Intermediate Algebra Pointers: Powers and Roots

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INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
POINTERS
Powers and roots
Operations with powers.
1. At multiplying of powers with the same base their exponents are added:
am· an = am+n.
2. At dividing of powers with the same base their exponents are subtracted:
3. A power of product of two or some factors is equal to a product of powers of these factors:
( abc… ) n = a n · b n · c n …
4. A power of a quotient (fraction) is equal to a quotient of powers of a dividend (numerator) and a divisor
(denominator):
(a/b)n= an/ bn.
5. At raising of a power to a power their exponents are multiplied:
(am)n= amn.
All above mentioned formulas are read and executed in both directions – from the left to the right and back.
E x a m p l e . ( 2 · 3 · 5 / 15 ) 2 = 2 2 · 3 2 · 5 2 / 15 2 = 900 / 225 = 4 .
Operations with roots. In all below mentioned formulas a symbol means an arithmetical root ( all
radicands are considered here only positive ).
1. A root of product of some factors is equal to a product of roots of these factors:
Math II -1-
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2. A root of a quotient is equal to a quotient of roots of a dividend and a divisor:
n a / b  n a / nb
3. At raising a root to a power it is sufficient to raise a radicand to this power:
 a m
n
n am
4. If to increase a degree of a root by n times and to raise simultaneously its radicand to the n-th power, the
root value doesn’t change:
5. If to decrease a degree of a root by n times and to extract simultaneously the n-th degree root of the
radicand, the root value doesn’t change:
Widening of the power notion. Till now we considered only natural exponents of powers; but operations with
powers and roots can result also to negative, zero and fractional exponents. All these exponents of powers
require to be defined.
Negative exponent of a power. A power of some number with a negative (integer) exponent is defined as unit
divided by the power of the same number with the exponent equal to an absolute value of the negative
exponent:
Now the formula a m : a n = a m - n may be used not only if m is more than n , but also for a case if m is less
than n .
Math II -2-
E x a m p l e . a4 : a7 = a4 - 7 = a-3 .
If we want the formula a m/a n = a m - n to be valid at m = n we need the definition of zero exponent of a
power.
Zero exponent of a power. A power of any non-zero number with zero exponent is equal to 1.
E x a m p l e s: 2 0 = 1, ( – 5 ) 0 = 1, ( – 3 / 5 ) 0 = 1.
Fractional exponent of a power. To raise a real number a to a power with an exponent m / n it is necessary
to extract the n-th degree root from the m-th power of this number a:
m
a n
 n am
3
Example: 4 2 43  64  8
About meaningless expressions. There are some expressions:
Case 1.
where a ≠ 0 , doesn’t exist.
Really, if to assume that where x – some number, then according to the definition of a division we have: a =
0 · x , i.e. a = 0 , but this result contradicts to the condition: a ≠ 0 .
Case 2.
is any number.
Really, if to assume that this expression is equal to some number x, then according to the definition of a
division: 0 = 0 · x . But this equality is valid at any number x, which was to be proved.
Case 3.
If to assume, that rules of operations with powers are spread to powers with
a zero base, then
Math II -3-
0 0 is any number .
S o l u t i o n . Consider the three main cases:
1) x = 0 – this value doesn’t satisfy the equation ( Why ? ) ;
2) at x > 0 we receive: x / x = 1, i.e.1 = 1, hence, x – any number, but taking into consideration
that in this case x > 0, the answer is: x > 0 ;
3) at x < 0 we receive: – x / x = 1, i.e. –1 = 1, and the answer is: there is no solution in this case.
So, the answer: x > 0 .
Formulas of abridged multiplication
From the rules of multiplication of sums and polynomials the following seven formulas of abridged
multiplication can be easily received. It is necessary to know them by heart, as they are used in most of
problems in mathematics.
[1] ( a + b )² = a² + 2ab + b² ,
[2] ( a – b )² = a² – 2ab + b² ,
[3] ( a + b ) ( a – b ) = a² – b²,
[4] ( a + b )³ = a³ + 3a² b + 3ab² + b³ ,
[5] ( a – b )³ = a ³ – 3a² b + 3ab² – b³ ,
[6] ( a + b )( a² – ab + b² ) = a³ + b³ ,
Math II -4-
[7] ( a – b )( a ² + ab + b² ) = a³ – b³ .
Example:
Factoring of polynomials
In general case factoring of a polynomial is not always possible. But there are some cases, when it can be
executed.
1. If all terms of a polynomial contain as a factor the same expression, it is possible to take it out of brackets
(see above).
2. Sometimes grouping terms of a polynomial into brackets, one can find a common expression inside the
brackets, the expression may be taken out of the brackets as a common factor, and after this the same
expression will be inside all brackets Then this expression must also be taken out of the brackets and the
polynomial will be factored.
E x a m p l e : ax + bx + ay+ by = ( ax+ bx ) + ( ay + by ) =
=x(a+b)+y(a+b)=(x+y)(a+b).
3. Sometimes including of new, mutually cancelled terms, helps to factor a polynomial.
E x a m p l e : y 2 – b 2 = y 2 + yb – yb – b 2 = ( y 2 + yb ) – ( yb + b 2 ) =
=y(y+b)–b(y+b)=(y+b)(y–b).
4. Usage of the formulas of abridged multiplication.
Factoring of a quadratic trinomial
Each quadratic trinomial ax2 + bx+ c can be resolved to factors of the first degree by the next way. Solve the
quadratic equation
ax2 + bx+ c = 0
If x1 and x2 are the roots of this equation, then

Math II -5-
ax2 + bx+ c = a (x – x1) (x – x2)
This affirmation can be proved using either formula for roots of a non-reduced quadratic equation. (Check it,
please!) .
E x a m p l e. Resolve to the first degree factors the trinomial: 2x2 – 4 x – 6.
S o l u t i o n . At first we solve the equation: 2x2 – 4x – 6 = 0 . Its roots are:

x1 = –1 and x2 = 3. Hence, 2x2 – 4x – 6 = 2 ( x + 1 ) ( x – 3 ) .
( Open the brackets and check the result, please ).
Equations of higher degrees

1. Some kinds of the higher degrees equations may be solved using a quadratic equation. Sometimes one can
resolve the left-hand side of equation to factors, each of them is a polynomial of the degree not higher than
second. Then, equaling each of them to zero and solving all these quadratic and / or linear equations, we’ll
receive all roots of the original equation.
E x a m p l e . Solve an equation: 3x4 + 6x3 – 9x2 = 0 .
S o l u ti o n . Resolve the left-hand side of this equation to factors:
x2 ( 3x2 + 6x – 9 ) .
Solve the equation: x2 = 0; it has two equal roots: x1 = x2 = 0 .

Now we solve the equation: 3x2 + 6x – 9 = 0, and receive:
x3 = 1 and x4 = – 3 . Thus, the original equation has four roots:
x1 = x2 = 0 ; x3 = 1 ; x4 = – 3 .
2. If an equation has the shape:
ax2n + bxn + c = 0 ,
it is reduced to an quadratic equation by the exchange:
xn = z ;
really, after this exchange we receive: az 2 + bz + c = 0 .
E x a m p l e . Consider the equation:
x4 – 13 x2 + 36 = 0 .
Math II -6-
Exchange: x2 = z . After this we receive:
z 2 – 13 z + 36 = 0 .
Its roots are: z1 = 4 and z2 = 9. Now we solve the equations:

x2 = 4 and x2 = 9 . They have the roots correspondingly:
x1 = 2 , x2 = – 2 , x3 = 3 ; x4 = – 3 . These numbers are
the roots of the original equation ( check this, please ! ).
Any equation of the shape: ax4 + bx2 + c = 0 is called a biquadratic equation. It is reduced to quadratic
equations by using the exchange: x2 = z .
E x a m p l e . Solve the biquadratic equation: 3x4 – 123x2 + 1200 = 0 .
S o l u t i o n . Exchanging: x2 = z , and solving the equation:

3z 2 – 123z + 1200 = 0 , we’ll receive:
hence, z1 = 25 and z2 = 16 . Using our exchange, we receive:

x2 = 25 and x2 = 16, hence, x1 = 5, x2 = –5, x3 = 4, x4= – 4.
3. A cubic equation is the third degree equation; its general shape is:
ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = 0 .
The known Cardano’s formulas for solution of this kind equations are very difficult and almost aren’t used in
practice. So, we recommend another way to solve the third degree equations.
a. At first we find one root of the equation by selecting, because these equations have always at least one
real root, which is one of factors of a free term d ; besides, coefficients of these equations have been
selected usually so that the root, which must be found, is among not great integers, such as: – 2, –1,
0, 1, 2 . Therefore, we’ll find the root among these numbers and check it by substituting into the
equation. A probability of successful result is very high. Assume this root is x1 .
b. The second stage of solution is dividing of the third degree polynomial ax3 + bx2 + cx + d by the
binomial ( x – x1 ) . According to Bezout’s theorem (see the section “Division of polynomial by linear
binomial”) this division is possible without a remainder, and we’ll receive as a result the second degree
polynomial, which would be annihilated, will give us a quadratic equation, solving which we’ll find (or
not !) the rest of the two roots.
E x a m p l e . Solve the equation: x3 – 3x2 – 13x + 15 = 0 .
S o l u t i o n . Selecting the first root among the indicated numbers:
–2 , –1, 0, 1, 2 and substituting each of them in the

given equation, we find that 1 is a root of this equation.
Dividing the left-hand side of the equation by binomial
( x – 1 ), we’ll receive:
Now we solve a quadratic equation: x2 – 2x – 15 = 0

find the rest of the two roots: x1 = – 3 and x2 = 5 .
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Division of polynomial by linear binomial
Linear binomial is a polynomial of the first degree: ax+ b. If to divide a polynomial, containing a letter x, by
a linear binomial x – b, where b is a number ( positive or negative ), then a remainder will be a polynomial
only of zero degree, i.e. some number N , which can be found without finding a quotient. Exactly, this number
is equal to the value of the polynomial, received at x = b. This property is proved by Bezout’s theorem: a
polynomial a0 xm + a1 xm-1 + a2 xm-2 + …+ am is divided by x – b with a remainder N = a0 bm + a1 bm-1 +
a2 bm-2 + …+ am .
The p r o o f . According to the definition of division (see above) we have:
a0 xm + a1 xm-1 + a2 xm-2 + …+ am = ( x – b ) Q + N ,
where Q is some polynomial, N is some number. Substitute here x = b , then ( x– b ) Q will be missing and we
receive:
a0 bm + a0 bm-1 + a0 bm-2 + …+ am = N .
The r e m a r k . It is possible, that N = 0 . Then b is a root of the equation:
a0 xm + a1 xm-1 + a2 xm-2 + …+ am = 0 .
Division of polynomials
Division of polynomials. What means to divide one polynomial P by another Q ? It means to find polynomials
M ( quotient ) and N ( remainder ), satisfying the two requirements:
1). An equality MQ + N = P takes place;

2). A degree of polynomial N is less than a degree of polynomial Q .
Division of polynomials can be done by the following scheme ( long division ):
Math II
4a 2  a  2 16a 3  8a 2
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– 16a3 – 4a2 + 8a
12a2 – 13a + 7
– 12a2 – 3a + 6
10a + 1
1) Divide the first term 16a3 of the dividend by the first term 4a2 of the divisor; the result 4a is the first term of
the quotient.
2) Multiply the received term 4a by the divisor 4a2 – a + 2; write the result 16a3 – 4a2 + 8a under the dividend,
one similar term under another.
3) Subtract terms of the result from the corresponding terms of the dividend and move down the next by the
order term 7 of the dividend; the remainder is 12a2 – 13a + 7.
4) Divide the first term 12a2 of this expression by the first term 4a2 of the divisor; the result 3 is the second
term of the quotient.
5) Multiply the received second term 3 by the divisor 4a2 – a + 2; write the result 12a2 – 3a + 6 again under the
dividend, one similar term under another.
6) Subtract terms of the result from the corresponding terms of the previous remainder and receive the second
remainder:
– 10a + 1. Its degree is less than the divisor degree; therefore the division has been finished. The quotient
is 4a + 3,
the remainder is – 10a + 1.
Linear equations in one unknown
An equation of the shape: ax + b = 0, where a and b – the known numbers, x – an unknown value, is called a
linear equation in one unknown. To solve this equation means to find the numerical value of x , at which this
equation becomes an identity.
If a is not equal to zero ( a ≠ 0 ), then a solution ( root ) has the shape:
Math II - 10 -
If a = 0 , then the two cases are possible:
1. b = 0, then 0 · x + 0 = 0 . Here x can be any number ( check this ! ).
2. b ≠ 0, then 0 · x + b = 0 . There is no solution ( check this also ).
expressions: x2 + 2x = x2 – 2x + x – 2 . Transfer all terms to the right-hand side of the equation.

After reducing all similar terms we’ll receive: 3x + 2 = 0, hence x = – 2 / 3 .
Quadratic equation
A quadratic equation is an algebraic equation of the second degree:
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 , (1)
where a, b, c – the given numerical or literal coefficients , x – an unknown.

If a = 0, then this equation becomes a linear one. Therefore, we’ll consider here only a ≠ 0. So, it is possible
to divide all terms of the equation by a and then we receive:
x 2 + px + q = 0 , (2)
where p=b/a, q=c/a. This quadratic equation is called a reduced one. The equation (1) is called a non-reduced
quadratic equation. If b or c (or both) is equal to zero, then this equation is called a pure one. The examples of
pure quadratic equations are following:
4x 2 – 12 = 0, x 2 + 5x = 0, x 2 = 36 .
Main ways used at solving of equations
Solving of equation is a process, consisting mainly in a replacement of the given equation by another,
equivalent equation. This replacement is called an identical transformation. Main identical transformations are
the following.
1. Replacement of one expression by another, identically equal to it. For example, the equation (3x+ 2)2 = 15x
+ 10 may be replaced by the next equivalent equation: 9x2 + 12x + 4 = 15x + 10.
2. Transferring terms of equation from one side to another with back signs. So, in the previous equation we
can transfer all terms from the right-hand side to the left with the sign “minus”: 9x2+ 12x + 4 – 15x – 10 =
0, after this we receive: 9x2 – 3x – 6 = 0.
3. Multiplication or division of both sides of equation by the same expression (number), not equal to zero.
This is very important, because a new equation can be not equivalent to previous, if the expression, by
which we multiply or divide, can be equal to zero.
E x a m p l e : The equation x – 1 = 0 has the single root x = 1 .

Multiplying it by x – 3 , we receive the equation ( x – 1 )( x – 3 ) = 0, which has two roots: x
= 1 and x = 3 . The last value isn’t a root for the given equation x – 1 = 0. This value is so called an
extraneous root. And vice versa, division can result to a loss of roots. In our case, if (x – 1)(x – 3) = 0 is
the origin equation, then the root x = 3 will be lost at division of this equation by x – 3 .
In the last equation (p.2) we can divide all terms by 3 (not zero!) and finally receive:
3x2 – x – 2 = 0 .
This equation is equivalent to an original one:
(3x+ 2)2 = 15x + 10
4. It is possible to raise both sides of an equation to an odd power and to extract the odd degree root from
both sides of an equation.
It is necessary to remember that:
a) raising to an even power can result in acquisition of extraneous roots;
b) a wrong extraction of even degree root can result in loss of roots.
E x a m p l e s : The equation 7x = 35 has the single root x = 5 . Raising this equation to

the second power, we receive the equation:
49x2 = 1225,
having the two roots: x = 5 and x = – 5 . The last value is an extraneous root. A wrong
extraction of square root from both sides of the equation 49x2 = 1225 results in 7x = 35 , and we lose the root:
x = – 5. A right extraction of this root leads to the equation: | 7x | = 35, hence the two cases imply:
1) 7x = 35, then x = 5 ; 2) – 7x = 35, then x = – 5 .
Hence, at a right extraction of square root we don’t lose roots of an equation. What means a
right extraction of a root? Here we meet the notion of an arithmetical root, which is considered further in the
section of the same name.
Solution of a quadratic equation

In general case of a non-reduced quadratic equation:
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 ,
its roots are found by the formula:
If to divide all terms of a non-reduced quadratic equation by a (is it possible ?), and to sign b / a = p and c / a
= q , then we’ll receive the reduced quadratic equation:
x 2 + px + q = 0 ,
roots of which are calculated by the formula:
E x a m p l e . x 2 + 5x + 6 = 0 . Here p = 5, q = 6. Then we have:
hence, x1= – 5 / 2 + 1 / 2 = – 2 , x2 = – 5 / 2 – 1 / 2 = – 3
Main ways of solving word problems

The process in solving verbal problems can be summarized in this way:
The 3 R’s and the ESP of solving verbal problems
R EAD the problem thoroughly

R EPRESENT the unknown by means of a variable
R ELATE the unknown to each other and the values given in the problem
E QUATE form an equation using facts in the problem

S OLVE the equation the answers
P ROVE
READING: Reading mathematics is different from reading an ordinary story or newspaper. When we read a
problem in mathematics, we must be sure we catch each word.
REPRESENTING THE UNKNOWNS: The unknown numbers in the problem can be represented in several
ways. For example, if one number is thrice another, we could represent them as x and 3x; we could also
1
represent them as x and x. Always choose the simplest representation.
3
RELATING THE UNKNOWNS: Look for the key words that translate into equals. Some of these words are: is,
are was, make, and equals.
EQUATION FORMING: As the unknowns in the problem are correctly represented, then the meaning of the
story can easily be obtained by expressing these into an equation.
SOLVING AND PROVING: We already know the methods in solving equationd and we can easily check the
answers to see if they satisfy the problem.
I. Number Problems:
The number problems are the easiest to translate into equations since the relationships among the
numbers are directly stated in the problems.
EXAMPLE 1: One number is two more than thrice another. Their sum is 30. Find the numbers.
Math II - 14 -
Solution:
READ: Reading the problem thoroughly, we know two things about the numbers:
a) their sizes: one of them is two more than thrice the other; and
b) their sum: the sum is 30.
REPRESENT: If we represent the numbers using the first sentence, we have:
Let x = the first number
then: 3x + 2 = the other number
RELATE: The relationship between the numbers x and 3x + 2 and the other number, 30, gives us an equation.
EQUATE: x + 3x + 2 = 30 (Their sum is 30)
SOLVE: In solving the equation, we have
x + 3x + 2 = 30
4x + 2 = 30
4x = 28 x=7
therefore, the first number is 7 and the other number is 3x + 2 = 3(7) + 2 = 23
Answers: 7 and 23
PROVE: To prove that the numbers satisfy the problem, we have
a) their sum is 30: 7 + 23 = 30
b) 23 is two more than thrice 7: 3(7) + 2 = 21 + 2 = 23
The answers satisfy both the conditions of the problem.
EXAMPLE 2: The sum of two numbers is 29 and their difference is 5.
Solution:
READ: Reading the problem thoroughly, we know two things about the numbers:
a) their sum: the sum of the 2 numbers is 29 and
b) their difference: the difference of the 2 numbers is 5.
REPRESENT: Using the first sentence to represent the unknown numbers, we have:
Let x = one of the numbers.
RELATE: Then 29 – x = the other number
EQUATE: The second sentence gives us the equation.
x – (29 – x) = 5 (Their difference is 5)
SOLVE: Solving the equation, we have
x – (29 – x) = 5
x – 29 + x = 5
2x – 29 = 5
2x = 34 x = 17
therefore the other number is
29 – x = 29 – 17 = 12
PROVE: We must show that the numbers satisfy both sentences.
Math II - 15 -
a) Their sum is 29: 17 + 12 = 29

b) Their difference is 5: 17 – 12 = 5
II. Odd, Even, and Consecutive Integers

The word consecutive means following in order without interruption. As we know, an integer refers to
a whole number. Hence, consecutive integers which follow in order without interruption.
If you know the sum of a certain number of consecutive integers or consecutive odd/even integers,
then you have all the information you need to find the said integers.
EXAMPLE 1: The sum of three consecutive integers is 90. Find the integers.
SOLUTION:
Let x = the first integer
then x + 1 = the next consecutive integer
and x + 2 = the third consecutive integer
their sum is 90:
x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 90
manipulating the equation, we have
x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 90
x+x+1+x +2 = 90
3x + 3 = 90
3x = 87
x = 29 1st integer
x + 1 = 30 2nd consecutive integer
x + 2 = 31 3rd consecutive integer
ANSWER: the consecutive integers are 29, 30, 31
PROOF: 29 + 30 + 31 = 90
EXAMPLE 2: Find three consecutive odd integers whose sum is 57.

SOLUTION:
Let x = the first odd integer
then x + 2 = the second odd integer
and x + 4 = the third odd integer
their sum is 57:
x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 90
manipulating the equation, we have
x + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 57
x+x+2+x +4 = 57
3x + 6 = 57
3x = 51
x = 17 1st odd integer
Math II - 16 -
x + 2 = 19 2nd odd integer

x + 4 = 21 3rd odd integer
ANSWER: The consecutive odd integers are 17, 19, and 21.
PROOF: 17 + 19 + 21 = 57
III. Digit Problems

In finding the value of a number, the position of each digit must be considered.
For example:
7 alone has a value of seven ones
7 in 75 has a value of seventy ones (seven tens)
Suppose you have an unknown two-digit number, instead of calling it simply n you can let x represent
the tens digit and y the ones digit. Then the number may be represented as
10x + y
if we want to write the number with the digits reversed, then the new number formed would have y as
the tens digit and x the ones digit. Hence, the number can be represented by
10y + x
EXAMPLE 1: The units digit in a two digit number is one more than twice the tens digit. Find the number if the
sum of the digit is 7.
SOLUTION:
Let x = the tens digit
then 2x +1 = the units digit
and 10x + 2x + 1 = the number
The sum of the digits is 7:

x + 2x + 1 = 7
3x + 1 = 7
3x = 6
x = 2 tens digit
2x + 1 = 2(2) + 1 = 5 units digit
The number is 10x + 2x + 1 = 10(2) = 2(2) + 1 = 20 + 4 + 1 = 25
PROOF: 5 is one more than twice 2: 5 = 2(2) +1
The sum of the digits is 7 : 2 + 5 = 7
EXAMPLE 2: The tens digit of a three-digit number is 0. The sum if the other two digits is 6. Interchanging the
units and hundreds digits decreases the number by 396. Find the original number.
SOLUTION:
Let x = the units digit
then 6 – x = the hundreds digit and
100(6 – x) + 10(0) + x = the original number
Math II - 17 -
100 x + 10(0) + 6 – x = the reversed number
Interchanging the units and the hundreds digits decreases the number by 396:
100x + 10(0) + 6 – x = 100(6 – x) + 10(0) + x – 396

100x + 6 – x = 600 – 100x + x – 396
100x – x + 100x – x = 600 – 396 – 6
198x = 198
x=1
The original number is 100(6 – x) + 10(0) + x = 100(6 – 1) + 1

= 100( 5) + 1
= 500 + 1
= 501
PROOF: The sum of the units and hundreds digits is 6: 1 + 5 = 6
The reversed number which is 105 decreases the original number by 396:
105 = 501 – 396
105 = 105
IV. Age Problems

In dealing with age problems, it is important to keep in mind that the ages of different people change at
the same rate. For example, after two years, all the people in the given problem are two years older than they
were at first. Four years ago, all the people in the problem were four years younger. Also, it is easier if one
makes a table showing the presentation for current ages in the problem, “future” ages ( a number of years from
now), and “past” ages ( a number of years ago). If possible, represent the youngest present age by a single letter,
than represent the ages. This process is illustrated in the following examples.
EXAMPLE 1: Alvin is now 20 years older than his son. In 10 years, he will be twice as old as his son’s age.
What are the present ages?
READ : Reading the problem thoroughly, we find a relationship between the present ages of Alvin and his son
and the relationship of their ages 10 years from now.
REPRESENT: Using the relationship between the present ages, we have
Let x = the son’s present age
RELATE: Then x + 20 = Alvin’s present age
After 10 years, each age is increased by 10 : x + 10 and x + 30 as given in the table below.
Now Future ( 10 years from now)
Son x x + 10
Alvin x + 20 x + 30
EQUATE: Using the second relationship: In 10 years, Alvin’s age is twice his son’s, we have
x + 30 = 2 (x+10)
SOLVE: Manipulating the equation, we have

x + 30 = 2 (x + 10)
x + 30 = 2x + 20
x = 10
ANSWERS: x = 10 Son’s age
x + 20 = 10 + 20 = 30 Alvin’s age
PROOF: Alvin’s age is 20 years more than his son’s: 30 = 10 + 20.
In 10 years:
Son: 10 + 10 = 20
Alvin: 30+10 = 40
Alvin’s age is twice his son’s:
40 = 2 ( 20)
40 = 40
EXAMPLE 2: The sum of Richard’s age ang Ruel’s age is 60. Nine years ago, Richard has twice as old as Ruel
then. How old is Ruel?
READ : We find that we have a relationship between the present ages and their ages 9 years ago.
REPRESENT: Let x = Ruel’s present age
RELATE: Then 60 – x = Richard’s present age
We subtract 9 years from each as shown in the table below.
Now Past ( 9 years ago)
Ruel x x–9
Richard 60 - x 51 - x
EQUATE: The second relationship gives our equation: Nine yars ago, Richard was twice as old as Ruel then.
51 – x = 2 (x – 9)
SOLVE: Manipulating the equation, we have :
51 – x = 2(x – 9)
51 – x = 2x – 18
3x = 69
x = 23
ANSWERS: x = 23 Ruel’s age
60 – x = 37 Richard’s age
PROOF: The sum of their ages is 60: Ruel’s age = 23
Richard’s age = 37
Math II - 19 -
Add 60
Nine years ago, Richard was twice as old as Ruel then:

37 – 9 = 2 (23 – 9)
28 = 2 (14)
28 = 28
V. Work Problems
Among the kinds of verbal problems that are solved by fractional equations are work problems. If we
1
are going to consider a task as one job, then the rate of doing work can be represented as , where x is the
x
number of time units required to complete the job. That is, if a tailor sews a pair of pants in 3 hours, his rate is
1 1
of the job per hour. If a faucet fills a tank in 35 minutes, its rate is of the job per minute. Another thing
3 35
that we must know in doing work problems is that the amount of work done is the product of the rate and time,
Work = Rate x Time
Lastly, it is also important to know that the sum of the parts of a job done by different people or forces adds up
to the whole job.
EXAMPLE 1: Richard can build a doghouse by himself in 3 days. Alvin can build the same doghouse in 6 days.
How long would it take them if they worked together?
SOLUTION: We are looking for the number of days it would take Richard and Alvin if they worked together.
We can represent the time for each by the same letter since they begin and end work at the same time.
Rate x Time Work

Richard 1 x x
3 3
Alvin 1 x x
6 6
x x
The work Richard and Alvin did together equals one whole job.  1
3 6
Manipulating the equation, we have
2x + x = 6
3x = 6
Math II - 20 -
ANSWER: x = 2 days
PROOF:
1 2
The work done by Richard is 2 of the job
3 3
1 1
The work done by Alvin is  2  of the job
6 3
Together, they have done 2  1  1 whole job. Therefore, the answer satisfies the conditions of the
3 3
problems.
EXAMPLE 2: The San Beda High School, awimming pool has two inlet pipes. One pipe can fill the pool in 6
hours, the other can fill it in 3 hours. The pool has one outlet pipe that can empty the pool in 4 hours. One day,
when filling the pool after it was cleaned, the outlet pipe was left open by mistake. How long did it take to fill
the pool?
SOLUTION: We now have three rates. Two are added (the inlet pipes) while the other pipe (the outlet pipe) is
subtracted. We can represent the time for each by the same letter since they begin and work at the same time.
Rate x Time Work

Inlet Pipe 1 1 x x
6 6
Inlet Pipe 2 1 x x
3 3
Outlet Pipe 1 x x
4 4
x x x
  1 (multiply both sides by 12) 2x + 4x – 3x = 12 3x = 12
6 3 4
ANSWER: x = 4 hours
PROOF:
1 2
In 4 hours, inlet pipe 1 fills 4 of the pool
6 3
1 4
inlet pipe 2 fills 4 of the pool
3 3
In 4 hours, outlet pipe empties 1  4  1 of the pool

4
So, 4
2   1  1 whole pool
3 3
VI. Distance Problems

When an object moves without changing its speed or rate, that object is said to be in uniform motion.
The following examples below illustrate the types of problem involving uniform motion.
EXAMPLE 1: Motion in opposite direction

Mr. Honda and Mr. Toyota arrange to meet on the highway connecting their hometowns. Mr. Honda
drives at 45 kph and Mr. Toyota at 35 kph. They leave their homes which are 120 kilometers apart at the same
time. In how many hours will they meet?
SOLUTION: In this problem they both travel with the same length of time
Let t = the number of hours before the men meet
Rate x Time Distance
Mr. Honda 45 t 45t
Mr. Toyota 35 t 35t
The distances they travel must add up to the 120 kilometers between the towns, that is
Mr. Honda’s distance + Mr. Toyota’s distance = Total distance
45t + 35t = 120
45t + 35t = 120
80t = 120 t = 3 or 1 1 hours
1 2 2
ANSWER: They meet after 1
2 hours driving.
PROOF:
1 3
After 1 hours, Mr. Honda has gone x 45 = 67.5 km.
2 2
3
Mr. Toyota has gone x 35 = 52.5 km
2
Total Distance 67.5 + 52.5 = 120 km
Thus, our answers satisfy the conditions of the problem.
EXAMPLE 2: Motion in the same directions

Math II
There are two trains. The Rabbit heads north on the expressway at 45 kph. Exactly 12 minutes after,
the Panther follows at a steady speed of 54 kph. How long does it take the Panther to overtake the Rabbit?
1
SOLUTION: the Panther travels for 12 minutes less than (12 min = hr) because it travels 12 minutes later. It
5
will be easier to represent the shorter time by a single literal number.
Let x = the Panther’s time
1
then x + = the Rabbit’s time
5
Rate x Time Distance
Rabbit 45 1 1
x+ 45(x + )
5 5
Panther 54 x 54x
When the Panther overtakes the Rabbit, the distances will be equal.
1
45(x + ) = 54x
5
45x + 9 = 54x 9x = 9 x = 1 hour
ANSWER: The Panther overtakes the Rabbit in 1 hour.
PROOF:
1
After 1 hour, the Rabbit has gone 45(1 + ) = 45 + 9 = 54 km and the Panther has gone 54(1) = 54 km
5
VII. Solution Problems

A solution is a homogenous mixture of two or more substances whose components are uniformly
distributed all throughout. We usually think of one of the substances as being dissolved in the other. The
substance being dissolved is the solute, the substance in which the solute is dissolved is called the solvent. For
example when we add sugar to coffee, we say that sugar is dissolved in coffee. If we add iodine to alcohol, then
the iodine is dissolved in alcohol. In the preceding examples, sugar and iodine are the solutes while coffee and
alcohol are the solvents. Usually the solvent is greater in quantity than the solute.
Some solutions have special names. The most usual alloys are of metals that have been melted
together. However if the solvent is alcohol , the mixture is called a tincture.
Solutions are usually labeled by the percentages of the solutes. This refers to the strength of the
solution. That is, a solution that is 20% salt is twice as “strong” as a solution of 10% salt. If we add water to
the solution to weaken it, the water that we added has 0% salt; if we add salt to the solution to strengthen or to
increase its strength, the salt is 100% salt.
In solving solution problems, we label each solution by the percentage of solute in it, rather than by its
value. When the amount of a given solution is multiplied by its strength, then we get the amount of solute it
Math II - 23 -
contains. For example, if we have 500grams of a 15% salt solution, then we have 500 x 0.15 = 75grams of salt.
Hence to form an equation, we use the fact that the amount of the solute in each solution being added must be
equal to the amount of solute in the combined solution. To summarize the steps in solving solution problems,
we have
1) Label each solution with its corresponding percentage.

2) Give the total amount of the combined solution.
3) Form the equation by multiplying vertically.
EXAMPLE 1:
A chemist has 400g of salt solution that is 10% salt. How many grams of 20% salt solution must be added to
obtain a 12% solution of salt?
SOLUTION:
The problem asks for the number of grams of 20% salt solution to be added.
Let x be the number of grams of 20% salt solution.
400 g + xg = 400 + x g
10% 20% = 12%
Multiplying vertically, we obtain

0.10(400) + 0.20(x) = 0.12(400 + x)
Multiplying the equation by 100 to eliminate the decimals, we have

10(400) + 20(x) = 12(400 + x)

4000 + 20x = 12(400 + x)
8x = 800
x = 100 grams
ANSWER: x = 100 grams of 20% solution
PROOF: The amount of salt in the 10% solution is

0.10(400) = 400 grams
The amount of salt in 100 grams of 20% solution is

Math II - 24 -
0.20(100) = 20 grams
Adding the two solutions, we have 60 grams of salt in a total solution of

400 + 100 = 500 grams
60 12
 = 12%
500 100
Thus, the answer satisfies the conditions of the problem.
EXAMPLE 2:
A chemist mixes a 200 L of a solution that is 60% acid with a 300 L of a solution that is 20% acid. What is the
acid percentage of the mixture?
SOLUTION:
The problem asks the acid percentage of the mixture.
Let x = the acid percentage of the mixture.

200 L + 300 L = 500 L
60% 20% x%
Note that the problem tells us that we have a 500 L mixture.
60(200) + 20(300) = x(500)

12,000 + 6,000 = 500x
18,000 = 500x
x = 36
Answer: x = 36%
VIII. Investment Problems

Problems which are concerned with amount of money invested at different rates of interest are called
investment problems. Investment problems are percent problems since interest rates are expressed as percent.
A percent is a fraction with a denominator of 100.
When we solve percent problems, we use the formula.
p = br
where p represents a part of whatever is being considered (percentage); b represents the base; that is, the whole
of what is being considered; and r represents the rate which is expressed as percent.
EXAMPLE 1:
The Faculty Trust Fund is P200,000. Some of the money is invested at an annual rate of 4 percent and the rest is
invested at an annual rate of 6 percent. If the income from both investments is both P9,600 a year, how much is
invested at each rate?
Solution:
Let x = the amount invested at 4%
then 200,000 - x = the amount invested at 6%
b · r = p
Some of the money x .04 .04x
The rest of the money 200,000 - x .06 .06(200,000) - x
Income from + Income from the = Total income from

one investment other investment both investments
0.4x + .06(200,000 – = P9,600

4x + x) = P960, 000
1,200,000 – 6x 2x = P240, 000
x = P120, 000
200,000 - x = P80, 000
ANSWER:
Amount invested at 4%: P120,000

Amount invested at 6%: P80,000
PROOF:
4% of P120,000 = P4,800
6% of P80,000 = P4,800
Total Income = P9,600
Thus the answers satisfy the conditions of the problem.
EXAMPLE 2:
Anthony invested a certain amount of money at 5 percent per year, and an amount twice as large at 6 percent
per year. The total annual income from the two investments was P4,250. Find the amount invested at each rate.
SOLUTION:
Let x = the amount invested at 5%
then 2x = the amount invested at 6%
b · r = p
Some of the money x .05 .05x
The rest of the money 200,000 - x .06 .06(2x)
Income from + Income from the = Total income from

one investment other investment both investments
.05x + .06(2x) = P4,250

.05x + .12x = P4,250
.17x = P4,250
x = P25, 000amount invested at 5%

2x = P50, 000amount invested at 6%

Intermediate Algebra Pointers: Powers and Roots

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Academic-Clinic.

DLSUCET, PSHS-NCE, and other entrance tests

Powers and roots

Operations with powers.

(a/b)n= an/ bn.

5. At raising of a power to a power their exponents are multiplied:

1. A root of product of some factors is equal to a product of roots of these factors:

2. A root of a quotient is equal to a quotient of roots of a dividend and a divisor:

About meaningless expressions. There are some expressions:

where a ≠ 0 , doesn’t exist.

S o l u t i o n . Consider the three main cases:

1) x = 0 – this value doesn’t satisfy the equation ( Why ? ) ;

Formulas of abridged multiplication

[4] ( a + b )³ = a³ + 3a² b + 3ab² + b³ ,

[5] ( a – b )³ = a ³ – 3a² b + 3ab² – b³ ,

3. Sometimes including of new, mutually cancelled terms, helps to factor a polynomial.

4. Usage of the formulas of abridged multiplication.

Factoring of a quadratic trinomial

If x1 and x2 are the roots of this equation, then

ax2 + bx+ c = a (x – x1) (x – x2)

E x a m p l e. Resolve to the first degree factors the trinomial: 2x2 – 4 x – 6.

S o l u t i o n . At first we solve the equation: 2x2 – 4x – 6 = 0 . Its roots are:

Equations of higher degrees

E x a m p l e . Solve an equation: 3x4 + 6x3 – 9x2 = 0 .

S o l u ti o n . Resolve the left-hand side of this equation to factors:

Solve the equation: x2 = 0; it has two equal roots: x1 = x2 = 0 .

it is reduced to an quadratic equation by the exchange:

really, after this exchange we receive: az 2 + bz + c = 0 .

E x a m p l e . Consider the equation:

Exchange: x2 = z . After this we receive:

Its roots are: z1 = 4 and z2 = 9. Now we solve the equations:

E x a m p l e . Solve the biquadratic equation: 3x4 – 123x2 + 1200 = 0 .

S o l u t i o n . Exchanging: x2 = z , and solving the equation:

hence, z1 = 25 and z2 = 16 . Using our exchange, we receive:

E x a m p l e . Solve the equation: x3 – 3x2 – 13x + 15 = 0 .

S o l u t i o n . Selecting the first root among the indicated numbers:

–2 , –1, 0, 1, 2 and substituting each of them in the

Now we solve a quadratic equation: x2 – 2x – 15 = 0

Division of polynomial by linear binomial

The p r o o f . According to the definition of division (see above) we have:

The r e m a r k . It is possible, that N = 0 . Then b is a root of the equation:

1). An equality MQ + N = P takes place;

Division of polynomials can be done by the following scheme ( long division ):

Linear equations in one unknown

If a is not equal to zero ( a ≠ 0 ), then a solution ( root ) has the shape:

If a = 0 , then the two cases are possible:

1. b = 0, then 0 · x + 0 = 0 . Here x can be any number ( check this ! ).

2. b ≠ 0, then 0 · x + b = 0 . There is no solution ( check this also ).

expressions: x2 + 2x = x2 – 2x + x – 2 . Transfer all terms to the right-hand side of the equation.

A quadratic equation is an algebraic equation of the second degree:

where a, b, c – the given numerical or literal coefficients , x – an unknown.

Main ways used at solving of equations

E x a m p l e : The equation x – 1 = 0 has the single root x = 1 .

This equation is equivalent to an original one:

(3x+ 2)2 = 15x + 10

E x a m p l e s : The equation 7x = 35 has the single root x = 5 . Raising this equation to

1) 7x = 35, then x = 5 ; 2) – 7x = 35, then x = – 5 .

Solution of a quadratic equation

its roots are found by the formula: