2 Algebra

This chapter at a glance

Stage 5.1/5.2
After completing this chapter, you should be able to:

use algebra to find rules for simple number patterns

use the method of finite differences to find rules for simple number
patterns

evaluate algebraic expressions by substituting numbers for pronumerals

add and subtract algebraic expressions

multiply and divide algebraic expressions

simplify algebraic expressions using the order of operations

expand algebraic expressions that contain grouping symbols using the
distributive law

factorise algebraic expressions by removing the highest common factor

add and subtract algebraic fractions

multiply and divide algebraic fractions.
Algebra

26
 Chapter 2: Algebra 27

2.1 Describing simple patterns

Many complex problems can often be solved more easily by using algebra. Algebra lets us
replace complex statements with short, simple expressions. Algebra also lets us generalise
results that are always true, or are true under certain conditions, so that we do not have to keep
solving the same types of problems over and over again.

Example 1
EG
+S

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of hexagons (h) 1 2 3
Number of triangles (t)
b Write down an algebraic rule that links the number of triangles (t) to the number of
hexagons (h).
c How many triangles would there be in a figure with 8 hexagons?

Solutions
a Number of hexagons (h) 1 2 3
Number of triangles (t) 6 12 18
b The number of triangles is found by multiplying the number of hexagons by 6,
∴ t = 6 × h (or t = 6h).
c To find the number of triangles in 8 hexagons, substitute h = 8 into the rule.
t=6×h
t=6×8
∴ t = 48 That is, there would be 48 triangles.

Example 2
EG
+S

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of circles (c) 1 2 3
Number of dots (d)
28 Mathscape 9

b Write down an algebraic rule that links the number of dots (d) to the number of circles (c).
c How many dots would there be in a figure with 12 circles?

Solutions
a
Number of circles (c) 1 2 3
Number of dots (d) 3 5 7
b The number of dots is found by doubling the number of circles and adding 1,
∴ d = (2 × c) + 1.
c To find the number of dots in a figure with 12 circles, substitute c = 12 into the rule.
d = (2 × c) + 1
d = (2 × 12) + 1
∴ d = 25 That is, there would be 25 dots.

Exercise 2.1

1 Explain how you could find further terms in each number pattern, then find the next two
terms.
a 4, 9, 14, … b 23, 20, 17, … c 4, 12, 36, … d 32, 16, 8, …
1
e 15, 22, 29, … f 5, 10, 20, … g 3, 1, 3 , …
--
- h 58, 49, 40, …
i 8, 3, −2, … 3
--
-
1
j 7, 7 4 , 8 2 , …
--
-
1
k 6, 3, 1 2 , …
--
- l −2, 10, −50, …

2 Use the rule given to find the next three numbers in each number pattern.
a Add 6: 13, 19, … b Multiply by 4: 5, 20, …
c Subtract 11: 64, 53, … d Divide by 5: 8750, 1750, …
e Add 3 then double: 1, 8, … f Subtract 4 then divide by 3: 1294, 430, …
g Divide by 2 then add 48: 32, 64, … h Multiply by 5 then subtract 20: 10, 30, …

■ Consolidation

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of triangles (t) 1 2 3
Number of circles (c)
 Chapter 2: Algebra 29

b Write down an algebraic rule that links the number of circles (c) to the number of
triangles (t).
c How many circles would there be in a figure with 8 triangles?

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of pentagons (p) 1 2 3
Number of triangles (t)
b Write down an algebraic rule that links the number of triangles (t) to the number of
pentagons (p).
c How many triangles would there be in a figure with 9 pentagons?

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of squares (s) 1 2 3
Number of crosses (c)
b Write down an algebraic rule that links the number of crosses (c) to the number of
squares (s).
c How many crosses would there be in a figure with 20 squares?

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of circles (c) 1 2 3
Number of dots (d)
b Write down an algebraic rule that links the number of dots (d) to the number of
circles (c).
c How many dots would there be in a figure with 15 circles?
30 Mathscape 9

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of large rhombuses (r) 1 2 3
Number of dots (d)
b Write down an algebraic rule that links the number of dots (d) to the number of
rhombuses (r).
c How many dots would there be in a figure with 40 rhombuses?

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of squares (s) 1 3 5
Number of crosses (c)
b Write down an algebraic rule that links the number of crosses (c) to the number of
squares (s).
c How many crosses would there be in a figure with 49 squares?

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of circles (c) 3 5 7
Number of triangles (t)
b Write down an algebraic rule that links the number of triangles (t) to the number of
circles (c).
c How many triangles would there be in a figure with 35 circles?
 Chapter 2: Algebra 31

■ Further applications
10

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of squares (s) 1 4 9
Number of dots (d)
b Write down an algebraic rule that links the number of dots (d) to the number of
squares (s).
c How many dots would there be in a figure with 64 squares?

11

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of cans in base (b) 1 2 3
Total number of cans (c)
b Write down an algebraic rule that links the total number of cans (c) to the number of
cans in the base (b).
c How many cans would there be in a pile with 10 cans in the base?

2.2 Finite differences

It is not always easy to find the algebraic rule that describes the relationship between variables.
The method of finite differences is a simple technique that can be used to help us find this
relationship. Finite differences are the differences between the numbers in the bottom row of a
table of values.
For example, the numbers in the bottom row x 1 2 3 4
of this table are increasing by 3. Therefore, y 13 16 19 22
the finite differences in the table are all 3s.
+3 +3 +3
32 Mathscape 9

To find the rule that links the variables x and y in a linear relationship:

write the standard rule in the form y = ∆x +

find ∆, the finite differences between the bottom numbers in the table

find by substituting into the rule a pair of values from the table.

NOTE: This method can only be used for linear relationships when the x-values are consecutive
integers (e.g. x = 1, 2, 3…).

Example
EG Find the rule that describes the relationship between x and y in this table of values.
+S
x 0 1 2 3
y 7 12 17 22

Solution
Let the rule be in the form y = ∆x + ,
x 0 1 2 3
where ∆ is the difference between each
pair of consecutive y-values. y 7 12 17 22
Now, the y-values are increasing by 5, ∴ ∆ = 5.
+5 +5 +5
If y = 5x + and x = 0 when y = 7,
7 = (5 × 0) +
7=0+
∴ =7
∴ The rule is y = 5x + 7.

Exercise 2.2

1 Complete each table of values using the given rules.

y=x+3 y = 2x + 5
a x 1 2 3 4 b x 0 1 2 3
y y
y = 3x − 4 y = 5x − 7
c x 5 6 7 8 d x 2 3 4 5
y y

2 For each table of values in Q1, compare the differences between the y-values and the
co-efficient of x in the rule. What do you notice?
 Chapter 2: Algebra 33

■ Consolidation
3 Use the method of finite differences to find a rule for each table of values.
a x 1 2 3 4 b x 0 1 2 3
y 4 8 12 16 y 6 7 8 9

c x 4 5 6 7 d p 2 3 4 5
y 11 13 15 17 q 5 8 11 14

e p 1 2 3 4 f p 7 8 9 10
q 9 14 19 24 q 47 54 61 68

g a 4 5 6 7 h a 0 1 2 3
b 17 19 21 23 b 3 7 11 15

i a 3 4 5 6 j s 5 6 7 8
b 18 24 30 36 t 17 22 27 32

k s 1 2 3 4 l s 2 3 4 5
t 13 20 27 34 t 19 31 43 55

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of squares (s) 1 2 3
Number of dots (d)
b Complete this rule that relates the number of dots to the number of squares: d = ∆s + .

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of rectangles (r) 3 4 5
Number of dots (d)
34 Mathscape 9

b Complete this rule that relates the number of dots to the number of rectangles:
d = ∆r + .

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of circles (c) 3 4 5
Number of dots (d)
b Complete this rule that relates the number of dots to the number of circles: d = ∆c + .

a Copy and complete this table of values.

Number of crosses (c) 2 3 4
Number of dots (d)
b Complete this rule that relates the number of dots to the number of crosses: d = ∆c + .

■ Further applications
8 Use the method of finite differences to find a rule linking the x- and y- values in each table.
a x 1 2 3 4 b x 0 1 2 3
y −7 −14 −21 −28 y 5 4 3 2

c x 1 2 3 4 d x 3 4 5 6
y 7 5 3 1 y 11 8 5 2

e x −4 −3 −2 −1 f x −2 −1 0 1
y 10 9 8 7 y 13 10 7 4
 Chapter 2: Algebra 35

TRY THIS Flags

Consider the following diagrams, then complete the table.
1 2 3

Pole length 1 2 3 4 5 …n
Number of squares 3

Use the method of finite differences to find a rule relating the number of squares in
the flag to the pole length.
HINT: The rule is not linear.

2.3 Substitution
When we substitute for a pronumeral, we give the pronumeral the value of a number. An
algebraic expression can have a number of values, depending on the value(s) that are substituted
for each pronumeral.

Example 1
EG Evaluate each of the following when x = 3 and y = 7.
+S
a 2xy b 8x − 2y c 2x2
x+y 2
d ------------ e 6(x + y) f x +y
2
Solutions
a 2xy b 8x − 2y c 2x2
= 2×3×7 = (8 × 3) − (2 × 7) = 2 × 32
= 42 = 24 − 14 = 2×9
= 10 = 18
x+y 2
d ------------ e 6(x + y) f x +y
2
= 6(3 + 7) 2
3+7
= ------------ = 3 +7
2 = 6 × 10
10 = 60 = 9+7
= ------
2 = 16
=5 =4
36 Mathscape 9

Example 2
EG Evaluate each of these when m = 2 and n = 5.
+S
a m−n+9 b 3m − 4n c mn(m − n)

Solutions
a m−n+9 b 3m − 4n c mn(m − n)
= 2−5+9 = (3 × 2) − (4 × 5) = 2 × 5 × (2 − 5)
= −3 + 9 = 6 − 20 = 10 × (−3)
=6 = −14 = −30

Example 3
EG Evaluate each of the following given that p = 4, q = −3 and r = −6.
+S
a p+q−r b pqr c q( p − r)

Solutions
a p+q−r b pqr c q( p − r)
= 4 + (–3) − (–6) = 4 × (−3) × (−6) = −3(4 − −6)
=4−3+6 = −12 × −6 = −3 × 10
=1+6 = 72 = −30
=7

Exercise 2.3

1 Evaluate each of the following when k = 5.

a k+7 b k−2 c 13 − k d 3k
e 7k + 8 f 12k − 23 g 30 − 4k h k2
i k3 j 3k2 k k2 + 3k l 2k2 − 9k
40 k k+7 5k + 11
m ------ n ------ o ------------ p ------------------
k 15 4 2k – 1

■ Consolidation
2 Evaluate each of these when m = 7 and n = 3.
a 16 − m + n b mn − 8 c 6m − n d 2m + 5n
e 13n − 4m f 50 − 2mn g 3m + 6n − 11 h 100 − 5m − 3n
i n2 + 10 j 50 − m2 k m2 − n2 l 4n2
m 2m2 + 13 n n3 − 8m o mn 2 p m2n − mn3
q 5(m + n) r 12(m − n + 6) s n(8m − 20) t 2n(5m + mn)
24 4m + 4n 3m + 2n 2
u ------------- v -------------------- w -------------------
2
- x m + 5n
m–n 5 n
3 Find the value of each expression using the substitutions r = 6, s = 2 and t = 11.
a s−r b r−t c −s + t d −t − r
e r−s−t f s−t+r g −r + s + t h −t + s − r
 Chapter 2: Algebra 37

i 3s − t j −5t + 4r k −8r + st l 5s − rt
m 100 − rst n rs − st o r2 − 3rt p s 2 − r 2 + t2
q t − 5s2 r r(s − t) s 5(2t − 4r − 9s) t 3s(r2 − t2)

■ Further applications
4 Evaluate each of the following given that a = −3, b = 8 and c = −6.
a a+b b b−c c c+a d a−b
e a−c+b f c+b+a g b−a−c h −b + c + a
i 4a − 2b − c j b + 5a + 2c k 3b − 5a + 10c l −4c + 3b − 7a
m b(a + c) n c(b − a) o 2a(c + b) p ac(b − 10)
q (b − a)(b + c) r a2b s ab − c3 t abc
2 2
2 2 ab b – 2c 2(a + c )
u b +c v ------ w --------------- x ------------------------
c a–1 ac

2.4 Adding and subtracting

algebraic expressions
Algebraic terms with identical pronumerals are called like terms. Only like terms can be added
or subtracted. Some examples of:
• like terms are 3m and 5m, 7q and −2q, xy and yx, 4t 2 and 9t 2
• unlike terms are 4a and 4b, ef and fg, 6u2 and 11u.

To collect the like terms in an algebraic expression:

add or subtract the co-efficients

keep the same pronumeral(s).

Example 1
EG Simplify each of these.
+S
a 7s + 3s b 12w − 4w c 6y − y
d 5r 2 + 2r 2 e 14gh − 9gh f 7pq + 6qp

Solutions
a 7s + 3s = 10s b 12w − 4w = 8w c 6y − y = 5y
d 5r 2 + 2r 2 = 7r 2 e 14gh − 9gh = 5gh f 7pq + 6qp = 13pq

Example 2
EG Simplify these expressions by collecting the like terms.
+S
a 6e + 13 + 4e + 8 b 9v 2 + 7v + v 2 − 3v c 8x + 7y − 5x − 12y
38 Mathscape 9

Solutions
a 6e + 13 + 4e + 8 b 9v 2 + 7v + v 2 − 3v c 8x + 7y − 5x − 12y
= 6e + 4e + 13 + 8 = 9v 2 + v 2 + 7v − 3v = 8x − 5x + 7y − 12y
= 10e + 21 = 10v 2 + 4v = 3x − 5y

Exercise 2.4

1 a Simplify 7x + 3x.
b Verify your answer by substituting several values for x.

2 a Simplify 5n + 2n and 2n + 5n.

b Does 5n + 2n = 2n + 5n?
c Does it matter in which order algebraic expressions are added?

3 a Simplify 5s − 3s and 3s − 5s.

b Does 5s − 3s = 3s − 5s?
c Does it matter in which order algebraic expressions are subtracted?

4 Simplify each of the following.

a 4y + 5y b 12n − 8n c 2c + c d 7k − k
e 11z − 11z f 10b − 9b g 3a2 + 4a2 h 13g2 − 5g2
i 6pq + 5pq j 15xy − 8yx k 2abc + 6abc l 14m2n + 5m2n
m 3t − 7t n −2u + 12u o −13p + 4p p −8j − 7j
q 5pq − 11pq r −10yz + 9zy s e 2 − 11e 2 t −9rs2 + 7rs2

■ Consolidation
5 Simplify:
a 3a + 4a + 2a b 10b − 3b − b c 9k − 6k + 7k d 5m − 8m − 4m
e 3p − 10p + 15p f −6r + 4r + 9r g −x − 7x − 5x h −3c + 2c − 11c
i 4e 2 − 7e 2 − 10e 2 j 8a2 − 12a2 + 4a2 k 5ab + ab − 9ab l −9pq + 6pq + 7pq

6 Collect the like terms in each expression.

a 4q + 3q + 2 b 5g + 8 + 9 c 15u − 7u − 3 d 13 + 6t − 5t
e 10c + 8c + d f 9j − 4k + 2j g 3a − 5a + 7 h 12 − 2n − 4n
i x 2 + 4x + x j 8m + m2 − 10m k 3w2 + 2w2 + w l 4a2b + 6ab2 − 3ab2

7 Simplify these expressions by collecting the like terms.

a k+2+k+3 b 7c + 4 + 5c + 1 c 8p + 3q + p + 7q
d 8m + 5n + m − 4n e 5t + 12 − 2t + 4 f 8u + 9v − 3u − v
g 10g + 4g − 3h + 6h h 11p + 2q − 6q − 4p i 3b − 5c + 2c − 8b
j 6s + 11 − 6s + 11 k 5y − 9 + 5y + 9 l 4m − 7n − 10m + 5n
m x + y − 4x − 7y n −6a + 2b + 5a + 10b o −5j − 12k + 15j − 4k
p x 2 + 6x + 2x 2 + 3x q 7a2 + a2 + a − 4a r 9u − 4u 2 − u 2 + 3u
s z2 − 2z + 5z 2 − 3z t d 2 + 7d + 5 − 4d u 4mn + 5m − 3mn − 9n
 Chapter 2: Algebra 39

■ Further applications
8 Find, in simplest form, an algebraic expression for the perimeter of each figure.
a b c
8n
m
5k
6n
m+6

d e f 2c − 1
y−5
x−2
c+4
3c + 11
15 − x y + 12
c−7

9 a Subtract 3x 2 − 4x + 10 from 7x 2 + 2x − 4.
b From 5a2 + 9, take a2 − 2a − 5.
c Find the difference between 5p + 3 and 2p2 + 6p + 3.
d By how much does 4k 2 + 7k + 11 exceed k 2 − 2k + 15?
e Take the sum of t 2 − t + 4 and 2t 2 + 17t + 9 from 4t 2 + 9t + 20.

2.5 Multiplying and dividing

algebraic expressions
Any algebraic terms can be multiplied or divided. They do not have to be like terms.

To multiply algebraic terms:

multiply the co-efficients

multiply the pronumerals.

To divide algebraic terms:

express the division as a fraction

divide the co-efficients

divide the pronumerals.

Example 1
EG Simplify each of the following:
+S
a b×3 b 4r × 5s c 1
---
4
× 24w
d 8a × 5a e 6xy × 7yz f −12u × (−5v)
40 Mathscape 9

Solutions
a b × 3 = 3b b 4r × 5s = 20rs c 1
---
4
× 24w = 6w
d 8a × 5a = 40a2 e 6xy × 7yz = 42xy2z f −12u × (−5v) = 60uv

Example 2
EG Simplify each of the following:
+S
a 15p ÷ 5p b 21ab ÷ 3a c 45t 2 ÷ 9t d 64mn2 ÷ (−8mn)

Solutions
a 15p ÷ 5p b 21ab ÷ 3a c 45t 2 ÷ 9t d 64mn2 ÷ (−8mn)
15 p 21ab 45t 2 64mn 2
= --------- = ------------ = ---------- = ----------------
5p 3a 9t – 8mn
=3 = 7b = 5t = −8n

Exercise 2.5

1 a Simplify 2a × 3b.
b Verify your answer by substituting several pairs of values for a and b.

2 a Does 5n × 4n equal 20n or 20n2?

b Substitute a value for n to verify your answer.

3 a Does 12y ÷ 2y equal 6 or 6y?

b Substitute a value for y to verify your answer.

4 a Simplify 5x × 3y and 3y × 5x.

b Does 5x × 3y = 3y × 5x?
c Does it matter in which order algebraic expressions are multiplied?
5 a Simplify 6p ÷ 12 and 12 ÷ 6p.
b Does 6p ÷ 12 = 12 ÷ 6p?
c Does it matter in which order algebraic expressions are divided?

6 Simplify these products.

a 5 × 3n b 6c × 4 c 9w × 7 d 11 × 8g
e u × 5v f 9m × n g 7a × 2b h 8x × 5y
i 4c × 9d j 10r × 7s k 5p × 12q l 9v × 9w
m a×a n 2e × e o 4k × 3k p 5h × 6h
q mn × mp r 6cd × 7c s 5fg × 4gh t 4vw × 8wx
u 1--2- a × 14 v --- m × 12n
1
3
w 24pq × 3--4- r x 15c × 2--3- cd

7 Simplify these quotients.

a 10b ÷ 2 b 21z ÷ 7 c 18k ÷ 3 d 40m ÷ 5
e 6w ÷ w f 32n ÷ 4n g ab ÷ b h pqr ÷ pr
 Chapter 2: Algebra 41

i 50gh ÷ 5h j 42mn ÷ 6m k 30xy ÷ 3y l 54cde ÷ 9cd

m t2 ÷ t n 13v2 ÷ v o 6u2 ÷ 6u p 15a2 ÷ 5a
q 24m2 ÷ 3m r 72e2 ÷ 8e s 7a2b ÷ 7a t 60rs2 ÷ 12rs

■ Consolidation
8 Simplify:
a (−3) × 7y b (−8x) × (−5) c 4g × (−12h) d (−10b) × (−c)
e (−j) × (−j) f (−9v) × 3v g (−7ab) × 5b h (−8xy) × (−12yz)

9 Simplify:
– 12c – 49n 27k – 36ef
a ------------ b ------------ c --------- d ---------------
3 –7 – 9k 4e
– 84mnp 63k 2 – 25t 2 – 96u 2 v
e -------------------- f ----------- g ------------- h -----------------
– 12mp – 7k – 5t 8uv

10 Simplify each of the following expressions.

a 3a × 2b × c b 4m × n × 7p c 5e ÷ 5 × 2f
d 4g × 3 ÷ 6g e 24k ÷ 3k ÷ 2 f 30ab ÷ 3a ÷ 2b
g 9pq ÷ 3p × 7q h 6m × 8n ÷ 12m i 10a2 × 4b ÷ 5ab
j 27y × 2yz ÷ 6y k 5c × 2d × 6cd l 72w2 ÷ 9w ÷ 4w
m (−2x) × (−3y) × 7 n 15p × (−3q) ÷ 9p o (−50rs) ÷ 5r × (−2s)

■ Further applications
11 Find the missing term in each of these.
a 3m × = 18m b × 4 = 28j c 12y ÷ = 3y
d ÷ 5t = 6 e × 6x = 24xy f 36pq ÷ = 12p
g 8e × = 40ef h ÷ 6k = 7m i 5a × = 15a2
j ÷ w = 5w k × 9h = 72h2 l 60c2 ÷ = 5c
m × −4p = −32pq n −25gh ÷ = 5g o ÷ 3x = −9x
12 Simplify, giving your answers in simplest fraction form.
a 5c ÷ 10 b 2 ÷ 2k c 9h ÷ 6 d 4ab ÷ 12a
e 12mn ÷ 20n f 14u ÷ 21uv g 25cd ÷ 35de h 42s2 ÷ 49s
i 18uv ÷ 27v 2 j 35x2 ÷ 60xy k 36abc ÷ 44bcd l 72e2f ÷ 56ef 2
42 Mathscape 9

TRY THIS Overhanging the overhang

Place a ruler on the edge of a table.
How far will it overhang the edge of a
table before it topples?
Now move the ruler so that it
overhangs the table by 10 cm. Place
another ruler on top of this first ruler.
How far can this ruler overhang the
first before it topples?
Now vary the bottom ruler each time.
Continue to see how far you can
overhang the top ruler.
Record your results.
Where should you place the two rulers so that you obtain the greatest possible
overhang?
Now try three rulers and repeat the procedure. If possible, try four rulers. What
conclusions can you make? Could you make a deduction if you had n rulers?

2.6 The order of operations

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

The order of operations is to:

simplify any expressions inside grouping symbols

simplify any multiplications and divisions, working from left to right

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

Example
EG Simplify:
+S
a 42cd ÷ 7c × 5e b 40u − 9u × 3 + 5u c [25a − (3a + 12a)] ÷ 2a

Solutions
a 42cd ÷ 7c × 5e b 40u − (9u × 3) + 5u c [25a − (3a + 12a)] ÷ 2a
42cd
= ------------ × 5e = 40u − 27u + 5u = [25a − 15a] ÷ 2a
7c = 13u + 5u 10a
= ---------
= 6d × 5e = 18u 2a
= 30de =5
 Chapter 2: Algebra 43

Exercise 2.6

1 Write each of these in simplest form.

a 5n + 4n b 12w − 5w c 4t × 6 d 21g ÷ 7
e 9r − 8r f 13k × 3 g 48y ÷ 8 h 16s + 9s
i 7b × 6c j 23e − 9e k 17a + 15a l 45v ÷ 9v
m 8ab + 9ab n 12c × 6c o 110jk ÷ 11k p 37u − 13u
q 3ef × 5fg r 49pq2 ÷ 7pq s 16xy − 5yx t 8c2d + 12c2d

■ Consolidation
2 Simplify:
a 3 × (4n + 2n) b (15q − 3q) ÷ 4 c (8j + 5j) × 2
d 12x − (5x + 3x) e 3t × (12t − 4t) f (s + 7s) × 4s
g 5p × (3q + 9q) h (11c − c) × 2d i 21b ÷ (5b + 2b)
j 36y 2 ÷ (13y − 4y) k 63gh ÷ (3g × 3h) l 50cd ÷ (8d + 2d)
m 2 × (2f + 4f ) × 4 n 5 × (17t − 9t) ÷ 4t o (17a2 + 3a2) ÷ (9a − 4a)

3 Simplify these expressions by removing the innermost grouping symbols first.

a [11t + (3 × 4t)] + 2t b [17y − (27y ÷ 3)] − y c [40g − (7g × 5)] × 4
d 6c + [9c − (10c − 5c)] e 5 × [(15n + 6n) ÷ 7] f [8w + (4 × 10w)] ÷ 12w
g 32r − [12r + (45r ÷ 9)] h [(22f − 4f ) ÷ 2] × 5f i −8k − [17k − (19k − 13k)]

4 Simplify each expression using the order of operations.

a 5k + 3k × 2 b 20z − 14z ÷ 2 c 4n × 2n + 7n2
d 25v − 6v × 4v
2 e 22ab − 5a × 3b f 28pq ÷ 4p + 6q
g 18ef − 12ef ÷ 3 h 7y + 20xy ÷ 4x i 7 × 2s − 5s × 2
j 24a ÷ 8 + 4a × 2 k 8a × 4b + a2b ÷ a l 100x 2 ÷ 2x − 8 × 5x
m 10g + 5g × 3 + 2g n 6x − 8 × 2x + x o 2k − 32k ÷ 4 − 3k

5 Express each of these in simplest form.

10x × 6 19u + 9u 8 p × 3q 33rs – 15sr
a ------------------ b ---------------------- c ---------------------- d ----------------------------
4 × 3x 13u – 6u 12 p – 6 p 3r × 2s

■ Further applications
6 Insert grouping symbols in each of these to make a true statement.
a 4 × 2s + 3s = 20s b 40pq ÷ 5p × 2q = 4 c 16a − 4a + 2a − 7a = 3a
d 24e2 − 6e2 ÷ 6e = 3e e 8 × 4n − 5n × 3 = 17n f 8w + 9w 2 × 6 ÷ 3w = 26w
44 Mathscape 9

2.7 The distributive law

Algebraic expressions can be expanded by the use of the distributive law.

To expand an expression by using the distributive law:

multiply the term outside the grouping symbols by each term inside.

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

Example 1
EG Expand:
+S
a 4(k + 5) b w(w − 1) c 6g(4g − 7h)

Solutions
a 4(k + 5) b w(w − 1) c 6g(4g − 7h)
= (4 × k) + (4 × 5) = (w × w) − (w × 1) = (6g × 4g) − (6g × 7h)
= 4k + 20 = w2 − w = 24g2 − 42gh

Example 2
EG Expand:
+S
a −5(n + 2) b −7(e − 3) c −8z(3x − 4y)

Solutions
a −5(n + 2) b −7(e − 3) c −8z(3x − 4y)
= −5 × n + −5 × 2 = −7 × e − 7 × −3 = −8z × 3x − 8z × −4y
= −5n − 10 = −7e + 21 = −24xz + 32yz

Example 3
EG Expand and simplify:
+S
a 3(b + 2) + 10 b 12 + 4(a − 5) c 9(x + 5) − 4(x − 10)
Solutions
a 3(b + 2) + 10 b 12 + 4(a − 5) c 9(x + 5) − 4(x − 10)
= 3b + 6 + 10 = 12 + 4a − 20 = 9x + 45 − 4x + 40
= 3b + 16 = 4a − 8 = 5x + 85

Exercise 2.7

1 Expand each of the following.

a 3(a + 4) b 5(p − 2) c 7(m + 1) d 8(5 − k)
 Chapter 2: Algebra 45

e 4(5h + 7) f 6(2y − 3) g 5(3m + 7n) h 2(9y − 10z)

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

2 Expand each of these.

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

3 Expand:
a (x + 5)6 b ( j − 2)7 c (k + 8)m d (2p + 3)4
e (c − d)d f (3a + 7b)5c g (5s − 2t)4s h (3m + 8n)2mn

■ Consolidation
4 Expand and simplify each of these expressions.
a 5(n + 7) + 6 b 4(c + 5) + 3c c 6(q + 4) − 11
d 12(3 + t) − 5t e −3(m + 2) + 10 f −7(2n − 3) − 5
g 10a + 4(6 − a) h 7 + 3(4x − 1) i 2q − 6(5 + 2q)
j 4m + 8(2m − 11) k 8 − (2x − 7) l 5c − 6(1 − 4c)
m 5(2m + 9) + m + 15 n 3k + 9 + 2(k − 4) o 12x + 17 − 2(3x − 5)
p 7(5t + 3) − 10t − 15 q 4y + 3(y + 7) + 8 r 5w − 4(w − 3) − 9

5 Expand each of these, then collect the like terms.

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

6 Are the following statements true (T) or false (F)? Explain.

a 6(2p + 5) = (2p + 5)6 b 7(3y + 2) = 21y + 2 c 5 + 4(x − 1) = 9(x − 1)
d −2(5v − 3) = −10v − 6 e ab(a + b) = a2b + ab2 f −(w − 2) = 2 − w

■ Further applications
7 Find, in simplest form, an expression for the area of each figure.
a b c d

3a + 4 11m − 4n 7v
k+8

5 2mn 6k 4w − 10
46 Mathscape 9

2.8 The highest common factor

To factorise an expression means to write the expression as the product of its factors. This is
the same as reversing or using the expansion process.

Expanding

a(b + c) = ab + ac

Factorising

Many expressions can be factorised in several different ways. For example, we can factorise
8n + 16 as 1(8n + 16) or 2(4n + 8) or 4(2n + 4) or 8(n + 2). However, by convention, we use
the highest common factor (HCF), that is, the greatest possible factor that is common to every
term in the expression, when factorising. In this example, the HCF of 8n and 16 is 8. Hence,
the correct factorisation of 8n + 16 is 8(n + 2).

To factorise an algebraic expression:

write the HCF of the terms outside the grouping symbols

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

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

NOTE:
• If the first term of an expression is negative, then by convention, the HCF is also negative.
• Factorisations should be checked by expanding the answers.

Example 1
EG Factorise:
+S
a 3x + 12 b 2r − 14 c 10p + 45
d a2 + 8a e 12t 2 − 16tu f m2n + mn2 − mnp

Solutions
a 3x + 12 b 2r − 14 c 10p + 45
= 3×x+3×4 = 2×r−2×7 = 5 × 2p + 5 × 9
= 3(x + 4) = 2(r − 7) = 5(2p + 9)
d a2 + 8a e 12t 2 − 16tu f m2n + mn2 − mnp
= a×a+a×8 = 4t × 3t − 4t × 4u = mn × m + mn × n − mn × p
= a(a + 8) = 4t(3t − 4u) = mn(m + n − p)
 Chapter 2: Algebra 47

Example 2
EG Factorise:
+S
a −7g − 28 b −ab + bc

Solutions
a −7g − 28 b −ab + bc
= −7 × g − 7 × (+4) = −b × a − b × (−c)
= −7(g + 4) = −b(a − c)

Exercise 2.8

1 Complete each of these factorisations.

a 2n + 6 = 2( ) b 3p − 15 = 3( ) c 7y + 7 = 7( )
d 4g + 10 = 2( ) e 12a − 9 = 3( ) f 15k − 25m = 5( )
g ax + ay = a( ) h pq − qr = q( ) i st − t = t( )
j m2 + 3m = m( ) k 4r − r 2 = r( ) l ab + b 2 = b( )
m 5d + 10d = 5d(
2 ) n 12p2 − 21p = 3p( ) o 35yz + 28y2 = 7y( )
2 Factorise each of these expressions by taking out the highest common factor.
a 2c + 8 b 5y + 10 c 18 + 3q d 35 + 7p
e 2h − 14 f 6t − 30 g 33 − 3r h 48 − 4n
i 5c + 5d j 3x − 6y k 21g + 7h l 8m − 40n
m ab + ac n uv − uw o ef − fg p rs − r
q b 2 + bc r k2 − 8k s 11n + n2 t a − a2

■ Consolidation
3 Factorise by removing the highest common factor.
a 6n + 9 b 10b + 25 c 10y + 12 d 12k − 8
e 21w − 35 f 18s − 21 g 16a + 24 h 18t − 30
i 30p + 27 j 14c + 49 k 30r − 80 l 22e − 99
m 35 − 55h n 90 + 63v o 39 + 26z p 24 − 60j

4 Factorise each expression completely.

a 3ab + 9bc b 2xy + 8xz c 4pq − 20qr d 7gh − 14hi
e 4uv + 6uw f 8ef + 20fg g 33rs − 77qr h 24mn − 20mp
i 7c + 21c
2 j 24w2 − 6w k 10g2 − 22g l 15y + 40y2
m mnp + mnq n rst − rtu o a2b + ab 2 p def − de2
q j 2k − jk 2m r 12tu + 15u2v s 4ab 2 + 10a2bc t 49x 2y 2 − 42xyz

5 Factorise:
a 3a + 3b + 3c b pq + pr − ps c a 2 − ab − ac
d 5r + 10s + 25 e 4x 2 − 10x + 8xy f 6 + 24u − 18u 2
g 42k 2 − 14k + 21 h 3mn − m + mn2 i 2x 2 + 2xy − 6x
48 Mathscape 9

j 30t − 15tu + 10t 2 k 4cd + 28c 2 − 20ce l 21f − 70fg − 56f 2

m a 2b + ab 2 + ab n 8pq − p 2q + pq2 o u 2vw − uv 2w − uvw 2

6 Explain why each of these expressions has not been correctly or completely factorised.
a 8x + 12 = 2(4x + 6) b p2 + 7p = p(2 + 7)
c e + e = e(e + 0)
2 d abc + abd = a(bc + bd)
e 7uv + 14u = 7u(v + 14u) f 3p + 3q + 15 = 3( p + q) + 15

■ Further applications
7 Factorise by taking out the greatest negative common factor.
a −2p − 12 b −3x − 21 c −15g − 20 d −14u − 49
e −2t + 2 f −8w + 24 g −12k + 16 h −9r + 30
i −24 − 15m j −18 + 45q k −36 + 24y l −63 − 77c
m −ab + bc n −mn − km o −x 2 − 2x p −4e + e 2
q −9k 2 + 12k r −20a − 28a 2 s −25b + 55bc t −48x 2y − 60y 2

8 Factorise by taking out the binomial common factor.

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

TRY THIS Proof

1 If we take a two-digit number, reverse the digits to form another number, then
subtract the smaller number from the larger number, why is the final number
a multiple of 9?
Now continue!
2 If we add the two digits in our answers to the 9 times table (up to 10 × 9) we
always obtain a 9 (e.g. 7 × 9 = 63 but 6 + 3 = 9). Using algebraic expressions,
can you prove why this happens?
3 Complete this expansion:
(n + 1)2 = (n + 1)(n + 1)
= (n + 1)n + (n + 1)1
=___
4 Use algebraic expressions to prove that the difference between the squares
of consecutive numbers is equal to twice the smaller number plus one
(e.g. 62 − 52 = 11 = 2 × 5 + 1).
HINT: Let n and n + 1 be consecutive numbers
 Chapter 2: Algebra 49

2.9 Adding and subtracting

algebraic fractions
To add or subtract algebraic fractions:

express the fractions with a common denominator

add or subtract the numerators

simplify if possible.

Example 1
EG Simplify:
+S
11m 5m 4 5 11k 3k 5h 3h
a ---------- + ------- b ------ + ------ c --------- – ------ d ------ – ------
12 12 3c 3c 10 5 6 4
Solutions
11m 5m 4 5 11k 3k 5h 3h
a ---------- + ------- b ------ + ------ c --------- – ------ d ------ – ------
12 12 3c 3c 10 5 6 4
16m 9 11k 6k 10h 9h
= ---------- = ------ = --------- – ------ = --------- – ------
12 3c 10 10 12 12
4m 3 5k h
= ------- = --- = ------ = ------
3 c 10 12
k
= ---
2

Example 2
EG Simplify:
+S
1 5 13 2 7x 5x
a --- + ------ b ---------- – ------- c --------- + ------
a 2a 20w 5w 12y 8y
Solutions
1 5 13 2 7x 5x
a --- + ------ b ---------- – ------- c --------- + ------
a 2a 20w 5w 12y 8y
2 5 13 8 14x 15x
= ------ + ------ = ---------- – ---------- = --------- + ---------
2a 2a 20w 20w 24y 24y
7 5 29x
= ------ = ---------- = ---------
2a 20w 24y
1
= -------
4w
50 Mathscape 9

Example 3 Solution
EG Simplify:
+S k+4 k–2 k+4 k–2
------------ + ----------- ------------ + -----------
3 5 3 5
5(k + 4) 3(k – 2)
= -------------------- + -------------------
15 15
5k + 20 + 3k – 6
= ----------------------------------------
15
8k + 14
= ------------------
15

Exercise 2.9

1 Simplify:
3a 2a 5m m 3t 4t 9h 8h
a ------ + ------ b ------- – ---- c ------ + ------ d ------ – ------
7 7 9 9 10 10 13 13
x x 3n 3n 11k 3k 5a a
e --- + --- f ------ + ------ g --------- – ------ h ------ + ---
4 4 8 8 12 12 6 6
5c 2c 9d 3d 5r 11r 6b 8b
i ------ – ------ j ------ + ------ k ------ + -------- l ------ + ------
3 3 10 10 12 12 7 7
14w 4w 19e 9e 13s 9s 37z 13z
m ---------- – ------- n --------- – ------ o -------- + ------ p -------- – --------
15 15 24 24 16 16 30 30

2 Simplify:
5 2 8 7 10 4 12 3
a --- + --- b --- – --- c ------ + ------ d ------ – ------
x x p p 3y 3y 7q 7q
1 1 3 5 11 9 13 4
e ------ + ------ f ------ + ------ g ------ + ------ h --------- – ---------
2n 2n 4c 4c 5g 5g 12k 12k
17a 9a 4m 2m 7e 8e 19t 15t
i --------- – -------- j --------- + --------- k --------- + --------- l -------- – --------
10r 10r 15b 15b 20v 20v 16z 16z

■ Consolidation
3 Express these fractions with a common denominator, then simplify.
n n a a k k d d
a --- + --- b --- – --- c --- + ------ d --- – ------
2 4 3 9 3 12 5 15
y y t t b b h h
e --- + --- f --- – --- g --- – --- h ------ + ---
5 2 3 4 4 7 12 5
2c 3c 5m m 3r 4r 3u 6u
i ------ + ------ j ------- – ---- k ----- + ----- l ------ – ------
5 10 12 3 5 3 2 7
 Chapter 2: Algebra 51

w 5w 7x 2x 3f 5f 11s 8s
m ---- + ------- n ------ – ------ o ------ + ------ p -------- – -----
4 6 6 9 10 8 12 9

4 Explain why each of the following answers is not correct.

5m 2m 7m 3w 2w 5w 4 3
a ------- + ------- = ------- b ------- + ------- = ------- c ------ + ------ = 1 2--5- a
9 9 18 5 3 8 5a 5a

5 Simplify each of the following.

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

■ Further applications
6 Simplify:
n+2 n+1 b+3 b+4 x+8 x–2
a ------------ + ------------ b ------------ + ------------ c ------------ + -----------
2 6 4 7 5 3
m–3 m+6 2w – 5 w – 1 3s + 2 2s – 7
d ------------- + ------------- e ---------------- + ------------- f --------------- + --------------
6 7 12 4 9 5
x+7 x+3 3c + 10 c – 3 7e – 1 2e – 5
g ------------ – ------------ h ------------------ – ----------- i --------------- – ---------------
2 4 5 4 8 3

2.10 Multiplying and dividing

algebraic fractions
To multiply algebraic fractions:

cancel any common factors between the numerators and denominators

multiply the numerators

multiply the denominators.

To divide algebraic fractions:

change the division sign to a multiplication sign and take the reciprocal of the
second fraction

proceed as above for the multiplication of fractions.

NOTE: Any fractions can be multiplied or divided. They do not need to have a common
denominator.
52 Mathscape 9

Example 1
EG Simplify:
+S m n 15x 7 a 2 bc
a ---- × --- b --------- × ------ c -------2- × ------
3 4 14y 9x bc a
Solutions
5
m n 15x 7 1 a 2 bc
a ---- × --- b --------- × ------ c -------2- × ------
3 4 214y 9x bc a
3
mn 5 a
= ------- = ------ = ---
12 6y c

Example 2
EG Simplify:
+S e 7 9c 12c 2
a --- ÷ --- b --------- ÷ ------------
4 f 10d 25de
Solutions
e 7 9c 12c 2
a --- ÷ --- b --------- ÷ ------------
4 f 10d 25de
e f 3
9c 5 25de
= --- × --- = --------- × -----------2-
4 7 2 10d 4 12c
ef 15e
= ------ = ---------
28 8c

Exercise 2.10

1 Simplify:
a b u u a c 1 1
a --- × --- b --- × --- c --- × --- d --- × ---
3 2 3 4 b d p q
1 1 4c d 9m 3n 5 7
e --- × ------ f ------ × --- g ------- × ------ h ------ × ------
x 4x 5 3 7 4 6x 8x

2 Simplify:
x 4 v 6 t v 1 1
a --- ÷ --- b --- ÷ --- c --- ÷ ---- d --- ÷ ---
5 y 2 v u w g h
1 3e 5 f 10a 3b 4 3h
e --- ÷ 2s f ------ ÷ ------ g --------- ÷ ------ h ------ ÷ ------
s 7 6 11 4 5h 13

■ Consolidation
3 Simplify each of the following by at first cancelling common factors.
n 2 a 8 3 d 3 2x
a --- × --- b --- × --- c --- × ------ d --- × ------
3 n 4 b c 15 x 7
 Chapter 2: Algebra 53

ab cd 5a b 8d 21 4e 5f
e ------ × ------ f ------ × --------- g ------ × ------ h --------- × ---------
e bc 3b 10a 7c 8e 10 f 12e
9t 7u 15w 18x 11i 21h 44r 10 p
i --------- × ----------- j ---------- × ---------- k --------- × ---------- l ------------- × -----------
14v 18tu 27y 25w 12h 22ij 35 pq 99rs

4 Express each of these as a multiplication, then simplify.

x x m n 5 20 6 11s
a --- ÷ --- b ---- ÷ --- c --- ÷ ------ d --- ÷ --------
5 3 2 6 u v r 3r
ef eh 10k 5m 4s 16s 9w 27w
e ----- ÷ ------ f --------- ÷ ------- g ----- ÷ -------- h --------- ÷ ----------
g hi 3 12 7t t 28v 7v
4 p 20 pr 12c 16c 12e 20ef 42xy 49yz
i --------- ÷ ------------ j --------- ÷ --------- k --------- ÷ ----------- l ------------ ÷ -----------
33q 11r 45b 25a 63d 99d 55x 60w

5 Explain why each of the following solutions is incorrect.

1
5a 210 2a 4c 21 3 4
a ------ × --------- = ------ b ------ ÷ ------ = ---
3b 11b 33 71 c 3

6 Simplify each of the following.

p2 q2 5m 2n 2a 2 7b ab 2 pq
a ----- × ----- b --------- × ---------2- c -------2- × ------ d - × ------
--------
q p 4np 3m 3b 5a p 2 q ab
r 2 s rs 8e 24e 2 12x 2 y 28xy 2 24tu 2 36t 2u
e ------2- ÷ -------- f -----------2- ÷ ----------- g -------------- ÷ -------------- h ------------- ÷ -------------
tu tuv 21f 35f 25ab 15bc 33vw 55wx

7 Simplify:
ab cd ef 5m 14 p 9n 9r 15s 27r
a ------ × ------ × ------ b ------- × ---------- × --------- c -------- × --------- ÷ --------
bc de ag 7n 15m 16q 20s 22u 11t
15w 40y 16xy 21a 2 55e 2 45e 14 pq 2 49qr 30stu
d ---------- ÷ --------- × ------------ e ------------ × ------------ ÷ -------------
- f --------------- ÷ -------------2 ÷ -------------
-
7x 9x 45w 32bc 63ab 24b 2 c 9ru 18tu 25r 2 s

■ Further applications
8 Factorise each expression where possible, then simplify.
3x + 12 8 5m + 30 9m – 63 24m 2 5k + 35
a ------------------ × ------------ b -------------------- × ------------------- c ------------------ × ------------------
12 x+4 3m – 21 45 6k + 42 18m
12t – 12 2u + 8 c 2 + c 3c 2 + 6c a 2 + 2a 14x – 14y
d -------------------- × --------------- e --------------- × -------------------
- f ------------------------ × ------------------------
3u 8t – 8 3c + 3 6c 2 21x – 21y 5a + 10

25a 2 b 35ab 2 15u + 20v 30u + 40v 8bc – 16c 4bc – 8c

g ------------------------ ÷ ------------------------ h ------------------------ ÷ ------------------------ i ------------------------- ÷ -------------------------
18a – 27b 12a – 18b 24u – 60v 16u – 40v 6ab – 30a 3ab + 15a
54 Mathscape 9

2.11 Generalised arithmetic

We use generalised arithmetic to form a general expression to describe any value in a situation.
For example, if Alicia is 10 years old, then:
• in 1 year she will be (10 + 1) years old
• in 2 years she will be (10 + 2) years old
• in k years she will be (10 + k) years old.
Her exact age in any number of years time can be worked out simply by adding that number
to 10.
To form a general expression for a situation, choose a few numbers and look for a pattern in the
answers. For example, to find the number of centimetres in y m, consider:
1 m = (1 × 100) cm 2 m = (2 × 100) cm 3 m = (3 × 100) cm y m = (y × 100) cm
= 100 cm = 200 cm = 300 cm = 100y cm
Being able to form a general expression is an essential skill in mathematics.
Listed below are some common key words and phrases and their meaning.
• Addition—sum, increase, add, plus, total, more than.
• Subtraction—difference, decrease, subtract, take away, reduce, less than.
• Multiplication—product, times, multiply, double, multiple.
• Division—quotient, divide, halve, share.
NOTE: In additions and subtractions where the second term is a pronumeral, the words ‘sum’
and ‘difference’ are usually preferred to phrases such as ‘more than’ and ‘less than’.
Odd and even numbers both have the same general expression because both odd numbers and
even numbers increase by 2. So, if n is an odd number, then n + 2, n + 4, n + 6, … are all odd.
However, if n is an even number, then n + 2, n + 4, n + 6, … are all even. Whether such
expressions are odd or even depends on whether n is odd or even.

Example 1
EG Write an algebraic expression for each of the following.
+S
a five more than k b two less than y
c the sum of m and n d the difference between p and q
e the product of h and 3 f the quotient of d and e
g one-quarter of c h two-thirds of u
i the square of w j twice the cube of x

Solutions
a k+5 b y−2 c m+n d p−q e 3h
d c 2u
f --- g --- h ------ i w2 j 2x3
e 4 3
 Chapter 2: Algebra 55

Example 2
EG Write the meaning of each expression in words.
+S x e– f
a 3m − 5 b -- + 7 c ------------ d 4(g + 2)
y 10
Solutions
a 5 less than the product of 3 and m
b 7 more than the quotient of x and y
c one-tenth of the difference between e and f
d 4 times the number which is 2 more than g

Example 3
EG Write down 3 consecutive numbers, the first of which is:
+S
a n b n+7 c n−1

Solutions
a n, n + 1, n + 2 b n + 7, n + 8, n + 9 c n − 1, n, n + 1

Example 4
EG Write down 3 consecutive:
+S
a even numbers, the first of which is t
b even numbers, the first of which is t + 5
c odd numbers, the first of which is 3t
d odd numbers, the first of which is t − 1

Solutions
a t, t + 2, t + 4 b t + 5, t + 7, t + 9 c 3t, 3t + 2, 3t + 4 d t − 1, t + 1, t + 3

Example 5
EG Justin bought a items costing 20c each. Find, in cents, his change from $5.
+S
Solution
i 1 item cost (1 × 20)c 2 items cost (2 × 20)c
i.e. 20c i.e. 40c
3 items cost (3 × 20)c a items cost (a × 20)c
i.e. 60c i.e. 20a c
∴ The total cost of a items at 20c each is 20a c.
ii To find the change, subtract the amount spent from 500c.
∴ Change = (500 − 20a)c.
56 Mathscape 9

Exercise 2.11

1 Write an algebraic expression for each of the following.

a 3 more than x b 5 less than t
c the sum of p and q d the difference between m and n
e the sum of x, y and 7 f the product of m and 4
g 9 times the number n h the product of a, 2 and b
i half of k j one-quarter of z
k two-thirds of w l the quotient of u and v
m the number of times that j divides into 4 n the square of k
o the cube of y p the square root of g

2 Write each expression in words.

a n+4 b q−6 c c+d d x−y
h 3v
e 8u f 5ef g --- h ------
3 4
m
i ---- j a2 k g3 l d
n

■ Consolidation
3 Write an algebraic expression for each of these.
a 3 more than the product of 2 and x b 1 less than the product of y and 5
c the sum of 7 and the product of p and q d the difference between 4 and the square of u
e 6 more than half of c f 9 less than one-fifth of w
g 2 more than the quotient of e and f h 4 less than seven-tenths of r
i one-third of the sum of b and 1 j half the difference between g and h
k 3 times the number that is 12 more than a l 9 times the number that is 3 less than p
m 4 times the sum of c and d n 10 times the difference between r and s
o twice the square of y p 8 times the cube of x
q the quotient of 5 and the square of j r 1 more than half the cube of b

4 Write each of these algebraic expressions in words.

a 5x + 7 b 2n − 3 c gh + 4 d 9 − pq
a+3 b m–n v
e ------------ f --- + 8 g ------------- h u – ----
4 6 7 w
2(c – d )
i 5(e + 2) j -------------------- k 3r2 l 2s3 − 9
3

5 Write down an algebraic expression in simplest form for the number that is:
a 5 more than t + 2 b 4 less than p + 13
c 8 less than 3k − 2 d 6 more than 7y − 4

6 Write down three consecutive numbers, the first of which is:

a 3 b a c x2 d t+5
e p − 11 f k−1 g 2n − 2 h 2−u
 Chapter 2: Algebra 57

7 Write down three consecutive even numbers, the first of which is:
a 6 b n c p+8 d x−5 e g−2

8 Write down three consecutive odd numbers, the first of which is:
a 3 b k c y+7 d c − 12 e s−3

9 Find three consecutive numbers such that:

a the middle number is m b the largest number is w

10 a Gary has k shirts hanging in his closet. How many shirts will he have after buying
3 more?
b Nerida has $d in her purse. How much will she have left after spending $4?
c If there are c matches in a box, how many matches are there in 10 boxes?
d How much will each person receive if $x is shared equally among 6 people?

11 Brett had $p in his wallet and donated q% of this money to charity.

a How much money did Brett donate? b How much did he have left?

12 Write an expression for the average of u and v.

13 a Two of the angles in a triangle are p° and q°. What size is the third angle?
b Three of the angles in a quadrilateral are a°, b° and c°. What size is the fourth angle?

14 a Liesl is 9 years old. How old will she be in t years time?

b Vinoo is 16 years old. How old was he j years ago?

15 Matthew is x years older than Greg and Greg is y years older than Tim.
a How much older is Matthew than Tim?
b If Matthew is w years old, find the age of:
i Greg ii Tim

16 Find the perimeter of:

a an equilateral triangle with sides f cm b a rhombus with sides n cm

17 Convert:
a x cm to mm b y m to cm c p km to m
d a cm to m e q m to km f t mm to cm
g $d to cents h b c to dollars i k h to min
j m s to min k r L to mL l e g to kg

18 How many:
a millimetres are there in 5 cm v mm? b metres are there in x km 150 m?
c minutes are there in a h b min? d cents are there in $w and p c?

19 From a 5-m roll of wallpaper, 12 strips each of length z cm are cut and then used to paper
a wall. What length of the roll, in centimetres, was not used?
58 Mathscape 9

20 Farmer Frank wants to fence off a rectangular

enclosure as shown, using an existing fence as one
side. If he has 50 m of fencing available and the width
of the enclosure is to be y m, find:
a the length of the enclosure
b the area of the enclosure

21 Max is a used car dealer. He bought 10 cars from the manufacturer for $x each. He sold
7 cars at a profit of $c each and 3 cars at a profit of $d each. What was his total profit on
the purchase and sale of the 10 cars?
22 Mrs Hadlee’s fortnightly pension of $t is increased by 4%. How much will she receive each
fortnight after the increase?
23 a A car travelled a distance of m km in n h. At what speed was the car travelling?
b A girl cycled at b km/h for h h. How far did she cycle?
c A man walked for p km at s km/h. For how long did he walk?

■ Further applications
24 Lydia and Jit share $c in the ratio a : b, where a < b.
a Who receives the greater amount? b How much money does Jit receive?

25 A 20-cm length of wire is cut into two pieces, the smaller piece having a length of x cm.
The longer piece is bent into the shape of a rectangle with a width of 7 cm. How long is the
rectangle?
26 a If 3 bags of seeds cost $c, find the cost of k bags.
b If k boxes of cereal cost $m, find the cost of 9 boxes.
c If v crates have a mass of 5 kg, find the mass of w crates.

TRY THIS Railway tickets

If a railway line had two stations, A and B, two types of tickets would be needed:
A to B and B to A. If there were 3 stations, A, B and C, six tickets would be required:
A to B, B to A, A to C, C to A, B to C, C to B.
Complete the following table and then find the general rule.
(HINT: The rule is not linear.)

Number of stations (s) 2 3 4 5 6 n

Number of tickets (t) 2
 Chapter 2: Algebra 59

0FF OCUS ON
O R K I N M I CAAL LL LYY
O C U S O N W 0 R K I N G M AATTHHEEMMAATTI C
W G

THEMATICALLY
PARTY MAGIC

ALLY
FOCUS ON WORKING MA
IC
MATHEMAT
Introduction
Party tricks are great fun. Here are some tricks for you to try out with your friends in class first
and then amaze the family at home. The secret to the tricks lies in knowing how to construct
and interpret algebraic expressions.

WORKING
2L EARNING ACTIVITIES

Think of a number
Ask a classmate to:
ON

• think of a number
• add 11
• subtract 5 from the sum
FOCUS

• multiply by 2
• add 8 to the answer
• divide the sum by 2
• subtract the number they originally thought of.
 60 Mathscape 9

The result is always the same. What is the result? Get a few people to start together, each with
a different number. It they all end up with the same number, you will appear magic indeed.
1 Suppose the number the person begins with is x. Write down the sequence of tasks in
algebraic form: x, x + 11, … See if you can complete the algebra to arrive at 10.
MATHEMATICALLY

2 Make up a new sequence of tasks for yourself, this time to always end up with 9.
3 A variation on this trick is to be able magically to tell a friend how much small change they
have (coins only). Suppose the amount of small change is c cents. Write a sequence of tasks
in algebraic form to arrive at 10c + 9 cents so that when they tell you the final number, it
will always end in 9. Cross off the 9 and the remaining digits will tell you the change. For
example, if your volunteer begins with 11 cents, they will end up with the number 119. If
they start with 53 cents, they will end up with 539. This makes the ‘magic’ easy.
4 Other variations to try are working out people’s date of birth and age. Here is a sequence
for you to try. Ask your volunteer to:
• multiply the number of the month of their birth by 100
• add the day of the month of their birth
• double this number
MATICALLY

• add 8
• multiply by 5
• add 4
• multiply by 10
• add 4
• add their age in years
• tell you the final answer.
F O C U S O N W O R K I HNE G

Now subtract 444 from the number they give you. Reading from right to left, the first two digits
give their birthday month, the middle two give the day and the last two their age.
MAT

Write down the algebraic expressions for the sequence of tasks. You might like to start with the
day ‘ab’ and month ‘cd’. The day is then 10a + b and the month 10c + d. For the first step you
can write 100(10c + d) = 1000c + 100d.
WORKING

Fast addition
Ask your victim to write down any two numbers, say 2 and 7. Then ask them to add these to
get a third number, 9. Then add 9 to 7 to get a fourth number 16, then 16 to 9 to get 25 and so
on, building up a sequence of 10 numbers. The idea of the trick is for the victim to try to add
the whole sequence before you. They will dismally fail, even if they use a calculator. Again,
ON

algebra tells us why.

1 Complete the sequence 2, 7, 9, 16, 25, … to 10 terms.
FOCUS

2 The total of the 10 numbers will be 11 times the 7th number in the sequence. Calculate this
total.
 Chapter 2: Algebra 61

3 Here is how it works:

Let the two numbers chosen to begin be x and y. Following the above procedure we get the
numbers x, y, x + y, x + 2y, 2x + 3y, … and so on ending with 21x + 34y.
4 Complete the whole sequence, add the terms and simplify. What do you get?
5 Factorise your expression to see that the total is indeed 11 times the 7th term of the

THEMATICALLY
sequence.
6 It is a good idea to begin with small numbers as the totals get large quickly. Try it out on
the person next to you and then swap.

8E XTENSION ACTIVITIES

This is a good party trick. Ask the audience to try their luck if they think they can discover the
trick.
1 Ask a volunteer to place a number of coins face up on a table. Mentally note if the number
of heads showing is odd or even.
2 Then ask the volunteer to turn over the coins at random, but always in pairs, while your
back is turned. Tell them to do it silently so that you cannot tell how many times the coins

ALLY
have been turned over.
3 When the volunteer is finished, ask them to cover one of the coins with their hand. Then

FOCUS ON WORKING MA
turn around.

IC
4 Then tell them whether the coin being covered is a head or a tail.

MATHEMAT
Your secret
It all depends on whether the number of heads is even or odd to begin with, and whether there
is a change showing at the end when one coin is covered up.
• If the number of heads is even to begin with, and those showing are still even at the end, the
covered coin is a tail.
• If the number of heads is even to begin with, and those showing are odd at the end, the
covered coin is a head.
• If the number of heads is odd to begin with, and those showing are still odd at the end, the

WORKING
covered coin is a tail.
• If the number of heads is odd to begin with, and those showing are even at the end, the
covered coin is a head.

E L ET’S COMMUNICATE
ON

Explain to a friend in class how these tricks work and how they depend on algebra to be set up.
Discuss the value of algebra in generalising a set of instructions that can be tested in specific
FOCUS

cases.
 62 Mathscape 9

%R EFLECTING

Ask your family or friends if they know any party tricks. Think about whether they could be
LY

explained mathematically. You don’t actually have to be able to explain the tricks. Just ponder
why they work. Discuss with your teacher the value of making mathematics fun.

1 What happens when we simplify an 5 Read the Macquarie Learners Dictionary

algebraic expression? entry for acronym:
2 When simplifying an algebraic expression
only l________ t________ can be added acronym noun a word made from the first letters of
and subtracted. other words: ‘ANZAC’ is an acronym from ‘Australian
3 Compare the meanings of expand and and New Zealand Army Corps’.
factorise. What acronym could you think of to help
4 What does the acronym HCF mean? remember the order of operations?
APTER REVIE

1 Use the given rule to find the next three a Copy and complete this table of
numbers in each pattern. values.
a Add 5 then double: 2, 14, …
b Subtract 3 then divide by 2: Number of squares (s) 1 2 3
189, 93, … Number of circles (c)
2 b Write down an algebraic rule that
links the number of circles (c) to the
number of squares (s).
Step 1 c How many circles would there be in a
figure with 7 squares?
Step 2 3 Write down an algebraic rule that links:
a the number of crosses (c) to the
number of rhombuses (r).
W

Step 3

CHAPTER REVIEW
 Chapter 2: Algebra 63

VIEW
4 Use the method of finite differences to
find the rule that links x and y in each
table of values.
(HINT: Start y = …).
Step 1 Step 2 a
x 0 1 2 3

CHAPTER RE
y 7 8 9 10
b
Step 3 x 1 2 3 4
b the number of dots (d) to the number y 6 12 18 24
of circles (c).
c
x 0 1 2 3
y 9 11 13 15
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 d
c the number of crosses (c) to the x 1 2 3 4
number of parallelograms (p). y 3 8 13 18
e
x 4 5 6 7
Step 1 Step 2 y 31 40 49 58
f
x 7 8 9 10
y 33 36 39 42
5 Write an algebraic expression for each of
Step 3 the following.
a 3 less than k
d the number of dots (d) to the number
b the sum of g and h
of rectangles (r).
c the product of m and 6
d 7 more than u
e the difference between a and 2
Step 1 Step 2
f the quotient of x and y
g half of t
h three-quarters of w
i the square of z
6 Write an algebraic expression that shows:
a 5 more than the product of p and 7
Step 3 b 2 less than the product of c and d

CHAPTER REVIEW
 64 Mathscape 9
CHAPTER RE

c the sum of 8 and the product of x, y 5p + qr – 3r

g r( p + q) h ------------------------------
and z q+6
d 3 more than one-quarter of n
14 Evaluate each of the following
e the difference between r and half of s
expressions using the substitutions u = 5,
f 7 times the cube of c
v = −2 and w = −6.
g one-sixth of the number that is 4 more
a u−v b w+u
than h
c v+w d u−w+v
h twice the number that is 9 less than e
e w−u−v f 4w2
i the sum of one-third of a and two-
g 3u − 4w h w(v − u)
fifths of b
j the square of the difference between v i u +w
2 2 j uvw + 4
and w 15 Simplify each of these.
7 Write down an algebraic expression in a 7k + 4k b 14t − 8t
simplest form for the number that is: c 9c − c d 17j − 16j
a 8 more than y − 2 e 12ef + 5fe f 6u2 + 4u2
b 5 less than k − 4 g 8a − 3a
2 2 h 7a2b − 3a2b
i −8d + 5d j −9v − 3v
VIEW

8 Write down three consecutive numbers, k 2c − 10c l −4r + 8r

the first of which is:
a t b e+8 16 Simplify:
c 2c − 5 d d−1 a 12x + 5x − 8x b −6h + 9h − 13h
c 4t 2 − t 2 − 3t 2
9 Write down three consecutive even
numbers, the first of which is: 17 Simplify each of the following by
a x b n+7 collecting the like terms.
c y − 10 d a−2 a a+7+a+4
b 5c + 8d + 3c + d
10 Write down three consecutive odd c 14p + 11q + 9p − 8q
numbers, the first of which is: d 20g + 10h − 13g − 8h
a b b v+4 e 4m + 5 − m − 5
c m − 15 d z−3 f 17a − 6b + 2a + 4b
11 Convert: g −10x + 4y + 7x − 9y
a p km to m b b mm to cm h a2 + 3a + a2 − 8a
c $k to cents d f min to h 18 Find, in simplest form, an algebraic
12 How many: expression for the perimeter of each
a centimetres are there in 3 m q cm? figure.
b seconds are there in a min b s?
a b 3x + 4
13 Find the value of each expression using
the substitutions p = 4, q = 7 and r = 8. 6t 2x
a 3p + r b pq − 12
c 3p2 d 30 − 5q
e 2p + 10q – 3r f p2 − r2

CHAPTER REVIEW
 Chapter 2: Algebra 65

e 40w − [19w + (42w ÷ 6)]

VIEW
c
7a f 5x × [(−14x + 10x) ÷ 2]
25 Simplify:
15c + 9c 9u × 8v
9a + 4 a --------------------- b -------------------
13c – 7c 7u + 5u
19 Simplify: 26 Use the order of operations to simplify:
a 8k × 3 b m × 6n a 4n + 3n × 5 b 30j − 56j ÷ 7

CHAPTER RE
c 5c × 7d d n×n c 18e + 7e × 4 − 12e
e 4g × 9g f ab × bc 27 Expand:
g 1--2- p × 12q h 2--3- rs × 9st a 4(3n + 8) b (4a − 5b)7
i −5 × 3e j −8u × −4v c 2f (g + 11h) d x(x − 6)
k −2a × −3b × −4c l 7pq × −6qr e 5c(3c − 10) f pq(p + q)
g −3a(b + 9c) h −12r(3s − 4r)
20 Simplify:
a 12w ÷ 4 b 2c ÷ c 28 Expand and simplify each of these
c ef ÷ e d 30h ÷ 5h expressions.
e 21ab ÷ 3a f 48mnp ÷ 8mp a 5(u + 6) − 8 b 3(t − 8) + 10
g b2 ÷ b h 18s2 ÷ 6s c 9(p + 2) − 25 d −7(2x − 5) + 13
i 40u ÷ (−4) j (−20c) ÷ (−4c) e 6 + 4(3n − 4) f 15 − (8 − m)
k (−60xy) ÷ 5x l (−24d 2) ÷ (−6d) g 10k − 3(8 − 2k) + 11
21 Simplify: 29 Factorise each of the following by
removing the highest common factor.
33k 54m 63ab
a --------- b ---------- c ------------ a 3c + 6 b 5r − 20
11 6m 7a
2
c ab − bc d xy + y
72x 2 36uv e e 2 + 11e f p 2 − pq
d ----------- e --------------
12x 3uv g tuv − uvw h 10s + 12
22 Simplify each of the following. i 18p − 21 j 20km + 15mn
a 28a ÷ 4a × 5b k 24rs − 30s 2 l cd 2 + c2d
b 3c × 12d ÷ 9c m −2k − 10 n −14a + 49
c 40xy ÷ 4x ÷ 2y o −15ef − 24eg p −77w 2 + 132w
d 60z 2 ÷ 12z × 7w 30 Factorise each of these by removing a
23 Simplify each of these, giving the binomial common factor.
answers in simplest fraction form. a a(b + 7) + 5(b + 7)
a 3k ÷ 15 b 16ab ÷ 20a b m(m − n) − 4(m − n)
c 35m ÷ 45m 2 d 14u 2v ÷ 21uv 2 c x(y + 2z) + (y + 2z)
24 Find the simplest answer for each of 31 Simplify:
these. 7c c 5u 11u
a ------ – --- b ------ + ---------
a (13h − 8h) × 6 9 9 12 12
b 100y ÷ (9y + y) 13k 7k 17 3
c 4 × (9t − 6t) × 5t c --------- + ------ d -------- – --------
10 10 20s 20s
d [20g − (7g + g)] × 4

CHAPTER REVIEW
 66 Mathscape 9
CHAPTER RE

a a m m 14m 20n x 2 36yz

e --- + ------ f ---- – ---- c ---------- × ---------- d --------- × -----------
5 10 3 7 45 21m 42y 7x
3w w a a 5a 5 32 40
g ------- + ---- h ------ + --------- e ------ ÷ ------ f ------ ÷ ------
4 6 4b 12b 12 3b h h
32 Simplify:
20v 25v ab 2 a 2 b
b c p 12 g --------- ÷ ---------- h --------- ÷ ------------
a --- × --- b ------ × ------ 49u 28w 54c 45cd
5 8 16 p
VIEW

CHAPTER REVIEW