MODULE 2.

OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

Subject: Math A
Time Frame: 4 weeks

Overview
This module introduces the basic concepts on algebraic expressions and discusses the different
operations with algebraic expressions.

2.1 Basic Concepts on Algebraic Expressions

Objective: To define important terms related to algebraic expressions.

For a better understanding of the concepts and operations within this chapter, we need to learn
some important terms.

1. Variable: A variable is a symbol, usually a letter of the English Alphabet which stands for a real
number.

Examples: 𝑤, 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧, 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑, …

2. Constant: A constant is a symbol used to represent a fixed value or a unique number.

Examples: 1) Any real number. 3) 𝑒 =2.71828…

2)   3.1416

3. Algebraic Expression: An algebraic expression is a constant, a variable, or a product of constants

and variables raised to a certain exponent or related by the fundamental operations of algebra.

3x
Examples: 4; 2𝑥; ; 5𝑥 + 1; ( 𝑥 + 3) (𝑥 – 5); 4x  1
y

4. Term: A term is a part of an algebraic expression separated by the operations addition or subtraction.
A term is usually composed of a numerical coefficient (the number before the variables), and
literal coefficient ( the variable or product of variables raised to certain exponents ).

Examples: 3𝑥 ; 2𝑥 – 5𝑦 ; 4x 2  2x  1
5. Similar Terms or Like Terms: Two or more terms having the same literal coefficients, that is, the
variables and exponents are the same, are called similar or like terms.
An algebraic expression having similar terms should be further simplified by combining like terms
as we can see in the following examples.

Examples: 1) 3xy  5 xy  8 xy 3) 6 x y  5 xy  2 x y  4 x y  5 xy
3 3 3 3 3 3

2) 4 x y  3x y  x y
2 2 2
4) 4ab  2ab  5a 2 b  2ab  5a 2 b
6. Polynomial: A polynomial is an algebraic expression in which each term is a product of a finite
collection of constants and variables raised to positive integral exponents

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 1

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

Examples: 1) 4 x y  5 xy is a polynomial
3 3

2) 2ab 3  5a 2 b is not a polynomial

7. Monomial: A monomial is a polynomial consisting of one (1) term.

Examples: 2x 2 ; 4 xy; 5x 2 y 3 z

8. Binomial: A binomial is a polynomial with two (2) dissimilar terms.

Examples: 3x  1; 4x 2  y 2 ; x3  y3 ; xyz  1

9. Trinomial: A trinomial is a polynomial consisting of three (3) dissimilar terms.

Examples: x 2  2 xy  y; a  b  c; 3x  2 y  5 z

10. Degree of a Term: The degree of a term with only one variable is the exponent of that variable. The
degree of a term of more than 1 variable is the sum of the exponents of the variables in that term.

Examples: 1) 3x 2  2nd degree

2
3) 5 x y - 3rd degree
3 2
2) 2 x - 1st degree 4) 6 x y - 5th degree

11. Degree of a Polynomial: The degree of a polynomial is the degree of the term of the polynomial with
the highest degree.

1) x  3xy  4 y
3 2
Examples: - 3rd degree polynomial.
2) x y  4 xy  8
2 2
- 4th degree polynomial.
3) a 3b 2 c  5a 2 b 2 c  10 - 6th degree polynomial.

2.2 Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials

Objective: To be able to add and subtract polynomials.

2.2.1 Addition of Polynomials

In adding polynomials, we simply combine like terms.

Example 1. 12 x  3  3x  4 = 12 x  3x   3  4

= 15𝑥 + 7

Or, we can arrange the polynomials in columns, such that each column contains like terms.

Example 2. Add the two polynomials

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 2

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

a ) 15 x 3  x 2 1 b) 3 x 2  xy  4 y 2
3x 3  3x 2  x  6  2 x 2  5 xy  y 2
18 x 3  2 x 2  x  5 5x 2  2y2
6 x 2  4 xy  y 2

2.2.2 Subtraction of Polynomials

To subtract two polynomials, we use the fact that 𝑎 – 𝑏 = 𝑎 + (−𝑏) . This means that we
change the sign of each term in the second polynomial or the subtrahend and then proceed as in addition.

Examples: 1) Subtract the second polynomial from the first polynomial.

 2 x 2  3x  9

 5x 2  8x  4

This problem can be written as

 2 x 2  3x  9
  5x 2  8x  4

2) Subtract (2 x  6 y  7) from (7 x  2 y  3).

2 2

7x2  2 y  3  minuend

 2x 2  6 y  7   subtrahend
5 x 2  8 y  10  difference

Note: The polynomial after the word subtract is the subtrahend. The polynomial after the word from is
the minuend.

3) Subtract (2 x  4 x  5) from the sum of (4 x  3x  6 )and (3x  x  9) .

3 3 2

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 3

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

Exercises:

A. In each polynomial, combine similar terms.

1) 2 x 5  3 x 5  4)  3 y 4  8 y 4  9 y 2  6 y 2  10 y 2 

2)  10a 5  20a 2  5) 4m 5  9m 3  8m 2  10 m 5 

3)  4 p 7  8 p 7  5 p 7  6)  19 y 2  9 y 2  y 3  19 y 2  8 y 3 

B. Add or Subtract the polynomials as indicated.

1) 3 y 2
 2 y  1  4 y 2  3 y  1 

2) 2 x 2
y 2  3 xy  8  5  7 xy  5 x 2 y 2  

3) 2n 5
 5n 3  6   3n 5  7 n 3  2n 2  8 

4) 5b 2
 6b  2  3b 2  4b  5   6b 2  b  7  

5) 9m 3
 5m 2  4m  8  3m 4  6m 2  8m  15 

6d 3  d 2 4
9m 3  5m 2  4m  8
6) Add: 7) Add:  5d 3  18d 2  10
6m  8m  4m  6
3 2
4d 3  d 2 8

 2v 2 w 2  3v  w 3x 2  2 x  5
8) Subtract: 9) Subtract:
 9 v 2 w 2  4 v  8w 2x 2  4x  1

10) Subtract (25 x  17 x  8) (32 x 3  17 x  18).

3
from

11) Subtract (3x – 5y +25) from the sum of (6x +11y – 8) and (14x – 9y +32).
12) From (35a 2 b  16 ab  23ab 2 ), subtract the sum of
(15a 2 b  8ab  13ab 2 ) and ( 23a 2 b  17 ab  9ab 2 ).

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 4

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

2.3 Use of Grouping Symbols.

( ) Parenthesis, [ ] Brackets, { } Braces

Rule 1. By distributive property, it can be shown that:

a + (b + c) = a + b + c a - (b - c) = a - b +c
a + (b - c) = a + b – c a - ( - b + c) = a + b - c
a - (b + c) = a - b – c a - ( - b - c) = a + b +c

Rule 2. When several grouping symbols appear in an expression, we remove the innermost
symbols first by applying rule 1.

Examples:
1) 2 x  7  3x  y  3) 10 x  6  x  2 y   8  2 x  10 y 
 2 x  7  3x  y   10 x  6  x  2 y  8  2 x  10 y 
 2 x  7  3x  y   x  y  7  10 x  6  x  2 y  8  2 x  10 y
 10 x   2  3x  8 y
2) 5a  2 4a  3a  2b   6b  1  10 x  2  3x  8 y
 5a  24a  3a  6b  6b  1  7x  8y  2
 5a  2a  1  5a  2a  2  3a  2

Exercises: In each of the following, remove all the symbols of grouping and combine like terms.

1)  5 x  11 y    4 x  3 y   6 x  2 y 
2)  
  x 2  y 2  3x  5  2  6 x 2  y 2  2  
3) 3 x  2 y  5 x  y   2 x  2 y  3
4) 4a  23a  2b   6a  9   5a  b 
5) 2m  3 y  5m  7 y  6m 
6) a  8a  7 a  (6a  5)  3a   4a  (3  5a )  

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 5

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

WORKSHEET #1

Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials and Removing Grouping Symbols

Name_________________________________Section______Date______Score_____

A. Perform the indicated operations.

4 w 2  5w  2
13s  11s  7 s  2 s  5s  4
5 4 3 2

2) Add:  5w  6 w  5
2
1) Add:
 8s  10 s  5s  2 s  5s  7
5 4 3 2

8w 2  7 w  2

2 n 5  5n 2  6
3) Subtract:
3n 5  7 n 2  8

4) 3x 2
   
 4 x  5   5x 2  7 x  2  2 x 2  5x  7 = 

  
5) Subtract the sum of 2 x 2  3 y 2  5 and 3x 2  6 y 2  2 from the 
difference of 5x 2
 
 3 y 2  1 and 2 x 2  3 y 2  1 . 

B. Remove all grouping symbols and combine similar terms.

1) 3  x  2  3x  5 4 x  3 y   7 x  2 y  5   

2) 10x   8x  y  2  5  3x  y   34x  8y  5 

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 6

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

2.4 Multiplication of polynomials

Objective: To be able to multiply polynomials.

Laws of Exponents

The nth Power of a: If n is a positive integer, the symbol, a n , read as “nth power of a ” or “a raised to
the nth power” is the product of n factors each equal to a. Hence, a  a  a  a  ... a (a
n

n
occurring n times as a factor). In the symbol a , a is called the base and n is the
exponent.
n 1 1
 a 1 
1
Note: If n = 1, then a = a. Furthermore, a , and .
n a
a
Zero Exponent: For each a  R, a  0, a  1 .
0

For the following laws of exponents, a and b are real numbers and m and n are positive integers.
The following laws of exponents will be used in multiplying polynomials.

Law I a m  a n  a m n

Examples : 1) 5 2  5 3  5 23  5 5 3) a a   ________

3 4

2) x x   x
2 3 23
 x5 4)  b  b   ________
2 6

Law II a 
m n
 a mn

Example s 1) 5   52 3 6

2) x   x m 3 3m
4) y   ________
2n 3

3) z   z4 2 8
5) z   _______
2 n 1 2

Law III abn  a n b n

3
Examples : 1) xy 3  x 3 y 3 4)  2xy 2   _________
 
n
2) qp3r  p 3r q 3r 5)  3x 2 y   ________
 
2n
3)  a 2  b   __________________
 

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 7

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

Find the product of the following.

Examples:
  
1)  4a 3 3b 2 5a 2 b  60a 5b 3 
 
2) 2m m  5m  9  2m 3  10m 2  18m
2


3) ( x  2 x)  x  3x  2 
2 2

Arrange the factors in vertical form and multiply vertically.

x 2  2 x  Multiplicand
x 2  3 x  2  Multiplier
x 4  2x3  The multiplicand times the first term of the multiplier.
 3 x 3  6 x 2  Multiplicand times the 2nd term of the multiplier.
 2 x 2  4 x  Multiplicand times the 3nd term of the multiplier.
x 4  5 x 3  8 x 2  4 x  Pr oduct

4. 3x  4 y  2 x  y 
We can multiply this vertically
3x  4 y
2x  y
6 x 2  8 xy
 3 xy  4 y 2
6 x 2  5 xy  4 y 2

The Product of Simple Binomials x  a  x  b where a and b  .

x  a  x  b  x 2  a  bx  a  b
To get the product: 1) Square the 1st term: x2
2) Multiply the sum (a + b) by x: a  bx
3) Multiply a and b: a  b
4) Write the sum of the 3 terms.

Examples:
1) x  3 x  7   x 2  3  7 x  3  7  x 2  10 x  21
2) x  5 x  2  x 2  5  2x  5  2  x 2  7 x  10
3) x  3 x  7   x 2   3  7 x  (3)(7)  x 2  4 x  21
4) x  5 x  2  _______________________________

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 8

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

  
Product of Binomials of the Form ax  b cx  d where a, b, c, d are Real Numbers.
To get the product, use the FOIL METHOD.
L
F
FOIL Method of Multiplying Two Binomials
ax  b cx  d  F – Product of the 2 First Terms.
I O – Product of the 2 Outer Terms
O I - Product of the 2 Inner terms.
L – Product of the 2 Last Terms.

Examples:
1) 2 x  4 3x  5 
By FOIL Method we have
F L F O I L
   

2 x  4 3x  5  6 x 2
 10 x  12 x  20
I O
 6 x 2  22 x  20
F L F O I L
   

2) 6 x  7  2 x  3  12 x 2
 18 x  14 x  21
I O
 12 x 2  4 x  21
3) 3y  4  2 y  5  6 y 2  15 y  8y  20
 ______________________
4) 8x  2 2x  3  16 x 2  24 x  4x  6
 ______________________

5)  2m 2  5   4m 2  6   8m 4  12m 2  20m 2  30
  
 ______________________

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 9

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

Exercises:

Find each product and simplify.

 
1)  a 3 3  7 a  4a 2  ______________________________________

 
2) 2 pq p 2  pq  q 2  _____________________________________

3) r  3 r 2  2r  5  _____________________________________
4) (3x 2  5x  6) (2 x  4)  _____________________________________

5) 2c  d  3c 2  2cd  5d 2   ________________________________

6) 5 x 2
 
 2 x  1 x 2  3 x  5  ________________________________

Use FOIL method.

7) x  8x  9  ____________________________________________

8)  x  7  x  11  ____________________________________________

9)  y  6 y  12   __________________________________________
10) a  x  a  3x   _________________________________________

11) 2 x  3 x  5  ________________________________________

12) 3m  2n 2m  5n  _____________________________________

13) (3x 3  8 y) (5 x 3  9 y)  ____________________________________

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 10

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

2.5 Special Products

In multiplication of polynomials, certain types of products occur so frequently that they

can be represented by formulas called Special Product Formulas. You need to be familiar with
these formulas to speed up your work with some algebraic processes later.

SPECIAL PRODUCT FORMULAS

I. Product of the Sum and Difference of the Same Two Terms:

a  b a  b  a 2  b 2 To get the product: 1) Square the 1st term.
2) Square the 2nd term.
3) Write the difference of the 2 terms.

Examples:
1) 3x  2 3x  2  here a  3x; b2
Substituting the values of a and b, we get the product:
3x  2 3x  2  3x2  22  9x 2  4


2) y  4
2
y 2
    4
 4  y2
2 2
 y 4  16

2 2
 z 2  z 2  z   2
3)              _____________________________
 2 x  2 x  2  x

4) 5 x  6 y  5 x  6 y   _______________________________________

II. The Square of a Binomial

a  b2  a 2  2ab  b 2
2
To get the product: 1) Square the 1st term: a
2) Double the product of the 2 terms a and b: 2ab
2
3) Square the last term: b
4) Write the sum of the 3 terms.

Examples:

1)2 x  3 y   2 x   22 x  3 y   3 y   4 x 2  12 xy  9 y 2
2 2 2

2)  3n 2  4  2  3n 2   4 2   3n 2  2  2 3n 2   4   4 2  9n 4  24n 2  16

       
 z z z
3)  6 y   2  6 y  2  26 y      2  _______________________
 2 2 2
4) 5x  9 y  2  ____________________________________________

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 11

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

III. Product of a Binomial and Trinomial of the Forms:

a  b  a 2  ab  b 2   a 3  b 3
a  b  a 2  ab  b 2   a 3  b 3
The products are called Sum of Two Cubes and Difference of Two Cubes.

Examples:

1) 2 x  y  4 x 2  2 xy  y 2   2 x 3   y 3
 8x 3  y 3
2) 3x  4 9 x 2  12 x  16   3x 3  43  27 x 3  64

3) 4c  1 16c 2  4c  1  4c 3  13  __________________________

4) 5 x  2 y  25 x 2  10 xy  4 y 2   5 x 3  2 y 3  125 x 3  8 y 3
z 2 z2 
3
 z
5)  2 y    4 y  yz    2 y      ______________________
3

 2  4  2
 x y  x xy y 2 
2
6)        ________________________________________________
 2 3  4 6 9 

IV. Cube of a Binomial

a  b3  a 3  3a 2 b  3ab2  b 3

Examples:

1) 2 x  y 3  2 x   3 2 x   y   32 x   y    y 
3 2 2 3

  y
 8x 3  3 4x 2  6 xy 2  y 3
 8 x 3  12 x 2 y  6 xy 2  y 3

2) 3 y  5 z 3  3 y   5 z 3  3 y 3  3 3 y 2  5 z   33 y   5 z 2   5 z 3
 27 y 3  39 y 2   5 z   9 y 25 z 2   125 z 3
 27 y 3  135 y 2 z  225 yz 2  125 z 3

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 12

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

3) 4d  3c 3  4d 3  3 4d 2 3c   34d  3c 2  3c 3

 64d 3  316d 2  3c   12d 9c 2   27c 3
 64d 3  144 d 2 c  108dc 2  27c 3
3
  b 
3 2 3
 b 2 b  b  b
4)  2a    2a      2a   3 2a      32a        
3

 3   3   3  3  3
 b2   b
3
3
 
 b
 8a  3 4a     6a
2
    
 3  9   3
3
2ab 2 b
 8a  4a b 
3 2

3 27

Exercises:

Find the product by using Special Product Formula.

1) 2a  3b  2a  3b   _____________________________________

2) 3x  4 y  3x  4 y   ____________________________________

3) 5 x  4 y  5 x  4 y   ____________________________________

5 7 5 7
4)        ______________________________________
 x y  x y

5) 2 x  7 y 2  ___________________________________________

6) 3a  2 y 2  ___________________________________________

7) x 2
 2y2 
2
 __________ __________ __________ __________ ___

8) a  3 a 2  3a  9  _____________________________________

9)  y  4 y 2  4 y  16   __________________________________

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 13

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

10) 3m  5 9m2  15m  25  ________________________________

y  y 
2
5y
11)   5     25   ________________________________
3  9 3 
12) 2 x  7 y 3  _________________________________________
3
 p
13)  3m    _________________________________________
 4
14) 5 x  3 y 3  __________________________________________
3
 x2 z3 
15)     __________________________________________
 7 6

*16) a  b  c 2  ____________________________________________
*17) 3m  2n  4 p 2  ________________________________________
*18) x  2 y   4x  2 y   4  ________________________________
*19) 2m  3n  5 p 2m  3n  5 p   ____________________________
*20) 2 x  3 y  z 2 x  3 y  z  =______________________________________

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 14

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

WORKSHEET #2

Multiplication of Polynomials

Name_____________________________ Section_____ Date_____ Score_____

Find the product of the following.

1) 4a  3b  2a  b    
3) m 2  2m  2 2m 2  m  3 
2) 9 y  2 8 y 2  6 y  1 

Find the product of the following using Special Product Formulas.

4) 5 x  3 y  5 x  3 y   ______________________________________________

5) 3x  82  ______________________________________________________

2
 z
6)  9 y    _____________________________________________________
 2

7) 3m  n 3  _______________________________________________________

8) a  2  a 2  2a  4   ________________________________________________
 

3
9)  2z  5w 2   ______________________________________________________
 

3
10.  3x 2  4 y  = _________________________________________________
 

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 15

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

2.6 Division Of Polynomials

Objectives: 1. To divide a polynomial by a monomial.

2. To divide a polynomial by another polynomial.

The following laws of exponents will be used for division of polynomials.

n
a an
Law IV    where b  0
b bn

2 3
 3 32 9  2x 
Examples : 1)    2  3)    ____________
 4 4 16  y 
n 1 3
 x x n1  2x 2 
2)    4)    ____________
 y y n1  3y 
 

am
Law V(i)
n
 a mn , where m  n and a  0
a

74 m3
Examples : 1)  7 4 2  7 2 3)  ______________
72 m2
b x2 x5
2)  b x  21  b x 1 4)  ______________
b x2

am 1
Law V(ii)  , where n  m and a  0
an a n m

32 1 1 1 a3 1
Examples : 1) 5
 5 2  3  3) 5
 53  _________
3 3 3 27 a a
x 5
1 1  15 y 
10
2) 8
 85  3 4)  12   ___________
x x x  3y 

am
Law V (iii) 1 , where m  n and a  0
an

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 16

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

10 2  x  13 
Examples : 1) 1 3)    _________
10 2  x  13 
 
3x 5 2y4
2) 1 4)  __________
3x 5 6y4

A. To divide a polynomial by a monomial we divide each term of the polynomial by the monomial.
abc a b c
  
d d d d

Examples: 1) Divide the monomial 10x 5 by the monomial 2x 2 .

10 x 5
10 x 5  2 x 2  2
 5 x 5 2  5 x 3
2x
2) Divide the binomial 4x + 8y by the monomial 4.
4x  8 y 4x 8 y
   x  2y
4 4 4

15 x 3 y 2  12 x 2 y 3  6 x 4 y 2
3) 2 2
 5x  4 y  2 x 2
3x y

B. Division by a polynomial of two or more terms is accomplished by a process similar to long division in
arithmetic. This process is called long division of polynomials.
Q( x)
D( x) P( x) Where P(x) is the dividend, D(x) is the
divisor and Q(x) is the quotient.

Steps in Long Division of Polynomials: Arrange the terms of the dividend and divisor in descending
order of the powers of some variables common to both. Put zeros in place of missing terms if there are
any.
st
1) Divide the first term of the dividend by the first term of the divisor to get the 1 term of the
quotient.
2) Multiply the whole divisor by the first term of the quotient and subtract the product from the
dividend.
3) The remainder of step 3 becomes our new dividend.
4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 to obtain the 2 nd term of Q(x).
5) Continue the above procedure until the remainder is zero or the exponent of the variable is
lower than that of the divisor.
6) Add the non-zero remainder to the quotient and divide it by the divisor.

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 17

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

Example 1.

2x  7
quotient
divisor 3 x  4 6 x  13 x  28 2
dividend
6x 2  8x
21x  28  new dividend
21x  28
0
Example 2. x 3

 2 x  3  x  2
x 2  2x  2  7
x2
x  2 x3  0x 2  2x  3

x 3
 2x 2 
2x 2  2x  3

(2 x 2  4 x)
2x  3

2 x  4
7  remainder

Example 3. 
( x 4  4 x  2)  x 2  2 x  1 
8 x 1
x 2  2x  3 
x 2  2 x 1

x 2  2x  1 x 4  0x3  0x 2  4x  2

 x 4  2x3  x 2 
2x3  x 2  4x  2

 2x3  4x 2  2x 
3x 2  2 x  2

 3x 2  6 x  3 
8x  1

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 18

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

C. Synthetic Division
In dividing a polynomial by a binomial of the form (x +d) or (x –d) we can take a short cut by
synthetic division.
Steps in Synthetic Division:

1) Arrange each term of the dividend in descending powers of a variable common to both
dividend and divisor. Put zeros in place of some missing terms if there are any.
2) Write down the synthetic dividend in a row getting all the numerical coefficients in the
dividend.
3) The synthetic divisor is the additive inverse of the 2 nd term of the divisor.
4) Write a blank line for the 2nd row. Bring down the 1st term of the synthetic dividend in the 3rd
row. This is the 1st term of the synthetic quotient.
5) Multiply the 1st term of the synthetic quotient by the synthetic divisor and write the product on
the line under the 2nd term of the synthetic dividend.
nd nd rd
6) Add the 2 column to get the 2 term of the quotient on the 3 row.
7) Multiply the sum in step 6 to the synthetic divisor and write the product on the line under the
3rd term.
8) Repeat steps 5, 6, 7 until you reach the last column, which gives the remainder. If the last
sum is zero, there is no remainder.
9) The numbers in the 3rd row are the numerical coefficients of the quotient. To get the quotient,
attach the variables in descending powers. The quotient is 1 degree lower than the dividend.

d
Note: If the divisor is of the form (cx + d), the synthetic divisor is a fraction . Divide the resulting
c
numbers in the 3rd row, except the remainder, by c to get the synthetic quotient.

Examples:
1) ( x 3  2 x  3)   x  2  

Step 1. x3  0 x 2  2 x  3

Step 2 3 1st Row 1 0 2 3 2

2nd Row  2
Step 4, 5 , 6 3rd Row 1 2

Step 7, 8 1 0 2 3 2
1 2 4 4
1 2 2 7
7
Step 9 1x 2  2 x  2 
x2
7
Quotient: x  2 x  2 
2

x2

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 19

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

2) x 4  2 x 2  4    x  2 
Rewrite :
x 4
 0 x3  2 x 2  0 x  4  x  2

1 0 2 0 4 2
2 4 4 8
12 2  4 12

12
1x 3  2 x 2  2 x  4 
x2
12
Quotient: x 3  2 x 2  2 x  4 
x2

3) x 5  3x 2  200    x  3 
Rewrite :
x 5
 0 x 4  0 x 3  3x 2  0 x  200   x  3

1 0 0  3 0  200 3
3 9 27 72 216
1  3  9  24 72 16

16
1x 4  3 x 3  9 x 2  24 x  72 
x3
16
Quotient: x  3 x  9 x  24 x  72 
4 3 2

x3

Exercises

A. Perform each of the following Division of Polynomials

36 p 8 18 x 5 y 6  32a 4 b 5
1)  2) 3)
4 p3 3x 2 y 2 4a 5 b

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 20

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

8k 4  12 k 3  2k 2  70k
4) 
2k
12 m 2 n 2  6mn2  4m 2 n
5)
2mn
x  x6
2
6) 
x3
12r 2  17 r  5
7) 
3r  5
15m 2  34 m  28
8) 
5m  3
3 y3  y 2  3 y  1
9) 
y2  1
3k 3  4k 2  6k  10
10) 
k2  2
2 x 5  5 x 4  6 x 3  4 x 2  11x  4
11) 
2 x 2  3x  1
2 y 4  5 y3  y  4
12) 
1
y
2

A. By synthetic division, find the quotient and the remainder in each of the following.

y2  2 y  1
1) 
y 1
r 2  8r  15
2) 
r 3
 
3) 2 x3  3x 2  7 by x  1
4) a  4a  7  by a  3
3

5) 2 x  3x  20 x  6  by (a) x  4; by (b) x  3

4 3 2

6) y  64  by (a)  y  2 ; by (b)  y  2
6

7) 18x 3

 5 x  10  3x  2
8) 24 x 4

 18 x3  16 x  8  4 x  3

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 21

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

WORKSHEET #3

Division of Polynomials

Name_____________________________Section_________Date________Score____

Perform each of the following Division of polynomials.

3 x 4  9 x 3  12 x 2
1) 
3x 2

m2  7m  6
2) 
m6

3x3  x 2 y  8 x y 2  4 y 3
3) 
3x  2 y

A. By synthetic division, find the quotient and the remainder in each of the following divisions:

1) 2 y 4
 y 3  18 y 2  7  by  y  3

2) x 4

 3x  4  x  2

 4 3  1
 2x  x  x     x  
3
3)
 4  2

 1
4)  3x 4  x3  3x 2    3x  1
 3

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 22

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

n
2.7 Binomial Expansion: (a + b)

Definition: Factorial Notation (n!) - The symbol n!, read as “n factorial” is the product of n
consecutive positive integers from 1 to n.

4! = 1  2  3  4 = 24 6! = 1  2  3  4  5  6 = 720

n! = 1  2  3  4  . . . (n  2) (n  1) n
Remark: 0! = 1, 1! =1

The Binomial Theorem

n n a n1b n (n  1) a n2 b 2 n (n  1) (n  2)a n3 b 3

(a + b) = a n     . . .  bn
1! 2! 3!

Example 1. Expand (a + b) 4

4 a3 b 4 (3) a 2 b 2 4 (3) (2) a b 3

a  b4  a 4     b4
1! 2! 3!

4 (3) a 2 b 2 4 (3) (2) a b 3

= a
4
 4 a3 b    b4
1 2 1 2  3

= a 4a b6a b 4ab b

4 3 2 2 3 4

Example 2. Expand (a + b) 5

Example 3. Expand (a + b) 6

Using Pascal’s Triangle, we can generalize the formulas for the Binomial
Expansion of (a + b) n.
Expansion Numerical Coefficients
(a +b) 0 = 1 1
(a +b) 1 = a+b 1 1
(a +b) 2 = a2 + 2ab + b2 1 2 1
(a +b) 3 = a3 + 3a2 b + 3ab2 + b3 1 3 3 1
(a +b) 4 = a 4 + 4a3b + 6a2b2 + 4ab3 + b4 1 4 6 4 1
(a +b) 5 = a5 + … + b5 1 5 10 10 5 1
6 6
(a +b) = a6 + … + b 1 6 15 20 15 6 1

It can also be shown that

n a n 1b n (n  1) a n  2 b 2 n (n  1) (n  2)a n 3 b3
(a - b)
n
= an     . . .  bn
1! 2! 3!

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 23

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

Examples:
= x  4x  2 y   6x  2 y   4x 2 y   2 y 
4 4 3 2 2 3 4
1. ( x + 2y)
=____________________________________________

= x  4x   2 y   6x   2 y   4x  2 y    2 y 

4 4 3 2 2 3 4
2. ( x – 2y )
=____________________________________________

5
3. (2x + 3 y ) =___________________________________________

Properties of the Binomial Expansion of a  b 

n

1. There are 𝑛 + 1 terms in the binomial expansion.

2. If the 2nd term of the binomial is negative, the terms in the expansion will consist of
alternating positive and negative signs.
3. The sum of the exponents of a and b in each term is always equal to n.
n
4. The powers of a occur in descending order starting with a in the first term.
1
5. The powers of b occur in ascending order starting with b in the 2nd term
6. The (𝑟 + 1) 𝑡ℎ term of an expansion may be obtained using the formula below.

n (n  1) (n  2) . . . (n  r  1) a nr b r
(𝑟 + 1)𝑡ℎ term = .
r!

Exercises: Expand the following and simplify

1) 2  y  =
4

2) 3y  5z  4 

3)  5x  2 y  
3 2 4
 
4)  2a  3b  
2 5
 

 2 16
5)  x   
 x

6)  2 x  y  
2 8
 

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 24

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

WORKSHEET #4

Binomial Expansion

Name____________________________Section_______Date________Score_______

Give the Binomial Expansion

1) x  3y  6  ______________________________________________________

2) 3d  2c  4  ______________________________________________________

3) 5y  4z  5  ______________________________________________________

 2  2  4  ______________________________________________________
4)  3a 
 a

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 25

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

2.8 Factoring Polynomials

Objective: To factor polynomials using the different factorization pattern or a combination of these
patterns.

Terms to Remember

1. Factor: If P, Q and R are polynomials such that Q∙R = P then Q and R are called factors of P.

2. Factoring Polynomials: Factoring polynomials is the process of finding 2 or more factors

whose product is the given polynomial.

3. Prime Polynomial: A prime polynomial is a polynomial which has no other factor except 1 and
itself.
2 3 2
Examples: 2x +1, x + 7, x – 5, x – xy + 1

4. Completely Factored Form: A polynomial is in the completely factored form if it is expressed

as a product of prime polynomials.

Example: 6 y 2  12 y  6 y  y  2

5. Prime Factorization: Prime Factorization is the process of factoring a polynomial completely

as a product of prime polynomials.

In factoring polynomials it is essential for students to be familiar with basic factorization patterns
which will serve as tools for easier factorization.

FACTORIZATION PATTERNS

A. I. Common Monomial Factors

ab + ac = a (b + c)
ab + ac – ad = a (b + c – d)

Rules: 1) Find the GCF of all the terms of the polynomial.

2) Write the GCF as the first factor.
3) To find the second factor, divide (mentally) each term of the polynomial by the
GCF and write the result as the second factor.

Examples: Factor the following completely.

1) mx  my  ______________________________
2) ax  ay  az  ___________________________
3) 3 x 2 y 3  6 xy 2  3 xy 2  xy  2 
4) 5 x 3 y 3  10 x 2 y 3  20 x 3 y 2  5 x 2 y 2  xy  2 y  4 x 
5) 6a 3b 4  12a 2 b 3  18a 4 b 3  ______________________

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 26

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

II. Difference of Two Squares

a 2  b 2  a  b a  b
Rules: 1) The square root of the 1st term equals a
2) The square root of the 2nd term equals b
3) The factors are the sum and difference of a and b: (a + b) (a – b)

Examples: Factor the following completely.

1) 36 x 2  25 y 2  6 x  5 y  6 x  5 y 
 
2
a b2
a  6x b  5y

2) 16a 2  9b 2  4a  3b  4a  3b 

3) 4 x 2  y 2  ___________________

 
4) 16a 4  b 4  4a 2  b 2 4a 2  b 2 
The first factor is prime. The second factor is factorable. Therefore, the final answer

is:  4a  b
2 2
 2a  b 2a  b
5) x 4  81  _________________________________________________

III. Perfect Square Trinomials

a 2  2ab  b 2  a  b 
2

a 2  2ab  b 2  a  b 
2

Rules:
1) Get the square root of the 1st term (a) and the square root of the last term (b).
2) Double the product of a and b to check if will give the middle term.
3) If the middle term of the trinomial is positive the factor is a  b  of the trinomial.
2

If the middle term is negative, the factor is a  b  .

2

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 27

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

Examples: Factor the following:

x 2  6 x  9   x  3
2
1)
 
x and 3 are the square roots of x 2 and 9.
6 x is double the product of x & 3.

x 2  8 x  16   x  4 
2
2)
 
x and (4) are the square roots of x 2 and 16.
 8 x is double the product of (4) & x.

3) 4 x 2  12 xy  9 y 2  __________________________
4) 9 x 2  30 xy  25 y 2  _________________________
5) x  y 2  8( x  y)  16  ______________________

IV. Sum or Difference of Two Cubes


a 3  b 3  a  b  a 2  ab  b 2 
a3  b3  a  b  a 2
 ab  b 2 
Rules: 1) Get the cube roots of the 1 and 2nd terms. These cube roots are
st

a and b respectively.
2) Substitute the values of a and b to the formula above.

Examples: Factor the following completely.

1) x 3  27  x   3  ________________________________________
3 3

2) 8 y 3  1  2 y   1
3 3


 2 y  1 2 y   (2 y )(1)  1
2 2


 2 y  1 4 y  2 y  1
2

3) a 3  125b3  _______________________________________________

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 28

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

4) 8 y 3  27  _____________________________________________
27 64
5)   __________________________________________
x3 y3
3 4
a ; b
x y

V. Simple Trinomial
x  a  b x  a  b  x  a  x  b 
2

Rules: 1) The 1st terms of the factors is the square root of the first term of
the polynomial, (x).
2) Factor the last term in such a way that the sum of the 2 factors, (a + b),
equals the numerical coefficient of the middle term of the polynomial.
3) Substitute the factors a and b in the formula to get the factors (x + a) (x + b).

Examples: Factor the following completely.

1) x 2  5 x  6  x  2 x  3
Factors of 6 are 2 and 3
a  2 ; b 3 , ab 5
2) x 2  5x  6  x  2x  3
a  2 ; b  3 , a  b  (2)  (3)  5
Since the middle term is negative, the factors of 6 must be (-2) and (-3).

3) x 2  4 x  21  x  7  x  3
The factors of –21 must be one negative and one positive. The factor with greater absolute value
must be positive since the middle term is positive.
-21 = (7) (-3)
a  7 ; b  3 , a  b  7  (3)  4

4) y 2  3 y  10   y  5  y  2
The factors of (-10) must be one positive and one negative. The factor with greater absolute
value must be negative since the middle term is negative.
-10 = (-5) (2)
a  (5) ; b  2 , a  b  (5)  2  3

5) y 2  9 y  18  ________________________________
6) y 2  9 y  18  ________________________________

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 29

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

VI. The General Trinomial ax  bx  c

2

Factor by Trial and Error Method.

Rules: 1) Factor the numerical coefficients a and c.

2) Test for possible binomial factors by trial and error method.
3) Check your factors by multiplying them. If the middle term of the trinomial comes out
of the sum of the outer and inner products then you have the correct factors. If not try
another combinations of factors.

Examples: Factor the following completely.

1) 2 x 2  3 x  5  2 x  5 x  1
 
2x  5  5 x

1x 1  2x
 3x

a) Multiply the factors in the direction of the arrows.

b) Add their products and compare the sum with the middle term of the trinomial.

2) 2 x 2  11x  12  2 x  3 x  4

2 x  3  3x 2 x  3 x  4
 3x
1x  4  8 x 8x
11x 11x

3) 4 x 2  4 x  15  _________________________________
4) 12 x 2  7 xy  10 y 2  _____________________________
5) 6 x 4  7 x 2 y 2  3 y 4  ____________________________

3x 2  1y 2  2 x 2 y 2

2x2  3 y 2  9x2 y 2
7 x2 y 2

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 30

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

VII. Factoring By Grouping

Rules: 1) If necessary, rearrange and regroup terms with common factors.

2) Factor out common monomial or binomial factors.
3) Continue factoring until all factors are prime.

Examples: Factor the following polynomials completely.

  
1) 2 x 3  x 2  2 xy 2  y 2  2 x 3  x 2  2 xy 2  y 2 
 x 2 2 x  1  y 2 2 x  1

 2 x  1 x 2  y 2 

2) x 2  y 2  ax  ay  x 2  y 2  ax  ay 
 x  y  x  y   ax  y 
 x  y  x  y  a 

3) mx  my  px  py  mx  my    px  py 
 m x  y   p  x  y 
  x  y  m  p 

4) ax  ay  bx  by  ax  ay   bx  by 
 a  x  y   b x  y 
 x  y a  b 
5) 4 x  4 y  x 3  x 2 y  4 x  4 y   x 3  x 2 y  
 4 x  y   x 2  x  y 
 x  y  4  x 2  
  x  y  2  x  2  x 


6) x 3  2 x 2  9 x  18  x 3  2 x 2  9 x  18 
 x x  2  9x  2
2

 
 x  2 x 2  9   x  2 x  3 x  3
7) 2 2
 2

y  8 y  16  x  y  8 y  16  x 2   y  4  x 2
2

  y  4  x   y  4   x 

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 31

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

8) y3  y 2  2  y3  y 2  1  1  y3  1  y 2  1    
 
  y  1 y 2  y  1   y  1 y  1
 
  y  1 y 2  y  1  y  1   y  1 y 2  2 y  2  

VIII. Adding and Subtracting a Perfect Square

A perfect square is added to a 4 th degree polynomial to produce a perfect square

trinomial. However, to preserve the value of the original expression, the same term must
be subtracted from the polynomial at the same time.
Adding and subtracting the same number or expression to the polynomial is
the same as adding zero, but this method results into a form that is factorable as the
difference of 2 squares.

Examples :

1). a  a b  b 
4 2 2 4

2 2
To complete a perfect square trinomial, the middle term must be 2 a b so we have to add and
2 2
subtract a b .
a 4  a 2b 2  b 4  a 4  a 2 b 2  a 2 b 2  b 4  a 2 b 2


 a 4  2 a 2b 2  b 4  a 2b 2 
= a  2
 b2 2
 ab 2
= a  2

 b 2  ab  a 2

 b 2  ab 
2). x
4
 2 x2  9  x4  2 x2  4 x2  9  4 x2
= x  4
 6 x2  9  4 x2 

= x
2
3  2
 2 x 2

= x  3  2x
2
  x 2

 3  2x 
3) c
4
 11 c 2 d 2  d 4  c 4  11 c 2 d 2  9 c 2 d 2  d 4  9 c 2 d 2
4 2 2

= c  2 c d  d 9 c d
4 2 2

Continue factoring.

4) r
4
 4 r 2 s 2  36 s 4  r 4  4 r 2 s 2  16r 2 s 2  36 s 4  16 r 2 s 2
= 
r  12r s  36 s
4 2 2 4
 16 r 2 2
s
continue factoring.

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 32

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

Exercises:

Factor the following polynomials completely.

1) 3 x 3 y 2  18 x 2 y 4  ____________________________________________

2) 24m 4 n 2  18m 3n 2  6m 2 n  ____________________________________

3) 4m 2  9  __________________________________________________

y2
4) 16 x 2   ________________________________________________
4

5) 25n 2  p 4  ________________________________________________

6) (m  n) 2  49  ______________________________________________

7) x 2  14 x  49  ______________________________________________

8) 16 y 2  24 y  9  _____________________________________________

9) m3  8n3  __________________________________________________

10) y 3  1  ____________________________________________________

3
6 343  2  3  7 
11) x   x    _______________________________
 
y6    y2 

12) a  b  2  12a  b   36  __________________________________

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 33

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

13) y 2  23 y  50  _________________________________________

14) a 2  7 ab  30b 2  ________________________________________

15) 3 y 2  28 y  32  ________________________________________

16) 10 x 2  13 xy  3 y 2  _______________________________________

17) m3  n3  m 2  n 2  ____________________________________________

18) 25 x 2  4 y 2  12 y  9  __________________________________________

19) 27  3 b 2  36 b  4 b3  _________________________________________

20) 16 a 4  20 a 2b 2  9 b 4  ____________________________________________

21) x 4  64 y 4  _____________________________________________________

22) y 4  7 y 2 z 2  9 z 4  ______________________________________________

23) b 4  6 b 2c 2  25 c 4  ______________________________________________

24) d 4  8 d 2  4  ___________________________________________________

25) x 4  11x 2 y 2  49 y 4  _______________________________________________

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 34

 MODULE 2. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBR AIC EXPRESSIONS

WORKSHEET #5

Methods of Factoring

Name_______________________________Section_____Date________Score_____

Factor the following polynomials completely.

1) 12 x 4 y 4  36 x 3 y 2  60 x 5 y 3  ______________________________________
2) 36 x 2  25 y 2  __________________________________________________
1
3) 16 x 4   ___________________________________________________
y4
4) 25x 2  120 xy  144 y 2  ___________________________________________
5) 49 x 2  70 x  25  ________________________________________________
6) 125a 3  8b 3  ___________________________________________________
7) 27 y 3  64 w 3  __________________________________________________
8) 49 x 2  70 x  25  ________________________________________________
9) m 2 n 2  4mn  21  _______________________________________________
10) 12 x 2  11x  2  __________________________________________________
11) 2 y 4  y 2  1  ____________________________________________________
12) 3m 4  10m 2  8  __________________________________________________

13) x 3  a 2  1  y 3  a 2  1  ____________________________________________

   

14) a  b2  2 a  b  24 = _________________________________________

15) 15 xy  9 yz  20 xz  12 z 2  __________________________________________
16) 6ab  5c  2b  15ac  ______________________________________________
17) y 4  64  ______________________________________________________
18) x 4  x 2  25  __________________________________________________

DOLI-JANE U. TEJADA, MS | MATH A Module 2 | Remedial Mathematics 35