2 Algebra

This chapter at a glance

Stage 4
After completing this chapter, you should be able to:

simplify algebraic expressions by adding and subtracting like terms

add and subtract like terms that involve directed numbers

multiply and divide algebraic expressions

simplify algebraic expressions, using the order of operations

remove grouping symbols, using the Distributive Law

factorise algebraic expressions by removing the highest common factor

add and subtract algebraic fractions

multiply and divide algebraic fractions.

Stage 5
After completing this chapter, you should be able to:

simplify algebraic expressions using the index laws for multiplication,
division and further powers.
Algebra

42
 Chapter 2: Algebra 43

2.1 Adding and subtracting

like terms
Algebraic terms with identical pronumerals are called like terms. Examples of like terms are
4a and 3a, −5n2 and 2n2, 7xy and 9xy. Examples of unlike terms are 3c and 3d, pq and qr, 6u2
and 4u.

Only like terms can be added or subtracted.

To collect the like terms in an algebraic expression:

add or subtract the co-efficients

keep the same pronumeral(s).

Example 1
EG Simplify each of the following.
+S
a 5b + 2b b 12m − m c 9c2 + 8c2
d 8pq − 3pq e 6ab − 5ba f 7y + 5y − 9y

Solutions
a 5b + 2b b 12m − m c 9c2 + 8c2
= 7b = 12m − 1m = 17c2
= 11m
d 8pq − 3pq e 6ab − 5ba f 7y + 5y − 9y
= 5pq = 6ab − 5ab = 12y − 9y
= ab = 3y

Example 2
EG Simplify each expression by collecting the like terms.
+S
a 5a + 4a + 2b + 3b b 7 + 2k + 5 + 9k
c 3x2 + 10x + 4x2 + x d 5m + 13n − 2m + 4n

Solutions
a 5a + 4a + 2b + 3b b 7 + 2k + 5 + 9k
= 9a + 5b = 2k + 9k + 7 + 5
= 11k + 12
c 3x2 + 10x + 4x2 + x d 5m + 13n − 2m + 4n
= 3x2 + 4x2 + 10x + x = 5m − 2m + 13n + 4n
= 7x2 + 11x = 3m + 17n
44 Mathscape 8

Exercise 2.1

1 State whether each pair of expressions are like or unlike terms.

a 2m, 3m b 5x, 2y c a, 3a d 2p, 2q
e 4e, 4 f 6, 9 g xy, yz h 7ab, 3ba
i pqr, qrs j 3a2, 11a k 5c, 5c2 l 6, 6d 2
2 Simplify:
a 5x + 2x b 8a − 3a c 3k + k d 9n − 7n
e u+u f 10b − 9b g 8t − 8t h 5e + 11e
i 17g − 8g j 14p − 13p k q + 3q l 12s − s
m 2a2 + 4a2 n 5k2 − 3k2 o 2c2 − c2 p 7w2 − 6w2

■ Consolidation
3 Simplify each of the following.
a 3y + 4y + 2y b 6p + 5p + 3p c 8x + 3x − 6x
d 12u − 3u − 7u e 5c + c − 2c f 9t − t − t
g a+a+a h 2r + 5r − 7r i 13b − 9b − 3b
j 4s + 2s + 3s + 6s k 7h − 3h + h − 4h l 9z − 7z + z + 4z

4 Simplify each of these.

a 3mn + 4mn b 6ab − 2ab c 8qr + 5qr
d 10cd − 9cd e 7pq + pq f 12ef − ef
g 7xy + 5yx h 14gh − 5hg i 3rs − 3sr
j 16uv + 5uv − 3uv k 8wz − 5zw + zw l 6jk − 5jk + 8kj

5 Copy and complete each of these.

a 5n ___ = 8n b 10c ___ = 4c c ___ − 6t = t
d ___ − w = w e 4g ___ = 0 f ___ + 2k2 = 7k2
g ___ − a = 3a
2 2
h 6pq ___ = 9pq i ___ − ab = ba

6 Simplify each expression by collecting the like terms.

a 5x + 3x + 2y + 4y b 7p + p + 3q + 2q
c 4w + 3z + 8z + 3w d 6c + 4d + 7c + d
e 10a + 5b + 6a + 5b f 8s + 6t + 3t + s
g 2e + 7 + 3e + 4 h 9 + 3m + 1 + 9m
i 10b + 12 + 7b + 13 j 15 + 9k + 7k + 8
k 5a + 3a + 4a + 2a
2 2
l 6z2 + 4z + z + z2
m 3p + 8p + 9p + p
2 2
n 10c2 + 5c + 3c2 + 6c
o 4d2 + 16 + 7d2 + 14 p 20a2 + 6b2 + 5a2 + 8b2
 Chapter 2: Algebra 45

7 Simplify:
a 5p + 9p + 7q − 4q b 10c − 3c + 11 − 5
c 8w + 10v − 2w − 4v d 18e + 15f − 6e + f
e 16 + 13a − 8 − 4a f 17g + 21h + 5g − 9h
g 12k + 11 − 3k + 6 h 23c + 19d − 7c − 9d
i 4a2 + 17a − a2 + 9a j 6u2 + 18u − 5u2 − 12u
k 20j + 24j2 + 7j2 − 5j l 12c2 + 20 − 9 − 5c2
m 10m2 + 13 − 4m2 − 13 n 2s2 + 5 − 2s2 + 12
o 8v + 2v2 − 7v − v2 p 4b2 + 6b − 3b2 − 6b

■ Further applications

8 Collect the like terms in each expression.

a 5p + 2q + 3r + 4p + 7q + 8r b 8a + 6b + c − 4b + 9c − 3a
c 4x2 + 7x + 12 + 3x2 − 4 − 4x d f + 5 + 4f 2 − 4 + f − f 2
e pq + p + qr + 11p + 3pq − qr f 14mn + 22n + 8km − 9mn − 7km − n
g 10r + 6rs − 7r + 11 − 2rs + 11 h 18ab + 8ac + 4bc − 7ca + 6ba − 4cb

TRY THIS Dot pentagons

5, 10 and 15 are examples of dot pentagon numbers.
1 How many dots are there on each side
of these pentagons?

15 2 How many dots are there on each side of

10 the pentagon representing the number
5
30?
3 Can you work out a rule or formula for
finding the number of dots per side for
each pentagon number?
46 Mathscape 8

2.2 Further addition and

subtraction of like terms
Example 1
EG Simplify each of the following.
+S
a 2n − 5n b -8tu − 6tu c -4x2 + 10x2
d 5k − 8k − 2k e 12a + (-2a) f 6m − (-3m)

Solutions
a 2n − 5n b -8tu − 6tu c -4x2 + 10x2
= -3n = -14tu = 6x2
d 5k − 8k − 2k e 12a + (-2a) f 6m − (-3m)
= -3k − 2k = 12a − 2a = 6m + 3m
= -5k = 10a = 9m

Example 2
EG Simplify each expression by collecting the like terms.
+S
a 3c + 2d + c − 7d b 4x2 − 10x − 6x2 + 5x

Solutions
a 3c + 2d + c − 7d b 4x2 − 10x − 6x2 + 5x
= 3c + c + 2d − 7d = 4x2 − 6x2 − 10x + 5x
= 4c − 5d = -2x2 − 5x

Exercise 2.2

1 Simplify each of the following.

a 3p − 5p b -7n + 2n c -4e − 6e d -2q + 4q
e -9d + 5d f -8t − t g m − 4m h -a + 2a
i -b + b j 2y − 3y k -8w − 5w l -12s + 4s
m -10c + 3c n -9h − 8h o 4r − 10r p -6k + 11k
q -3a2 + 7a2 r 2c2 − 8c2 s -4e2 − 5e2 t -9p2 + p2

2 Simplify:
a -8mn + 4mn b -6pq + 11pq c 3xy − 5xy
d -7uv − 6uv e -5cd − cd f -12jk + 9jk
g ef − 3ef h -14gh + 21gh i -22bc − 15bc
j 10rs − 25sr k -30tu + 12ut l -21yz + 22zy
 Chapter 2: Algebra 47

3 Express each of the following in simplest form.

a 3t + (-7t) b 4x − (-6x) c 5n − (+4n)
d -6q − (-9q) e -2b − (+2b) f -12g − (-8g)
g 7bc − (+11bc) h -3yz − (-9yz) i -jk + (-2jk)
j 5v2 − (-13v2) k -2f 2 − (-7f 2) l 10c2 + (-10c2)

■ Consolidation
4 Simplify these expressions.
a 2m − 5m − 4m b 3p − 8p + p c -11t + 3t + 5t
d -7w − w − w e -2b + 6b + 2b f a−a−a
g -k + k − k h -6h + 5h + h i z − 7z − 8z
j 15d − 9d − 9d k 8g − 13g + 17g l -6s − 4s + 20s

5 Simplify each of the following by collecting the like terms.

a 4a − 7a + 2b b -5c + 10c − 3d c 9 − 3p + 8p
d 5x + 2y − 9x e -4g − 8 − 3g f 3 + 6q − 4
g -5b + 11 + 5b h -6w + 3x + 4w i a − 4a − 3b
j -2t − 4u + 9u k -3n − 5 − 2n l 11y − 12y + 13z
m -4a2 + 6a2 + 7a n -10c − c2 − 8c2 o 6k2 + 9k − 14k2
p -4pq − 7p + 8pq q 9gh − 17 − 20gh r -3ef + 4 + 18fe

6 Simplify:
a 4a + 2a + 3b − 7b b 5m − 8m + 9n + 6n
c 5j + 11k − 8j − 2k d 10b + 2 − 7b − 5
e 9 + 5u + 4 − 6u f 6h − 3 + 2h − 1
g 2k + 3 − k − 5 h -4q − 8 + 11q + 2
i 3r − 10s + r + 12s j 5n − 4p − 7n − p
k 6a + 4b − 8b − 3a l -10c + d − 2d + 3c
m -2u − 3v − 2u − 5v n 4m + 2n − 4m + 2n
o 3d − 2 − 7 + 9d p -8e − 3f + 6e + 13f
q x−y−x−y r s − 5t − 2s + 2t
s 3a2 − 5a + 2a2 + 11a t -7b2 − 4b − b + b2
u -2p2 − p − 4p2 + 3p v 6xy + 5 − 4xy − 7xy
w -2pq + 4 + 5pq − 9pq x -uv − 6uv + 2vw + 3uv

■ Further applications
7 Copy and complete:
a -4a ___ = 2a b -3n ___ = -7n c 2b ___ = -b
d ___ − 2c = -9c e ___ + 9q = 5q f ___ + 2m = -m
g -6e ___ = -11e h 0 ___ = -4x i ___ − 8i = -5i
j k ___ = -10k k -7t ___ = 0 l ___ + 7g = -9g
m ___ − 2s = -3s n ___ − 10f = -6f o -14z ___ = 7z
48 Mathscape 8

8 Copy and complete each of the following.

a 4n ___ + 3n = -2n b ___ + 2a + 3a = -5a
c ___ − 6p − 2p = -7p d 4u ___ + 3v ___ = 6u − 3v
e ___ + 5f − 2g ___ = f − 8g f ___ − 3x ___ + 12y = -7x + 2y

TRY THIS Magic square

Find the numbers A to L using the values x = 2, y = 3
and z = -1 A B C D
A = 2(y + 1) B = x2 − z,
E F G H
C = 3(x + y) + z D = -3z,
E = 3(x + y) F = 6z + 4x, I J K L
G = y2 H = 2z + 2y,
I = z2 J = y2 + x − z, M N O P
K = y2 + 2z L = y2 + z2
Now find numbers M, N, O, P to make a magic square in which all rows, columns and
diagonals add to the same number.

2.3 Multiplying algebraic

terms

To multiply algebraic terms:

multiply the co-efficients, then

multiply the pronumerals.

Note: Algebraic terms do not have to be like terms in order to be multiplied.

Examples
EG Simplify:
+S
a m×7 b 4a × 3b c 1
× 21n
---
3
d 3p × 5p e 6cd × 4de f (-8u) × (-3v)

Solutions
7
a m×7 b 4a × 3b c --- ×
1
31
21n
= 7m = 12ab = 7n
d 3p × 5p e 6cd × 4de f (-8u) × (-3v)
= 15p2 = 24cd2e = 24uv
 Chapter 2: Algebra 49

Exercise 2.3

1 Simplify each of these.

a 4×a b k×3 c 6×m d y×2
e m×n f p×q g g×h h u×v
i 2×a×b j y×7×z k s×t×8 l e×3×f

2 Express each of these in its simplest form.

a p×3×q×4 b 5×a×2×b c e×7×6×f
d y×z×5×8 e 3×u×v×9 f m × 12 × n × 5

3 Simplify:
a 5 × 3y b 6x × 4 c 7p × 2 d 3 × 8a
e 6 × 5t f 9c × 7 g 12e × 4 h 2 × 11r
i 5g × 9 j 10 × 3k k 4q × 7 l 6u × 6
m 1--2- × 6d n 20b × 1--4- o 1--3- × 18w p 50y × -----
1
10
-

■ Consolidation
4 Simplify these expressions.
a 3a × 2b × c b 4m × n × 6p c 2x × 5y × 4z
d 3r × 7s × 2t e 5u × 4v × 5w f 7e × 6f × 2g

5 Simplify each of these.

a m×m b k×k c 3p × p
d y × 7y e 4g × 2g f 5n × 6n
g 7x × 3x h 8u × 5u i 12a × 4a
j 5p × 2 × 8p k 9c × c × 6 l 6w × 5 × 4w

6 Express each of these in its simplest form.

a pq × p b m × mn c ab × ac
d 4e × ef e 5u × tu f xy × yz
g 2b × bc h 6k × jk i 8e × ef
j 3mn × 5np k 4cd × 5ce l 8gh × 4hk
m 4yz × 11xz n 9ab × 5bc o 6uv × 7uw
p ef × fg × eg q ab × ac × b r p × pq × r
s 3xy × 2yz × x t 4t × 3tu × 5uv u 7ab × 3ac × 2cd

7 Simplify these products.

a (-2a) × 5 b 6 × (-3c) c (-4m) × (-3)
d 7p × (-4) e (-5) × (-9u) f (-6b) × (-7)
g p × (-q) h (-m) × (-n) i (-x) × 2y
j 3g × (-5h) k (-8r) × (-2s) l (-4b) × (-4c)
m (-7t) × 2t n (-3x) × (-9x) o 5g × (-8g)
p (-6k) × (-8k) q (-7u) × 4u r 9c × (-12c)
s (-2a) × 5 × (-3b) t 4 × (-2e) × 3f u (-3m) × (-2n) × (-5m)
50 Mathscape 8

■ Further applications
8 Find the missing terms.
a 2k × = 10k b × 3y = 21y c × 4 = 12p
d 9y × = 27yz e × 5u = 20tu f 8p × = 32pq
g n × = n2 h × b = b2 i 4g × = 28g2
j × 2d = 26d2 k 6e × = 54e2 l × 9j = 72j 2
m pq × = p2q n ef × = ef 2g o × 3xy = 21x2yz

2.4 Dividing algebraic terms

To divide algebraic terms:

express the division in fraction form

divide the co-efficients

divide the pronumerals.

Note: Algebraic terms do not have to be like terms in order to be divided.

Example 1
EG Simplify:
+S
20a 24mn 21k 2 -30uv
a --------- b -------------- c ----------- d --------------
4a 6m 3k 5u

Solutions
5 4 7 -6
20a 24mn 21k 2 -30uv
a --------- b -------------- c ----------- d --------------
1 4a 1 6m 1 3k 15u

=5 = 4n = 7k = -6v

Example 2
EG Simplify:
+S
a 42k ÷ 6k b 35abc ÷ 7ac c 36u2 ÷ 9u

Solutions
a 42k ÷ 6k b 35abc ÷ 7ac c 36u2 ÷ 9u
7 5 4
42k 35abc 36u 2
= --------- = --------------- = -----------
16k 1 7ac 19u
=7 = 5b = 4u
 Chapter 2: Algebra 51

Exercise 2.4

1 Simplify each of these algebraic fractions.

4a 3e 6w mn
a ------ b ------ c ------- d -------
4 e 6 n
2cd 9xy 5uv fgh
e --------- f --------- g --------- h ---------
2c 9y uv fh

2 Simplify:
6n 10h 18c 28k
a ------ b --------- c --------- d ---------
2 5 3 4
7r 10s 5z 8t
e ------ f -------- g ------ h ------
21 40 45 64

■ Consolidation
3 Simplify each of the following.
12d 20m 14v 50y
a --------- b ---------- c --------- d ---------
4d 5m 7v 10y
30bc 35yz 42ef 40 pq
e ------------ f ----------- g ----------- h -------------
6c 5y 7e 5q
36abc 32xyz 22rst 56uvw
i --------------- j -------------- k ------------- l ----------------
9ab 4yz 2rt 8uw

4 Simplify each of these divisions.

a 5x ÷ 5 b 7b ÷ b c pq ÷ q d gh ÷ g
e 10e ÷ 2 f 15y ÷ 3 g 21r ÷ 7 h 48t ÷ 12
i 9a ÷ 3a j 20p ÷ 4p k 70d ÷ 10d l 55k ÷ 5k
m 16def ÷ 4de n 24xyz ÷ 3xz o 36mnp ÷ 6np p 63abc ÷ 7ab

5 Simplify each of these.

n2 a2 4k 2 10q 2
a ----- b ----- c -------- d -----------
n a k q
7m 2 2z 2 12s 2 15b 2
e ---------- f -------- g ----------- h -----------
7m 2z 3s 5b
21h 2 42x 2 60d 2 39v 2
i ----------- j ----------- k ----------- l -----------
7h 6x 12d 3v
m g2 ÷ g n 3c2 ÷ c o 8p2 ÷ 8p p 35u2 ÷ 5u
q 18h2 ÷ 6h r 24n2 ÷ 3n s 54k2 ÷ 6k t 72z2 ÷ 9z
52 Mathscape 8

6 Simplify:
-6b 20x -12u -28n
a -------- b --------- c ----------- d -----------
3 -5 -6 -n
-8t -35c 45z -44a
e ------- f ----------- g -------- h -----------
2t -5c -9z -11a
30ef -56st -abc - pqr
i ----------- j ------------- k ----------- l -----------
-6e -7t -ac pr
-3m 2 -18k 2 27y 2 -132e 2
m ------------ n ------------- o ----------- p ----------------
-3m 9k -3y -12e
q -16p ÷ (-2) r 32w ÷ (-8) s -11t ÷ t
t -jk ÷ (-k) u 49h2 ÷ (-7h) v -70p2 ÷ 10p
w -36ab ÷ 4a x -25cd ÷ (-5d) y -60xy ÷ (-5x)

■ Further applications
7 Find the missing term in each of these.
a 2p ÷ = 2 b 5h ÷ = h c 27a ÷ = 9a
d 28q ÷ = 4 e ÷4=y f ÷m=8
g ÷ 3t = 1 h 12ef ÷ = 3e i n2 ÷ = n
j ÷ x = 7x k ÷ 2a = 12b l ÷ 8d = 7d

8 Simplify:
a a2b ÷ ab2 b pq2 ÷ p2q c x2yz ÷ xyz2
d 15mn2 ÷ 5m2n e 32u2w ÷ 8uvw f 96ef 2g ÷ 8efg2

2.5 The four operations with

algebraic expressions
When simplifying expressions which contain several terms, follow the order of operations.

The order of operations is:

simplify any expressions inside grouping symbols

simplify any multiplications and divisions, working from left to right

simplify any additions and subtractions, working from left to right.

Example 1
EG Simplify each of the following expressions.
+S
a 24mn ÷ 3m × 5n b 7t + (5 × 2t) − t
10 × 6km
c ----------------------- d [20p − (7p + p)] ÷ 2p
7k + 5k
 Chapter 2: Algebra 53

Solutions
a 24mn ÷ 3m × 5n b 7t + (5 × 2t) − t
8
24mn = 7t + 10t − t
= -------------- × 5n
1 3m = 17t − t
= 8n × 5n = 16t
= 40n2
10 × 6km
c ----------------------- d [20p − (7p + p)] ÷ 2p
7k + 5k
5 = (20p − 8p) ÷ 2p
60km
= ------------- 6
12 p
112k
= ---------
12 p
= 5m
=6
Example 2
EG Simplify 5 × 10y − 30y ÷ 6 using the order of operations.
+S
Solution
(5 × 10y) − (30y ÷ 6)
= 50y − 5y
= 45y

Exercise 2.5

1 Simplify each expression by working from left to right.

a 3 × 2a × 4b b 5m × 4n × 6p c 3 × 2c × 5c
d 5m × 4n ÷ 2 e 8k × 2 ÷ 4k f 12e ÷ 3 × 5f
g 21t ÷ 3t × 6u h 18y ÷ 6y × 5y i 24n ÷ 4n ÷ 3
j 36uv ÷ 3u ÷ 4v k 45a2 ÷ 5a ÷ 3 l 8c × 5d ÷ 4c
m 3z × 8z ÷ 2 n 4pq × 6q ÷ 12p o 6r × rs × st
p 35xy ÷ 7x × 3y q 72cd ÷ 9d × 4c r 60gh ÷ 12g ÷ 5h

2 Simplify each of the following.

a (2a + 3a) × 10 b (8m − 5m) × 7 c (7n − 3n) ÷ 4
d 8 × (4y + y) e 11 × (19h − 10h) f 20p ÷ (7p − 2p)
g 4 × (5c + 2c) h 35x ÷ (10x − 3x) i 10y × (6y − 6y)
j (8n + 2n) × 10 k (14c − 6c) × 5c l (32pq − 8pq) ÷ 6p

■ Consolidation
3 Simplify these expressions.
a (12w ÷ 4) − 2w b 6k + (5 × 8k) c 3h + (4 × 2h) + h
d 7t + (18t ÷ 3) − 4t e 40n − (7n × 4) − n f (5 × 10q) + (8 × 4q)
g (28c ÷ 7) + (32c ÷ 4) h (6 × 9e) − (36e ÷ 3) i (36mn ÷ 4m) + 6n
j 10d − (4d × 3) k -14f + (8f × 3) l (-2z × 13) − (4z + 2z)
54 Mathscape 8

4 Simplify the following algebraic fractions.

4a + 8a 27m – 7m 24 × 2y
a ------------------- b ------------------------ c ------------------
3a × 2 6m + 4m 3y × 4
48x ÷ 8 49a 2 ÷ 7a 80e – 8e
d -----------------------
- e ------------------------ f --------------------------
14x 2 ÷ 7x a + 6a 66e 2 ÷ 11e
12a × 5b 9n × 4n 5r – 20r
g ---------------------------- h ------------------
- i --------------------
10ab – 4ab ( 3n ) 2 2r + 3r

5 Simplify each expression by removing the innermost grouping symbols first.

a [8u + (6 × 5u)] + 4u b [16j − (40j ÷ 8)] − 2j
c [50r − (12r × 4)] × 9 d 5k + [7k − (8k − 4k)]
e 20y − [12y + (10y − 7y)] f 28t − [(21t ÷ 7) + 14t]
g [(10b + 14b) ÷ 3] × 2 h [5 × (12m − 7m)] − 8m
i [100x ÷ (13x + 7x)] + 3 j [13w + (5 × 10w)] ÷ 7w
k [8 × (3g + 6g)] ÷ 12g l [29n − (13n + n)] ÷ 5n
m -30s + [2 × (6s + 7s)] n -9d − [13d − (42d ÷ 6)]

6 Insert grouping symbols in each expression using the order of operations, then simplify.
a 3b + 4 × 2b b 10y + 15y ÷ 5 c 16k ÷ 4 − 3k
d 6n × 5 + 14n e 18w − 6w × 3 f 40p − 60p ÷ 5
g 7e + 4e × 2 + 5e h 25q − 5q × 4 + 8q i 60x − 7 × 6x − 11x
j 4 × 8a + 5 × 2a k 36c ÷ 9 + 48c ÷ 4 l 90s ÷ 9 − 4 × 2s
m 3a × 2a + 8a2 n 19k2 − 4k × 4k o 52z2 − 6z × 7z
p 13e + 6e × 2e + 4e
2 2
q 9y + 21y ÷ 7 − 4y
2 2 2
r 25v2 − 6v × 3v − 6v2
s 5a × 2b + 12ab t 27pq ÷ 3p − 4q u 6uv + 14u2v ÷ 7u
v 8ab × 3a − 7a2b w 28rs2 − 7rs × 3s x 9f + 32ef 2 ÷ 4ef

■ Further applications
7 Insert grouping symbols in each of these to make a true statement.
a 3 × 5t + 6t = 33t b 60gh ÷ 35gh − 15gh = 3
c 7ab − 3a × 2b = ab d 12p2 − 2p2 ÷ 2p = 5p
e 2 × 15a + 10a × 2 = 100a f 6h × 7 ÷ 2h + 4h = 7

TRY THIS Guess my rule

You will need a partner for this activity.
Think of a rule, e.g. y = 2x + 1.
Your partner tells you the x value, then, in your head, you calculate the y value and
tell them.
You keep doing this until your partner has worked out the rule.
You then swap roles.
 Chapter 2: Algebra 55

2.6 The index laws

■ The index law for multiplication
22 × 2 4 a3 × a2 4a2 × 5a
= (2 × 2) × (2 × 2 × 2 × 2) = (a × a × a) × (a × a) = (4 × a × a) × (5 × a)
= 26 = a5 = 20a3
The examples above suggest the following index law for multiplying expressions.

To multiply expressions that contain indices:

multiply any co-efficients

keep the same base and add the indices.

■ The index law for division

54 ÷ 5 a6 ÷ a 4 12a5 ÷ 3a2
5×5×5×5 a×a×a×a×a×a 412 × a × a × a × a × a
= ------------------------------ = ------------------------------------------------- = ----------------------------------------------------
5 a×a×a×a 13 × a × a
= 53 = a2 = 4a3
The examples above suggest the following index law for dividing expressions.

To divide expressions that contain indices:

divide any co-efficients

keep the same base and subtract the indices.

■ The index law for further powers

3 4 3
( 24 ) ( a5 ) ( 2a 7 )
= 24 × 24 × 24 = a5 × a5 × a5 × a5 = 2a7 × 2a7 × 2a7
= 212 = a20 = 8a21
The examples above suggest the following index law for further powers.

To simplify expressions that contain further powers:

raise any co-efficients to the power outside the grouping symbols

keep the same base and multiply the indices.

The index laws can be summarised as follows:

1 am × an = am + n
2 am ÷ an = am − n
3 (am)n = amn
56 Mathscape 8

Example 1
EG Simplify these expressions using the index law for multiplication.
+S
a 32 × 3 5 b k3 × k9 c 6y4 × 5y d 3a3b5 × 4a2b8

Solutions
a 32 × 3 5 = 3 2 + 5 b k3 × k9 = k3 + 9
= 37 = k12
c 6y4 × 5y = 30y4 + 1 d 3a3b5 × 4a2b8 = 12a3 + 2b5 + 8
= 30y5 = 12a5b13

Example 2
EG Simplify these expressions using the index law for division.
+S
a 56 ÷ 5 4 b p9 ÷ p4 c 21c10 ÷ 7c6 d 10g8h7 ÷ 2gh5

Solutions
a 56 ÷ 5 4 = 5 6 – 4 b p9 ÷ p4 = p9 – 4
= 52 = p5
c 21c ÷ 7c6 = 3c10 – 6
10
d 10g h ÷ 2gh5 = 5g8 – 1h7 – 5
8 7

= 3c4 = 5g7h2

Example 3
EG Simplify these expressions using the index law for further powers.
+S 3 4 2 3
a ( 25 ) b ( b6 ) c ( 5x 7 ) d ( 2w 4 )

Solutions
a ( 2 5 ) = 25 × 3
3
( b 6 ) = b6 × 4
4
( 5x 7 ) = 52x7 × 2
2
( 2w 4 ) = 23w4 × 3
3
b c d
= 215 = b24 = 25x14 = 8w12

Exercise 2.6

1 Express each term in the expanded form, then simplify, giving the answers in simplest
index form.
a 23 × 2 2 b 32 × 3 4 c 74 × 7 3 d 53 × 5

2 Look at your answers to Q1, then write down a rule that could be used to quickly multiply
terms in index form.
3 Express each term in the expanded form, then simplify, giving the answers in simplest
index form.
a 54 ÷ 5 2 b 36 ÷ 3 2 c 25 ÷ 2 3 d 74 ÷ 7

4 Look at your answers to Q3, then write down a rule that could be used to quickly divide
terms in index form.
 Chapter 2: Algebra 57

5 Express each term in the expanded form, then simplify, giving the answers in simplest
index form.
a (32)2 b (53)3 c (24)2 d (72)3

6 Look at your answers to Q5, then write down a rule that could be used to quickly raise terms
in index form to a further power.
7 Simplify each expression by adding the indices.
a n2 × n3 b a5 × a4 c y6 × y2
d t ×t
3
e e4 × e6 f x2 × x5
g m × m8 h d5 × d5 i p7 × p6
j r ×r
3 5
k b9 × b l z8 × z4
m c ×c ×c
4 2 4
n k5 × k7 × k3 o w2 × w × w8

8 Simplify each expression by subtracting the indices.

a p5 ÷ p2 b x7 ÷ x3 c q4 ÷ q2
d y9 ÷ y e t 10 ÷ t 3 f b6 ÷ b4
g n ÷n
8 5
h m11 ÷ m10 i f 13 ÷ f 7
j z15 ÷ z3 k u9 ÷ u8 l s12 ÷ s5
m r ÷r ÷r
9 3 2
n d11 ÷ d7 ÷ d o j 13 ÷ j 6 ÷ j 5
9 Simplify each expression by multiplying the indices.
a (a3)2 b (p4)2 c (x5)3 d (b3)4
e (m3)3 f (y5)4 g (t 6)3 h (n8)2
2 11 4 7
i (q ) j (z ) k (c5)5 l (u3)10
m (d4)6 n (h3)9 o (s6)7 p (w5)8

■ Consolidation
10 Simplify each of these.
a 3a4 × a2 b n3 × 2n5 c 8e2 × e3
d 2k 6 × 9k e 4y3 × 2y4 f 3c6 × 5c2
g 2z4 × 6z h 5t 7 × 4t 2 i 8d × 3d9
j 6n7 × 5n4 k 4u8 × 8u4 l 7h5 × 6h8
m 9d 3 × 5d 7 n 5v6 × 8v o 12g7 × 7g9
p 2n3 × 3n2 × n4 q 3p4 × 4p5 × 3p r 7z3 × 3z4 × 2z10

11 Simplify:
a a2b3 × a2 b x3 × x4y2 c pq3 × p5
d m4n2 × m8n e j 2k 3 × j 3k 4 f y3z5 × y5z2
g b4c × b6c2 h e5f 3 × ef i g2h4 × gh8
j 3ab2 × 4a2b k 5mn3 × 2m2n5 l 4u3v6 × 6u3v3
m 7r 5s × 3rs5 n 4w2x2 × 9w4x9 o 6c5d9 × 5c8d
p 8fh8 × 4f 5h9 q 12s7t9 × 5s4t 7 r 7i 5j 4 × 8i 4j 12
58 Mathscape 8

12 Simplify each of these.

a 2n6 ÷ n2 b 3b5 ÷ b3 c 8t 7 ÷ t 6
d 6c4 ÷ c e 10m4 ÷ 2m2 f 8y9 ÷ 4y3
g 12e7 ÷ 3e2 h 20w10 ÷ 4w5 i 21k10 ÷ 7k4
j 30z6 ÷ 5z k 24p12 ÷ 3p4 l 22x8 ÷ 2x6
m 36q11 ÷ 6q7 n 32a15 ÷ 8a9 o 27g13 ÷ 9g4
p 40m10 ÷ 5m3 ÷ 2m2 q 32s12 ÷ 2s3 ÷ 4s r 60e14 ÷ 5e2 ÷ 3e4

13 Simplify:
a7 d8 n6 k 10
a ----4- b ----2- c ----5- d ------3-
a d n k
2e 9 10m 2 18u 5 15h 10
e -------
- f ------------- g ----------2- h -------------
e2 2m 3u 5h 6
24s 7 16c 8 28w 11 90z 12
i ----------
- j ----------
- k -------------- l ------------
-
6s 5 4c 5 7w 3 9z 5
49r 9 54 f 16 64b 13 44v 14
m ----------
- n -------------
- o ------------- p ------------2-
7r 8 6 f 10 8b 8 11v

14 Simplify each of the following.

a a5b6 ÷ a3b2 b m6n9 ÷ m4n2 c g7h10 ÷ g3h
d x y ÷ xy
4 8 3
e u7v3 ÷ u4v f c8d5 ÷ c6d 3
g e9f 9 ÷ e7f 3 h b10c12 ÷ b7c5 i p14q19 ÷ p8q4
j 18y z ÷ 9yz
6 11 4
k 21a5b2 ÷ 7a4b l 32i 10j 5 ÷ 4i 3j 2
m 35m8n6 ÷ 5m7n2 n 48c6d 13 ÷ 8cd 9 o 33p10q7 ÷ 3p3q4
p 45e f ÷ 9e f
11 14 5 8
q 42x4y10 ÷ 6xy6 r 72b12c15 ÷ 6b7c10

15 Simplify each of these.

a (4a3)2 b (3m5)2 c (6g4)2 d (2k9)2
e (2n5)3 f (3e4)3 g (2q7)4 h (7y6)2
4 3
i (10b ) j (2w8)5 k (5g6)3 l (10x5)4
m (4c10)3 n (3f)4 o (2v)6 p (6s7)3

16 Simplify:
a (x2y4)2 b (p5q3)2 c (cd 4)3
d (u2v3)4 e (r4s3)5 f (a8b)4
g (j 5k7)5 h (e6f 8)3 i (y4z6)5
j (5m3n4)2 k (9s2t 6)2 l (2c6d3)3
m (2yz5)4 n (3p4q9)3 o (10v8w7)3
p (2g11h4)5 q (5q12r)3 r (2x5y2)6
 Chapter 2: Algebra 59

17 Simplify these expressions using the index laws.

a n4 × n5 × n2 b p8 ÷ p3 × p5 c y13 ÷ y4 ÷ y2
d y5 × y7 ÷ y3 e (a4)2 × a3 f x10 ÷ (x2)3
g (n6)5 ÷ n10 h e7 × (e4)3 i (h4)7 ÷ (h2)9
m5 × m4 v 15 ( b7 )3
j ------------------
- k ---------------
- l -----------
-
m2 v3 × v4 b5
18 Simplify fully:
a (e5 × e4)2 b (v 9 ÷ v 2)3 c (m4 × m3 ÷ m)5
d8 2 n6 3 ( a5 )3
d ⎛ ----3-⎞ e ⎛ ----2-⎞ f ------------
⎝d ⎠ ⎝n ⎠ ( a6 )2
g 2g4 × g7 × 5g2 h 30t 12 ÷ 2t 2 ÷ 3t 6 i 8r5 ÷ 2r3 × 5r9
j (5m4)2 × 4m7 k 40w16 ÷ (2w3)3 l (3a6)2 × (2a4)3
5b 4 × 9b 10 12c 7 × 5c 11 ( 8u 13 ) 2
m ------------------------- n ---------------------------
- o -----------------
-
3b 5 10c 4 × 3c 6 ( 2u 5 ) 4

■ Further applications
19 Simplify:
( m6 )3 × m4 ( t 8 )5 × ( t 2 )3 c 30
a --------------------------
- b ----------------------------
- c ----------------------
-
m7 t 10 ( c2 )4 × c6
s 15 × ( s 4 ) 4 k4 7 h 11⎞ 3 h 5
d ------------------------
- e ( k 9 ) 5 ÷ ⎛ -----⎞ f ⎛ ------- × ----3-
( s4 )3 × s7 ⎝ k⎠ ⎝ h3 ⎠ h

20 Simplify:
( 3u 4 ) 2 × 6u 10 10 ( pq ) 2 × 20 p 20 q 14
a --------------------------------------
- b ------------------------------------------------
u 4 × ( 3u 2 ) 3 × u 2 ( 2 p6q3 )2 × 5 p5q

2.7 The Distributive Law

In Year 7 you learnt to expand algebraic expressions using the Distributive Law.

To expand an expression containing grouping symbols:

multiply each term inside by the term outside.

a(b + c) = ab + ac and a(b − c) = ab − ac

Example 1
EG Expand:
+S
a 4(m + 2) b 3(w − 7) c 5(4a + 3b)
d p(q − 3) e x(x + 9) f 2e(5e − 6f)
60 Mathscape 8

Solutions
a 4(m + 2) b 3(w − 7) c 5(4a + 3b)
= (4 × m) + (4 × 2) = (3 × w) − (3 × 7) = (5 × 4a) + (5 × 3b)
= 4m + 8 = 3w − 21 = 20a + 15b
d p(q − 3) e x(x + 9) f 2e(5e − 6f)
= (p × q) − (p × 3) = (x × x) + (x × 9) = (2e × 5e) − (2e × 6f)
= pq − 3p = x2 + 9x = 10e2 − 12ef

Example 2
EG Expand and simplify:
+S
a 8 + 3(s + 4) b 21 + 5(n − 3) − 2n
c 4a(7 + 2a) + a2 d 6(x + 7) + 4(2x − 3)

Solutions
a 8 + 3(s + 4) b 21 + 5(n − 3) − 2n
= 8 + 3s + 12 = 21 + 5n − 15 − 2n
= 3s + 20 = 5n − 2n + 21 − 15
= 3n + 6
c 4a(7 + 2a) + a2 d 6(x + 7) + 4(2x − 3)
= 28a + 8a2 + a2 = 6x + 42 + 8x − 12
= 28a + 9a2 = 6x + 8x + 42 − 12
= 14x + 30

Exercise 2.7

1 Expand each of the following.

a 2(x + 3) b 3(m − 2) c 5(6 + k) d 4(3 − n)
e 6(y + 4) f 7(p − 5) g 8(z − 1) h 9(7 + v)
i 10(3 + a) j 11(n − 2) k 4(w + 9) l 9(b − 5)
m 4(x + y) n 12(g + h) o 7(c − d) p 6(r − s)

2 Expand each of these.

a p(q + 3) b a(b − 5) c u(6 + v) d m(2 − n)
e g(h + 9) f y(1 − z) g k(j − 4) h f(e + 7)
i a(b + c) j c(d − e) k x(y + z) l t(v − u)
m x(x + 8) n n(n − 3) o y(y + 7) p t(t − 8)
q b(4 + b) r c(1 − c) s j(j + k) t n(m − n)

3 Expand:
a (p + 2)3 b (w − 5)2 c (x − 4)4 d (g + 11)5
e (y + 9)z f (c − 3)d g (p + q)r h (e − f)g
i (a + b)a j (u − v)v k (c − d)c l (m + n)n
 Chapter 2: Algebra 61

■ Consolidation
4 Expand these expressions.
a 2(3n + 4) b 3(5t − 2) c 6(2y + 5)
d 4(3 − 4b) e 8(3m + 1) f 7(2 − 3k)
g 5(4d + 2) h 6(7e − 3) i 10(4 + 9y)
j 8(8u + 5) k 9(1 − 6z) l 11(5c + 7)
m 12(2a − 3) n 7(7f − 4) o 6(8w − 9)

5 Expand:
a 2x(y + 5) b 3m(n − 4) c 5c(3 + d)
d 4g(6 − h) e 3t(2u + 7) f 4y(5z − 2)
g 5r(6s − 3) h 7b(3 − 2c) i 2j(7k + 9)
j 4e(8f + 11) k 3p(9 − 10q) l 6d(11e − 6)
m 2a(3a + 2) n 4m(2m − 5) o 5t(4t − 7)
p 3k(10k + 5) q 7g(3g − 4h) r 12n(5p − 7n)

6 Expand and simplify each of these.

a 5(a + 3) + 4 b 3(x + 10) − 7 c 2(p + 4) + 3p
d 6(e − 3) + 2e e 4(f − 5) − f f 7(h − 4) − 6h
g 3(5y + 4) + 8 h 6(4t − 5) + 10t i 9(2c + 8) − 5c
j 10(3q + 7) − 15 k 8(4x − 9) + 4x l 12(3 + 5z) − 20
m a(b + 4) + 2a n p(q − 3) + 4pq o x(9 + x) + 6x
p e(3e + 5) − e2 q 4d(2d − 7) + 3d2 r 7k(5k + 8) − 35k

7 Expand and simplify:

a 4 + 3(n + 2) b 5 + 2(x + 7) c 12 + 4(1 + y)
d 20 + 5(m − 3) e 29 + 3(z − 6) f 30 + 9(q − 2)
g 4c + c(d + 7) h 18j + j(k − 5) i 8f + f(6 + f)
j 6b2 + 3b(b + 8) k 50u2 + 12u(3 − 4u) l 17w2 + 11w(w + 2)
m 14 + 7(g + 5) + 6g n 18 + 3(v + 9) − 20 o 12s + 5(s − 5) − 9s
p 40 + 4(6a + 7) + 12a q 33k + 8(k + 4) − 32 r 6n2 + 3n(6 + 11n) − 9n

8 Expand and simplify:

a 2(a + 4) + 3(a + 2) b 5(m + 3) + 4(m + 1)
c 8(y + 3) + 5(y + 2) d 7(k + 2) + 2(k − 3)
e 4(t + 4) + 6(t − 2) f 8(w + 3) + 6(w − 4)
g 3(2n + 3) + 5(3n + 2) h 4(5t + 3) + 9(2t − 1)
i 7(3e − 4) + 2(e − 10) j 6(5z + 2) + 3(2 − 7z)
k 8(4 + h) + 4(3 − 2h) l 10(4p − 7) + 5(1 − 6p)
m a(b + 5) + a(b + 3) n 3x(y + 4) + 2x(5 − y)
o y(y + 4) + 7(y + 6) p m(m − 8) + 3(2 − m)
62 Mathscape 8

■ Further applications
9 Expand each of the following.
a a2(a5 + 3) b c3(c2 + 2) c k5(k4 − 7)
d w4(w3 + w2) e m5(m6 − m3) f t 2(t − t 8)
g 3e2(4e + 5e2) h 2y4(6y3 − 7y2) i 5u6(4u3 + 9u7)
j a2b3(a4b2 + a3b4) k x3y4(x2y − xy2) l 2c2d5(4cd3 − 11c5d)

2.8 The Distributive Law and

directed numbers
Particular care must be taken when expanding an expression that is preceded by a negative
number or term.

-a(b + c) = -ab − ac and -a(b − c) = -ab + ac

Example 1
EG Expand:
+S
a -3(n + 6) b -4(y − 5) c -k(k + 7) d -8g(2g − 5h)

Solutions
a -3(n + 6) b -4(y − 5) c -k(k + 7) d -8g(2g − 5h)
= -3n − 18 = -4y + 20 = -k2 − 7k = -16g2 + 40gh

Example 2
EG Expand and simplify:
+S
a 5 − 3(h + 4) b 7(2v − 5) − 4(3v − 10)

Solutions
a 5 − 3(h + 4) b 7(2v − 5) − 4(3v − 10)
= 5 − 3h − 12 = 14v − 35 − 12v + 40
= -3h + 5 − 12 = 14v − 12v − 35 + 40
= -3h − 7 = 2v + 5

Exercise 2.8

1 Expand each of the following.

a -2(x + 3) b -5(a − 1) c -3(m − 4) d -7(y − 2)
e -6(b + 4) f -9(t + 3) g -8(3 − d) h -10(2 − w)
i -4(7 + k) j -6(e − 6) k -11(c + 5) l -8(8 − p)
m -5(v + 12) n -9(w − 7) o -7(6 − r) p -12(9 + f)
 Chapter 2: Algebra 63

2 Expand each of these.

a -(x − 1) b -(y + 2) c -(b − 3) d -(k + 2)
e -(4n − 7) f -(3u + 4) g -(2 − 5a) h -(1 + 9t)

3 Expand:
a -a(b + 2) b -m(n − 5) c -j(k − 4) d -y(z + 7)
e -p(6 + q) f -u(1 − v) g -e(8 + f) h -x(2 − y)
i -a(b − c) j -p(q + r) k -h(f + g) l -x(y − z)
m -p(p + 4) n -n(n − 9) o -v(3 − v) p -d(12 + d)

■ Consolidation
4 Expand each of the following.
a -2(6k + 1) b -3(2p − 3) c -5(4g + 2)
d -3(6y − 5) e -4(4n − 7) f -6(3v + 10)
g -7(2u − 1) h -9(5b + 7) i -8(6m + 2)
j -10(4z − 3) k -3(9 + 8e) l -7(10 + 7f)

5 Expand each of these.

a -3m(2n + 5) b -4c(5d − 2) c -5a(2b − 3)
d -10x(3y + 5) e -6p(4 + 3q) f -7q(6 − 5h)
g -2r(1 − 8s) h -9e(2 + 3f) i -4u(3v + 9)
j -3m(7n − 3p) k -8a(3b − 5c) l -9i(6j + 11k)
m -2q(7q + 9) n -5s(5 − 7s) o -11w(11 + 8w)

6 Expand and simplify:

a 3(y + 2) − 8 b 5(n − 2) + 13 c 4(p + 5) − 6p
d 7h + 12(4 − h) e 20 + 8(t − 3) f -10 + 6(x − 4)
g 8 − 2(a − 4) h 22 − 5(b + 3) i 15d − 4(5 − d)
j 6 + 4(m − 5) + 3m k 30 − 2(e − 9) − 15 l 12k − 5(k + 6) + 9
m 14z − 3(8 − z) + 4 n 7(s − 6) − 8s + 32 o 5w + 40 − 4(w + 7)

7 Expand and simplify these expressions.

a 4(a + 2) − 2(a + 1) b 5(n + 6) − 4(n + 3) c 7(y + 5) − 3(y − 2)
d 8(t + 2) − 3(t − 6) e 9(e + 3) − 4(e + 10) f 6(p − 2) − 5(p − 2)
g 11(c + 6) − 8(c + 5) h 9(g − 1) − 2(g + 4) i 10(b + 5) − 4(b − 7)
j 12(w − 2) − 3(1 − w) k 8(6 − k) − 4(k − 12) l 10(4 + s) − 7(s + 5)

■ Further applications
8 Expand and simplify each of the following.
a 2(x + 6) + 3(x + 5) − 4(x + 3) b 6(n + 4) − 2(n − 3) − 3(n − 5)
c 3(4a + 2) + 2(5a − 2) − 7(2a + 1) d m(m + 8) − 3(m − 7) + m(m + 4)
e 10(p − q) + 4(3p + 2q) − 6(4p + q) f 8w(2w − 3) − 2w(5 − w) + w(6w + 7)
64 Mathscape 8

2.9 Factorising: The highest

common factor
In the Number Theory topic studied in Year 7, the highest common factor (HCF) of two or
more numbers was defined as the largest number that would divide into both numbers. For
example, the factors of 8 are 1, 2, 4, 8 and the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12. The largest
number common to both sets of factors is 4. That is, 4 is the HCF of 8 and 12.
To factorise an algebraic expression, we must reverse or undo the expansion process. That is,
to factorise an expression means to write it as a multiplication. Factorising is the opposite of
expanding.
Expanding

a(b + c) = ab + ac

Factorising

There are many techniques that can be used to factorise algebraic expressions. In Year 8, we
will study the simplest method—factorisation by highest common factor.

To factorise an algebraic expression:

write the HCF of the terms outside grouping symbols

divide each term in the expression by the HCF to find the terms inside the grouping
symbols.

If the first term of an expression is negative, then by convention the HCF is also negative.

ab + ac = a(b + c) and ab − ac = a(b − c)

Example 1
EG Factorise:
+S
a 5x + 15 b 7a − 14 c 12m + 21
d ax − a e c2 + 6c f 8u2 − 20uv

Solutions
a 5x + 15 b 7a − 14 c 12m + 21
= (5 × x) + (5 × 3) = (7 × a) − (7 × 2) = (3 × 4m) + (3 + 7)
= 5(x + 3) = 7(a − 2) = 3(4m + 7)
d ax − a e c2 + 6c f 8u2 − 20uv
= (a × x) − (a × 1) = (c × c) + (c × 6) = (4u × 2u) − (4u × 5v)
= a(x − 1) = c(c + 6) = 4u(2u − 5v)
 Chapter 2: Algebra 65

Example 2
EG Factorise:
+S
a 5p + 10q − 35r b a2b + ab2 + ab

Solutions
a 5p + 10q − 35r b a2b + ab2 + ab
= (5 × p) + (5 × 2q) − (5 × 7r) = (ab × a) + (ab × b) + (ab × 1)
= 5(p + 2q − 7r) = ab(a + b + 1)

Example 3
EG Factorise:
+S
a -3n − 9 b -7q + 28

Solutions
a -3n − 9 b -7q + 28
= -3(n + 3) = -7(q − 4)

Exercise 2.9

1 Complete each of these factorisations.

a 2x + 6 = ____ (x + 3) b 3n + 15 = ____ (n + 5)
c 5a + 10 = ____ (a + 2) d 4e − 12 = ____ (e − 3)
e 2y − 14 = ____ (y − 7) f 6p − 24 = ____ (p − 4)
g 4h + 6 = ____ (2h + 3) h 6t − 15 = ____ (2t − 5)
i 21 − 14m = ____ (3 − 2m) j xy + xz = ____ (y + z)
k pq + qr = ____ (p + r) l uv − u = ____ (v − 1)
m x2 + xy = ____ (x + y) n a2 − ab = ____ (a − b)
o 3gh + 9g = ____ (h + 3) p 10e2 + 15ef = ____ (2e + 3f)

2 Complete each of these factorisations.

a 5a + 20 = 5( ) b 7t − 21 = 7( )
c 4c + 24 = 4( ) d 3n − 33 = 3( )
e 6b − 12 = 6( ) f 9g + 9 = 9( )
g 6y + 9 = 3( ) h 4d − 10 = 2( )
i 21r + 28 = 7( ) j jk + km = k( )
k ab − ac = a( ) l st + t = t( )
m e2 + de = e( ) n mn − n = n(
2
)
o 5bc + 25c = 5c( ) p 12wx − 20x2 = 4x( )
66 Mathscape 8

■ Consolidation
3 Factorise each of these by taking out the highest common factor (HCF).
a 3m + 12 b 2n + 14 c 5p + 15
d 10e + 20 e 4t − 12 f 7a − 35
g 6g + 18 h 8y − 48 i 5c + 45
j 9d + 27 k 11b − 88 l 7r + 42
m 10j − 40 n 9w − 81 o 12f + 72

4 Factorise by taking out the HCF.

a 4a + 6 b 9y + 12 c 10t + 15
d 10p − 14 e 6s − 15 f 20b − 35
g 18n + 12 h 21k + 18 i 20e − 12
j 25k + 30 k 14v − 49 l 30q + 40
m 16x + 24 n 45h − 63 o 35z − 42
p 18 − 30e q 56 + 64d r 99 − 44i

5 Factorise:
a ab + ac b pq + qr c xy − xz
d km − kn e 4g + gh f 2u − uv
g mn − 7m h bc + 9c i x2 + xy
j k2 − jk k e2 − e l wx + x2

6 Factorise fully each of these expressions.

a 3ab + 6bc b 5pq − 25pr c 4ef + 16fg
d 21yz − 7xy e 6rs − 9st f 12uv + 16uw
g 28jk − 35km h 45cd + 20ce i 5x2 + 10x
j 12y2 − 24y k 49a − 7a2 l 24p2 + 8p
m 8g + 12g
2
n 20w2 − 24w o 48c + 30c2
p 99q − 22q 2
q 15h2 + 35h r 28x − 49x2
s 12abc + 32bcd t 18x2y − 24xyz u 35pq2 − 40p2q
7 Factorise:
a 2a + 2b + 2c b ax + ay + az c 5e − 5f + 5g
d pq − pr − ps e 4k + 6m + 10n f 6x − 9y + 15z
g 28a − 14b + 21c h 18t + 24u − 30v i x2 + xy + xz
j 3m2 − 12mn + 15m k 10fg − 25gh + 20g2 l ab2 + a2b + ab

8 Factorise by taking out the greatest negative common factor.

a -2m − 4 b -3t − 12 c -4c − 20 d -5k − 30
e -7p + 14 f -6y + 18 g -5k + 25 h -11b + 44
i -8a + 20 j -10z − 35 k -18h + 20 l -28d − 21
m -ab − bc n -pq − pr o -x2 + 2x p -mn + m2
q -5a2 + 10a r -8r2 − 12 s -15p − 18p2 t -20ef + 24fg
 Chapter 2: Algebra 67

9 Explain why each of these expressions has not been correctly or completely factorised, then
factorise correctly.
a 8x + 20 = 2(4x + 10) b m2 + m = m(m + 0)
c pqr + pqs = p(qr + qs) d 3xy + 6x = 3x(y + 6x)
e 2u + 2v + 12 = 2(u + v) + 12 f -4x − 10 = -2(2x − 5)
■ Further applications
10 Factorise by taking out the binomial common factor.
a a(b + c) + 3(b + c) b x(y − 1) + 2(y − 1)
c p(q + 4) + 7(q + 4) d 5(u − v) + w(u − v)
e 5n(n − 3) + 4(n − 3) f e(f + 12) + 2f(f + 12)
g b(b + 2) + (b + 2) h (k + m) − n(k + m)
i 2c(c + d) − (c + d) j (a − 7) + a(a − 7)
11 Factorise by taking out the HCF.
a a2 + a3 b p5 + p2 c x3 − x5 d n2 − n6
e k + 2k
4 7
f 3t 3 − t 8 g 5u10 + 3u6 h 4g3 − 5g4
i 2y8 + 6y5 j 4v6 − 8v3 k 8m5 + 12m7 l 15s11 − 25s4

2.10 Adding and subtracting

algebraic fractions
To add or subtract algebraic fractions:

express the fractions with a common denominator

add or subtract the numerators

simplify if possible.

Example 1
EG Simplify:
+S
4a 3a 8t 5t 11k 5k 9e 7e
a ------ + ------ b ------ – ------ c --------- – ------ d ------ + ------
9 9 13 13 12 12 10 10
Solutions
4a 3a 8t 5t 11k 5k 9e 7e
a ------ + ------ b ------ – ------ c
--------- – ------ d ------ + ------
9 9 13 13 12 12 10 10
4a + 3a 8t – 5t 11k – 5k 9e + 7e
= ------------------- = ---------------- = --------------------- = ------------------
9 13 12 10
1 8
7a 3t 6k 16e
= ------ = ------ = ------ = ---------
9 13 212 510
k 8e
= --- = ------
2 5
8e
Note: In example 1d we write ------ , not 1 3--5- e, by convention.
5
68 Mathscape 8

Example 2
EG Simplify:
+S
2h h 5w 3w 17u u
a ------ + --- b ------- – ------- c --------- – ---
3 9 6 4 20 4

Solutions
2h h 5w 3w 17u u
a ------ + --- b ------- – ------- c --------- – ---
3 9 6 4 20 4
2h × 3 h 5w × 2 3w × 3 17u u × 5
= ------ + --- = ------- − ------- = --------- – ---
3 ×3 9 6 ×2 4 ×3 20 4 × 5
6h h 10w 9w 17u 5u
= ------ + --- = ---------- – ------- = --------- – ------
9 9 12 12 20 20
3
7h w 12u
= ------ = ------ = ---------
9 12 5 20
3u
= ------
5

Exercise 2.10

1 Simplify:
x x n n 4k k 5a 3a
a --- + --- b --- + --- c ------ + --- d ------ + ------
5 5 3 3 9 9 11 11
3m m 4t 2t 5r 4r 11s 3s
e ------- – ---- f ----- – ----- g ----- – ----- h -------- – ------
7 7 5 5 6 6 13 13
12b 6b 19e 8e 13c 8c 7x 7x
i --------- + ------ j --------- + ------ k --------- + ------ l ------ – ------
17 17 20 20 19 19 10 10

■ Consolidation
2 Simplify:
2n n 5u u 7t 3t 7m 8m
a ------ + --- b ------ + --- c ----- + ----- d ------- + -------
3 3 6 6 5 5 3 3
a a 11c 7c 13r 8r 5k k
e --- + --- f --------- – ------ g -------- – ------ h ------ + ------
4 4 20 20 15 15 12 12
4x 2x 7h 3h 4b 8b 11m m
i ------ + ------ j ------ – ------ k ------ + ------ l ---------- – ------
9 9 10 10 15 15 12 12
10c 4c 5w 5w 13z z 25v 9v
m --------- + ------ n ------- + ------- o -------- – ------ p --------- – ------
21 21 18 18 16 16 22 22
 Chapter 2: Algebra 69

3 Express these fractions with a common denominator, then simplify.

m m n n 3k k 2a 3a
a ---- + ---- b ------ + --- c ------ + --- d ------ + ------
2 4 10 5 16 4 3 15
x x t t w 2w 7b 3b
e --- + --- f --- + --- g ---- – ------- h ------ – ------
3 2 4 5 3 7 8 5
5u u 5c 2c 3s 5s 4z 7z
i ------ + --- j ------ – ------ k ----- + ----- l ----- – ------
12 8 6 9 4 6 5 12

4 Simplify each of the following.

3d d 2h 2h 7u u 11n n
a ------ + ------ b ------ + ------ c ------ – --- d --------- – ---
4 20 15 3 10 5 12 4
3z 7z 19x x 5a a 8b 11b
e ----- + ------ f --------- – --- g ------ – --- h ------ + ---------
5 30 20 4 3 6 9 18
4w 11w 5k 7k 11c 2c 3e 7e
i ------- – ---------- j ------ – ------ k --------- – ------ l ------ + ------
3 15 12 24 14 7 4 12

■ Further applications
5 Simplify:
a+2 a+3 m+2 m+5 x+3 x+1
a ------------ + ------------ b ------------- + ------------- c ------------ + ------------
4 2 3 4 7 5
b+4 b–3 n–1 n+2 c–4 c–6
d ------------ + ------------ e ------------ + ------------ f ----------- + -----------
2 6 6 5 3 8
2x + 3 x + 2 3x – 4 x + 6 5d – 2 2d – 5
g --------------- + ------------ h --------------- + ------------ i --------------- + ---------------
12 3 5 8 3 7

2.11 Multiplying and dividing

algebraic fractions
To multiply algebraic fractions:

cancel any common factors between the numerators and denominators

multiply the numerators

multiply the denominators.

To divide algebraic fractions:

take the reciprocal of the fraction that is written after the division sign

change the division sign to multiplication

proceed as above for multiplying fractions.

Note: Any fractions can be multiplied or divided. They need not have a common denominator.
70 Mathscape 8

Example 1
EG Simplify:
+S
x y 2a 4c 4m 25 pq 3a 2 10bc
a --- × --- b ------ × ------ c --------- × ------------- d -------2- × ------------
2 7 3b 5d 35 p 12m 5b 9ac

Solutions
1 5
x y 2a 4c 4m 25 pq 3a 2 10bc
a --- × --- b ------ × ------ c --------- × ------------- d -------2- × ------------
2 7 3b 5d 7 35 p 3 12m 5b 9ac
xy 8ac 5q 13aa 210bc
= ------ = ------------ = ------ = --------- × ------------
14 15bd 21 5bb 9ac
1 3
2a
= ------
3b

Example 2
EG Simplify:
+S
d 5 2m 3 pq qr
a --- ÷ --- b ------- ÷ --------- c -------- ÷ ------
9 e 7 11k 35r 45

Solutions
d 5 2m 3 pq qr
a --- ÷ --- b ------- ÷ --------- c -------- ÷ ------
9 e 7 11k 35r 45
d e 2m 11k pq 45 9
= --- × --- = ------- × --------- = -------- × ------
9 5 7 3 7
35r qr
de 22km 9p
= ------ = ------------- = -------2-
45 21 7r

Exercise 2.11

1 Simplify by multiplying the numerators and multiplying the denominators.

a b x y m 3 4 3
a --- × --- b --- × --- c ---- × --- d --- × ---
2 4 3 5 n 4 c d
m m k k 2 9 a a
e ---- × ---- f --- × --- g --- × --- h --- × ---
5 2 4 5 y y b c
3b c h 5i 3e 5g 7w 5w
i ------ × --- j --- × ----- k ------ × ------ l ------- × -------
7 2 3 8 4 f 7h 3x 9y
 Chapter 2: Algebra 71

2 Simplify each of these by taking the reciprocal of the second fraction, then multiplying.
m 6 x 4 e 2 6 v
a ---- ÷ --- b --- ÷ --- c --- ÷ --- d --- ÷ ---
2 n 5 y f 3 u 7
h 5 w 3 4 z r s
e --- ÷ --- f ---- ÷ ---- g --- ÷ --- h -÷-
6 h 7 w z 8 s t
2a 3 3m 2 3c 4e 4t 5v
i ------ ÷ --- j ------- ÷ ------ k ------ ÷ ------ l ------ ÷ --------
5 b 7 5n 8d 7 f 9u 11t

■ Consolidation
3 Cancel any common factors, then multiply.
a 2 x 4 p 15 6 m
a --- × --- b --- × --- c --- × ------ d ---- × ----
7 a 2 y 5 p m 9
y 15 c 7c 3m 4n 4e 15
e ------ × ------ f ------ × ------ g ------- × ------ h ------ × ------
20 z 14 d n m 3c 8e
14 ab ab ac xz 20 m pq
i ------ × ------ j ------ × ------ k ------ × ------ l ------ × -------
a 18 c b 12 yz np mr
6u 10u 12c 25d 18m 20k 27a 35bc
m ------ × --------- n --------- × --------- o ---------- × --------- p ------------ × ------------
5v 21v 35e 18c 55k 45 50bd 36a

4 Simplify each of the following.

n n a b k k 12 15
a --- ÷ --- b --- ÷ ------ c --- ÷ ------ d ------ ÷ ------
7 3 3 12 2 10 w w
r s y x 2t u 5e 25
e ------ ÷ ------ f ------ ÷ --------- g ----- ÷ ----- h ------ ÷ ---------
24 28 18 27y u 9t 8 f 16 f
15b 27b pq p vw uv x xw
i --------- ÷ --------- j ------ ÷ ----- k ------- ÷ ------ l ----- ÷ -------
d c r qr 21 49 yz vy
24ac 4d gh hi 22mn 33km 24rs 36st
m ------------ ÷ ------ n -------- ÷ ------ o -------------- ÷ ------------- p ----------- ÷ ----------
35bc 7b 25i 40 21 p 18k 45r 35u

5 Simplify:
a 2 bc x 3y m m2
a ----- × ------ b ----2- × ------ c ------ ÷ -----2-
b a y 4x np n
6r 9r 2 40a 36a 2 c 2 d 28 fg
d -------- ÷ -------- e --------- ÷ ----------2- f ----------- × -----------
-
49s 7st 77b 35b 48ef cd 2
72 Mathscape 8

■ Further applications
6 Simplify:
5a 9d 4c 8e 24g 55g
a --------- × --------- ÷ --------- b ------ ÷ --------2- × ---------
27b 10a 16b 35 7 f 14e

7 Factorise each expression where possible, then simplify.

2a + 10 9 x–3 12 2m + 10 4m + 12
a ------------------ × ------------ b ----------- × ------------------ c -------------------- × --------------------
3 a+5 4 5x – 15 m+3 8m + 40
3k + 6 5k + 10 x 2 + 4x xy + 4y 11e + 33 12e – 24
d --------------- ÷ ------------------ e ----------------- ÷ ------------------ f --------------------- ÷ ---------------------
14 7 12 9 5e + 15 5e – 10

Algebra as a tool for exploring patterns

Introduction
Because widely different cultures around the world have found numbers so fascinating, for
example European and Asian, Arab and African, the Americas and Islands of the South Pacific,
the history of mathematics abounds with recorded examples of number patterns. The above
reproduction of an Islamic magic square is an interesting example, showing the importance of
religion and culture within the context of mathematics.
Here, however, we will explore a problem with numbers and investigate how algebra can help
reveal the underlying pattern. The focus question below is a good example. It was taken from
the junior division of the Australian Mathematics Competition, school years 7 and 8, 1998. It
was originally asked in multiple choice format but has been adapted here for another purpose.
 Chapter 2: Algebra 73

Focus question
How many positive integers less than 900 are multiples of 7 and end with 2?

2L EARNING ACTIVITIES

This is best done as a collaborative activity in pairs or small groups. Teachers may wish to
allocate different methods to different groups, or simply leave it open ended.

Method 1: A counting strategy from a pattern

1 Begin any way you wish with the problem. See what you can come up with. Share your
ideas with your neighbour. Use any tools of arithmetic or algebra that you wish.
Be prepared to talk about your thinking.
2 If you have not got an answer yet, or are not sure you are right, try finding just one number
that works, say the smallest multiple of 7 that ends in 2.
3 Now try to get the next highest number. You can make a list of the 7 times table if you wish.
The idea here is to actually find some of the possible numbers and go from there.
4 See if you can find a pattern in the numbers you have found. Count these numbers and write
down your answer.

Method 2: A reasoning strategy using algebra as a tool

1 The numbers we require are even and are also divisible by 7. Therefore they can be written
in the form 14k where k is a positive integer.
2 A specific case that works is k = 3, giving 42. This is the smallest number which fits the
criteria. The problem is then to find out how many possible values of k will work.
3 Can you see that k must end in 3 or 8 to enable the product to end with 2?
4 The largest value of k must be such that 14k is less than 900. So, dividing 900 by 14
(check this by calculator) we find that the largest value of k which will work is 63.
5 Complete the argument from step 1 in writing.

8E XTENSION ACTIVITY

The original question in the competition was multiple choice. The answers to choose from were
(A) 13 (B) 12 (C) 11 (D) 10 (E) 14.
See if you can reason from these possible choices to eliminate the ones for which it could not
be true. Write your reasons down.
74 Mathscape 8

E L ET’S COMMUNICATE

Write an account of your thinking in working through this problem. Include any mistakes or
misunderstandings you had. Explain what you have learned about problem solving with a
neighbour or a small group. Is collaboration with others useful for learning?

%R EFLECTING

Compare the strengths and weaknesses of the various solutions that came up in class. Discuss
these with your teacher.

B P ROBLEM SOLVING

1 If A × B = 8, C × D = 9, then A × B × C × D = . . .
2 Said a fellow while walking with me:
‘My age when multiplied by 3
Is a square,
But my age I must state ⎡Note: 2 cubed = 23 = 2 × 2 × 2 = 8 ⎤
Is a cube you must appreciate. ⎢ ⎥
⎣ 5 squared = 52 = 5 × 5 = 25 ⎦
So what is my age?’
3 The following five rings are connected to each other by being linked over and under
each other.

Can you connect these five rings but Hint: These two can be joined
without any rings being linked? You should by a third without linking,
cut some rings from paper to help you. but perhaps bending a little.
 Chapter 2: Algebra 75

4 A large ball and a small ball lie between two boards.

If we push them to the right (no slipping), does A go A
ahead of B, or B ahead of A, or do they stay in the same
positions? B

5 How many triangles can be found in this star?

How many parallelograms are there?

6 Draw eight straight lines to form 2 squares and 4 triangles.

7 Arrange four 8s using any mathematical operations so that they equal 1.
8 How much is 1000 per cent of a cent?
9 There is a pattern to these multiplications. 7 × 15 873 =
Complete the first one to discover the pattern, 14 × 15 873 = 222 222
then write down the answers to the others. 21 × 15 873 =
28 × 15 873 =
35 × 15 873 =
10 The sportsmaster explained to the headmaster that 3 baseballs and 1 cricket ball
weighed as much as 14 tennis balls and that 1 baseball and 6 tennis balls exactly
balanced 1 cricket ball. ‘That is interesting,’ said the headmaster, ‘and how many
tennis balls weigh as much as 1 cricket ball?’ he asked. What was the sportsmaster’s
answer?

1 Explain the difference between reciprocal adjective relating to two people or groups
co-efficients and pronumerals. who feel the same way about each other or who
2 To e_________ an expression containing agree to act in a way that gives each other help:
grouping symbols multiply each term reciprocal love | The two countries made an agreement
inside by the term outside. on reciprocal aid.
❒ Word Family: reciprocally adverb
3 Explain what ‘factorise an expression’ Similar: mutual
means in your own words.
4 Define algebra for a new Maths How is the mathematical use of this term
Dictionary. different from this?
5 Read the Macquarie Learners’ Dictionary
entry for reciprocal:
 76 Mathscape 8
CHAPTER RE

1 Simplify: 10 Simplify:
a 27h − 9h b 5t + 4t + 6t + 9t 18w 64h
a ---------- b ---------
c 9g + 7g − 5g d 9rt + 8tr -6 -8h
-abc
2 Simplify: c ----------- d -45wz ÷ (-5z)
a 6y + 4y + 3z + 5z ac
11 Simplify:
b 6p2 + 4p + 5p2 + 9p a 112wb ÷ 7w ÷ 8b
c 26f + 17g − 8e + g b 60a2 ÷ 5a ÷ 4
d 8u2 + 14u − 5u2 − 9u c 12 × (18h − 10h)
3 Simplify: d (15v − 9v) × 6v
a -5k − 8k b 7y − 8y e (36d ÷ 9) + (42d ÷ 7)
c -14t + 6t d -2r2 + 9r2 f (-4z × 2) − (5z + 3z)
e -8fg + 13fg f -14cd + 28cd 12 Simplify:
g 8m − (+4m) h -13h − (-9h) 42 p – 7 p 4w × 5w
4 Simplify: a ---------------------- b --------------------
-
2p + 3p ( 2w ) 2
a -8x + 5y + 7x b -3r2 + 9r2 + 7r
c [(16f + 26f) ÷ 4] × 2
c -2r − r2 − 6r2 d -6gh − 8g + 9gh
d 30y + 25y ÷ 5
VIEW

5 Simplify: e 14e × 2e + 12e2+ 4e

a -4e − 6g − 5e − 8g f 8f + 42ef 2 ÷ 7ef
b 5p + 3q − 5p + 3q
13 Expand the following:
c -6t 2 − 5t − t + t 2
a 9(m − 7) b p(r − 6)
d -fg − 7fg + 3gh + 4fg
c c(e − f ) d (w − 9)5
6 Simplify: e 3m(4m − 5) f 8b(2 − 3c)
a 4×t×w×7 b 7x × 5
14 Expand and simplify:
c 30b × 1--6- d 3x × 7y × 2z
a 9(4x − 7) + 3x
e 6p × 2q × 3r f 8w × 3 × 4w
b 32j + j(k − 7)
7 Express in simplest form: c a(b + 2) + a(b + 4)
a 9d × dw b fg × gk d 3x(z + 5) + 2x(4 − z)
c 6mn × 7ml d 2jk × 8kl e 6p2 + 4p(2p + 7) − 8p
e 6r × 5rs × 7sw f (-6z) × 4
15 Expand:
g (-7) × (-9w) h (-4x) × (-8x)
a -9(f − 8) b -(z + 5)
8 Simplify: c -w(5 − w) d -3(7y − 4)
24 p 12ab vwt e -7b(4a − 5c) f -8q(9q + 7)
a --------- b ------------ c ---------
8 4a vt
42n 15rs 3k 16 Expand and simplify:
d ---------
6n
e -----------
5r
f ------
12 a 16d − 5(4 − 2d)
b 5(a + 3) − 3(a + 2)
9 Simplify:
c 8(e − 4) − 2(e + 7)
a 12w ÷ 4 b 50bc ÷ 5c
c 27p2 ÷ 9p d 30a2b ÷ 6ab

CHAPTER REVIEW
 Chapter 2: Algebra 77

17 Factorise: Extension

VIEW
a rt + rw b b2 + bz 20 Express in simplest index form:
c 9g − 36 d 6ad + 42d
a 25 × 2 8 b a4 × a3
e 7f + 21 f 30b − 35
c c ×c ×c
6 3 2
d p2q6 × p3q
g pq − pr h b2 − b
i 48c + 36c2 j 12a + 16b + 8c e 38 ÷ 3 2 f m12 ÷ m5
k -3n − 12np l -12c − 18c2 w9
g ------ h t 6m12 ÷ t4m

CHAPTER RE
18 Simplify: w
7 5
n 3n 6a a i ( 54 ) j (k3)
a --- + ------ b ------ + --- k ( ab )
4
l ( p2q5 )
6
8 8 7 7
9c 3c 14k 7k 21 Simplify:
c ------ – ------ d --------- + ------
10 10 15 15 a 5u4 × 4u2 b 3y5 × 7y11
u u x x 45e 8
e --- + --- f --- + --- c 24r10 ÷ 4r3 d -----------
8 4 5 3 9e
11b 3b 7m 5m e ( 3x 4 )
3
f ( 2 p8q4 )
5
g --------- – ------ h ------- – -------
12 4 6 9
22 Simplify:
19 Simplify: w 16
a p12 ÷ p5 × p6 b ------------------
-
a 5b e 3e w2 × w6
a --- × ------ b --- ÷ ------ 8 4
3 9 f 4g c ⎛ n-----⎞ d 56v18 ÷ ( 2v 3 )
3

35a 45be ab ac ⎝ n 3⎠
c ------------ × ------------ d --------- ÷ ------
30bd 7af 30c 55

CHAPTER REVIEW