Basic concepts

Definition 1: Set A collection of objects or numbers

Example 1
Set of Books in the house
Set of iPhone Apps
Set of numbers from 1 to 100 which
contains the number one 1

Definition 2: Elements Objects or Numbers in a set

{
} Convention Notation used to denote the collection
of elements. The elements are usually separated by
commas.
Capital Letters Typically used for the name of a set

Definition 3: Finite set A set that has a fixed number of

elements.

Example 3

A = {1, 2, 3}
The set of Apps in the iPhone/iTouch
Population of all humans inhabiting the earth

Definition 4: Infinite set A set without a fixed number of

elements.

Example 4

Set of all counting numbers

Set of all whole numbers
Set of all rational numbers

... Indicates a continuing pattern in a set

Example

N = {1, 2, 3, ...} this set continues to infinity

A = {1, 2, 3,..., 50} this set is finite and stops at 50
B = {1, 3, 5, 7, ...,} set of odd counting numbers

Variable Used to stand/represent for some numbers.

Usually denoted by letters.
We can use variables to represent the numbers in a set
| - This notation is actually the phrase such that

Example

For the given set B = {1, 2, 3, ... , 49} list this in variable form

B = {x| x is a natural number less than 50}

 used to indicate that a specific number/object is a member of

a set

Example
1

B is read as

1 is a member of B,
1 is an element of B
1 is in B
used to indicate that a specific number/object is a member of
a set

Example
1

B is read as

1 is not a member of B
1 is not an element of B
1 is not in B

Definition 5: Equality of Sets - Two sets are equal if they contain exactly
the same members. Otherwise, they are said to be not equal

= Indicates equal sets

= Indicates that sets are not equal

Example 5
Equal Sets
{3, 4, 7} = {3, 4, 7} and {2, 4, 1} = {1, 2, 4}

Non-equal sets
{3, 5, 6} = {3, 5, 7}

Definition 6: Union of Sets

If A and B are sets, the union of A and B, denoted A B, is the

set of all elements that are either in A, in B, or in both. In
symbols,
A

B ={x|x

A or x

Example 6
A = {1, 2, 3, 4}
B = {4, 5, 6, 7}
A
B = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}

B}

Definition 7: Intersection of Sets

If A and B are sets, the intersection of A and B, denoted A

B, is the set of all elements that are in both A and B. In
symbols,
A

Example 7
A = {1, 2, 3, 4}
B = {4, 5, 6, 7}
A
B = {4}

B ={x|x

A and x

B}

Definition 8: Empty Set

A set with no members denoted by the symbol

Note that A

= A and A

for any set A.

Note that the set {0} is not the empty set.

Definition 9: Subset

If the members of any set A is also a member of set B,

then we write A
B and say that A is a subset of B.

Example
{2,3}
{2,3,4},
{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8}

{1,2,3,4,5}

If A is not a subset of B, we write A

{1,2}

{2,3,4},

B.

The Set of Real Numbers and

Its Subsets

Natural (Counting) Numbers

N = {1,2,3,...}
Whole Numbers
W = {0,1,2,3,...}
Integers
J = {..., -3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,...}
Rational Numbers
Q = { | a and b are integers, with b = 0 }

Another way to describe Rational Numbers

is by using their decimal form.

Rational numbers are those decimal numbers whose digits

either repeat or terminate

Graphing on the Number Line

1st step: draw a straight line and label any
convenient point with the number 0.
0

2nd step: choose any convenient length and use

it to locate points to the right of 0 (positive
integers) and to the left of 0 (negative integers)
-8

-7

-6

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

Graphing on the Number Line

Coordinates Numbers corresponding to the points on the line

-8

-7

-6

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

Unit Distance between two consecutive integers

-8

-7

-6

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

1 unit
Origin

Graphing on the Number Line

It is often convenient to illustrate sets of numbers

on a number line. The set of Integers is illustrated
below:
...

-4

-3

-2

-1

...

Example:
Try to plot the set of counting numbers on a
graphing line
...

-4

-3

-2

-1

...

The Irrational Numbers numbers which cannot be expressed

as a ratio of integers. Neither terminating nor repeating.

thus

1.4142135624... neither terminating nor repating

is an irrational number.

0.606000600000600000006...
0.15115111511115...
3.12345678910111213...

The set of Rational and Irrational numbers have no numbers in

common and together form the set of real numbers R.

The set of real numbers can be visualized as

the set of all points on the number line.

...

-3

-1/3

-2.99

-2

-1

1/2

...

Real Numbers

Rational Numbers

Irrational Numbers

Integers
Whole Numbers
Counting
Numbers

Definition 10: Intervals of Real Numbers set of real numbers that lie
between two real numbers which are called the endpoints of the interval.

Interval Notation (a,b) or [a,b] where a and b are the two

endpoints of the interval.

Examples

(2,3) set of real numbers that lie between 2 and 3 on the

number line (doesnt include 2 and 3).
...

-4

-3

-2

-1

o o
2

...

[2,3] set of real numbers that lie between 2 and 3 on the

number line (includes 2 and 3).

...

(-

-4

-3

-2

-1

) set of all real numbers

...

Operations on the set of Real

Numbers

In algebra, computations are

numbers. Basic operations
numbers.

now performed with positive and negative

of arithmetic are extended to negative

Absolute Value of a number the numbers distance from 0 on

the number line.

Symbol for absolute value of a |a|

Absolute value represents distance and this is never negative.

Thus |a| >= 0.

Examples

|5| = 5
|-5| = 5.

-8

-7

-6

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

5 units

5 units
Origin

Two numbers that are located on opposite sides of zero and have
the same absolute value are called opposites of each other.

Example
5 and -5 are opposites of each other.

The - sign is also used to symbolize opposite apart from

negative
When used in front of a number: -9.
This is read as negative

When used in front of a parenthesis or variable: -(9) or x.

This is read as opposite

Definition 11: Opposite of an Opposite

For any number a,
-(-a) = a.

Definition 12: Absolute Value

For any number a,

Example
|-7| = -(-7) = 7.

Addition

Definition 13: Sum of Two Numbers with Like Signs

To find the sum of two numbers with the same sign, add their absolute
values. The sum has the same sign as the original numbers.

-6 + (-7) = ?
= |-6| + |-7|
= -(-6) + -(-7)
= 6+7
= 13
= -13

Get the absolute value of both numbers

Definition of absolute value
Definition of an opposite
Basic addition
By Definition 13

The number a and its opposites a have a sum of zero for any
letter a. a and a are called additive inverses of each other.
Definition 14: Additive Inverse Property
For any real number a, there is a unique number a such that
a + (-a) = -a + a = 0.

Sum of Two Numbers with Unlike Signs (and

different absolute values)
Definition 15:

To find the sum of two numbers with unlike signs, subtract their
absolute values.
The sum is positive if the number with the larger absolute value is positive
The sum is negative if the number with the larger absolute value is negative.

Example

-7 + 10 = ?
= |-7| - |10| Get the absolute value of both numbers
= 7 10
Subtract them from each other
=-3
By Definition 15 the number with the larger
absolute
value is 10
=3

Subtraction

Definition 16:

Subtraction of Real Numbers

For any real numbers a and b,

a b = a + (-b)

-73=?
= -7 + (-3) By Definition 16
= |7| + |3|
By Definition 13
= 10
Basic addition
=-10
By Definition 13

Multiplication

Product
numbers

of two numbers result of multiplication of two numbers. The

multiplied are called factors.

The product of a and b is written as: a b or ab.

We also use parenthesis to indicate multiplication 4(3), (4)(3), (4)3

Multiplication is just a short way of doing repeated additions

2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 10, so we have 5(2) = 10

Definition 17: Product of Signed Numbers

To find the product of two nonzero real numbers, multiply their absolute
values.
The product is positive if the numbers have the same sign
The product is negative if the numbers have unlike signs.

Example

Multiply -4 and -5.

= 4(5) - Multiply their absolute value first by Definition 17
= 20 - Since -4 and -5 have the same signs then by Definition 17
= 20

Multiply -6 and 3.
= 6(3) Multiply their absolute value first by Definition 17
= 18 - Since -6 and 3 have different signs then by Definition 17
-18

Division

Like additive inverses, every nonzero real number a has a multiplicative

inverse or reciprocal (1/a).

Example
The reciprocal of 3 is (1/3).
3 (1/3) = 1

If the number is negative then its reciprocal is also negative.

Multiplicative Inverse Property

For any nonzero real number a, there is a unique number 1/a
such that
Definition 18:

Division

Division of Real Numbers

For any real numbers a and b with b = 0,
Definition 19:

a dividend
b divisor
c quotient;

or

Example
=

=2

is also called the quotient

A product or quotient is positive when the signs are the same and is
negative when the signs are opposite.

Example:

Division by Zero: If we write

that

, we need to find c such

But there is no such number and it will be confusing. Thus

is defined only for b = 0.

are said to be undefined.

Evaluating Expressions

In algebra you will learn to work with variables. However, there is often
nothing more important than finding a numerical answer to a question

Arithmetic Expression The result of writing numbers in a meaningful

combination with the ordinary operations of arithmetic
( ) Parentheses are used as grouping symbols to indicate which
operations are performed first. [ ] Brackets are also used to
indicate grouping

Example
=5 + (2(3)) involves more than one operation of arithmetic
=5 + (6)
=11
=| -7+ 6(-4)|
=|-7 + -24|
=|-31| - The absoulte value is a grouping symbol as
well
=31

Exponents Notation used to simplify the writing of a repeated

multiplication

Exponential Expression
For any natural number n and real number a,
Definition 20:

n factors of a
We call a the base, n the exponent, and

We read

an exponential expression

as the nth power of a or a to the nth power.

Square Roots
If
, then a is called a square root of b. If
, then a
is called the principal square root of b and we write
.
Definition 21:

We use the radical symbol

to indicate the nonnegative or
principal square root of a number.
The radical symbol is a grouping symbol. We perform all
operations within the radical symbol before the square root is
found.

When an expression involves a fraction bar, the numerator and

denominator are each treated as if they are in parentheses.

Example

Evaluate (10 8) and (6-8) first

Then divide 2 by -2

-1

Order of Operations
Evaluate inside any grouping symbols first. Where grouping
symbols are missing use this order.
1. Evaluate each exponential expression (in order
from left to right).
2. Perform multiplication and division (in order
from left to right).
3. Perform addition and subtraction (in order from
left to right).
Definition 22:

Grouping Symbols Parentheses (); Brackets []; Square Roots

Fraction Bars and Absolute Value Symbols | |

Properties of Real Numbers

Commutative Property of Addition

For any real numbers a and b,
Definition 23:

a+b = b+ a.
Commutative Property of Multiplication
For any real numbers a and b,
ab = ba.
Subtraction and Division are not commutative operations.

Example
5+3=3+5
8=8

5(6) = 6(5)
30 = 30

Associative Property of Addition

For any real numbers a, b and c,
Definition 24:

(a+b) +c = a + (b + c).
Associative Property of Multiplication
For any real numbers a, b and c,
(ab)c = a(bc).
Example
(4 + 5) + 8 = 4 + (5 + 8)
(9) + 8
= 4 + (13)
17
= 17

2(3(5)) =
(2(3))(5)
2(15) = 6(5)
30
= 30

Distributive Property
For any real numbers a, b and c,
Definition 25:

a(b+c) = ab + ac.
3(x-2) = 3(x + (-2))

Definition of Subtraction of Real

Numbers

= 3x + (-6)

= 3x

Distributive Property

- 6.

(y+6) (3) = 3(y+6)

= 3y + 18

Applying the Commutative Property

Distributive Property

Definition 26:Additive

Identity Property
For any real number a,
a+0 = 0 + a = a.
Multiplicative Identity Property
For any real number a,
a (1) = 1 (a) = a.

Definition 27:Additive

Inverse Property
For any real number a, there is a unique number a such
that
a+(-a) = -a + a = 0.
Multiplicative Identity Property
For any real number a, there is a unique number (1/a) such that

a (1/a) = 1/a (a) = 1.

Definition 28: Multiplication Property of Zero

For any real number a,

0 (a) = a (0) = 0.

Exercises
List the elements in each set:
1) A= {x|x is an even natural number less than
20}
2) B= {x|x is an odd natural number less than
14}

List using variable notation

1) {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}

Exercises
Using the sets A, B, C, and N. Determine
whether each statement is true or false.
A = {1, 3, 5, 7, 9}
B = {2, 4, 6, 8}
C = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}
N = {1, 2, 3, ...}

1)
2)
3)
4)

6 B
4 B
C=N
N=A

Exercises
Using the sets A, B, C, and N, list the
elements in each set. If the set is empty
write . See Examples 2 and 3.
A = {1, 3, 5, 7, 9}
B = {2, 4, 6, 8}
C = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}
N = {1, 2, 3, ...}

1)
2)
3)
4)

A
A
A
A

C=?
B=?
B=?
=?

Exercises
Determine whether each statement is true
or false. Explain your answer.
A = {1, 3, 5, 7, 9}
B = {2, 4, 6, 8}
C = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}
N = {1, 2, 3, ...}

1)
2)
3)
4)

A
B
B
C

N=?
C=?
=?
A=?

Exercises
Determine whether each statement is true
or false. Explain your answer.
1) Is -6 an element of the set of Rational
Numbers?
2) Is the set of Natural numbers a subset of the
set of Rational Numbers?

Exercises
List the elements in each set and graph
each set on a number line.
1) {x| x is a whole number smaller than 6}
2) {x| x is a natural number less than 7}

Exercises
Write each interval of real numbers in
interval notation and graph it.
1) The set
2) The set
inclusive
3) The set
equal to 1

of real numbers greater than 1

of real numbers between 0 and 2
of real numbers greater than or
and less than 3.

Exercises
Evaluate.

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

|-34|
|0|
|-6| - |-6|
( -9)
(-(-2))

Exercises
Evaluate.

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

(-5) + 9
=
(-4) + (-3)
-18 + 18
=
18 + (-20)
=
-7 + 9
=
(-15) + (-11) =

Exercises
Evaluate.

1)
2)
3)
4)

7 10
-1 - 5
-4 6
20 (-3 )

=
=
=
=

Exercises
Evaluate.

1)
2)
3)
4)

25(-3)
(5)(-7)
5(5)
-6 (-9)

=
=
=
=

Exercises
Find the multiplicative inverse of each
number:
1) 20
2) -5
3) -6/5

=
=
=

Exercises
Evaluate. If a quotient is undefined, say so.
1)
2)
3)

=
=
=

Exercises
Evaluate. If a quotient is undefined, say so.

1) ((-3)(4)) (2(5))
2) |-3 2| - |2 6|
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

=
=
=
=
=
=
=