Simplifying Algebra

Simplifying
Algebra

Curriculum Ready
ACMNA: 190, 192, 212, 213, 230, 231, 232

www.mathletics.com
Copyright © 2009 3P Learning. All rights reserved.
First edition printed 2009 in Australia.
A catalogue record for this book is available from 3P Learning Ltd.

ISBN 978-1-921861-98-7

Ownership of content The materials in this resource, including without limitation all information, text,
graphics, advertisements, names, logos and trade marks (Content) are protected by copyright, trade mark
and other intellectual property laws unless expressly indicated otherwise.
You must not modify, copy, reproduce, republish or distribute this Content in any way except as expressly
provided for in these General Conditions or with our express prior written consent.

Copyright Copyright in this resource is owned or licensed by us. Other than for the purposes of, and
subject to the conditions prescribed under, the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) and similar legislation which
applies in your location, and except as expressly authorised by these General Conditions, you may not
in any form or by any means: adapt, reproduce, store, distribute, print, display, perform, publish or create
derivative works from any part of this resource; or commercialise any information, products or services
obtained from any part of this resource.
Where copyright legislation in a location includes a remunerated scheme to permit educational
institutions to copy or print any part of the resource, we will claim for remuneration under that scheme
where worksheets are printed or photocopied by teachers for use by students, and where teachers
direct students to print or photocopy worksheets for use by students at school. A worksheet is a page of
learning, designed for a student to write on using an ink pen or pencil. This may lead to an increase in
the fees for educational institutions to participate in the relevant scheme.

Published 3P Learning Ltd

For more copies of this book, contact us at: www.3plearning.com/contact/

Designed 3P Learning Ltd

Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and authors
assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting
from the use of this information contained herein.
Simplifying
SIMPLIFYING Algebra
ALGEBRA

Algebra is mathematics with more than just numbers. Numbers have a fixed value, but algebra
introduces variables – whose values can change. These are represented by letters. Although they work
similarly to numbers it is important to be aware of how to add, subtract, multiply and divide expressions
containing variables.

Answer these questions, before working through the chapter.

I used to think:

What is the difference between like and unlike terms?

Write an example explaining the distribution property

What is a binomial product?

Answer these questions, after working through the chapter.

But now I think:

What is the difference between like and unlike terms?

Write an example explaining the distribution property

What is a binomial product?

What do I know now that I didn’t know before?

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 1

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Basics

Like Terms

Terms with the same variables and indices are called like terms. If indices or variables differ they are called
unlike terms.

Examples of like and unlike terms

Like Terms Unlike Terms

Different vairables
2p2 and 4p2
5m and 4n
2 2
3xy and 7xy
Different indices

4a2 b and 4ab2

Only like terms can be added or subtracted.

Simplify the following as much as possible

Like terms

2a2 + 3ab + 7a 2 - 2ab = 9a2 + ab

Like terms

This can’t be simplified anymore because these are unlike terms.

Multiplying Terms

It’s easy to see that 2 # 3 = 6 and 3 # 2 = 6 , so it doesn’t matter in which order 2 and 3 are multiplied.
This is always true! In any situation a # b = b # a . This is even true if more than two terms are multiplied:
a # b # c = a # c # b = b # a # c.

This means xy = yx and they are like terms. abc = acb = bac are all equal and are also like terms.

The times sign ^#h is dropped in multiplcation of different terms. So 4 # x = 4x , a # b = ab and x # y # 2z = 2xyz .

The coefficients are always multiplied separately. Here are some more examples.

Write the following products using algebra

a m # 3n b p # 2q # 4r c 6xy # 3x2 y3
= 3mn Coefficients multiplied separately Coefficients multiplied separately

= ^2 # 4h # p # q # r = ^6 # 3h # ^ x # x2h^ y # y3h
= 8pqr = 18x3 y4

2 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Basics

Rules for Multiplication

When terms have the same sign their product is positive, when they have different signs their product is negative.

• + # + = + Positive # Positive = Positive

• + # - = - Positive # Negative = Negative
• - # + = - Negative # Positive = Negative
• - # - = + Negative # Negative = Positive

Here are some examples of multiplying with signs

Simplify the following

a - 7a # 2b b - 3x # - 5y
= ^- 7 # 2h # ^a # bh = ^- 3 # - 5h # ^ x # yh
= -14ab = 15xy

c - 2m # 2n # - 5p d - 5t # - 4u # - v
= ^- 2 # 2 # - 5h # ^ m # n # ph = ^- 5 # - 4 # -1h # ^t # u # vh
= 20mnp = - 20tuv

The middle steps of c and d can be skipped if you remember this rule:

• If there are an even amount of negatives then the product is positive.

• If there are an odd amount of negatives then the product is negative.

Order of Operations

Remember that brackets and multiplication (and division) are always done before addition and subtraction.

Simplify the following as much as possible

a 3xy + 2x # - 4y b - 5a # 2b - 6b # - 7c
Multiplication FIRST Multiplication FIRST Multiplication FIRST

= 3xy - 8xy = - 10ab - (- 42ac)

Simplify like terms -(-42) = 42

= - 5xy = - 10ab + 42ac

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 3

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Basics

1. Say if these are like or unlike terms:

a a and 2a b a and a2

c pq and qp d cd2 and d2 c

2. Complete the following:

a 3#4 = 4# b yz =

c ghi = d abcd =

3. Use addition and subtraction to simplify the following as much as possible:

a 4x + 5x - 3x + 1 b 11a - 20b + 8b - 7a

c - 2jk + 3j + 7k + 5jk + 6k d 6ab + 2ba - 3ab + 6ba

e - def + 4edf + 5de + 7ef - 2ed f 4x2 y + 2xy2 - 3x2 + 8xy2 + 4yx2

4 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Basics

4. Use multiplication and the order of operations to simplify the following as much as possible:

a 4a # 3 b 2x # 6y

c - 5t # 5u d 10p #- q

e 7b # 4d #- 2c f - 3g # 6h # - i

g - 8ux # - 2v # - 3w h 2p # - 3q # r # - 2s

i 4x + 2x # 2y j 3x #- 2y + 4xy

k 5a # 2b + 3b # -10a l - 7x # w - 4w # - 2z + wz + 2zw

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 5

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Knowing More

Algebraic Fractions (Dividing Terms)

When algebraic terms are divided, algebraic fractions are formed. These can be simplified by cancelling like terms.
Write the division as a fraction. Always simplify the coefficients and cancel the variables where necessary.

Simplify the following as much as possible:

a 3m ' 6m b 12x ' 4xy

Write as fraction Write as fraction

= 3m = 12x
6m 4xy
y is only in the numerator, so it is
= 3#m m is in both the numerator and
= 12 # x not cancelled. x is in the numerator
6 m denominator, so it can be cancelled 4 xy and denominator, so x is cancelled
= 1 = 3
2 y

Rules for Division

Algebraic division with signs have the same rules as multiplication: If the terms have the same sign their quotient
is positive, when they have different signs their quotient is negative.

• + '+ = + or + =+ Positive ' Positive = Positive

+
• + '- = - or + =- Positive ' Negative = Negative
-
• - '+ = - or - =- Negative ' Positive = Negative
+
• - '- = + or - =+ Negative ' Negative = Positive
-

Remember, always write the division as a fraction first. Then simplify the coefficients and cancel the variables.

Simplify the following as much as possible:

a 15x '- 10x b - 20abc ' - 2ac

Write as fraction Write as fraction

• T he coefficients have been simplified

= 15x = - 20abc • a and c are in both the numerator
- 10x • T he coefficients have been simplified - 2ac
and denominator, so they can be
• x is in both the numerator and
=- 3 denominator, so it can be cancelled = 10b cancelled
2 • b cannot be cancelled because it
• The answer is negative ^+ ' - h
only appears in the numerator
• The answer is positive ^- ' - h

6 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Knowing More

Order of Operations

Remember that brackets and division (and multiplication) are always done before addition and subtraction.

Simplify

a 6x - 4xy ' 2y b 36pqr ' 12r + 7p # 4q

4xy 36pqr multiplication and division

= 6x - division has been done first = + 28pq have been done first
2y 12r
= 6x - 2x = 3pq + 28pq

= 4x = 31pq

Revising Index Laws

Here is a reminder of index laws.

1. Multiplication with indices: a m # a n = a m + n

m
2. Division with indices: a m ' a n = a n = a m - n
a
Raising an index to an index: ^a mh = a mn
n
3.

4. Products raised to indices: ^abhm = a m b m

Quotients raised to indices: ` a j = a m

m m
5.
b b
6. The zero index: a0 = 1 for a ! 0

Negative indices: a- n = 1n or ` a j = ` b j
-n n
7.
a b a
Fractional indices: a n = a = ^ a h
m n m n m
8.

Index laws are used to simplify algebraic fractions. More than one law might be necessary to simplify a fraction.

Simplify

a b ^ pq2h3 ' ^ p3 q8h0 # q- 4 c

= p3 q6 ' 1 # 14
q
3 6
p q
=
q4
3 2
=p q

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 7

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Knowing More

Combining Index Laws and Algebraic Fractions

The next logical step is to mix indices and algebraic fractions. Algebraic fractions with indices work with the same
two steps.

• Step 1: Simplify the numerator and denominator separately.

• Step 2: Simplify the fraction and cancel variables where necessary.

Here are some examples of algebraic fraction containing indices.

Simplify as much as possible:

4y # 2y # 2y Simplify numerator and ^6x2 y3 zh2

a b
4y + 2y + 2y denominator separately 18x5 y2 z

16y3 36x4 y6 z2 Simplify numerator and

= =
8y 18x5 y2 z denominator separately

Simplify fraction using Simplify fraction using

= 2y3 - 1 = 2x4 - 5 y6 - 2 z2 - 1
index laws for division index laws for division

= 2y2 = 2x- 1 y4 z

2y4 z x is in the denominator

= because its index is negative
x

12x6 y8 ^2p2 qh3 # ^4p2 q2h2

c d
16x6 y8 - p3 q3

12x6 y8 8p6 q3 # 16p4 q4

= =
^16x6 y8h2
1
Fractional indices - p3 q3

12x6 y8 128p10 q7 Simplify numerator and

Simplify numerator and =
= - p3 q3 denominator separately
4x3 y4 denominator separately

Simplify fraction using

= 3x6 - 3 y8 - 4 Simplify fraction using = -128p10 - 3 q7 - 3 index laws for division
index laws for division

= 3x3 y4 = -128p7 q4

8 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Knowing More

1. Find the quotient of the following:

a 8a ' 2a b a ' a2 c - 4pqr ' 2pr

d -100amn ' - 20n e 18wx '- 9xy f - 5st ' 20stu

2. Answer these questions about order of operations:

a Simplify 4a # 2b . b Simplify 2b # 4a .

c Is this statement true or false: 4a # 2b = 2b # 4a .

d Is the order of the terms in multiplication important?

e Simplify 4a ' 2b . f Simplify 2b ' 4a .

g Is this statement true or false: 4a ' 2b = 2b ' 4a .

h Is the order of the terms in division important?

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 9

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Knowing More

3. Use the order of operations to simplify these as much as possible:

a 10a - 40ab ' 10b b 26xyz ' 2xz + 6y c 14mn ' 2n - 6m

d xz # 24xyz ' 4xz e 20xy ' 5x + 30yz ' 6z f 15d # 3f - 200def ' 10e

10 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Knowing More

4. Simplify these algebraic fractions as much as possible:

3y + 4y + 5y ^4x3h2
a b
2y # 3y # y ^2x2h4 # 2x

^5xy2h2 # ^2x2 yh3 ^3pqh2 # ^- p3 q3h

c d
^2x2 y2h3 - pq2

9f 2 g3 # ^2fgh3
2
- qr2 # q3 r
e f e o
^3f 2 gh2 # 2f 4 g ^3q2 r h2

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 11

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Knowing More

5. Answer these questions:

Use the index law a- n = 1n to prove ` a j = ` b j .

n
(Hint: ` a j = `` a j j )
-n -n -1 n
a
a b a b b

^3xy2h2
-2
b Use this result to simplify this fraction e 3o
.
^3x2 yh

12 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Using Our Knowledge

Expanding Brackets

A term outside a bracket is multipled with all terms inside a bracket, so that:

a^ b + ch = a # b + a # c = ab + ac

This property of multiplication with brackets is called the ‘distribution property’. Here are some examples:

Expand the following

a 3^2 + xh b x^5 + 2x + 3yh

3#2 3#x x#5 x # 2x x # 3y

= 6 + 3x = 5x + 2x2 + 3xy

There is no difference if the number on the outside is negative. Always multiply the term outside with all the
terms inside.

Expand the following

a - 4 (y - 5) b -3p^2q + 6p - 9h

-4 # y - 4 #- 5 - 3p # 2q - 3p # 6p - 3p # - 9

= - 4y + 20 = -6pq - 18p2 + 27p

Sometimes like terms can be simplified after expanding brackets.

Expand the following

a 4^2x - x2h + 3x^5 - 2xh b - 2q^1 + 4p - 3pqh + q^2p - 5pqh

Like terms Like terms

= 8x - 4x2 + 15x - 6x2 = - 2q - 8pq + 6pq2 + 2pq - 10pq2

Like terms Like terms

= 23x - 10x2 = - 2q - 6pq - 4pq2

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 13

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Using Our Knowledge

Multiplying Brackets

Brackets can also be multiplied together. Both terms in the first bracket are multiplied with both terms in the
second bracket.
1 2

(a + b) (c + d)

3 4

1 2 3 4
= ac + ad + bc + bd

The product of two brackets can also be thought of in this way:

(a + b) (c + d) = a (c + d) + b (c + d)

= ac + ad + bc + bd

Find the following products:

1 2 1 2

a (x + 3) (x + 2) b (2y + 3) (3y - 4)

3 4 3 4

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
= (x # x) + (x + 2) + (3 # x) + (3 # 2) = (2y # 3y) + (2y # - 4) + (3 # 3y) + (3 # - 4)

= x2 + 2x + 3x + 6 = 6y2 - 8y + 9y - 12
Like Like
terms terms

= x2 + 5x + 6 = 6y2 + y - 12

c ^2p + 3qh^ p - 4qh d ^3a - 5bh^3c + 2d h

= ^2p # ph + ^2p # - 4qh + ^3q # ph + ^3q # - 4qh = ^3a # 3ch + ^3a # 2d h + ^- 5b # 3ch + ^- 5b # 2d h

= 2p2 - 8pq + 3pq - 12q2 = 9ac + 6ad - 15bc - 10bd

= 2p2 - 5pq - 12q2

14 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Using Our Knowledge

1. Expand these brackets:

a 5 (2y + 3) b 6 (4 - 3t)

c - 4 (- 3 - 5m) d - 3 (9 - 4x)

1 (8x - 2y)
e f - 1 (16n - 24m)
2 4

g 2x^4x - 2yh h x2 ^4xy - 3yh

i 5p^q + 2pq + 3ph j 3xy^2x - 2y + 1h

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 15

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Using Our Knowledge

2. Expand these brackets:

a x^2 + 3x - 4y + 4xyh b - 2abc^3 - ab - 4ac + 2a2 b - 5bc + 3c2h

3. Expand then simplify using like terms:

a 4^ x - 3x2h + 2x^7x - 5h b d2 ^1 - 2c + 3cd h + cd^5d - 3cd2 - 2h

c 5p^3q - 2pq2h - 4q^2p2 q + 2p - 3h d - 3ab^a2 b - 2b2 + 6ah - b (8a3 b + 2ab2 - 4a2) + a2 b

16 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Using Our Knowledge

4. Expand and simplify:

a ^2x + 2h^ x - 1h b ^2st + 3t h^4t - 2sh

c ^4k - 1h^3 - 2kh d ^ ab - 2ah^3b2 + 6abh

e ^ x + yh^ x - yh f ^ ab - cd h^ab + cd h

g ^3x2 y - 4xy2h^ xy + 2xh h ^3ab3 c - 4a2 bc2h^5abc - 2a2 b2 c2h

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 17

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Using Our Knowledge

Adding and Subtracting Algebraic Fractions

Like all fractions, algebriac fractions can only be added or subtracted if they have the same denominator.
If the fractions already have a common denominator, then simplify the numerators only.

Write all of these as a single algebraic fraction

a 9h - 4h b y 3y y 12 is the lowest common

+ - denominator of 3, 4 and 6
19 19 3 4 6
4y + 9y - 2y
= 9h - 4h These fractions already have
=
19 a common denominator 12
11y
= 5h =
19 12

8p 2q 2p + q 30 is the lowest
c 5 +5 ab is the lowest common d - + common denominator
ab a denominator of a and ab 15 30 10 of 15, 30 and 10
16p - 2q + 6p + 3q
= 5 + 5b =
ab 30
25q 5q
= =
30 6

Sometimes its difficult to find a common denominator. In these situations, the common denominator can be
found by multiplying the denominators together.

Adding and subtracting fractions with complicated denominators

a 2 +5 b 2 - 2
x+ 3 7 m+ n m- n

Step 1: Find a common denominator Step 1: Find a common denominator

7^ x + 3h This is the product of the

(m + n) (m - n) This is the product of the
original denominators original denominators

Step 2: Write both fractions over this denominator Step 2: Write both fractions over this denominator
14 5^ x + 3h 2^ m - nh 2^ m + nh
7^ x + 3h 7^ x + 3h ^ m + nh^ m - nh ^ m + nh^ m - nh
= + = -

14 + 5^ x + 3h 2^ m - nh - 2^ m + nh
7^ x + 3h ^ m + nh^ m - nh
= =

Step 3: Simplify Step 3: Simplify

Multiply the brackets to
= 14 + 5x + 15 Use the distributive property = 2m2 - 2n - 2m - 2n2 find this denominator
7x + 21 to expand the bracket m + mn - mn - n

= 5x + 29 =- 4n
7x + 21 m - n2
2

18 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Using Our Knowledge

5. Simplify these fractions:

a 7x + 5x b 2x - 5x
4 4 3 12

c 3 + 2 d 5+ 2
mn km 6 1 - 2x

e 3 - 4 f 3 + 2
2a - 1 a 3y + 1 5y

g 4 - 1 h 3 + 5 - 2
y+ 6 y- 1 p 2p p2

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 19

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Using Our Knowledge

Multiplying and Dividing Algebraic Fractions

Multiplying and dividing algebraic fractions is easy because a common denominator is not necessary.
To multiply algebraic fractions, simply multiply the numerators and the denominators separately.

Find these products:

a 3#y b 2p p
#
x 4 3 q

3#y Multiply numerators and 2p # p Multiply numerators and

= =
x#4 denominators separately 3#q denominators separately

3y 2p2
= =
4x 3q

c t4 # 10 d a7 # b2 # 24
5 t2 2 2a4 b4
4 7 2
Multiply numerators and
= t # 10 denominators separately = a b #4244
Multiply numerators and
5 # t2 2 # 2a b denominators separately

4
= 10t2
7 2
= 24a4 b4
5t 4a b

= 2t4 - 2 = 6a7 - 4 b2 - 4

= 2t2 3
= 6a2
b

To divide algebraic fractions, simply find the reciprocal of the second fraction and multiply.

Find these quotients:

a 2x ' y b - 3ab ' 12b2

8 16 4c 24c

= 2x # 16 ’flip’ the second fraction = - 3ab # 24c2 ’flip’ the second fraction
8 y to find the reciprocal. 5c 12b to find the reciprocal.

= 2x # 16 = - 3ab # 242c
8#y 5c # 12b

= 32x = - 72abc
8y
60b2 c

= 4x
y = - 6a
5b

20 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Using Our Knowledge

6. Write these in simplest form:

p p mn # 10
a # b
2 10 5 n

mn # 25 3p2 q 6q
c d # 4
5 m 2 n3 7 p

3 2
e 8s3 t2 # 27p s f a#b#c
9p 16t4 b c d

g
4 5 2 3
3d # 4e f # d ef h
- 5wx2 y3 10a4 b
#
5e3 f 2 3d4 4 2a2 25wxy

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 21

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Using Our Knowledge

7. Write these in simplest form:

a
3p q
' b a2 # a
2 6 b 2

c 4a3 b5 # 2a2 b2 d 3d2 e ' 9e3

3 9 8f 2 16d2 f

e 5s3 t2 ' 20s5 t f 6a2 b3 c2 ' 2a3 bc4

x3 y 4 x 6 y2 7p4 q3 r2 21p2 q5 r

22 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Thinking More

Shortcuts for Multiplying Brackets

A product of two brackets it called a ‘binomial product’. Some binomial products can be found more easily than
others. Look at this example:
^ a + bh^ a - bh
= a2 - ab + ab - b2

The middle terms cancel each other away

= a2 - b2

Can you see the shortcut? Their product is the square of the first term minus the square of the second term.
Here are some examples using this shortcut:

Find these products:

a ^ x + 2h^ x - 2h b ^3y - 5h^3y + 5h

= ^ xh - ^2h
2 2
= ^3yh 2 - ^5h 2

1st term 2nd term 1st term 2nd term

squared squared squared squared

= x2 - 4 = 9y2 - 25

What about the perfect square of a bracket? Look at this example:

^ a + bh 2 = ^ a + bh^ a + bh

= a2 + ab + ab + b2

= a2 + 2ab + b2

1st term 2 # product 2nd term

squared of terms squared

Can you see the shortcut? Here are some examples using this shortcut:

Find these products:

a ^ x + 4h 2 b ^4p - 2qh 2
= ^ x2h + 2^ xh^4h + ^4h 2 = ^4ph 2 + 2^4ph^- 2qh + ^- 2qh 2

1st term 2 # product 2nd term 1st term 2 # product 2nd term
squared of terms squared squared of terms squared

= x2 + 8x + 16 = 16p2 - 16pq + 4q2

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 23

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Thinking More

These shortcuts may seem silly for these easier examples, but they are especially useful for more
complicated examples.

Find these products:

a ` x + xj` x - xj
4 4 b ^3x2 y + 4pq3h^3x2 y - 4pq3h

= ^3x2 yh - ^4pq3h
2 2
= ` 4 j - ^ xh 2
2
x
= 9x4 y2 - 16p2 q6
= 162 - x2
x

c c 5y -
3 2
m d ^2m3 n2 - 3nh 2
2y

= ^2m3 n2h + 2^2m3 n2h^- 3nh + ^- 3nh 2

2
= ^5yh 2 + 2^5yhc- 3 m + c- 3 m
2

2y 2y
= 4m6 n4 + 2^- 6m3 n3h + 9n2
= 25y + 2 c- m + 92
2 15y
2y 4y
= 4m6 n4 - 12m3 n3 + 9n2
= 25y2 - 15 + 9 2
4y

We can even use these rules in calculations using actual numbers.

a 112 - 92 b 362

= ^11 + 9h^11 - 9h = ^30 + 6h 2

= ^20h^2h = 302 + 2^30h^6h + 62

= 40 = 900 + 360 + 36

= 1296

24 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Thinking More

1. Prove that ^ x + yh^ x - yh = x 2 - y 2 .

2. Simplify these perfect squares:

a ^2p + 1h 2 b ^5x - 7yh 2

c ^- 3m - 2nh 2 d ^3p - pqh 2

` x + xj c2y - m
e 1 2
f 2 3 2
y

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 25

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Thinking More

3. Simplify these binomial products:

a ^ x + 3h^ x - 3h b ^5 - mh^5 + mh

c ^2b + 3ch^2b - 3ch d ^7x + 3yh^7x - 3yh

e ^ xy + x2 y2h^ xy - x2 y2h f ^10a2 b3 - 4ab2h^10a2 b3 + 4ab2h

` 2m + m j` 2m - m j ` 5x - 3yj` 5x + 3yj
g 1 2 1 2
h 2 2

26 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Thinking More

4. Find 9 and 4 in each of the following:

a ^ x + 3 h 2 = x2 + 9x + 9 b ^2x + 9h2 = 4x2 + 12xy + 9y2

c ^9 - 5qh 2 = 16p2 - 40pq + 25q2 d ^2m + 9h2 = 4m2 + 16mn2 + 4

5. Find these values using expanded form:

a 162 - 62 b 642 - 362

c 292 d 372

e 772 - 272 f 12.62 (Hint: 12.6 = 12 + 0.6)

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 27

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Questions Thinking More

6. A stage in a stadium is made up of a rectangle and a square in the following diagram. The dimensions are in
terms of x.
2x + 4

x-2
Rectangle

Square

2x - 3

a Find expression for the area of the square in the form of a binomial product.

b Find expression for the area of the rectangle in the form of a binomial product.

c Show that the total area of the stage is (x - 2) (2x + 4) + (2x - 3) 2 .

d Simplify the expression for the area of the stage.

e Find the value of the area of the stage if x = 5 .

28 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Answers

Basics: Knowing More:

1. a Like terms b Unlike terms 2. e 2a
b
c Like terms d Like terms b
f
2a
g False, they are not equal.
2. a 3 # 4 = 4 # 3 b yz = z # y
h Yes, the answers are different.
c ghi = g # h # i

d abcd = a # b # c # d
3. a 6a b 19y c m

d 6xyz e 9y f 25df
3. a 6x + 1 b 4a - 12b

c 3j + 13k + 3jk d 11ab

4. a 2 b 1
e 3edf + 3ed + 7ef y2 2x3

c 25x2 y d 9p4 q3
f 8x2 y + 10xy2 - 3x2
4g3 r2
e f
4. a 12a b 12xy f3 81

c -25tu d -10pq
5. a ` a j = ` b j 9x8
-n n
b
e -56bcd f 18ghi
b a y2

g -48uvwx h 12pqrs
Using Our Knowledge:
i 4x + 4xy j -2xy
1. a 10y + 15 b 24 - 18t
k -20ab l 11zw - 7xw
c 12 + 20m d 27 + 12x

Knowing More: e 4x - y f -4n + 6m

1. a 4 b 1 c -2q g 8x2 - 4xy h 4x3 y - 3yx2

a
i 5pq + 10p2 q + 15p2
2w
d 5 am e - f - 1
y 4u
j 6x2 y - 6xy2 + 3xy

2. a 8ab
2. a 2x + 3x2 - 4xy + 4x2 y
b 8ab
b -6abc+ 2a2 b2 c+ 8a2 bc2- 4a3 b2 c+10ab2 c2- 6abc3
c True, they are both 8ab.

d No, the answers are the same.

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 29

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Answers

Using Our Knowledge: Using Our Knowledge:

9p a3
3. a 2x2 - 6x 7. a b
q 2b
b 3cd3 + 3cd2 + d2 - 3c2 d3 - 2cd
c 8a5 b7 d 2d4
c 7pq + 12q - 18p2 q2
21 3fe2

tx3 9b2 q2
d 4ab3 - 13a2 b - 11a3 b2 e f
4s2 y2 ac2 p2 r

4. a 2x2 - 2
Thinking More:
b 8st2 - 4s2 t + 12t2 - 6st
2. a 4p2 + 4p + 1
2
c -8k + 14k - 3
b 25x2 - 70xy + 49y2
3 2 2 2 2
d 3ab + 6a b - 6ab - 12a b
c 9m2 + 12mn + 4n2
e x2 - y2
d 9p2 - 6p2 q + p2 q2
2 2 2 2
f a b -c d
e 1 + x2 + 2
g 3 2 3 2 3
3x y + 6x y - 4x y - 8x y 2 2 x2

f 4y4 - 12y + 92
h 15a2 b4 c2 - 6a3 b5 c3 - 20a3 b3 c3 + 8a4 b3 c4 y

5. a 3x b x 3. a x2 - 9 b 25 - m2
4
c 4b2 - 9c2 d 49x2 - 9y2
c + 2n
3k - d 17 - 10x
kmn 6 - 12x e x2 y2 - x 4 y 4

-5a +44
11a - 21y + 2
e f f 100a4 b6 - 16a2 b4
a^2a - 1h 5y^3y + 1h
g 1 - m4
g
3y - 10
h
11p - 4 4m2
^ y - 1h^ y + 6h 2p2
h 4 - 9y2
25x2
p2
6. a b 2m
20

c 5 d
18q2
mn2 7p 2

e
3p 2 s 5 f a
2t2 d

e2 f 6
g h -a2 bxy2
5d

30 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra Answers

Thinking More:
4. a 9 = 6 b 9 = 3y
c 9 = 4p d 9 = 4n2
4 = 16n4

5. a 220 b 2800

c 841 d 1369

e 5200 f 158.76

6. a ^2x - 3h2

b ^ x - 2h^2x + 4h

d 6x2 - 12x + 1

e 91

100% Simplifying Algebra J 5 31

Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning SERIES TOPIC
 Simplifying Algebra Notes

32 J 5 100% Simplifying Algebra

SERIES TOPIC Mathletics 100% © 3P Learning
 Simplifying Algebra

www.mathletics.com