Module 1 Fundamental Concepts in Algebra
Module 1 Fundamental Concepts in Algebra
Module 1:
THE
FUNDAMENTAL
CONCEPTS IN
ALGEBRA
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Starting!
ACTIVITY 1.1:
Study the given diagram below. Analyze the real number system by carefully looking at
the examples shown in the diagram. Define the sets of numbers based from the given
examples.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Try to look back at the diagram. Compare and contrast rational numbers from irrational
numbers. Fill in the venn- diagram by supplying all your ideas.
Make sure to answer completely the activity above. If you are done, let us proceed.
ACTIVITY 1.2:
Table shows the properties of real numbers with its corresponding definition. Read and
comprehend the definition in each property. Formulate two examples in each property
by filling in the table.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
This time, provide two examples in every property of real numbers. Write your answer
in the space provided.
Make sure you had analyzed the following properties and its definition for you to
provide a correct examples. You need to answer all the questions given.
1. Why do we need to familiarized the properties or real numbers?
Unlocking!
A. REAL NUMBER
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
You have shared your thoughts in the previous activity. This time, to have a concrete
thoughts of the topic, read the content of the lesson.
The Real Number System
All numbers that will be mentioned in this lesson belong to the set of the Real
numbers. The set of the real numbers is denoted by the symbol {R}.
There are five subsets within the set of real numbers. Let’s go over each one of them.
2. The Set of Whole Numbers- includes all the elements of the natural numbers
plus the number zero (0). Contains the elements, {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ... }
3. The Set of Integers- includes all the elements of the set of whole numbers
and the opposites or “negatives” of all the elements of the set of counting
numbers. Elements of the integers : {-4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, ... }.
4. The Set of Rational Numbers- includes all numbers that can be written as a
fraction or as a ratio of integers. However, the denominator cannot be equal
to zero. A rational number may also appear in the form of a decimal. If a
decimal number is repeating or terminating, it can be written as a fraction,
therefore, it must be a rational number.
Examples:
a. Pi
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b. Euler’s number
MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
B. PROPERTIES OF REAL
Remember: Suppose a, b, c represent real numbers.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
In order for you to familiarized the properties at its finest, I divided the properties of
real numbers into three (3) parts. The first one involves the addition operation. The
second involves the operation of multiplication. While the third combines the
operations of addition and multiplication. These properties are just one of the many
basic foundations of mathematics especially in the field of college and advanced algebra.
Firm-up!
Try to answer the activity. Make use of the space provided in the table below in
answering the activity. Avoid unnecessary erasures.
Instruction: Read each statement carefully. Write TRUE if the statement is true, if it is
FALSE, make the statement correct.
STATEMENT ANSWER
1. Every integer is a rational number.
2. Every rational number is an irrational
number.
3. Some rational numbers are integers.
4. There is no negative irrational
number.
5. Every natural number is an integer.
6. Every integer is a natural number.
7. Every rational number is a real
number.
8. Every negative integer is a rational
number.
9. The smallest negative integer is -1.
10. All nonnegative integers are positive
integers.
11. There are more rational numbers than
irrational numbers.
12. There is no smallest or largest integer.
13. Every real number is a rational
number.
14. Every whole number is a natural
number.
15. All numbers greater than zero are
positive integers.
16. Irrational numbers cannot be
represented on a number line.
17. Some whole numbers are rational
numbers.
18. Every natural number is a whole
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
number.
19. Every integer is a natural number.
20. Every rational number is a whole
number.
Firm-up!
I. Answer this activity. Identify the property being used in the following.
II. Answe the following questions. Write all your answers in the space provided.
4. The area of rectangle PQRS, 6(x + 3), can be expressed as the sum of the areas of
the two smaller rectangles, 6x + 6•3. The fact that 6(x + 3) = 6x + 6•3 illustrates
which property?
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
References:
1. https://www.chilimath.com/lessons/introductory-algebra/properties-of-real-
numbers/
2. https://mathbits.com/Algebra2Bits/
3. Stitz, C. & Zeager, J (2013). College Algebra: Corrected Edition. Lakeland
Community College
4. Dray, Malloy, Casey, & Holiday Car. (2012). Glencoe Algebra 2, Virginia
Edition.McGraw-Hill.
Topic 2:
ALGEBRAIC AND RATIONAL EXPRESSION
One of the reasons for the development of Algebra was the use of the old Summerian
script by the Babylonians in 2000 B.C. The ancient script was a collection of ideograms
containing signs used to denote a single concept. The Babylonians employed them for
the phonetic rendition of their own language in which each sign expressed a concept.
Such ideograms were lifted for an algebraic language like +, -, x, and ÷ we use at present.
Understanding such is an earthshaking task for us to take. To be aware of the things that
we need to consider, read our objectives.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Starting!
In adding and subtracting algebraic expressions, we recall that we can add and subtract
similar terms only. However, in combining algebraic expressions, there are important
considerations that we need to take. Examine the examples below.
Examples:
Simplify the following expressions.
1. (x+y-z) – (2x-3y-5z)
2. 4x – [x-16+5(3x+5y)] + (2x-3y)
This time, after examining the given examples above, try to answer the following
questions and provide solutions if it is needed.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Try another one. Make sure you are done answering the first example. Do this in the
same manner with the first example.
Discovering!
Let’s answer your activity. I have here the solutions for the examples given to you on
adding and subtracting the expressions.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Examples:
Simplify the following expressions.
1. (x+y-z) – (2x-3y-5z)
2. 4x – [x-16+5(3x+5y)] + (2x-3y)
Solution:
1. (x+y-z) – (2x-3y-5z) = x + y – z – 2x + 3y + 5z
= -x + 4y + 4z
By examing the solutions, go back on your answers and track on your own if you did it
right, if not, study the solutions provided to you and let your work be corrected on your
own. You assess your work.
Unlocking!
a. Plus sign – remove the parenthesis without changing the sign of each term in
the expression.
b. Minus sign – remove the parenthesis and change the sign of every term inside
the grouping symbol.
c. Monomial factor – remove the parenthesis and multiply each term inside the
parenthesis by the monomial factor.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Familiarize the rules in adding ad subtracting polynomials. If you mastered this one, let
us proceed to multiplying and dividing polynomials.
B. LAWS OF
Starting!
There was a story about a court mathematician in India who, years ago, invented
the game of chess for his king. The king was so pleased with the game that he
offered to repay the mathematician whose request seemed modest enough. The
mathematician requested a single grain of wheat on the first square of the
chessboard, two grains on the second square, four on the third square, and so on,
doubling the number of grains on each succeeding square until all squares had
been used. Thinking that the mathematician’s request was reasonable, the king
readily approved it. Did the king make a wise decision? Why or why not?
2nd 2 2=21
3rd 4 2x2=22
4th __ 2x2x2=23
5th 32 _______________
6th _____ 2x2x2x2x2=_____
10th 1,024 ___________________________________________
16th 65536 ___________________________________________
24th 8388608 ___________________________________________
50th 562949953421312 ___________________________________________
64th 922337203685477580 263
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Discovering!
Try to answer the following questions that will lead you to explore more on the activity.
Questions?
1. How did you come up with your answer?
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
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2. How will you determine the total numbers of grains on each square?
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3. Do you agree with the king’s estimation that the court mathematician’s request
is reasonable? Explain.
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4. If you were the king, what will be your response to the request of the
mathematician? Explain.
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5. In what ways exponents present another strategy to solve problems?
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6. How can real- life problems involving one variable be modeled and solved?
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Note that you are able to answer the questions, let us have a discussion of the laws of
exponents.
Unlocking!
Based from the activity, an exponent indicates the number of times a number or
quantity is being multiplied to itself. To further illustrate:
Base Exponent
1. 3 =3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 = 234
5
3 5
2. -23= -2 x -2 x -2 = -8 -2 3
3. x4 = x(x)(x)(x) = x4 x 4
4. (a+b)3 = (a+b) (a+b) (a+b) a+b 3
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
There are different laws of exponents which will help us in our discussion of
polynomials. These are:
xm · xn = xm+n
m
x
m = xm-n if m>n
y
(xm) = xmn
m
x 1
y
m = x
n−m if n>m
(xy)m = xmym x0 = 1
( xy ) = xy
m m
Try to look at the following examples on how to apply the laws of exponents:
Examples Verify
1. 2 x 2 = 2 = 25 = 32
2 3 2+3
4 x 8 = 32
2. (23)2 = 23x2 = 26 = 64 82 = 64
3. (2x3)2 = 22 x 32 = 4 x 9 = 36 62 = 36
4. 26 / 23 = 26-3 = 23 = 8 32/4 = 8
5. 22 / 25 = 1/25-2 = ½3 = 1/8 4/32 = 1/8
Make sure that you had fully understood the processeses and identified the laws of
exponents in order for you to apply this in solving algebraic expressions.
Starting!
In multiplying and dividing polynomials, there are many cases and rules may arise. For
you to identify one of those, examine the following examples and try to solve it on your
own.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Examples:
Simplify the following expressions.
1. (5x3y4)(7x6y2)
2. 7m2n5p3 (2n8p4 - 3m5n2 + 9m5p6)
5 3
48 x y z
3. 2 4
6 x yz
6 5 4 5 7 6 4 3 2
21m n p +35 m n p −63 m n p
4. 2 2
7m n p
This time, after examining the given examples above, try to answer the following
questions and provide solutions if it is needed.
e.g. 1. (5x3y4)(7x6y2)
QUESTION ANSWER SOLUTION
1. What are the
operations being
used?
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
5 3
48 x y z
e.g. 3. 2 4
6 x yz
QUESTION ANSWER SOLUTION
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
6 5 4 5 7 6 4 3 2
21m n p +35 m n p −63 m n p
e.g. 4. 2 2
7m n p
QUESTION ANSWER SOLUTION
1. What are the
operations being
used?
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
4. Examples:
How will you solve
Simplify the following expressions.
this expression?
1. (5x3y4)(7x6y2)
2. 7m2n5p3 (2n8p4 - 3m5n2 + 9m5p6)
5 3
48 x y z
3. 2 4
6 x yz
6 5 4 5 7 6 4 3 2
21m n p +35 m n p −63 m n p
4. 2 2
7m n p
Solution:
1. (5x3y4)(7x6y2) = 35x9y6
2. 7m2n5p3 (2n8p4 - 3m5n2 + 9m5p6)
= (7m2n5p3)(2n8p4) - (7m2n5p3)(3m5n2) + (7m2n5p3)( 9m5p6)
= 14m2n13p7 - 21m7n7p3 + 63m7n5p9
5 3 3 2
48 x y z 8x y
3. 2 4 = 3
6 x yz z
6 5 4 5 7 6 4 3 2
21m n p +35 m n p −63 m n p
4. 2 2 = 3m4n3p3 + 5m3n5p5 – 9m2np
7m n p
Discovering!
Let’s answer your activity. I have here the solutions for the examples given to you on
multiplying and dividing algebraic expressions.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Unlocking!
1. Product of a monoial and a monomial – find the the product of the numerical
coefficients and appy the laws of exponents on the product of the literal
coefficients.
Examples:
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Examples:
Synthetic Division
Example 1 - Divide:
Step 1: To set up the problem, first, set the denominator equal to zero to find the
number to put in the division box. Next, make sure the numerator is written in
descending order and if any terms are missing you must use a zero to fill in the missing
term, finally list only the coefficient in the division problem.
Step 2: Once the problem is set up correctly, bring the leading coefficient (first number)
straight down.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Step 3: Multiply the number in the division box with the number you brought down and
put the result in the next column.
Step 4: Add the two numbers together and write the result in the bottom of the row.
Step 5: Multiply the number in the division box with the number you brought down and
put the result in the next column.
Step 6: Add the two numbers together and write the result in the bottom of the row.
Step 7: Multiply the number in the division box with the number you brought down and
put the result in the next column.
Step 8: Add the two numbers together and write the result in the bottom of the row.
Step 9: Write the final answer. The final answer is made up of the numbers in the
bottom row with the last number being the remainder and the remainder must be
written as a fraction. The variables or x’s start off one power less than the original
denominator and go down one with each term.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Long Method:
Example: (x2+5x+3) / (x-2)
Step One. Write the problem in long division form. The dividend is placed inside of the
long division symbol, and the divisor is placed to the left.
Step Two. Divide the first term in the dividend by the first term in the divisor. That is,
𝑥2/x= 𝑥. Write the result, also known as the quotient, above the dividend, aligning like
terms.
Step Three. Multiply the 𝑥𝑥 from the previous step by each term in the divisor. Then,
write the product under the dividend and align the terms of the product with the like
terms of the dividend as shown.
Step Four. Subtract 𝑥2 − 2𝑥 from 𝑥2 + 5𝑥. To do this, distribute the negative sign, which
will change −(𝑥2 − 2𝑥) to –𝑥2 + 2𝑥. Write the result, 7𝑥, below the 2𝑥.
Step Five. Bring the + 3 down from the dividend so that it is next to the 7𝑥. This forms a
new dividend: 7𝑥 + 3.
Step Six. Similar to Step Two, divide the first term in the new dividend by the first term
in the divisor. That is 7𝑥/𝑥 , which equals 7. Then, write the quotient on top of the
dividend, with like terms aligned.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Step Seven. Similar to Step Three, multiply the 7 from the previous step by each term in
the divisor, and write the product under the new dividend. Align the terms of the
product with the matching terms of the dividend.
Step Eight. As with Step Four, subtract 7𝑥 − 14 from 7𝑥 + 3, which results in 17. This
result will be the remainder in the final solution.
Solution. The solution is the quotient 𝑥 + 7, plus the remainder, 17, divided by 𝑥 − 2.
Familiarize the rules in multiplying and dividing polynomials. This is a big help in
answering algebraic expressions that involves these operations.
Starting!
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
(a+ b)
2 2
a +2 ab +b
2
4x2 + 20xy + 25y2
(a−b)
2 2
a −2 ab+b
2
(x – y)2
(a+ b)
3 3 2
a +3 a b +3 ab +b
2 3
(5p + 1)3
(a−b)
3 3 2
a −3 a b+3 ab −b
2 3
(4a- 3b)3
3 3
(a + b )
2
(a+ b)(a −ab+b )
2
(5p+2r)(25p2−10r+4r2)
3 3
(a −b )
2
(a−b)( a + ab+b )
2
(m3 – 27)
❑ ❑
2 2
(a −b ) (a+ b) (a−b) (9a2 − 25b2)
Take a look at the given example on how to simplify and expand the following special
products and or the factors. Try to solve the expressions under TRY THIS. Write your
solutions in the box below and put your final answer in the table above by completing
the table.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Discovering!
This time, after examining the given examples above, try to answer the following
questions. Write your answer in the space provided.
Questions?
1. What do you notice about the given mathematical expressions?
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2. Did you solve them easily? Why do you say so?
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3. Did you notice some patterns in finding their answers? What are those?.
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4. What technique/s did you use?
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
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5. What difficulties did you encounter?
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6. How can patterns make your way of solving easier?
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Unlocking!
You have shared your thoughts in the previous activity. This time, to have a concrete
ideas of the topic, read the content of the lesson.
FACTORING- SPECIAL PRODUCTS
When factoring there are a few special products that, if we can recognize them, can
help us factor polynomials.
The first is one we have seen before. When multiplying special products we found that a sum
and a difference could multiply to a difference of squares. Here we will use this special
product to help us factor
Difference of Squares: a2 – b2 = (a + b)(a − b)
If we are subtracting two perfect squares then it will always factor to the sum and difference
of the square roots. It is important to note, that a sum of squares will never factor. It is
always prime.
Other common factoring special products that you need to remember are the
following:
2 2 2
(a+ b) a +2 ab +b
2 2 2
(a−b) a −2 ab+b
3 3 2 2 3
(a+ b) a +3 a b +3 ab +b
3 3 2 2 3
(a−b) a −3 a b+3 ab −b
3 3 2 2
(a + b ) (a+ b)(a −ab+b )
3 3 2 2
(a −b ) (a−b)( a + ab+b )
❑ ❑
2
(a −b )
2
(a+ b) (a−b)
Firm up!
Topic 2: Algebraic and Rational Expressions
Instruction: Follow the directions in every part. Write all your solutions and answers
on the space provided to you. Avoid unnecessary erasures.
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
I. Add the odd numbers and subtract the even numbers of the following algebraic
expressions. Show all your solutions in a separate bond paper.
1. x + 2y – 7 ; 3x – 4y + 8
2. 7x + 8ax – 4ax2 ; 3ax2 + 5ax – 4x
3. 1.12a – 2.7b + 1.4 ; 0.9a – 0.06b – 3.01
2 1 3 1 2 1
4. x+ y- z ; x- y+ z
3 2 4 4 3 3
5. 32 n +2n +1 ; 32 n+1−2n −20
II. Evaluate the following algebraic expression. Show all your solutions in a separate
bond paper.
1. ( 2 x 2 m+ 4 )( 3 x 2 m−1 )
2. ( x 2−x−6 ) ( x 2+ x−1 )
3. (xt + 4) (xt – 5)
4. (4m – 3n + 2) (5m – 3n + 6)
5. -[ 4p – 3q + (4p – 2q) – (p – q)]
−2
32 ∙ 4 ∙ 5
6. −4 3
2 ∙ 3 ∙ 25
7. -160
8. (12x2y4)(½x5y)
9. ( rs )3 ( 2 s )−2(4 r )4
4
( x 2 y 3 ) (x y 4 )−3
10. 2
x y
IV. Problem Solving. Show all your solutions in a separate bondpaper. AVOID
UNNECESSARY ERASURES. (10 points each)
2xy2
3x2y
5x3y
2. The length of a rectangular plot of land is given by the expression 6x 3y4 . The
width of the plot 5x5y4z . Find an expression to represent the area of the
rectangular plot.
WRITE ALL YOUR SOLUTIONS AND ASNWERS HERE!
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
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MAJ-MAT 101- COLLEGE AND ADVANCED ALGEBRA
References:
1. https://www.chilimath.com/lessons/introductory-algebra/properties-of-real-
numbers/
2. https://mathbits.com/Algebra2Bits/
3. Stitz, C. & Zeager, J (2013). College Algebra: Corrected Edition. Lakeland
Community College
4. Dray, Malloy, Casey, & Holiday Car. (2012). Glencoe Algebra 2, Virginia Edition.
McGraw-Hill.
5. http://www.mesacc.edu/~scotz47781/mat120/notes/divide_poly/synthetic/
synthetic_division.html
6. https://78bbm3rv7ks4b6i8j3cuklc1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wpcontent/
uploads/tutoring/handouts/Long-and-Synthetic-Division.pdf
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