03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.

3 Page 62 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

3 Patterns and algebra

Products
and factors

When will you ever use algebra? Formulas are often used to simplify
calculations, and equations are often used to solve problems. For
h
example, the formula d = 5 --- gives the distance (d) in kilometres that
2
an obserer can see to the horizon from a height of h metres. Using
formulas and equations requires skills with algebra, which we will now
continue to develop.
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 63 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

In this chapter you will:

■ expand a variety of binomial products (a + b)(c + d)
■ recognise and apply special products (a + b) 2, (a − b) 2 and (a + b)(a − b)
■ factorise algebraic expressions using common factors, the difference of
two squares, perfect squares, trinomials and grouping in pairs
■ factorise to simplify algebraic fractions.

Wordbank
■ binomial An algebraic expression that consists of two terms. Examples of
binomials are 4a + 1, 11 − y, x 3 − 3x 2 and so on.
■ binomial product The product of binomial expressions. For example,
(t + 3)(3q − 4) is a binomial product.
■ expand The process of removing brackets from a product. When 3(m + 5)
is expanded, the result is 3m + 15.
■ factorise To break into factors. 6h + 24 can be factorised as 6(h + 4).
■ trinomial An algebraic expression that consists of three terms. The
expression x 2 + 2x + 6 is a trinomial.
■ quadratic An algebraic expression in which the highest power of the
variable is 2. 2x 2 + 5x − 3 and x 2 + 2 are quadratic expressions.
■ perfect square A number or algebraic expression that is the product of
two equal factors.

Think!
Examine the shortcut for squaring a number ending in 5:
45 2 = 4 × 5 and 25 = 2025
75 2 = 7 × 8 and 25 = 5625
105 2 = 10 × 11 and 25 = 11 025
Why does this method work?

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 63 CHAPTER 3

 03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 64 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Start up
1 Simplify each of the following.
Worksheet a 4k × −3m b −4 × 5g × −2h c 4y2x × 2yx
3-01 d (−6m)2 × 3mn3 e −5aw × −3w2 × 2a2w f (−3t)2 × −2t
Brainstarters 3
2 Expand:
a 5(x + 2) b 4(y − 3) c −(n + 3)
d 2x(x − 4) e 3g(4 + g) f −4m(3 − 2m)
3 Simplify by collecting like terms:
a 5x + 3x b −5x + 3x c −5x − 3x
d y2 − 5y + 5y − 25 e x2 − 2x + 6x − 12 f 3n2 − 6n + n − 2
g 2(a + 1) − 5 h 10x − x(x − 3) i 12 + 5(x − 3)
4 Factorise each of the following.
a 15k + 9 b −12d + 18 c −5x2 + 10x
d 8gh − 12h e −x2y − 4xy f 9a2y − 27ay2

Working mathematically
Applying strategies and reasoning: The expanding plate
A metal plate that has a length of 15 cm and a breadth of 8 cm is heated uniformly.
It expands so that the length is now (15 + x) cm and the breadth is (8 + x) cm.
A 15 B x X

D C Y
x
V W Z
1 What was the area of the metal plate before it was heated?
2 AXZV is the metal plate after heating. Explain why area of AXZV = (15 + x) × (8 + x).
3 The area of AXZV can also be found by another method.
a Explain why the area of AXZV is equal to (15 × 8) + (15 × x) + (x × 8) + (x × x).
b Show that the area of AXZV = 120 + 23x + x2.
4 Explain why (15 + x) × (8 + x) = (15 + x)(8 + x) = 120 + 23x + x2.
5 If x = 1 cm, check your answer by calculating the area of the new rectangle using both
methods.

Expanding binomial products

A binomial is an algebraic expression that consists of two terms. Examples of binomials are
5x2 + 3, 2m + 5k, x 4 − 2x and so on.
A binomial product is the product of binomial expressions. For example, (5y + 2)(1 − 3m) is a
binomial product. The process of finding the binomial product is referred to as expanding.

64 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 65 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Example 1
Expand (a + 2)(c + 3) using an area diagram.
Solution
We use the rectangle at right with dimensions (a + 2) a+2
and (c + 3) to obtain a result for the product a 2
(a + 2)(c + 3).
c ac 2c
Area of the rectangle = length × breadth c+3
= (a + 2) × (c + 3)
= (a + 2)(c + 3) 3 3a 6

But the area of the rectangle is also equal to the sum of the areas of the smaller rectangles.
∴ (a + 2)(c + 3) = a × c + a × 3 + 2 × c + 2 × 3
= ac + 3a + 2c + 6
To simplify our work, the rectangle used to find the area can be considered as a multiplication
square.

Example 2
Use an area diagram to expand (m + 3)(m − 2).
Solution
We use the rectangle below with dimensions (m + 3) m 3
and m, noting that m = (m − 2) + 2.
m−2 (m + 3)(m − 2)
The shaded area is equal to the product m
(m + 3)(m − 2).
2 2m 6
But the shaded area is also equal to the area of the
outer rectangle minus the areas of the two smaller
bottom rectangles.
∴ (m + 3)(m − 2) = m × (m + 3) − 2 × m − 2 × 3
= m2 + 3m − 2m − 6
= m2 + m − 6

Exercise 3-01
1 Expand each product using area diagrams. Example 1
a (10 + a)(8 + b) b (y + 12)(3 + x) c (k + 5)(k + 3)
10 a y 12 k 5
8 … …
3 … … k … …

b … … x … … … …
3

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 65 CHAPTER 3

 03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 66 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Example 2 2 Use area diagrams to expand the following. (Hint: Find the shaded areas.)
a (x − 9)(6 + x) b (w + 5)(w − 1)
x−9 9 w 5

6 … w−1 …
… w

x … 1 … …

c (n − 5)(n − 7) d (9 − k)(k − 3)
n 9
n−5 5 k 9−k

n−7 … … 3

n k
7 … … k−3

3 Use area diagrams to expand the following.

Worksheet a (d + 4)(g + 1) b (k + 4)(k − 3) c (2l + 1)(l − 5)
3-02 d (2x+ 3)(x + 5) e (m − 5)(m + 3) f (3g − 1)(2b + 4)
Area diagrams g (4y + 1)(3y + 2) h (h − 3)(h − 2) i (3w − 2)(4w − 1)

Working mathematically
Applying strategies and reasoning: Foiled again
1 Show, using an area diagram, that
(a + b)(c + d) = ac + ad + bc + bd.
2 Notice that each term in the first binomial is multiplied by each term in the second
binomial:
(a + b)(c + d) = a(c + d) + b(c + d)
= ac + ad + bc + bd
Is this true for all binomial products? Explain your answer by giving examples, and then
compare your answer with those of other students.
The method for expanding binomial products can be shortened as shown in the diagram
below.
O
F
(k + 3)(k − 7) = k2 − 7k + 3k − 21
I = k2 − 4k − 21
L
The diagram illustrates the FOIL method, where:
F means multiply the first terms
O means multiply the outside terms
I means multiply the inside terms
L means multiply the last terms

66 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 67 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Just for the record

The language of the Romans and Greeks
Many words used in English have come from other languages, especially Latin. One example
is the word binomial, which comes from the Latin bis (meaning twice) and nomen (meaning
name).
Two other words that come from Latin are trinomial and quadratic. Polynomial is a mixture
of Greek (poly, meaning many) and Latin (nomen, meaning name).
Many words in mathematics began in Greek, entered Latin, and ended up in English. Thus
hepta (Greek) and septem (Latin) gave us the words seven and September.
Find five other mathematical words that have Latin derivations.

Using the distributive law to expand binomial

products
The distributive law states that:
(a + b)(c + d) = a(c + d) + b(c + d)
= ac + ad + bc + bd

Example 3
Use the distributive law to expand the following binomial products:
a (k + 5)(k + 7) b (w − 4)(w + 3) c (2g − 1)(g − 5)
Solution
a (k + 5)(k + 7) = k(k + 7) + 5(k + 7)
=k×k+k×7+5×k+5×7
= k2 + 7k + 5k + 35
= k2 + 12k + 35 (collecting like terms)
b (w − 4)(w + 3) = w(w + 3) − 4(w + 3)
=w×w+w×3−4×w−4×3
= w2 + 3w − 4w − 12
= w2 − w − 12
c (2g − 1)(g − 5) = 2g(g − 5) − 1(g − 5)
= 2g × g − 2g × 5 − 1 × g + 1 × 5
= 2g2 − 10g − g + 5
= 2g2 − 11g + 5

Example 4
Expand and simplify the following:
a (m + 3)(m − 2) b (y + 3)(4y − 5) c (3k − 2)(2k − 1)
Solution
a (m + 3)(m − 2) = m(m − 2) + 3(m − 2) b (y + 3)(4y − 5) = y(4y − 5) + 3(4y − 5)
= m2 − 2m + 3m − 6 (expanding) = 4y2 − 5y + 12y − 15
=m +m−6
2 = 4y2 + 7y − 15
c (3k − 2)(2k − 1) = 3k(2k − 1) − 2(2k − 1)
= 6k2 − 3k − 4k + 2
= 6k2 − 7k + 2

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 67 CHAPTER 3

 03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 68 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Exercise 3-02
Example 3 1 Copy and complete these binomial products, using the distributive law.
a (x + 2)(x + 3) b (k + 1)(m + 4)
Worksheet = …(x + 3) + …(x + 3) = k(…) + 1(…)
3-03 =… =…
Binomial c (2 − y)(3 + y) d (8e + 3)(2 + e)
products = 2(…) − y(…) = …(2 + e) + …(2 + e)
=… =…
e (2g + 7)(g + 1) f (8a − 1)(2a − 5)
= 2g(…) + 7(…) = 8a(…) − 1(…)
=… =…
g (3p + 2)(2 − p) h (2 − b)(3 − 2b)
= …(… − p) + …(… − p) = …(…) − …(…)
=… =…
i (2m − 5)(1 + 2m) j (4t + 5)(4t − 5)
= 2m(…) − 5(…) = …
= … = …
Example 4 2 Expand and simplify:
a (a + 3)(a + 4) b (x + 5)(x + 6) c (m + 3)(m + 8)
d (e + 6)(e + 2) e (g + 9)(g + 5) f (h + 10)(h + 12)
CAS
g (s + 5)(s − 2) h (w + 3)(w − 6) i (k + 5)(k − 3)
3-01
Expanding j (p + 3)(p − 1) k (n + 8)(n − 7) l (v + 5)(v − 6)
binomial m (c − 2)(c + 3) n (l − 2)(l + 4) o (p − 3)(p + 6)
expressions p (t − 1)(t + 2) q (y − 4)(y + 10) r (u − 7)(u + 12)
s (d − 2)(d − 5) t (b − 8)(b − 6) u (r − 4)(r − 2)
SkillBuilder v (z − 11)(z − 5) w (u − 8)(u − 3) x (n − 9)(n − 3)
12-06–12-07 3 Expand and simplify:
Expanding
a (3y + 5)(y + 1) b (8c + 2)(2c − 3) c (m − 5)(2m + 1)
brackets
d (2d − 3)(4d + 5) e (3p + 10)(p − 6) f (5y + 2)(5y − 1)
g (g + 6)(3g + 5) h (5 − 4q)(3 − 2q) i (2 − w)(2w − 1)
j (3t − 5)(2t − 1) k (5a + 1)(5a + 2) l (3 − 2h)(3h + 2)
m (7b + 6)(b − 9) n (3e + 5)(3e − 5) o (5d + 4)(2d + 1)

4 A barbecue plate has a length of

100 cm and a width of 75 cm. When
the plate is heated, the length and
width are both increased by x.
a What are the new length and
width?
b Write down an expression for the
area as a binomial product. Expand
and simplify this expression. 75 cm
c By how much has the area of the
barbecue plate increased?
100 cm
d If x = 0.1 (cm), find the increase in
the area of the plate in cm2.

68 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 69 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

5 A family room in a house is to be extended. The room is 4 m long and 3 m wide. The length is
to be increased by x metres and the width by y metres.
a Write down expressions for the new length and width.
b Write down a binomial expression for the new area of the room.
c Expand and simplify your expression for the area.
d By how much has the area of the room increased?

Working mathematically
Applying strategies and reflecting: Area increase
A square metal plate initially has side lengths of k cm. When the plate is heated, it expands
and the length of each side is increased by x cm.
1 Find the area of the plate before it is heated.
2 Show that the area of the heated plate is k2 + 2kx + x2.
3 Show that the area of the plate has increased by 2kx + x2.
4 Find the area of the unheated plate, the area of the heated plate, and the increase in area
for the following sets of values of k and x (in cm).
a k = 50, x = 0.1 b k = 80, x = 0.3 c k = 150, x = 0.2

Perfect squares
For some binomial products, you can quickly determine the expansion by discovering patterns.
Expressions such as 16 = 42, 121 = 112, v2 and (d + f )2 are called perfect squares because
they are the product of two equal factors: 4 × 4, 11 × 11, v × v, (d + f ) × (d + f )
Similarly, (w + 4)2, (2y − 3)2, (m + k)2 and any other binomial multiplied by itself are perfect
squares.

Working mathematically
Reasoning and communicating: Perfect squares
CAS
1 Expand and simplify the perfect square (y + 5)2. Remember that 3-02
(y + 5)2 = (y + 5)(y + 5). Perfect squares
a How many terms are there in your answer?
b The terms in the binomial (y + 5) are y and 5. One of the terms of your answer should
be y2, which is the square of y. Describe the other terms of your answer using y and 5.
2 Expand and simplify:
i (k + 3)2 ii (m + 7)2 iii (p + q)2
a How many terms are there in each of your answers?
b Describe the terms in your answers, using the two terms of the perfect squares.
c Compare and discuss your results with other students.
3 Expand and simplify:
i (t − 1)2 ii (g − 6)2 iii (d − e)2
a How many terms are there in each of your answers?
b Describe the terms in your answers, using the two terms of the perfect squares.
c Compare and discuss your results with other students.

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 69 CHAPTER 3

03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 70 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

4 Express the result of the expansion of (first term + second term)2 in words by copying and
completing:
The square of the sum of two terms is the square of the first term plus twice the product of
the two terms plus …
Do the same for (first term − second term)2. Compare answers.

Expanding perfect squares

The rules for expanding perfect squares are:

(a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
(a − b)2 = a2 − 2ab + b2

Proofs:
(a + b)2 = (a + b)(a + b) (a − b)2 = (a − b)(a − b)
= a(a + b) + b(a + b) = a(a − b) − b(a − b)
= a2 + ab + ba + b2 = a2 − ab − ba + b2
= a2 + 2ab + b2 = a2 − 2ab + b2

Example 5
Complete each perfect square by filling in the missing terms.
a (x + 4)2 = x2 + + 16 b (y − 6)2 = y2 − 12y +
c (5g + 4)2 = + 40g + 16 d (3d − 5)2 = 9d 2 − + 25
Solution
a (x + 4)2 = x2 + + 16 b (y − 6)2 = y2 − 12y +
∴ =2×x×4 ∴ = 62
= 8x = 36
d (3d − 5)2 = 9d 2 − + 25
c (5g + 4)2 = + 40g + 16
∴ = 2 × 3d × 5
∴ = (5g)2
= 30d
= 25g2

Example 6
Expand the following:
a (n − 5)2 b (k + 7)2 c (3y − 8)2
Solution
a (n − 5)2 = n2 − 2 × n × 5 + 52 b (k + 7)2 = k2 + 2 × k × 7 + 72
= n2 − 10n + 25 = k2 + 14k + 49
c (3y − 8)2 = (3y)2 − 2 × 3y × 8 + 82
= 9y2 − 48y + 64

70 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 71 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Exercise 3-03
1 Copy and complete these perfect squares by filling in the missing terms. Example 5
a (x + 10)2 = x2 + … + 100 b (m − 8)2 = … − 16m + 64
c (p − t)2 = p2 − 2pt + … d (h + 4)2 = h2 … + 16
e (k − 9) = k … + 81
2 2 f (8 + 5f )2 = 64… + 25f 2
g (2d + 3)2 = … + … + 9 h (6a + 1)2 = … + 12a + …
2 Expand and simplify: Example 6

a (m + 9)2 b (u + 3)2 c (y − 6)2

d (8 + k)2 e (5 − h)2 f (7 + k)2 CAS
3-02
g ( f + 20)2 h (q − 11)2 i (10 + t)2
Perfect squares
j (x − w)2 k (a + g)2 l (2m − 3)2
m (5x − 6)2 n (9a + 2)2 o (3e − 4)2
p (5 + 7b)2 q (4 − 5p)2 r (11 − 2c)2
s (10g + 3)2 t (3k + 11)2 u (5 + 2v)2
v (9d − 4)2 w (1 − 8e)2 x (12 + 5n)2
3 Expand and simplify:
a (m2 + 3)2 b (1 − 3f 2)2 c (n − w2)2
d (7h + 2k)2 e (8a − 3y)2 f (4a − 3b)2
g (7p + 2n)2 h (8 + pq)2 i (xy + w)2
j (x2 − 2)2 k (4 + k2)2 l (x3 + 2)2
4 Expand and simplify:
Worksheet
a (1 + 1--- )2 b (t − 1--- )2 c (k + 1--- )2
y t k 3-04
Special products
d ( ---3- + w)2 e ( 4--- − a--- )2 f ( a--- − b)2
w a 4 b

5 Show that the following are perfect squares.

a m2 + 4m + 4 b p2 + 20p + 100
c a2 − 10a + 25 d w2 − 8w + 16
e g2 + 2g + 1 f x2 − 14x + 49
g 4y2 + 8y + 4 h 25h2 − 40h + 16
i 16b2 − 64b + 64 j n2 + 4mn + 4m2
k 9a2 − 30ab + 25b2 l 100g2 + 60hg + 9h2
6 a Expand and simplify (x + y)2.
b Using the result from part a, simplify (x + y)2 − (x2 + y2).
7 Use the result from question 6 to evaluate:
a 302 − (102 + 202) b 502 − (102 + 402) c 502 − (302 + 202)
d 602 − (502 + 102) e 702 − (102 + 602) f 352 − (102 + 252)
8 Apply perfect squares to calculate:
a 212 = (20 + 1)2 b 452 = (40 + 5)2 c 292 = (30 − 1)2
d 592 = (60 − 1)2 e 1022 = (100 + 2)2 f 982 = (100 − 2)2

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 71 CHAPTER 3

03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 72 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

9 A 10 cm square sheet of cardboard has a square of dimension x cm cut from each corner.
It is then folded to form a rectangular prism.
10
x x

x x

10
x
l
b

x x

x x
a Show that the length (l) and breadth (b) both equal 10 − 2x cm.
b Find the area of the square base of the prism.
c Find the area of a side of the prism.
d Hence show that the surface area of the prism is (100 − 4x2) cm2.
e Use a different method to show that the surface area of the prism is (100 − 4x2) cm2.

Using technology
Finding a maximum area
A farmer wants to make the largest rectangular area possible with 20 metres of fencing.
What would the dimension of the rectangle be?
The perimeter is 20 m. The width is x, so the length is 10 − x. Why?
10 − x
Area = l × w
x = x × (10 − x)

So we will graph y = x(10 − x).

Using a TI-83 graphics calculator
Step 1: Press Y= and type x(10 − x) into Y1.
Step 2: Press WINDOW and set up the values as shown
on the right.
Step 3: Press GRAPH .
Step 4: Press 2nd TRACE (CALC) and select 4. MAXIMUM.
Step 5: Enter 0 for the Left Bound and 10 for the Right Bound.
Can you suggest better values?
For the Guess, enter a number between 0 and 10, for
example 4.
Your calculator screen should look like the diagram on the
right. This tells us that the width (x) is 5 and the length is 5.
Why?

72 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 73 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Using a Casio CFX-9850GB PLUS graphics calculator

Step 1: Select GRAPH from the MENU. Type in X(10 − X).
Then press F6 (DRAW).
Step 2: Press 2nd F3 (V-Window) and set the values as
shown on the right. Then press EXIT.
Step 3: Press F6 (DRAW).
Step 4: Press 2nd F5 (G-Solv) and select F2 (MAX).
Step 5: The calculator is now checking for the maximum
value. Your calculator screen should look like the
diagram on the right.
This tells us that the width (x) is 5 and the length
is 5. Why?

Working mathematically
Applying strategies and reasoning: Area diagrams
An area diagram can be used to show the expansion of a binomial product.
For example, to expand the perfect square (x + y)2, x y
use the diagram on the right.
(x + y)2 = x2 + xy + yx + y2 x x2 xy
= x2 + 2xy + y2
Use area diagrams to show the expansion of:
1 (x − y)2 2 (x + y)(x − y) y yx y2

Difference of two squares

(a + b)(a − b) = a2 − b2 or (a − b)(a + b) = a2 − b2

The answer is the difference of two squares.

Proof:
(a − b)(a + b) = a(a + b) − b(a + b)
= a2 + ab − ba − b2 (+ ab − ba = 0)
=a −b
2 2

In words: When the sum of two terms is multiplied by their difference, we obtain the square
of the first term minus the square of the second term.

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 73 CHAPTER 3

03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 74 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Working mathematically
Applying strategies and reasoning: Sum times difference
1 Expand and simplify the following:
a (k + 3)(k − 3) b (m − 2)(m + 2) c (2y + 5)(2y − 5)
2 How many terms are there in each of your answers?
3 What do you notice about the terms in the question a+b
and the terms in the answer? a b
4 Consider the area diagram shown on the right. a−b
a Explain why the shaded area is equal to
(a − b)(a + b). a
b
b Use the area diagram to find an expression
equal to (a − b)(a + b).

Just for the record

It’s all in the genes
In genetics, genes are usually designated by letters. A capital letter is used for dominant genes
and small letters for recessive genes.
Early in the 20th century, English geneticist RC Punnett devised a Male gamete
Female gamete
method for representing characteristics of offspring. For instance, B b
consider hair colour, where black hair (B) is dominant and blond
hair (b) is recessive. If the gametes for hair colour of both parents B BB Bb
are Bb, then the possible hair colours of their offspring can be found b bB bb
using a Punnett square as shown.
The ratio of hair colour in the offspring will be:
black hair : blond hair = 3 : 1
(BB, Bb and bB are black since black hair is dominant. Only bb is blond.)
The same result can be obtained by expanding and simplifying:
(B + b)(B + b) = BB + Bb + bB + bb
What are the possible hair colours of children whose parents are:
a Bb and bb?
b BB and bb?

Example 7
Expand:
a (d − 3)(d + 3) b (2 + r)(2 − r)
Solution
a (d − 3)(d + 3) = d 2 − 32 b (2 + r)(2 − r) = 22 − r 2
= d2 − 9 = 4 − r2

74 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 75 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Example 8
Expand:
a (7d + 2)(7d − 2) b (4k − 5p)(4k + 5p)
Solution
a (7d + 2)(7d − 2) = (7d)2 − 22 b (4k − 5p)(4k + 5p) = (4k)2 − (5p)2
= 49d 2 − 4 = 16k2 − 25p2

Exercise 3-04
1 Expand and simplify: Example 7

a (m + 5)(m − 5) b (c − 10)(c + 10) c (a + 12)(a − 12)

d (6 − y)(6 + y) e (8 − m)(8 + m) f (p + 1)(p − 1) Worksheet
g (5 + e)(5 − e) h (v + 11)(v − 11) i (w − 3)(w + 3) 3-05
Products and
j (x − 10)(x + 10) k (q + 7)(q − 7) l (9 − g)(9 + g) factors
m (b − 2)(b + 2) n (15 − r)(15 + r) o (d + 13)(d − 13) squaresaw
2 Express as the difference of two squares: Example 8
a (2h − 3)(2h + 3) b (5r + 4)(5r − 4) c (5b + 8)(5b − 8)
d (4p − 7)(4p + 7) e (3 − 8k)(3 + 8k) f (7x − 5)(7x + 5) Worksheet
g (2 + 9m)(2 − 9m) h (9k − 4l)(9k + 4l) i (7n + 8m)(7n − 8m) 3-07
j (4g − 5h)(4g + 5h) k (7u + 3w)(7u − 3w) l (11a + 3b)(11a − 3b) Mixed
expansions
m (5ab − 2)(5ab + 2) n (t + 1--- )(t − 1--- ) ---- − 2)( ---- + 2)
o (w w
t t 3 3

p (1 − 1
--- )(1 + 1
--- ) q (xy + t)(xy − t) r ( a--- + 2)( a--- − 2)
r r b b

3 The length and width of a square playing field are each x metres. The length is increased by
l metres while the width is decreased by l metres. Find:
a the new length and new width of the playing field
b the area of the new playing field.
4 Susan’s age is p years.
a What was Susan’s age last year?
b What will Susan’s age be next year?
c Write an expression for (Susan’s age last year) × (Susan’s age next year).
d If (Susan’s age last year) × (Susan’s age next year) is equal to 48, what is Susan’s age?
5 By expressing 31 × 29 as (30 + 1)(30 − 1), use the difference of two squares to find the value
of 31 × 29.
6 Use the method of question 6 to answer the following:
a 21 × 19 b 51 × 49 c 89 × 91 d 78 × 82
Worksheet
7 Use the difference of two squares to answer:
3-08
a 152 − 142 b 242 − 232 c 652 − 352 Calculation
d 1012 − 992 e 232 − 172 f 502 − 482 shortcuts
8 A square sheet of paper measuring x cm on a side has a square of y cm cut from one corner.
It is then cut on the diagonal AB and rearranged to form a rectangle on the next page.

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 75 CHAPTER 3

 03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 76 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

A x

x
y l
B

y
B

a Find the length (l) and breadth (b) of the rectangle.

b Show that the area of the rectangle is x2 − y2 cm2.

Simplifying expressions involving binomial

products
Example 9
Expand and simplify:
a (a + 6)(a − 6) + (a + 12)(a + 3) b (m − 2)2 − (m − 2)(m + 2)
Solution
a (a + 6)(a − 6) + (a + 12)(a + 3) = (a2 − 36) + (a2 + 3a + 12a + 36)
= 2a2 + 15a
b (m − 2) − (m − 2)(m + 2) = (m − 4m + 4) − (m2 − 4)
2 2

= m2 − 4m + 4 − m2 + 4
= − 4m + 8

Exercise 3-05
Example 9 1 Expand and simplify:
a (m − 5)(m + 5) + 25 b 6y + (y − 3)2 + 9
CAS c −12k − (k − 6)2 d (d + 4)2 − 8d + 5
3-03 e 1 + (2e − 1)(e + 1) f (3m + 4)2 − (3m − 4)2
Simplifying g 20t − (t − 2)(t − 5) + t 2 h 2( f − 2)( f + 2)
expressions i (2h + 3)2 − (2h − 3)(2h + 3) j 7xy − (2x − 3)(y + 3)
involving k (a − b)(a − c) − a2 + ac l (3a − 1)2 + (3a + 1)(3a − 1)
binomials
2 Simplify the following:
a (8a − 1)(8a + 1) − 4a2 + 1 b (n + 1)2 + 2n + 3

76 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 77 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

c 3(4 − t)(4 + t) + (t − 12)(t + 4) d (2m − n)2 − (2m + n)2

e (x − 2)(x + 3) − (x − 2)(x + 2) f 2(b − 1)2 − (2b − 1)2
g (a − m)(m − c) + (b − m)(m − c) h (3l + 5)2 + 2(l − 5)(l + 5)
i (2e + 3)(5e + 2) − 10(e − 5)(e + 5) j −2r(6 + r)(3 − r) − 6(r − 2)(r + 2)
3 Expand and simplify:
a (a + 1)(a + 2) + (a + 2)(a + 3) + (a + 3)(a + 4)
b (y + 1)2 + (y + 2)2 + (y + 3)2
c (x − 3)(x + 3) + (x + 3)2 + (x − 3)2
d (5n + 3)(5n − 3) + (3n − 5)(3n + 5)
e 2(a − b)(a + b) − (a + b)2 − (a − b)2

Skillbank 3A
Finding fractions of amounts
SkillTest
Finding 1--- , 1--- , 1--- , … of an amount can be done by dividing the amount by 2, 3, 4, … . 3-01
2 3 4
Finding fractions
1 Examine these examples: of amounts
42 72
a --- of 84 = 84 ÷ 2 2 84
1
b 1
--- of 216 = 216 ÷ 3 3 216
2 3
= 42 = 72
2 Now find answers for these:
1 1 1 1
a --- of 48 b --- of 153 c --- of 128 d ------ of 1100
2 3 4 10
1 1 1 1
e --- of 72 f --- of 155 g --- of 96 h --- of 288
8 5 3 4
1 1 1 1
i --- of 90 j --- of 54 k --- of 354 l --- of 280
2 6 3 7
3 Now study the following examples:
a 3
--- of 48 = 48 ÷ 4 × 3 b 5
--- of 24 = 24 ÷ 8 × 5
4 8
= 12 × 3 = 36 = 3 × 5 = 15
4 Now find answers for these:
4 2 3 3
a --- of 35 b --- of 42 c --- of 24 d ------ of 90
5 3 8 10
3 5 5 7
e --- of 36 f --- of 48 g --- of 240 h --- of 45
4 6 8 9
3 4 7 4
i --- of 360 j --- of 42 k ------ of 840 l --- of 81
5 7 10 9

Factorising algebraic expressions

The first step in factorising an algebraic expression is to determine the highest common factor SkillBuilder
(HCF) of the terms in the expression. 12-01
Introduction to
Example 10 factorising

Find the HCF of terms in each of the following expressions:

a 8a − 4y b 8ay − 4y c 8a2y + 16ay
d 8a3 + 12a − 4a2 e 20y + 8xy + 10y2

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 77 CHAPTER 3

 03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 78 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Solution
Expression Terms HCF
a 8a − 4y 8a and 4y 4
b 8ay − 4y 8ay and 4y 4y
c 8a2y + 16ay 8a2y and 16ay 8ay
d 8a3 + 12a − 4a2 8a3, 12a and 4a2 4a
e 20y + 8xy + 10y2 20y, 8xy and 10y2 2y

Example 11
Factorise:
a −10 − 5y b −x2 + x
Solution
a −10 − 5y = −5(2 + y) b −x2 + x = −x(x − 1)

Example 12
Factorise:
a 5t + 10 b 24x2 − 16xy
Solution
a 5t + 10 = 5(t + 2) b 24x2 − 16xy = 8x(3x − 2y)

Example 13
Factorise:
a 3(a + 2) − m(a + 2) b 16h3 + 20hk − 8h2
Solution
a 3(a + 2) − m(a + 2) = (a + 2)(3 − m) (the HCF is (a + 2) )
b 16h3 + 20hk − 8h2 = 4h(4h2 + 5k − 2h2) (the HCF is 4h)

Exercise 3-06
Example 10 1 Find the HCF of the terms in each of the following.
a 12y, 6y2 b 6a3, 42a c 20a, 15y
2
d 3p , 6x e 24mn, 11m f 48cd, 24c2
SkillBuilder
12-02 g 9pqr, 3pr h 16wt, 24pw i 18m2n3, 27mn4
Factors of linear j 8e2, 12eg2, 20e2g2 k 30a3bc, 45ab2 l 4h, 12hd, 8df
expressions
2 Copy and complete the following.
a 3a + 9 = … (a + 3) b 12xy + 2y2 = 2y(…)
c 10a − 40k = … (a − 4k) d 5hk − 8h = … (5k − …)
e 3p2 − 6pq = 3p(…) f 8ac − 16at + 24a2 = 8a(…)
g 20a + 15b = … (4a + 3b) h 6x3 + 42x = 6x(…)
i 4m3 + 20m2 = … (m + 5) j 9pqr − 3pr = 3pr (…)
k 8ac − 16at + 2a2 = 2a(…) l 36y2 − 16 − 12y = … (…)

78 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 79 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

3 Copy and complete: Example 11

a −18w + 9 = … (2w − 1) b −5r + 25 = −5(… − 5)
c −2t − 6 = −2(t…) d −21z − 7 = …(… + 1)
e −6fg2 + 24fg = −6fg(…) f −10lm − 20m2 = −10m(…)
g −27a2c + 18ac2 = −9…(… − 2c) h −8bd − 20d = …(2b + 5)
i −3d 3 + 3d 2 = …(d − 1) j −20x − 5x2 = −5x(…)
4 Factorise fully: Example 12
a 3t + 36 b 4w − 12 c 6k − 24
d 20w − 4h e gh + h2 f xy − xw CAS
g 3e + 6e2 h 12m2 − 10m i 2b2 − 2c 3-04
j a2 + ac k 5n2 − 20n l 16x2 − 28y Factorising
expressions
m 12cf + 16 n − 4y − 16 o −tr − t
p −16k2l 2 + 4kl q −10ab + 20a r −9 − 3e
SkillBuilder
s 5x + 12xy t 1
--- p + 1--- g u 7g + 9g2 12-03
2 2
More linear
v 1 2
--- x − 1--- xy w −24m2 + 6m x 3
--- k − 1--- kt factorising
4 4 4 4
5 Factorise completely: Example 13
a 8a + 12y + 4 b 20xy − 10x2 + 5y
c t 2m + tm2 + tm d 5(a + 6) + h(a + 6)
e 7y(m + 2) − p(m + 2) f c(a + b) − d(a + b)
g −10p2 − 10pq h 5a(x − y) + 10a2xy − 10a2y2
i −w(d + 3) + 4(d + 3) j −5g(u + 3) − 10g2(u + 3)

Factorising by grouping in pairs

Example 14
Factorise 6(x + 3) + x(x + 3).
Solution
6(x + 3) + x(x + 3) = (x + 3)(6 + x) (the HCF is (x + 3))

If an expression has four terms, first find the HCF of the four terms, if there is one. Then group
the expression into pairs so that each pair has a common factor. Factorise again if possible.

Example 15
Factorise:
a 3ac + 2bd + 2bc + 3ad b 4km + 6mn − 6kp − 9np c 10xw − 6yw − 10xt + 6yt
Solution
a 3ac + 2bd + 2bc + 3ad (the four terms have no common factor)
= (3ac + 2bc) + (3ad + 2bd) (group into pairs)
= c(3a + 2b) + d(3a + 2b) (factorise each pair by taking out the HCF)
= (3a + 2b)(c + d) (factorise again)
b 4km + 6mn − 6kp − 9np (the four terms have no common factors)
= (4km + 6mn) + (−6kp − 9np) (group into pairs)
= 2m(2k + 3n) − 3p(2k + 3n) (factorise each pair. Note that −3p is the HCF of (−6kp − 9np))
= (2k + 3n)(2m − 3p)

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 79 CHAPTER 3

03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 80 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

c 10xw − 6yw − 10xt + 6yt

= 2(5xw − 3yw − 5xt + 3yt) (2 is the HCF)
= 2[(5xw − 3yw) + (−5xt + 3yt)] (group into pairs)
= 2[w(5x − 3y) − t(5x − 3y)] (factorise each pair)
= 2(5x − 3y)(w − t) (factorise again)

Exercise 3-07
Example 14 1 Factorise:
a 5(m + n) + t(m + n) b y(r + 3) − 4(r + 3)
c (3g − 4) − 4g(3g − 4) d 5x(x2 + 1) + 2(x2 + 1)
e d(3 − 4t) − t(3 − 4t) f 4e(e + 2) + (e + 2)
g w(3 − 2x + y) + 3(3 − 2x + y) h k(k + 3) − 3(k + 3)
i (7 − 3a) − w(7 − 3a) j b2(3b − 1) + 2(3b − 1)
Example 15 2 Factorise by grouping in pairs:
a 4ab + 5bc + 4ad + 5cd b 2xy − 5wy + 2xt − 5wt
c 9ac + 6bc + 12ad + 8bd d 10x2 + 30 + x3 + 3x
e 3a2 + 3ab + 3ac + 3bc f 6rt − 18wt + 6rp − 18wp
g 14e − 21 + 2de − 3d h hk − h2 − 2k + 2h
i 3mn − 6m + pn − 2p j 9p2 − 27 + qp2 − 3q
k fg − fh − 10g + 10h l 9kl − 12ml + 9kn − 12mn
m 2p − 2c − p2 + pc n l 3 + lm2 − 3l 2 − 3m2
o a(x + 1) + y(x + 1) − ka − ky p p(a − b) − 2q(a − b) + 3qp − 6q2

Factorising the difference of two squares

Sometimes an algebraic expression may not have a HCF but we may still be able to factorise it if it
has some special features.
You should recall the product (a + b)(a − b) = a2 − b2.
If we use this rule in reverse, then the factors of a2 − b2 are (a − b) and (a + b).

The rule for factorising the difference of two squares is:

a2 − b2 = (a + b)(a − b)

When factorising expressions with two terms, always look for common factors and then, if
possible, use the difference of two squares method to complete the factorisation.

Example 16
Factorise:
a x2 − 4 b 9a2 − 16b2
Solution
a x2 − 4 = x2 − 22 b 9a2 − 16b2 = (3a)2 − (4b)2
= (x + 2)(x − 2) = (3a − 4b)(3a + 4b)

80 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 81 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Example 17
Factorise:
a x3 − 4x b 16d 2 − 4a2 c −x2 + 16
Solution
a x3 − 4x b 16d 2 − 4a2
= x(x − 4)
2 (HCF is x) = 4(4d 2 − a2) (HCF is 4)
= x(x − 2)(x + 2) = 4(2d + a)(2d − a)
c −x2 + 16 = 16 − x2 or −x2 + 16 = −(x2 − 16)
= (4 − x)(4 + x) = −(x − 4)(x + 4)

Exercise 3-08
1 Factorise the following using the difference of two squares. Example 16
a w2 − 9 b y2 − 36 c k2 − 1 d m2 − 121
e p2 − 64 f t 2 − 100 g 4e2 − f 2 h a2 − 9b2 SkillBuilder
i 16y2 − 1 j 4 − b2 k 25 − e2 l 1 − 16x2 12-15
m k2 − l 2 n 49 − 16m2 o b2 − 121d 2 p 36c2 − 25k2 A special case:
q 16 − 81h 2 r 25a − 64m
2 2 s 100 − 49n2 t 121p2 − 144q2 DOPS
u 1
--- − 25c2 v 4t 2 − 1
--- w 25h2 − 2 1--- x 1 − m2n2
4 9 4
2 Completely factorise the following. Example 17
a 2a2 − 2b2 b 7k2 − 28 c 3 − 75u2 d x3 − 49x
e k − 16k3 f 50q2 − 2 g 3d 2 − 12v2 h 5t5 − 125t3
i 2a2b2 − 2 j x2y2 − x2w2 k 192f 2 − 108g2 l 45d 2 − 5
---
4
m 2x2 − 8a2 n 100 − 25w2 o 1 1--- − 80e2 p 9c2 − 1
6 ---
4 4
3 Factorise the following.
p2 x2 v2 u2
a ------ − ------ b x2 − 1
--- c ------ − ------
16 25 9 49 81
2 y2 2m 2 16a 2 25b 2
d -------- − ---------- e ----------- − ----------- f t 4 − 81
9 121 49 4
g 100 − n4 h 25c4 − 100 i 16k 4 − 1
j xy4 − 4x k (a + b)2 − x2 l (x + y)2 − 4c2
m (a + b)2 − (b + c)2 n x2 − (a − c)2 o (p − 2q)2 − (2p + q)2
x2 y2
p ----- − ------ q x4 − 1 r (a + b)2 − (a − b)2
4 36

Working mathematically
Communicating and reasoning: Coefficients and constant terms
In Year 8 you learned that a coefficient is the numerical part of a term and is usually written
in front of the variable. The constant term is a number with no variable.
In 6x2 + 3x + 7, the coefficient of x2 is 6, the coefficient of x is 3 and the constant term is 7.
In y2 − 9k − 5, the coefficient of y2 is 1, the coefficient of k is −9 and the constant term is −5.
For each of the following expressions, find:
a the coefficient of x2 b the coefficient of x c the constant term.
1 5x2 + 6x + 11 2 9x2 − 4x − 2 3 −x2 + 3x − 6 4 x2 − 9
5 x −x
2 6 15 − 12x + 3x
2 2 7 1 + 5x − 3x 2 8 25 − 4x2

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 81 CHAPTER 3

03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 82 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Factorising a quadratic trinomial

An algebraic expression such as x2 − 5x + 7 is called a trinomial because it has three terms. Because
the highest power of the variable is 2, we can also say that this expression is a quadratic. We can
therefore say that an expression such as x2 − 5x + 7 is a quadratic trinomial.
Other examples of quadratic trinomials are x2 + 5x + 7, 5x2 − 3x + 9, 12 − 5x − 7x2, ax2 + bx + c
and so on.

Just for the record

More Latin
Have you ever wondered why an expression with three terms can be called quadratic?
The explanation is that the word quadratic comes from the following Latin terms:
• quadratum, a square • quadratus, squared • quadrare, to make square
The Latin for the number four is quattuor:
In the quadratic expression ax2 + bx + c, the highest power of x is x2.
Make a list of five words used in mathematics that are derived from the Latin for square
or four. Compile a class list for a wall chart.

Working mathematically
Applying strategies and reasoning: Factorising trinomials
1 a Show that (w + 3)(w + 5) = w2 + 8w + 15.
b The above statement can also be written as w2 + 8w + 15 = (w + 3)(w + 5). This means
that the factors of w2 + 8w + 15 are (w + 3) and (w + 5). The coefficient of w in the
expansion is 8. How are the 3 and 5 in the factors of (w + 3) and (w + 5) related to the
coefficient of w?
c The constant term in the expansion is 15. How are the 3 and 5 related to the constant
term?
2 a Expand the following.
i (y + 5)(y + 2) ii (y + 8)(y − 3) iii (y − 4)(y − 3)
b Copy and complete in each case:
i The coefficient of y in the answer is (…) + (…).
ii The constant term in the answer is (…) × (…).
c Write a brief report on your observations.
3 Using your results from questions 1 and 2, factorise the following quadratic trinomials.
Check your answers against those of other students.
a m2 + 5m + 4 b k2 + 8k + 15 c x2 + 7x + 12
d t − 4t − 32
2 e p − 6p + 9
2 f x2 − 8x + 16

Finding the binomial product

Since (h + 2)(h + 4) = h2 + 6h + 8, we can say that the factors of h2 + 6h + 8 are (h + 2) and
(h + 4).
From the previous activity, note three important features when a quadratic trinomial is
factorised:

82 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 83 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

• Each factor must have an h term to give h2.

h2 + 6h + 8 = (h + 2)(h + 4)
• The sum of +2 and +4 is +6, which is the coefficient of h.
h2 + 6h + 8 = (h + 2)(h + 4)
• The product of +2 and +4 is +8, which is the constant term
or the term independent of h. h2 + 6h + 8 = (h + 2)(h + 4)

So to factorise a trinomial such as h2 + 6h + 8, ask yourself two questions:

1 Which two numbers have this product?
h2 + 6h + 8
2 Which two numbers have this sum?
Solution
Product = 8, sum = 6. The numbers are +2 and +4.
∴ h2 + 6h + 8 = (h + 2)(h + 4)

Example 18
Find two numbers with a product of 6 and a sum of −5.
Solution
To find two numbers that have a product
Pair of numbers Product Sum
of +6 and a sum of −5, we use the guess-
and-check method. We list the possible +1, +6 1×6=6 1+6=7
pairs of numbers that have a product of −1, −6 −1 × −6 = 6 −1 + (−6) = −7
6 and then check their sum. We may
also need to consider negative numbers. +2, +3 2×3=6 2+3=5

The two numbers are −2 and −3. −2, −3 −2 × −3 = 6 −2 + (−3) = −5

Example 19
Factorise w2 + 11w + 24.
Solution
Find the two numbers that have a product of 24 and a sum of 11. They are 3 and 8.
∴ w2 + 11w + 24 = (w + 3)(w + 8)

Example 20
Factorise x2 + 6x − 16.
Solution
Find the two numbers that have a product of −16 and a sum of 6. They are +8 and −2.
∴ x2 + 6x − 16 = (x + 8)(x − 2)

Example 21
Factorise m2 − 7m − 18.
Solution
Product = −18, sum = −7. The required numbers are −9 and +2.
∴ m2 − 7m − 18 = (m − 9)(m + 2)

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 83 CHAPTER 3

 03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 84 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Example 22
Factorise t 2 − 2t + 1.
Solution
Product = +1, sum = −2. The required numbers are −1 and −1.
∴ t 2 − 2t + 1= (t − 1)(t − 1)
= (t − 1)2
Note: (t − 1)2 is a perfect square.

Trinomials with common factors

Example 23
Factorise:
a 3g2 + 12g − 36 b 48 − 8p − p2
Solution
a 3g2 + 12g − 36= 3(g2 + 4g − 12) (take out the HCF of 3)
= 3(g − 2)(g + 6)
b 48 − 8p − p = −p2 − 8p + 48
2

= −1(p2 + 8p − 48) (take out the common factor of −1)

= −(p+ 12)(p − 4)

Exercise 3-09
Example 18 1 In each case find the two numbers that satisfy the given conditions.
a Their product is 6 and their sum is −7. b Their product is −12 and their sum is 1.
SkillBuilder c Their product is −15 and their sum is −2. d Their product is 12 and their sum is 7.
12-09 e Their product is 20 and their sum is −9. f Their product is −14 and their sum is 5.
Factorising g Their product is −10 and their sum is 3. h Their product is −25 and their sum is 0.
quadratic i Their product is −2 and their sum is −1. j Their product is −18 and their sum is −7.
expressions
2 Find two numbers c and d such that:
a c + d = 20 b c + d = −8 c c + d = −9
cd = 100 cd = 16 cd = −22
d c + d = 12 e c + d = −6 f c + d = −6
cd = 20 cd = 8 cd = −27
g c+d=3 h c+d=0 i c + d = −6
cd = −10 cd = −81 cd = 5
Example 19 3 Factorise the following expressions.
a m2 + 7m + 12 b k2 + 12k + 35 c d 2 + 5d + 4
SkillBuilder d t + 7t + 10
2 e x2 + 9x + 20 f t 2 + 6t + 5
12-10 g e + 5e + 6
2 h h2 + 4h + 4 i n2 + 11n + 10
Factorising j a2 + 11a + 30 k d 2 + 10d + 24 l y2 + 15y + 44
quadratics
Example 20
4 Factorise the following expressions.
a x2 + 3x − 4 b t 2 + 5t − 24 c m2 + 2m − 15
d a +a−2
2 e k2 + 5k − 14 f w2 + 4w − 12

84 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 85 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

g f 2 + 13f − 30 h y2 + 2y − 8 i b2 + b − 12
j p2 + 8p − 48 k c2 + 8c − 9 l w2 + 4w − 117 SkillBuilder
12-11–12-14
5 Factorise the following expressions. Factorising
a y2 − 2y − 3 b r 2 − 5r − 14 c h2 − 3h − 4 quadratics
d w − 7w − 18
2 e e2 − 6e − 27 f a2 − 4a − 12 Example 21
g p − 4p − 5
2 h u2 − u − 42 i y2 − 9y − 10
j x2 − 3x − 28 k d 2 − 4d − 45 l h2 − 9h − 22
6 Factorise the following expressions. Example 22
a m2 − 5m + 4 b w2 − 6m + 8 c − 7k + 12
k2
d p − 10p + 24
2 e n2 − 3n + 2 f a2 − 2a + 1
g t − 8t + 7
2 h x2 − 12x + 35 i g2 − 9g + 20
j d − 6d + 9
2 k t 2 − 19t + 48 l e2 − 16e + 63
7 Factorise the following expressions. (Look for a common factor first.) Example 23
a 3m2 + 9m + 6 b 2y2 + 2y − 4 c 5t 2 − 10t − 400
d 5e4 + 25e3 − 120e2 e x3 − x2 − 110x f 4b2 − 4b − 168
g 4w2 + 4w − 48 h 3a3 − 9a2 − 12a i 2e2 + 18e + 40
j 6h2 − 36h + 54 k 8p2 + 32p + 32 l 2r 3 + 22r 2 + 48r
m 24 − 5t − t 2 n 42 + u − u 2 o 28 + 3x − x2
p 12 − b − b 2 q 7k − 12 − k 2 r 12x − 35 − x2
s 90 − 39f − 3f 2 t 60 + 20a − 5a 2 u 3y2 − 6y − 144
8 Factorise the following expressions.
Spreadsheet
a h2 − 3h − 18 b t 2 − 25 c w2 + 8w + 7 3-01
d k2 − 12k − 45 e v2 + 8v − 20 f 3c2 + 30c + 75 Trinomials
g q2 − 6q + 5 h a2 − 4a + 3 i 18 − 7t − t 2
j x2 − 16x + 64 k 8u2 − 24u − 32 l b2 + 11b + 30 SkillBuilder
m y − 12y + 36
2 n 5r 2 − 5r − 10 o 4l 2 − 8l − 32 12-16
p g − 24g + 80
2 q 108 − 6d − 2d2 r 26 + 11n − n2 Multiple choice
s 6x + 36x − 96
2 t 10t 2 − 20t + 10 u 52k − 4k2 + 60 factorising
questions

Factorising trinomials of the form

ax 2 + bx + c
We will now consider quadratic trinomials such as 6y2 + 19y + 15, where the coefficient of y2 SkillBuilder
is 6 but 6 is not a common factor. 12-17–12-20
Factorising
practice
Working mathematically
Reasoning and reflecting: Factorising quadratic trinomials by grouping
in pairs
1 a Consider 6y2 + 19y + 15 = 6y2 + 10y + 9y + 15, splitting up the middle term 19y.
b Factorise 6y2 + 10y + 9y + 15 by grouping in pairs (pair the first two terms and the last
two terms).

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 85 CHAPTER 3

03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 86 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

c Factorise 6y2 + 9y + 10y + 15 by grouping in pairs (pair the first two terms and the last
two terms). Is your result the same as for part b?
d Is there a relationship between the pair of numbers 6 and 15 and the pair of numbers
10 and 9? Explain your answer. (Hint: Find the product of each pair.)
e By using the result from part b, express 6y2 + 19y + 15 in factored form.
2 a Repeat this process to factorise 2c2 + 13c + 15.
(Hint: 2c2 + 13c + 15 = 2c2 + 10c + 3c + 15)
b Is there a relationship between the pair of numbers 2, 15 and the pair 3, 10? Explain.

Factorising quadratic trinomials by grouping in pairs

For a quadratic trinomial ax2 + bx + c:
• ax2 is the first term (or the leading term)
• bx is the middle term
• c is the constant term.

Example 24
Factorise 3x2 + 8x + 4.
Solution
We need to split up the middle term 8x.
Find two numbers that have a product of 12 and a sum of 8.
sum of 8
3x + 8x + 4 = 3x + 8x + 4
2 2

product of 12 (3 × 4)
The two numbers are +6 and +2, so we will split 8x into 6x and 2x.
∴ 3x2 + 8x + 4 = 3x2 + 6x + 2x + 4
= (3x2 + 6x) + (2x + 4) (group into pairs)
= 3x(x + 2) + 2(x + 2) (factorise by taking out a common factor)
= (x + 2)(3x + 2)

Example 25
Factorise 5k2 − 12k + 4.
Solution
Find two numbers that have a product of 20 (5 × 4) and a sum of −12.
The two numbers are −10 and −2. Split −12k into −10k and −2k.
∴ 5k2 − 12k + 4 = 5k2 − 10k + −2k + 4
= (5k2 − 10k) + (−2k + 4)
= 5k(k − 2) − 2(k − 2)
= (k − 2)(5k − 2)

Example 26
Factorise 9m2 − 9m − 4.

86 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 87 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Solution
The two numbers have a product of −36 (9 × −4) and a sum of −9. They are −12 and 3.
∴ 9m2 − 9m − 4 = 9m2 − 12m + 3m − 4
= (9m2 − 12m) + (3m − 4)
= 3m(3m − 4) + 1(3m − 4)
= (3m − 4)(3m + 1)

Example 27
Factorise 6t 2 + t − 12.
Solution
The two numbers have a product of −72 and a sum of 1. They are −8 and +9.
∴ 6t 2 + t − 12 = 6t 2 − 8t + 9t − 12
= (6t 2 − 8t) + (9t − 12)
= 2t(3t − 4) + 3(3t − 4)
= (3t − 4)(2t + 3)

Example 28
Factorise:
a 18a2 − 18a − 8 b 10 − 7x − 12x2
Solution
a 18a2 − 18a − 8 = 2(9a2 − 9a − 4) (HCF = 2)
= 2(9a2 − 12a + 3a − 4)
= 2(3a(3a − 4) + 1(3a − 4))
= 2(3a − 4)(3a + 1)
b 10 − 7x − 12x2 = −12x2 − 7x + 10
= −(12x2 + 7x − 10) (HCF = −1)
= −(12x2 + 15x + −8x − 10)
= −(3x(4x + 5) − 2(4x + 5))
= −(4x + 5)(3x − 2)

Exercise 3-10
1 Factorise these expressions. Example 24
a 2m2 + 11m + 5 b 4d 2 + 13d + 3 c 5k2 + 17k + 6
d 6p2 + 19p + 10 e 2w2 + 31w + 15 f 4e2 + 15e + 9
g 8f 2 + 14f + 3 h 3d 2 + 5d + 2 i 2b2 + 9b + 7
j 5y2 + 16y + 11 k 8g2 + 26g + 15 l 6a2 + 23a + 21
2 Factorise the following. Example 25
a 2y2 − 11y + 12 b 10k2 − 19k + 6 c 6e2 − 13e + 6
d 4b2 − 13b + 3 e 6w2 − 23w + 15 f 8t 2 + 26t + 15 Worksheet
g 9x2 − 12x + 4 h 12f 2 − 25f + 12 i 4h2 − 36h + 81 3-06
j 15n2 − 23n + 4 k 12p2 − 28p + 15 l 15m2 − 23m + 4 Factorominoes
3 Factorise the following. Example 26
a 5y2 − 6y − 11 b 4d 2 − d − 5 c 2m2 − 3m − 9
d 3t 2 − t − 30 e 6h2 − h − 7 f 2y2 − 5y − 12

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 87 CHAPTER 3

03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 88 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

g 8a2 − 2a − 3 h 15u2 − 7u − 4 i 9c2 − 12c − 5

j 18p2 − 3p − 10 k 12w2 − 5w − 4 l 15e2 − 2e − 1
Example 27 4 Factorise the following.
a 5m2 + 2m − 7 b 6g2 + g − 12 c 3p2 + 4p − 4
d 7w2 + 6w − 1 e 5y2 + 14y − 3 f 3n2 + 10n − 8
g 4b2 + 9b − 9 h 8m2 + 10m − 3 i 3x2 + 2x − 16
j 3q2 + 4q − 15 k 4a2 + 4a − 15 l 6y2 + 19y − 20
Example 28 5 Factorise each of the following by first taking out a common factor.
a 6t 2 + 10t − 4 b 6g2 + 15g − 36 c 24e2 − 28e − 12
d 8a − 10a − 12
2 e 12t + 20t − 8
2 f −25q2 − 5q + 6
g −12m + 14m − 4
2 h 20 − h − 12h 2 i 18 + 48c + 24c2
j 15 + 9z − 6z 2 k 12d + 2d − 30
2 l 22x − 12 − 6x2
6 Factorise:
a 2a2 + 5a + 3 b 12m2 − 32m + 5 c 4x2 + 11x − 3
d 7k2 − 13k − 2 e 8u2 + 41u + 5 f 6e2 − 19e + 3
g 7w2 − 8w + 1 h 4h2 − 7h − 15 i 8x2 − 2x − 3
j 5r 2 + 26r + 5 k 2d 2 − 15d + 7 l 6n2 − 7n − 3
m 8 − 6m − 9m2 n 3 − 2c − 5c2 o 15g2 + 19g + 6
p 15 + 14q − 8q2 q 3x2 − 13x + 14 r 16 − 8d − 3d 2
s 5 + 13v − 6v2 t 36 + 3y − 3y2 u 12k2 + 3k − 9

Working mathematically
Applying strategies and reasoning: Other methods of factorising
quadratic trinomials
1 One other method of factorising quadratic trinomials is the cross method.
Factorise 4y2 − y − 18.
Some pairs of factors of 4y2 are 2y and 4y × y.
Some pairs of factors of −18 are −1 × 18, 1 × 18, −3 × 6, 3 × −6, −2 × 9 and 2 × −9.
By using guess-and-check, we list the factor pairs in columns. By cross-multiplying along
the lines and adding, we try to get the middle term, −y.
4y −3 4y −6

24y, −3y 12y, − 6y

y 6 y 3
When we add the cross products 24y and When we add the cross products we
-3y we obtain 21y, which is not equal to obtain 6y, which again is not equal to the
the middle term. middle term.
4y −2 4y −9

36y, −2y 8y, −9y

y 9 y 2
The sum of the cross products is 34y, The sum of the cross products is −y, which
which again is incorrect. is equal to the middle term.
∴ 4y2 − y − 18 = (4y − 9)(y + 2)

88 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 89 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

2 Another method is as follows:

Factorise 2x2 + 13x + 6.
Since the first term is 2x2 we write
( 2 x… ) ( 2 x… )
----------------------------------- (denominator of 2, since we have 2x2)
2
Now look for two numbers that multiply to give 2 × 6 = 12 and add to give 13. The
numbers are 1 and 12.
( 2 x + 1 ) ( 2 x + 12 )
∴ 2x2 + 13x + 6 = --------------------------------------------
2
( 2 x + 1 )2 ( x + 6 )
= ----------------------------------------- (after factorising (2x + 12))
2
= (2x + 1)(x + 6)
3 Using the methods of parts 1 and 2 above, factorise the following.
a 4t 2 + 11t − 3 b 6e2 − 19e + 3
c 6p + 19p + 10
2 d 7k2 − 13k − 2
Compare your answers with those of other students.

Factorisation strategies
The factorising methods can be summarised as follows:
1 Look for (and take out) any common factor.
2 If there are two terms, try to factorise the expression by using the difference of two squares.
3 If there are three terms, decide whether the expression is a quadratic trinomial. If so, factorise it.
4 If there are four terms, try to factorise the expression by grouping in pairs.
These methods can also be shown in a flowchart as follows:

Algebraic expression

Take out any common factors

Two terms Three terms Four terms

Factorise if difference If quadratic trinomial, Try to factorise by

of two squares try to factorise grouping in pairs

Example 29
Use the flowchart to factorise the following.
a 3a2 − 27 b 5a2 + 100 c 20b2 − 52b + 24 d d3 − d 2 − d + 1
Solution
a 3a2 − 27 (two terms that have a common factor)
= 3(a2 − 9) (a difference of two squares)
= 3(a − 3)(a + 3)

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 89 CHAPTER 3

 03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 90 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

b 5a2 + 100 (common factor of 5)

= 5(a2 + 20) (two terms but not a difference of two squares)
c 20b2 − 52b + 24 (common factor of 4)
= 4(5b2 − 13b + 6) (three terms that factorise)
= 4(5b − 3)(b − 2)
d d3 − d 2 − d + 1 (four terms, no common factor)
= (d 3 − d 2) + (−d + 1) (group in pairs and factorise)
= d 2(d − 1) − 1(d − 1)
= (d − 1)(d 2 − 1) (a difference of two squares that factorises)
= (d − 1)(d − 1)(d + 1)
=(d − 1)2(d + 1)

Exercise 3-11
Example 29 Factorise the following expressions.
1 m2 − 16m + 64 2 3d 2 − 3d 3 3d 2 − 4d − 15
Worksheet 4 3k − 15 − 5h + hk 5 25y2 − 64 6 100f 2 − 64
3-09 7 q + 3q − 3pq
2 8 3 + 2g − g2 9 24b2 + 44b − 40
Mixed 10 25r − 1
2 11 l 3 + l 2 + l + 1 12 4x2 − 20x + 25
factorisations 13 4 − d − 5d 2 14 b3 − b2 − b + 1 15 8 − 2v2
16 mn2 + mnp + 3mn + 3mp 17 2w2 − 24w + 72 18 36h2 + 12h + 1
19 15r − 31rt − 24t
2 2 20 4d 2 + 4d + 1 21 9g2 − 36k2
22 e − 3e − 10e
3 2 23 5(p + q)2 − 75(p − q)2 24 28x2 − 7
25 a − b + 4a − 4b
2 2 26 c3 − 2c2 − 4c + 8 27 6a2 + 13a − 5
28 t − 3t + 5t − 35
2 29 18p2 + 24p + 8 30 1 − 2a − 24a2
31 9x − 27x + 18x − 54
2 32 2a2b − 6ab − 3a + 9 33 2a2 + 12a + 18
34 25u − 10u + 1
2 35 4k2 − 5k − 21 36 48 − 3w2
37 3 − 27s2 38 k3 + 4k2 − 16k − 64 39 5y3 − 10y2 + 15y
40 m3n − 4mn 41 8 − 2a2 42 32c2 − 40c − 12

Skillbank 3B
Commonly used percentages
Commonly used percentages and their fraction equivalents are given in the table below.
SkillTest
3-02 Percentage 50% 25% 12.5% 75% 20% 10% 33 1--- % 66 2--- %
Commonly used 3 3
percentages
1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2
Fraction --- --- --- --- --- ------ --- ---
2 4 8 4 5 10 3 3

The fraction equivalents can be used to find a percentage of a number.

1 Examine these examples:
a 50% of 120 = 1
--- × 120 b 20% of 25 = 1
--- × 25 c 33 1--- % of 27 = 1
--- × 27
2 5 3 3
= 120 ÷ 2 = 25 ÷ 5 = 27 ÷ 3
= 60 =5 =9

90 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 91 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

d 10% of 846 = 1
------ × 846 e 12 1--- % of 32 = 1
--- × 32 f 75% of 56 = 3
--- × 56
10 2 8 4
= 846 ÷ 10 = 32 ÷ 8 = 56 ÷ 4 × 3
= 84.6 =4 = 14 × 3
= 42
2 Now find answers for these:
a 25% of 44 b 33 1--- % of 120 c 20% of 70 d 66 2--- % of 48
3 3
e 10% of 230 f 10% of 75 g 12 1--- % of 90 h 50% of 116
2

i 20% of 285 j 75% of 24 k 33 1--- % of 45 l 10% of 429

3

m 25% of 160 n 50% of 270 o 12 1--- % of 88 p 66 2--- % of 21

2 3

q 75% of 180 r 30% of 180 s 75% of 164 t 66 2--- % of 84

3

Simplifying algebraic fractions

25
How do you begin to simplify --------
-?
100
Just as with numerical fractions, we simplify algebraic fractions by cancelling terms that are
common factors of the numerator and the denominator.

Example 30
Simplify the following:
5a + 25 9a 2 – 16 x2 + x t 2 – 3t + 2 m 2 – 5m – 14
a ------------------ b -------------------- c ----------------- d --------------------------- e --------------------------------
5 6a + 8 -4 x – 4 3t 2 – 5t – 2 m2 – 4

Solution
1
5(a + 5)
a 5a + 25
------------------ = -------------------- (5a + 25 has been factorised)
5 51
=a+5
The following error is often made:
1 5w + 25 Wrong. There has been no factorisation.
------------------- = -------------------
5w + 25
5 51 The 5s have only been cancelled.
≠ w + 25

b 9a 2 – 16
-------------------- = ( 3a – 4 ) ( 3a + 4 )
----------------------------------------
-
1
 difference
------------------------------------------------------------
of two squares
6a + 8 2 ( 3a + 4 )1  common factor 

= 3a – 4
---------------
2

c x2 + x
----------------- = x( x + 1) 1
-----------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------
common factor
-
-4 x – 4 -4 ( x + 1 ) 1  negative common factor

= x
-----
-4

= − --x-
4

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 91 CHAPTER 3

03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 92 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

d t 2 – 3t + 2
--------------------------- = ( t – 1 ) ( t – 2 )1
-----------------------------------  quadratic
---------------------------------------------
trinomial
3t 2 – 5t – 2 1 t – 2 ) ( 3t + 1 )
(  quadratic trinomial

= t–1
--------------
3t + 1

e m 2 – 5m – 14
-------------------------------- = ( m – 7 ) ( m + 2 )1
-------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------
quadratic trinomial 
m2 – 4 (m – 2)(m + 2)  difference of two squares
1
= m–7
-------------
m–2

Exercise 3-12
Example 30 Factorise and simplify the following.
3x + 3y 6 5
1 ------------------ 2 -------------------- 3 -----------------------
CAS 3 6m – 6n 10t – 10r
3-05 ab – ac 3h – 3k ab + ac
Simplifying 4 ------------------ 5 ------------------ 6 ------------------
a2 7h – 7k b 2 + bc
algebraic
fractions 1 4d + 8e y–1 w 2 – 16
7 ------------------- 8 ----------- 9 ------------------
2t 1–y w+4

5d – 5t l+m 2b – 2a
10 ----------------- 11 ---------------- 12 ------------------
d2 – t2 l2 – m2 a2 – b2

2(5 – y) ( k + 5 )2 6c 2 – 6
13 -------------------- 14 ------------------- 15 -----------------
3 y – 15 k 2 – 25 2c + 2

2
am – an + m – n y + 9 y + 20 k 2 – 3k – 4
16 ---------------------------------------- 17 ------------------------------ 18 --------------------------
m2 – n2 2 y + 10 k 2 – 16

16a 2 – 25c 2 e 2 + e – 42 h 2 – 8h + 16
19 --------------------------------------- 20 -------------------------- 21 ------------------------------
4a 2 – 9ac + 5c 2 2e + 14 16 – h 2

3d 2 – 75 s 2 + 4s + 4 m 2 + m – 12
22 --------------------- 23 -------------------------- 24 ---------------------------------
( d + 5 )2 s2 – s – 6 m 2 + 8m + 16

6d 2 – 7d + 2 2k 2 + 3k – 5 4n 2 – 12n + 9
25 ------------------------------- 26 ------------------------------------ 27 ---------------------------------
2d 2 + 9d – 5 6k 2 + 19k + 10 2n 2 + 3n – 9

1 – c – 2c 2 2 x 2 – xy – y 2 ap + 4 p – 2a – 8
28 ------------------------------ 29 -------------------------------- 30 -----------------------------------------
3c 2 + 2c – 1 x2 – y2 2 p2 – 8

Simplifying algebraic fractions: Multiplication and

division
Factorisation is useful when we multiply or divide algebraic fractions.

Example 31
Simplify the following.
d 2 + 3d + 2
a 5k – 10
------------------ × 12k
----------------- b ---------------------------- × 3d + 9
----------------
4 k 2 – 2k d2 – 9 d2 + d

92 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 93 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Solution
d 2 + 3d + 2
a 5k – 10
------------------ × 12k
----------------- b ---------------------------- × 3d + 9
----------------
4 k 2 – 2k d2 – 9 d2 + d
1 312k 1 1 1
5(k – 2) (d + 2)(d + 1) 3(d + 3)
= -------------------- × ------------------- = ----------------------------------- × ---------------------
41 1 ( k – 2 )1
k (d – 3)(d + 3)
1
d (d + 1)
1
3(d + 2)
= 15 = --------------------
d (d – 3)

Example 32
Remember that dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal.
x2 + 4 x
Simplify ------------------ ÷ 2x + 8
---------------
x2 – 3 x x2 – 9

Solution
x2 + 4 x x( x + 4) 2( x + 4)
------------------ ÷ 2x + 8
--------------- = -------------------- ÷ ----------------------------------
x2 – 3 x x2 – 9 x( x – 3) ( x – 3)( x + 3)

1x ( x + 4 1) 1( x – 3 ) ( x + 3 )
= -------------------- × ----------------------------------
x( x – 3) 2 ( x + 4 )1
1 1

= x+3
------------
2

Exercise 3-13
1 Simplify the following. Example 31

a 3m + 9
----------------- × 4m
------------- b 5d – 10
------------------ × 5d – 15
------------------
2 m+3 3d – 9 8d – 16 CAS
2 3-06
c 4
------------ × e + 2e
----------------- d 3k + 6
--------------- × 10k
------------ Simplifying
e+2 8e 5 k+2
algebraic
e 5h
--------------- × 6h + 18
------------------ f 4
---------------- × 3a + 3b
------------------- fractions 2
3h + 9 h2 + h a2 – b2 8

r 2 – rt
g r+t
--------------- × ----------------- h 20m + 16
----------------------- × 7m
-----------------
t2 – r2 5r + 5t 7m – 7 5m + 4

x2 + 3 x p2 + 2 p + 1
i ----------------------- × x+2
------------ j ---------------------------- × 4p – 4
---------------
x2 + x – 2 x2 p2 – 1 p2 + p

2 Simplify the following. Example 32

t2
a 5r
---------------- ÷ 10
----------- b 2t + 4
-------------- ÷ + 2t
---------------
r 2 – 16 r+4 7t 14t 3

c y+2
------------ ÷ 7 y + 14
------------------ d 5
-------------- ÷ 15
---------------
5y 15 y x2 – 4 2x + 4

d2 + d
e 4n + 8
--------------- ÷ 6n + 12
------------------ f --------------- ÷ 6d
--------------
n+5 5n + 25 d+3 d2 – 9

f2 – 2f – 8
g 1
---------------------------- ÷ 4
-------------- h 3f +6
------------------------ ÷ ---------------------------
f2 – 6f + 9 f2 – 9 f2 + f – 6 f 2 – f – 12

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 93 CHAPTER 3

03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 94 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Simplifying algebraic fractions: Addition and

subtraction
Factorisation can also be used when we add or subtract algebraic fractions. Remember to find the
lowest common denominator first.

Example 33
Simplify 5
------------------ − 2
-------------- .
x2 + 2 x x2 – 4

Solution
5
------------------ − 2
--------------
x2 + 2 x x2 – 4

= 5
-------------------- − 2
---------------------------------- (factorising both denominators)
x( x + 2) ( x + 2)( x – 2)
5 × ( x – 2) 2×x
= ------------------------------------- − -------------------------------------
x( x + 2)( x – 2) x( x + 2)( x – 2)
5( x – 2) – 2 x
= -------------------------------------
x( x + 2)( x – 2)

= 5 x – 10 – 2 x
-------------------------------------
x( x + 2)( x – 2)

= 3 x – 10
-------------------------------------
x( x + 2)( x – 2)

Exercise 3-14
1 Simplify the following.
CAS
3-06 a 5
----------------------- + 2
------------------------------------- b 6
------------------------------------ − 4
----------------------
m(m + 1) (m + 1)(m + 2) (w + 5)(w + 3) w(w + 3)
Simplifying
algebraic c 3
---------------------------------- + 1
---------------------------------- d 4
-------------------- + 2
----------------------------------
(b + 2)(b – 1) (b – 1)(b – 3) k (k + 3) (k + 3)(k + 1)
fractions 2
e 2
---------------------------------------- + 1
------------------------------------ f 5
-------------------------------------- − 3
------------------------
( 2w – 3 ) ( w + 2 ) (w – 1)(w + 2) ( 2n + 1 ) ( n + 1 ) n ( 2n + 1 )

g p
------------ + 4
----------------------------------- h a
-------------------------------------- − 5a
----------------------------------
p–5 ( p + 2)( p – 5) ( 2a – 3 ) ( a + 4 ) (a – 4)(a + 4)
Example 33 2 Simplify:
a 3
-------------- + 2
--------------- b 2
-------------- + 3
------------ c 5
-------------- − 4
------------------
Worksheet g2 – 4 3g + 6 q2 – 1 q+1 f2 – 9 f2 – 3f
3-10
Simplifying d 2
-------------- − 3
-------------- e 5
--------------- + 3
-------------- f 3
---------------------------- − 4
------------
k2 + k k2 – 1 4h + 4 h2 + h d 2 + 3d + 2 d+2
algebraic
fractions g 3
---------------- − 5
------------------ h 3
------------------ + d
-------------- i 5
-------------------------- − k
--------------
r 2 – 36 4r + 24 d 2 + 2d d2 – 4 k 2 – 3k – 4 k2 – 1

Power plus
1 Expand:
a (a + b)(a + b + c) b (x − 2)(x + y − 3)
c (p + 3)(p − 4)(p − 5) d (x − 1)(y − 1)(z − 1)

94 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 95 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

2 Expand:
a (wt − 3r)2 b (1 − 3c2)2 c (x3 + 2)2 d (1 + 1--- )2
y
3 Expand:
a (4a2 + 3a)(4a2 − 3a) b (xy − t)(xy + t) c  --x- – --y-  --x- + --y-
 2 3  2 3

d  a--- + 2  a--- – 2 e (d 2 − d)(d 2 + d) f 1 – 1---  1 + 1---

b b  r r
4 Factorise:
a n2 + 4mn + 4m2 b x2 − 2xy + y2
c 25x2 − 40xy + 16y2 d 5a2 − 30ab + 45b2
e c4 + 2c2 + 1 f 8 − 7t 2 − t4
5 Factorise:
x2 y2
a ------ − ------ b x4 − 1 c 25c4 − 100
16 25
16a 2 25b 2
d (a + b)2 − c2 e ----------- − ----------- f (p + q)2 − (p − q)2
49 4
6 Simplify:
a (h − 3)2 + (h − 2)2 + … + (h + 2)2 + (h + 3)2
b (r − 8)(r + 8) + (r − 7)(r + 7) + … + (r − 2)(r + 2) + (r − 1)(r + 1)
c (10v − 1)(10v + 1) + (9v − 2)(9v + 2) + … + (v − 10)(v + 10)
d2 – d d 2 + 4d + 3
d --------------------------------- × ----------------------------
d 3 + 2d 2 – 3d d 2 + 6d

k 2 – 5k + 6 k2 – k – 6
e -------------------------- × --------------------------
k 3 – 4k k 2 – 6k + 9

f u+3
--------------------------- − u–4
--------------------------
u 2 + 7u + 6 u 2 – 3u – 4

7 If x2 + bx + c can be expressed in the form (x + p)(x + q), what are the signs of p and q if:
a b and c are both positive?
b b and c are both negative?
c b is positive and c is negative?
d b is negative and c is positive?

Language of maths Worksheet

3-11
algebraic fraction binomial coefficient constant Products and
constant term difference difference of two squares distributive law factors
expand expansion expressions factorise crossword
grouping in pairs HCF perfect square product
quadratic simplify sum trinomial
1 Using your own words, write down the meaning of quadratic. Give an example.
2 What is the meaning of the phrase ‘the constant term’.
3 In this topic, which two words describe reverse processes? Explain.
4 What is a coefficient? Explain by using examples.
5 Look up the dictionary meaning of the word trinomial. Rewrite this meaning in your
own words.

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 95 CHAPTER 3

03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 96 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Topic overview
• Copy and complete:
The things I understand about products and factors that I did not understand before are …
The things I am still not confident in doing in this chapter are …
Give an example of each difficulty you still have.
• Copy and complete whichever applies to you:
The steps I will take to overcome my problems with this chapter are …
The sections of work that I found difficult in this chapter were …
The sections of work that I found easy in this chapter were …
The sections of work that I enjoyed doing were …
• Copy and complete the summary below. Use bright colours to mark key words. Remember to
get your summary checked.

Special products

Expanding using
Binomial area diagrams
products

Perfect Sum by
square difference

PRODUCTS
AND FACTORS

HCF
Simplifying
Factorising algebraic Adding
fractions
2 terms 3 terms 4 terms
Subtracting
Binomials Grouping Multiplying
Trinomials
in pairs
Dividing

Other methods

96 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3
03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 97 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Chapter 3 Review Topic test

Chapter 3
1 Copy and find the area of each rectangle. Ex 3-01

a 5 b b 2d 3

7 d

b 5

(5 + b)(7 + b) = (2d + 3)(d + 5) =

c d
y −5 3m −2

y m

−3 −1

(y − 3)(y − 5) = (3m − 2)(m − 1) =

2 Expand and simplify the following: Ex 3-02

a (m − 3)(m + 2) b (p + 3)(p + 7) c (s − 3)(s − 8)
d (k + 5)(3 − k) e (4 − g)(3 − g) f (3f + 1)(2f + 3)
g (5a − 1)(4a − 3) h 5(4r − w)(r − 4w) i −2(5 − 3h)(2h + 1)
j 3(a + b)(2a − 3b) k (9 − 5m)(4 + 3m) l −3(x − 5)(2x + 3)
3 Expand: Ex 3-03
a (n + 5)2 b (u − 3)2 c (9 + x)2
d (6 − k)2 e (3y + 1)2 f (2x − 5)2
g (4 + 3a)2 h (6 − 7b)2 i (4a + 5b)2
j (3g − 4h)2 k (1 − 4h)2 l (2x + 7)2
4 Expand: Ex 3-04
a (n + 6)(n − 6) b (b − 1)(b + 1) c (10 + m)(10 − m)
d (7 − y)(7 + y) e (3r + 1)(3r − 1) f (4w − 5)(4w + 5)
g (8x + 3y)(8x − 3y) h (6p − 5q)(6p + 5q) i (1 − 8w)(1 + 8w)
5 Expand and simplify: Ex 3-05
a (2x + 5)(x − 1) + (x + 3)2 b (y + 4)2 − (y − 1)(y + 2)
c (3a+ 1)(3a − 1) − (3a + 1)2 d (2p − 3q)2 + (2p + 3q)2
6 Factorise: Ex 3-06
a 4t + 24 b x2 + 6x
c 3y + 6y2 d p2q − pq2
e −y − 16 f −xy − y
g −5g − 10g3 h 3w − w2 + 4w3
i x(x + 4) − 3(x + 4) j 20ab − 10a2 + 5b

P R ODUCT S AND F ACT OR S 97 CHAPTER 3

03_NC_Maths_9_Stages_5.2/5.3 Page 98 Friday, February 6, 2004 2:11 PM

Ex 3-07
7 Factorise:
a 5a(a + 3) + 2(a + 3) b 5mn − 3n + 10m − 6
c ab − a − b + 1 d x2y + xy3 − 5x − 5y2
e 10p2 + 30 + p3+ 3p f 6rt − 18wt + 6rp − 18wp
Ex 3-08 8 Factorise:
a w2 − 9 b m2 − n2 c 36 − r 2
d 16a2 − 9 e 81x2 − y2 f 49a2 − 25b2
g 4n2 − 25m2 h 7h2 − 28 i 3q2 − 27
j h − 64h3 k 50m2 − 32 l 24 − 150d 2
Ex 3-09 9 Factorise:
a m2 − 11m − 12 b y2 − 4y + 3 c t 2 − 8t − 65
d p2 + 6p − 27 e 3n2 + 9n + 6 f 4y2 + 4y − 8
g 18 + 3x − x2 h 60 − 5b − 5b22 i 11k − 4 − 6k2
Ex 3-10 10 Factorise:
a 6x2 + x − 2 b 5s2 − 7s − 6 c 8w2 − 14w + 3
d 3e2 + 12e + 12 e 6y2 + 15 − 36 f 24a2 − 28a − 12
g 36x − 27x2 − 12 h 52t − 30 − 16t 22 i 12g2 − 46g + 14
Ex 3-11 11 Factorise:
a 64y2 − 25 b x2 − 16x + 64
c 16r − 48 d 3g − 15 − 5h + hg
e a3 − a2 − a + 1 f 3b3 − 3b
g 4y2 − 5y − 21 h 18q2 + 24q + 8
i 1 − 2p − 24p2 j 25w2 − 10w + 1
Ex 3-12 12 Simplify:
10m – 20 9 y 2 – 25
a ---------------------- b ---------------------
10 12 y – 20

2 x2 + 3 x – 5 3w 2 – 75
c ------------------------------------ d --------------------------------------
6 x 2 + 19 x + 10 2
3w – 30w + 75
Ex 3-13 13 Simplify:
y2 – 5 y + 6 2 y2 – 8
a 3d – 6
--------------- × 3d + 9
------------------ b -------------------------- × -----------------
d+3 5d – 10 y3 – 4 y y2 – 2 y

c 4
-------------- ÷ 8
------------ d m
----------------- ÷ 4
-----------------
d2 – 4 d+2 m2 + m 5m + 5

Ex 3-14 14 Simplify:
a 4
-------------- − 3
-------------- b 4
-------------- + 2
---------------
x2 + x x2 – 1 x2 – 9 3x + 9

c 5
-------------- − x
-------------------- d k
--------------- + 5
--------------
x2 – 4 2( x – 2) 2k + 6 k2 – 9

e 1
---------------------------------- + 4
---------------------------------- f 4d
--------------------------- − 3
------------------
( x – 3)( x + 2) ( x + 2)( x + 3) d 2 – 3d + 2 d 2 – 2d

g 3
----------------------------- − 2
------------------------------ h h
-------------- + 3
--------------------
m 2 – 2m – 3 m 2 + 5m + 4 h2 – 4 h(h + 2)

98 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 9 : S T A G E S 5.2/ 5.3