Core Concepts & Problem Solving
Welcome to high school algebra! We'll go beyond basic variables and equations to
explore more complex problem-solving techniques, linear functions, and exponent
rules.
1. Review of Real Numbers and Properties
Before we dive deeper, let's remember the building blocks:
● Real Numbers: All numbers you can think of (positive, negative, fractions,
decimals, square roots, etc.).
● Properties of Operations:
○ Commutative Property: Order doesn't matter for addition (a+b=b+a) or
multiplication (a⋅b=b⋅a).
○ Associative Property: Grouping doesn't matter for addition
((a+b)+c=a+(b+c)) or multiplication ((a⋅b)⋅c=a⋅(b⋅c)).
○ Distributive Property: a(b+c)=ab+ac. This is CRUCIAL for solving equations.
○ Identity Properties: a+0=a and a⋅1=a.
○ Inverse Properties: a+(−a)=0 and a⋅a1=1 (for a=0).
2. Solving Linear Equations (Advanced)
We've mastered one-step and two-step equations. Now let's tackle equations with
variables on both sides and those requiring the distributive property.
General Strategy for Solving Linear Equations:
1. Distribute: Use the distributive property to remove parentheses.
2. Combine Like Terms: On each side of the equation, combine any terms that are
alike (e.g., 3x+2x=5x; 5+7=12).
3. Variables to One Side: Add or subtract terms to get all variable terms on one
side of the equation.
4. Constants to Other Side: Add or subtract terms to get all constant terms
(numbers without variables) on the other side.
5. Isolate the Variable: Multiply or divide to get the variable by itself.
Example 1: Distributive Property & Variables on Both Sides
Solve: 3(x−2)=5x+10
1. Distribute: 3x−6=5x+10
2. Variables to One Side: Subtract 3x from both sides (it's often easier to move the
smaller variable term):
−6=2x+10
3. Constants to Other Side: Subtract 10 from both sides:
−6−10=2x
−16=2x
4. Isolate Variable: Divide by 2:
2−16=x
x=−8
Special Cases:
● No Solution: If you simplify and get a false statement (e.g., 5=7), there is no
solution.
● Infinite Solutions: If you simplify and get a true statement (e.g., 5=5), there are
infinitely many solutions (any real number is a solution).
3. Solving Linear Inequalities and Graphing
Inequalities are similar to equations, but they have a range of solutions, not just one.
Key Difference: When you multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a negative
number, you must flip the inequality sign!
Example 1: Multi-step Inequality
Solve: −2x+5≤15
1. Undo addition/subtraction: Subtract 5 from both sides:
−2x≤10
2. Undo multiplication/division (and flip sign!): Divide by -2 (and flip the ≤ to ≥):
−2−2x≥−210
x≥−5
Graphing Inequalities on a Number Line:
● Open Circle (o): For < or > (the number is not included).
● Closed Circle (∙): For ≤ or ≥ (the number is included).
● Arrow: Points in the direction of the solutions.
For x≥−5:
<------|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|------>
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
•-------------------------------------------------->
4. Introduction to Functions and Graphing Linear Equations
A function is a special relationship where each input (x-value) has exactly one output
(y-value).
● Domain: The set of all possible input (x) values.
● Range: The set of all possible output (y) values.
● Function Notation: f(x) is read "f of x" and is another way to write y. So, y=2x+1
can be written as f(x)=2x+1.
Evaluating Functions: To evaluate f(x) at a specific value, substitute that value for x.
Example: If f(x)=3x−4, find f(2).
f(2)=3(2)−4=6−4=2.
Graphing Linear Equations: Slope-Intercept Form (y=mx+b)
● m is the slope: Tells you the steepness and direction of the line.
○ m=runrise=change in xchange in y
○ Positive slope: line goes up from left to right.
○ Negative slope: line goes down from left to right.
● b is the y-intercept: The point where the line crosses the y-axis. It's always (0,b).
How to Graph using y=mx+b:
1. Plot the y-intercept (b): Start at (0,b) on the y-axis.
2. Use the slope (m) to find other points: From the y-intercept, use "rise over run"
to find at least one more point.
3. Draw the line: Connect the points and extend the line with arrows.
Example: Graph y=32x−1
1. y-intercept: (0,−1). Plot this point.
2. Slope: m=32. From (0,−1), go UP 2 units and RIGHT 3 units. Plot this new point.
3. Draw a line through these points.
5. Laws of Exponents
Exponents are shortcuts for repeated multiplication (x3=x⋅x⋅x).
● Product Rule: xa⋅xb=xa+b (Add exponents when multiplying same bases)
○ Ex: x3⋅x5=x3+5=x8
● Quotient Rule: xbxa=xa−b (Subtract exponents when dividing same bases)
○ Ex: y4y7=y7−4=y3
● Power Rule: (xa)b=xa⋅b (Multiply exponents when raising a power to a power)
○ Ex: (z2)4=z2⋅4=z8
● Zero Exponent Rule: x0=1 (Any non-zero number raised to the power of 0 is 1)
○ Ex: 50=1; (2x)0=1
● Negative Exponent Rule: x−a=xa1and x−a1=xa (Move the base to the other side
of the fraction bar and change the sign of the exponent)
○ Ex: 3−2=321=91; a−41=a4
High School Algebra: Core Concepts Quiz
Instructions: Solve each problem. Show your work where appropriate.
1. Evaluate the expression 2x2−3y when x=−4 and y=5.
a) 17
b) 32
c) 47
d) 15
2. Solve the equation: 5(k−3)=2k+9
a) k=3
b) k=4
c) k=8
d) k=10
3. Solve the inequality: −4m+7>23
a) m<−4
b) m>−4
c) m<4
d) m>4
4. Which graph correctly represents the solution to the inequality x≤−2?
a) An open circle at -2 with an arrow pointing right.
b) An open circle at -2 with an arrow pointing left.
c) A closed circle at -2 with an arrow pointing right.
d) A closed circle at -2 with an arrow pointing left.
5. Find the slope of the line that passes through the points (3,5) and (6,−1).
a) 2
b) -2
c) 21
d) −21
6. Identify the slope (m) and y-intercept (b) of the equation y=−43x+2.
a) m=2,b=−43
b) m=−43,b=2
c) m=−3,b=4
d) m=4,b=−3
7. Which equation represents a line with a slope of 5 and a y-intercept of -3?
a) y=−3x+5
b) y=5x−3
c) y=51x−3
d) y=3x−5
8. Simplify the expression: x5⋅x−2
a) x7
b) x3
c) x−10
d) x31
9. Simplify the expression: y2y8
a) y4
b) y10
c) y6
d) y61
10.Simplify the expression: (a3)4
a) a7
b) a12
c) a34
d) a81
11. What is the value of 70?
a) 0
b) 1
c) 7
d) Undefined
12.Evaluate f(x)=−2x+10 when x=3.
a) -16
b) 4
c) 16
d) 20
13.A gym membership costs P50 to sign up, plus P30 per month. If a member paid a
total of P290, how many months (m) did they have the membership?
a) 5 months
b) 8 months
c) 10 months
d) 12 months
14.Solve for x: 3x+4=1
a) x=−9
b) x=−3
c) x=9
d) x=15
15.Simplify: (2a3)2⋅3a1
a) 12a7
b) 6a7
c) 12a6
d) 6a6
Answer Key
1. a) 17 (2(−4)2−3(5)=2(16)−15=32−15=17)
2. c) 8 (5k−15=2k+9→3k=24→k=8)
3. a) m<−4 (−4m>16→m<−4 (flip sign))
4. d) A closed circle at -2 with an arrow pointing left.
5. b) -2 (m=6−3−1−5=3−6=−2)
6. b) m=−43,b=2
7. b) y=5x−3
8. b) x3 (x5+(−2)=x3)
9. c) y6 (y8−2=y6)
10.b) a12 (a3⋅4=a12)
11. b) 1
12.b) 4 (f(3)=−2(3)+10=−6+10=4)
13.b) 8 months (50+30m=290→30m=240→m=8)
14.a) x=−9 (3x=−3→x=−9)
15.a) 12a7 ((22⋅(a3)2)⋅3a1=(4a6)⋅3a1=(4⋅3)⋅(a6⋅a1)=12a6+1=12a7)
