8 Algebra

This chapter at a glance

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

substitute into algebraic expressions

recognise like terms in algebraic expressions

add and subtract like terms to simplify algebraic expressions

simplify algebraic expressions that involve multiplication and division

determine whether a simplified expression is correct using substitution

recognise the role of grouping symbols and the different meanings of
various expressions

expand algebraic expressions using the Distributive Law

translate between everyday language and algebraic language

interpret statements involving algebraic symbols in spreadsheets.
Algebra

284
 Chapter 8: Algebra 285

8.1 Substitution
To substitute for a pronumeral is to give the pronumeral the value of a number. The same
algebraic expression can have any number of values depending upon the value(s) that are
substituted for each pronumeral.

Example 1 Solutions
EG Evaluate each expression when a n+7 b 5n c 4n − 1
+S n = 2. = 2+7 = 5×2 = (4 × 2) − 1
a n+7 b 5n =9 = 10 = 8−1
=7
c 4n − 1 d 3n2
n + 10
n + 10 d 3n2 e --------------- f 7(n + 4)
e --------------- f 7(n + 4) = 3 × 22 3 = 7 × (2 + 4)
3 2 + 10
= 3×4 = --------------- = 7×6
= 12 3 = 42
12
= ------
3
=4

Example 2 Solutions
EG Evaluate each 8r + 6s
+S expression when a 7r − 2s b s2 + 4r c -----------------
= (7 × 3) − (2 × 5) = 5 + (4 × 3)
2 s+4
r = 3 and s = 5.
= 21 − 10 = 25 + 12 (8 × 3) + (6 × 5)
= ----------------------------------------
a 7r − 2s = 11 = 37 5+4
b s2 + 4r 54
= ------
8r + 6s 9
c -----------------
s+4 =6

Example 3 Solutions
EG Evaluate each a b−c−d b 3d − 2c c b(d − c)
+S expression when = 4−7−1 = (3 × 1) − (2 × 7) = 4(1 − 7)
b = 4, c = 7 and = -3 − 1 = 3 − 14 = 4 × -6
d = 1. = -4 = -11 = -24
a b−c−d
b 3d − 2c
c b(d − c)
286 Mathscape 7

Exercise 8.1

1 Evaluate each of these when a = 3.

a a+4 b a−1 c 10 + a d 20 − a e 7a
f 12a g 6a + 1 h 9a − 3 i 40 − 4a j 30 − 6a
k a2 l a3 m a2 + 7 n 5a2 o 2a3
9 a a+7 a+9
p 50 − 3a2 q --- r --- s ------------ t ------------
a 6 5 3

■ Consolidation
2 Evaluate each of the following when b = 4 and c = 6.
a b+c b c−b c 20 − b + c d 3b + 2c
e 5c + 2b f 10c − 5b g 2bc h 3bc + 1
i 25 − bc j 50 − 2bc k 80 − 3bc l 110 − 4bc
b+c c–b 2b + c 6b + 4c
m ------------ n ----------- o --------------- p ------------------
5 2 7 bc
q b 2 + c2 r c2 − 2b s b2 + 5c t b2c + bc2
u 5(b + c) v b(c + 8) w c(9 − b) x 8(c − b)

3 Evaluate each of the following when p = 3, q = 5 and r = 8.

a p+q+r b r−q+p c pq d qr
e 2pqr f 5p + 3q + 2r g 6r − 5p + q h 3pq + 2qr
p+q r–2 r–q 4p + r
i ------------ j ----------- k ----------- l ---------------
r p p q
m p2 + q 2 + r2 n 3q2 + r2 o r(q − p) p 9(r − p + q)

■ Further applications
4 Evaluate each of the following when d = 2, e = 5 and f = 10.
a d−e b e−f c d−f d -d + e e -e + d
f -e − d g d−e−f h e−f+d i -f + d + e j -e + f − d
k 2d − e l f − 3e m e − 6d n 2e − 3f o 3f − 10e
p -3d + 4e q -6e + 2f r d − ef s -3d − 5f t -7f + 6e

5 Evaluate each of the following when t = 7, u = -2 and w = -5.

a t+u+w b t−u−w c u−t+w d w−t−u
e -t − u − w f 3t − 4u + 5w g 2t + 3w − 5u h 3tu + 2uw
i 3u − 4t − 2w j -2u + 3t + w k t(u + w) l t 2u + u2w
2u + w t+w uw 2t + 2w
m ---------------- n ------------ o ------- p ------------------
t u 5t u
q (t + w)(u − w) r (t + u)(t − u) s u3t + w2 t u − w2
2
 Chapter 8: Algebra 287

8.2 Addition and subtraction of

like terms
Algebraic terms with identical pronumerals are called like terms. Some examples of:

like terms are 6k and 2k, 4e and -9e, ab and ba, 5c2 and 7c2

unlike terms are 2p and 2q, uv and vw, 3a2 and 10a.
If there are n apples in a bag, then expressions such as 3n and 7n could represent the number of
apples in 3 bags and 7 bags respectively. Now the number of apples in 3 bags plus the number
of apples in 7 bags is equal to the number of apples in 10 bags altogether. In algebra, we could
write 3n + 7n = 10n. Similarly, the number of apples in 7 bags minus the number of apples in
3 bags is equal to the number of apples in 4 bags, i.e. 7n − 3n = 4n.
From these examples we can see that to add or subtract like terms, we need only add or subtract
their co-efficients. These co-efficients represent the number of identical items, in this case
apples. Remember the pronumeral represents the number of objects, not the objects
themselves.

To collect the like terms in an algebraic expression:

add or subtract the co-efficients

keep the same pronumeral(s).

Only like terms can be added or subtracted.

Example 1
EG Simplify each of the following.
+S
a 8m + 5m b 9t − 5t c 14p − p
d 12a2 + 3a2 e 11gh − 6gh f 10cd + 8dc

Solutions
a 8m + 5m = 13m b 9t − 5t = 4t c 14p − 1p = 13p
d 12a2 + 3a2 = 15a2 e 11gh − 6gh = 5gh f 10cd + 8dc = 18cd

Example 2
EG Simplify each of the following.
+S
a 5a + 2a + 3b + 8b b 8x + 7 + 4x + 6
c 11q2 + 4q + 8q2 + q d 10e + 15f − 4e + 5f

Solutions
a 5a + 2a + 3b + 8b b 8x + 7 + 4x + 6
= 7a + 11b = 8x + 4x + 7 + 6
= 12x + 13
288 Mathscape 7

c 11q2 + 4q + 8q2 + q d 10e + 15f − 4e + 5f

= 11q2 + 8q2 + 4q + q = 10e − 4e + 15f + 5f
= 19q2 + 5q = 6e + 20f

Exercise 8.2

1 State whether each pair of terms are like terms or unlike terms.
a 5a, 2a b 3a, 2b c 6x, x d 4m, 4n e 2p, 2 f 7, 5
g ab, bc h xy, yx i abc, bcd j 7cd, 7d k a2, a l 2a3, 5a3

2 Select the like terms in each of these.

a 4p, 2q, 9p b 8a, 8b, 7b c 15c, 5, 4c, 6
d gh, fg, 3fg e 6ef, 4fe, 9e, 2f f 2n, 3n2, 6n, n2

3 a Are -5a and -3a like terms? b Are -4m and 2m like terms?

4 a Simplify 3m + 2m.
b Check your answer by substituting several values for m.

5 Simplify:
a 4a + 3a b 10m − 7m c 2n + n d 8k − 6k e c+c
f 7h − 6h g 10u − 10u h 4g + 9g i 15w − 4w j 7e + 5e
k 14n − 13n l p + 5p m 11r + 9r n 17d − 8d o 10b − 9b
p 2v + 5v q 6t + 9t r 12s + 9s s 18f − 9f t 13z − 13z

■ Consolidation
6 Simplify each of the following.
a 5m + 3m + 2m b 7k + 4k + 5k c 9t + 4t − 3t
d 10x + x − 6x e 3c − c + 10c f 12p −2p − 3p
g 8n − n − n h 6g − g + g i j+j+j
j 5z + 4z + 2z + z k 7y − 3y + 4y − y l 11q + 5q − 6q − 10q
m 14u − 2u − 3u + 7u n 9a − 6a + 4a + 8a o 17w + 5w − 4w − 9w

7 Simplify:
a 4ab + 5ab b 9pq − 3pq c 6st + 4st
d 8uv − 7uv e cd + cd f 11xy − xy
g 5qr + 2rq h 13ef − 5fe i 9gh − 7hg
j 19yz − zy k 16jk + 5kj l 14vw − 14wv
m 2ab + 5ab + 9ab n 4pq − 2qp + 6pq o 8mn − 3mn − nm
p 7rs + rs − 8rs

8 Copy and complete each of these as an addition or subtraction.

a 4m _____ = 7m b 6t _____ = 2t c 7u _____ = u
d 3c _____ = 10c e h _____ = 2h f 5p _____ = 0
 Chapter 8: Algebra 289

g 4a2 _____ = 9a2 h 8b2 _____ = 10b2 i 11k2 _____ = 10k2

j 13qr _____ = qr k 5ab _____ = 12ab l 15pq _____ = 5qp

9 Find the missing term.

a _____ + 4n = 11n b _____ + 3p = 8p c _____ − 2x = 7x
d _____ − 2a = a e _____ + 6z = 13z f _____ − w = 9w
g _____ + 8k2 = 12k2 h _____ − s2 = 5s2 i _____ + 4y2 = 18y2
j _____ − 3bc = 0 k _____ − 7nm = 3mn l _____ + 7rs = 7rs

10 Simplify these expressions by collecting the like terms.

a 6a + 2a + 3b + 4b b 7c + 9c + 3k + 2k
c 4m + 5m + 7n + 3n d 5x + x + 4y + y
e 3e + 9e + 8 + 5 f 11 + 7 + 6z + 5z
g 10p − 3p + 2q + q h 5r + 6r + 7s − 2s
i 8x − 7x + 9y − 3y j 4m − 2m + 13n + 4n
k 11u − 8u + 12 − 5 l 4 + 5 + 22z − 6z

11 Simplify by collecting the like terms.

a 2a + 3b + 5a + 2b b 4p + 6q + 2p + 3q
c 5m + 2z + 3z + 8m d 7t + 4n + t + n
e 8c + 3d + d + 5c f e + f + 3e + 4f
g 9u + 10 + 6u + 1 h 3 + 2k + 4k + 9
i 6a2 + 7a + 3a2 + 5a j 4 + 7w2 + 5 + 12w2
k 5p2 + 6p + p + 2p2 l 9y2 + 10y + 4y2 + y

12 Simplify by collecting the like terms.

a 2p + 8n + 4p − 3n b 5m + 7y + 4m − 5y c 6x + 10a − 2x + 4a
d 7g + 9k − 3g − 6k e 3n + 2u + n − 2u f 8c + 2g + g − 7c
g 11r + 5 − 6r − 3 h 14 + 8t − 9 + 6t i 4c2 + 6c − 2c2 − 3c
j 8v + 11v2 − 5v + v2 k 8c + 2g + g − 7c l b2 + b − b2 + b
m 3c + 9 − 7 + 5c n 20r + 8s − 4r + s o 6p + 14q − q − 6p

■ Further applications
13 Simplify these expressions.
a 4x + 3y + 7z + 8x + 9z + 6y b 5p + 8q + 10r − 2p + 5q − r
c 7a2 + 4a + 11 + 3a2 − a + 5 d 3f + 14g2 + 9 − f + 5g2 − 8
e bc + c + ca + 7c + 4bc + 6ac f 8mn + 13m + 6kn − 4m − mn − 6nk
g 5u + 7vu − u + 6v − 3uv − 4v h 15yz + 5zx − 6zy + 9 − 2xz − 1

14 Copy and complete each of these as an addition or subtraction.

a 8t + 3t _____ = 2t b _____ + 3u + 4u = 16u
c 6b _____ − 2b = 9b d 2p _____ + 3q _____ = 5p + 8q
e 12m _____ + 10n _____ = 7m + n f _____ + 3b + 4a _____ = 9a + 4b
g 11j _____ + 7k _____ = 8j h 19x _____ + 15y _____ = x
290 Mathscape 7

8.3 Further addition and

subtraction of like terms
The questions in this exercise involve directed number.

Example 1
EG Simplify each of the following.
+S
a 2p − 6p b -7xy − 6xy c -5z2 + 10z2
d 4k − 9k − k e 11a + (-4a) f 8c − (-9c)

Solutions
a 2p − 6p = -4p b -7xy − 6xy = -13xy c -5z2 + 10z2 = 5z2
d 4k − 9k − k e 11a + (-4a) f 8c − (-9c)
= -5k − k = 11a − 4a = 8c + 9c
= -6k = 7a = 17c

Example 2
EG Simplify each of the following.
+S
a 6p + 3q + p − 5q b 8s − 12 − 3s + 9 c 2d2 − 4d + 4d − 3d2

Solutions
a 6p + 3q + p − 5q b 8s − 12 − 3s + 9 c 2d 2 − 4d + 4d − 3d 2
= 6p + p + 3q − 5q = 8s − 3s − 12 + 9 = 2d 2 − 3d 2 − 4d + 4d
= 7p − 2q = 5s − 3 = -d 2

Exercise 8.3

1 Simplify each of these.

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

2 Simplify:
a -2ab − 7ab b -4pq + 9pq c -12xy + 8xy
d 3mn − 10mn e -8cd + 8cd f -3uv + 4uv
g -5gh − 4gh h 2jk − 10jk i -9ef + fe
j -6wx + 12xw k -7bc + 8cb l -rs + sr
 Chapter 8: Algebra 291

■ Consolidation
3 Simplify:
a 3x − 5x − 4x b 2u − 7u + 3u c -8m + 2m + 4m d -4h − h − h
e -3w + 8w − 2w f n−n−n g -q + q − q h -6s + 7s − 4s
i y − 3y − 8y j 12b − 7b − 8b k 10z − 12z + 9z l -4v − 12v + 10v
4 Simplify each of these.
a 4a − (-2a) b 8u − (-5u) c 7c − (-c) d 9w − (-6w)
e 5k + (-3k) f 6n + (-n) g 10t − (+4t) h 12b − (+7b)
i -2p − (-8p) j -4q − (+4q) k -11h − (-11h) l -m + (-8m)
m -3xy − (+5xy) n 2bc + (-4bc) o -5tu − (-6tu) p 7gh + (-7gh)

5 Copy and complete each of the following as an addition or subtraction.

a -2w _____ = w b -4n _____ = -8n c 3p _____ = -5p
d -5t _____ = 6t e a _____ = -a f -5g _____ = 0
g -7k _____ = -16k h 2c _____ = -6c i m _____ = -12m
j -d _____ = 9d k 0 _____ = -4s l -8e _____ = -17e
6 Find the missing term in each of these.
a _____ + 7u = 2u b _____ − 6n = -10n c _____ + f = -3f
d _____ − 8r = -5r e _____ + 4w = -w f _____ + 7a = a
g _____ − 9d = -15d h _____ + 8s = 0 i _____ − n = -4n
j _____ − 6j = -2j k _____ − g = -2g l _____ + 12b = -7b

7 Simplify each expression by collecting the like terms.

a 7p + 3p + 2q − 5q b 5m − 4m + 3c − 7c c 2u − 8u − 4n − 6n
d -3b − 5b + x + 4x e k − 3k + 5m − 11m f -2p + 9p + 8k − 7k
g 6t − 9t + 1 − 5 h -3 + 12 − 4y − 8y i -14d + 8d − 2 + 3
j -7a2 + 3a2 + 5a − 11a k 4p − 13p − 6p2 − 2p2 l n2 − 5n2 − 10n + 17n

8 Simplify by collecting the like terms.

a 7p + 8k − 11p + 2k b 5u + 3a − 7u − 8a c -4d + f − 6f − 4d
d -2t − 7e + 6e + 11t e -3n − v − 6n − 2v f 2a + 4q − 2a − 8q
g 5y − 3b − 10y + 4b h -s − 2t + 8t − 12s i 2k + 5 − 13k − 8
j -7 + 3w + 1 + 2w k 5n − 12 + 3n − 7 l 12a2 + 3a − 2a2 − 5a
m 4p2 − 7 + 6p2 − 9 n u + 6u2 − 8u2 − u o -4s2 − 3s − 11s2 − 10s
p 5n − 2m + 7m − 6n
2 2 q c + 3c2 + c − 7c2 r -x2 + y + x2 − y

■ Further applications
9 Copy and complete each of these as an addition or subtraction.
a 2w _____ + 5w = -3w b _____ − 4a − 3a = -13a
c _____ − n + 8n = 2n d 5m _____+ 6n _____ = 8m − 2n
e t _____ − u _____ = -2t + u f _____ + 4a − 2c _____ = 7a − 7c
g _____ + 3x _____ + y = -3x − y h -3a2 _____ + 4a _____ = -3a
292 Mathscape 7

TRY THIS Vital capacity

Have you ever wondered how much air your lungs hold?
Get a balloon! Now take a deep breath and see how much you can blow up your
balloon. The amount of air you blow out is called your vital capacity. It is measured in
litres. The vital capacity depends on several factors, such as do you smoke? Two
important factors are your age and your height. Here is a formula to work out your
vital capacity depending on your height and your age.
Men: vital capacity = 0.057H − 0.022A − 4.23
Women: vital capacity = 0.041H − 0.018A − 2.69
H = height in centimetres
A = age in years
For example, if you are a 13-year-old girl of height 130 cm, then your
vital capacity = (0.041 × height) − (0.018 × age) − 2.69
= 0.041 × 130 − 0.018 × 13 − 2.69
= 5.33 − 0.234 − 2.69
= 2.406 litres
Now put in your own height and age, and work out your own vital capacity. You can
compare this figure with the one that you get by roughly working out the volume of
your breath-filled balloon.
.
(Volume of the balloon =---- πr 3 =
. 4r 3, r is the radius of balloon.)
4
. 3
Say radius = 8 cm. V =. 4 × 8 × 8 × 8 cm3
= …? litres

8.4 Multiplication of algebraic

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

To multiply algebraic terms:

multiply the co-efficients

multiply the pronumerals.

Example
EG Simplify:
+S 1
a h×8 b 5a × 2b c --- × 15y
3
d 4c × 6c e 7fg × 4gh f (-8x) × (-6y)
 Chapter 8: Algebra 293

Solutions
1
a h × 8 = 8h b 5a × 2b = 10ab c --- × 15y = 5y
3
d 4c × 6c = 24c2 e 7fg × 4gh = 28fg2h f (-8x) × (-6y) = 48xy

Exercise 8.4

1 Simplify each of the following.

a 3×m b p×7 c 4×k d g×5
e a×b f p×q g m×n h j×k
i 6×u×v j m×2×n k x×y×9 l r×7×s

2 Express in simplest form:

a a×3×b×2 b 5×p×3×q c m×7×4×n
d k×u×6×5 e c×3×d×e f 2×3×w×2

3 Simplify:
a 3 × 2b b 5 × 4n c 7p × 2 d 6t × 3
e 9 × 4u f 5e × 7 g 8k × 6 h 7 × 9w
i 4a × 3b j 6p × 4q k 12m × 4n l 2k × 11m
m 5e × 8f n 15c × 2d o 10x × 6y p 12u × 7v

■ Consolidation
4 Simplify:
a 2c × 3d × e b 5f × g × 7h c m × 6n × 6p
d 10r × 4s × 3t e 5u × 9v × 2w f 8x × 3y × 2z

5 Simplify the following products.

a a×a b p×p c c×c d u×u
e 3q × q f t × 2t g 8g × g h w × 4w
i 2y × 3y j 5a × 4a k 6h × 2h l 3v × 7v
m 2t × 5t × 3 n 4n × 3 × 5n o 6 × 2s × 3s p 8b × 5 × 3b

6 Find each of these products.

a ab × ac b pq × qr c xy × yz d xy × 3y e 2c × cd
f 5p × np g 4ab × 3bc h 5ef × 2eg i 2gh × 7hi j 4pq × 8pr
k 9mp × 5np l 8uv × 7uw m 11cd × 5de n 13uv × 4tv o 8rs × 12rt

7 Find the missing term in each of these.

a 3m × _____ = 21m b _____ × 6x = 30x c _____ × 2n = 8n
d 5c × _____ = 15cd e _____ × 7q = 42pq f 3g × _____ = 27gh
g m × _____ = m2 h _____ × c = c2 i 6p × _____ 12p2
j _____ × 4u = 32u 2 k 4f × _____ 48f 2 l _____ × 10g = 110g2
m ab × _____ = a2bc n ij × _____ = ij2k o 4de × _____ = 20de2
294 Mathscape 7

8 Simplify each of the following.

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

■ Further applications
9 Use the order of operations to simplify:
a 3x + 2x × 5 b 24a − 3 × 2a c 4 × 5n − n
d 12p + 6p × 3 + p e 10c − 4 × 2c − 2c f 4 × 6k − 3k × 5
g 5e + 3e × 4 + 10 h 20 + 2m × 7 − 9 i 19u − u × 7 + 5 × 3

8.5 Division of algebraic terms

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

To divide algebraic terms:

express the division in fraction form

divide the co-efficients

divide the pronumerals.

Example 1
EG Simplify:
+S
10c 18ab 30n 2 -48ef
a --------- b ------------ c ----------- d -------------
5c 3b 6n 4e
Solutions
2 6 5 2 12
10c 18ab 30n -48ef
a --------- b ------------ c ----------- d -------------
15c 13b 6n 4e
=2 = 6a = 5n = -12f

Example 2
EG Simplify:
+S
a 40j ÷ 8j b 36pqr ÷ 9pr c 32b2 ÷ 4b

Solutions
a 40j ÷ 8j b 36pqr ÷ 9pr c 32b2 ÷ 4b
5 4 8
40j 36pqr 32b 2
= -------- = --------------- = -----------
8j 9pr 4b
=5 = 4q = 8b
 Chapter 8: Algebra 295

Exercise 8.5

1 Simplify each of these.

2n 7t 5m ef
a ------ b ----- c ------- d ----
2 t 5 f
6ab 8xy 3cd rst
e --------- f --------- g --------- h -------
6a 8y 3c rt
4pqr 10mnp 11uvw wxyz
i ------------ j ----------------- k ---------------- l ------------
4q mp 11uw wyz

2 Simplify each of the following fractions.

6m 15t 28u 40s
a ------- b -------- c --------- d --------
3 5 7 5
24r 33w 25k 32e
e -------- f ---------- g --------- h ---------
4 3 5 8

■ Consolidation
3 Simplify:
12k 21c 16d 5a
a --------- b --------- c --------- d ------
3k 7c 4d 5a
42yz 26jk 50hi 36uv
e ----------- f ----------- g ----------- h ------------
7y 2k 10h 9v
15abc 24uvw 30mnp 49xyz
i --------------- j ---------------- k ----------------- l --------------
3b 6w 5m 7y
40efg 66def 90bcd 84ijk
m -------------- n -------------- o --------------- p -------------
8eg 11de 10bc 12jk

4 Simplify each of the following.

a2 k2 u2 2q 2 11f 2
a ----- b ----- c ----- d -------- e ----------
a k u q f
2
5c 2 8b 2 10h 2 9b 18k 2
f -------- g -------- h ----------- i -------- j -----------
5c 8b 2h 3b 9k
27z 2 42c 2 56r 2 88s 2 45d 2
k ----------- l ----------- m ----------- n ----------- o -----------
3z 6c 7r 8s 5d

5 Express each division as a fraction, then simplify.

a 6a ÷ 6 b 9x ÷ x c mn ÷ m d 16e ÷ 2
e 40s ÷ 8 f 21v ÷ 3 g 5pq ÷ 5p h 3ab ÷ 3b
i 4jk ÷ jk j 12cd ÷ 3c k 20uv ÷ 4v l 42efg ÷ 6f
m n2 ÷ n n 3e2 ÷ e o 4r 2 ÷ 2r p 28y2 ÷ 7y
q 18m2 ÷ 3m r 36c2 ÷ 4c s 15ab2 ÷ 3b t 30p2q ÷ 5pq
296 Mathscape 7

6 Simplify:
a -5g ÷ 5 b 2m ÷ (-2) c -7c ÷ (-c) d 4m ÷ (-4)
e -6d ÷ (-6) f 3k ÷ (-3) g -12p ÷ 6 h 21y ÷ (-7)
i -25w ÷ (-5) j 27a ÷ (-3a) k -22j ÷ 2j l -20v ÷ (-2v)
m q2 ÷ (-q) n -14c2 ÷ (-7c) o -72r2 ÷ 8r p -44gh2 ÷ (-4gh)

7 Find the missing term in each of these.

a 3h ÷ _____ = 3 b 5n ÷ _____ = 5 c _____ ÷ a = 2
d 15z ÷ _____ = 3z e 21b ÷ _____ = 7 f _____ ÷ 3t = 8
g _____ ÷ 9 = 4y h 33p ÷ _____ = 11 i _____ ÷ 4x = 1
j 18pq ÷ _____ = 3q k _____ ÷ 6m = 7n l d2 ÷ _____ = d
m _____ ÷ e = e n _____ ÷ 4k = k o 108g2 ÷ _____ = 12g

■ Further applications
8 Use the order of operations to simplify:
a 16a + 21a ÷ 3 b 21z − 10z ÷ 5 c 8p ÷ 2p + 8
d 10i + 15i ÷ 3 − 2i e 20y − 4y ÷ 4 − 6y f 27b ÷ 9 + 20b ÷ 4
g 8f + 54f ÷ 6 + 7 h 9k – 64k2 ÷ 8k + k i 17 − 36g ÷ 12g × 2

9 Simplify:
a 15n ÷ 20 b 8a ÷ 12 c 9x ÷ 15y d 18t ÷ 21u
e 14u2 ÷ 35u f 21k2 ÷ 24k g 44w 2 ÷ 55w h 28y2 ÷ 36y

TRY THIS Square magic

Here is a magic square.
Clues: A = C+4 F = 2(D + C)
A B C There is something
B = D2 + 4 G = C2
special about the sums
D E F 4C = 12 H = 10 − 2C
of the rows, columns
2D = B−4 I = 2C − 1
G H I and diagonals.
E = 2C

Most important
Which clue do you start with? Why?
 Chapter 8: Algebra 297

8.6 The Distributive Law

The value of numerical expressions such as 3(5 + 2) and 3(5 − 2) can be found easily by direct
evaluation.
For example, 3(5 + 2) = 3 × 7 or 3(5 − 2) = 3 × 3
= 21 =9
In section 1.14 the Distributive Law was introduced and used to expand and evaluate
expressions such as those above by multiplying the term outside the grouping symbols by each
term inside.
For example, 3(5 + 2) = 3 × (5 + 2) or 3(5 − 2) = 3 × (5 − 2)
= (3 × 5) + (3 × 2) = (3 × 5) − (3 × 2)
= 15 + 6 = 15 − 6
= 21 =9
Algebraic expressions such as 3(x + 2) and 3(x − 2) cannot be simplified directly, since the
expressions inside the grouping symbols cannot be simplified. The examples below will justify
the use of the Distributive Law to expand and simplify such expressions.
1 3(x + 2) could be interpreted as This result can also be shown using an
‘3 lots of (x + 2)’. area diagram.
That is, A x B 2 C
3(x + 2) = 3 × (x + 2)
= (x + 2) + (x + 2) + (x + 2) 3
=x+x+x+2+2+2
= 3x + 6 F E D
Shaded area = area of ABEF + area of BCDE
3(x + 2) = (3 × x) + (3 × 2)
= 3x + 6
2 3(x − 2) could be interpreted as This result can also be shown using an
‘3 lots of (x − 2)’. area diagram.
That is, A x−2 B 2 C
3(x − 2) = 3 × (x − 2)
= (x − 2) + (x − 2) + (x − 2) 3
=x+x+x−2−2−2
= 3x − 6 F E D
x
Shaded area = area of ACDF − area of BCDE
3(x − 2) = (3 × x) − (3 × 2)
= 3x − 6
298 Mathscape 7

The examples above suggest that algebraic expressions containing grouping symbols can be
expanded by the use of the Distributive Law.

To expand an expression containing grouping symbols 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 5(t + 6) b 4(w − 3) c 2(3c + 8d)
d p(q − 4) e a(a + 5) f 3m(7m − 10n)

Solutions
a 5(t + 6) b 4(w − 3)
= (5 × t) + (5 × 6) = (4 × w) − (4 × 3)
= 5t + 30 = 4w − 12
c 2(3c + 8d) d p(q − 4)
= (2 × 3c) + (2 × 8d) = (p × q) − (p × 4)
= 6c + 16d = pq − 4p
e a(a + 5) f 3m(7m − 10n)
= (a × a) + (a × 5) = (3m × 7m) − (3m × 10n)
= a2 + 5a = 21m2 − 30mn

Example 2
EG Expand and simplify each of the following.
+S
a 2(x + 12) − 10 b 40 + 5(h − 3) c 6(j + 8) + 4(j + 3)

Solutions
a 2(x + 12) − 10 b 40 + 5(h − 3) c 6(j + 8) + 4(j + 3)
= 2x + 24 − 10 = 40 + 5h − 15 = 6j + 48 + 4j + 12
= 2x + 14 = 5h + 25 = 10j + 60

Exercise 8.6

1 Explain the difference between 2x + 1 and 2(x + 1).

2 Expand:
a 2(x + 3) b 3(t − 4) c 5(2 + a) d 4(y − 2)
e 7(w + 4) f 6(n − 5) g 9(p − 1) h 8(2 + u)
i 10(b + c) j 3(c − d) k 6(g − h) l 12(m + n)
 Chapter 8: Algebra 299

3 Expand:
a (m + 2)5 b (n − 4)2 c (d − 9)3 d (3 − k)11
e (u + 5)7 f (y + 8)4 g (6 − c)6 h (e + 7)12

4 Expand:
a a(b + c) b p(q + 3) c e(f − 4) d n(6 − b)
e g(y + z) f k(z − 1) g b(8 + w) h c(d − e)

■ Consolidation
5 Expand each of the following.
a 2(3a + 5) b 6(2n − 3) c 5(4 + 3p) d 4(1 − 2c)
e 8(5y + 7) f 9(3 − 8i) g 3(4u + 3v) h 6(3a − 5b)
i 7(7e − 6f) j 11(t + 9u) k 10(5g − 4h) l 12(5d + 9e)

6 Expand each of these.

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

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

8 Expand and simplify:

a 3(n + 5) + 2 b 4(x − 3) + 2x c 7(y + 3) − 4 d 5(a − 7) − 4a
e 5(2c + 3) + 8 f 3(11 − 3w) − 10 g 8(1 + 6m) − 12m h 6(3d + 7) + 11
i 10(2 − 3t) − 13 j 9(4k + 8) + 5k k 11(5u + 6) − 20u l 7(9 − 2p) − 31

9 Expand and simplify:

a 5 + 3(n + 4) b 11 + 2(w − 5) c 4 + 8(t + 3)
d 6u + 4(2u + 7) e 3e + 5(2e − 4) f 15q + 2(13 − 3q)
g 4b + 3b(a + 3) h 12m + 2m(k − 6) i 18c + 4c(1 − 2d)

10 Expand and simplify:

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

■ Further applications
11 Expand each of the following.
a -3(n + 5) b -4(a − 2) c -9(1 + t)
300 Mathscape 7

d -5(8 − p) e -6(b + 7) f -2(12 − z)

g -2(3m + 7) h -5(7y − 4) i -7(3 − 10g)
j -4(2c + 9) k -10(12j + 1) l -9(9d − 8)
m -11(4 + 6h) n -4(8w + 7) o -12(7k − 9)

12 Expand and simplify:

a 2(u + 4) − 9 b 4(m − 3) + 5 c 3(q − 2) + 10
d 8(y − 6) − 11y e 5(1 − e) − 4e f 7(2 − 3j) + 5j
g -10 + 3(2x − 3) h -14 + 5(3 − 4a) i 12 + 7(4h − 2)
j 3(w + 4) + 2(w − 8) k 6(3 − n) + 2(n − 4) l 4(y − 10) + 5(3 − y)

TRY THIS Number, think and back again

Try both of these number puzzles by starting with any number.
1 Think of a number, add 6, multiply by 2, subtract 12, divide by 2. What happens
every time?
2 Think of a number, add 2, multiply by 4, subtract 8, divide by 4. What happens
every time? Can you find out what is happening?

8.7 The meaning of algebraic

expressions
Many real-life problems can be solved by expressing them in terms of algebraic statements. We
can then use normal mathematical procedures to find solutions. To do this, however, we must
first understand the meaning of key words or phrases, so that the correct mathematical
expressions can be formed. Some of these key words or phrases are listed below, along with
their associated mathematical operations.

Addition—sum, increase, add, plus, total, more than

Subtraction—difference, decrease, subtract, take away, reduce, less than

Multiplication—product, multiply, times, double, triple

Division—quotient, divide, share, half, third

Example 1
EG Explain in words the meaning of each expression.
+S
a
a m+3 b x+y c k−4 d u−v e pq f ---
b
 Chapter 8: Algebra 301

Solutions
a When a number has been added to a pronumeral, the phrase ‘more than’ is usually used.
So m + 3 means ‘3 more than m’.
b When two or more pronumerals are added, the word ‘sum’ is usually used. So x + y means
‘the sum of x and y’.
c When a number has been subtracted from a pronumeral, the phrase ‘less than’ is usually
used. So k − 4 means ‘4 less than k’.
d When one pronumeral is subtracted from another, the word difference is usually used.
So u − v means ‘the difference between u and v’.
e When two or more pronumerals are multiplied, the word ‘product’ is usually used.
So pq means ‘the product of p and q’.
f When one pronumeral is divided by another, the word ‘quotient’ is usually used.
a
So --- means ‘the quotient of a and b’.
b

Example 2 Solutions
EG State the meaning of x 1 x
+S each expression. a --- can be written as --- x. So --- means ‘half of x’.
2 2 2
x 2c 2 2c
a --- b ------ can be written as --- c. So ------ means ‘two-thirds of c’.
2 3 3 3
2c 3w 3 3w
b ------ c ------- can be written as --- w. So ------- means ‘three-quarters of w’.
3 4 4 4
3w
c -------
4

Example 3
EG Write the meaning of each expression.
+S
p a–b a
a 3m + 4 b --- – 13 c ------------ d --- – b e 4a2 f 5(n + 2)
q 3 3

Solutions
a 3m + 4 means ‘4 more than the product of 3 and m’.
p
b --- – 13 means ‘13 less than the quotient of p and q’.
q
a–b
c ------------ means ‘one-third of the difference between a and b’.
3
a
d --- – b means ‘the difference between one-third of a and b’.
3
e 4a2 means ‘the product of 4 and the square of a’.
f 5(n + 2) means ‘the product of 5 and 2 more than n’.
302 Mathscape 7

Exercise 8.7

1 Write an algebraic expression for each of these.

a three more than k b two more than y c six more than x
d the sum of p and q e the sum of x and y f the sum of g and h

2 Write an algebraic expression for each of these.

a seven less than a b four less than p
c nine less than w d the difference between u and v
e the difference between c and d f the difference between r and s

3 Write an algebraic expression for each of the following.

a double h b triple n c quadruple t
d the product of 8 and f e the product of z and 9 f the product of j and k

4 Write an algebraic expression for each of the following.

a half of d b one-third of m c three-quarters of x
d the quotient of a and b e the quotient of g and h f the quotient of m and n

■ Consolidation
5 Describe in words each of these expressions.
w
a n+6 b k−1 c 7t d ---- e g−h
4
c n
f m+n g --- h ab i z + 10 j ---
d 2
x
k y−8 l 5u m -- n j+k o pq
y
s
p k−m q 2b r --- s v−2 t f + 11
5

6 Describe each expression in words.

2a 3k 7u 4c
a ------ b ------ c ------ d ------
3 4 10 5

7 Write an algebraic expression for:

a the sum of p, q and r b the sum of x, y and 5
c the product of u, v and w d the product of 4, s and t
 Chapter 8: Algebra 303

8 Write an algebraic expression for each of these.

a one more than the product of two and x b four less than the product of k and 3
c five more than the product of a and b d seven less than the product of g and h

9 Describe each expression in words.

a 5u − 2 b cd + 10 c yz − 6 d 4t + 9

10 Write an algebraic expression for each of the following.

a five more than half of m
b one less than the quotient of r and s
c four less than one-third of n
d nine more than the quotient of a and b
e one-quarter of the sum of p and q
f one-sixth of the number which is five less than p
g one-third of the number which is two more than d
h one-tenth of the difference between b and c

11 Describe each expression in words.

m–n v y f+7
a ------------- b ---- + 2 c --- – 8 d -----------
3 w 5 8
k u–1 d r+s
e --- + 12 f ------------ g --- – 5 h -----------
9 4 e 11

12 Write an algebraic expression for each of these.

a the square of k b the cube of j
c y to the power of 9 d v to the seventh power
e twice the square of w f five times the cube of a
g the product of x and the square of y h half the cube of e
i one more than the square of m j ten less than the cube of h
k the sum of c and the square of d
l the difference between the square of v and z

■ Further applications
13 Use grouping symbols to write an algebraic expression for each of the following.
a twice the sum of p and q
b the product of 6 and the difference between u and v
c the product of x and the number which is 7 less than y
d the product of a and the number which is 2 more than c
e five times the number which is 4 less than d
f three times the difference between half of a and four-fifths of b
304 Mathscape 7

B P ROBLEM SOLVING

1 When four consecutive numbers are added, the total is 98. What are the numbers?
2 Will you still be alive one billion seconds from now? If so, how old will you be?
NOTE: 1 billion = 1 thousand million = 1000000000.
3 Find the next figure in this series.

4 Find the next

figure in this
series.
5 A council worker has to mow a rectangular soccer field as shown. If the width of the
tractor mower is 3 metres, how many times must the worker go around the field?

6 In the finals of a basketball competition, a team must lose twice before it can be
eliminated. What is the minimum number of games necessary to determine the winner
of a 4-team competition?
7 A five-cent coin is rolled around another five-cent coin. Will the
Queen’s head be facing up or down when it has travelled
halfway around the coin?

8 How many ways can you add 6 odd numbers to obtain a total of 30? You may use
numbers as many times as you wish?
9 How many drawing pins are needed to pin 10 pictures to the
wall if every corner of the picture has a drawing pin?

10 A man bought a cow for $100, then sold it for $120. He then bought it back for $140,
and sold it for $160. What profit or loss did he make?
 Chapter 8: Algebra 305

0
f\F OC
F O C U S OONR W
US ON W K O
I RK
N GI NM MT
G A AT MA
HHEEM TICALLY
ATICALLY

COLOURING MAPS

T I C A L L Y
ICALLY
W O R KI N G M A T H E M A
MATHEMAT
FOCUS ON WORKING
Introduction
Algebra is a powerful tool for writing down a general rule from specific cases. In this activity
we will investigate how the boundaries of a map are related to the number of regions created
and the number of corner points.
This discovery was used to solve a problem to do with colouring maps which had not been
solved for over 100 years.

2L EARNING ACTIVITIES

Materials needed: Paper, pen and coloured pencils.

1 Here is a simple map of a piece of land drawn on a flat surface. It has 4 corner posts, and
5 boundary fences. It also divides the plane (the flat surface on which it is drawn) into
 306 Mathscape 7

3 separate regions. Copy the map and colour the 3 regions, two inside and one outside, with
different colours.

Map 1
T I C A L L Y

2 Here are three other maps which have just 3 regions. Copy and colour the regions with
different colours.
ICALLY

Map 2 Map 3 Map 4

W O R K I N G M A T H EE MMA TA

3 Let the number of corner posts of any map be P. Map P B R

Let the number of boundaries be B. Let the
number of regions be R. Copy and complete 1
this table for the maps above. 2
TH

3
4
M A

4 Study the pattern of numbers in the table. See if you can write down an equation using the
symbols P, B and R to show how they are related.
N G

5 Let’s try it again but this time using 4 regions. Complete the table for each of the following
I

maps.
R K
FOCUS ON WO

Map 5 Map 6 Map 7

6 Check out your equation in part 4 to see if it Map P B R
works for each of the maps with 4 regions.
5
6
7
 Chapter 8: Algebra 307

7 If you investigate these maps, you will find that the equation P + R − B = 2 is always true
no matter how many regions a map divides the plane into. (Your equation may be
equivalent, say P + R = B + 2.) It is known as Euler’s Formula after the mathematician
Leonard Euler who discovered it. Record this in your book.

8E

T I C A L L Y
XTENSION ACTIVITY

Try out Euler’s Formula to see if it works with three-dimensional solids.

Instead of a post, use a vertex where the edges meet. Instead of a boundary, use an edge of the
solid. Instead of a region, use a face of the solid.
For what solids does the formula hold? Try it out with a cube, a rectangular prism, a square
pyramid, a cone, a cylinder. If V is the number of vertices, E the number of edges, and F the
number of faces, write down Euler’s Formula in terms of V, E and F. (See also chapter 12

ICALLY
Solids, p. 457.)

E L ET’S

W O R KI N G M A T H E M A
COMMUNICATE

MATHEMAT
Make a chart of what Euler’s Formula is about. Then write a short account of what you have
learned about how useful algebra is in making a general rule from a set of particular cases. Be
prepared to read it to the class.

%R EFLECTING

One of the most famous unsolved problems of mathematics was ‘the four colour problem’. It

FOCUS ON WORKING
was first posed by a mathematician named Francis Guthrie in 1852 and not solved until 1976.
Today many proofs have been written.
‘Are four colours sufficient to colour every planar (flat) map in such a way that every pair of
states or countries with a common border are coloured differently?’ The answer is yes. Algebra,
in particular Euler’s Formula, plays a major role in the proof.
This is a good example of how one branch of mathematics, algebra, can be vital in solving a
problem in another branch, in this case geometry. Mathematics is really a complete subject.
Different branches relate to each other in special ways. You will discover this as you learn.
Think about it now and remember it always when you are solving problems.
308 Mathscape 7

1 In the expression 3a + 4b identify the 5 Read the Macquarie Learners’ Dictionary

co-efficients. entry for algebra:
2 Two skateboarders meet a third
skateboarder. Express this situation in algebra noun (uncount) the branch of mathematics
algebraic terms. which uses letters to stand for numbers
3 In the expression 2a − 2b what sort of ❏ Word Family: algebraic adjective
terms are used? Write your own definition of algebra based
4 What do we do with indices when on what you have learned from this chapter.
multiplying expressions like: 2a2 × 2a3?

g b+b h 4gh + 6gh

CHAPTER RE

1 Evaluate each of the following

expressions given that a = 3 and b = 4. i 9st − 3ts j 4a2 + 8a2
a a+b b 7b k 11e2 − 6e2 l 6r − 4r + 9r
c ab d 8a − b 4 Simplify each of the following by
e 5a + 2b f 30 − 2ab collecting the like terms.
g a2 + 11 h b2 − a2 a 5a + 3a + 6b + 4b
i 2a 2 j ab2 b 7u + 5v + 8u + 3v
k 6(a + b) l 10(3b + 2a) c 10c + 4d + 6c + d
5b
m ------
4a + 3b
n ------------------- d 5g + 7 + 3g + 9
2 8 e 13r + 12s − 5r + 2s
23 + ab f 18x + 7y − 4x − 6y
o ------------------ p a2 + b2 g 8w2 + 9w + 6w2 − 3w
b+1
h 15ab + 17 − ab − 8
2 State whether the following are like terms
i 6x + 16x2 − 5x2 + 7x
or unlike terms.
a 7n, 5n b 5p, 4q c 7y, 7 5 Simplify:
d 3, 8 e xy, yz f 5u, u a 3w − 7w b -6z + 13z
VIEW

g 4k, -k h a2, a i pq2, pq2 c -9m + 4m d -2d + 11d

3 Simplify: 6 Simplify:
a 5c + 3c b 9t − 2t a 5t − (-3t) b 12n + (-7n)
c 8v + v d 12p − p c -20k − (+5k) d -4h − (-11h)
e 17f − 16f f 10j − 10j

CHAPTER REVIEW
 Chapter 8: Algebra 309

7 Simplify each of the following by 13 Expand each of the following.

VIEW
collecting the like terms. a 5(a + 3) b 4(m − 7)
a 10m + 2m + 3n − 5n c p(q + 8) d x(4 − y)
b 6e + 3f − 4e − 9f e 3(6c + 10d) f 8(3g − 4h)
c 7x − 4y + 6x + 5y g b(b − 5c) h 9s(3s + 5t)
d 5u − 1 − 4u − 7 14 Expand and simplify:
e -4g + 6h − 3g − h a 4(y + 3) + 9

CHAPTER RE
f 2y2 − 10y − 2y2 + 3y b 37 + 5(d − 6)
8 Simplify: c 14u2 + 2u(3u + 5)
a n×6 b c×7×d d 3(z + 7) + 6(z − 2)
c 5 × 4x d 3a × 8b 15 Write an algebraic expression for each of
e 8p × 3q × 2r f p×p the following.
g 5t × 9t h ab × bc a five more than b
i 6uv × 7uw j -9k × 4 b three less than y
k -12s × -7s c the sum of g and h
l -3x × -4y × -5xyz d the difference between p and q
9 Simplify, using the order of operations. e the product of s and seven
a 5m + 3m × 7 f the square of z
b 18e − 4e × 3 + e g the quotient of c and d
c 25 − 3c × 6c + 5 + 2c2 h half of w
10 Simplify each of the following divisions. i two-thirds of x
4a cd 7abc 16 Describe in words:
a ------ b ------ c ------------ a t−8 b r−s c u+v
4 d 7b
c
45v
d ---------
21h
e ---------
40pqr
f --------------- d p + 12 e 5m f ---
9 3h 5pr 4
5k
g
m2
------
12x 2
h -----------
ab 2
i -------- g ------ h a3 i 2(m + n)
m 4x ab 6
11 Simplify: 17 Write an algebraic expression for:
a 24d ÷ 6 b 35m ÷ 7m a three more than the product of five
c 50ab ÷ 5a d 48x2 ÷ 4x and h
e -16k ÷ (-4) f -56ef ÷ 8f b seven less than the quotient of t and u
g 60uv ÷ (-12u) h -72c2 ÷ (-9c) c one-third of the difference between
e and f
12 Simplify, using the order of operations.
d the difference between e and
a 9p + 30p ÷ 6
one-third of f
b 20b − 27ab ÷ 3a + b
e twice the square of n
c 5c2 + 28c2 ÷ 4c + 6c − c2
f four more than the cube of c

CHAPTER REVIEW