🧮 Fundamentals of Arithmetic & Algebra ✨🧠📏

Arithmetic Operations & Properties 🔁➕✖️

Key rules govern how numbers combine and interact, creating the framework for simplifying and
rearranging expressions without changing their value. Mastering these properties lets you streamline
complex computations and reduce errors—ensuring consistency across all problem-solving steps.

• Addition (+), Subtraction (−), Multiplication (×), Division (÷), Exponentiation

• Commutative (addition & multiplication only): a + b = b + a , a × b = b × a \ Explanation: The
commutative property means you can swap the order of addition or multiplication without
changing the result (e.g., 3 + 5 = 5 + 3 ). This flexibility simplifies rearranging terms when solving
equations.
• Associative: (a + b) + c = a + (b + c) , (a × b) × c = a × (b × c) \ Explanation: Associative
indicates grouping doesn’t matter for addition and multiplication. Whether you add a and b first or
b and c first, you’ll get the same sum—helpful for reorganizing longer expressions.
• Distributive: a(b + c) = ab + ac \ Explanation: The distributive property connects multiplication
and addition, showing how to expand or factor expressions, such as turning 3(x + 4) into
3x + 12 .
• Order of Operations (PEMDAS): Parentheses → Exponents → Multiplication/Division → Addition/
Subtraction

Quick Check: Efficiently solve 2(3 + 4) + 5 :

1. Distribute: 2 × 3 + 2 × 4 + 5 =6+8+5
2. Sum: 19

Number Types 🔢📚🧩

Recognizing different number sets helps determine valid operations and anticipate solution types—crucial
when equations yield unexpected results or require interpreting data ranges accurately.

• Natural: Counting numbers (1, 2, 3, …)

• Integer: Zero and positives/negatives (… -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, …)
• Rational: Quotients of integers p/q where q  0 =
• Irrational: Cannot be expressed as a ratio (√2, π)
• Real: All rationals + irrationals

Why It Matters: The discriminant D = b2 − 4ac in the quadratic formula reveals whether solutions are real
distinct, real repeated, or complex—guiding which solution methods apply and whether to expect
imaginary numbers. 🎯💭📊

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🔧 Core Algebra Skills 🧩🧑🏫📘
Building on arithmetic, these algebraic techniques let you manipulate polynomials, solve multi-variable
systems, and handle equations beyond degree one—key for modeling structural and material behaviors. 🔍
📈⚙️

Equations & Inequalities 📏➖✅

Formulate and solve constraints that define allowable designs or material limits. Equations find exact
values; inequalities define allowable ranges.

• Linear Systems: Solve ax + by = c via substitution or elimination.

• Inequalities: Reverse inequality when multiplying/dividing by a negative; depict solutions on
number lines.

Graphical Tip: Sketch each inequality (e.g., y > 2x − 1 ) to visualize overlapping regions where all
constraints are met.

Exponents & Radicals 🧮📉📐

Essential for modeling exponential growth/decay (e.g., compound interest) and extracting roots in
engineering formulas (e.g., stress calculations).

= bn+m , (bn )m = bnm , b−n = 1/bn

• Laws: bn ⋅ bm
1/n
• Radical: a = na
• Simplify: 18 = 9⋅ 2 = 3 2

Quick Check: Simplify x3/2 ⋅ x1/2 = x(3/2+1/2) = x2 .

Functions & Transformations 🔄🎨🏫

Describe relationships; understand how shifting and scaling affect models (e.g., stress-strain curves).
Transformations modify a base graph in predictable ways:

• Horizontal shift: f (x − h) moves right by h

• Vertical shift: f (x) + k moves up by k
= −f (x) flips over the x-axis; y = f (−x) flips over the y-axis
• Reflections: y
• Stretches/Compressions: y = a⋅ f (x) (vertical stretch if |a|>1); y = f (bx) (horizontal
compression if |b|>1)

Visual Tip: Sketch parent y = x2 , then apply each transformation one at a time (e.g., reflect, then shift, then
stretch) to see cumulative effects.

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📐 Geometry & Trigonometry Basics 🧭📏🔷
Geometry and trigonometry quantify shapes, distances, and angles—key for site layouts, land surveys, and
structural analysis. These tools apply to both static and dynamic systems. 📐🔍🏗️

Angles & Triangles 🔺📐🧮

Compute interior/exterior angles and apply similarity for indirect measurements—vital in blueprint reading
and truss design.

• Triangle Sum: A + B + C = 180°

• Similarity: Corresponding sides proportional → use for scaling or finding unknown lengths.

Circle & Polygon 🔵🔶🏫

Manage circular components and multi‑sided elements in designs—important for road curves, arches, and
polygonal floor plans.

• Circle: C= 2πr , A = πr2

• Polygon interior sum: (n − 2)⋅ 180°

Coordinate Geometry 🗺🧮📉

Link algebra to geometry for precise point mapping—useful in GIS, CAD, and land surveying.

• Distance: d = (x2 − x1 )2 + (y2 − y1 )2 = 32 = 4√2

• Midpoint: (x1 + x2 )/2, (y1 + y2 )/2
• Slope: (y2 − y1 )/(x2 − x1 )

Trigonometric Identities 🔁🧠📐

Simplify angle expressions and solve non-right triangles. Essential for analyzing forces, waves, and cyclic
loads.

• Reciprocals: cscθ= 1/ sin θ, secθ = 1/ cos θ, cotθ = 1/anθ

• Sum/Difference: sin(a ± b) = sin a cos b ± cos a sin b

📈 Functions & Pre‑Calculus Prep 📐⏳🧠

Pre‑calculus ties algebra and geometry, introduces limits, and lays groundwork for calculus-based modeling
in engineering. This stage covers function behavior, sequences, and continuity—key for dynamic system
analysis. 🧩📊📈

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Function Types 🏫📏🧩
Select appropriate models for your data or phenomena:

• Linear, Quadratic, Polynomial, Rational, Exponential, Logarithmic, Trigonometric

Context Tip: Use exponential models for growth/decay; polynomials for multi-peak data.

Inverse Functions 🔁📉📈

Reverse mapping to recover input from output (e.g., converting strain measurements back to
displacement). Verify inverses satisfy f (f −1 (x)) = x .

• Example: If f (x) = 2x + 1 , swap and solve: x = 2y + 1 → y = (x − 1)/2 .

Sequences & Series 🔢📐📏

Model repetitive or cumulative processes (e.g., brick layering, stair risers).

• Arithmetic: an = a1 + (n − 1)d
• Geometric: an = a1 rn−1

Real‑World Example: Stair riser heights form an arithmetic sequence; concrete pour layers might follow a
geometric progression for tapering sections.

Prelude to Limits ➰📉⚠️

Study function behavior near boundaries and asymptotes; learn where limits don’t exist (discontinuities) to
anticipate design failures.

• Limits at Infinity: limxo∞ 1/x = 0 , exponentials bx diverge.

• Discontinuities: Points where function is undefined or jumps—watch for holes or vertical
asymptotes.

y = 1/x to see the horizontal asymptote at y = 0 ; graph y = anx to observe vertical

Visual Cue: Graph
asymptotes where cos x = 0 .

Good luck! -Janfer

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📝 Mock Exam
Topic 1: Fundamentals of Arithmetic & Algebra (20 Questions)
1. Compute (53 − 24 ) ÷ 3 .
2. Simplify: 7 + 3(4 − 2) − 5 .
3. Solve for x: 3x + 5 = 20 .
4. Factor completely: x2 − 16 .
5. Convert 0.375 to a fraction.
6. What is 15% of 240?
7. Apply distributive property: 4(2x + 3) .
8. Simplify: 2(3 + 4) + 5 using proper order of operations.
9. Write the set notation for rational numbers.
10. Evaluate: (2 + 5) + 8 using associative property.
11. Multiply: 9 × 7 using mental math shortcut.
12. Simplify: 32 × 33 .
13. Solve: x/5 − 2 = 3 .
14. If a ∗ b= a + 2b , find 5 ∗ 6 .
15. Simplify: 7 − (2 + 3) using parentheses.
16. What property justifies 6 + 4 = 4 + 6 ?
17. Compute: 0.08 × 1000 .
18. Evaluate: 30 + 2−1 .
19. Simplify the radical: √50 .
20. Why is the discriminant important in solving quadratics?

Topic 2: Core Algebra Skills (20 Questions)

1. Solve: 2x2 −8=0.
2. Factor: x2 + 5x + 6 .
3. Solve the system: x + y = 5 , x − y = 1 .
4. Simplify: x3 /x .
5. Expand: (x + 2)(x − 3) .
6. Solve: 2x+1 = 16 .
7. Simplify expression with exponents: (3x2 )2 .
8. Simplify the radical: √72 .
9. Solve: ∣2x − 4∣ = 6 .
10. Express the function f (x) = x2 − 4x + 3 in vertex form.
11. Determine slope of line through (2,3) and (5,9).
12. Solve inequality: 3x + 2 > 11 .
13. Use substitution to solve: y = 2x + 1 and x + y = 7 .
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14. Divide: (x − 8) ÷ (x − 2) using synthetic division.
15. Solve: √x + 1 =3.
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16. If f (x) = x − 1 , compute f (f (2)) .
17. Rewrite x−2 as a fraction.
18. Explain when no solution occurs in (x − 2)/x = 1 .

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 19. What is the axis of symmetry for y = x2 − 6x + 5 ?
20. Solve: 2/x + 3 =7.

Topic 3: Geometry & Trigonometry Basics (20 Questions)

1. Find area of triangle with base 8 and height 5.
2. Compute hypotenuse of right triangle with legs 5 and 12.
3. Convert 60° to radians.
4. Find the third angle of triangle with angles 45° and 65°.
5. Compute: sin(30°) + cos(60°) .
6. Distance between (−1,4) and (3,1).
7. Midpoint of (0,0) and (6,8).
8. Equation of circle with radius 3.
9. Simplify: tan(45°) .
10. Area of circle radius 7.
11. Perimeter of regular hexagon side 4.
12. Use sine law to find side length in triangle (provide symbolic expression).
13. Simplify identity: sin2 x + cos2 x .
14. Solve: cotθ = √3 .
15. Explain how similarity aids in indirect height measurement.
16. Compute: sin−1 (1/2) .
17. Define complementary and supplementary angles.
18. Prove Pythagorean theorem (brief description).
19. Find slope of perpendicular line to y = 2x + 3.
20. Explain an application of coordinate geometry in surveying.

Topic 4: Functions & Pre‑Calculus Prep (20 Questions)

1. Identify domain of f (x)= √x − 3 .
2. Find inverse of f (x)
= 3x − 5 .
3. Sketch transformation: y = −(x + 2)2 + 4 .
4. Compose functions: f (x) = 2x, g(x) = x + 3, f indg(f (x)) .
5. Determine horizontal asymptote of h(x) = (2x2 + 1)/(x2 − 1) .
6. Solve: log2 x = 4 .
7. Expand: ln(ab2 ) .
8. Compute first four terms of arithmetic series with a1=7,d=3.
9. Sum the arithmetic series above.
10. Define even, odd functions and give examples.
11. Solve: e2x = 7 .
12. Express limx→0 (sinx)/x and state its value.
13. Explain what a vertical asymptote indicates in engineering context.
14. Solve: tanx = 1 for principal value.
15. Determine range of f (x) = e−x .
16. Find amplitude and period of y = 3sin(2x) .
17. Explain significance of limits in stress analysis.
18. Differentiate between discrete sequence and continuous function.

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 19. Provide real-world example modeled by a quadratic function.
20. Compute: limx→∞ (3x2 + 1)/(x2 − 4) .

📝 Mock Exam Answers & Solutions

Topic 1 Solutions
1. 36.333…
2. 8
3. x=5
4. (x−4)(x+4)
5. 3/8
6. 36
7. 8x+12
8. 19
9. {p/q | p,q∈ℤ, q≠0}
10. 15
11. 63
12. 243
13. x/5=5 → x=25
14. 5*6=5+2·6=17
15. 7−(2+3)=2
16. Commutative property
17. 0.08×1000=80
18. 1 + 1/2 = 1.5
19. √50 = 5√2
20. Determines nature of roots (real/complex)

Topic 2 Solutions
1. 2x²−8=0 → x²=4 → x=±2
2. x²+5x+6 = (x+2)(x+3)
3. x+y=5 & x−y=1 → add: 2x=6 → x=3, y=2
4. x³/x = x²
5. (x+2)(x−3) = x²−x−6
6. 2^{x+1}=16 → 2^{x+1}=2^4 → x+1=4 → x=3
7. (3x²)² = 9x⁴
8. √72 = √(36·2) = 6√2
9. |2x−4|=6 → 2x−4=±6 → x=5 or x=−1
10. f(x)=x²−4x+3 → vertex at (2,−1): (x−2)²−1
11. slope=(9−3)/(5−2)=6/3=2
12. 3x+2>11 → 3x>9 → x>3
13. y=2x+1 substitute → x+(2x+1)=7 →3x=6→x=2,y=5
14. Divide x³−8 by x−2 → quotient x²+2x+4, remainder 0
15. √(x+1)=3 → x+1=9→x=8
16. f(2)=3 → f(3)=3²−1=8
17. x^{-2}=1/x²

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18. (x−2)/x=1 → x−2=x → −2=0 → no solution
19. axis x=−b/2a=6/2=3
20. 2/x+3=7 →2/x=4→x=1/2

Topic 3 Solutions
1. ½·8·5=20
2. √(5²+12²)=13
3. 60°=π/3
4. 180−(45+65)=70°
5. sin30+cos60=½+½=1
6. √[(3−(−1))²+(1−4)²]=√(16+9)=√25=5
7. midpoint=(3,4)
8. (x)²+(y)²=9
9. tan45=1
10. π·7²=49π
11. 6·4=24
12. (sinA)/a = (sinB)/b → b = a·sinB/sinA
13. sin²x+cos²x=1
14. cotθ=√3 → tanθ=1/√3 → θ=30°
15. Similar triangles share ratios, measure heights using proportional sides
16. sin^{-1}(½)=30°
17. Complementary sum=90°, supplementary=180°
18. By showing a²+b²=c² in right triangle via areas/congruence
19. slope perpendicular = −1/2
20. E.g., plotting property boundaries or site mapping via coordinate formulas

Topic 4 Solutions
1. √(x−3) defined when x−3≥0 → x≥3
2. y=3x−5 → x=3y−5 → y=(x+5)/3
3. Vertex (−2,4), reflected parabola opening downward
4. g(f(x))=g(2x)=2x+3
5. degrees equal → horizontal asymptote y=2/1=2
6. log₂x=4→x=16
7. ln(ab²)=ln a+2ln b
8. terms: 7,10,13,16
9. Sₙ= n/2(2a₁+(n−1)d)=4/2(14+3·3)=2(14+9)=46
10. even: f(−x)=f(x) e.g., x²; odd: f(−x)=−f(x) e.g., x³
11. e^{2x}=7→2x=ln7→x=½ ln7
12. lim_{x→0}(sin x)/x=1
13. function grows unbounded near vertical asymptote (stress spikes)
14. tan x=1 → x=45° (π/4) in principal
15. e^{−x}>0 for all x → range (0,∞)
16. amplitude=3, period=2π/2=π
17. limits determine behavior near failure points or long-term drift
18. sequence has discrete index; function continuous
19. projectile height ~ −16t²+v₀t+h₀
20. (3x²+1)/(x²−4) →3 as x→∞