1.4 Expanding double brackets using FOIL method

List of Identities:

a  b2  a 2  2ab  b 2

a  b2  a 2  2ab  b 2
a  ba  b  a 2  b 2

a  ba  b  a 2  b 2

Table 1.2 List of identities as a guide in expanding brackets

4
Expand the algebraic expressions below:

i. 3( x  4 y ) ii.  5m(m  3n)

1
iii. k (3 p  4q  5) iv. 3x 2 ( x  2 y )
4
v. (a  2b)(8a  c) vi. 2(t  1)(2t  3)
vii. (5m  7 n) 2

i. 3( x  4 y ) ii.  5m(m  3n)

= 3x  12 y =  5m 2  15mn

1 iv. 3x 2 ( x  2 y )
iii. k (3 p  4q  5)
4
= 3x 3  6 x 2 y
3 4 5
= kp  kq  k
4 4 4
3 5
= kp  kq  k
4 4

v. (a  2b)(8a  c) vi. 2(t  1)(2t  3)

= 8a 2  ac  16ab  2bc = 22t 2  3t  2t  3

= 22t 2  t  3

= 4t 2  2t  6

5
 vii. (5m  7 n) 2

= 5m  7n5m  7n

= 25m 2  35mn  35mn  49n 2

= 25m 2  70mn  49n 2

EXERCISE 1.1

1 Expand the following algebraic expression below:

a) 2 x( x  3 y) Ans: 2 x 2  6 xy

b)  2m(m  4)  2m Ans:  2m 2  6m

2 4 2
c) (3a  2b  1) Ans: 2a  b 
3 3 3

d) (a  2b)(9a  c) Ans: 9a 2  ac  18ab  2bc

e) (3m  5n) 2 Ans: 9m 2  30m  25n 2

f) 2( x  1)(2 x  3) Ans: 4 x 2  2 x  6

6
1.1.2 Factorization of Algebraic Expression

Factorization is a method of finding factors for any mathematical object either in the
form of numbers, a polynomials or any algebraic expressions. In other words,
factorization of algebraic means to obtain two or more expressions whose product is
given expression. For example, the factors of 10 are 1,2,5 and 10. Similarly, an
algebraic expression can also be factorized. When a factor is multiplied it produces the
original number or factored expression. In short, it can be state that factorization is a
reverse of multiplication. According to Figure 1.5, the given expression is x 2  4 x . It
can be factorized as x( x  4) . When multiply () with ( x  4) , the product is the

original expression of x 2  4 x .

The expression is put into

Factorize brackets by taking out the
highest common
factor(HCF).

Multiply the factors to get

the original expression Expand

Figure 1.5 Concept of factorization of algebraic expression

Figure 1.6, shows a list of methods used in factoring algebraic expressions. Each of the
listed method is used for a different types of algebraic expressions.

7
 Factorization Out the Highest Common Factor

Factorization by Grouping in Pairs

Factorization Using the Difference of Two Squares

Factorization of Quadratic Trinomials

Figure 1.6 Methods for factorization of algebraic expressions

Method 1: Factorization Out the Highest Common Factor

To factorize an algebraic expression, the first thing that need to do is determine the highest
common factor (HCF) of the terms and insert grouping symbols, usually parentheses or
brackets.

Factorize the following algebraic expressions below:

i. 5 y  15 ii. 21x  24 y

iii. 12ab  18a iv. 5x 2  30 x

v.  12 x 2  3x vi. 3a 2 b  9ab 2  15ab

8
 i. 5 y  15 ii. 21x  24 y

HCF is 5 HCF is 3

= 5  y   5  3 = 3  7 x  3  8 y 
= 5 y  3 = 37 x  8 y 

iii. 12ab  18a iv. 5x 2  30 x

HCF is 6a HCF is

= 6a  2b  6a  3 = 5x  x  5x  6

= 6a2b  3 = 5xx  6

v.  12 x 2  3x vi. 3a 2 b  9ab 2  15ab

HCF is HCF is

=  3x  4x   3x 1 = 3ab  a  3ab  3b  3ab  5

=  3x4x  1 = 3ab(a  3b  5)

9
 Method 2: Factorization by Grouping in Pairs

For some algebraic expressions, there may not be a common factor to every term. For
example, there is no common factor to every term in the expression of

3x  3  mx  m

But the first two terms have a common factor of 3 and the remaining terms have a common
factor of m. So,

Terms with common

factor m

Group the
3x  3  mx  m  3x  3  mx  m terms

 3x  1  mx  1
Terms with
common factor 3
Factor each
group

Now from expression above, it can be seen that (x + 1) is a common factor for each term.
Thus,

Factor out

3x  1  mx  1  x  13  m

Common factor
is

Therefore,

3x  3  mx  m  x  13  m
The original expression has been factorized by grouping the terms in pairs.

10
Factorize the following algebraic expressions below:

i. 2 x  2 y  ax  ay ii. a 2  3a  ax  3x

iii. ax  bx  am  bm iv. ab  b 2  a  b

v. 5 x  2 y  xy  10

i. 2 x  2 y  ax  ay

= 2 x  2 y   ax  ay Group the terms

= 2x  y   ax  y  Factor each group

= x  y 2  a Factor out

ii. a 2  3a  ax  3x

 
= a 2  3a  ax  3x  Group the terms

= aa  3  xa  3 Factor each group

= a  3a  x  Factor out

iii. ax  bx  am  bm

= ax  bx  am  bm Group the terms

= xa  b  ma  b Factor each group

= a  bx  m Factor out

11
 iv. ab  b 2  a  b

 
= ab  b 2  a  b  Group the terms

= ba  b 1a  b Factor each group

= a  bb  1 Factor out

NOTE
v. 5 x  2 y  xy  10 Terms had to be rearranged to pair
those with common factors
= 5 x  10  xy  2 y …………………
= 5x  10  xy  2 y  Group the terms

= 5x  2  yx  2 Factor each group

= x  25  y  Factor out

Method 3: Factorization Using the Difference of Two Squares

To factorize the expression in the form of difference of two squares, the reversed procedure
is used as shown in Figure 1.7.

Figure 1.7 Concept of factorization using the difference of two squares

12
 List of Identities:

a 2  2ab  b 2  a  b
2

a 2  2ab  b 2  a  b
2

a 2  b 2  a  b a  b 

a 2  b 2  a  b a  b 

Table 1.3 List of identities to factorize algebraic expressions

Factorize the following algebraic expressions below:

i. x2  9 ii. 25a 2  b 2

iii. a 4  64 iv. 36m 2  49n 2

NOTE
i. x2  9
= x 2  32 Refer to List of Identities in Table 1.3

= x  3x  3

13
 ii. 25a 2  b 2
NOTE
= 52 a 2  b 2

= 5a   b 2
2 Refer to List of Identities in Table 1.3

= 5a  b5a  b

iii. a 4  64
= a 2 a 2  82 NOTE

  8
= a2
2 2
Refer to List of Identities in Table 1.3

= a  8a 8 
2 2

iv. 36m 2  49n 2 NOTE

= 6 m 7 n
2 2 2 2
Refer to List of Identities in Table 1.3
= 6m  7n
2 2

= 6m  7n6m  7n

Method 4: Factorization of Quadratic Trinomials

A quadratic trinomial is a polynomial in the second degree and has three terms. Example, an
expressions of x 2  3x  4 are called quadratic trinomials where the highest power of the
variable is 2. To factorize this expression, there are a few steps need to follow as illustrated
in Table 1.4.

14
Given that,

Sum of =3

= =

Product of = -4

Where x 2  (a  b) x  ab is standard form of a quadratic trinomial

Get two numbers that represent a and b where these two

numbers able to meets the requirement as below:
Sum of (a  b) = 3
STEP 1 Product of ab = -4
So,
Sum of (a  b)  4  1  4
Then,
Product of ab  4 1  4

Create two parentheses groups and substitute the value of a and

b as below:
STEP 2
x  ax  b  x   4x  1
 x  4x  1

STEP 3 Lastly,

x 2  3x  4  x  4x  1

Table 1.4 Steps in Factorize Quadratic Trinomials

15
Factorize each of the following quadratic expression below:

i. x 2  7 x  10 ii. m 2  6m  8

iii. y 2  y  12 iv. x 2  9 x  36

v. 3 y 2  15 y  72

NOTE
i. x 2  7 x  10
x 2  7 x  10 = ( x  2)( x  5) If
=

Then and
So,

NOTE
ii. m 2  6m  8
If
m 2  6m  8 = [m  (2)][ m  (4)]
=
= (m  2)(m  4)
Then and
So,

16
 NOTE
iii. m 2  6m  8
If
m 2  6m  8 = [m  (2)][ m  (4)]
=
= (m  2)(m  4)
Then and
So,

NOTE
iv. x 2  9 x  36
x 2  9 x  36 = [ x  (12)][ x  3] If
=
= ( x  12)( x  3)
Then and
So,

NOTE
v. 3 y 2  15 y  72

3( y 2  5 y  24)
Taken out the common factors
3( y  5 y  24)
2

= 3[ y  (3)][ y  8]
If y 2  5 y  24  ( x  a)( x  b)
= 3( y  3)( y  8)
= x  (a  b) x  ab
2

Then (a  b)  5 and ab  24

So,
(a  b)  (3)  8  5
ab  (3)  8  24

17
EXERCISE 1.2

1 Factorize each of the following algebraic expression below:

a) 9 x  6 Ans: 3( x  2)

b) x 2  7 x Ans: x( x  7)

c) 12 y  6 y 2 Ans: 6 y(2  y)

d) 3x  x 2  ax Ans: x(3  x  a)

e) 4ab  10bc Ans: 2b(2a  5c)

f) x(3  b)  2(3  b) Ans: ( x  2)(3  b)

g) xy  xz  wy  wz Ans: ( x  w)( y  z )

h) ab  bc  ad  cd Ans: (b  d )(a  c)

i) 5a  15  ab  3b Ans: (5  b)(a  3)

j) 6 x  24  xy  4 y Ans: (6  y)( x  4)

k) 11 y  22  xy  2 x Ans: (11  x)( y  2)

l) ax 2  ax  x  1 Ans: (ax  1)( x  1)

m) x 2  4 Ans: ( x  2)( x  2)

18
n) m 2  81n 2 Ans: (m  9n)(m  9n)

o) 81x 2  121 y 2 Ans: (9 x  11 y)(9 x  11 y)

p) 2 x 2  32 Ans: 2( x  4)( x  4)

q) 5 y 2  20 Ans: 5( y  2)( y  2)

r) 200 x 2  18 y 2 Ans: 2(10 x  3 y)(10 x  3 y)

s) m 2  9m  18 Ans: (m  6)(m  3)

t) q 2  12q  45 Ans: (q  15)(q  3)

u) x 2  2 x  1 Ans: ( x  1)( x  1)

v) 2 x 2  6 x  4 Ans: 2( x  1)( x  2)

w) 5n 2  30n  40 Ans: 5(n  2)(n  4)

x) 3a 2  15a  108 Ans: 3(a  4)(a  9)

19
1.2 SIMPLIFY ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSION BY USING COMBINING LIKE TERMS TECHNIQUE

In algebra, like terms are terms that have the same variables and powers. The
coefficients do not need to match. Meanwhile, unlike terms are two or
more terms that are not like terms, i.e. they do not have the same variables or powers.
Comparison between like terms and unlike terms is shown in Table 1.5.

Like terms Unlike terms

2x 2 2y 2 xy
7x x  2x 2x

Are all like terms because the variables are These are all unlike terms because the
all x. variables and/or their exponents/powers
are different.

1 2
xy
 2xy 2 6xy 2 xy 2
3 2

Are all like terms because the variables are

all xy2.

Table 1.5 Comparison between Like Terms and Unlike Terms

Combining like terms is a common technique used for simplifying algebraic

expressions. Using this technique, each terms can be combine into a single term by
adding their coefficients as shown in Figure 1.8.

20
 Example 1

Example 2

Figure 1.8 Combining like terms technique

Simplify the following expression below:

i. 2a  3a  2a  5a ii. 11q  5b  3b  17 q

iii. 5(2 p  3)  8 p iv. 3  ( x 2  2 y )  (3x 2  2)

v.  5r  8s  (7r )  3s

21
 i. 2a  3a  2a  5a NOTE

= 2  3  2  5a All like terms because the variables

are all a. Add all the terms.
= 2a

ii. 11q  5b  3b  17 q

= 11q   17q   b  3b NOTE

= 11  17q   1  3b Some of the terms are like terms.

Add terms with the same variable.
=  6q  2b

iii. 5(2 p  3)  8 p

= 10 p  15  8 p NOTE

= 10 p  8 p   15
Expand the expression before
combine like terms. Add terms with
= 10  8 p  15 the same variable.

= 18 p  15

iv. 3  ( x 2  2 y )  (3x 2  2)

= 3  x  2 y  3x  2 NOTE
2 2

  
2 2

=  x   3x  2 y  3   2
Taken out the expression inside the
brackets then add terms with the
=  1  3x  2 y  1
2 same variable.

=  4x  2 y  1
2

22
 v.  5r  8s  (7r )  3s
NOTE
=  5r  8s  7r  3s
=  5r   7r   8s   3s  Taken out the expression inside the
brackets then add terms with the
=  5  7r  8  3s same variable.

= 2r  5s

EXERCISE 1.3

1 Simplify the following algebraic expression:

a) 2ab  6ba  3 Ans: 8ab  3

b) (4ab  7 pq)  (6 pq  2ab) Ans: pq  2ab

c) 2(m  1) 2  (1  2m 2 ) Ans: 1  4m

d) ( p  6)  (2 p  3) Ans: 5( p  9)
2 2 2

e) (5a  2b)(2a  3b) Ans: 10a 2  11ab  6b 2

f) 6 xy  ( x  3 y ) 2 Ans:  x  9y
2 2

23
2.0 DEFINITION OF ALGEBRAIC FRACTIONS

In mathematics, a fraction is a number that represents a part of a whole. It consists of

a numerator and a denominator as shown in Figure 2.1.

2x

DENOMINATOR y
Figure 2.1 Algebraic fraction

Unlike algebraic fraction, it consists of either numerators or denominators or both are

algebraic expressions. Figure 2.2 shows an example of algebraic fractions.

Figure 2.2 Example of algebraic fractions

24
2.1 SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC FRACTIONS

Figure 2.3 shows the steps in simplifying an algebraic fraction. Meanwhile Figure 2.4
shows things to do and avoid when performing simplifying an algebraic fraction.

STEP3
FINAL ANSWER
STEP2 State the final answer in
simplest form
CANCELLING COMMON
FACTOR
STEP1
If the numerator part
FACTORIZE AND denominator part
Factorize as possible have same COMMON
expression at the FACTOR
numerator part OR
denominator part

Figure 2.3 Steps in simplifying algebraic fraction

Factorized both
= numerator & Cancelling individual
denominator = terms like this is NOT
allowed
= Cancelling the
common factors = Wrong answer!!!

= Correct answer!!!

Figure 2.4 Thing to do and avoid in cancelling the common factors

25
Simplify each of the following algebraic fractions below:

3x 2 y 16 xy 2 z
i. ii.
4 xy 2 2 xz 3
x2  x  2 iv.
8x
iii.
x2 16 x  24
5m x2  2x  1
v. vi.
25  m 2 x 1
s2 1 5st  10 s
vii. viii.
( s  1) 10t 2  20t

3x 2 y
i. NOTE
4 xy 2
Factorized both numerator and
xy (3x) denominator by taken out the common
=
xy (4 y ) factor.

xy (3x)
=
xy (4 y ) Cancelling the common factors

3x
=
4y
Simplest form

26
 16 xy 2 z
ii. NOTE
2 xz 3
Factorized both numerator and
2 xz (8 y 2 ) denominator by taken out the common
=
2 xz ( z 2 ) factor.

2 xz (8 y 2 )
=
2 xz ( z 2 ) Cancelling the common factors

8y2
=
z2
Simplest form

x2  x  2
iii. NOTE
x2
Factorized both numerator and
( x  2)( x  1) denominator by taken out the common
=
( x  2) factor.

( x  2)( x  1)
=
( x  2) Cancelling the common factors
= x 1

Simplest form

8x
iv.
16 x  24 NOTE

8( x) Factorized both numerator and

= denominator by taken out the common
8(2 x  3) factor.
8( x)
=
8(2 x  3) Cancelling the common factors
x
=
(2 x  3)
Simplest form

27
 5m NOTE
v.
25  m 2
Factorized both numerator and
(5  m) denominator by taken out the common
=
(5  m)(5  m) factor.

(5  m)
=
(5  m)(5  m) Cancelling the common factors

1
=
5m
Simplest form

x2  2x  1
vi.
x 1
NOTE
( x  1)( x  1)
=
( x  1) Factorized both numerator and
denominator by taken out the common
( x  1)( x  1) factor.
=
( x  1)
= x 1
Cancelling the common factors

Simplest form

s2 1 NOTE
vii.
( s  1) Factorized both numerator and
denominator by taken out the common
( s  1)( s  1) factor.
=
( s  1)
( s  1)( s  1)
= Cancelling the common factors
( s  1)
= s 1

Simplest form

28
 5st  10 s NOTE
viii.
10t 2  20t
Factorized both numerator and
5s(t  2) denominator by taken out the common
=
10t (t  2) factor.

5s(t  2)
=
10t (t  2) Cancelling the common factors

= 5s
10t
2

= s Simplest form
2t

2.1.1 Simplifying Algebraic Fractions: Addition and Subtraction of Algebraic Fractions

To add or subtract two algebraic fractions with the same denominator, add up or
subtract the numerator and simplify if possible. But for the two algebraic fractions
without same denominator, the lowest common denominator(LCD) needs to be found.
The lowest common denominator (LCD) is the smallest number that can be a common
denominator for a set of fractions. It is the lowest number that can be use in the
denominator to create a set of equivalent fractions that all have the same
denominator.

ADDING SUBTRACTING
FRACTIONS FRACTIONS

If a, b and c represent real numbers If a, b and c represent real numbers

and if no denominators are 0, then and if no denominators are 0, then

a c ac a c ac
   
b b b b b b

Figure 2.5 Rules of adding and subtracting fractions.

29
Simplify each of the following algebraic fractions below as a single fraction:
5 7 2 1
i.  ii. 
x x x2 x3
3 4 1 2
iii.  iv. 
2 x  1 3x  1 x  5x  6 x  3
2

4 3 x3 x 1
v.  2 vi.  2
x  x x 1
2
x  2x  1 x  x  2
2

NOTE
5 7
i. 
x x Both have same denominator. So, add both
57 numerator.
=
x
12 Simplest form as a single fraction
=
x

2 1 NOTE
ii. 
x2 x3
Both denominator is not same. Require
2( x  3) 1( x  2) same denominator
= 
( x  2)( x  3) ( x  2)( x  3)
2( x  3)  1( x  2) Here the Lowest Common Denominator ,
=
( x  2)( x  3) LCD = .

2x  6  x  2
=
( x  2)( x  3)
Do not expand

3x  8
=
( x  2)( x  3) Simplest form as a single fraction

30
 3 4 NOTE
iii. 
2 x  1 3x  1
Both denominator is not same. Require
3(3x  1) 4(2 x  1) same denominator
= 
(2 x  1)(3x  1) (2 x  1)(3x  1)
3(3x  1)  4(2 x  1)
=
(2 x  1)(3x  1) Here the Lowest Common Denominator ,
9 x  3  8x  4 LCD = .
= original denominator.
(2 x  1)(3x  1)

Do not expand
x7
=
(2 x  1)(3x  1)
Simplest form as a single fraction

1 2
iv.  NOTE
x  5x  6 x  3
2

Both denominator is not same. Require to

factorize the denominator.
1 2
= 
( x  2)( x  3) ( x  3)
1 2( x  2) Here the Lowest Common Denominator ,
=  LCD = .
( x  2)( x  3) ( x  2)( x  3)
1  2( x  2)
=
( x  2)( x  3)
Do not expand
1  2x  4
=
( x  2)( x  3)
2x  5 Simplest form as a single fraction
=
( x  2)( x  3)

31
 4 3
v.  2
x  x x 1
2
NOTE

Both denominator is not same. Require to

factorized both denominator.

4 3
= 
x( x  1) ( x  1)( x  1) Here the Lowest Common Denominator ,
LCD = x( x  1)( x  1) .
4( x  1) 3( x)
= 
x( x  1)( x  1) ( x)( x  1)( x  1)
4( x  1)  3( x)
= Do not expand
x( x  1)( x  1)
4 x  4  3x
=
x( x  1)( x  1)
Simplest form as a single fraction
x4
=
x( x  1)( x  1)

x3 x 1
vi.  2
x  2x  1 x  x  2
2
NOTE

Both denominator is not same. Require to

factorized both denominator.

x3 x 1 Here the Lowest Common

=  Denominator,
( x  1)( x  1) ( x  2)( x  1)
LCD = .
( x  3)( x  2) ( x  1)( x  1)
= 
( x  1)( x  1)( x  2) ( x  1)( x  1)( x  2)
( x  3)( x  2)  ( x  1)( x  1)
=
( x  1)( x  1)( x  2) Do not expand

( x 2  2 x  3x  6)  ( x 2  x  x  1)
=
( x  1)( x  1)( x  2)

x 5
=
( x  1)( x  1)( x  2)
Simplest form as a single fraction

32
EXERCISE 2.1

1 Simplify each of the following algebraic fraction as a single fraction.

p  2 p 3 5p
a)  Ans:
4 6 12

x 1 y 1 x y
b)  2 Ans:
xy y xy 2

2c 3 14  4c
c)  Ans:
c ( c  4) c c(c  4)

x 1 2 3
d)  Ans:
x  2x  3 x  3
2
x3

 3   2y 8  1
e)     2  Ans:
 2 y  3   2 y  5 y  12  2y  3

6 12  4m 10
f)  2 Ans:
m3 m 9 m3

33
2.1.2 Simplifying Algebraic Fractions: Multiplication and Division of Algebraic Fractions

Multiplication and division of algebraic fraction follow the rule as Figure 2.6. In certain
situation, some of the algebraic fraction need to be factorized first before the
multiplication or division take part. This will help in the process of cancelling common
factors.

MULTIPLYING FRACTIONS DIVIDING FRACTIONS

If a, b, c and d represent real numbers If a, b, c and d represent real numbers

and if no denominators are 0, then and if no denominators are 0, then

a c a  c ac a c a d a  d ad
       
b d b  d bd b d b c b  c bc

Figure 2.6 Rules of multiplying and dividing fractions

Simplify each of the following algebraic fractions. Give your answer in the lowest terms:

5x  15 2 x  2 x2  9 3x  6
i.  ii.  2
x 1 5 x  5x  6 x  2 x  3
2

6 x  14 3x  7 a 2  16 a 2  2a  8
iii.  iv. 
3x  9 5 x  15 a 2  25 a 2  10a  25

34
 5x  15 2 x  2 NOTE
i. 
x 1 5
5( x  3) 2( x  1) Factorizing both fractions where possible.
= 
x 1 5
5( x  3) 2( x  1)
= 
x 1 5 Cancelling common factors

= 2( x  3)

Simplest form

x2  9 3x  6 NOTE
ii.  2
x  5x  6 x  2 x  3
2

( x  3)( x  3) 3( x  2) Factorizing both fractions where possible.

= 
( x  3)( x  2) ( x  3)( x  1)
( x  3)( x  3) 3( x  2)
= 
( x  3)( x  2) ( x  3)( x  1) Cancelling common factors

3
=
x 1
Simplest form

35
 6 x  14 3x  7
iii.  NOTE
3x  9 5 x  15

The ‘ ’ become ‘ ’.
6 x  14 5x  15
= 
3x  9 3x  7

2(3x  7) 5( x  3)
= 
3( x  3) 3x  7
Factorizing both fractions where possible.
2(3x  7) 5( x  3)
= 
3( x  3) 3x  7
10 Cancelling common factors
=
3

Simplest form

a 2  16 a 2  2a  8 NOTE
iv. 
a 2  25 a 2  10a  25 The ‘ ’ become ‘ ’.

a 2  16 a 2  10a  25
=  2
a 2  25 a  2a  8

(a  4)(a  4) (a  5)(a  5)
= 
(a  5)(a  5) (a  4)(a  2)
Factorizing both fractions where
(a  4)(a  4) (a  5)(a  5) possible.
= 
(a  5)(a  5) (a  4)(a  2)
(a  4)(a  5)
= Cancelling common factors
(a  5)(a  2)

Simplest Cancelling common factors

form

36
EXERCISE 2.2

1 Simplify each of the following:

h  2k 8 2
a)  2 Ans:
4 3h  6hk 3h

x 2 1 x 3
b) 
x2 x 1 Ans: x( x  1)

x 2  6x  9 6x  2 y 2( x  3)
c)  2 Ans:
3x  y x 9 x3

2x 2 1 x 3
d)  Ans:
x 1 6x  6 x3

 p 2  25   3( p  5) 
( p  5)( p  1)
e)     2  Ans:
 
9
 3 p 3   p 1 

 4 1 m  1
f)       4 Ans:
m n  n  m

37
3.0 DEFINITION OF QUADRATIC EQUATION

A quadratic equation is any equation that can be rearranged in standard form as

ax 2  bx  c  0

where x represents an unknown while a, b, and c represent known numbers but a ≠ 0.

If a = 0, then the equation is called as linear not quadratic because there is no ax 2
term. The values of x that satisfy the equation are called solutions of the equation and
the roots or zeros of the expression are on its left-hand side. A quadratic equation has
at most two solutions where if there is no real solution, there are two complex
solutions. Besides, if there is only one solution, it could be stated that it is a double
root. In this topic, there are two method used in solving quadratic equation which is
by using factorization method and quadratic formula.

3.1.1 Solved Quadratic Equation by Using Factorization Method

To solve quadratic equation using Factorization Method, factoring trinomials by

grouping method is applied to get the roots of the equation. Details explanation as
illustrate in Figure 3.1 and Figure 3.2.

The product of these numbers must be ac

 

The sum of these numbers must be b

Figure 3.1 Factorization by Grouping in Pairs Method

38
Given
Where ax  bx  c  0 is
2

standard form of a quadratic

equation
Product of

Sum of

2 Substitute the value of and in b but c remain as

1 below:-

3
Get two numbers that
represent and where
these two numbers able
to meets the requirement Factor first two and last two terms,
as below:-

Sum of

Product of 4 Get the common factor,

So,
Sum of

Then,
Product of 5 Get the roots of the equation:

Compare both sides,

Figure 3.2 Steps in solving quadratic equation using Factorization Method

39
Solve the following quadratic equation below using factorization method.

i. 2p2  5p  3  0 ii. x 2  4 x  32  0

iii. x( x  5)  6 iv. 15h 2  h  6

15 x 2  9 x
v. 3
2

i. 2p2  5p  3  0 NOTE

2 p 2  1   6 p   3  0 Sum of

Product of

2p2  p  6p  3  0

p(2 p  1)  3(2 p  1)  0

( p  3)(2 p  1)  0
The value c remains

Compare both sides:

Substitute the value of and in b
p 30

p3
Factor first two and last two terms

2p 1 0
Get the common factor
1
p
2

Get the roots of the equation

40
 NOTE
ii. x 2  4 x  32  0
x 2  8   4x   32   0
Sum of

Product of

x 2  8 x  4 x  32  0
x( x  4)  8( x  4)  0

( x  8)( x  4)  0
The value c remains

Compare both sides:

Substitute the value of and in b

x80

x  8 Factor first two and last two terms

x40
Get the common factor
x4

Get the roots of the equation

41
 NOTE
iii. x( x  5)  6
Expand the equation and rearrange in the
x 2  5x  6  0 form of
x 2  1   6x   6  0

Sum of

Product of

x 2  x  6x  6  0
x( x  1)  6( x  1)  0

( x  1)( x  6)  0 The value c remains

Compare both sides: Substitute the value of and in b

x 1 0 Factor first two and last two terms

x  1

Get the common factor

x60

x6
Get the roots of the equation

42
 NOTE
iv. 15h 2  h  6
Expand the equation and rearrange in the
15h 2  h  6  0
form of
15h 2  10   9h   6  0

Sum of

Product of

15h 2  10h  9h  6  0
5h(3h  2)  3(3h  2)  0

(5h  3)(3h  2)  0 The value c remains

Compare both sides:

Substitute the value of and in b

5h  3  0 Factor first two and last two terms

3
h
5
Get the common factor

3h  2  0
2 Get the roots of the equation
h
3

43
 15 x 2  9 x NOTE
v. 3
2
Expand the equation and rearrange in the
15 x 2  9 x  6 form of

15 x 2  9 x  6  0
15 x 2  6   15x  (6)  0 Sum of

Product of

15 x 2  6 x  15 x  6  0
3x(5 x  2)  3(5 x  2)  0
The value c remains
(3x  3)(5 x  2)  0

Compare both sides: Substitute the value of and in b

3x  3  0 Factor first two and last two terms

3
x 1
3
Get the common factor

5x  2  0
2 Get the roots of the equation
x
5

44
EXERCISE 3.1

1. Solve the following quadratic equation using factorization method.

a) x 2  11x  24  0 Ans: x1  3, x2  8

7x  3 1
b) x 2  Ans: x1  3, x 2 
2 2

c) m 2  9m  14  0 Ans: m1  2, m2  7

( x  6) 2
d) 1  Ans: x1  4, x2  9
x

x 1 2
e)  ( x  1)( x  3) Ans: x1  1, x 2  
2 5

Ans: x1  5, x 2  12
f) x 2  7 x  60  0

45
3.1.2 Solved Quadratic Equation by Using Quadratic Formula Method

Instead of factorization method, a quadratic formula can also be used to determine

the roots of a quadratic equation. The formula used to find the roots of quadratic
equation ax 2  bx  c  0 is:

 b  b 2  4ac
x
2a

Where a, b and c are constants. Three steps involved when solve quadratic equation
using this method as shown in Figure 3.3.

STEP 2
STEP 1

Substitute the value of a, b and c in

Find the value of a, b and c from the the quadratic formula:
equation:

Example:

STEP 3

Get the roots of the equation:

Solve both values:

Figure 3.3 Steps in solving quadratic equation using Quadratic Formula

46
Solve the following quadratic equation below using quadratic formula method.

i. 2 x 2  5x  1  0 ii. 4 x 2  5  9 x

10 y  3 1 m
iii. y2  iv. (m  1) 2 
7 2
p3 4
v. 
2 p4

NOTE
i. 2 x 2  5x  1  0

Substitute into quadratic formula

 b  b 2  4ac
x
2a

 (5)  (5) 2  4(2)(1)

x
2(2)

5  33

4
Solve both values:

5  33 5  33
x x
4 4
x  2.6861 in 4 decimal places x  0.1861 in 4 decimal places

47
 NOTE
ii. 4 x 2  5  9 x
4x 2  9x  5  0 Rearrange in the form of

 b  b 2  4ac
x
2a

 (9)  (9) 2  4(4)(5)

x Substitute into quadratic formula
2(4)

 9 1

8
Solve both values:

 9 1  9 1
x x
8 8
x  1 5
x
4

10 y  3
iii. y2  NOTE
7
Expand the equation and rearrange in the
7 y 2  10 y  3  0 form of

 b  b 2  4ac
y
2a
Substitute into quadratic formula
 (10)  (10) 2  4(7)(3)
y
2(7)

10  4

14
Solve both values:

10  4 10  4
y y
14 14
y 1 3
y
7

48
 1 m NOTE
iv. (m  1) 2 
2 Expand and rearrange in the form of
2(m  2m  1)  1  m
2

2m 2  4m  2  1  m  0
2m 2  3m  1  0

 b  b 2  4ac Substitute into quadratic formula

m
2a

 (3)  (3) 2  4(2)(1)

m
2(2)

 3 1

4
Solve both values:

 3 1  3 1
m m
4 4
1 m  1
m
2

p3 4 NOTE
v. 
2 p4 Expand and rearrange in the form of
( p  3)( p  4)  8

p 2  4 p  3 p  12  8  0

p 2  p  20  0
Substitute into quadratic formula
 b  b 2  4ac
p
2a

 (1)  (1) 2  4(1)(20)

p
2(1)

1 9

2

49
 Solve both values:

1 9 1 9
p p
2 2
p4 p  5

EXERCISE 3.2

1 Solve the following quadratic equation using quadratic formula method.

1
a) 4 x 2  4 x  1  0 Ans: x1   , x 2  4
2

b) x  3x  2  2( x  1) Ans: x1  4, x2  1
2

y3 4
c)  Ans: y1  4, y 2  5
2 y4

1
d) 4 x 2  2  9 x Ans: x1  2, x 2 
4

e) 3t 2  5  9t Ans: t1  3.4791, x2  0.4791

Ans: m1  6.5414, m2  0.4586

f) (m  4)(m  3)  9

50
References:

Lial, M. L., Hornsby, J., Schneider, D. I., & Daniels, C. J. (2009). College Algebra and

Trigonometry. Addison-Wesley Longman.

Tussy, A. S., & Gustafson, R. D. (2005). Intermediate Algebra. Thomson Brooks/Cole.

Sullivan, M. (2002). Algebra and trigonometry. Prentice Hall.

51
 Terbitan:

DBM10063 – MATHEMATICAL COMPUTING

BASIC ALGEBRA
Penulis:
FATIN HAMIMAH BINTI MOHAMED SALLEH
HASRUL HAFIZAN BIN RAHMATULLAH

POLITEKNIK BALIK PULAU

Pinang Nirai, Mukim 6
11000 Balik Pulau
Pulau Pinang
Malaysia
www.pbu.polycc.edu.my
[email protected]

04-8689000 04-8692061