Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 27

CHAPTER II
ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the chapter, the students should be able to:
1. define the terminologies involved in the study of algebraic
expressions;
2. translate mathematical phrases to symbols and vice versa;
3. evaluate algebraic expressions; and
4. perform fundamental operations on algebraic expressions.

LESSON 2.1 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Algebraic Expressions - a constant, a variable, or indicated operations involving
constants and variables.

Algebraic Expression Variable - is a placeholder for Constant – is a specific

numbers. The letters of the element of a given set.
alphabet are commonly used
as variables.
a. 3 3
2 3
b. 15x y x, y 15
2 4 a, b, c 3, 4, 5
c. 3a  4b  5c

Term – refers to the individual algebraic expression written as a sum

Example:
2a  b This is the sum of 2a and (–b), hence the terms are 2a, -b
3xy  8x  2 Terms: 3xy, -8x, 2

Like Terms/ Similar Terms – terms with the same variables raised to the same
exponents.
Examples: 6a + 7a; 5b2 + b2; 10x2y3z – 6x2y3z

Unlike Terms/ Dissimilar Terms – terms with different variables

Examples:
6a + 7b – different variables
5b2 + b3 – same variables but different exponents
10x2y3z – 6a2b3c – same exponents but different variables
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 28

Coefficient – refers to any factor of a term.

Example: 11xy
Note: 11xy can be factored as (11)(x)(y), (11)(xy), (11x)(y), (11y)(x)
11 is the coefficient of xy, 11x is the coefficient of y
11y is the coefficient of x, x is the coefficient of 11y

Numerical Coefficient – refers to the number factor in the term.

Literal Coefficient – refers to the variable factor in the term

Given Term Numerical Coefficient Literal Coefficient

10 x 2 y 10 x2 y
2 r 2 r
Abcd 1 abcd

Power – refers to the product of equal factors

Base – refers to the equal factors of the power
Exponent – refers to the number of times the base is used as a factor

Examples:
Base Exponent Power
4 2
2
1. 4 = 4 x 4 4 2 = 16
3
2. x = x·x·x x 3 x3
3. m m 1 (if the term is written without m
exponent, it is understood to be 1)
3
4. 2 d =2·d·d·d d 3 d3
3
5. ( 2d ) = 2d·2d·2d 2d 3 ( 2d )3
Note: the exponent refers only to the number or variable directly to its left.
2
6. (b  3) = (b+3)(b+3) b+3 2 (b  3)2
4
7.  y = -1·y·y·y·y y 4 y4
4 ( y ) 4 = y 4
8. (y ) = -y·-y·-y·-y -y 4

Polynomials – an algebraic expressions which can be written in the form

an xn  an 1xn 1  ...  a1x  a0 where a , a , a ,...,a are constants, an  0 an n is a
0 1 2 n

non-negative integer. In other words, polynomials only contain positive integral

exponents.
Examples:
4x 2 Polynomial the exponent is a positive integer
3
a  4b 2  5c 4 exponents are all positive and whole
2 Polynomial
numbers
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 29

6x –2 NOT a polynomial It contains a negative exponent.

1
2 The expression can also be written as 2 x
x NOT a polynomial which contains a negative exponent
Any expression with a variable in the denominator is
not a polynomial.
1
2
The expression can also be written as x .
x NOT a polynomial The exponent is positive but it is not a whole
number.

LESSON 2.2. CLASSIFICATIONS OF POLYNOMIALS

Polynomials are classified according to many different properties.
1. According to Number of Distinct Variables
a. univariate polynomial - a polynomial in one variable
b. multivariate polynomial - a polynomial in more than one distinct variable
i. bivariate – a polynomial with 2 distinct variables
ii. trivariate – a polynomial with 3 distinct variables
It is common, however, to simply say "polynomials in x, y, and z”.

2. According to Number of Terms

a. Monomial – a polynomial with a single term
b. Multinomial
Binomial – a polynomial with 2 terms
Trinomial – a polynomial with 3 terms

3. According to Degree
Degree of a Monomial in one variable is the exponent of the variable.
3
Example: 9m - degree of the monomial is 3

Degree of a Monomial in any of its variables is the exponent of the identified variable.
3 5 2
Example: 4x y z - degree of 3 in x; degree of 5 in y; and degree of 2 in z

Degree of a Monomial that has more than one variable is the sum of the exponents of
the variables.
3 5 2
Example: 4x y z - the monomial has a degree of 10 (3+5+2=10)

Degree of a Polynomial is the highest sum of the exponents among the terms
2 4
Example: 1. a  2a  4a  7 - the degree of the polynomial is 4
2 4 2 3 3 2 2
2. x y  8x y  4x y  7y (Add the exponents per term)

2+4=6; 2+3=5; 3+2=5, 2 – the highest sum is 6 so the degree of the polynomial is 6
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 30

3. 3x5y4z10 – 2x7y4z8 + 3x10y10 – 5x4yz2

5 + 4 + 10 7+4+8 10 + 10 4+1+2
= 19 = 18 = 20 =9 the degree is 20

A polynomial is said to be in descending order when the exponents of a

particular variable decrease from left to right.
3 2
Example: x  8x  4x  7 is descending in powers of x
xy 4  8x 2y 3  4xy 2  7y is descending in powers of y

A polynomial is said to be in ascending order when the exponents of a particular

variable increase from left to right.
2 3
Example: 7  4x  8x  x is ascending in powers of x
7y  4xy 2  8x 2y 3  xy 4 is ascending in powers of y

A polynomial is said to be in its simplest term when it contains no like terms.

3 2 3 2
Example: 5x  8x  5x  7 when expressed in simplest form becomes 8x  7

PRACTICE EXERCISES:
A. Determine whether each expression is a Polynomial and classify them according to
number of terms.
9 xyz 3 2 3
1. 2. 2a  b
2 3 2
3.  4g h  gh 4. x  2x  1
2 6
 7w2 2
5. 3w 6. y

5 4 x
7. 4a  3a  2  4a 8.

B. Determine the degree of the following.

1. 3r2 2. -2r2ts7
3. 5x 4. 7x2y4
1. x8 + 5x12 – 8x5 + 10x 6. 5y5 + 7y3 – 3y7 + 10y
7. 9x2y3 – 6x2y + 11x4y + 4y3 8. 3a3b4 – 6ab4 + 9a3b + 5b6
2 3 2 3 4
9. 5xy z  1 10. xy  xyz  xz
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 32

LESSON 2.3. TRANSLATING MATHEMATICAL SYMBOLS INTO VERBAL PHRASES &

VICE VERSA
A variable is a symbol, usually a letter, used to represent an unspecified number.
It is used to “translate” verbal phrase into mathematical symbols.

Examples:
Addition: Subtraction:
4 plus a number 4+x The difference of a and b a–b
5 more than a number x+5 3 less than a number x–3
A number increased by 3 x+3 A number decreased by 8 x–8
The sum of a number and 2 x+2 A number less 6 x-6

Multiplication: Division:
The product of a and b ab The quotient of a and b a÷b
5 times a number 5x A number divided by 8 x÷8
Twice a number 2x The ratio of x and y x÷ y

PRACTICE EXERCISES:
A. Write a verbal expression for the algebraic expression.
1. 3x + 7
2. x – 9
3. x2 – 2x
4. 2ab
5. 5x – 1

B. Write an algebraic expression for the verbal expression.

1. twice a number increased by 5
2. the sum of a number and 6
3. the quotient of 8 and x
4. 9 less than a number
5. the square of a number decreased by 3

C. Note the similarities and the differences in the following expressions

1. the sum of twice x and y
2. twice the sum of x and y
3. 4 times the difference of a and b
4. the difference of 4 times a and b
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 33

NAME: ________________________________________ SCORE: ___________

COURSE& YEAR: ________________________________ DATE: ____________

Exercise 2.1
Algebraic Expressions

A. Determine whether the algebraic expressions below

3 are polynomials or not.
8xy 
1. 2xy + 5xz 6. y
2
 6x
2. 3x 7. 17x3
2 2
3. 9y  13yz  8z 8. 3w – 7wz -1
5 2 2
4. 1524
a3
x 9. 7x12x3 13x  8y
8 2
5. 15a 10. 12x

B. Use mathematical symbols to translate the verbal phrases into algebraic language.
1. twice the sum of the squares of p and q
2. 11 increased by twice the difference of x and y
3. the product of 5 and x increased by 2
4. 20 more than twice z
5. 3 less than thrice the square of the sum of x and y

C. Translate the following into verbal phrases.

2 2
1. a  b
2. 4x + 2y
3. 10x –2(mn)
 
 
4.  3 
2
5. (x  y )

D. Write the expression using exponents.

1. 4·4·4·x·x·x
2. 2 · 2 · 2 ·a· a· a· b
3. 5 · b · b · c · c · c
4. x · x · x · x · y · 3·y
5. 11 · r · s · s · t · t·r·s
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 34

LESSON 2.4. OPERATIONS ON ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

2.4.1. Addition
Recall: The sum of two positive numbers is positive
The sum of two negative numbers is negative
The sum of two integers with unlike sign is their difference together with
the sign of the number with greater absolute value.
Examples: 3 + 15 = 18 (- 4) + (- 7) = -10
-5 + 11 = 6 -12 + 3 = -9

In adding algebraic expressions, simply combine similar terms.

Examples:
3 2 2 3
1. 9  7x  2x  5x  4x  8
Group like terms together: (7x3  4x3 )  (2x2  5x2 )  (9  8)

Perform the indicated operation: 11x 3  3x 2  1

3 5 2 3
2. 8x  7x  5x  4x  3x  2x  6
Group similar terms together:  7x5  8x3  3x3  4x 2  5x  2x  6
5 3 2
Perform the indicated operation:  7x  11x  4x  3x  6

3. 3ab + 5b – ab + 4ab – 2b = 3ab – ab + 4ab + 5b – 2b

= 6ab +3b

4. (3x  5 x  1)  (4 x  2 x) = 3x  4x  5x  2x  1  7x  3x  1
2 2 2 2 2

The sum of polynomials can also be arranged vertically, placing like terms under
6x3  3x 2  1 6x 2 7
one another
3x3  2x 2  3 9x  3
3 2 2
Examples: 1. 9x  x  2 2. 6x  9x  4

The sum of unlike terms cannot be expressed as a single term.

Example: 2x + 3y = 2x + 3y

2.4.2 Subtraction
Recall: To subtract integers, change the sign of the subtrahend then proceed to
addition.
Examples: -5 – 3 = -5 + (-3) = -8 12 – (-5) = 12 + 5 = 17
-20 – (-12) = -20 + 12 = -8

In order to subtract polynomials, get rid of any parentheses and combine like terms.
Be sure to change the sign of all terms inside of parentheses following a subtraction sign.
Examples:
1. (4y3 – 6y + 8y2) – ( -3y2 – 7 + 2y3)
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 35

Remove the grouping sign & watch out for the negative sign
4y 3  6y  8y 2  3y 2  7  2y 3

Group like terms 4y 3  2y 3  3y 2  8y 2  6y  7

Perform the operation 2y 3  11y 2  6y  7

2. (3r – 5s + 6t) – (5s – 2r)

Remove the parentheses and change the sign of the subtrahend or use the
distributive property 3r – 5s + 6t – 5s +2r
Group similar terms 3r + 2r – 5s – 5s + 6t
Perform the operation 5r – 10s + 6t

3. (-2y2 – 4y + 1) – ( -4y2 – 3y + 2) = -2y2 – 4y + 1 + 4y2 + 3y – 2

= -2y2 + 4y2 – 4y + 3y + 1 – 2
= 2y2 – y – 1

Subtraction2 of algebraic expressions maybe done vertically, placing like terms

4x  2x  3 x3  2x 2  x
under one another

Examples: 
Note: if a term in the
2x 2  5x  3 4x 2 9
subtrahend has no pair in
2 3 2 the minuend, subtract the
1. 2x  7x 2. x  2x  x  9
term from 0.

Note: When like terms are added and subtracted:

a. the sum or difference has the same variable or variables as the original terms.
b. the numerical coefficient of the sum or difference is the sum or difference of
the numerical coefficients of the terms that were added.

PRACTICE EXERCISES:
Perform the indicated operation. Write answer in standard form (descending order).
1. (4 y  6 y  10)  (2 y  5) 2. (8 x  7 x)  (4 x  3)  (5 x  9)
2 2 2 2

3. (7 x  8 x  x  1)  (3x  7  3x ) 4. (5a  2a  7)  (2a  13a  6)

3 2 3 2 2 2

5. (11b  6b  4)  (5b  6b  4) 6. (30c  5c )  (10c  20c  2)

2 2 2 2

7. 8  (d  d  10) 8. (5 z  12 z )  (4 z  8)
2 2
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 36

NAME: ________________________________________ SCORE: ___________

COURSE& YEAR: ________________________________ DATE: ____________

Exercise 2.2
Addition & Subtraction of Algebraic Expressions
Simplify the following algebraic expressions:
2 2 2 2
1. 5x  7xy  4y  (3x  3xy  y )

2 2 2
2. (x  2xy  2)  (3x  5xy  3)

3 3 5
3. ( 3w  12w  2)  (15w  2w  5w  3)

3 2 3 7
4. ( 2v  6v  2)  (5v  v  4 v  3)

2 3 2 2 2 3 2 2
5. 12m n  7m n  14mn  3m n  5m n  7mn

3 3
6. (5x  7x )  ( x  8)

2 2
7. (9a  7ab  14b )  (3a  7b )

2 2
8. (2y  6xy  3y )  ( y  y )

3 2 3 2
9. (8x  9x  17)  (5x  3x  15)

4 2 2 4 2 2
10. (7x y  3x y  5x)  (9x y  2x  3x y )
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 37

NAME: ________________________________________ SCORE: ___________

COURSE& YEAR: ________________________________ DATE: ____________

Exercise 2.3
Addition & Subtraction of Algebraic Expressions

Perform the indicated operation.

1. (2x2 + 4x + 1) + (3x2 + 6x + 5) 9. x2 + 6 – 6 + x2

2. (x + 6) + (3x + 5) 10. (3m – 6n) + (2m + n)

3. (x3 + 2x2 – 4) + (3x2 + 6) 11. (5x – 6) – (8x + 2)

4. (4x – 2y) + (-2x + 6y) 12. (3x2 + x – 4) + (-8x2 – 4x + 6)

5. (x2 + 6x – 4) + (-x2 – 6x + 4) 13. (x2 + 6x + 5) + (x2 + 6x + 5)

6. 6x – 4 – 6x 14. 3x(x2 + 2x – 6) + 4(x2 – 6x + 2)

7. 3x + 6y – 8y + 2x 15. (3x + 6) – (3x – 6)

8. (6x2 + 3x – 5) – (4x2 – 2x + 3) 16. (7x2 + 8x – 4) – (6x2 + 8x – 6)

 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 38

NAME: ________________________________________ SCORE: ___________

COURSE& YEAR: ________________________________ DATE: ____________

Match your answer in Exercise 3.3 to the correct letter of the alphabet below. Enter
that letter of the alphabet on the blank corresponding to the problem number.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
7 12 12 7 14 12 9 1 2 15 8 7 6 15

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
16 11 13 5 15 5 8 10 9 4 14 16 3

A B C D E
5x – 2y 4x + 11 -4 -5x2 – 3x + 2 0

F G H I
3x2 +11 4 3x - 16
2 -3x – 8

J K L M
9x – 10y 2x2 + 12x +10 x2 + 2 5m – 5n

N O P
3x + 10x – 42x + 8
3 2 2x + 4y 2x – 4y

Q R S T U
-12 2x2 + 5x – 8 2x2 12 5x2 + 10x + 6

V W X Y
13x2 + 16x -10 x –22 1 x + 5x2 + 2
3
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 39

2.4.3. Multiplication
To simplify expressions involving multiplication we need to recall some index laws
Index Laws
a an  am  n
m
1.
Examples: a2  a 4  a6
a  a5  a6 Note: a1  a
2. (a m )n  a mn
Example: (a 2 )3  a 6
(ab)  a m b m
m
3.
Examples: (2ab) 4  2 4 a 4 b 4  16a 4 b 4
(3a 2b 3 )2  9a 4b 6

PRACTICE EXERCISES: 2 2
1. 3a(2b) 2. 3b(ab) 3. 2a b (3ab )
3 5 6 2 2 2 5 4
4. 3a b (4ab ) 5. 2a (3a )( 4a ) 6. (a b )
2 3 2 2 4
7. (2a b) 8. (3a b) (2ab)

2.4.3.1. Multiplication of a Polynomial by a Monomial

To multiply a polynomial by a monomial, use the distributive property: multiply
each term of the polynomial by the monomial. This involves multiplying coefficients
and adding exponents of the appropriate variables.

Examples:
 3y 2(12y 3 )  3y 2( 6y 2 )  3y 2(5y )  3y 2( 1) distribute the monomial to each of the term
1. 3y2(12y3 -6y2 + 5y - 1)
 36y 2 3  18y 2 2  15y 2 1  3y 2
 36y 5  18y 4  15y 3  3y 2

3 2
2. 8x43xy 2y(12y4x3xy
1 1 x  9)
y  1  4x3 1ydistribute
 36x3y the monomial to each of the term
 8x3y 3  4x 4 y 2  4x 4 y  36x3y

2.4.3.2. Multiplication of Binomials

There are different ways in multiplying binomials.

a. The FOIL Method

Multiply the First terms of each binomial. F: (x + 3)(x + 2) = x2
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 40

Multiply the Outer terms of each binomial. O: (x + 3)(x + 2) = +2x

Multiply the Inner terms of each binomial. I: (x + 3)(x + 2) = +3x

Multiply the Last terms of each binomial. L: (x + 3)(x + 2) = +6

Product of the
Product of the Outer Terms Product of the Product of the
First Terms Inner Terms Last Terms

F + O + I + L = x2 + 2x + 3x + 6
Combine like terms to arrive at your answer.

x2 + 2x + 3x + 6
x2 + 5x + 6

Why can’t we use the FOIL method for the problem (6x-1)(x2+3x-1)?

b. The BOX/ARRAY Method

To multiply binomials using the BOX Method, place one term at the top of the
grid and the second term on the side of the grid. Separate the terms into each
compartment of the grid.
3x -5
Example: Multiply (3x – 5)(5x + 2)
5x
+2

3x -5
Multiply the rows and columns of the grid as you
would in a coordinate system. 5x 15x2 -25x
+2 6x -10

15x2+6x-25x-10
Finish by combining like terms. 15x2 - 19x - 30

c. The DISTRIBUTIVE METHOD

The method of multiplying polynomials that utilizes the distributive property.
Example: (3x-5)(2x+5)
First, split up the first polynomial: 3x -5
Then, multiply each part by the second polynomial (2x+5) 3x(2x+5) + -5(2x+5)
Simplify by distributing. 6x2 + 15x -10x – 25
Combine Like terms. 6x2 + 5x – 25
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 41

More Examples:
1. (xy + 6)(x + 2y) = (xy)(x) + (xy)(2y) + (6)(x) + (6)(2y)
= x2 y + 2xy2 + 6x + 12y
2. (3x 2 +7)(4 - x2) = (3x2)(4) + (3x2)(- x2) + (7)(4) + (7)(- x 2)
= 12x2 -3x4 +28 - 7x2
= - 3x4 + (12 - 7)x 2 + 28
= - 3x 4 +5x 2 + 28
3. (y - x)(- 4y - 3x) = (y)(- 4y) + (y)(- 3x) + (- x)(- 4y) + (- x)(- 3x)
= - 4y 2 -3xy + 4xy + 3x 2
= 3x 2 + (- 3 + 4)xy - 4y 2
= 3x 2 + xy - 4y 2

2.3.3.1 Multiplication of Polynomials

The strategy for multiplying two polynomials in general is similar to multiplying
two binomials. First, treat the second polynomial as a single term, and distribute over
the first term: (a + b + c)(d + e + f )= a(d + e + f )+ b(d + e + f )+ c(d + e + f )

Next, distribute over the second polynomial:

a(d + e + f )+ b(d + e + f )+ c(d + e + f )= ad + ae + af + bd + be + bf + cd + ce + cf

At this point, the number of terms in the answer should be the number in the
first polynomial times the number in the second polynomial.
Since there are 3 terms in each polynomial in this example there should be
3(3)=9 terms in our answer so far.
If the first polynomial had 4 terms and the second had 5 terms, there would be
4(5)=20 terms in the answer so far.
Finally, since the terms in such a product of polynomials are often highly
redundant (many have the same variables and exponents), IT IS IMPORTANT TO
COMBINE LIKE TERMS.
Examples:

1. (x2 -2)(3x2 - 3x + 7) = ?
= x2(3x 2 -3x + 7) - 2(3x2 - 3x + 7)
= x2(3x2) + x2(- 3x) + x2(7) - 2(3x2) - 2(- 3x) - 2(7) --- ( 6 terms)
= 3x4 -3x3 +7x2 -6x2 + 6x - 14
= 3x4 -3x3 + (7 - 6)x2 + 6x - 14
= 3x4 -3x3 + x2 + 6x - 14

2. (x2 + x + 3)(2x2 - 3x + 1) = ?
= x2(2x2 -3x + 1) + x(2x2 -3x + 1) + 3(2x2 - 3x + 1)
= x2(2x2) + x2(- 3x) + x2(1) + x(2x2) + x(- 3x) + x(1) + 3(2x2) + 3(- 3x) + 3(1) -(9 terms)
= 2x4 -3x3 + x2 +2x3 -3x 2 + x + 6x2 - 9x + 3
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 42

= 2x4 + (- 3 + 2)x3 + (1 - 3 + 6)x2 + (1 - 9)x + 3

= 2x4 - x3 +4x2 - 8x + 3

3. (3x + 2y - 4)(x - 5y + 9)
= 23x(x - 5y + 9) + 2y(x - 5y +9) - 4(x - 5y + 9)
=x 3x22-x 15xy
 4 + 27x +2xy -10y2 + 18y - 4x +20y - 36
 3 + 23x -10y2 + 38y - 36
= 3x2 x- 13xy
x3  2x 2  4x Line up like terms
3x 2  6x  12 Add like terms
3 2
4. x  5x  10x  12

Note: To check your answer, pick a value for the variable and evaluate both the original
expression and your answer--they should be the same.

PRACTICE EXERCISES:
Find the product of the following. Express answers in descending order.
1. 5a( a2  5a  3)

2.  3y(xy 2  2x2y  5)

3. ( a  5b )(3a  b )

4. (3x  2y)(5x  3y)

5. ( 2x  1)( x  7)

6. ( x  6)( x  2)

7. ( x 2  1)( x 2  4 )

8. ( x  1)( x 2  4x  5)

9. ( 2x  3)( x 2  2x  5)

2 2
10. (x  y )(3x  2y  xy )
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 43

NAME: ________________________________________ SCORE: ___________

COURSE& YEAR: ________________________________ DATE: ____________

Exercise 2.4
Multiplication of Algebraic Expressions

Directions: Solve the following problems. Match that answer to the correct letter of
the alphabet. Enter that letter of the alphabet on the blank corresponding to the
problem number.

__ __ __ ___ __ ___ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
3 5 9 2 7 11 6 7 8 9 5 10 10 8 9 1 4 2 7

A B C D E F G H I
3x2+2x – 1 x2+3 2x2 – 12 x2 – 78 x2+5x – 36 x2+7x – 60 3x2 – 1 x2 – 36 x2 + 12x + 36

J K L M N O P Q R
x2+36 20x2 – 36 x2+2x+1 x2+36 x2 – 25 x2+10x+25 2x2 – 25 2x2+25 2x2 – 5x – 25

S T U V W X Y Z
2x2+5x – 12 202 – 63x+36 x2 – 5x – 36 x2+25 x2+16 2x2 – 5x+12 3x2+1 0

1. ( x + 1 ) ( x + 1 ) 7. (4x – 3 ) (5x – 12 )

2. ( 2x – 3 ) ( x + 4 ) 8. ( x – 4 ) ( x + 9 )

3. ( x + 12 ) ( x – 5 ) 9. ( 2x + 5 ) ( x – 5 )

4. ( 3x – 1 ) ( x + 1 ) 10. ( x – 5 ) ( x + 5 )

5. ( x + 6 )(x+6) 11. ( x + 5 ) 2

6. ( x – 12 ) ( x + 3 )
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 44

NAME: ________________________________________ SCORE: ___________

COURSE& YEAR: ________________________________ DATE: ____________

Exercise 2.5
Multiplication of Algebraic Expressions

A. Find the product of the following. Express answers in descending order.

2 2 7
1. 3a(5a ) 2. 7x ( 2x )
3 3 2
3.  3y (7x ) 4.  12y (xy )

2 2
5. b( a  2b ) 6.  ab( 2a b  ab )

7. (m  3)(m  7) 8. (3b  2)(b  6)

9. (5y  8)(y  3) 10. ( 4a  3b )( 2a  7b )

2 2
11. ( a  2b )( a  6a  3b ) 12. (3mn  n )(m  3n  4m)

2 2 2 3 2
13. (2xy  y )(x  5y  6x) 14. (3a  4b )( 2a  5a b  11ab  b )

3
15. 2(r  3)(r  r  r  4 )
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 45

2.4.4. Division of Polynomials

Recall:
am QUOTIENT RULE: when dividing
m n am with
1 like bases, subtract
am the powers
a , m n  , n m 1, m n
an an an  m an

ZERO POWER RULE: a0 = n1 1 (any term to the zero power is one)
a  n
NEGATIVE POWER RULE: a (take the reciprocal of the variable to the negative power)

Examples:
x6 64 m 5n 7
x  x2  m 5  4 n 7  10  mn  3
1. x4 2. m 4 n 10

3. (m5 n7)0 =
1 1
5 4. (4m8n2)(-2mn4)0 = (4m8n2)(1) =4m8n2
 
5. (2)-5 =  2  (need to apply the negative power rule first before you can multiply)
15 1 1 1 1 1
1 1
5 5
     
= 2 or 2 or  2 2 2 2 2  = 32 is the final answer.
 58   5 6 
  
 5 2   57 
6.     = 58 ( 2) ÷ 56  7 (quotient rule)

= 510 ÷ 5-13
= 510-(-13) (quotient rule)
2 = 3523
 x 6m   x 4 
    x 6m( 2) x 4(3)
 2m  3   x m  
7.  x    = x 2( 2m  3) x3( m ) (power rule)
x12m x12

= x 4m  6 x3m
x12m  12 x12m  12
= x 4m  6  3m = x7m  6 (product rule)
12m12(7m 6)  x12m7m126
= x (quotient rule)
5m 6
= x

2.4.3.1. Division of Polynomials by Monomials

In dividing polynomials by a monomial, simply divide each term of the dividend
by the monomial divisor.
Examples:2
4 x  8x
1. 2x divide the denominator into each term of the numerator
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 46
4x 2 8x

= 2x 2x use simple division on the numbers (i.e. reduce fractions) and
remember to subtract the exponents (quotient Rule).
= 2x + 4
5x 2  10x
2. 5 separate expressions
5x 2 10x

= 5 5 reduce fractions and apply quotient rule for exponents
= x 2 – 2x

3b 3  6b 2 9b
3. 6b
3b 3 6b 2 9b 1 2 3 b2 3
  b b b
= 6b 6b 6b = 2 2 or 2 2

10x 2y  5xy 2  15xy

4. 5xy
10x2y 5xy 2 15xy
 
= 5xy 5xy 5xy = 2x + y – 3

16a5b 4  20a4b 4  24a6b3

5. 4a3b 2
16a5b 4 20a 4 b 4 24a6b3

3 2
= 4a b 4 a3b 2 3 2
+ 4a b = 4a2b2 – 5ab2 + 6a3b

Practice Exercises
Find
48the
y 3 quotient of the following: 25x 2y 4
3 3
1. 12y 2. 5x y

27( x  y  z )2 8x3  12x 2y 2  8y 3

3. 3( x  y  z ) 4. 2x 2y

y 2z 4  2xyz 3  4x 2y 3z 4

5. y 2z3
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 47

2.4.3.2. Division of Polynomials by Polynomials

In dividing one polynomial by another polynomial, we can use long division to
obtain a quotient and a remainder.
STEPS:
1) Put both polynomials in standard form (descending powers of the variable).
2) Divide the first term of the dividend by the first term of the divisor, and write the
result over the dividend.
3) Multiply the result in step 2 by each term in the divisor, and write the result under
the dividend.
4) Subtract the result in step 3 from the dividend. (or take the opposite sign of result
in step 3)
5) Bring the next term down.
6) Repeat step 2 through step 5 until there are no other terms to bring down. If you
have a remainder, then place it over the divisor.
Recall how to set up long division and the2 terms.
6x  19x  13
6 x 2  19 x  13
(6x2 + 19x + 13) ÷ (2x + 5) or 2x  5 or 2x+5
2x + 5 is the divisor ; 6x2 + 19x + 13 is the dividend
23xx  526x 2  19x  13
2x  5 6x 2  19x  13
1) divide thegiven expression
first term of the dividend by the first term of the divisor

 6x 2  15x Multiply the quotient to the divisor

4x  13 Subtract the product from the dividend;bring down the next term.
 4x  10 Repeat Steps 2  5
3

x 2  x  3 3x  2  3
2x  5
3The
x  2final
3x3answer
 x 2 is11x  8
3 2
2) (3x  x3  11x  8)  (3x  2) given expression
 3x  2x
 3x  11x
  3x  2x
9x  8
 9x  6 2
x2  x  3 
2 The final answer is 3x  2
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 48

4
3) ( x x25
3 )5(xx25)25x  125

x 4  0the
x  5Note: x 3 dividend,
 0x 2  0xx4 + 25
25, has missing terms with powers of 3, 2, and 1. We need to include
them into the dividend by placing 0x3, 0x2, and 0x in descending order. These are considered place
 xIt4 is important
holders. 5x 3 to recognize that the term must have the coefficient of zero.

 5x 3  0x 2
  5x 3  25x 2

25x 2  0x
 25x 2  125x
 125x  25
  125x  625
650

650
x3  5x 2  25x  125 
The final answer is x5

2.4.4.3. Synthetic Division of Polynomials

Synthetic Division is a quick method of dividing polynomials which can be used
if the divisor is of the form D(x)=x – c
5 4 3 2
Examples: 1. Divide the polynomial x  3x  15x  4x  6x  8 by x  2
Step 1 - Write the number c and the coefficients of the polynomial on the same
line.
2 | 1 -3 15 -4 -6 8
Step 2 - Bring down the first coefficient two spaces and multiply by c. Place the
product under the second coefficient.

2 | 1 -3 15 -4 -6 8
2
1
Step 3 - Combine the second coefficient with the product

2 | 1-3 15 -4 -6 8
2
1 -1
Step 4 - Multiply the result obtained in step 3 by c and place the product under
the third coefficient. Combine the product with the third coefficient
2 | 1 -3 15 -4 -6 8
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 49

2 -2
1 -1 13
Step 5 - Multiply the result obtained in step 4 by c and place the product under
the fourth coefficient. Combine the product with the fourth coefficient
2 | 1 -3 15 -4 -6 8
2 -2 26
1 -1 13 22
Step 6 - Repeat the process to the end of the coefficients
2 | 1 -3 15 -4 -6 8
2 -2 26 44 76
1 -1 13 22 38 84

Step 7. The last number gives the remainder of the division.

Answer: remainder = 84

Step 8 – The numbers on the last row except the last number determine the
coefficients of the quotient which
4 3 is one2 degree less than
84 the polynomial.
x  x  13x  22x  38 
Quotient: x2
4 3
2: Divide 3x  7x  3x  18 by x  3
Note: in this case c = -3 because x + 3 = x – (- 3)
The terms of the polynomial must be written in descending order of degree. If a
term is missing a 0 must be placed on the synthetic division.

Step 1 - Write the number c and the coefficients of the polynomial on the same
line.
-3 | 3 7 0 -3 18

Step 2 - Bring down the first coefficient two spaces and multiply by c. Place the
product under the second coefficient. Repeat the process

-3 | 3 7 0 -3 18
-9 6 -18 63
3 -2 6 -21 81

Step 3 - The last number gives the remainder of the division.

Answer: remainder = 81

Step 4 – The numbers on the last row except the last number determine the
coefficients of the quotient which
3 is2 one degree 81
less than the polynomial.
3x  2x  6x  21 
Quotient: x3
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 50

PRACTICE EXERCISES:
Find the
4 quotient
2 using long division. Verify answer by performing synthetic division.
2x  8x  3x  5
3 2
1. x1 2. x  10x  23x  6 by x  3

2 5 2 6
3.  3x  4x  17x  10 by x  1 4.  2x  3x  x  8 by x  2

4 3 2 4 3
5. x  x  3x  4x  1 by x  1 6. z  8z  54z  105 by z  5
 Chapter Two: Algebraic Expressions 51

NAME: ________________________________________ SCORE: ___________

COURSE& YEAR: ________________________________ DATE: ____________

Exercise 2.6
Division of Algebraic Expressions
A. Simplify the following:
1. x54 ÷ x2 2. z12
3 ÷
r3 z
2 3. k32t÷
5 k
a
3 2

4. a 5. 5r 6.  t
 ab 3 mn p 4 q2
2 2 4
7. ab 8. 2mn 9. p q
36cd 2  9xy  c 4 d 5e 6
4 5 6
10.  9cd 11. 3 12.  c d e

B. Find 9the
x 3 yquotient. 20a5b 6
1. 3x 2 2. 4a3b

12x 4 y 6 32a3  24a5

3. 3x 2y 4. 8a 2

21m 2  18mn3  9n 2 a3b 5  a2b 4  a 4 b 6

5. 3mn 6. a2b 4

32x 2y 3z 4  8x5yz 7
3 2
7. 16x3y 3z 4 8. (3x  17x  58x  40 )  (3x  4)

3 2 3 2
9. ( 4x  4x  13x  5 )  (2x  5) 10. (2x  7x  x  2 )  (2x  1)