Number and algebra

3
Algebra
Today, algebra is an important day-to-day tool that can be applied to all
types of real-world situations. It is used to describe the relationships
between variables. For example, algebra can be used to figure out how
much weight a bridge can carry or predict how many people will be
living in your city in twenty years.
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n Chapter outline n Wordbank

Proficiency strands algebraic expressions An expression that describes a
3-01 Variables U F R C quantity by using variables and numerals, such as 3x þ 4y  8
3-02 From words to U F PS R C algebraic term A part of an algebraic expression, such as
algebraic expressions 3x in 4x 2 þ 3x  11
3-03 Substitution U F PS
3-04 Collecting variables U F R C evaluate To find the value of an expression
3-05 Adding and subtracting U F R C expand To rewrite an expression such as 4(2k þ 4)
terms without brackets
3-06 Multiplying terms U F R C
factorise The opposite of expand; to rewrite an
3-07 Dividing terms U F R C
expression, such as 8k þ 16, with brackets
3-08 Extension: The index laws U F R C
3-09 Expanding expressions U F R like terms Terms that have exactly the same variables, for
3-10 Factorising algebraic U F R example, 5p and 2p
terms substitute To replace a variable with a number
3-11 Factorising expressions U F R
variable (or pronumeral) A quantity that can take on
3-12 Factorising with U F R
different values, represented by a symbol such as a letter
negative terms
of the alphabet

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n In this chapter you will:

• introduce the concept of variables as a way of representing numbers using letters
• extend and apply the laws and properties of arithmetic to algebraic terms and expressions
• move fluently between algebraic and word representations as descriptions of the same situation
• create algebraic expressions and evaluate them by substituting a given value for each variable
• simplify algebraic expressions involving the four operations
• extend and apply the distributive law to the expansion of algebraic expressions
• factorise a single algebraic term, for example, 6ab ¼ 3 3 2 3 a 3 b
• factorise algebraic expressions by identifying numerical and algebraic factors

SkillCheck
Worksheet
1 Evaluate each expression.
StartUp assignment 3
a 34 b 5 þ 9 c 8  2 d 3  (2)
MAT08NAWK10021
e 3 3 6 f 12 4 (4) g 12 4 4  10 h 4 3 (8)
i (6)2 j 23 k (1)3 l 2 3 32
2 Simplify each algebraic expression.
a 73p b a3b c k3k d n3n3n
e 23p3m f p3k3d g y36 h t333q
i 6d  7d j qþqþq k aþaþaþa l 1x
3 Choose which operation (þ, , 3 or 4) is related to each word.
a sum b product c difference d quotient
e decrease f increase g more than h less than
4 If x ¼ 8 and y ¼ 2, evaluate each expression.
a xþy b 3x c xy d 5y
e xy f 9y g x þ 17 h 2x þ 4
i 3y  2 j x4y k 5x 4 y l 4x þ 5y
Worksheet 5 Find:
What does the symbol a the sum of 8 and 5 b double 9
mean? c 6 increased by 10 d the difference between 14 and 11
MAT08NAWK10022 e the product of 3 and 7 f how many times 5 divides into 40

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3-01 Variables
In algebra, a variable or pronumeral is a symbol, usually a letter of the alphabet, that stands for a
number. It is called a variable because its value can vary (change).
When writing algebraic expressions, we use the following abbreviations.
• 3 3 k ¼ 3k for multiplication, we leave out the ‘3’ symbol
• m44 ¼ m for division, we can write in fraction form
4
• r 3 r ¼ r2 for powers
• 1x ¼ x for multiplying by 1
• c 3 a 3 6 ¼ 6ac write the number first, then the variables in alphabetical order

Example 1
Simplify each expression.
a pþpþpþp b d35 c r47
d m3n36 e 4v þ 2v f 53k323h
g y3y3y h 5a  4a i b 3 b 3 15

Solution
a p þ p þ p þ p ¼ 4p 4 lots of p.
b d 3 5 ¼ 5d Write the number first.
c r47 ¼ r
7
d m 3 n 3 6 ¼ 6mn Number first, then variables in
alphabetical order.
e 4v þ 2v ¼ 6v (v þ v þ v þ v) þ (v þ v) ¼ 6 lots of v
f 53k 323h ¼ 5323k 3h
¼ 10hk
g y 3 y 3 y ¼ y3
h 5a  4a (a þ a þ a þ a þ a)  (a þ a þ a þ a)
¼ 1a ¼ one a left
¼a Just a: no need to write the ‘1’.
i b 3 b 3 15 ¼ 15b 2 The ‘2’ (squared) belongs to the b only.

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Example 2
Use order of operations to simplify each expression.
a 23m4 b 15  k 4 3 c 13 4 (d 3 d) þ 4

Solution
a 2 3 m  4 ¼ 2m  4 3 first, then 
b 15  k 4 3 ¼ 15  ðk 4 3Þ 4 first, then 
¼ 15  k
3
c 13 4 ðd 3 d Þ þ 4 ¼ 13 4 d 2 þ 4 ( ) first, then 4, then þ
¼ 132 þ 4
d

Example 3
Write each expression in expanded form.
Note that expanding is the
a 5bc b 4kr 2 c x2  t opposite of simplifying.
11
Solution
a 5bc ¼ 5 3 b 3 c
b 4kr 2 ¼ 4 3 k 3 r 3 r
c x 2  t ¼ x 3 x  t 4 11
11

Exercise 3-01 Variables

See Example 1 1 Simplify each expression.
a w35 b m3m c 33c3b3a
d kþkþkþkþkþk e m48 f fþfþf
g 12m þ 4m h 73w333x i 11p  2p
j 43t3t k 6d  5d l b 3 c 3 d 3 16
m 26 4 n n h393h o 9x þ 11x
p aþaa q 12q  4q r 23c363n
s 3 3 r 3 d 3 (2) 3 d t aþaþaþcþc u a3a3a3x3x

See Example 2 2 Use order of operations to simplify each expression.

a 13 4 (a 3 2) b 9þ43m c (e  6) 4 5
d 43t8 e y3yþz3z f k49n
g p 4 (9 þ n) h 22  e 4 2 i 11 þ u 3 u 3 11

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3 Which expression is equal to m 3 m 3 5 þ 2? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A 5m 2 þ 2 B 5m 3 þ 2 C 5m þ 2 D m2 þ 7

4 Explain the meaning of:

3y
a pq b c 1x ¼ x
x
5 Which expression is not equal to 4p? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D. Worked solutions
4
A 5p  p B p C pþpþpþp D p34 Exercise 3-01

MAT08NAWS10016
6 Write each expression in expanded form.
c 8
2 2 2 See Example 3
a 8st b 2y d r þt
f
e 4b 2d f 5xy  2a g 2
x h q3
3
4d 9
i 16  2d 2 j 2 2
k h i l 4j 
3 d
7 What is 7e 3 in expanded form? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A 7e 3 7e 3 7e B 7e þ 7e þ 7e C 73eþeþe D 73e3e3e

Investigation: The laws of arithmetic

We can use algebraic symbols to describe general laws about arithmetic.
For example, if we add zero to any number, the answer is still that number.
If we let N stand for any number: N þ 0 ¼ N
In groups of two to four students, answer the following questions.
1 Describe in words what each number rule below means.
a N31¼N b N30¼0
c a  b 6¼ b  a d aþbþc¼bþaþc
e N0¼N f ab ¼ ba
2 Write each of the following rules algebraically using variables.
a Any number divided by 1 equals itself.
b Multiplying a number by 8 is the same as doubling it three times.
c Any three numbers can be multiplied together in any order.
d Any number added to itself is the same as multiplying that number by 2.
e Any number subtracted from itself equals 0.
f Any number multiplied by its reciprocal equals 1.
3 Is each of the following equations true or false? Test your answer by substituting a
number for the variable and checking.
a a4b¼b4a b N4N¼1
c 4a  a ¼ 4 d a is a factor of a
e If N is even, then N þ 3 is odd f 12 N ¼ N  2
g a þ (a) ¼ 2a h 04N¼0
i N40¼0 j N41¼N
4 If k is an odd number, what is an expression for:
a the previous odd number? b the next even number?

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Puzzle sheet

What’s the expression?

3-02 From words to algebraic expressions
MAT08NAPS10006

Skillsheet
Example 4
Algebraic expressions

MAT08NASS10012 If x is a variable representing any number, write an algebraic expression for:

Worksheet
a four times the number
b the number divided by six
Writing algebraic
expressions c the previous consecutive number
consecutive means ‘following
MAT08NAWK00002
d one-third of the number in order’: for example, 7, 8, 9
are consecutive numbers
Solution
a 4 3 x ¼ 4x
b x 4 6 or x
6
c x1 The number before x is x  1
(for example, the number before 4 is
4  1 ¼ 3).
d 1x ¼ x
3 3

Example 5
Think of a number, y, multiply it by three and subtract seven. Write an algebraic expression
for the answer.

Solution
First, we multiply the number y by 3 to get y 3 3 ¼ 3y.
Then, we subtract 7 from our result to get the answer, 3y  7.

Example 6
Describe the algebraic expression a þ b in words.
2
Solution
aþb
is the sum of a and b, divided by 2, or the average of a and b.
2

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Exercise 3-02 From words to algebraic expressions
1 If n represents any number, write an algebraic expression for: See Example 4
a five times the number b the number plus six
c the number divided by 10 d the next consecutive number
e half of the number f 20 less than the number
g the number multiplied by itself h 20 minus the number
i the previous consecutive number j double the number
k 6 divided by the number l the difference between the number and 8
m the product of the number and (4) n the square root of the number

2 If a, b and c represent any three numbers, write an algebraic expression for:

a the sum of a, b and c b the product of a and b
c the difference between b and c, where b is greater than c
d the product of a and c, plus b e three times b, plus a
f c divided by b g how much a is greater than b
h five more than (b times c) i c less than b
j a times b divided by c k the square root of the sum of a and c
l the product of a and b, decreased by
seven times c

3 A cricketer scored a total of x runs in

6 innings. What was her average score?
Select the correct answer A, B, C, or D.
A 6x B 64x
C x6 D x46

4 Write an algebraic expression for the answer to each instruction. See Example 5
a Think of a number (y), multiply it by 3 and add 8
b Think of a number (p), divide it by 3 and then subtract 6
c Think of a number (M), multiply it by 4 and then add 27
d Think of a number (k), multiply it by 5 and then divide it by 2
e Think of a number (x), divide it by 6 and add 13
f Think of a number (B), halve it and then subtract 2
g Think of a number (R), divide it by 9 and then add 10
h Think of a number (n), multiply it by 7 and then multiply it by 3
5 Describe each algebraic expression in words. See Example 6
a xþyz b 5K þ L c xy  3 d W
5
yx
e 3x  1 f g 2N þ 21 h 7e
10

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Worked solutions 6 Write an expression for:

Exercise 3-02
a the number of girls in a class if there are b boys and a total of t students
MAT08NAWS10017
b the number of bottles of drink needed for a party if each bottle can be shared by 5 guests
and there are n guests
c the amount of change in dollars that Sandra receives if she paid for 3 hamburgers costing
$p each with $y in cash
d the perimeter of an isosceles triangle with equal sides of length r and an uneven side of
length 9
e the cost of one egg if a carton of a dozen eggs costs $a
f the perimeter of a square of length x
g the number of rows of chairs needed to place 160 chairs in the hall if each row contains
r chairs
h the total cost of attending the pool for
x adults and y children, where
admission is $5 per adult and $3 per
child

Just for the record The X factor

In algebra the letter ‘x’ is used quite
frequently as a variable. During the 9th
century, the Arabic word al-jabr
(‘algebra’) described the process of
moving variables from one side of an
equation to the other to find the value of
an unknown. The word for ‘thing’ or
‘object’ (the unknown number) in Arabic
was shei, translated into Greek as xei,
and shortened to x. Xenos is also the
Greek word for unknown, stranger or
foreigner, which could explain why early
European mathematicians used the letter
x in algebra.
One further explanation is that ancient scholars could only write using feathers dipped in ink.
The two easiest letters to write were x and y. Mathematicians needed variables they could
write quickly without mixing them up. As a result, x and y are still the two most commonly
used variables in algebra.
Find examples of X-words that involve something unknown, such as X-ray, Brand X or
X factor.

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Puzzle sheet
3-03 Substitution Formula 1 game

MAT08NAPS10007
The word substitution means replacing one thing with another. In algebra, substitution means to
Homework sheet
replace a variable with a value to evaluate an algebraic expression.
Algebraic notation and
substitution
Example 7 MAT08NAHS10016

If p ¼ 3 and q ¼ 14, evaluate each expression.

pq þ 2
a 2p þ q b c 5q  p 2
4
Solution
a 2p þ q ¼ 2 3 3 þ 14 b pq þ 2 ¼ 3 3 14 þ 2 c 5q  p 2 ¼ 5 3 14  32
¼ 20 4 4 ¼ 61
44
¼
4
¼ 11

Substituting into formulas

A formula is a general rule that is written as an algebraic equation and shows the relationship
between variables. Solving mathematical problems often involves substituting values into formulas.

Example 8
The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is P ¼ 2l þ 2w, where P is the perimeter, l is
the length and w is the width. Use this formula to calculate the perimeter of a rectangle with
length 12 m and width 9.5 m.

Solution
When length l ¼ 12 and width w ¼ 9.5,
P ¼ 2l þ 2w
¼ 2 3 12 þ 2 3 9:5
¼ 43 m

Exercise 3-03 Substitution

1 If x ¼ 5 and y ¼ 6, what is the value of 2x  y? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D. See Example 7
A 19 B 2 C 4 D 16

2 If a ¼ 3, b ¼ 5 and c ¼ 2, evaluate each expression.

a aþb b 4a c c2 d aþbþc
e abc f 3b  a g cþab h 4a  2c
i 10  b j ab þ c 2 k cb l 2a
c

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3 If d ¼ 10, e ¼ 3 and f ¼ 5, evaluate each expression.

a def b f2 c e3 d d4f
2 2
e de 4 2 f d f g 7e h 3e þ 2d  f
d eþf
i fþde j  3f k 6ef l
2 4
2
4 If p ¼ 3, what is the value of 2p ? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A 36 B 18 C 18 D 36

Worked solutions 5 If y ¼ 1 and z ¼ 4, evaluate each expression.

Exercise 3-03 a 3  4z b 3y 2 c 5(z  2) d y(z þ 1)
y yþz
MAT08NAWS10018 e f z g h 10
z 4 9 3þy
6 If n ¼ 6, which of the following expressions is equal to 22? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
nþ4 2n þ 4 n2 n2 þ 4
A B C þ4 D
2 2 2 2
1
7 The formula for the area of a triangle is A ¼ bh, where A is the area of the triangle, b is the
See Example 8
2
length of the base and h is the height.

h
Find the area of a triangle with base length 12 m and height 7 m.
8 A plumber charges according to the formula C ¼ 42h þ 65, where C is the charge in dollars and h is
the number of hours worked. How much does the plumber charge for working for 3 12 hours?

9 The formula for converting Celsius temperatures to Fahrenheit temperatures is F ¼ 95 C þ 32,

where F is the temperature in Fahrenheit and C is the temperature in Celsius. Use the formula
to convert 26°C to Fahrenheit.
10 The number of hours of sleep recommended for children has the formula H ¼ 17  A, where
2
H is the number of hours and A is the age of the child.
Find the number of hours of sleep recommended for a 6-year-old.

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11 The formula for the cost of a party is C ¼ 45n þ 500, where C is the cost in dollars and n is
the number of guests. Use this formula to calculate the cost of a party for 120 guests.

Technology Substitution
1 Enter the variables and values shown into a new spreadsheet.

This means m 5 10.

2 In cell D1, enter the formula 5B4-B9 to evaluate p  u. You should get 9 because
4  (5) ¼ 9.
3 In cell D2, enter the formula 5B2þB3 to evaluate m þ n. You should get 22 because
10 þ 12 ¼ 22.
4 For each cell below, enter a formula to evaluate the given expression.
D3: pr D4: t D5: n þ t  p
u
D6: n  m D7: n  m D8: s 3 r
u u p
D9: p 3 D10: (s þ n) 3 (p þ r) D11: t þ pq þ s
pffi
D12: t D13: mnpq
6m  n
D14: the average of r, s, t and u D15:
pþs
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi 2
D16: n þ p D17: ts D18: n 3  r 2

3-04 Collecting variables

Let the variable x stand for an unknown number. Let x be represented by a cup
that holds the unknown number of balls. x

Then the total number of balls represented in the diagram below can be written using the
algebraic expression 3 3 x þ 5 ¼ 3x þ 5.

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Note that even though we don’t know how many balls are in each cup, it is the same number of
balls, x, and we can still describe the total number of balls algebraically.
Let y stand for an unknown number that is different from x. Let y be represented by an envelope
that contains this number of balls.
y

Then the total number of balls represented in the diagram below can be written using the
algebraic expression 4x þ 3y þ 1.

Exercise 3-04 Collecting variables

1 Write an algebraic expression for the number of balls represented in each diagram, if each cup
holds x balls.
a b

c d

e f

g h

i j

2 Write an algebraic expression for the number of balls represented in each diagram, if each cup
holds x balls and each envelope holds y balls.

a b

c d

e f

g h

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3 Draw cups and balls to represent each algebraic expression, if each cup holds x balls.
a xþ3 b xþxþ1
c 4 þ 2x d 2þxþ2
e x þ 5 þ 2x f 1 þ 2x þ 3 þ x

4 If N stands for the number of paperclips in each envelope, which diagram represents 3N þ 2
paperclips? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A

5 If m stands for the number of coins in each envelope and p stands for the number of coins in
each cup, match each expression in the left-hand column with the correct expression in the
right-hand column.
a A

m + p + m 2m + 2p

b B

p + m + m + p 2p + 3

c C

p + m + p + m + p 3m + 3

d D

p + 2 + p + 1 p + 2m

e E

2m + 2 + m + 1 3p + 4

f F

2 + p + 2 + 2p 3p + 2m

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6 Match each expression in the left column with the correct expression on the right.
a A
−
m + p − m 2m

b B
−
m + 4 − 2 2p + 2
c C
−
2m + p − p 2p

d −
D

2p + 6 − 4 p

e E
−
2m + 2p − 2m 2p + 2m

f F
−
2p + 3m − m m + 2

7 Simplify each expression.

a b
−
p + m + p m + 2p − p

2p + 2 + p + 3

d
+ −
p + m + 2 + p + m − 1

e
− −
3p + 2m − m − p

8 Simplify 9a þ 4b  5a þ 2b. Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.

A 14a þ 6b B 10ab C 4a þ 6b D 14a þ 11b

Worked solutions 9 Simplify each expression.

Exercise 3-04 a 3d þ 2d þ 4a b 6h þ 4r þ 5r  h c eþee
MAT08NAWS10019
d 2k þ 3 þ 2k  6 e 3x þ 4z  x þ 2z f 2s  p  s þ 3p
g 6u þ 4  2u þ 8 h 7n  6 þ 5  3n i 20 þ 6i  3i  20

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Mental skills 3A Maths without calculators

Simplifying multiplication by factorising

Sometimes, one big multiplication may be made into many simpler little multiplications
if we break one or both terms into two ‘easier’ factors. Then we use the property that
numbers can be multiplied in any order.
1 Study each example.
a 24 3 8 ¼ 6 3 4 3 2 3 4 Look for pairs of numbers that you can
¼ 4343632 multiply easily and rearrange
¼ 16 3 6 3 2
¼ 96 3 2
¼ 192
b 15 3 6 ¼ 3 3 5 3 6
¼ 3 3 30
¼ 90
c 14 3 36 ¼ 7 3 2 3 6 3 6 d 30 3 22 ¼ 10 3 3 3 22
¼ 6373632 ¼ 10 3 66
¼ 42 3 6 3 2 ¼ 660
¼ 252 3 2
¼ 504
Note: For each question, there are many different possible ways of arriving at the correct
result.
2 Now evaluate each product by factorising first.
a 30 3 24 b 18 3 27 c 25 3 33 d 16 3 8
e 28 3 20 f 12 3 18 g 21 3 9 h 36 3 12
i 16 3 35 j 22 3 28 k 9 3 15 l 27 3 25
Skillsheet

Algebra using diagrams

MAT08NASS10013

3-05 Adding and subtracting terms Worksheet

Collecting like terms

MAT08NAWK10023
What is the fastest way to mentally calculate the sum 3 þ 3 þ 5 þ 3 þ 5 þ 5 þ 3 þ 3 þ 5?
Do you think of collecting all the 3s together and all the 5s together like this? Puzzle sheet

Algebra bingo game

3 þ 3 þ 5 þ 3 þ 5 þ 5 þ 3 þ 3 þ 5 ¼ ð3 þ 3 þ 3 þ 3 þ 3Þ þ ð5 þ 5 þ 5 þ 5Þ
MAT08NAPS10008
¼ ð5 3 3Þ þ ð4 3 5Þ
¼ 15 þ 20 Puzzle sheet

¼ 35 Adding and subtracting

like terms
We can do the same thing algebraically. Suppose an unknown number p is represented by a cup
MAT08NAPS00033
and another unknown number m is represented by an envelope . Consider the
following two sums.
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p + m + p + m = 2p + 2m
b

m + p + m + p + m = 3m + 2p
Note that we can add all the p terms together, and we can add all the m terms together, but we
cannot add the ps and ms together because p and m represent different numbers. We cannot
simplify the answers 2p þ 2m and 3m þ 2p because p and m are different.
These are examples of collecting like terms, terms that contain exactly the same variable(s), such
as 4h, 5h and h. Here are some more examples.
3x and 5x 4mw and 2mw 12m and m Note: ab ¼ ba
6d and 10d 5ab and 2ba xyz and 2yzx
Here are some examples of unlike terms, terms that have different variables.

3x and 5m 4mw and 2mn 6d and 10d 2

We can add or subtract like terms because the variables in them represent the same number. We
can only add or subtract things that are the same. For example:

− =

3m + 2p − 2m = m + 2p
ð3 lots of mÞ þ ð2 lots of pÞ  ð2 lots of mÞ ¼ ð3 lots of m  2 lots of mÞ þ ð2 lots of pÞ
¼ ð1 lot of mÞ þ ð2 lots of pÞ
This makes sense because if m ¼ 5 and p ¼ 8, then
3m þ 2p  2m ¼ ð3 3 5Þ þ ð2 3 8Þ  ð2 3 5Þ
¼ ð3 3 5Þ  ð2 3 5Þ þ ð2 3 8Þ grouping like terms
¼ ð1 3 5Þ þ ð2 3 8Þ 3 lots of 5  2 lots of 5 ¼ 1 lot of 5

Summary
When adding and subtracting terms, only like terms can be collected.
Like terms have exactly the same variables.

Example 9
Select the like terms from each list below.
a 5x, x, x 2, xy, 1 x, 8x, 4x b 3ab, 5, a, ba, 2b, 4ab 2, ab
2 3
Solution
1 4x
a 5x, x, xy, x, 8x, are like terms because they each have a single x in them.
2 3
b 3ab, ba and ab are like terms because each contains ab.

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Example 10
Video tutorial
Simplify each expression by collecting like terms. Adding and subtracting
a 7d þ 3e þ 3d þ e b 6m  8 þ 3m þ 6 like terms

c 6xy þ 7x 2  3yx  12x 2 d 14  4t  9t þ 2 MAT08NAVT10004

Animated example
Solution
Collecting like terms
a 7d + 3e + 3d + e = 7d + 3d + 3e + e Grouping like terms. MAT08NAAE00012

= 10d + 4e
b 6m − 8 + 3m + 6 = 6m + 3m − 8 + 6 The þ or  sign goes
= 9m – 2 with the term after it.

c 6xy þ 7x 2  3yx  12x 2 ¼ 6xy  3xy þ 7x 2  12x 2

¼ 3xy  5x 2 3yx ¼ 3xy
d 14  4t  9t þ 2 ¼ 14 þ 2  4t  9t
¼ 16  23t

Exercise 3-05 Adding and subtracting terms

1 Select the like terms from each list below. See Example 9
a 4p, 2y, 2p, 5z, p b m 2, m, n, 3m 2, mn c 5ac, 4a, 7ca, 3, 5
2
d vw, 5v, 9v, w, v , 2wv e p, 6pq, 2qp, 3pq, 7q f 2d, 5, 3d 3, 7d 2, 9, 3d, 2
g 4mn, 3m, 4, 2nm, mn, 2n h x 2y, 2x, 3y, 4x 2y i 7, 2a, 4b, 5ba, 9, ab, 2

2 What are the like terms in 3ab, 2a 2, 2b 2a, 2p 2, 2ba? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A 2a 2, 2p 2 B 2a 2, 2b 2a, 2p 2, 2ba C 3ab, 2ba D 2b 2a, 2ba

3 Simplify each expression by collecting like terms.

a 4k þ 7k b 5mn þ 2nm c xy þ xy
d 3abc þ 4abc þ 2bac e 3x 2 þ 2x 2 þ x 2 f ef 2 þ 4ef 2
g 8d  3d h 12mk  7mk i 12xy  7yx  xy
j 8de  12de k 6k 2  3k 2 l 4w 2  w 2

4 Which expression is 2m þ 4p  5m  2p simplified? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D. See Example 10

A mp B 7m þ 6p C 3m þ 2p D 3p

5 Simplify each expression.

a 5k  2j þ 6j b 10ab þ 2  ab c 12m 2  5m 2 þ 2m
d 12s 2  7st  2s 2 e 4mn þ 7mn  mn f 14k þ 3  5k
g y 2 þ 2y 2  y 2 h 9d  4e þ 3d i 7  2x  3
j 15gb  8gb þ gb k 4  2q þ 5 l 5a þ 6c  4c
Worked solutions
6 Simplify each expression.
Exercise 3-05
a 4x  y  x  2y b 7ab þ 2bc  3ab þ bc
MAT08NAWS10020
c 4k 2 þ 3 þ 5k 2 þ 8 d 4bc  8a þ 2bc  a

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e x 2  6x  x þ 7 f p 2 þ q 2 þ 3p 2  q 2
g 3 þ 4y þ 8y þ 11 h 11r  3s  4r þ 6s
i 7g þ 8b  b  g j 6x 2  4x  9x þ 6
k 20a þ 11m þ 32a  11m l 3q  7  8q þ 12q
m 5  2y  5  4y n s 2 þ 4s 2 þ 12  5s 2

7 Which expression is a 5 þ a 5 simplified? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.

A a 10 B a 25 C 2a 5 D 2a 10

8 Write an algebraic expression involving a sum that simplifies to:

a 2x þ 6 b 6m þ 12p c x2  x

9 Write an algebraic expression involving a difference that simplifies to:

a 2x þ 6 b 6m þ 12p c x2  x

3-06 Multiplying terms

What is the fastest way to mentally calculate the product 6 3 4 3 5 3 3?
Do you think of rearranging the numbers to pair convenient factors like this?
6 3 4 3 5 3 3 ¼ ð4 3 5Þ 3 ð6 3 3Þ
¼ 20 3 18
¼ 360
We can do the same thing algebraically. As numbers can be multiplied in any order, we can
multiply like and unlike terms.

Example 11
Simplify each product.
a 7b 3 3a b 8x 3 (2y) c 5d 3 6d 3 4
d 9m 2 3 4p e 4a 3 3b 3 (2a)

Solution
a 7b 3 3a ¼ 7 3 b 3 3 3 a
¼ 7333a3b Group numbers and variables separately.
¼ 21ab
b 8x 3 ð2yÞ ¼ 8 3 ð2Þ 3 x 3 y c 5d 3 6d 3 4 ¼ 5 3 6 3 4 3 d 3 d
¼ 16xy ¼ 120d 2
d 9m2 3 4p ¼ 9 3 4 3 m 2 3 p e 4a 3 3b 3 ð2aÞ ¼ 4 3 3 3 ð2Þ 3 a 3 a 3 b
¼ 36m p 2 ¼ 24a 2 b

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Summary
When multiplying algebraic terms, multiply the numbers first, then multiply the variables.
Write all variables in alphabetical order.

Example 12
Use index notation to simplify each expression.
a k3k3k3k b j3j3j3j3j3j

Solution
a k 3 k 3 k 3 k ¼ k4 b j 3 j 3 j 3 j 3 j 3 j ¼ j6

Exercise 3-06 Multiplying terms

1 Which expression is 2p 3 5pq simplified? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D. See Example 11
2 2
A 10pq B 7p q C 7pq D 10p q

2 Simplify each expression.

a 5 3 3y b 8 3 2m c 4k 3 m d 4t 3 5
e 23f36 f 2x 3 8y g 10p 3 3m h 3b 3 6d
i 3d 3 4d j 5 3 4m 3 6n k 2y 3 3y 3 8 l 3r 3 3 3 3r
m 2 3 4a 3 9b n x 3 xy 3 y o 2j 3 3k 3 7 p 5rst 3 2rs
q 3ac 3 6cd r hjk 3 hj 3 jk s 4q 2 3 6p 2 t 2m 3 3n 3 mn

3 Simplify each expression. Worked solutions

a 4b 3 2d b 6m 3 (4m) c 2 3 5k 3 9l d 20 3 (3p) Exercise 3-06
e 9k 3 (7) f 15b 3 (5b) g 3m 3 mn 3 4n h 6abc 3 (2ab) MAT08NAWS10021
i 5r 3 (2r) 3 (4) j 9d 3 (4e) 3 6d k 8x 3 9x 3 (2) l 5m 3 4 3 (2m)

4 Which expression simplifies to 14a 2n 2? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.

A 2a 3 an 3 7 B 2a 3 7n 3 an C 7a 2 3 2n D 7a 2n 2 3 2a 2n 2

5 Simplify each expression. See Example 12

a y3y3y3y b a3a3a
c 23c3c d t3t3t3t3t
e q3q3q37 f k3k3k3l3l
g m3m3m3n3n h 5 3 p 3 p 3 p 3 p 3 k 3 k 3 k
i 3 3 y 3 y 3 y j d 3 d 3 (1) 3 e 3 e 3 f
k q3q3r3r3r3r34 l 3p þ 2 3 4p
m 10m 3 4n  5mn n 7a2  2a 3 3a
o 6r 3 2y  y 3 10r p 5p  4p 3 8

6 Write an algebraic expression involving a product that simplifies to:

a 18de b 20a 2y c 5pr 2

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3-07 Dividing terms

Summary
Worksheet
When dividing algebraic terms, divide the numbers first, then divide the variables.
Simplifying algebraic
expressions
Write all variables in alphabetical order.
MAT08NAWK10024

Example 13
Homework sheet

Simplifying algebraic
Simplify each quotient.
24y
expressions a 20p 4 5 b c 2m d 12a 2b 4 3a
8y 4mn
MAT08NAHS10017
Solution  
20
a 20p45 ¼ p Group numbers and variables separately.
5
¼ 4p
 
b 24y ¼ 24 y
8y 8 y
¼3
 
c 2m 2 m
¼
4mn 4 mn
 
1 1
¼
2 n
1
¼
2n
 
12 aab
d 12a2 b 4 3a ¼
3 a
¼ 4ab

Exercise 3-07 Dividing terms

2
See Example 13 1 Which expression is 55m n simplified? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
5m
A 11mn B 11m 2n C 50mn D 11n

2 Simplify each quotient.

a 12m 4 3 b 36e 4 4 c 21p 4 (3) d 81x
9
e 60w f 8m g 25k 4 5k h 30y 4 40y
15 m
63a 4pq 56mn
i 28pq 4 14q j k l
9a 20q 8m2

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3 Simplify each quotient. Worked solutions
14x 2
a 14m 2 4 7 b 6e 2 4 (2e) c 5p 2 4 p d Exercise 3-07
2
2x
e 6wm f 8m n g 32k 2y 4 (4k) h 9jk 2 4 12jk 2 MAT08NAWS10022
3m 2mn
2 2 2 2 2
i 15d e j 3a b2 c k 24acb l 10m n
3de 3ab c 3bc 5mn
4 Which expression is 12x 4 (3) 3 2x simplified? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A 2x B 2 C 8x D 8x 2

5 Simplify each expression.

a 18pq 4 6pq b 48p 4 (8) 4 2p c y 3 3y 3 (5y)
d 9d 3 4e 4 6d e 8x 3 9x 4 12 f 48m 2 4 12m 3 2n
15c a 3 3ab 2ab
g h i
5c ab 10bc
3d 3 4e 15mn2 p 4x 2 y 3 3y
j k l
6e 3m2 n2 2xy 3 ð6xyÞ
18p 2
m 6x þ 4x 4 2 n 14r 4 r þ 9r o 24p 
3p
6 Write an algebraic expression involving a quotient that simplifies to:
a 7m b 3ab c 5pr 2

Investigation: Equivalent expressions

1 State whether each statement below is true or false, then check by substituting a number
for the variable and testing whether the left-hand side equals the right-hand side.
a 6 þ 4m þ 4 ¼ 4m þ 10 b 5x þ 3x ¼ 8x 2 c 4k  7k ¼ 3k
d 7g þ 8h  h  g ¼ 7h þ 6g e 3 þ 7n þ 13 þ 2n ¼ 25n f 3p 3 7q ¼ 21pq
g 21m 4 3m ¼ 7m h 5y  4y ¼ y i 16a ¼ 4a
4

Puzzle sheet
3-08 Extension: The index laws Indices puzzle

MAT08NAPS10011
In Chapter 2, Working with numbers, we discovered properties about powers, called index laws.
Study these examples.
• 23 3 24 ¼ 23þ4 ¼ 27
• 75 3 7 ¼ 75þ1 ¼ 76
• 46 4 42 ¼ 462 ¼ 44
• 103 ¼ 1032 ¼ 101
10 2

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Summary
When multiplying powers with the same base, add the powers.
a m 3 a n ¼ a mþn

When dividing powers with the same base, subtract the powers.
am
a m 4a n ¼ ¼ a mn
an

Study these examples.

• (34)2 ¼ 3432 ¼ 38
• (85)3 ¼ 8533 ¼ 815
• 50 ¼ 1
• 80 ¼ 1

Summary
When raising a term with a power to another power, multiply the powers.
(a m) n ¼ a m 3 n

Any number raised to the power of zero equals 1.

a0 ¼ 1

Now we can apply these index laws algebraically to variables.

Example 14
Simplify each expression.
42y6
a p 6 3 p2 b 3m 2n 3 7m 3n 5 c a 12 4 a 4 d
7y2
e (d 4)5 f (4m 2)3 g 2k 0 h (2k)0

Solution
a p6 3 p2 ¼ p6þ2 adding the powers
8
¼p
b 3m2 n 3 7m3 n5 ¼ 3 3 7 3 m 2þ3 3 n1þ5
¼ 21m5 n6
c a12 4 a4 ¼ a124 subtracting the powers
8
¼a
6
d 42y ¼ 42 3 y 62
7y 2 7
¼ 6y4

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e (d 4)5 ¼ d 435 ¼ d 20 multiplying the powers
2 3 3 2 3
f ð4m Þ ¼ 4 3 ðm Þ because (4m 2)3 ¼ 4m 2 3 4m 2 3 4m 2
233
¼ 64m
¼ 64m6
g 2k 0 ¼ 2 3 k 0
¼ 231 the zero power belongs to k only
¼2
h (2k)0 ¼ 1 the zero power belongs to (2k)

Exercise 3-08 The index laws

1 Which expression is a 2b 3 a 4b 3 simplified? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D. See Example 14
A a 8b 3 B a 8b 4 C a 6b 3 D a 6b 4

2 Simplify each product. Worked solutions

a m 5 3 m2 b k8 3 k c y4 3 y6 d x7 3 x Exercise 3-08
e n4 3 n4 f q2 3 q 8 g b 4 3 b 10 3 b 2 h s3 3 s5 3 s7 MAT08NAWS10023
i 6k 3 3 7k 3 j 5y 3 3 4y k d 4 3 3d 5 l 11e 3 3 5e
m h 4n 2 3 h 6n 5 n 10c 3d 4 3 (3c 3d) o f 5g 4 3 f 3g 7 p 5p 3q 3 2p 4q
6 4
3 Which expression is 36d 3 e 4 simplified? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
12d e
3
A 3d B 3d 3e C 3d 2e D 3d 2

4 Simplify each quotient.

q5
a y6 4 y5 b p4 4 p c d n8 4 n3
q2
11
e k9 f x7 4 x5 g r8 4 r8 h m 12 4 m 5 4 m 2
k
i q5 3 q3 4 q7 j 45g 6 4 5g 2 k 18p 7 4 6p 3 l a 12 4 a 6 4 a
4 2 5 6 15e 3 f
m 66x 4y 2 4 6x 3y n x 33 x o 70k 2l p
x 10k l 21ef 2
5 Which expression is (a 4b 2)3 simplified? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A a 7b 5 B a 12b 6 C a 12b 5 D a 7b 6

6 Simplify each expression.

a (y 8)2 b (x 2)5 c (y 3)3 d (m 2)9
e (k 7)3 f (t 20)2 g (3m)2 h (2m 4)3
3
i (xy) j (p 3q)4 k (3h 4)4 l (k 3z)5
4
m (2kj) n (4c 3d)2 o (5x 2y 8)3 p (2m 4p 2)6

7 Simplify each expression.

a y0 b (xy)0 c (2r  r)0 d 5u 0
 0
e x f (2k 7)0 g m8 4 m8 h h 2 4 (h 0)3
2
i (b 3)2 4 2b 0 j (3x)0 3 (4x)2 k (d 0)5 3 (d 8)0 l 26x 4y 3 4 2x 3y 3
27b3 d 6ef 4
m 4m 0 þ 3m  3k 0 n o (8h)2 3 2h 0 4 4h 2 p
9bd 12ef 4
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Mental skills 3B Maths without calculators

Multiplying by 9, 11, 99 or 101

We can use expanding when multiplying by a number near 10 or near 100.
1 Study each example.
a 25 3 11 ¼ 25 3 ð10 þ 1Þ b 14 3 9 ¼ 14 3 ð10  1Þ
¼ 25 3 10 þ 25 3 1 ¼ 14 3 10  14 3 1
¼ 250 þ 25 ¼ 140  14
¼ 275 ¼ 126
c 32 3 12 ¼ 32 3 ð10 þ 2Þ d 7 3 99 ¼ 7 3 ð100  1Þ
¼ 32 3 10 þ 32 3 2 ¼ 7 3 100  7 3 1
¼ 320 þ 64 ¼ 700  7
¼ 384 ¼ 693
e 27 3 101 ¼ 27 3 ð100 þ 1Þ f 18 3 8 ¼ 18 3 ð10  2Þ
¼ 27 3 100 þ 27 3 1 ¼ 18 3 10  18 3 2
¼ 2700 þ 27 ¼ 180  36
¼ 2727 ¼ 144
2 Now evaluate each product.
a 16 3 11 b 33 3 11 c 29 3 9 d 45 3 9
e 62 3 11 f 7 3 101 g 18 3 101 h 36 3 99
i 19 3 8 j 45 3 12 k 21 3 102 l 6 3 98

Puzzle sheet

Expandominoes
3-09 Expanding expressions
MAT08NAPS00035
The distributive law says that you can multiply by a number by splitting it into the sum or
Skillsheet difference of two other numbers. Look at these two examples.
Algebra using diagrams
a 23 3 12 ¼ 23 3 (10 þ 2)
MAT08NASS10013
¼ (10 þ 2) þ (10 þ 2) þ (10 þ 2) þ … 23 times
Video tutorial ¼ 10 þ 10 þ 10 þ . . . þ 2 þ 2 þ 2 þ . . . 23 times each
Expanding and ¼ ð23 3 10Þ þ ð23 3 2Þ
simplifying expressions
¼ 230 þ 46
MAT08NAVT10005
¼ 276
Worksheet
so 23 3 (10 þ 2) ¼ 23 3 10 þ 23 3 2
Expanding brackets

MAT08NAWK00057

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b 35 3 9 ¼ 35 3 (10  1) Puzzle sheet
¼ (10  1) þ (10  1) þ (10  1) þ … 35 times
Expanding
¼ 10 þ 10 þ 10 þ . . .  1  1  1 35 times each
MAT08NAPS00034
¼ ð35 3 10Þ  ð35 3 1Þ
¼ 350  35 Puzzle sheet

¼ 315 Expand the brackets

MAT08NAPS00003
so 35 3 (10  1) ¼ 35 3 10  35 3 1
Puzzle sheet

Summary Expand negative

brackets

MAT08NAPS00004
The distributive law of arithmetic
If a, b and c stand for numbers, then:
a(b þ c) ¼ ab þ ac
a(b þ c) means a 3 (b þ c)

a(b  c) ¼ ab  ac

We can also apply the distributive law algebraically to variables. Suppose an unknown number m
is represented by an envelope m that contains m coins.
Then 2(m þ 3) or ‘2 lots of (m þ 3)’, can be represented by this diagram.

m m m

=
m

It can be seen that 2(m þ 3) ¼ 2 3 m þ 2 3 3 ¼ 2m þ 6.

The number outside the brackets is multiplied by each term inside.
Here is another example for 3(2m þ 1).

m m m m m

m m m m m
=

m m

It can be seen that 3(2m þ 1) ¼ 3 3 2m þ 3 3 1 ¼ 6m þ 3.

Summary
Removing the brackets in an algebraic expression by multiplying each term inside by the
term outside is called expanding the expression.

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Example 15
Expand each expression.
a 7(p þ 4) b 3(x  5) c 5(2m  7)
d 2(a þ 3) e (4d  2) f w(9w  1)

Solution

a 7(p + 4) = 7×p+7×4 7 is multiplied by each term inside the

= 7p + 28 brackets separately.

b 3(x − 5) = 3 × x − 3 × 5
= 3x − 15

c 5ð2m  7Þ ¼ 5 3 2m  5 3 7
¼ 10m  35
d 2ða þ 3Þ ¼ 2 3 a þ ð2Þ 3 3 2 is multiplied by each term inside the
¼ 2a þ ð6Þ brackets separately.
¼ 2a  6
e ð4d  2Þ ¼ 1ð4d  2Þ (4d  2) is the same as 1 3 (4d  2).
¼ 1 3 4d  1 3 ð2Þ
¼ 4d þ 2
f wð9w  1Þ ¼ w 3 9w  w 3 1
¼ 9w 2  w

Example 16
Expand and simplify each expression.
a 2(x þ 5) þ 6(x  4) b 9k  4(k  3) c 3p  (p þ 6)

Solution
a 2ðx þ 5Þ þ 6ðx  4Þ ¼ 2 3 x þ 2 3 5 þ 6 3 x þ 6 3 ð4Þ Expanding.
¼ 2x þ 10 þ 6x  24
¼ 8x  14 Collecting like terms.
b 9k  4ðk  3Þ ¼ 9k  4 3 k  4 3 ð3Þ
¼ 9k  4k þ 12
¼ 5k þ 12
c 3p  ðp þ 6Þ ¼ 3p  1ðp þ 6Þ
¼ 3p  1 3 p  1 3 6
¼ 3p  p  6
¼ 2p  6

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Exercise 3-09 Expanding expressions
1 Expand each expression. See Example 15
a 5(m þ 3) b 8(m  2) c 2(j þ 10) d 3(a þ 2)
e 4(h  7) f 6(x þ y) g 9(4  b) h 11(y  6)
i 4(2k þ 5) j 3(5m  2) k 6(3x þ 4) l 10(2a þ 5b)

2 Expand each expression. Worked solutions

a 3(n þ 4) b 4(v  5) c 7(d þ 3) d 10(k  2) Exercise 3-09
e 2(d þ e) f 5(5  z) g 6(h þ 1) h (m  1) MAT08NAWS10024
i 9(5 þ 2x) j (2f þ 3) k 3(u  v) d 8(4  k)

3 Which expression is 3(a  2b) simplified? Select the correct answer A, B, C, or D.

A 3a  2b B 3a þ 6b C 3a  6b D 3a þ 5b

4 Expand each expression.

a x(y þ 6) b p(q  2) c a(a þ 4) d b(3b  1)
e d(d þ 3e) f 2(4m þ 5n) g 5k(3k  2) h 7j(3j þ ik)
i x(4x þ y) j 2(4p  3q) k k(k  12) l m(4  m)
m 4n(2n þ 5m) n 2x(1  7x) o f (2f þ 4) p (5j  7k)

5 Which expression is 3y(y  4) simplified? Select the correct answer A, B, C, or D.

A 3y þ 12 B 3y 2  7y C 3y 2  12y D 3y þ 7

6 Explain the difference between 2a þ 1 and 2(a þ 1).

7 Scott says that, to find the perimeter of a rectangle, you double its length, double its width,
and add the answers together. Thomas says that you add the length and width first, then
double the answer. Who is correct? Can you write each of their answers algebraically?
8 Which expression is 12  8(x þ 2) simplified? Select the correct answer A, B, C, or D. See Example 16
A 4(x þ 2) B 4x þ 8 C 8x þ 14 D 8x  4

9 Expand and simplify each expression.

a 6(a þ 2) þ 14 b 4k þ 2(k þ 3) c 3(q  3m) þ 5m
d 8 þ 6(p  5) e 18  (2y þ 14) f 31  7(t þ 2)
g 6(2h  1) þ 11 h 4x  4(3x  2) i 2(9n  2) þ 8

10 Check that 8(2b  3) ¼ 16b  24 by substituting any value for b and showing that the answers
to both sides are equal.
11 Expand and simplify each expression.
a 3(a þ 4) þ 2(a þ 1) b 2(x þ 5) þ 6(x  1)
c 7(4 þ k) þ 5(2k  2) d 5(2t þ 1) þ 3(4t þ 2)
e 3(n þ 5)  2(n þ 4) f 10(d þ 2)  6(d þ 3)
g 8(4y þ 1)  5(2c  3) h 3(p  4)  5(p  1)
i m(m þ 1) þ 3(m þ 1) j 4(d þ e) þ 3(d  e)
k 2f(3f þ 4)  4(2f  1) l 5e(1  7e)  e(3e þ 4)

12 Copy and complete each blank.

a 2(_____) ¼ 2x þ 10 b 4(____) ¼ 4r  12 c 3(______) ¼ 24k  9
d 5(______) ¼ 10a þ 35 e 2(_____) ¼ 2y  18 f 3(_____) ¼ 6t þ 21

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3-10 Factorising algebraic terms

Skillsheet The factors of a number are those numbers that divide into it evenly. For example, the factors of
Algebra using diagrams
12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12.
Algebraic terms also have factors. The factors of an algebraic term are those numbers or terms
MAT08NASS10013
that divide into it evenly. For example, 10xy ¼ 2 3 5 3 x 3 y, so some of the factors of 10xy are
Skillsheet 2, 5, x, y, 10, 2y and 10x. Often there are too many to list them all easily.
Factorising using
diagrams
Example 17
MAT08NASS10014

List four factors of 40a 2b.

Solution
There are many ways of multiplying terms to get 40a 2b, such as:
8353a3a3b
4 3 10 3 a 2 3 b
40 3 a 2 3 b
So four factors of 40a 2b are: 4, 5, a and a 2b. (Note: It is impractical to list them all.)

The highest common factor of algebraic terms

The highest common factor (HCF) (or greatest common divisor (GCD)) of two numbers is the
largest number that divides into both numbers evenly. For example, the HCF of 18 and 30 is 6.
The highest common factor (HCF) of two algebraic terms is the largest term that divides into
both terms evenly. For example, the HCF of 18ab and 30b is 6b.

Summary
To find the highest common factor (HCF) of two or more algebraic terms:
• find the HCF of the numbers
• find the HCF of the variables
• multiply them together to make the highest common algebraic factor.

Example 18
Find the greatest common divisor of each pair of terms.
a 16x and 40xy b 12r and 28

Solution
a First, find the HCF of the numbers.
The factors of 16 are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16.
The factors of 40 are 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 20, 40.

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So the HCF of 16 and 40 is 8.
Then find the HCF of the variables:
The HCF of x and xy is x.
[ The HCF of 16x and 40xy is 8 3 x ¼ 8x.
b First, find the HCF of the numbers:
The factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12.
The factors of 28 are 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 28.
So the HCF of 12 and 28 is 4.
Then find the HCF of the variables:
The second term (28) has no variable so the HCF of the variables is 1.
[ The HCF of 12r and 28 is 4 3 1 ¼ 4.

Exercise 3-10 Factorising algebraic terms

1 List the factors of each number.
a 15 b 8 c 17
d 25 e 55 f 42
2 Find the highest common factor of each pair of numbers.
a 9 and 6 b 6 and 14 c 18 and 24
d 16 and 12 e 33 and 22 f 15 and 25
g 21 and 9 h 45 and 30
3 List four factors of each term.
a 5m b 7pq c 10x d 18d
e 4k 2 f 21bc g 32x 2y h 15ab
4 Which term is not a factor of 36m 2n? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D. See Example 17
A 4m B 9n C 8mn D 12m 2n
5 Find the highest common factor of each pair of terms. See Example
Worked 18
solutions
a 3xy and 12x b 4j and 24j c 6x and 4ax Exercise 3-10
d 21kj and 14k e 5 and 10p f 16m and 12m 2
MAT08NAWS10025
g 48cd and 32bc h de and de 2 i 9 and 27x 2
j 3m and 6n k 22m and 4mn l 16y and 4y
m a 2x and ay n 64j and 32 o 15w 2 and 20wy
p 22x 2y and 36xy 2 q cd and ad r 36t and 12ty 2
6 Which term is the highest common factor of 8x 2 and 12xy? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A 4 B 2x C 4x D 24x 2y

Skillsheet

3-11 Factorising expressions Algebra using diagrams

MAT08NASS10013
expanding
Skillsheet
Expanding an algebraic expression means removing its brackets
by multiplying terms. Factorising using
3(x + 6) = 3x + 18 diagrams
Factorising is the opposite of expanding. To factorise an algebraic MAT08NASS10014
expression, find the HCF of all terms and insert brackets. factorising

9780170189538 107
 Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Algebra

Summary
Puzzle sheet
To factorise an algebraic expression:
Factorising

MAT08NAPS00036 • find the HCF of all terms and write it outside the brackets
• divide each term by the HCF and write them inside the brackets
• ab þ ac ¼ a(b þ c)
• ab  ac ¼ a(b  c)

To check that the answer is correct, expand it.

Example 19
Video tutorial
Factorise each expression.
Factorising expressions
a 2x þ 6 b 7  7y c 3ab  5b d r 2 þ 7rs
MAT08NAVT10006

Solution
a 2x þ 6 ¼ 2 3 x þ 2 3 3 HCF of 2x and 6 is 2.
Think: 2 3 ___ ¼ 2x, 2 3 ___ ¼ 6
¼ 2(x þ 3) Check by expanding: 2(x þ 3) ¼ 2x þ 6

b 7  7y ¼ 7 3 1  7 3 y HCF of 7 and 7y is 7.
Think: 7 3 ___ ¼ 7, 7 3 ___ ¼ 7y
¼ 7(1  y) Check by expanding: 7(1  y) ¼ 7  7y

c 3ab  5b ¼ b 3 3a  b 3 5 HCF of 3ab and 5b is b.

Think: b 3 ___ ¼ 3ab, b 3 ___ ¼ 5b
¼ b(3a  5) Check by expanding: b(3a  5) ¼ 3ab  5b

d r 2 þ 7rs ¼ r 3 r þ r 3 7s HCF of r 2 and 7rs is r.

Think: r 3 ___ ¼ r 2, r 3 ___ ¼ 7rs
¼ r(r þ 7s) Check by expanding: r(r þ 7s) ¼ r 2 þ 7rs

Exercise 3-11 Factorising expressions

1 Find the highest common factor of the terms in each expression.
a 10a þ 2b b 4  12x c ax þ xy d y2  y

2 Copy and complete each factorisation.

a 2x þ 4 ¼ 2(_____) b 4p  16 ¼ 4(____)
c 12k  15 ¼ 3(______) d 5j  20k ¼ 5(______)
e 3x 2 þ 3y 2 ¼ 3(_____) f 5x  15 ¼ ______(x  3)
g 12x  6 ¼ _______(2x  l) h 2a þ 8b ¼ ______(a þ 4b)

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 N E W C E N T U R Y M AT H S
for the A ustralian Curriculum 8
i 4pq þ 10 ¼ ______(2pq þ 5) j 5 þ 15x ¼ 5(_____)
k xy þ xz ¼ x(_____) l ab  ac ¼ a(_____)
m pq  p ¼ p(____) n cd þ bc ¼ c(____)
o a 2 þ 2a ¼ a(______) p 5hk  8h ¼ _______(5k  8)
q 24mn þ 11n ¼ ______(24m þ 11) r xy þ y 2 ¼ _______(x þ y)
s 3k 2 þ 4jk ¼ ______(3k þ 4j) t ef  2f 2 ¼ __________(e  2f)

3 Factorise each expression. See Example 19

a 4x þ 8 b 3m þ 6 c 5a  10 d 15m  10a
e 8x  4y f 12m  16w g hk  h h 2xy  xm
i 12p þ 5pr j x 2 þ 5x k 4m  m 2 l y 2  11y

4 Which expression is 16k 2 þ 18k factorised completely? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A 2(8k 2 þ 9k) B k(16k þ 18) C 2k(8k þ 9) D 4k(4k þ 9)

5 Copy and complete each factorisation.

a 2am þ 2an ¼ 2a(______) b 6xy  3x ¼ 3x(_____) c 4ap þ 2a ¼ 2a(______)
d 5mn  5mp ¼ 5m(_____) e 3xy  12x ¼ 3x(_______) f 2pq þ 2pr ¼ 2p(_____)
g 14x  2xy ¼ 2x(_______) h 20kj þ 5j ¼ 5j(_______) i 9xy  12yz ¼ 3y(_______)

6 Factorise each expression. Worked solutions

a 7ab þ 14a b 2x  6xy c 3m  9mw d 10xy  25xw Exercise 3-11
e 8am  12mp f 9xy þ 6my g 3x þ 9xy h ab þ abc MAT08NAWS10026
i xyz þ xya j 18m  24mn k 2ac þ 3abc l pqr þ mpq
m rs þ 7r n 4s 2 þ 16 o p 2  2p p 6k 3  2k
2
q 3j þ j r 7n  n 2 s 7e þ 21e 2 t 6q  12q 2
u a 4 þ a2 v x 2y þ xy 2 w 3m 2n þ 9m x 12a 2b 2c 2 þ 3abc

Puzzle sheet

3-12 Factorising with negative terms Expandominoes

MAT08NAPS00035

Puzzle sheet

Factorising puzzle
Summary MAT08NAPS10010

Worksheet
When factorising an algebraic expression whose first term is negative, include the negative
sign in the factor. Algebra review

ab  ac ¼ a(b þ c) MAT08NAWK10025

ab þ ac ¼ a(b  c) Skillsheet

Algebra using diagrams

MAT08NASS10013
Example 20 Skillsheet

Factorising using
Factorise each expression. diagrams
a 5x  10 b 9n þ 21 c gh  h d mn þ n 2 MAT08NASS10014
Video tutorial

Factorising expressions

MAT08NAVT10006

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 Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Algebra

Puzzle sheet Solution

Factorising with
a 5x  10 ¼ 5 3 x þ (5) 3 2 HCF of 5x and 10 is 5.
negative terms

MAT08NAPS00037
Think: 5 3 ___ ¼ 5x, 5 3 ___ ¼ 10
¼ 5(x þ 2) Check by expanding: 5(x þ 2) ¼ 5x  10
Homework sheet

Expanding and b 9n þ 21 ¼ 3 3 3n þ (3) 3 (7) HCF of 9n and 21 is 3.

factorising expressions
¼ 3(3n þ (7)) Think: 3 3 ___ ¼ 9n, 3 3 ___ ¼ 21
MAT08NAHS10018
¼ 3(3n  7) Check by expanding: 3(3n  7) ¼ 9n þ 21
Homework sheet
c gh  h ¼ h 3 g þ (h) 3 1 HCF of gh and h is h.
Algebra review
Think: h 3 ___ ¼ gh, h 3 ___ ¼ h
MAT08NAHS10019
¼ h(g þ 1) Check by expanding: h(g þ 1) ¼ gh  h
Quiz

Algebraic expressions d mn þ n 2 ¼ n 3 m þ (n) 3 (n) HCF of mn and n 2 is n.

MAT08NAQZ00009 ¼ n(m þ (n)) Think: n 3 ___ ¼ mn, n 3 ___ ¼ n 2
¼ n(m  n) Check by expanding: n(m  n) ¼ mn þ n 2

Exercise 3-12 Factorising with negative terms

Worksheet 1 Copy and complete each factorisation.
Algebraic expressions a 6k  6 ¼ 6(________) b mn  mp ¼ m (__________)
review c 5r þ 10 ¼ 5(_______) d 3k þ 27 ¼ 3(__________)
MAT08NAWK00059 e ac þ ad ¼ _________(c  d) f y 2  7y ¼ ________(y þ 7)
g 12y  30 ¼ ________(2y þ 5) h 4f þ f 2 ¼ ________(4  f)

See Example 20 2 Factorise each expression.

a 4x þ 12 b 3m  9 c 10x þ 20 d 15x þ 10m
e 6x  8m f 5x  30 g a  ab h 4xyz þ 8abc
i 20 þ 4x j dx  dy k 2m þ 5mp l 24x  16y

3 Which expression is 14wy  28wz fully factorised? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A 2(7wy þ 14wz) B 14w(y þ 2z) C 14w(y  2z) D 2w(7y þ 14z)

Worked solutions 4 Factorise each expression.

Exercise 3-12 a 16xy  24xk b 20x þ 12xy c 8mw þ 12m
MAT08NAWS10027
d 5e  15ef e ab  abc f xya þ xyw
g 12c  18cw h 2rt þ 7rst i 20fh þ 5h
j 19bw  38w k abc þ abcd l abc  abcd

5 a Substitute w ¼ 2 into the expressions w 2 þ 7w and w(w  7).

b Is w 2 þ 7w ¼ w(w  7) for any value of w?
6 Which expression is ab þ a 2 fully factorised? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A a(b  a) B a(b  a) C a(b þ a) D a(b þ a 2)

110 9780170189538
 N E W C E N T U R Y M AT H S
for the A ustralian Curriculum 8
Power plus

1 Simplify each expression.

a 7p  8q þ 3p  5q þ 4q b m  3n  5m  7mn
c 3k  2j  5  4k þ 6j þ 9 d a 2 þ 2b 2 þ 3b 2  a 2
e 4x 2 þ 6x  x 2  12x f xy þ yz þ xz þ 4xy þ 3xz þ yz
g d 2 þ 7 þ 6e 2  3d 2  2e 2 þ 9 h 5f 2 þ 6f þ 2 þ 8f 2  1
2 For each of these shapes, write an algebraic expression for:
i its perimeter ii its area.
(Give your answer in simplest form.)

a x+3 b c
16
x x
p
y

d m e x f c
y
n 5
b
d
m+3
2 a

3 Expand and simplify each expression.

a x(x  3) þ 5(x  3) b m(a þ 4) þ m(a  7)
c 3(y  4) þ 7(y  3) d 4(2a þ b þ 3c)  2(a þ 3b  c)
e p(p  3q þ 2r) þ 2p(4r  3p  2q) f 7k 2 þ 3(k 2  3k  1)  (6k 2  4k þ 2)
g 12  5(4f  6g  3) h 5(2x 2  5x þ 3)  4(3x 2  8x  25)
i (x þ 3)(x þ 5) j (p  1)(p þ 10)

4 Evaluate each expression if p ¼ 4, q ¼ 6, r ¼ 3 and t ¼ 1.

a pþq b pq c r2 þ t2 d q 2  6p þ rt
pq pþ4
e f 6  2r þ p g 2p þ 3q þ 4r  5t h
rt 2
qþr rþ7qt pþ3 r2
i j k þ l q þ pr  qt
pþt 5 5 10 2

5 Factorise each expression.

a 9pq þ 5p  2p 2 b 44k  33l  11m c 2x  7x 2 þ 3xy
d x(y þ 2) þ 3(y þ 2) e a(b  3)  7(b  3) f 4(k þ 1)  j(k þ 1)
6 Simplify each expression.
a mþm b 7n  3n c 2k þ k d 3d  d
2 2 10 10 3 3 5 5
5f 7f
e þ f 3c þ 4c g 4þ2 h 7þ5
8 8 10 10 x x a b

9780170189538 111
 Chapter 3 review

n Language of maths
Puzzle sheet base expand highest common pronumeral
brackets expanded form factor (HCF) substitute
Algebra find-a-word
collecting expression index laws term
MAT08NAPS10012
consecutive factor indices unknown
distributive law factorise like terms unlike terms
evaluate formula power variable

1 Why does the word ‘variable’ have that name? Look up its meaning in the dictionary.
2 What are unlike terms?
3 How do you expand an algebraic expression?
4 What is the name given to the largest algebraic term that divides evenly into two or more
given terms?
5 What is the opposite of expanding an algebraic expression?
6 Look up some non-mathematical meanings of the word ‘factor’. Use ‘factor’ in a sentence to
show one of these meanings.

n Topic overview
Worksheet
• What parts of algebra did you remember from Year 7? What new rules have you learnt?
Mind map: Algebra
• Are there parts of this chapter that you still do not understand? Talk to your teacher.
• Give two examples of jobs where algebra is needed.
MAT08NAWK10026
Copy and complete this mind map of the topic, adding detail to its branches and using pictures,
symbols and colour where needed. Ask your teacher to check your work.

From words to
algebraic
expressions
Variables
Substitution

Adding and
subtracting
ALGEBRA terms

Expanding
and
factorising Multiplying
expressions and
dividing
terms

112 9780170189538
 Chapter 3 revision

1 Simplify each expression. See Exercise 3-01

a p36 b r 3 (1) c 43d3g

d tþtþtþtþt e 14m þ 6m f 11k  6k
g 63y3y h 16 4 a i 53c343d
2 Write each expression in expanded form. See Exercise 3-01

a cd b 3y 2 c w 2
d c þy
6
3 Write each statement as an algebraic expression. See Exercise 3-02

a 4 more than y b six times b minus 3 c p divided by q

4 If x ¼ 5 and y ¼ 2, evaluate each expression. See Exercise 3-03
2
a xþy b xy c 3x  2y d 6y
e 6x 4 y f x2 þ y2
5 Simplify each expression. See Exercise 3-05

a 5k þ 7k b 29d  12d c 4m þ 18m  5m

d 13m  3m þ 8m e 4ac þ 4ac  5ca f 11cd þ 7cd  9cd
g 7x þ 3y þ 3x þ 7y h 13r þ 4s þ 11s þ 2r i 33h þ 6g  5h þ g
6 Simplify each expression. See Exercise 3-06

a 5 3 2x b 2b 3 7d c 11m 3 6 d 3p 3 8q
e 4 3 2w 3 4w f 15j 3 5 g 3m 3 6m 3 2 h 4p 3 3p 3 5p
7 Simplify each expression. See Exercise 3-07
32rs
a 50x 4 2 b 28b 4 7d c 66m 4 6 d
4
15p
e f 14d 2 4 2 g 14e 2 4 2e h 13b 2 4 b
3p
18x 2 44m 2 n2 16e2 g 35a2 e 2
i j k l
9x 11m 4eg 7ae
8 Expand and simplify each expression. See Exercise 3-09

a 6(n þ 2) b 5(2b þ 7) c j(9j  3)

d 10 þ 2(n þ 4) e 22v  3(v þ 5) f 5(y þ 2) þ 4(y  7)
9 Find the highest common factor of each pair of terms. See Exercise 3-10

a 6a and 12 b 3p 2 and 18p c 7t and 14

10 Factorise each expression. See Exercise 3-11

a 3m þ 9 b 5h  35 c 6a þ 9ab d 10h  12hm

e xy þ xyz f cd  de g a 2  6a h 8kj þ 24j 2
11 Factorise each expression. See Exercise 3-12

a 2  4q b 4f  16 c 12 þ 15d d ab þ b

e 16b  24bd f 4k 2  k g x 2 þ 7x h h 2i  hi 2

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