MODULE 1

SET OF REAL NUMBERS

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 The Set of Real Numbers

OVERVIEW

The first part of this module serves as a review of your basic knowledge
about the topics that you have learned in high school. These are the
following: Integer exponents, Operations of Polynomials, Special Products,
and Factoring Polynomials. It is required to have a good and strong
foundation of the aforementioned topics so that you can be able to
understand the succeeding lessons with ease.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Simplify exponential expressions.

2. Identify the properties of exponents used in simplifying exponential
expressions.
3. Perform operations of polynomials.
4. Factor different types of polynomials.

LEARNING CONTENT:

1.1 Integer Exponents

CONCEPT OF AN EXPONENT

Recall that an exponent indicates the number of times a particular

number (base) is being multiplied by itself.

If b is any number and n is a positive integer then,

exponent

𝑏𝑛 = 𝑏 ∙ 𝑏 ∙ 𝑏 ∙ 𝑏 ∙∙∙∙∙ 𝑏
base
So, for example:

24 = 2 ∙ 2 ∙ 2 ∙ 2 = 16

There are many exponential properties that are commonly used in algebra.
Here are the following properties that you need to remember when
simplifying exponential expressions.

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 PROPERTIES OF EXPONENTS
1. Zero power 𝑥0 = 1
2. Negative power 1
𝑥 −𝑛 = 𝑛
𝑥
3. Product of a power 𝑥 𝑚 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑥 𝑚+𝑛
4. Power of a power (𝑥 𝑚 )𝑛 = 𝑥 𝑚𝑛
5. Power of a product (𝑥𝑦)𝑛 = 𝑥 𝑛 𝑦 𝑛
6. Quotient of a 𝑥𝑚
= 𝑥𝑚−𝑛
power 𝑥𝑛
7. Power of a 𝑥 𝑛 𝑥𝑛
( ) = 𝑛
quotient 𝑦 𝑦

PROPERTIES OF EXPONENTS

ZERO POWER PROPERTY

𝑥 0 = 1where𝑥 ≠ 0

Any number (except zero) raised to zero power is always equal to 1.

NEGATIVE POWER PROPERTY

1 1
𝑥 −𝑛 = 𝑛
𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 𝑛 = −𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑥 ≠ 0
𝑥 𝑥

Observe that x-nis the reciprocal of xn.

Consider the following examples:

1
1. 𝑎−3 = 𝑎3
1 1
2. 5−3 = 53 = 125

PRODUCT OF A POWER PROPERTY

If x is any non-zero real number and m and n are integers, then

𝑥 𝑚 ∙ 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑥 𝑚+𝑛

When multiplying powers with the same base, simply copy the base and add
the exponents.

Consider the following examples:

1. Simplify: (a3) (a5)

(a3) (a5)=a3+5 = a8

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 Since the given powers have the same base, copy the base then add the
exponents 3 and 5. Thus, (a 3) (a5) = a8

2. Simplify: (24) (26)

(24) (26)=24+6 = 210=1024

The given powers have the same base of 2 and their exponents are 4 and
6, respectively. To simplify the given exponential expression, keep the base
then add the exponents 4 and 6. Hence, the result is 2 10 or 1024.

POWER OF A POWER PROPERTY

If x is any non-zero real number and m and n are integers, then

(𝑥 𝑚 )𝑛 = 𝑥 𝑚𝑛

If the given power is raised by another exponent, then the result is the base
raised to the product of the exponents.

Consider the following examples:

1. (34)2
The given expression can be represented in expanded form as:

(34)2 = (34) (34) = (3 ∙ 3 ∙ 3 ∙ 3)(3 ∙ 3 ∙ 3 ∙ 3) = 38

Applying the power of a power property, copy the base then multiply the
exponents.

(34 )2 = 34∙2 = 38

2. (56)0Use the Power of a Power property

=56∙0 Zero multiplied by any number is zero.
= 50 Any number raised to the zero is 1.
=1

3. (𝑦 5 )−3 ∙ 𝑦 2
= (𝑦)5∙−3 ∙ 𝑦 2 Use the Power of a Power property

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 = 𝑦 −15 ∙ 𝑦 2 Simplify the exponent of the first term

= 𝑦 −15+2 Since the powers have the same base, add the exponents

= 𝑦 −13
1
= 𝑦 13 Apply Negative Power property

POWER OF A PRODUCT PROPERTY

If x is any non-zero real number and m and n are integers, then

(𝑥𝑦)𝑛 = 𝑥 𝑛 𝑦 𝑛

If the product of the bases is raised to an exponent then the factor of each
product is raised to that exponent.

Consider the following examples:

1. (3𝑥)3 Use the Power of a Product property

= (33 )(𝑥 3 )Raised each factor of the product by 3
= 27 ∙ 𝑥 3 Simplify
= 27𝑥 3

2. (𝑎3 𝑏 −2 )5

= (𝑎3 )5 (𝑏−2 )5 Use the Power of a Product property

= (𝑎)3∙5 (𝑏)−2∙5 Use the Power of a Power property

1
= (𝑎15 )( 𝑏−10 )Write 𝑏−10 as 𝑏10 (Applying negative power property))

1
= (𝑎15 ) (𝑏10 )Simplify

𝑎15
= 10
𝑏

3. (𝑥 3 𝑦 2 )5 (𝑥 4 𝑦 5 )−4
= (𝑥 3 )5 (𝑦 2 )5 (𝑥 4 )−4 (𝑦 5 )−4 Use the Power of a Product property
= (𝑥)3∙5 (𝑦)2∙5 (𝑥)4∙−4 (𝑦)5∙−4 Use the Power of a Power property
= (𝑥 15 )(𝑦 10 )(𝑥 −16 )(𝑦 −20 )

= (𝑥)15+(−16) (𝑦)10+(−20)Add the exponents of like bases

= 𝑥 −1 𝑦 −10 Apply negative exponent law

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 𝑦 10 𝑦 10
= −1 𝑜𝑟
𝑥 𝑥

QUOTIENT OF A POWER PROPERTY

If x is any non-zero real number and m and n are integers, then

𝑥𝑚
= 𝑥 𝑚−𝑛
𝑥𝑛

The quotient of two powers with the same base is equal to the base raised to
the difference of their exponents.

Consider the following examples:

47
1. 45

=47-5

=42

=16

𝑚5 𝑟 3
2. Use the Quotient of a Power property
𝑚 2𝑟

= 𝑚5−2 𝑟 3−1 Subtract the exponents of like bases

= 𝑚3 𝑟 2

𝑏5 𝑐 3
3. (𝑏5 )2𝑐

𝑏5 𝑐 3
= (𝑏)5∙2 𝑐Apply Power of a Power property on (𝑏5 )2 : (𝑏5 )2 = 𝑏5∙2 = 𝑏10

𝑏5 𝑐 3
= 𝑏10 𝑐Use the Quotient of a Power property

= 𝑏5−10 𝑐 3−1 Subtract the exponents of like bases

= 𝑏 −5 𝑐 2 Rewrite 𝑏−5 as a positive exponent

1
= (𝑏5 ) (𝑐 2) Simplify

𝑐2
=
𝑏5

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POWER OF A QUOTIENT PROPERTY

If x is any non-zero real number and m and n are integers, then

𝑥 𝑛 𝑥𝑛
( ) = 𝑛
𝑦 𝑦

The quotient of two non-zero real numbers raised to an exponent is equal to

the quotient of each base raised to that exponent.

Consider the following examples:

2 4
1. (3)

24
= Use the Power of a Quotient property
34

16
= 81Simplify

4
2𝑞2
2. ( 𝑟𝑠 )

(2𝑞2 )4
= Use the Power of a Quotient property
(𝑟𝑠)4

24 (𝑞2)4
= Use the Power of a Product property: (2q2)4=24 (q2)4 and (rs)4=r4s4.
𝑟 4𝑠4

16𝑞8
= Simplify 24 and use the Power of a Power Property: (q2)4 = q8
𝑟 4𝑠 4

5
𝑤𝑥 4
3. (𝑦 2𝑧 3 )

(𝑤𝑥 4)5
= (𝑦 2𝑧 3 )5 Use the Power of a Quotient property

𝑤 5𝑥 4∙5
= 𝑦 2∙5 𝑧 3∙5 Use the Power of a Product property: (𝑤𝑥 4 )5 = 𝑤 5 𝑥 4∙5 and
(𝑦 2 𝑧 3 )5 = 𝑦 2∙5 𝑧 3∙5

𝑤 5 𝑥 20
= 𝑦 10 𝑧 15 Simplify𝑥 4∙5 = 𝑥 20 , 𝑦 2∙5 = 𝑦 10 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑧 3∙5 = 𝑧 15
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS

Please watch the videos on the link below for your supplementary materials.

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 TITLE URL

Algebra Basics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5ZGDNxJwx

Laws of Exponents A

Simplifying
Exponents With
Fractions, Variables,
Negative https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt2fdy3zrZU
Exponents,
Multiplication &
Division, Math

KEY CONCEPTS/FOCUS POINTS:

An expression that has integer exponents is completely simplified if:

● The base appears only once.

● There are no negative exponents.
● No powers are raised to powers.
● No products and no quotients are raised to powers and,
● The constant factors are expressed in the lowest term.

Practice Exercises: Simplify each of the following.

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1.2 Operations of Polynomials

Recall that a polynomial is an algebraic expression which is often a sum of

terms that contain coefficients, variables, and exponents. In this lesson, you
will be dealing with the 4 operations of polynomials.

A. Addition of Polynomials

Here are the steps that you need to remember when adding polynomials:

1. Identify the like terms. (Like terms are terms that have variable(s) and
exponent.)
2. Group the like terms together.
3. Combine like terms by simply adding the coefficients.

*Note that you need to retain the powers of the variables when adding
polynomials. You do not need to change them.

Consider the following examples:

1. (3𝑥 2 + 8) + (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 9)

= (3𝑥 2 + 8) + (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 9)Identify like terms.(3𝑥 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 2,8 𝑎𝑛𝑑 9)

= (3𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2 ) + (−𝑥 ) + (8 + 9)Group like terms together.
= 4𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 17Combine like terms and simplify.

2. (9𝑦 2 − 7) + (6𝑦 2 + 4𝑧 − 10𝑦 2 + 4𝑧)

= (9𝑦 2 − 7𝑧) + (6𝑦 2 + 4𝑧 − 10𝑦 2 + 4𝑧)Identify like terms.

= (9𝑦 2 − 7𝑧) + (−4𝑦 2 + 8𝑧)Combine like terms in the second polynomial.
= (9𝑦 2 −4𝑦 2 ) + (−7𝑧 + 8𝑧)Combine like terms.
= 5𝑦 2 + 𝑧Simplify

3. (12𝑟𝑠 − 𝑟) + (−3𝑟𝑠 + 4𝑟 − 𝑠)

= (12𝑟𝑠 − 𝑟) + (−3𝑟𝑠 + 4𝑟 − 𝑠)Identify like terms.

= (12𝑟𝑠 − 3𝑟𝑠) + (−𝑟 + 4𝑟) + (−𝑠)Group like terms together.
= 9𝑟𝑠 + 3𝑟 − 𝑠Combine like terms.

On the previous examples, Horizontal form method is used to add the

polynomials. Aside from using that method, there is an alternative way to add
polynomials. This method is called the Vertical form method. In this method,
you will just simply line up or align the like terms before combining them.

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Consider the following examples:
1. Add: (6𝑥 2 + 8 + 4𝑥) + (8𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 5

6𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 8

+ 8𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 5

14𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 13

2. Add: (−13𝑤 3 + 4−12𝑤 5 𝑦) + (−20𝑤 5 𝑦 + 12+10𝑤 3 )

−12𝑤 5 𝑦−13𝑤 3 + 4

+ −20𝑤 5 𝑦+10𝑤 3 + 12

−32𝑤 5 − 3𝑤 3 + 16

Take note that whatever method you choose, you will obtain the same
answer.

B. Subtraction of Polynomials

Subtracting polynomials is the same way as adding polynomials except that

you need to change the sign of each term into “+“ into “-“or vice versa
before adding their coefficients.

Consider the following examples:

1. Subtract: (−25𝑥 3 𝑦 − 8𝑥𝑦 + 6𝑦) − (−4𝑥 3 𝑦 + 15𝑥𝑦 + 7𝑦)

Using Horizontal Form Method:

(−25𝑥 3 𝑦 − 8𝑥𝑦 + 6𝑦) − (−4𝑥 3 𝑦 + 15𝑥𝑦 + 7𝑦)

= (−25𝑥 3 𝑦 − 8𝑥𝑦 + 6𝑦) + (4𝑥 3 𝑦 − 15𝑥𝑦 − 7𝑦)

= (−25𝑥 3 𝑦+4𝑥 3 𝑦) + (−8𝑥𝑦 − 15𝑥𝑦) + (6𝑦 − 7𝑦)

= −21𝑥 3 𝑦 − 23𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦

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2. Subtract: (26𝑦 2 − 18𝑦 5 + 3𝑦) − (10𝑦 2 + 4𝑦 + 17𝑦 5 )

Using the Vertical Form Method:

Steps:
1. Arrange the polynomials in descending order.

2. Align like terms.

3. Take the opposite sign of each term being subtracted, and change
the minus sign to plus sign.
4. Add the polynomials.

−18𝑦 5 + 26𝑦 2 + 3𝑦🡪−18𝑦 5 + 26𝑦 2 + 3𝑦

− 17𝑦 5 + 10𝑦 2 + 4𝑦🡪+ −17𝑦 5 − 10𝑦 2 − 4𝑦

−35𝑦 5 + 16𝑦 2 − 𝑦

C. Multiplication of Polynomials

To multiply polynomials, multiply each term of the polynomial to each term of

the other polynomial by applying the distributive property. Then, combine like
terms if possible to simplify the polynomial.

Consider the following examples:

1. Multiply: 5𝑟 2 (4𝑟 3 + 2𝑟 + 1)

Distribute 5𝑟 2 in each term of the polynomial found inside the parenthesis.

5𝑟 2 (4𝑟 3 + 2𝑟 + 1) = 5𝑟 2 (4𝑟 3 ) + 5𝑟 2 (2𝑟) + 5𝑟 2 (1)

= 20𝑟 5 + 10𝑟 3 + 5𝑟 2

2. Multiply: 7𝑎𝑏 (−8𝑎3 𝑏 + 9𝑎𝑏 − 4𝑏)

Distribute 7𝑎𝑏 in each term of the polynomial found inside the parenthesis.

7𝑎𝑏 (−8𝑎3 𝑏 + 9𝑎𝑏 − 4𝑏) = 7𝑎𝑏(−8𝑎3 𝑏) + 7𝑎𝑏(9𝑎𝑏) + 7𝑎𝑏(−4𝑏)

= −56𝑎4 𝑏2 + 63𝑎2 𝑏2 − 28𝑎𝑏2

2. Multiply: (4𝑦 + 2)(3𝑦 4 − 5𝑦 + 2)

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 Distribute 4y and 2 in each term of the other polynomial.

(4𝑦 + 2)(3𝑦 4 − 5𝑦 + 2)

= 4𝑦(3𝑦 4 − 5𝑦 + 2) + 2(3𝑦 4 − 5𝑦 + 2)

= 12𝑦 5 − 20𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 + 6𝑦 4 − 10𝑦 + 4Combine like terms: 8y and -10y

= 12𝑦 5 + 6𝑦 4 − 20𝑦 2 − 2𝑦 + 4Arrange the terms in descending order

D. Division of Polynomials

Dividing a polynomial by a monomial

When dividing a polynomial by a monomial, you must divide each term of

the polynomial with the monomial.

Consider the following examples:

8𝑟 6 +16𝑟 3 −2𝑟 2
1.
2𝑟

8𝑟 6 16𝑟 3 2𝑟 2
= + − Divide each term of the polynomial with the monomial.
2𝑟 2𝑟 2𝑟

= 4𝑟 5 + 8𝑟 2 − 𝑟

30𝑥 3 𝑦−6𝑥 2 𝑦−18𝑥𝑦

2. 3𝑥𝑦

30𝑥 3 𝑦 2 6𝑥 2 𝑦 18𝑥𝑦
= − − Divide each term of the polynomial with the monomial.
3𝑥𝑦 3𝑥𝑦 3𝑥𝑦

= 10𝑥 2 𝑦 − 2𝑥 − 6

−45𝑥 5 𝑦 2𝑧−15𝑥 3 𝑦𝑧 2 +10𝑥

3. 5𝑥𝑦𝑧

45𝑥 5𝑦 2 𝑧 15𝑥 3𝑦𝑧 2 10𝑥𝑦

=− − + 5𝑥𝑦𝑧 Divide each term of the polynomial with the
5𝑥𝑦𝑧 5𝑥𝑦𝑧
monomial.

2
= −9𝑥 4 𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 𝑧 +
𝑧

Dividing a polynomial by a polynomial

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On the previous examples, you have learned about how to divide a
polynomial by a monomial. How about dividing a polynomial by another
polynomial? You might think that the process look complex but the steps do
not differ much in dividing whole numbers.

Here are the steps that you need to familiarize and to follow carefully when
dividing a polynomial by another polynomial.

Example 1:

𝑥 3 −4𝑥 2+2𝑥−3
Divide: 𝑥+2

Steps:

1. Make sure that the terms of

P(x) and D(x) are arranged in
descending order. If there
is/are missing term/s, write it as
0𝑥 𝑛 to fill in the missing term. In
this case, the problem is ready
as is.

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2. Divide the first term of the
dividend 𝑃(𝑥) to the first term
of the divisor 𝐷(𝑥) to get the
first term of the quotient. In this
case, divide 𝑥 3 by x to get 𝑥 2 .

3. Multiply 𝑥 2 to𝑥 + 2. We
obtained a product of 𝑥 3 +
2𝑥 2 .

3. Subtract the product

obtained in step 3 from the
dividend. Then, bring down
the next term.

4. Divide −6𝑥 2by 𝑥. We get −6𝑥.

5. Multiply −6𝑥 to the divisor

which is 𝑥 + 2. The product is
−6𝑥 2 − 12𝑥.

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6. Subtract then bring down the
next term.

7. Divide 14 x by x. We get +14.

8. Multiply 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 14 𝑏𝑦 𝑥 + 2.
The product is 14𝑥 + 28.

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 9. Subtract 14𝑥 + 28 from 14𝑥 − 3.
We get a difference of -31,
which serves as the
remainder. Observe that there
are no more terms to bring
down.

10. Since there is a remainder, the

final answer can be written in
form:
𝑅(𝑥)
𝑄 (𝑥 ) +
𝐷(𝑥)

Where: 𝑄(𝑥 ) is the quotient,

𝑅(𝑥) is the remainder; and

𝐷(𝑥)is the divisor.

Example 2:

3𝑥 3 −2𝑥 2+5
Divide: 𝑥 2 −1

Steps:

1. Make sure that the terms of

P(x) and D(x) are arranged in
descending order. Since there
are missing terms in the divisor
and the dividend, we can
write it as:

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2. Divide the first term of the
dividend 𝑃(𝑥) to the first term
of the divisor 𝐷(𝑥) to get the
first term of the quotient. In this
case, divide 3𝑥 3 by 𝑥 2 to get
3𝑥.

3. Multiply 3𝑥to 𝑥 2 + 0𝑥 − 1. We
obtained a product of:
3𝑥 3 + 0𝑥 2 − 3𝑥.

4. Subtract the product

obtained in step 3 from the
dividend. Then, bring down
the next term.

5. Divide −2𝑥 2by 𝑥 2 . We get −2.

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 6. Multiply 3𝑥 − 2 to the divisor
which is 𝑥 2 + 0𝑥 − 1. The
product is −2𝑥 2 + 0𝑥 + 2.

7. Subtract −2𝑥 2 + 0𝑥 + 2from

−2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 6. We get a
difference of 3𝑥 + 4. Observe
that there are no more terms
to bring down.

8. Since there is a remainder, the

final answer can be written in
form:
𝑅(𝑥)
𝑄 (𝑥 ) +
𝐷(𝑥)

Where: 𝑄(𝑥 ) is the quotient,

𝑅(𝑥) is the remainder; and

𝐷(𝑥)is the divisor.

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SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS

Please watch the videos on the link below for your supplementary materials.

TITLE YouTube Video URL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDpnNnjFB1c
Adding and
Subtracting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KobevTfvXyg
Polynomials

Multiplying https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW-
Polynomials 7G8TgR70

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6_ghhd7kw
Q
Long Division of
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPXMBIFG_W
Polynomials
4

KEY CONCEPTS/FOCUS POINTS:

● When adding or subtracting polynomials, combine like terms and

add/subtract them together.
● When multiplying polynomials, multiply each term of the polynomial to
each term of the other polynomial by applying the distributive
property. Then, combine like terms if possible to simplify the polynomial.
● When dividing a polynomial by a monomial, you must divide each
term of the polynomial with the monomial.
● Dividing a polynomial by another polynomial may take some steps but
it does not differ much in dividing whole numbers.

PRACTICE EXERCISES

A. Add or subtract the following polynomials.

1. (6𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 2) + (5𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 8)𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 11𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 6

2. (14𝑦 2 − 6𝑦 + 3) − (−7𝑦 2 + 9𝑦 + 1)𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 21𝑦 2 − 15𝑦 + 2
3. (9𝑥𝑦 2 − 5𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑥 ) + (−3𝑥𝑦 2 + 4𝑥𝑦 − 8𝑥 )𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 6𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑥𝑦 − 10𝑥
4. (32𝑚3 + 4𝑚2 − 7) − (15𝑚3 − 5𝑚)𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 17𝑚3 + 4𝑚2 + 5𝑚 − 7
5. (15𝑝4 − 2𝑝2 − 1) + (−40𝑝3 + 19𝑝2 − 12)𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 15𝑝4 − 40𝑝3 + 17𝑝2 − 13
6. (−27𝑛3 − 6𝑛2 + 18𝑛) − (68𝑛3 + 6𝑛2 + 18𝑛)𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: −95𝑛3 − 12𝑛2

19 | P a g e
B. Multiply or divide the following polynomials.
7. (2𝑝 + 6)(6𝑝 + 3) 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 12𝑝2 + 42𝑝 + 18
8. (8𝑚 + 2)(3𝑚 − 6𝑛 − 5) 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 24𝑚3 + 6𝑚2 − 48𝑚𝑛 − 40𝑚 − 12𝑛 − 10
2

9. (4𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 1)(5𝑦 2 + 3𝑦 − 1)𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 20𝑦 4 − 8𝑦 3 − 11𝑦 2 + 7𝑦 − 1

14𝑥 6 𝑦 7 𝑧 2+49𝑥 4 𝑦 5𝑧
10. 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 2𝑥 5 𝑦 6 𝑧 + 7𝑥 3 𝑦 4
7𝑥𝑦𝑧
𝑥 3−4𝑥 2−3𝑥+18
11. 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9
𝑥+2
2𝑥 4 +7𝑥 3 −26𝑥 2 +23𝑥−6
12. 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1
𝑥 2 +5𝑥−6

1.3 Special Products

This lesson serves as a review about special products. Recognizing the

patterns of their special products will help you save time in multiplying pairs of
binomials and trinomials.

A. Sum and difference of two binomials

This is one of the special pairs of binomial that produces a special product.
Observe that the product of the sum and difference of these two binomials
(𝑥 + 𝑦)(𝑥 − 𝑦) will result to the difference of the squares of the first and the last
term, which is𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2.

(𝑥 + 𝑦)(𝑥 − 𝑦) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2

Consider the following examples:

1. (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 4) = (𝑥)2 − (4)2Square the first and the last term.

= 𝑥 2 − 16

2. (3𝑥 + 5)(3𝑥 − 5) = (3𝑥)2 − (5)2Square the first and the last term.
= 9𝑥 2 − 25

3. (8𝑦 2 − 6)(8𝑦 2 + 6) = (8𝑦 2 )2 − (6)2 Square the first and the last term.
= 64𝑦 4 − 36

B. Square of a binomial
For any two numbers, x and y:

Case 1: (𝑥 + 𝑦)2 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)(𝑥 + 𝑦) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2

20 | P a g e
 Case 2: (𝑥 − 𝑦)2 = (𝑥 − 𝑦)(𝑥 − 𝑦) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2

Considering case 1, the square of a binomial, (𝑥 + 𝑦)2 , produces a trinomial

wherein the first and the last terms are squared and the middle term is equal
to twice the product of the first and the last term.

Whereas in case 2, notice that the pattern is the same as in case 1 except
that the sign of the middle term is a minus sign.

Consider the following examples:

1. (𝑥 + 9)2 = (𝑥)2 + 2(𝑥 )(9) + (9)2Follow the pattern in case 1

= 𝑥 2 + 18𝑥 + 81

2. (5𝑥 + 3)2 = (5𝑥)2 + 2(5𝑥 )(3) + (3)2Follow the pattern in case 1

= 25𝑥 2 + 2(5𝑥)(3) + (3)2

3. (4𝑥 − 1)2 = (4𝑥)2 − 2(4𝑥 )(1) + (1)2Follow the pattern in case 2

= 16𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 1

4. (7𝑥 − 8𝑦)2 = (7𝑥)2 − 2(7𝑥)(8𝑦) + (8𝑦)2 Follow the pattern in case 2

= 49𝑥 2 − 112𝑥𝑦 + 64𝑦 2

C. Square of a trinomial

The square of a trinomialcan be expressed as:

For any number, x, y and z:

Case 1: (𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧)2 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑦𝑧 + 2𝑥𝑧

Case 2: (𝑥 − 𝑦 + 𝑧)2 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 2𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑦𝑧 + 2𝑥𝑧
Case 3: (𝑥 − 𝑦 − 𝑧)2 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 2𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑦𝑧 − 2𝑥𝑧

Consider the following examples:

1. (3𝑥 + 𝑦 + 5𝑧)2 = (3𝑥)2 + (𝑦)2 + (5𝑧)2 + 2(3𝑥 )(𝑦) + 2(𝑦)(5𝑧) + 2(3𝑥)(5𝑧)See

Case 1
= 9𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 25𝑧 2 + 6𝑥𝑦 + 10𝑦𝑧 + 30𝑥𝑧

2. (12𝑝 − 3𝑞 + 𝑟)2 = (12𝑝)2 + (3𝑞 )2 + (𝑟)2 − 2(12𝑝)(3𝑞) − 2(3𝑞 )(𝑟) +

2(12𝑝)(𝑟)See Case 2

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 = 144𝑝2 + 9𝑞 2 + 𝑟 2 − 72𝑝𝑞 − 6𝑞𝑟 + 24𝑝𝑟

3. (2𝑎 − 7𝑏 − 8𝑐)2 = (2𝑎)2 + (7𝑏)2 + (8𝑐)2 − 2(2𝑎)(7𝑏) + 2(7𝑏)(8𝑐 ) −

2(2𝑎)(8𝑐)See Case 3
= 4𝑎2 + 49𝑏2 + 64𝑐 2 − 28𝑎𝑏 + 112𝑏𝑐 − 32𝑎𝑐

D. Cube of a binomial

Case 1: (𝑥 + 𝑦)3 = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑦 3

Case 2: (𝑥 − 𝑦)3 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 𝑦 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑦 3

In case 1, the cube of the sum of two terms produces a polynomial consisting
of four terms. The first and the last terms are cubed. Notice that the exponent
of variable x from the second to the third term decreases whereas the
exponent of variable y increases from the second to the third term. Also,
observe that the second and third terms have a factor of 3.
On the other hand, the cube of the difference of two terms produces the
same pattern as in case 1 except that the second and the last terms contain
minus signs.

Consider the following examples:

1. (𝑥 + 3)3 = 𝑥 3 + 3(𝑥 )2 (3) + 3(𝑥)(3)2 + (3)3Follow the pattern in Case 1

= 𝑥 3 + 9𝑥 2 + 27𝑥 + 9

2. (𝑥 − 5)3 = 𝑥 3 − 3(𝑥 )2 (5) + 3(𝑥 )(5)2 − (5)3Follow the pattern in Case 2

= 𝑥 3 − 15𝑥 2 + 75𝑥 − 125

3. (2𝑦 + 6)3 = (2𝑦)3 + 3(2𝑦)2 (6) + 3(2𝑦)(6)2 + (6)3 Follow the pattern in Case 1

= 8𝑦 3 + 72𝑦 2 + 216𝑦 + 216

4. (9𝑥 − 4𝑦)3 = (9𝑥 )3 − 3(9𝑥)2 (4𝑦) + 3(9𝑥)(4𝑦)2 − (4𝑦)3 Follow the pattern in
Case 2
= 729𝑥 3 − 972𝑥 2 𝑦 + 432𝑥𝑦 2 − 64𝑦 3

22 | P a g e
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS

Please watch the videos on the link below for your supplementary materials.

TITLE YouTube Video URL

Introduction to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFtjG45-Udk
Special Products of
Binomials

Special Products of
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgQNOd8OG
Binomials: Squares
9w
and Cubes

KEY CONCEPTS/FOCUS POINTS:

PRACTICE EXERCISES:

Try answering the following.

1. (3𝑥 2 − 6)(3𝑥 2 + 6) 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 9𝑥 4 − 36
2. (2𝑝 − 1)2 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 4𝑝2 − 4𝑝 + 1
3. (4𝑚2 + 2)2 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 16𝑚4 + 16𝑚2 + 4

23 | P a g e
 4. (5𝑛 − 4)3 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 125𝑛3 − 300𝑛2 + 240𝑛 − 64
5. (6𝑐 + 3)3 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 216𝑐 3 + 324𝑐 2 + 162𝑐 + 27
6. (8𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 7)2 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 64𝑥 4 + 32𝑥 3 + 116𝑥 2 + 28𝑥 + 49
7. (2𝑝4 + 5𝑝 − 3)2 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 4𝑝8 + 20𝑝5 − 12𝑝4 + 25𝑝2 − 30𝑝 + 9

1.4 Factoring a Polynomial

A polynomial can be factored using different strategies or techniques

depending upon the type of polynomial. It can be polynomials with common
monomial factor, difference of two squares, sum and difference of two
cubes, perfect square trinomials, and quadratic trinomials.

A. Factoring Polynomials with Common Monomial Factor

Here are the steps in factoring polynomials with common monomial factor:

a) Look for the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) of the coefficients of

each term of the polynomial and with common variable/s having
the least exponent.
b) Divide the polynomial by the GCF.
c) Write the polynomial in factored form using the GCF and the
quotient.

Consider the following examples:

Factor each completely.

1. 14𝑎𝑏5 − 49𝑎5 𝑏2

First, you need to look for the GCF of the coefficients of each term. The
largest number that can divide 14 and 49 is 7. Also, the polynomial
contains terms with a and b as variables. We must take the variables with
the least exponent and these are a and b2. Therefore, the common
monomial factor is 7𝑎𝑏2 .

Next. divide the polynomial by the common monomial factor:

14𝑎𝑏5 − 49𝑎5 𝑏2 14𝑎𝑏5 49𝑎5 𝑏2

= − = 2𝑏3 − 7𝑎4
7𝑎𝑏2 7𝑎𝑏2 7𝑎𝑏2

Hence, the factored form of the polynomial is7𝑎𝑏2 (2𝑏3 − 7𝑎4 ).

2. 3𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + 6𝑥 3 𝑦 5 − 21𝑥 6 𝑦 4

The GCF of 3,6 and 21 is 3. The variables with the least exponent are x 2 and
y3. Combining these factors, the common monomial factor is 3𝑥 2 𝑦 3 .

24 | P a g e
 3𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + 6𝑥 3 𝑦 5 − 21𝑥 6 𝑦 4 3𝑥 2 𝑦 3 6𝑥 3 𝑦 5 21𝑥 6 𝑦 4
= 2 3+ 2 3− = 1 + 2𝑥𝑦 2 − 7𝑥 4 𝑦
3𝑥 2 𝑦 3 3𝑥 𝑦 3𝑥 𝑦 3𝑥 2 𝑦 3

Hence, the factored form of the polynomial is3𝑥 2 𝑦 3 (1 + 2𝑥𝑦 2 − 7𝑥 4 𝑦)

3. 24𝑝2 𝑞 3 𝑟 6 + 18𝑝𝑞4 𝑟 3 − 36𝑝7 𝑞 3 𝑟

The GCF of 24, 18 and 36 is 6. The variables with the least exponent are p,
q3 and r. Combining these factors, the common monomial factor is 6𝑝𝑞 3 𝑟.

24𝑝2 𝑞 3 𝑟 6 + 18𝑝𝑞 4 𝑟 3 − 36𝑝7 𝑞 3 𝑟 24𝑝2 𝑞 3 𝑟 6 18𝑝𝑞 4 𝑟 3 36𝑝7 𝑞 3 𝑟

= + −
6𝑝𝑞 3 𝑟 6𝑝𝑞 3 𝑟 6𝑝𝑞 3 𝑟 6𝑝𝑞3 𝑟
= 4𝑝𝑟 5 + 3𝑞𝑟 2 − 6𝑝6

Hence, the factored form of the polynomial is 6𝑝𝑞 3 𝑟(4𝑝𝑟 5 + 3𝑞𝑟 2 − 6𝑝6 ).

B. Factoring Difference of Two Squares

If x and y are real numbers, variables, or algebraic expressions, then

𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)(𝑥 − 𝑦)

The difference of the squares of two terms is the product of the sum and
difference of those terms.

Consider the following examples:

Factor each completely.

1. 𝑥 2 − 25 = (𝑥)2 − (5)2
= (𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 5)

2. 4𝑥 2 − 81 = (2𝑥)2 − (9)2
= (2𝑥 + 9)(2𝑥 − 9)

3. 49𝑥 2 − 256𝑦 2 = (7𝑥 )2 − (16𝑦)2

= (7𝑥 + 16)(7𝑥 − 16)

4. 16𝑎4 − 144𝑏6 = (4𝑎2 )2 − (12𝑏3 )2

= (4𝑎2 + 12𝑏3 )(4𝑎2 − 12𝑏3 )

C. Factoring Sum and Difference of Two Cubes

25 | P a g e
If x and y are real numbers, variables, or algebraic expressions, then

Factoring Sum of Two Cubes

𝑥 3 + 𝑦 3 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)(𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 )

Factoring Difference of Two Cubes

𝑥 3 − 𝑦 3 = (𝑥 − 𝑦)(𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 )

Consider the following examples:

Factor each completely.

1. 𝑏3 − 64 = (𝑏)3 − (4)3 See Factoring Difference of Two Cubes

= (𝑏 − 4)(𝑏2 + 4𝑏 + 16)

2. 27𝑎3 + 125𝑏3 = (3𝑎)3 + (5𝑏)3 See Factoring Sum of Two Cubes

= (3𝑎 + 5𝑏)[(3𝑎)2 − (3𝑎)(5𝑏) + (5𝑏)2 ]
= (3𝑎 + 5𝑏)(9𝑎2 − 15𝑎𝑏 + 25𝑏2 )

3. 216𝑥 3 𝑦 6 − 512𝑥 3 𝑦 9 = (6𝑥𝑦 2 )3 − (8𝑥𝑦 3 )3 See Factoring Difference of Two

Cubes
= (6𝑥𝑦 2 − 8𝑥𝑦 3 )[(6𝑥𝑦 2 )2 + (6𝑥𝑦 2 )(8𝑥𝑦 3 ) + (8𝑥𝑦 3 )2 ]
= (6𝑥𝑦 2 − 8𝑥𝑦 3 )(36𝑥 2 𝑦 4 + 48𝑥 2 𝑦 5 + 64𝑥 2 𝑦 6 )

D. Factoring Perfect Square Trinomials

A polynomial is a perfect square trinomial if it satisfies the following conditions:

1. The first and the last terms are perfect squares.

2. There must be no minus signs before x2 and y2.
3. The middle term is equal to twice the product of the square roots of the
first and the last terms.

𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)2

𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 − 𝑦)2

Consider the following examples:

Factor each completely.

26 | P a g e
1. 𝑥 2 − 16𝑥 + 64

Write the trinomial in the form𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 . Therefore, (𝑥)2 − 2(𝑥)(8) +

(8)2 = (𝑥 − 8)2 .

2. 16𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 + 1

The first term is a perfect square, (4𝑦)2

The last term is a perfect square, (1)2
The middle term is twice the product of 4y and 1, 2(4𝑦)(1) = 8𝑦

Therefore, 16𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 + 1 = (4𝑦)2 + 2(4𝑦)(1) + (1)2

= (4𝑦 + 1)2

3. 𝑎2 − 10𝑎 + 25 = (𝑎)2 − 2(𝑎)(5) + (5)2

= (𝑎 − 5)2

E. Factoring Quadratic Trinomials x2+bx+c

Here are the steps to follow when factoring quadratic trinomialsx2+bx+c:

1. Find a pair of factors, r and s, whose product is c and whose sum is

equal to b. That is:
(𝑟)(𝑠) = 𝑐

𝑟+𝑠=𝑏

2. The factored form of 𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 is:

𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = (𝑥 + 𝑟)(𝑥 + 𝑠)

3. In case there are no factors, r and s, that satisfy r+s=b, therefore, the
trinomial cannot be factored.

Consider the following examples:

Factor each completely.

1. 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 20
Find the factors of -20 whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the
middle term, 1. If you cannot do it mentally, you can list the factors in a
table, and add these factors.

27 | P a g e
 Factors of - Sum
20
r s r+s=b
1 -20 1+(-20)=-
19
-1 20 -1+20=19
-2 10 -2+10=8
2 -10 2+(-10)=-
8
4, -5 4+(-5)=-1
-4 5 -4+5=1

The factors of -20 whose sum is equal to 1 are -4 and 5.

Using the factored form of 𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑠, (𝑥 + 𝑟)(𝑥 + 𝑠):

Thus, 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 20 = (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 5)

2. 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 48
Find the factors of -48 whose product is equal to the coefficient of the
middle term, 2.

Factors of - Sum
20
r s r+s=b
1 -48 1+(-48)=-
47
-1 48 -1+48=47
2 -24 2+(-24)=-
22
-2 24 -2+24=22
3 -16 3+(-16)=-
13
-3 16 -3+16=13
4 -12 4+(-12)=-8
-4 12 -4+12=8
6 -8 6+(-8)=-2
-6 8 -6+8=2

The factors of -48 whose sum is equal to 2 are -6is8.

Using the factored form of 𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑠, (𝑥 + 𝑟)(𝑥 + 𝑠):

Thus, 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 48 = (𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 + 8)

28 | P a g e
 3. 𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 35

Find the factors of 35 whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the

middle term, 12.

Factors of - Sum
20
r s r+s=b
1 35 1+35=36
5 7 5+7=12

The factors of 35 whose sum is equal to 12 are 5 and 7.

Using the factored form of 𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑠, (𝑥 + 𝑟)(𝑥 + 𝑠):

Thus, 𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 35 = (𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 + 7)

F. Factoring Trinomials ax2+bx+c by Grouping

Here are the steps to follow when factoring quadratic trinomials

ax2+bx+cwhere a≠1.

1. Find the product of the coefficients a andc.

2. Find the factors of ac whose sum is the coefficient of the middle term,
b.
3. Rewrite the polynomial by expressing the middle bxas a sum or
difference of the factors you found in Step 2.
4. Factor by grouping.

Consider the following examples:

Factor using the ac-product or by grouping method.

1. 3𝑝2 − 2𝑝 − 5

a. Find the product of ac. (3)(-5)=-15

b. Find the factors of -15 whose sum is the coefficient of the middle
term, -2.

Factors of - Sum
15
1,-15 -14
-1,15 14
3,-5 -2
-3,5 2

29 | P a g e
 c. Express the middle term of 3𝑝2 − 2𝑝 − 5 as the sum of factors in
step b.

3𝑝2 − 2𝑝 − 5 = 3𝑝2 + (3𝑝 − 5𝑝) − 5

d. Factor by grouping.

3𝑝2 − 2𝑝 − 5 = 3𝑝2 + 3𝑝 − 5𝑝 − 5

= (3𝑝2 + 3𝑝) − (5𝑝 + 5)Group the terms

= 3𝑝(𝑝 + 1) − 5(𝑝 + 1)Factor from each group.
= (3𝑝 − 5)(𝑝 + 1)Factor out p+1

2. 3𝑛 2 − 8𝑛 + 4

Solution:

ac=(3)(4)=12
The factors of 12 whose sum is the coefficient of the middle term,-8 are
-2 and -6.

Factors of Sum
12
1,12 13
2,6 8
3,4 7
-1,-12 -13
-2,-6 -8
-3,-4 -7

3𝑛2 − 8𝑛 + 4 = 3𝑛2 − 6𝑛 − 2𝑛 + 4

= (3𝑛2 − 6𝑛) − (2𝑛 − 4) Group the terms

= 3𝑛(𝑛 − 2) − 2(𝑛 − 2) Factor from each group
= (3𝑛 − 2)(𝑛 − 2) Factor our n-2

3. 4𝑛 2 − 2𝑛 − 2

ac=(4)(-2)=-8
The factors of -8 whose sum is the coefficient of the middle term,-2 are
2 and -4.

Factors of - Sum
8
1,-8 -7
-1,8 7

30 | P a g e
 2,-4 -2
-2,4 2

4𝑛2 − 2𝑛 − 2 = 4𝑛2 − 4𝑛 + 2𝑛 − 2

= (4𝑛2 − 4𝑛) + (2𝑛 − 2)Group the terms

= 4𝑛(𝑛 − 1) + 2(𝑛 − 1))Factor from each group
= (4𝑛 + 2)(𝑛 − 1)Factor our n-1

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS

Please watch the videos on the link below for your supplementary materials.

TITLE YouTube Video URL

Polynomials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WipYqupv9wY&l
Factoring ist=PLD8CF85E686758097

Factoring Polynomials
- By GCF, AC Method,
Grouping, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXvt9OumKH8
Substitution, Sum &
Difference of Cubes

KEY CONCEPTS/FOCUS POINTS:

31 | P a g e
PRACTICE EXERCISES
Factor each completely.

1. 18𝑥 7 𝑦 5 − 54𝑥𝑦 4 + 48𝑥 3 𝑦 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 6𝑥𝑦(3𝑥 6 𝑦 4 + 8𝑥 2 − 9𝑦 3 )

2. 162𝑚2 − 72 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 2(9𝑚 − 6)(9𝑚 + 6)
3. 𝑛6 − 225 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: (𝑛3 − 15)(𝑛3 + 15)
4. 64𝑥 2 − 48𝑥 + 9 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: (8𝑥 − 3)2
5. 49𝑦 4 + 70𝑦 2 + 25 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: (7𝑦 2 + 5)2
6. 64𝑥 3 − 8𝑦 3 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 8(2𝑥 − 𝑦)(4𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 )
7. 27𝑚6 + 216𝑛3 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 27(𝑚2 + 2𝑛)(𝑚4 − 2𝑚2 𝑛 + 4𝑛2 )
8. 24𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 − 3 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: (6𝑥 − 1)(4𝑥 + 3)
9. 56𝑟 2 − 37𝑟 + 6 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: (7𝑟 − 2)(8𝑟 − 3)
10. 55𝑥 2 + 59𝑥 − 14 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: (11𝑥 + 14)(5𝑥 − 1)

Rational Expressions

OVERVIEW

In this module, you will be able to review your prior knowledge about
radicals. You will study how an expression with a rational exponent can be
expressed into radical form. Also, you will deal with simplifying radical
expressions and perform operations on radicals.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Convert expressions with rational exponents into radical expression

and vice versa.
2. Simplify radical expressions.
3. Perform operations onradical expressions.

PRE-REQUISITE
● Integer Exponents

LEARNING CONTENT:

1.5 Radical Expression

Radical expression is an expression containing a radical sign. Looking at

√𝑎, a is the radicand which is found inside the radical sign and, n is the index
𝑛

that serves as the degree of the radicanda.

32 | P a g e
Converting Expressions with Rational Exponents to Radical Form and Vice-
Versa

Here are general expressions containing rational exponents converted to

radical form:
1
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛√𝑎
𝑚 1
𝑛
𝑎 𝑛 =(𝑎𝑛 )𝑚 =( 𝑛√𝑎)𝑚 𝑜𝑟 √𝑎𝑚
𝑚 1 1
𝑎− 𝑛 = =
𝑎𝑚𝑛 𝑛
√𝑎 𝑚

Notice that when transforming expressions with rational exponents into

radical form, the base serves as the radicand, and the denominator of the
rational exponent is the index of the radical expression whereas the
numerator is the exponent of the radicand.

Consider the following examples:

Convert the following into radical form.

1
492 = √49=√49 = 7(Note that: 72=49)
2
1.

1
134 = √13(The radicand is 13 and its index is 4.)
4
2.

1
3. (6𝑛)5 = √6𝑛 (The radicand is 6n and its index is 5.)
5

3
4
4. 12𝑥 4 = 12√𝑥 3 (The radicand is x and its exponent is 3 while 4 serves as
the index.)

Convert the following into expressions with rational exponents.

7
1. √𝑦 7 = 𝑦 2

If there is no written index in the expression, it is understood that the

index is 2. So the numerator and denominator of the rational exponent
is 2 and 7, respectively, and the radicand y is the base.

3
5
2. √𝑛3 = 𝑛5
In this example, n is the radicand, 3 is the exponent and 5 is the index.
Transforming the given into an expression with rational exponent, 3 and
5 will serve as the numerator and denominator of the rational
exponent, respectively.

33 | P a g e
 2
3
3. √(4𝑥𝑦)2 = (4𝑥𝑦)3

The radicand 4xy will serve as the base while 2 and 3 will serve as the
numerator and denominator of the rational exponent, respectively.

1 1
4
4. √64𝑥 3 𝑦 6 = (64𝑥 3 𝑦 6 )4 = (43 ∙ 𝑥 3 ∙ 𝑦 6 )4
1
= (43 ∙ 𝑥 3 ∙ 𝑦 3∙2 )4
1
= [(4𝑥𝑦 2 )3 ]4
3
= (4𝑥𝑦 2 )4

To express the given expression with a rational exponent, transform the

radicand as 43 𝑥 3 𝑦 6 . Since the exponents of the radicands have a
common factor, factor out 3. By using the power rule, multiply the
3
1
exponents to a rational exponent of 4. Hence, the answer is (4𝑥𝑦 2 )4

PRACTICE EXERCISES

A. Convert the following into radical expressions.

1
1. (6𝑥𝑦)4 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 4√6𝑥𝑦
2
3
2. 3𝑥 3 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 3√𝑥 2
4
3. 8𝑥𝑦 5 5 4
𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 8𝑥√𝑦

B. Convert the following into exponential form.

4
4. 3√(𝑥𝑦)4 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: (𝑥𝑦)3
3
4
5. √125𝑚6 𝑛9 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: (5𝑚2 𝑛3 )4
6
6. 5√729𝑝12 𝑟18 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: (3𝑝2 𝑟 3 )5

1.6 Simplifying Radical Expressions

A radical expression in the form √𝑎𝑚 is expressed in simplest form if it satisfies

𝑛

the following conditions:

1. The radicand must not contain a perfect square (cube or etc.,

depending on the index) factor.

34 | P a g e
 2. The radicand must not contain a fraction.
3. There must be no radical sign in the denominator of an expression.

A. Simplifying Radicals by Reducing the Radicand

You can simplify radicals by removing the perfect nth powers of the
radicand.

Consider the following examples:

Simplify the following:

1. √48 = √16 ∙ 3

= 4√3

2. √25𝑥 2 𝑦 6 𝑧 4 = √(5)2 ∙ (𝑥)2 ∙ (𝑦 3 )2 ∙ (𝑧 2 )2

= √(5)2 ∙ √(𝑥)2 ∙ √(𝑦 3 )2 ∙ √(𝑧 2 )2
= 5𝑥𝑦 3 𝑧 2

In the given radical expression, you need to separate all perfect square
factors of the radicand and extract their square roots.

3. 3√𝑝8 𝑟 7 = 3√(𝑝2 )3 ∙ (𝑟 2 )3 ∙ 𝑟
= 3√(𝑝2 )3 ∙ 3√(𝑟 2 )3 ∙ 3√𝑟
= 𝑝2 𝑟 2 3√𝑟

Since the index of given radical expression is 3, you need to factor the
radicand into perfect cube factors and extract their cube roots.

B. Simplifying Radicals by Rationalization

One of the conditions to tell that a radical expression is in its simplest form is
when there are no radical sign that appears in the denominator. In order to
eliminate that radical sign, we need to perform rationalization. In that
process, you need to multiply the original fraction by a particular expression
so that there will be no longer a radical sign in the denominator.

Consider the following examples:

35 | P a g e
Simplify the following:

144 √144 12 6
1. √ = = =
196 √196 14 7

3 3 √5
2. = ∙
√5 √5 √5
3√5
=
√25

3√5
= 5

7 7 √6+√2
3. = ∙ 6+ 2
√6−√2 6−
√ √ 2 √ √

7
√6+√2
= ∙
√6−√2 √6+√2

7(√6+√2 )
=(
√6−√2)(√6+√2)

7(√6+√2 )
= 6−2

7√6+7√2
= 4

C. Simplifying Radicals by Reducing the Index

There are some radical expressions that contain high indices. In that
case, you can simplify it by transforming the radical expression into
exponential form. Once it is in exponential form, reduce the rational
exponent into lowest term then convert it back into radical form.

Consider the following examples:

1
1. √36 = 364 Change the radical form into exponential form.
4

1
= (62 )4 Rewrite the base into exponential form.
1
= 62 Power of a power rule

= √6

2. 6√25𝑥 14 𝑦 8 = 6√(52 )(𝑥 2 )6 (𝑥 2 )(𝑦 6 )(𝑦 2 )

= 𝑥 2 𝑦 6√(52 )(𝑥 2 )(𝑦 2 )

36 | P a g e
 1
= 𝑥 2 𝑦 (52 𝑥 2 𝑦 2 )6

1 1 1
= 𝑥 2 𝑦 (53 𝑥 3 𝑦 3 )

= 𝑥 2 𝑦 3√5𝑥𝑦
10 10
3. √64𝑚4 𝑛6 𝑧 2 = √26 𝑚4 𝑛6 𝑧 2
1
= (26 𝑚4 𝑛6 𝑧 2 )10
3 2 3 1
= 25 𝑚 5 𝑛 5 𝑧 5
1
= (23 𝑚2 𝑛3 𝑧)5
5
= √8𝑚2 𝑛3 𝑧

Practice Exercises:

Simplify the following radicands.

1. 3√𝑝7 𝑟 8 𝑠12 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 𝑝2 𝑟 2 𝑠 4 3√𝑝𝑟 2

8 8(√𝑥+2)
2. 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟:
2−√𝑥 4−𝑥
3. 8 4
√9𝑥 2 𝑦 6 𝑧 10 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 𝑧√3𝑥𝑦 3 𝑧

1.7 Operations of Radicals

Addition and Subtraction of Radicals

To add or subtract radicals, the indices and radicands must be the same. If
the radicands are not the same, you may simplify itfirst if possiblein order to
have like radicals.

1. 8√2 + 6√2
= (8 + 6)√2

= 14√2

2. 12√6 − 4√6
= (12 − 4)√6

= 8√6

37 | P a g e
 3. √80 + √45
= √(16)(5) + √9(5)

= √16 ∙ √5 + √9 ∙ √5

= 4√5 + 3√5

= (4 + 3)√5

= 7√5

4. 4√3𝑝 − 8√3𝑝 + 10√3𝑝

= (4 − 8 + 10)√3𝑝

= 6√3𝑝

5. 6√12𝑎3 𝑏6 + 2√18𝑎3 𝑏6
= 6√(4)(3)(𝑎2 )(𝑎)(𝑏3 )2 + 2√(9)(2)(𝑎2 )(𝑎)(𝑏3 )2

= (6)(2)(𝑎)(𝑏3 )√3𝑎 + 2(3)(𝑎)(𝑏3 )√2𝑎

= 12𝑎𝑏3 √3𝑎 + 6𝑎𝑏3 √2𝑎 (Unlike radicands cannot be added)

Multiplication of Radicals

There are 3 cases that we need to take into consideration when multiplying
radicals. Here are the following:

1. Indices are the same.

2. Indices are different but radicands are the same.
3. Indices and radicands are different.

A. Indices are the same

When multiplying radicals with the same indices, apply product law of radical
where x and y are positive real numbers and n>1:
𝑛 𝑛 𝑛
√𝑥𝑦 = √𝑥 ∙ √𝑦

38 | P a g e
Consider the following examples:

1. √15 ∙ √6

= √80

= √16 ∙ 5

= √16 ∙ √5

= 4√5

2. 2𝑎√3 ∙ 8𝑎√8
= (2𝑎)(8𝑎)√(3)(8)

= 16𝑎2 √24 = 16𝑎2 √(4)(3)

= (16𝑎2 )(2)√3
= 32𝑎2 √3

3. 3√24𝑥 2 𝑦 3 ∙ 3√2𝑥 4 𝑦
3
= √(24𝑥 2 𝑦 3 )(2𝑥 4 𝑦)
3
= √(24)(2)(𝑥 2+4 )(𝑦 3+1 )
3
= √48𝑥 6 𝑦 4
3
= √(6)(23 )(𝑥 2 )3 (𝑦 3 )(𝑦)

= 2𝑥 2 𝑦 3√6𝑦

B. Indices are different but radicands are the same

When multiplying radical expressions with different indices but withthe

same radicands, you need to transform the radical expressions into
exponential form. Next, multiply the expressions by applying the product
rule: xa∙xb=xa+b.Then, transform it back into radical form and simplify the
result if possible.

Consider the following examples:

1. ( √4)(√4)
3

39 | P a g e
 1 1
= (43 ) (42 )

1 1
= 43+2
5
= 46
6
= √ 45
6
= √1024

2. ( 3√5𝑝)( 6√5𝑝)
1 1
= (5𝑝)3 (5𝑝)6
1 1
= (5𝑝)3+6
1
= (5𝑝)2

= √5𝑝

3. (√𝑥 2 𝑦 6 )(√𝑥
3 2𝑦 6)
1 1
= ( 𝑥 2 𝑦 6 )2 (𝑥 2 𝑦 6 )3
1 1
= (𝑥 2 𝑦 6 )2+3
5
= (𝑥 2 𝑦 6 )6
6
= √(𝑥 2 𝑦 6 )5
6
= √𝑥 10 𝑦 30
6
= √(𝑥 6 )(𝑥 4 )(𝑦 5 )6
6
= 𝑥𝑦 5 √ 𝑥 4

C. Indices and radicands are different

When multiplying radical expressions with different indices and radicands,

you need to transform the radical expressions into exponential form. Next,
change the rational exponents of the exponential expressions into similar
fractions. Then, combine the exponential expressions as a single product.

40 | P a g e
 Afterwards, convert it back to radical form, and simplify the result if
possible.

Consider the following examples:

1. ( √3)(√2)
4

1 1
= (3)4 (2)2
1
= [ 32 ∙ (2)4 ] 8
8
= √32 ∙ (2)4
8
= √9 ∙ 16
8
= √144

3
2. ( 6√𝑚 )(√𝑚𝑛2 )
1 1
= (𝑚)6 (𝑚𝑛2 )3
1
= [𝑚 ∙ (𝑚𝑛2 )2 ]6
6
= √𝑚 (𝑚𝑛2 )2
6
= √𝑚(𝑚2 𝑛4 )
6
= √𝑚3 𝑛 4

3. ( √2𝑥 )(√5𝑥 2 )
3

1 1
= (2𝑥 )3 (5𝑥 2 )2
1
= [(2𝑥)2 ∙ (5𝑥 2 )3 ]6
1
= [4𝑥 2 ∙ 125𝑥 6 ]6
6
= √4𝑥 2 ∙ 125𝑥 6
6
= 𝑥 √500𝑥 2

41 | P a g e
Division of Radicals

In dividing radical expression, apply the quotient rule for radicals where x and
y are positive real numbers and any integer n>1:

𝑛𝑥 𝑛√𝑥
√ =𝑛
𝑦 √𝑦

Consider the following examples:

18√15𝑥 2
1. 2√3𝑥

18 15𝑥 2
=( ) (√ )
2 3𝑥

= 9√5𝑥

3√12
2. 18√45

1 (3)(4)
= (√ )
6 (5)(9)

1 2 3 √5
= ( ) ( ) (√ ) ( )
6 3 5 √5

2 √15
= ( )
18 √25

1
= (√15)
9(5)

√15
=
45

42 | P a g e
 3
√10
3. 4
√2
1
103
= 1
24
4
1012
= 3
212
1
104 12
=( 3)
2

12 104
= √ 3
2

12 (2 ∙ 5)4
= √
23

12 (2)4 (5)4
= √
23

12
= √(2)(5)4
12
= √1250

PRACTICE EXERCISES:

Perform the following operations indicated.

1. 3√12 + 3√3 − 3√20 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: −6√5 − 3√20

2.
6 6 6 6 6
−3√3 − 2√192 − √320𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: −7√3 − 2√5
3. 4√3(5 − 6√5) 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: −24√15 + 20√3
4. (√6𝑎 − 5)(3√6𝑎 − 5)𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 18𝑎 − 20√6𝑎 + 25
6 6
√8𝑚 √32𝑚 5
5. 3 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟:
√4𝑚 2𝑚

43 | P a g e
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS

Please watch the videos on the link below for your supplementary materials.

TITLE YouTube Video URL

Simplifying Radicals
With Variables, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llrngdh3Rrg
Exponents, Fractions,
Cube Roots - Algebra

Simplifying Radical
Expressions Adding,
Subtracting, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Gq3LPORQ-U
Multiplying, Dividing,
& Rationalize

KEY CONCEPTS/FOCUS POINTS:

● When changing radical expressions to exponential form or vice-versa,
𝑚
remember that 𝑎 𝑛 = √𝑎𝑚 .
𝑛

● A radical expression is simplified if it follows the following conditions:

1. The radicand must not contain a perfect square (cube or etc.,
depending on the index) factor.
2. The radicand must not contain a fraction.
3. There must be no radical sign in the denominator of an expression.

● Simplifying radical expressions can be done by reducing the radicand,

by rationalization, and by reducing the index.
● To add or subtract radicals, remember that the indices and radicands
are exactly the same.
● To multiply or divide radicals, apply the product law and quotient law
of radicals.

44 | P a g e