Algebra 1 Truth Statements

Chapter 1
1.1 The result of adding two numbers, say a and b , is called their sum and is written as a+ b. It
does not depend on the order of the numbers, and so a+ b=b+a .
1.2 The result of subtracting one number from another, say b from a , is called their difference
and is written as a−b. It may be understood to mean either “b taken away from a ” or “the
number that must be added to b to give a .”
1.3 The result of multiplying two numbers, say a and b , is called their product and is written as
ab . As in addition, it does not depend on the order of the numbers, and so ab∨ba .
Multiplication can be understood as repeated addition; for example, 3 a means a+ a+a .
1.4 The result of dividing one number by another, say a by b , is called their quotient and is
written as a /b. It is the number that must be multiplied by b to give a .
1.5 To raise a number to a power means to multiply the number by itself one or more times; for
example, a ⁴ is read as “a to the fourth power” and means a • a •a • a. The 4 is called an
exponent. The second and third powers of a number such as a are called “a squared” and “a
cubed.”
1.6 The counting numbers, also called the natural numbers, begin with one. Although zero is
never used in counting, it is sometimes used to answer the same question that the counting
numbers answer, the question of how many. Zero is the only number that can be added to or
subtracted from another number without changing that number. Zero is the only number that,
regardless of what number it is multiplied by, always gives the same result: zero. Zero cannot
be divided by itself. The number one plays the same role in multiplication and division that the
number zero plays in addition and subtraction: it does not change the number that is
multiplying or dividing.
1.7 Rules for several operations are: First, figure out the powers if there are any. Then do the
multiplication and divisions in order from left to right. Finally, do the additions and subtractions
in order from left to right.
1.8 Parentheses are often used to change the usual order of operations by indicating that the
operation inside them is to be done first. The fraction bar used to indicate division acts as a
parentheses symbol.
1.9 The distributive rule relates multiplication and addition. It says that for any three numbers
a , b , c , a(b +c)=ab+ ac and (b+ c)a=ba+ca . A similar rule relates multiplication and
subtraction. For any three numbers a , b , c , a(b−c )=ab−ac and (b−c )a=ba−ca .
Chapter 2

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2.1 A function is a pairing of two sets of numbers so that each number in the first set there
corresponds exactly to one number in the second set. A function can be represented by a table,
by a formula, or by a coordinate graph.
2.2 A coordinate graph contains two perpendicular lines called axes that intersect in a point
called the origin. Points are located on such a graph by means of pairs of numbers called
coordinates. To graph a function when given its formula, first use the formula to make a table
and then use the table to graph it.
2.3 A function is a pairing of two sets of numbers so that each number in the first set there
corresponds exactly to one number in the second set. A function can be represented by a table,
by a formula, or by a coordinate graph.
2.4 A direct variation is a function that has an equation of the form y=ax , in which a ia a
constant number other than zero. The number a is called the constant of variation. The graph
of every direct variation is a straight line that intersects the origin.
2.5 A linear function is a function that has an equation of the form y=ax+ b, in which a and b
are constant numbers. The graph of every linear function is a straight line.
2.6 An inverse variation is a function that has an equation of the form y=a/ x , in which a, the
constant of variation, is a number other than zero. The graph of every inverse variation is a
curve.
Chapter 3
3.1 The integers can be represented by points evenly spaced along a number line. The integers
consist of three sets of numbers: the positive integers (also known as the counting numbers),
zero, and the negative integers.
3.2 A complete coordinate graph includes four regions, called quadrants, that are numbered
counterclockwise, starting with the upper right. Points for which both coordinates are positive
are located in the first quadrant. Points having either a positive and a negative coordinate or
two negative coordinates lie in one of the other three quadrants. Points for which one
coordinate is zero lie on one of the axes.
3.3 The numbers x and −x are called opposites of each other. The sum of a number and its
opposite is zero. The addition of positive and negative integers can be pictured in terms of
combining groups of particles and antiparticles.
3.4 Although subtraction can be pictured in terms of "taking away," it is more convenient to
subtract a number by adding its opposite: a−b=a+−b.
3.5 The product of a positive number and a negative is always negative. The product of two
negative numbers is always is always positive.

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3.6 The quotient of a positive number and a negative is always negative. The quotient of two
negative numbers is always is always positive.
3.7 In performing a series of operations, we work from left to right, first raising to powers, then
multiplying and dividing, and finally adding and subtracting. Parentheses usually indicate
operations that are to be done first.
Chapter 4
4.1 A rational number is any number that can be written as the quotient of two integers.
Because every integer can be written as the quotient of itself and one, every integer is a
rational number. A rational number can be changed into decimal form by carrying out the
indicated division. A number in decimal form such as 1.2 is rational because it can be written as
the quotient of integers, 12/10.
4.2 The absolute value of a number, represented by the symbol ¿∨¿, is the distance between
the number and zero on a number line. In general ¿ x∨¿ x if x is positive and ¿ x∨¿−x (or the
opposite of x ) if x is negative. The absolute value of 0 is 0. The sum of two numbers having the
same sign can be found by adding their absolute values, the answer having the same sign as the
numbers. The sum of two numbers having opposite signs can be found by subtracting their
absolute values, the answer having the same sign as the number having the larger absolute
value.
4.3 Subtracting a number is equivalent to adding it’s opposite. The product or quotient of two
numbers having the same sign can be found by multiplying or dividing their absolute values, the
answer always being positive. The product or quotient of two numbers having opposite signs
can be found by multiplying or dividing their absolute values, the answer always being negative.
4.4 The symbol ≈ is used to indicate that a number is being used as an approximation of
another. If a number is exactly midway between two numbers that might be used as
approximations of it, we choose the number that is farther from zero on the line.
4.5 To draw a graph of a function when given its formula, first use the formula to make a table
of x−¿ and y−¿numbers. Then plot the points having these numbers as their coordinates.
Finally connect the points with either a straight line or a curve.
Chapter 5
5.1 An equation is a mathematical sentence stating that two expressions represent the same
number. To solve an equation means to find all of the numbers that can be used to replace the
variable in the equation to make it true. Some equations have only one solution, some have
more than one, and some have none at all.
5.2 If one operation undoes the effect of another, the operations are inverses of each other.
Addition and subtraction are inverse operations, as are multiplication and division. Inverse
operations are useful in solving equations.
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5.3 An equation can be transformed into an equivalent one (one having the same solutions) by:
adding the same quantity to each side; subtracting the same quantity from each side;
multiplying each side by the same quantity other than zero; or dividing each side by the same
quantity other than zero.
5.4 Equivalent expressions are expressions are expressions that are equal for all values of their
variables. The following properties can be used to recognize equivalent expressions.
Commutative property of addition: a+ b=b+a . Associative property of addition:
(a+ b)+c=a+(b +c) . Commutative property of multiplication: ab=ba . Associative property of
multiplication: (ab)c=a(bc). Distributive property of multiplication over addition and
subtraction: a (b+ c)=ab+ac ; a (b−c)=ab−ac . Distributive property of division over addition
and subtraction: (b+ c)/a=b /a+c /a ; (b−c )/a=b/a−c /a.
5.5 To solve an equation, we transform it into equivalent equations that become progressively
simpler. In the last equation, the variable appears by itself on one side of the equal sign and
does not appear at all on the other side.
5.6 The perimeter of a rectangle (or any geometric figure bounded by straight line segments) is
the sum of the lengths of its sides. The area of a rectangle is the product of its length and width.
5.7 The distance traveled by something moving at a constant speed is the product of the rate of
speed and the time traveled. This relationship is often expressed by the formula, d=rt .
5.8 To solve rate problems, it is helpful to draw a diagram to illustrate the distances. The
information in the diagram can then be used to write an equation.
Chapter 6
6.1 Solutions to equations in two variables are written as ordered pairs. Such equations usually
have an unlimited number of solutions. However, if the solutions are restricted to certain types
of numbers, their numbers may be limited.
6.2 Equations containing two or more variables that are used to solve practical problems are
called formulas. It is frequently convenient, before using a formula, to solve it for a particular
variable in terms of the others.
6.3 The graph of any equation having the form ax +by =c is a straight line unless both a and b
are zero. Such equations are called linear equations in two variables. One way to graph a linear
equation in two variables is to solve it for y , use the resulting equation to make a table, plot the
points of the table, and draw a line through them.
6.4 The intercepts of a line are the numbers corresponding to the points in which it crosses the
coordinate axes. The intercepts can be used to draw the graph of a line.

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6.5 The slope of a line is: positive if it goes up as viewed from left to right, negative if it goes
down, zero if it is horizontal, and undefined if it is vertical. It is found by dividing the rise by the
run.
6.6 A linear equation written in the form y=ax+ b is said to be in slope-intercept form: its slope
is a and its y−intercept is b . Its graph can be easily determined from these two numbers.
Chapter 7
7.1 To solve a pair of equations in two variables means to find every ordered pair of numbers
that can replace the variables in both equations to make them true. We search for these
solutions by combining the equations to write an equation that contains only one of the
variables. The solution to this equation can then be substituted into one of the original
equations to find the other variable. Some pairs of simultaneous equations can be solved by
adding them. The left sides of the two equations are added, the right sides are added, and their
sums are set equal.
7.2 Some pairs of simultaneous equations can be solved by subtracting one from the other. The
left and right sides of one of the equations are subtracted from the left and right sides of the
other, and the differences are set equal.
7.3 To solve a pair of equations by addition or subtraction, the two equations must contain an
equal number of one of the variables. If the numbers are unequal, one or both of the equations
can be multiplied on both sides so that the resulting equations have equal numbers of one of
the variables.
7.4 The solution to a pair of simultaneous equations in two variables can be pictured by
graphing the equations on the same pair of axes. The pair of coordinates of the point (or points)
in which the graph intersects is the solution to the equations.
7.5 If a contradiction can be derived from a set of equations, the equations are inconsistent.
Such equations have no solutions. Their graphs consist of two parallel lines. Equations are
equivalent if each of them can be derived from the other. Equivalent equations have infinitely
many solutions. Their graphs consist of a single line.
7.6 To solve a pair of simultaneous equations by substitution, first solve one of the equations
for one variable, say x , in terms of the other, say y . The expression that is equal to x can then
be substituted for x in the other equation and the resulting equations solved for y . We can also
begin by solving for y in one equations and substituting for y in the other equation.
7.7 Problems about mixtures of two things can be solved by writing a pair of simultaneous
equations, each relating a property of the mixture, such as weight, volume, or value.
Chapter 8

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8.1 Very large and very small numbers are frequently written in scientific notation. A number is
in scientific notation if it is written in the form a x 10ᵇ , in which a is a number that is at least 1
but less than 10, and b is an integer.
8.2 In the expression x y , x is the base and y is the exponent. The product of two powers:
xᵃ• xᵇ =xᵃ⁺ᵇ .
8.3 The quotient of two powers: xᵃ/xᵇ =xᵃ¯ ᵇ . The power of a power: (xᵃ)ᵇ =xᵃᵇ .
8.4 Patterns with exponents that are positive integers suggest the following definitions of the
meanings of zero and the negative integers as exponents. Definition of the exponent zero:
x ⁰=1 , in which x may be any number except zero. Definition of negative exponents:
x ¯ ᵃ=1/ xᵃ, in which x may be any number except zero.

8.5 Very large and very small numbers are frequently written in scientific notation. A number is
in scientific notation if it is written in the form a x 10ᵇ , in which a is a number that is at least 1
but less than 10, and b is an integer.
8.6 The power of a product: (xy )ᵃ=xᵃyᵃ. The power of a quotient: (x / y )ᵃ=xᵃ/ yᵃ.
8.7 An exponential function is a function that has an equation of the form y=abᵡ , in which a
and b are positive numbers. The graph of an exponential function is a smooth curve.
Chapter 9
9.1 A monomial in one variable, say x , is an expression of the form axᴺ , in which a may be any
number an N is a positive integer. The number a is the coefficient of the monomial and the
integer N is its degree. Zero is a monomial but does not have a specific degree. Other numbers
are considered to be monomials of degree 0.
9.2 A polynomial is either a monomial or an expression indicating the addition and/or
subtraction of two or more monomials. The monomials are called terms of the polynomial. The
degree of a polynomial is that of the term having the highest degree. A polynomial is written in
descending powers of the variable if the degree of its terms get smaller as it is read from left to
right.
9.3 Two or more polynomials can be added or subtracted by adding or subtracting like terms
(those having the same degree and variable.)
9.4/5 The multiplication of two polynomials can be illustrated by a rectangle whose dimensions
represent the polynomials and whose area represents their product. To multiply two
polynomials without a diagram, multiply each term of one polynomial by each term of the other
and then add the resulting terms.
9.6 A binomial is a polynomial that contains two terms; a trinomial is one that contains three
terms. The square of a binomial is a trinomial. The pattern for the square of a binomial sum is:
(a+ b)²=a ²+2 ab+b ². The pattern for the square of a binomial difference is:
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(a−b)²=a ²−2 ab+b ² . The pattern for the product of the sum and difference of two terms is:
(a+ b)(a−b)=a ²−b ².
9.7 Dividing polynomials is like dividing ordinary numbers. We can consider division in terms of
areas and rectangles or simply as an algebraic process. Before the division is carried out, both
polynomials should be arranged in descending order with any missing terms inserted.
Chapter 10
10.1 Every Integer larger than 1 is either composite or prime. Integers that can be written as the
product of smaller positive integers are composite; those that cannot are prime. A number is
factored when it is written as a product of two or more numbers. The numbers in the product
are called factors of the number. Every positive composite number can be written (except for
order) as the product of primes in only one way. The greatest common factor of a set of
numbers is the largest integer that is a factor of all of the numbers. The greatest common factor
can be found using the prime factors of the number. Two numbers whose greatest common
factor is 1 are said to be relatively prime.
10.2 The factors of the monomial axᴺ include the factors of the coefficient a, the factors of
xᴺ ( x , x ² ,… , xᴺ ), and products of various combinations of these factors. The greatest common
factor of a set of monomials is the product of the greatest common factor of their coefficients
and the highest power of each variable that is a factor of all the monomials. Two monomials
whose greatest common factor is 1 are called relatively prime.
10.3 When we factor a polynomials, we restrict the factors to integers and polynomials having
coefficients and constant terms that are integers. The first step in factoring a polynomial is to
look for the greatest common factor of its terms and apply the distributive rule in reverse:
ab+ ac=a (b+ c). A prime polynomial is a polynomial that cannot be written as a product of
polynomials of lower degree.
10.4 When two first degree binomials are multiplied, their product is usually a second degree
trinomial. For example, (x +a)(x +b)=x ²+(a+b) x +ab . To factor a second degree polynomial,
we figure out the factors of its first and last terms and try different combinations of them until
we find a combination that will give the middle term of the polynomial.
10.5 The difference of the square of two numbers is equal to the product of the sum and
difference of the numbers: a ²−b ²=(a+b)(a – b). The sum of two squares cannot be factored
algebraically.
10.6 A trinomial of the form a ²+ 2 ab+b ² is the square of the binomial
a+ b :a ²+2 ab+ b ²=(a+b)². A trinomial of the form a ²−2 ab+ b ² is the square of the binomial
a – b ::a ²−2 ab+b ²=(a−b)².
10.7 When two first degree binomials are multiplied, their product is usually a second degree
trinomial. For example, (x +a)(x +b)=x ²+(a+b) x +ab . To factor a second degree polynomial,

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we figure out the factors of its first and last terms and try different combinations of them until
we find a combination that will give the middle term of the polynomial.
10.8 Some higher-degree polynomials can be factored by first factoring out the greatest factor
common to every term of the polynomial. It may then be possible to factor the remaining
factor by methods learned for factoring first- and second-degree polynomials.
Chapter 11
11.1 A fraction is the indicated quotient of two numbers or algebraic expressions called its
numerator and denominator. The denominator of a fraction cannot be allowed to be zero.
Fractions consisting of integers can be changed to decimal form by dividing the numerator by
the denominator. Fractions that represent the same number are equivalent. Whenever the
numerator and denominator are multiplied or divided by the same number other than zero, the
na
∧na
result is an equivalent fraction: in general, if n is not equal to zero, a nb a To reduce
= = .
b nb b
a fraction consisting of integers or polynomials to lowest terms, divide its numerator and
denominator by their common factors.
11.2 A fraction is the indicated quotient of two numbers or algebraic expressions called its
numerator and denominator. The denominator of a fraction cannot be allowed to be zero.
Fractions consisting of integers can be changed to decimal form by dividing the numerator by
the denominator. Fractions that represent the same number are equivalent. Whenever the
numerator and denominator are multiplied or divided by the same number other than zero, the
na
∧na
result is an equivalent fraction: in general, if n is not equal to zero, a nb a To reduce
= = .
b nb b
a fraction consisting of integers or polynomials to lowest terms, divide its numerator and
denominator by their common factors.
11.3 It is often useful to express the sum or difference of two fractions as a single fraction. To
do this when the fractions have the same denominator, add or subtract the numerators and
a c a+c a c a−c
write the result over the denominator. + = , − = . If the fractions have
b b b b b b
different denominators, first replace one or both of the fractions with equivalent ones so that
new fractions have the same denominator. Then proceed as before.
a c ad bc ad +bc a c ad bc ad−bc
+ = + = , − = − = . To express the sum or difference of a
b d bd bd bd b d bd bd bd
polynomial and a fraction as a fraction, write the polynomial as a fraction having the same
denominator as the fraction. Then add or subtract the two fractions.
11.4 It is often useful to express the sum or difference of two fractions as a single fraction. To
do this when the fractions have the same denominator, add or subtract the numerators and

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 a c a+c a c a−c
write the result over the denominator. + = , − = . If the fractions have
b b b b b b
different denominators, first replace one or both of the fractions with equivalent ones so that
new fractions have the same denominator. Then proceed as before.
a c ad bc ad +bc a c ad bc ad−bc
+ = + = , − = − = . To express the sum or difference of a
b d bd bd bd b d bd bd bd
polynomial and a fraction as a fraction, write the polynomial as a fraction having the same
denominator as the fraction. Then add or subtract the two fractions.
11.5 The product of two fractions may be expressed as a single fraction by writing the product
a c ac
of their numerators over the product of their denominators. ∙ = . To find the product
b d bd
and a fraction, think of the polynomial as a fraction having 1 as its denominator. Then multiply
the two fractions.
11.6 The product of two fractions may be expressed as a single fraction by writing the product
a c ac
of their numerators over the product of their denominators. ∙ = . To find the product
b d bd
and a fraction, think of the polynomial as a fraction having 1 as its denominator. Then multiply
the two fractions.
11.7 Dividing by a fraction (or any number) is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal:
a c a d ad
÷ = ∙ = . The reciprocal of a number is the number that must be multiplied by it to
b d b c bc
1 x y
get 1. The reciprocal of x is ; the reciprocal of is .
x y x
11.8 A complex fraction is a fraction that has one or more fractions in its numerator or
denominator. A simple fraction is a fraction that does not have fractions in either. Every
complex fraction can be transformed into a simple fraction.

Chapter 12
12.1 If y=x 2, then y is the square of x and x is a square root of y . Every positive number has
two positive square roots, one of which is the opposite of the other: the symbol √ ❑ is used to
indicate the positive root and the symbol −√ ❑ to indicate the negative root. Zero has just one
square root: itself.
12.2 For any two nonnegative numbers, x and y , √ xy=√ x √ y . This fact can be used to simplify
the square root of any monomial that has one or more factors that are squares. For example,
√ a2 b=a √ b. The square root of a monomial is in simple radical form if the monomial has no
factors that are squares of monomials other than 1 and −1.

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12.3 For any two nonnegative numbers, x and y ,
√ x √x
= . This fact can be used to change the
y √y
square root of a fraction into the quotient of a square and an integer or polynomial. For

example,
√ √
a
b
= 2 =√ .
ab
b
ab
b

12.4 There is no general equation relating √ x , √ y ,∧√ x+ y∨√ x− y . However, square roots can
be added or subtracted if they are roots of the same number. For example,
a √ c +b √ c=(a+b) √ c .

12.5 Because √ x √ y= √ xy , square roots of nonnegative numbers can always be divided. Square
roots can be removed from the denominator of a fraction by multiplying its numerator and
denominator by an appropriate expression. For example, ( a √ c ) ( b √ d )=ab √ cd .

12.6 Because
√y √
√ x = x , square roots of nonnegative numbers can always be divided. Square
y
roots can be removed from the denominator of a fraction by multiplying its numerator and
= √ = √ . Removing
a a c a c
denominator by an appropriate expression. For example,
b √ c b √ c √ c bc
square roots from the denominator of a fraction is called rationalizing the denominator. If the
denominator is a sum or difference, it can be rationalized by multiplying the numerator and
denominator of the fraction by the conjugate of the denominator. For example,
a ( b−√ c )
= 2 √ .
a ab−a c
=
b+ √ c ( b+ √ c ) ( b− √ c ) b −c

12.7 An equation in which the variable appears under a radical sign is a radical equation. One
step in solving such an equation is to square both sides. The equation that results does not
necessarily have the same solutions as the original equation. For this reason, the solutions
obtained should always be checked to see if they are also solutions of the original equation.
Chapter 13
13.1 A polynomial equation is one in which both sides of the equation are polynomials. It is
written in standard form if the left side is a polynomial in descending powers of the variable and
the right side is zero. Polynomial equations written in standard for are named according to
their degree: 1 – Linear, 2 – Quadratic, 3 – Cubic, 4 – Quartic, 5 – Quintic.
13.2 Functions having equations of the form y=ax+ b are called linear because their graphs are
straight lines. Quadratic functions have equations of the form y=a x2 +bx +c and graphs that
are parabolas. the graphs of higher-degree polynomial funtions are more complicated curves.
To graph a polynomial function, make a table from its equation, plot the points in the table, and
connect them with a smooth line or curve.

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13.3 The solutions of a polynomial equation such as a x 2 +bx +c=0 are the x-coordinates of the
points in which the graph of the polynomial function y=a x2 +bx +c intersects the x-axis.

13.4 If the product of two or more numbers is zero, then at least one of the numbers must be
equal to zero. This fact, called the zero-product property, can be used to solev certain
quadratic equations in the following way. 1) Write the equation in standard form:
a x +bx +c=0 . 2) factor the polynomial on the left side: ()()=0. 3) Set each factor equal to
2

zero: ()=0∨()=0. 4) Solve the resulting equations.

13.6 To solve a quadratic equation by completing the square: 1) Write the equation in the form
a x +bx=−c. 2) Add a number to each side of the equation that will make the left side the
2

square of a binomial: a x 2 +bx +( )=−c+( ). 3) Take the square root of each side. 4) Solve the
resulting equations.
13.7 If the general quadratic equation a x 2 +bx +c=0 is solved for x by completing the square,
−b ± √ b2−4 ac
the result is the quadratic formula: x= . The solutions to a quadratic equation
2a
can be found by substituting its values for a , b ,∧c in this formula and simplifying the result.
13.8 A quadratic equation that has either two solutions, one solution, or no solutions,
depending on whether the parabola that is the graph of the corresponding quadratic function
intersects the x-axis in two points, one point, or no points. The discriminant of the quadratic
equation a x 2 +bx +c=0 is the expression b 2−4 ac . If it is a positive number, the equation has
two solutions. If it is equal to zero, the equation has one solution. If it is a negative number,
the equation has no solutions.
13.9 A polynomial equation can have as many different solutions as its degree; so cubic and
quartic equations can have as many as three and four solutions respectively. There is no
general algebraic method for solving quintic equations and those of higher degree. However,
some polynomial equations of higher degree can be solved by factoring.
Chapter 14
14.1 A rational number is a number that can be written as a quotient of two integers. When a
rational number is changed to decimal form by carrying out the indicated division, it always falls
into a repeating pattern of digits. Moreover, every number in decimal form that has a
repeating decimal pattern is rational because it can always be expressed as the quotient of two
integers.
14.2 An irrational number is a number that cannot be written as the quotient of two integers.
The decimal form of an irrational number does not have a repeating pattern of digits. If y=x n,
then x is an nth root of y . The largest nth root of y is represented by the symbol √n y . If an

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integer is not the nth power of an integer, its nth roots are irrational. If a rational number is
written as a fraction in lowest terms, the numerator and denominator of the fraction must be
nth powers of integers in order for its nth roots to be rational.

14.3 An irrational number is a number that cannot be written as the quotient of two integers.
The decimal form of an irrational number does not have a repeating pattern of digits. If y=x n,
then x is an nth root of y . The largest nth root of y is represented by the symbol √n y . If an
integer is not the nth power of an integer, its nth roots are irrational. If a rational number is
written as a fraction in lowest terms, the numerator and denominator of the fraction must be
nth powers of integers in order for its nth roots to be rational.

14.4 If the circumference of a circle is divided by its diameter, the result is the irrational number
π . The circumference of a circle is given by the formula c=2 πr , in which r represents the
radius of the circle. The area of a circle is given by the formula a=π r 2. A useful decimal
approximation for π is 3.14 .
14.5 The rational numbers together with the irrational numbers make up the set of numbers
called the real numbers. The real numbers are closed with respect to addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. The real numbers have a definite order and can be put in a one-to-
one correspondence with the points on a line.
Chapter 15
a
15.1 The ratio of the numbers a to b is the number, . A proportion is an equation stating that
b
two ratios are equal. An easy way to solve equations that are proportions is to use the fact that
the product of the means of a proportion is equal to the product of the extremes.
15.2 An equation that contains fractions can be solved by first multiplying both sides by a
number that will clear the equation of all the fractions. The simplest way to do this is to
multiply by the least common denominator of the fractions. A fractional equation may have
more than one solution depending on the degree of the equation that results when all fractions
are cleared. The solutions of the resulting equation, however, may not necessarily be solutions
of the original equation and should therefore be checked to see if they make it true.
15.3 An equation that contains fractions can be solved by first multiplying both sides by a
number that will clear the equation of all the fractions. The simplest way to do this is to
multiply by the least common denominator of the fractions. A fractional equation may have
more than one solution depending on the degree of the equation that results when all fractions
are cleared. The solutions of the resulting equation, however, may not necessarily be solutions
of the original equation and should therefore be checked to see if they make it true.
15.4 The methods used to solve fractional equations can also be used to solve formulas
containing two or more variables for one of the variables. If the variables being solved for is in

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more than one term of the equation, it should ordinarily be factored out of the terms
containing it.
15.5 The methods used to solve fractional equations can also be used to solve formulas
containing two or more variables for one of the variables. If the variables being solved for is in
more than one term of the equation, it should ordinarily be factored out of the terms
containing it.
Chapter 16
16.1 An inequality is a mathematical sentence that contains any of the symbols ¿ (is less than), ¿
(is greater than), ≤ (is less than or equal to), or ≥ (is greater than or equal to).
16.2 An inequality can be changed into an equivalent one by adding the same number to or
subtracting the same number from each side. Multiplying or dividing both sides of an inequality
by the same positive number results in an inequality having the same direction. Multiplying or
dividing both sides of an inequality by the same negative number reverses the direction of the
inequality. By applying these rules, inequalities containing variables can be solved in the same
way that equations are solved.
16.3 An inequality can be changed into an equivalent one by adding the same number to or
subtracting the same number from each side. Multiplying or dividing both sides of an inequality
by the same positive number results in an inequality having the same direction. Multiplying or
dividing both sides of an inequality by the same negative number reverses the direction of the
inequality. By applying these rules, inequalities containing variables can be solved in the same
way that equations are solved.
16.4 The absolute value of the expression x−a , written |x−a|, may be interpreted as the
distance between x and a on a number line. If |x−a|≤ b, then a−b ≤ x ≤ a+b . To solve an
equation or inequality containing an absolute value, we can use the fact that |x−a| is either
x−a or −( x−a ).

Chapter 17
17.1 A number sequence is an ordered set of numbers with one number for each counting
number. The numbers in a sequence are called its terms. Number sequences in which each
successive term is found by adding the same number are called arithmetic. The differences
between successive terms in an arithmetic sequence are always the same. Number sequences
in which each successive term is found by multiplying the same number are called geometric.
The ratios of successive terms in a geometric sequence are always the same.

17.2 The nth term of an arithmetic sequence is given by the formula t n=t 1+ ( n−1 ) d in which t 1
represents the first term and d represents the difference between successive terms. The sum

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 ( t 1 +t n ) n
of the first n terms of an arithmetic sequence is given by the formula Sn= in which t 1
2
and t n represent the first and last terms.

17.3 The nth term of a geometric sequence is given by the formula t n=t 1 ∙ r n−1 in which t 1
represents the first term and r represents the ratio of each successive term to the preceding
t ( r n−1 )
one. The sum of the first n terms of a geometric sequence is given by the formula Sn= 1
r−1
t
in which 1 represents the first term and r represents the ratio.

17.4 For every geometric sequence having the ratio r such that |r|<1, the terms get closer and
closer to zero as n gets larger and larger. The “sum” of the terms of an infinite geometric
t
sequence having ratio r such that |r|<1 is given by the formula S= 1 in which t 1 represents
1−r
the first term. This formula can be used to express a repeating decimal as the quotient of two
integers.

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