ORDER ON THE NUMBER LINE

The expressions a > b, a < b, a ≤ b, a ≥ b and a ≠ b are called inequalities and the symbols <, >, ≤, ≥ and ≠ are called inequality
signs.

Numbers can be compared by using the real number line. If x lies to the left of y on the number line, we say that x is less than y and
write x < y. The inequality x < y < z shows that the number y is between the numbers x and z.

x x<y y x y z

Mathematical Expression Translation Example

The chart at right summarizes all possible cases for
x<y x is less than y –2 < –1
any two numbers, x and y.
x>y x is greater than y 5>2
Two numbers can be compared by using the real
number line. x≤y x is less than or equal to y –8 ≤ –8
x≥y x is greater than or equal to y 5≥3

Fil in the blanks with the appropriate inequality symbol.

a. –2 . . . 3 b. 3 . . . 3 c. 5 . . . 3 d. –2 . . . 3 8
2
Ans: a: <, b: >, c: <, d: ≤

Absolute Value
The numbers x and –x are symmetric with respect to the origin.

A B C D E F G

–x –7 –6 0 6 7 x

The absolute value of a number x is the distance from the number to the origin. The absolute value of x is shown by |x|. For example,
the absolute values of –6 and 6 are both 6 and we write |–6| = 6 and |6| = 6 because the points represented on the number line are
equidistant from the origin. We have the definition:

x if x > 0
|x| = 0 if x = 0 for x ∈ R
–x if x < 0

On the number line above |B| = |–7| = 7 units, |E| = |6| = 6 units, |EF| = |F – E| = |7 – 6| = 1 units, |DD| = 0 units and
|CE| = |E –C| = |6 – (–6)| = |6 + 6| = |12| = 12 units.

29
 Example Find the distance between given points.

A B C D E F G

–7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. A and C 2. B and E 3. C and F 4. E and G

Solution 1. |AC| = |C – A| = |–1 – (6)| = |–1 + 6| = |5| = 5 units 2. |BE| = |E – B| = |2 – (4)| = |2 + 4| = |6| = 6 units

3. |CF| = |F – C| = |4 – (–1)| = |4 + 1| = |5| = 5 units 4. |EG| = |G – E| = |7 – 2| = |5| = 5 units

Given A(5), B(2), C(–1) and D(–4), find the distance between

a. A and C b. B and D c. C and D

Ans: a: 6 , b: 6, c: 3

Activity
Complete the following operations.

1. |0| = 0, |5| = 5 and 7 = 7 4. |1 – 2 | = | 2 – 1| = 2 – 1

3 3
2. |–2| = –(–2) = 2 and |–15| = 5. | 5 – 3| =

3. |5 – 3| = and |3 – 5| = 6. |2 – 3 | =

The absolute value of real number is zero or positive.

Example Evaluate 1. |3 – 5| + |8 – 4| – |–3 – 2| 2. | 5 – 4| + | 5 – 2|

Solution 1. A = |3 – 5| + |8 – 4| – |–3 –2| = |–2| + |4| – |–5| = 2 + 4 – 5 = 1

2. | 5 – 4| + | 5 – 2| = – 5 + 4 + 5 – 2 = 2

1. Evaluate 1 – 1 – – 3 + 5 – 2
3 2 4 4 3

2. Find tne result of | 5 – 7 | – | 5 – 3| – |1 – 7 |

Ans: 1. 0, 2. –2

30
 Example 1. Simplify |b| + |a – b| – |2a| for a < 0 < b.
2. If 3 < x < 5, find the value of A = |3x| + |–2x| – |x –3| + |x – 5|.
Solution 1. a < 0 ⇒ |a| = –a and b > 0 ⇒ |b| = b.
a < 0 < b ⇒ a – b < 0 and |a – b| = –(a – b)
Thus, |b| + |a – b| – |2a| = b – (a – b) – (–2a) = b – a + b + 2a = a + 2b.
2. A = 3x + 2x – (x – 3) + (–x + 5) = 5x – x + 3 – x + 5 = 3x + 8

1. Find tne result of |a – b| – |b – a| + |a – c| for a < b < c.

2. Simplify |–2x – 3| + |–y2 – 5| – |2x + 6| for x > 0 and y ∈ R.
Ans: 1. c – a, 2. y2 + 2

Properties of Absolute Value

Let x and y be any two real numbers;
Property Example
|x| ≥ 0 |–15| = 15 and 15 ≥ 0
|–x| = |x| |–10| = 10 and |10| = 10, so |–10| = |10|
|x| . |y| = |xy| |5| . |–4| = 5 . 4 = 20 and |5(–4)| = |–20| = 20
|x| |x| |2| 2 2 2 |2| 2
= (y ≠ 0) = and = so, =
|y| |y| |3| 3 3 3 |3| 3
|x + y| ≤ |x| + |y| |3 + (–7)| = |–4| = 4 |3| + |–7| = 3 + 7 = 10

Activity
Write T (true) or F (false) in each box.
x+2 |x + 2|
|x| + |–x| = 0 |–5x| = 5|x| =
–3 3

|3 – 2x| = |2x – 3| |–2x + 4| = –2|x – 2| 2 . |x – 3| = |2x – 6|

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

|3x + 3y|
Example Find the greatest value of for any nonzero real numbers x and y.
|x| + |y|
|x + y| |x| + |y|
Solution Because |x + y| ≤ |x| + |y|, we have ≤ = 1 and so
|x| + |y| |x| + |y|
|3x + 3y| 3|x + y| 3(|x| + |y|) |3x + 3y|
= ≤ = 3 and ≤ 3 so the greatest value is 3.
|x| + |y| |x| + |y| |x| + |y| |x| + |y|

31
 |4x| + |4y|
Find the greatest value of for any nonzero numbers x and y.
|x + y|
Ans: 4

Example Find the minimum value of A = |x – 2| + |x + 3|

Solution |x – 2| gets minimum value for x = 2 and |x – 3| gets minimum value for x = 3
A = |2 – 2| + |2 + 3| = 5 for x = 2 and A = |–3 – 2| + |–3 + 3| = 5 for x = 3.
Thus, the minimum value of A is 5

1. Find the minimum value of A = |x – 3| + |2x –1|

2. Find the minimum value of |x – 4| – |x –2|
5
Ans: 1. , 2. –2
2

Example Find the maximum and minimum values of A = |x – 2| – |x + 3|

Solution A gets minimum value when x – 2 = 0 ⇒ x = 2 and A = |2 – 2| – |2 + 3| = 0 – 5 = –5

A gets maximum value when x + 3 = 0 ⇒ x = –3 ⇒ A = |–3 – 2| – |–3 + 3| = |–5| – 0 = 5

Example 1. Express –1 ≤ x ≤1, –4 < x < 4 and –5 ≤ y – 2 ≤ 5 by absolute value notation.

2. Express –6 < x < 10 by absolute value notation.

Solution 1. –1 ≤ x ≤ 1 ⇒ |x| ≤ 1, –4 < x < 4 ⇒ |x| < 4 and –5 ≤ y – 2 ≤ 5 ⇒ |y – 2| ≤ 5

2. If –6 < x < 10, we write –6 – r < x – r < 10 – r and

–(–6 – r) = 10 – r ⇒ 6 + r = 10 – r ⇒ r = 2
Thus, –6 – 2 < x – 2 < 10 – 2 ⇒ 8 < x – 2 < 8 ⇒ |x – 2| < 8

1. Express –4 ≤ x ≤ 4 and –3 < x + 2 < 3 absolute value notation.

2. Express 2 < x + 1 < 6 by absolute value notation.
Ans: 1. |x| ≤ 4, |x +2| < 3, 2. |x – 1| < 4

32
Example The minimum and maximum math scores of students in a class are 30 and 100 respectively.
Write an absolute value notation to express which interval the scores lie in.

Solution 30 ≤ x ≤ 100 ⇒ 30 – r ≤ x – r ≤ 100 – r

30 – r = –100 + r ⇒ 2r = 130 ⇒ r = 65 and
30 – 65 ≤ x – 65 ≤ 100 – 65 ⇒ –35 ≤ x –65 ≤ 35 ⇒ |x – 65| ≤ 35

The blood pressures of people are between 60 and 80. Write an absolute value notation to express this fact.

Ans: |x – 70| < 10

Example Which one is absolutely true if x = |x| and |y| = –y?

a. x – y < 0 b. x + y > 0 c. x – y ≥ 0 d. xy > 0

Solution If x = |x|, then x ≥ 0 and if |y| = –y then y ≤ 0. Thus, x – y ≥ 0. So, c is true.

Which one is absolutely false if y < |y| and |x| > –x?

a. xy < 0 b. x ≥ 0 c. x – 2y ≥ 0 d. x + y > 0
y
Ans: b

Example If x, y ∈ Z and |y| ≤ 1, how many integers values of x satisfy x + 2y = 11?

Solution |y| < 1 ⇒ –1 ≤ y 1 and because there are 3 y’s, we have also 3 x’s for the values of y.
y = –1 ⇒ x + 2(–1) = 11 ⇒ x = 13, y = 0 ⇒ x + 2 . 0 = 11 ⇒ x = 11, y = 1 ⇒ x + 2 . 1 = 11 ⇒ x = 9

Example If |x| ≤ 5, find the minimum and maximum values of y = |3x – 2|.

Solution |x| ≤ 5 ⇒ –5 ≤ x ≤ 5
x = –5 ⇒ y = |–15 – 2| = 17 maximum and

3x – 2 = 0 ⇒ x = 2 ⇒ |3x – 2| = 0 minimum.
3

1. If |x| < 2, find the sum of integers of y satisfying 2x – y = 5

2. If |x| ≤ 3, find the maximum and the minimum values of y = 12 –|2x – 1|
Ans: 1. –35, 2. max 12; min 5

33
 Practice Exercises
A. Simplify the following expressions. B . Rewrite each inequality in absolute value form.

1. x > 2 ⇒ |x – 2| + |4 – 2x| 1. –1 < x + 3 < 1

2. –2 < x < 1 ⇒ |x + 2| + |x – 3|

2. –2 ≤ x ≤ 5

3. x > 3 ⇒ |x – | 3 – x | – 3|

3. x < 2 or x > –4
|x| – |–x|
4. |x| + |–x| , x ≠ 0

4. x < 1 or x > 7
5. a < b < c ⇒ |a – b| + |b – a| + |a – c|

6. a < 0 < b ⇒ |a – b| + |b – a| + |a| + |b|

5. –5 ≤ x – 1 ≤ 5

7. a < 0 < b < c ⇒ |a| – |b| – |–a| + |c – b| – |a – b| 6. –2 ≤ x + 5 ≤ 3

2

34
 Practice Test 1-C
1. How many of the following(s) is/are absolutely true? 4. What is the result of |2 – 3 | – | 3 – 3| + |5 – 7|?

I. |–6| = –6 A) 11 B) 17 – 2 3 C) 7 D) 2 3 E) 1
II. |x – 3| = x + 3
III. |1 – 2 | = 2 – 1
IV. |x| > 0
V. x ≤ –2 ⇒ |x + 2| = –x – 2

A) 1 B) 2 C) 3 D) 4 E) 5 5. If x < –3, what is the result of |1 – |2 + x||?

A) –x – 3 B) 1 – x C) x – 1 D) –x + 2 E) x + 3

2. How many of the following(s) is/are absolutely FALSE?

I. |x – y| = |y – x|
II. |x . y| < |x| . |y| 6. If –2 < x < 6, what is the result of |x + 2| + |x – 6|?
III. |x . y| = 0 ⇔ x = 0 and y = 0
IV. |x| ≥ 0 A) –8 B) –4 C) 4 + 2x D) 8 E) –2x + 4
V. |x| > |–x|
VI. –|x| ≤ x ≤ |x|

A) 1 B) 2 C) 3 D) 4 E) 5

7. –2 < x < 1 ⇒ ||x – 3| + 2x + 1| = ?

A) x + 4 B) x – 2 C) 3x + 4
D) –x – 4 E) –3x + 2
3. Which one(s) of the following equations above is/are
true?

I. |x| – |–x| = 0
II. |–3x| = |3x|
III. |4 – x| = |x – 4|
|–x| |–3x| |2x|
IV. |–3x + 6| = –3|x – 2| 8. x < 0 ⇒ – + =?
x x x

A) I and II B) II and III C) II only

D) I, II and III E) III only A) 2 B) 1 C) 0 D) –4 E) –6

35
9. If a < b < c, what is the result of |a – b| – |b – c| – |a – c|? 13. |x – 5| + |2x – 5y| = 0 ⇒ y = ?

A) a – c B) 2b – c C) 2b – 2c A) –1 B) 1 C) 2 D) 3 E) 5
D) c – a E) a – b

14. What is x if |x – y + 3| + |x + y + 5| = 0 ?

10. If a < 0 < b, what is the result of A) –5 B) –4 C) –2 D) 4 E) 8

|a – b| + 2|b – a| – |–a| + |–2b|?

A) a B) b – 2a C) a – b
D) 5b – 2a E) –2a + b

15. What is x2 + y2 if |x + y – 2| + |xy + 6| = 0 ?

A) 16 B) 12 C) 10 D) 9 E) 8

11. What is the minimum integer value of the fraction

|x + 3| + |x + 5|
=?
2

A) 0 B) 1 C) 2 D) 3 E) 4
16. |x + 2| + (y – 1)2 + |z – 3| = 0 ⇒ x + y – z = ?

A) 2 B) 1 C) 0 D) –4 E) –2

12. What is the miximum integer value of

36
=? 17. If |x – 2| + (x – 2y)2 + |y + z| = 0 ⇒ x + y – z = ?
|x – 2| + |x – 4| + |6 – x|

A) 4 B) 6 C) 9 D) 18 E) 36 A) 2 B) 4 C) 5 D) 6 E) 8

36
18. Find the maximum value of A = |3x + 7| – |3x – 6|. 23. Which one is equal to –1 ≤ x – 2 ≤ 1 ?

A) 8 B) 9 C) 10 D) 12 E) 13 A) |x – 2| < 1 B) |x – 1| ≤ 1 C) |x – 2| ≤ 1
D) |x – 2| ≤ 3 E) |x + 2| < 2

19. Find the minimum value of |x – 5| – |x + 2|.

A) –7 B) –6 C) –4 D) –2 E) 0

24. Which one is equal to 2 < x – 1 < 4 ?

A) |x – 4| > 1 B) |x – 1| < 4 C) |x – 1| < 2

|6x + 6y| D) |x – 2| < 2 E) |x – 4| < 1
20. Find the greatest value of for any nonzero
|x| + |y|
real numbers x and y.

A) 6 B) 5 C) 4 D) 3 E) 2

21. If x + |x| = 0 and xy ≥ 0, what is the value of 25. In a city the lowest and the highest temperature of a day is
|x + y| – |x + 3y| – x ? recorded as –5 °C, and 9 °C respectively.

A) –4y B) –2y C) 2y D) 2y – x E) y – x Which one of the following notation express this fact?

A) x ≤ 9 B) –5 ≤ x ≤ 9 C) |x| ≤ 9
D) |x – 1| ≤ 5 E) |x – 2| ≤ 7

1 B 2 C 3 D 4 E 5 A 6 D 7 A
3x + 1
22. If |x – 2| < 1, in which interval lie? 8 C 9 C 10 D 11 B 12 C 13 C 14 B
2
15 A 16 D 17 B 18 E 19 A 20 A 21 D
A) (1, 3) B) (3, 9) C) (–2, 3) D) (2, 5) E) [2, 5]
22 D 23 C 24 E 25 E

37
 INTERVAL ON REAL NUMBERS

Activity
Let A be a set of natural numbers from 2 to 6 including 2 and 6, and B be set of real numbers less than 5 on the same
interval. Write down these sets.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Sometimes the set of numbers between any two numbers a and b can be denoted by an interval.
The set of numbers between a and b can be denoted by a set A = {x | a ≤ x ≤ b, x ∈ R} for all real numbers x. The set A may be
represented by the closed interval [a, b].
Thus, [a, b] = {x | a ≤ x ≤ b, x ∈ R}
In the open interval, (a, b) = {x | a < x < b, x ∈ R} the endpoints are not included.
We can also show these sets on the number line as follows:

a b a b
[a, b] (a, b)

[a, b) = {x | a ≤ x < b, x ∈ R} a b

(a, b] = {x | a < x ≤ b, x ∈ R} a b

Example The intervals [2, 5] and (–4, 3] are shown as follows.

Solution [2, 5] = {x | 2 ≤ x ≤ 5, x ∈ R}
2 5

(–4, 3] = {x | –4 < x ≤ 3, x ∈ R}
–4 3

Activity
Complete the folowing table.

Inequality Notation Representation Inequality Notation Representation

1<x≤5 (1, 5] 1 5
2≤x<7

4 ≤ x ≤ 10 [4, 10] 4 10
3<x<6

38
Here are some sets and their representations on the number line.

(a, ∞) = {x | x > a, x ∈ R}
a ∞

(–∞, a) = {x | x < a, x ∈ R}
–∞ a

(–∞, ∞) = R –∞ ∞

[a, ∞) = {x | x ≥ a, x ∈ R}
a

Example Let A = [–2, 3] and B = (–1, 5]. Write the sets A ∪ B, A ∩ B, A – B, B – A’ and B’ and then represent each one
on the number line.

Solution A = [–2, 3]
–∞ –2 3 ∞

B = (–1, 5]
–∞ –1 5 ∞

A ∪ B = [–2, 5]
–∞ –2 5 ∞

A ∩ B = (–1, 3]
–∞ –1 3 ∞

A – B = [–2, –1]
–∞ –2 –1 ∞

B – A = (3, 5]
–∞ 3 5 ∞

A’ = (–∞, –2) ∪ (3, ∞)

–∞ –2 3 ∞

B’ = (–∞, –1] ∪ (5, ∞)

–∞ –1 5 ∞

Activity
Let A = (–3, 3) and B = [2, 6]. Write the sets A ∪ B, A ∩ B, A – B, B – A, A' and B' and represent each on the number line.

A = (–3, 3) A–B=
–∞ ∞ –∞ ∞
B = [2, 6] B–A=
–∞ ∞ –∞ ∞
A∪B= A’ =
–∞ ∞ –∞ ∞
A∩B= B’ =
–∞ ∞ –∞ ∞

39
 Example Let A = (0, 4] and B = (–1, 7). Write A ∩ B then represent (A ∩ B)' on the number line.

Solution A = (0, 4]
–∞ 0 4 ∞

B = (–1, 7)
–∞ –1 7 ∞

A ∩ B = (0, 4]
–∞ 0 4 ∞

( A ∩ B)' = (–∞, 0] ∪ (4, ∞)

–∞ 0 4 ∞

Activity
Let A = [–2, 5) and B = (0, 8]. Write A – B and then represent (A – B)' on the number line.

Practice Exercises
A. Solve each of the following problems. 1
4. x| x≥–
2
1. If A = [–2, 3) and B = [0, 4], find A ∪ B, A ∩ B, A – B and 5. All real numbers not less than 3.
B – A.
6. All real numbers no more than 2.
7. All real numbers between –3 and 3.
2. If A = (–5, 3) and B = (0, ∞), find A ∪ B, A ∩ B, A – B and 8. All real numbers between –7 and –1.
B – A.
9. All real numbers between –2 and 0, inclusive

3. Let A = {–2 ≤ x < 3, x ∈ R} and B = [0, ∞). C. Express each set in interval notation.

Write the set A ∩ B, A ∪ B, A – B and B – A. 1.

3

2.
B. Graph the following sets and express each in interval 5
notation.
3.
2 6
1. {x | x > 2}
4.
2. {x | x < 2} –5 0

3. {x | x ≥ –4} 5.
5

40
 Practice Test 1-D
1. Which one represents the interval (–1, 2] ? 5. If A = [–1, 4] and B = (1, 5], how many elements of A ∪ B
are integer?

A) B)
–1 2 –1 2 A) 4 B) 5 C) 6 D) 7 E) 9

C) D)
–1 2 –1 2

E)
0 2

6. If A = {x | –1 < x < 4, x ∈ R} and B = (3, 6], what is A ∪ B?

2. Which one represents the interval (–2, 6) ?
A) (–1, 6) B) (4, 6] C) [–1, 6]
D) [–1, 5] E) (–1, 6]
A) B)
–2 6 –2 6

C) D)
–2 6 –2 6

E)
–2 6

7. Given A = {x | –1 ≤ x ≤2, x ∈ R} and

B = {x | –3 ≤ x ≤ 1, x ∈ R}, what is A ∩ B?
3. Which one represents the painted region in the number
line A) [–1, 1] B) (–1, 1) C) [–3, –1)
3 6
D) (1, 2] E) [0, 1]
A) [4, 5) B) (3, 6) C) [3, 6]
D) (3, 6] E) [3, 5]

4. Which one represents the painted region in the number

line
3 7 8. If A = (0, 4) and B = [–1, 3], what is B – A?

A) [3, 7] B) [3, 7) C) (3, 7) A) [–1, 0) B) [–1, 0] C) [0, 1]

D) (3, 7] E) (3, ∞) D) (0, 1) E) [3, 4)

41
9. Given A = {x | –2 < x ≤ 1, x ∈ R} and B = (0, 4], what is 13. If A = x | –3 < x ≤ 2, x ∈ R} and B = [1, 4], represent
B – A? (A ∩ B)' on the number line.

A) (0, 1) B) [0, 1] C) (1, 4] A)

0 3
D) [1, 4] E) [2, 4]
B)
5 8

C)
0 3

D)
1 2

E)
–3 4
10. If A = [2, 5), which one is the set A' ?

A) (–∞, 2) ∪ [5, ∞) B) (–∞, 2] ∪ [5, ∞) C) (–∞, 2)

D) (5, ∞) E) (–∞, 2]

14. If A = [0, 5) and B = (3, 8], represent (A – B)' on the

number line.

11. Which one is B' for the set given below? A)

0 3

B)
5 8
–∞ –1 B 4 ∞
C)
0 3
A) (–∞, –2) ∪ [4, ∞) B) (–∞, –1) ∪ (4, ∞)
D)
C) (–∞, –1) ∩ [4, ∞) D) (–∞, 4) 0 3 5
E) (–1, ∞)
E)
5 8

12. Given A = [–1, 5] and B = (–2, 3), what is (A ∪ B)' ?

A) [–1, 5) B) [–1, 3) ∪ (5, ∞) C) (–2, 5] 1 C 2 E 3 B 4 B 5 D 6 E 7 A

D) (–∞, –2) ∩ [5, ∞) E) (–∞, –2] ∪ (5, ∞) 8 B 9 C 10 A 11 B 12 E 13 D 14 C

42
 REAL NUMBERS IN DECIMAL, EXPONENTIAL AND RADICAL FORMS

Different forms of numbers are used in different cases. Decimal form is common for everyday use, while exponential form is often used
in scientific notation or when dealing with very large or very small numbers. Fractions are often used when discussing parts of a whole,
and radicals are used in geometry and algebra.

Some mathematical operations are easier to perform in certain forms. For example, multiplying and dividing numbers in exponential
form can be simpler than doing so with decimals.

Prior knowledge

1. Write the following numbers in decimal, exponential and radical forms.

a) 1/4 b) 85 c) 25

2. Find the place value of each digit in the following numbers.

a) 123 b) 0.025 c) 123.567

3. Express each number in exponential form.

a) 1/4 b) 0.25 c) 72

4. Find the 3rd power of the following each number.

a) 1/3 b) 5 c) 0.2

A real number can be written in decimal, exponential or radical form, depending on its representation.

1. Exponential Form : A real number can be written in exponential form using powers of 10. The general form of a real number in
exponential form is : a . 10n

For example: The number 245 can be written as 2.45 . 102

The number 0.0032 can be written as 3.2 . 10–3

2. Radical Form : A real number can also be written in radical form, particularly when it represents a square root, cube root, or higher
order roots.
3
For example: The cube root of 8 is 2, so 2 can be written as 8.

3. For example: Let's write the real number 527.8145 (Read: Five hundred and twenty-seven point eight one four five.) in exponential
form.

1. The natural number part: 527

2. The decimal part: 8145
3. Combine the natural and decimal parts: 527.8145
a. Place Value Notation : 500 + 20 + 7 + 0.8 + 0.01 + 0.004 + 0.0005

b. Exponent Notation : 5 x 102 + 2 x 101 + 7 x 100 + 8 x 10–1 + 1 x 10–2 + 4 x 10–3 + 5 x 10–4

The decimal representation provides a way to express real numbers using the base-10 system, where each digit's position indicates a
power of 10.

43
 Activity
Write each number in place value and exponent notations.

1. 2.3456 2. 230.012

Scientific Notation
Scientific notation makes it easier to work with very large or very small numbers, simplifying calculations and providing a clear way to
represent these values.

Scientific notation is a way of expressing numbers that are very large or very small using powers of 10. Here are some examples:

Large Number: The distance from the Earth to the Sun is approximately 93 million miles which can be expressed in scientific notation
as 9.3 x 107 miles.

Small Number: The mass of an electron is appoximately 9.109 x 10–31 kilograms.

These examples illustrate how scientific notation is used to express very large or very small numbers in a more convenient form.

Definition
A number expressed in the form a x 10n, where 1 ≤ |a| < 10 and n is an integer, is said to be written in scientific notation.

If we have a number greater than 10, we move the decimal point to the left until we have a number over a base of 10.

If we have a number less than 1, we move the decimal point to the right until we have a number between 1 and 10. Then, we count
the number of times we moved the decimal and write that as a negative exponent over a base of 10.

Example Write the numbers 604 000 and 0.00234 in scientific notation.

Solution If we move the decimal left or right, we get

604 000 = 6.04 x 105 and 0.00234 = 2.34 x 10–3

Write the following numbers in scientific notation.

a. 234 567 b. 0.00056

Ans: a. 2.34567 . 105, b. 5.6 . 10–4

Example Write each number in scientific form.

1. 0.000 006 2. 5 400 000 3. 0.009 4. 15 x 10–2

Solution 1. 6 x 10–6 2.. 5.4 x 106 3. 9 x 10–3 4. 1.5 x 10–1

44
Write each number in scientific from.

a. 0.63 b. 2.33 x 10–3 c. 0.000216

Ans: a. 6.3 x 10–1, a. 3.3 x 10–2, c. 2.16 x 10–4,

Example Write each number in standard form.

1. 12.9 x 10–1 2. 104 x 102 3. 24.3 x 103

Solution 1. 1.29 2. 10 400 3. 24 300

Write each number in standard form.

a. 1.04 x 103 b. 64.3 x 10–3

Ans: a. 1040, b. 0.643

Performance Task

Make a poster by researching the extremely large or extremely small numbers in different areas; such as Astronomy, Chemistry,
Physics and so on.

Activity
Complate the table below.

Planet Distance from Sun (km) Scientific Notation

Earth 149 600 000 1.496 x 108

Jupiter 778 300 000

Mars 227 900 000

Mercury 57 900 000

Neptune 4 497 000 000

Pluto 5 900 000 000

Saturn 1 427 000 000

Uranus 2 870 000 000

Venus 108 200 000

Link: science nasa. gow, solar-system

45
There are several methods for approximating numbers:

1. Rounding : Rounding involves reducing the number of digits in a number while preserving its value to a certain degree of
accuracy, decimal point (dp).

For example: Let's round the number 3.758 to the hundreths: 3.76

2. Significant Figures (sf) : Significant figures are the digits in a number that carry meaning contributing to its precision. When
approximating using significant figures, you retain a certain number of sggnifcant digits and replace the rest with zeros.

For example: If 3.758 is rounded to two significant figures, it becomes 3.8.

3. Estimation : Estimation involves quickly finding an approximate value of a number based on its context and known values.
For example: Estimating that 3.758 is approximately 4 for mental math calculations.

4. Interval Approximation : This involves approximating a number to a certain range or interval rather than a single value.
For example: Approximating 3.758 to be between 3.7 and 3.8.

Approximation is particularly useful in situations where exact values are not necessary or practical, such as in engineering, science
and everyday calculations.

Example Round each number to the place indicated.

1. 4 632 051 2. 15 952 3. 803 119

Solution 1. 5 000 000

2.. 16 000

3. 803 120

Activity

Round each to the place indicated.

a. 65 485
b. 2 435
c. 632 943

46
 Practice Exercises
1. Express the following numbers to 3 significant figures. 8. The mean distance of the Moon from the Earth is
approximately 384 403 km.
a. 65 500 b. 0.030 473 c. 2.3011
Write this distance in the form a x 10n where 1 ≤ a < 10
and n ∈ Z.

2. Express the following numbers to 2 decimal points.

a. 12.364 b. 124.3467 c. 4.4578

9. Let A = 4.5 x 10–3 and B = 6.2 x 10–4.

3. Given x = 2.4 x 104 and y = 5.0 x 10–5, calculate the value Find A . B and 2(A + B) in the form a x 10n where 1 ≤ a < 10
of z = x + y and give the answer in scientific from. and k ∈ Z.

4. Given x = 2.6 x 103 and y = 5.0 x 10–1, calculate the value

of z = x + y and give the answer in scientific from.
10. Consider the numbers; a = 0.00314, b= 0.00314 x 102
and c = 3.14 x 10–1

a. Write each number written in the form a x 10n where

5. Given x = 3.4 x 102 and y = 2 x 10–5 1 ≤ a < 10 and k ∈ Z.
b. Write the value of a + b in the form a x 10n where
a. Find x + y. 1 ≤ a < 10 and n ∈ Z.
b. Write each number in the standard form, a x 10k, where
1 ≤ a < 10, k ∈ Z, and a correct to 3 significant figures.
x
c. Find x . y and in the standard form.
y

11. Express each number in standard form.

6. A boy's height is 1.647 m. Write his height to the nearest a. (3 x 103) + (2 x 10) + (4 x 10–2) + (1 x 10–3) =
cm.
b. (2 x 104) + (8 x 10–1) + (2 x 10–3) + (2 x 10–4) =

c. (4 x 100) + (4 x 10–4) =

d. (6 x 102) + (6 x 10–2) + (9 x 10–5) =

7. The attendance at an activity was 3267 people.
e. (4 x 10) + (5 x 10–1) + (7 x 10–3) + (1 x 10–4) =
How many people, to the nearest 100, were at the show?

47
 Practice Test 1-E
1. Which of the following represents the expanded form of 5. Which of the following is not equivalent to 0.6?
the number 234.05 ?
60 6 3 9
A) B) C) D) E)All of the above
A) 2 x 102 + 3 x 10 + 4 + 5 x 10–2 100 10 5 15
B) 2 x 103 + 3 x 102 + 4 + 5 x 10–1
C) 2 x 102 + 3 x 10 + 4 + 5 x 10–1
D) 2 x 103 + 3 x 102 + 4 + 5 x 10–3
E) 2 x 103 + 3 x 10 + 4 + 5 x 10–2
6. Which of the following represents 0.000 025 in scientific
notation?

A) 2.5 x 10–5 B) 25 x 10–6 C) 2.5 x 10–6

D) 25 x 10–5 E) 0.25 x 10–5

2. Which of the following represents the number

(2 x 104) + (3 x 103) + (4 x 10) + 5 + (6 x 10–1) + (7 x 10–2)?

A) 2345.67 B) 23045.67 C) 2345.067

D) 2304.567 E) 23456.7 7. What is the result of multiplying 3.5 x 106 by 2.5 x 103?

A) 8.75 x 109 B) 8.75 x 1010 C) 8 750 x 109

D) 8 750 x 106 E) 875 x 106

3. Which of the following represents the number

(4 x 104) + (8 x 10–1) + (2 x 10–3) + (2 x 10–4) ?
8. Which of the following is equivalent to the product of
A) 48 000.022 B) 40 000.8204 C) 40 000.8022
the numbers 4.8 x 10–2 and 23 x 102?
D) 40 000.822 E) 40 080.822
A) 1.104 B) 1.104 C) 1.0 114 D) 1.1 004 E) 11.04

4. What is 0.02 written in words?

9. What is 7.2 x 102 divided by 3 x 10–3?
A) Two hundredths B) Two thousandths
C) Twenty hundredths D) Two tenths A) 2.4 x 105 B) 2.4 x 104 C) 2.4 x 10–1
E) Point two D) 2.4 x 103 E) 2.4 x 10–3

48
10. What is 2.05 x 10–3 expressed in standard notation? 15. What is the product of 2.6 x 10–3 and 2 x 10–2?

A) 0.250 B) 0.0 205 C) 0.00 205 A) 1.04 x 10–4 B) 5.2 x 10–6 C) 1.04 x 10–5
D) 0.0 025 E) 205 D) 5.2 x 10–7 E) 5.2 x 10–5

16. An album has sold 450 000 copies.

11. Which of the following is equivalent to the product of
the numbers 9.6 x 102 and 25? Which one is the scientific notation of this number?

A) 2.400 B) 96 000 C) 24 000

A) 45 x 104 B) 4.5 x 105 C) 0.45 x 106
D) 2 400 E) 240 000
D) 0.045 x 106 E) 4.5 x 106

12. What is 3.25 x 10–1 divided by 5 x 102? 17. Which one is true for the numbers: A = 1.2 x 105,
B = 1.19 x 105 and C = 1.12 x 105 ?
A) 6.5 x 10–4 B) 6.5 x 10–3 C) 6.5 x 10
A) A < B< C B) B < C < A C) C < A < B
D) 6.5 x 10–5 E) 65 x 10–5
D) A < C < B E) C < B < A

13. What is the product of 5.2 x 10–3 and 2 x 10–2? 18. Which one is true for the numbers: A = 0.021,
5
B = 2.1 x 10–2 and C = ?
A) 1.04 x 10–4 B) 1.04 x 10–5 C) 1.04 x 10–6 240
D) 1.04 x 10–7 E) 1.04 x 10–2
A) A = B< C B) B < C < A C) C < A < B
D) A < C < B E) C < B < A

1 A 2 B 3 B 4 A 5 E 6 A 7 D
14. Which of the following is equivalent to (1.25 x 103) /5?
8 A 9 A 10 C 11 C 12 A 13 A 14 D
A) 1250 B) 125 C) 12 500 D) 250 E) 500 15 E 16 B 17 E 18 A

49
 EXPONENTIAL EXPRESSIONS

Activity
Put 2 marbles in the first box and double the marbles for each next box. How many marbles will be in the 10th box? 20th box?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
2 4

Definition
For any none-zero real number a, the expression an is called an exponential expression where a is the base and n is the
exponent.

an is read "a to the power n or a to the nth. power. For istance, 43 is read 4 to the power 3 or 4 to the third power
or 4 cubed.

Because the exponent is the number of times, the base occurs as a factor in the expression an = a . a . a . . . . . a, there are n factors of a.
To simplify the process of repeated multiplication, exponential notation is used.

1. x1 = x and 1x = 1 for all x ∈ R.

2. x0 = 1 for x ∈ R – {0}
3. (–x)2n = x2n and (–x)2n + 1 = –x2n + 1 for n ∈ Z and x ∈ R+

For example;

1. 23 = 2 . 2 . 2 = 8, (–2)3 = –2 . 2 . 2 = –8 and (–3)4 = 3 . 3 . 3 . 3 = 81

2. 50 = 1 and (2x + 7)0 = 1 for x ≠ – 7

2

Activity
Calculate each.
4 3
1
1. – 3 = 2. – 1 = 3. (–2)0 + (–3)3 – 24 =
2

0
4. – 1 + (–1)3 – (–3)2 + (–2)2 – 14 =
2
3
29
5. (–1)9 + (–1)12 + 34 + – 5 – – =
2 8

50
Properties of Exponents

For all numbers a, a ≠ 0 and m, n ∈ Z we have am . an = amn

For all a, b ∈ R and m ∈ Z we have (ab)m = am . bn

Activity
Perform the following.
1. 34 . 32 = 2. (–4)3 . (–4)2 = x–2 . x–4 = 4. (3a2b3) (4a4b2) =
4 4
2 . 6
5. 43 . 23 = 6. (3a)2 = 7. 3 8
= 8. (2x2y3)3 . (x2y)2 =

am – n if m > n
am 1 if m = n
For all non-zero numbers a and m, n ∈ Z we have =
an 1 if m < n
n–m
a

Activity
Simplify the following.
8 8 2 x. y –4 . 4 . 2 47 108 118
1. 45 = 2. 35 . 54 = 3. 3 x –3y = 4. 3 –12 . 27 = 5. – – =
4 3 5 3 2 9 44 107 117

Example
2n + 1
Evaluate 6 2n + 3 . 62n
4.6 – 1
– 62n

Solution 62n + 1 + 3 . 62n 62n . (6 + 3) 9 9

= = = = 9 . (–3) = –27
.
4 6 2n – 1
–6 2n
2n . 4 – 1 2 1
6 –1 –
6 3 3

(–2)2n + 6 . (–2)2n + 4
Evaluate for n ∈ N
44 . (–2)4n + 6
1
Ans:
16

m
am a
For all a, b ∈ R and m ∈ Z we have = , b≠0
bm b

51
 Activity
Perform the following.
4 4 x–y x+y x–y y–x
1. 504 = 2. – 2 = 3. 3 . 8
= 4. 12y – x . 18x – y =
2 3 4 6 30 20

a–b a–b
5 . 8
Find a – b if = 64
2 5

Ans: 3

For all a ∈ R and m, n ∈ Z, we have (am)n = amn

Activity
Perform the following.
3 4 2
2x . 9y
1. (3a2)3 = 2. (2x2y3)4 = 3. = 4. 9–1 . (3–2)4 =
3y2 4x3

–m m
1 a b
For all non-zero numbers a and b and m ∈ Z, we have a–n = and =
am b a

Activity
Perform the following.
–2 –2 2 –2 x–1 x+1 x+1 x–1
1. 2–3 = 2. 4
= 3. 4 –3a . 3a = 4. 3x – 1 . 2 =
3 a b 2 2 3x + 1

Example If 2a = x and 3a = y, express 144a in terms of x and y.

Solution 144a = (24 . 32) = (24)a . (32)a = (2a)4 . (3a)2 = x4y2

52
If 3x = a and 2x = b, express 1442x in terms of a and b.

Ans: a4b8

Example
622 49 94 45

I II III IV V

Five exponential numbers are written on five papers and then one of the papers is being turned upside down.

If the product of the numbers on paper I and paper IV is equal to the product of the other three numbers, what
is the number written on paper V?

Solution 622 . 45 = 43 . 94 . x ⇒ (2 . 3)22 . (22)5 = (22)9 . (32)4 . x ⇒ 222 . 322 . 210 = 218 . 38 . x

222 . 322 . 210

⇒ x= = 24 . 314 . 210 = 214 . 314 = (2 . 3)14 = 614
218 . 38

Example Simplify 14 14
+
1 – 5a – b 1 – 5b – a

14 14 14 + 14 14 . 5b 14 . 5a 14 . 5b 14 . 5a 14(5b – 5a)
Solution + = ⇒ + = + = = 14
1 – 5a – b 1 – 5b – a 5a 5b 5b – 5a 5a – 5b 5b – 5a 5b – 5a 5b – 5a
1– b 1– a
5 5

5 5
Simplify x–y
+ for x ≠ y.
.
3–3 7 3 – 3 . 7y – x
Ans:
5
3

Example 1. If 2a = 5 and 5b = 3, find the value of 8a + 4 . 125b

2. If 3x + 1 = 6x – 2, find the value of 2x + 1

Solution 1. 8a + 4 . 125b = (23)a + 4 . (53)b =(2a)3 + 4(5b)9 = 53 + 4 . 33 = 125 + 4 . 27 = 125 + 108 = 233

2. 3x + 1 = 6x – 2 ⇒ 3x . 3 = 6x . 6–2 ⇒ 3x . 3 = 2x . 3x . 2–2 . 3–2 ⇒ 3 = 2x – 2 . 3–2

2x – 2 . 23
⇒ 33 = 2x – 2 ⇒ 27 = 2x – 2 ⇒ = 27 ⇒ 2x + 1 = 8 . 27 = 216
23

53
 1. If 3x = 25 and 52y + 2 = 3x + 2, find x . y.
2. If 2–x = m and 3x = n, express 72–3x in terms of m and n.
m9
Ans: 1. 2, 2.
n6

Definition
The terms which have the same base and same exponent are called like terms.
Only like terms can be added axn + bxn = (a + b) . xn

For example: 3x2 and 2x2, or –3x3y and x3y are like terms.

Example 1. 3x4 + 5x4 = (3 + 5)x4 = 8x4

2. 2x3 + 3x2 +ax2 = –2x3 + (3 + a)x2
3. 3 . 6x + 4 . 6x – 6x = (3 + 4 – 1)6x = 6 . 6x = 6x + 1
511 + 58 – 57 57(54 + 5 – 1)
4. = = 54 + 5 – 1 = 625 + 4 = 629
57 57

1. Simplify 2n + 1 + 6 . 2n –1 – 5 . 2n
8 8 8 8
2. Simplify 3 + 34 + 34 + 3
3 +3
Ans: 1. 0, 2. 162

Example 215 – 214 + 213 2 . 2x – 6 . 2x – 1

Simplify 1. 2.
214 – 213 2x + 2x + 1

Solution 215 – 214 + 213 213 (22 – 2 + 1) 4–2+1

1. 14 13
= =
1
=3
2 –2 213 (2 – 1)

2 . 2x – 6 . 2x – 1 2 . 2x – 6 . 2x . 2–1 2 . 2x – 3 . 2x 2x (2 – 3) 1
2. x x+1
= x x.
=
. x
=
. x
=–
3
2 +2 2 +2 2 3 2 3 2

215 – 214 – 213 3x + 2 – 6 . 3x – 1

1. Simplify 2.
215 – 213 6 . 3 x + 5 . 3x + 1
1 1
Ans: 1. , 2.
3 3

54
 Practice Exercises
A. Simplify each of the following. 310 + 311 – 312
10.
31 + 312
–4 . (–x2) . (–x)–3
(–x)
1.
–x–1 . (–x)3
4–10 + 4–11 + 4–12
11.
8–3 – 8–4
–2 –4 –3 –1 2
2. 64 –4a 2b4 . a
16 a b b3
(24)–28–3 + 16–2 . 92 – 93
12.
34 + 35 8–6 + 2–9
–2
2 –2 6x2y3
3. (–2 . 32)2 . x y2 3 . –2 4
6a b a b
B. Answer the following questions.
4x + 1 – 24
1. If 2x = a, find the value of in terms of a.
3 . 2n + 8 . 2n – 2 4 . 3n – 6 . 3n – 1 2x + 1 – 4
4. + n+1
2n – 1+ 3 . 2n + 1 3 + 9 . 3n – 1

2. If 8x = 27 and 32y = 256, find x . y.

2 + 2
a–b
x +1 1 + xb – a
5.
1 + 1
1 – xa 1 – x–a
3. If 9x = 4, find the value of 36x + 2.

6. 3–a 2 2a + 1
– x–2 + x–1 4. If 9x = a, find the value of 34x – 2 in terms of a.
ax a a

5. If 2m = 9 and 2n = 3, find the value of m + n

2 2 . 2m – 1 4 + 2 . 2m + 2 m–n
7. m–3
+ m–2 +
2 2 2m – 1

6. If 6x = 8, find the value of (0.25)1 – x . 32x + 1.

2 –1 2
xy z x2y–1 –2 xz
8. : –2
:
y
xy x y

7. Find y if 2x + a = 16, and 2x – y = 6 – 2a.

xy2z x–1y –1 2 (x2y)–2

–1
9. : :
xy z zy2 8. Find the interval that x lies in x if 2x – 3 = 9

55
 Practice Test 1-F
–2 3 . 32
1. What is the result of –22 + (–2)2 + (–2)3 – (–1)–2? 6. What is the result of (3 –1) (–3 2) ?
9 . (–9)

A) 10 B) –9 C) –7 D) –6 E) –5
A) 36 B) 35 C) 34 D) 3–2 E) 3–6

2. 2 2. –3
2. Let the product of five 2's be a and the sum of five 2's be b. 7. What is the result of –a–2 (–a–4 ) a –2 ?
–a . a . (–a)
a
What is ?
b
A) a B) a5 C) a9 D) a11 E) –a11
3 5 16
A) 1 B) C) 2 D) E)
2 2 5

(x2y4)2 . 4xy3
8. What is the simplest form of ?
2x2y3 (x2y)3

3. What is result of 2–2 . (–2)3 . (–2)–3 . 8–2?

y4 y y5 y3 y5
A) B) C) D) E)
2x3 2x3 4x 2x3 4x3
A) –2–8 B) 2–8 C) –28 D) –2–6 E) 2–7

(3xy2) (2x3y)2
9. What is the simplest form of ?
(6x2y) (xy3)2
4. Find the result of 4 . 3x + 6 . 3x – 1 in terms of x.
x 2x3 2x3
A) 2 . 3x + 1 B) 8 . 32x – 1 C) 6 . 3x – 1 A) 1 B) x C) D) E)
y y3 y2
D) 12 . 3x + 1 E) 8 : 3x – 1

xy2z (x–2y–3z–1)2
10. What is the result of : ?
(x2yz)3 xy2z–3
5. Find the result of 7 . 5x – 10 . 5x – 1 in terms of x.
y7 y5 y7 y3
A) B) C) D) E) 1
A) –3 . 5x B) –3 . 5x – 1 C) 5x + 1 D) –15x – 1 E) 5x z3 z3 x4 x

56
 –3
2x2y–3z . (x2y2z4)2 2–4 + 2–4 + 2–4
11. What is the result of ? 16. What is the result of ?
3x–1yz2 (x–1y–2z3)–2 2–6 + 2–6

9y12z5 27y12z5 27y10z12 A) 3 . 28 B) 26 C) 24 D) 6 E) 1

A) B) C)
8x8 8x8 8x8
27y12z17 27y12z17
D) E)
8x4 8x7

2x + 1 + 2x – 2x – 1
17. What is the result of ?
10 9 8 2x + 2x + 2
12. What is the result of 3 + 38 – 3 ?
3
1
A) 8 B) 4 C) 2 D) 1 E)
2
A) 1 B) 3 C) 9 D) 10 E) 11

21 20 19 a–x + 1 – 3a2 – x
13. What is the result of 2 +202 –192 ? 18. What is the result of ?
2 +2 2a–x – 2 – 6 . a–x – 1

5 4 a3 a2 2 1
A) 6 B) 4 C) 2 D) E) A) B) C) D) a E)
3 3 2 2 2
a2

58 + 56 + 252
14. What is the result of ?
254 + 253 + 252
19.

1 86 1212 66
A) B) 1 C) 5 D) 25 E) 125
5

I II III IV

Four exponential numbers are written on four papers and

then one of the papers is being turned upside down.
43 + 26 + 2 . 25
15. What is the result of ?
If the product of the numbers on paper I and paper III
2 . 26 + 4 . 25 + 27
is equal to the product of the other two numbers,what is
the number written on paper IV?
1 1 1
A) 4 B) 2 C) D) E) A) 2–4 B) 3–6 C) 25 D) 34 E) 35
2 4 8

57
 3 3 25. If 2x = a and 3x = b, what is the value of 72x in terms of
20. Simplify + for x ≠ y .
1 – 5x – y 1 – 5y – x a and b?

A) 1 B) 2 C) 3 D) 4 E) 5
A) 6ab B) a3b2 C) a2b D) 24ab E) 72ab

26. If 3x + 1 = a and 5x – 1 = b, find 75x in terms of a and b.

8 8
21. Simplify + for x ≠ y .
2 – 2 . 3 x – y 2 – 2 . 3y – x 3ab2 5a2 25ab2 5ab2
A) B) C) D) 15a2b E)
25 3b 3 3
A) 8 B) 7 C) 6 D) 5 E) 4

27. If 2x = a and 3x = b, find 18x + 1 in terms of a and b.

22. If 2x – 1 = 6x + 2 , what is the value of 3x + 2? A) 18ab2 B) 18a2b C) 6ab2 D) 9ab2 E) 6a2b

1 1 1
A) 12 B) 6 C) D) E)
2 8 12

5 . 2x – 3 . 2x + 1
28. If 3–x . 2x = a, what is the value of ?
4 . 3x + 3x – 1
23. If 2x = 5 , what is the value of 23x + 1 – 4x ?
a a 3a 8a
A) 2a B) C) – D) – E) –
2 5 13 5
A) 225 B) 200 C) 100 D) 25 E) 5

1 B 2 E 3 B 4 A 5 C 6 D 7 D
24. If 6x = a , what is the value of (3–x + 1) (0.5)x – 1 ? 8 E 9 D 10 A 11 E 12 E 13 D 14 B
15 C 16 D 17 E 18 A 19 B 20 C 21 E
a 6
A) 1 B) C) D) 6a E) 8a
6 a 22 D 23 A 24 C 25 B 26 C 27 A 28 D

58