NNPC FSTP Technicians

Mathematics

Course Code:
 Module 2

ALGEBRA
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

Algebra is the branch of mathematics in which

we use alphabets (a-z) to represent unknown
quantities.
If I say I have b number of oranges, you will not
know the number of oranges I have.
If I say again that Tony has q oranges more than
Dele, q is an unknown quantity. It could be any
number.
The unknown is usually represented by any
alphabet, say n.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

USING FORMULAE
• Formulae are rules for finding certain
quantities by combining others. When the
values of alphabets are given, they can be
substituted into formulae in order to obtain the
answer.
• The step is relatively simple – just substitute
the given value of the alphabet into the
formulae,
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

Examples:
(1). If a=12, find the value of the expression
25-2a
Solution: 25 - 2x12
25 - 24 = 1
(2). If a=4, b=5, find the value of the expression
ab-10
Solution:
4X5 –10
20-10 =10
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

If the cost of an item is given by the

formulae C = 12n + 750, find C when
n=500.
SOLUTION
C = 12n + 750
C = 12X500 + 750
6000 + 750 = 6750
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

I am 5 years older than my brother. What

is the sum of our present ages?
SOLUTION
Let my brother’s age be c years
My age is (c + 5) years
The sum of present ages will be c + (c +5)
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

When 50 is added to a certain number, the answer

is the same as when the number is multiplied by 3
and 5 subtracted. Write the algebraic expression.
SOLUTION
Let the number be n
When 50 is added to the number, it becomes n + 50
The answer is the same as 3n -5
The algebraic expression is n+50 =3n-5
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

• Algebraic expressions contain a few or many
terms, each separated by + sign, - sign,
x multiplication sign or ÷ division sign.
• The purpose is to express it in its simplest
form.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

STEPS IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC

EXPRESSION
• Like terms are those terms in the expression
containing the same unknown or alphabets.
• Like terms will be collected together and then
added or subtracted etc together
• Observe the signs very carefully and do not
mix them up.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

STEPS IN SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC

EXPRESSION
• If there are brackets in the expression, they
must be removed and the terms outside the
bracket will multiply the terms inside the
bracket.
• In the course of the above multiplication, the
signs may change.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

EXAMPLES
(1). Simplify the following
3a+2c +7a+12c+15a
Collect like terms together:
3a+7a+15a+2c+12c
25a+14c
(2). 12a+14b+20c-5a+10b-7c
Collecting like terms together
12a-5a+14b+10b+20c-7c
7a+24b+13c
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

EXAMPLES
(3). 2(6c+5) + 6(d – 2c)
Multiplying out and removing the brackets
12c + 10 + 6d – 12c
Collecting like terms together
12c – 12c + 6d + 10
6d + 10
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

Exercises
Simplify the following algebraic expressions:
• 4n – 4 +3n +1
• X2 + 4x -3 -7x + 9
• 8(x2 + x – 3) + 5(2 – x)
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

SOLVING LINEAR EQUATIONS

• A mathematical equation is not the same as
a mathematical expression.
• An equation must contain an equality sign
(=).
• What it means is that the left hand side of
the equation is equal to the right hand side
of the equation.
.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

• In other words, when you have an equation, whatever

you do at one side of the equation you also do it at
the other side of the equation.
• The two sides must continue to be equal to each
other.
EXAMPLE:
Solve the equation 2x +5 = 20
• 2x + 5 – 5 = 20 -5
• 2x = 15
• X = 15/2 = 7.5
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

Solve 2(7x +4) = (x+2)

Steps:
• Opening the bracket
14x + 8 = x + 2
• Collecting like terms
14x – x =2- 8
13x = -6
• Dividing by 13
13x/13 = -6/13
X = -6/13
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

Exercises
• Solve the equation 3(x +1) -4 = 2(x + 4)
• When I treble a certain number and add 2, I
get the same answer as I do when I take
the number from 50. Write an equation for
the problem and solve it.
• Solve the equation 200y – 51 = 40
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

CHANGING THE SUBJECT OF A FORMULA

• The letter I is the subject of the formula in the
expression
I = PRT/100.
The subject stands on its own. It can be found directly
by substituting in the values of the other letters in the
formula.
• It is often necessary to change the subject of the
formula. This means to rearrange the order of the
letters in the formula so that one of the other letters
becomes the subject.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

STEPS TO SOLVING CHANGE OF SUBJECT

FORMULA
• Treat the formula like an algebraic equation
• Solve the equation for the letter that is to be the
new subject of the formular
• Remember
• Begin by clearing fractions, brackets and square
root signs
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

STEPS TO SOLVING CHANGE OF SUBJECT

FORMULA
• Rearrange the resulting equation so that all the
terms that contain the subject are on one side and
the rest on the other side
• Simplify the side containing the subject until it
remains as a single term
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

EXAMPLES
(1). If I = PRT/100, make P the subject of the
formular
P = PRT/100
Multiply both sides by 100
100I = PRT……………1
Dividing both sides of eqn (1) by RT
PRT / RT = 100I / RT
T = 100 I / RT
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

EXAMPLES
(2). Make b the subject of the formula
A = 1/2bh
Multiply by 2
2A = bh
Dividing by h
b = 2A/h
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

EXAMPLES
(3). Make y the subject of the formula
3x – 2y = 8
Add 2y to both sides
3x -2y + 2y= 8 +2y
3x = 8 + 2y
Subtracting 8 from both sides
3x -8 = 8 -8 +2y
3x – 8 = 2y
Dividing both sides by 2
y = 3x -8/2
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

Exercises:
• If n2-1/m =4, make m the subject of the formula
• Make N the subject of the formula P = N + 2/D
• Make d the subject of the formula a/b = c/d
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

USING ALGEBRA TO SOLVE PROBLEMS

• Before you can use algebra to solve problems, you
must be able to write information in algebra.
STEPS FOR EXPESSING INFORMATION IN
ALGEBRAIC FORM:
• Make sure you understand the problem by reading it
carefully
• Note the facts that are given and the quantities that
you have to find
• State clearly the letter that you will use to represent
one of the quantities you need to find
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

• Represent the other unknown quantities in terms

of the others.
• Write an equation using the facts that have been
given
• Solve the equation
• State clearly the values of the quantities you were
asked to find.
• Check if your answer is reasonable
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

EXAMPLE:
The sum of 9 and a certain number is one and a half
times the original number. Find the number.
Let the number be z
Z + 9 = 1½ Z
Subtract z from both sides
9=½z
Multiply both sides by 2
Z = 18
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

DIRECT AND INVERSE VARIATION

• Variation means relationship between two or
more things. A change in one result in a
change in the other.
• When we prepare very well for an exam, the
chance is that we will score a very high score.
Here our scores are related to our
preparedness for the exam.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

• If you are travelling to somewhere in a

motor vehicle, the greater the speed of the
vehicle the shorter the time it will take to
reach there.
• This is inverse variation.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

EXAMPLE:
If x is directly proportional to y and x =2 when y = 8,
find the equation connecting x and y
We introduce k, the constant of proportionality
X = k y……….(1)
Substitute x =2, y = 8 into eqn (1)
2=k8
Divide both sides by the coefficient of k, that is 8,
so we have: 2/8 =8k/8
¼ = k, now Substitute k =1/4 into eqn (1)
X = 1/4y or x = y/4
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

UNDERSTANDING INDICES

Scientists, technicians and engineers often

have to deal with numbers expressed as
power of 10. For example 102, 107,10-3 etc.
When we are dealing with power of this form,
we are dealing with indices.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

THE LAWS OF INDICES

(1). Any number raised to power 0 is 1
20 = 1
(162 + 53)0 = 1
(2). Multiplication is addition of powers
22 x 23 x 24 = 22+3+4 = 29
43 x 42 x 4-2 = 43+2+(-2) = 43
They must have same base.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

THE LAWS OF INDICES

(3). Division is subtraction of powers
56 ÷ 54 = 56- 4 = 52
(4). Fractional power is root according to the
denominator
51/2 = √5
(5). Negative indices is a reciprocal of the
number
a-3 = 1/a3
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

Examples:
(1). Simplify
a). 2e4 x 5e10 b). 2e3 x 5e-4
= 10e4+10 = 10e3-4
= 10e14 = 10e-1
(2). Simplify
a). 12p4 ÷ 4p3 b). 6g4h3 ÷ 2g3h
= 3p4-3 = 3g4-3h3-1
= 3p = 3gh2
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

ALGEBRAIC MANIPULATION

Most algebraic manipulation combines the

rules of removing brackets, applying the rules
of directed numbers, as well as the rules of
indices on BODMAS.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

EXAMPLES:
(1). Expand (3p + 2)2
(3p +2)(3p + 2)
9p2 + 6p +6p + 4
9p2 + 12p +4
(2). (a – b)(3a-2b +3c)
3a2 – 2ab + 3ac- 3ab + 2b2 – 3bc
3a2- 5ab + 2b2 – 3bc + 3ac
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

FACTORIZATION
Factorization means writing an expression in terms
of its factors. We can think of factorization as the
inverse of removing brackets.
EXAMPLE
Factorize 12y +8z
The HCF of 12y and 8z is 4
12y + 8z = 4(12y/4 + 8z/4)
4(3y + 2z)
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

FACTORIZATION OF QUADRATIC
EQUATION

A quadratic expression is one in which 2 is

the highest power of the unknown in the
expression. To factorize a quadratic
expression is to express it as a product of its
factors
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

EXAMPLES
Factorize x2 + 7 +10
We look for 2 factors whose product will be +10
and whose sum will be +7
These factors will be +2 and +7
Factorization of x2 + 7x +10 gives (x +2)(x+7).
It is always good to multiply out these factors to be
sure your answer is correct.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

ALGEBRAIC FRACTIONS
• Algebraic fractions can be simplified,
added, subtracted, multiplied and divided in
the same way as arithmetic fractions.
• However, in order to perform these
operations, you may need to find the factors
of the numerators and denominator.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

STEPS IN SOLVING ALGEBRAIC

FRACTIONS
• To solve an equation with fractions, always
clear the fractions
• To clear the fractions, multiply each term on
both sides of the equation by the LCM of
the denominators of the fractions
• After the fractions have been cleared, clear
bracket, collect like terms and solve the
usual way
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

EXAMPLE
Solve the equation x- 4/5 = 2 – x/2
There are two denominators, 5 and 2. There
LCM is 10. Multiply each term in the equation
by 10
10(x -4)/5 =10 x2 – 10 x (x/2)
2(x-4) =20 – 5x
Clear brackets: 2x -8 =20 -5x
Add 5x to both sides: 7x -8 = 20
Add 8 to both sides: 7x = 28
Divide both sides by 7: X =7
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

SOLVING SIMULTANEOUS EQUATIONS

• Simultaneous linear equations can be
solved graphically by drawing the graph of
the two equations on the same axis, their
point of intersection gives the solution.
• Simultaneous equation can also be solved
algebraically either by substitution or by
elimination
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

METHOD OF SUBSTITUTION
Solve the equations 2x + y = 7; x – y = 2.
• When asked to solve two equations with two
unknowns, assume that they are simultaneous linear
equations.
• Write out the equations, one below the other. Label
them, equations (1) and (2)
• Take one of the equations and make either x or y the
subject.
• Then substitute for the subject in the other equation,
to obtain the value for the other unknown.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

Solution:
2x + y = 7---------------- (1)
x – y = 2--------------------(2)
From eqn (2)
x = 2 + y ----------------------(3)
Substituting (2 + y) for x in eqn (1)
2(2 +y) + y = 7
Clear brackets and collect like terms
4 + 2y + y = 7; so, 3y = 3 and Y =1
Substitute the value 1 for y in eqn (3)
x = 2 + 1 = 3; i.e, x=3 and y=1.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

(1) METHOD OF ELIMINATION

• When none of the coefficients of the
unknown is 1, use the method of
elimination. The aim of this method is to
get rid of (eliminate) one of the
unknowns by making its coefficient the
same in both equations. Then add or
subtract the equations as necessary.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

EXAMPLE
Solve the equations 3x +2y =12; 5x -3y = 1
3x+ 2y =12……………(1)
5x – 3y =1…………….(2)
Eqn(1) x3 : 9x + 6y =36
Eqn (2) x2: (+) 10x – 6y = 2
19x =38
X =2
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

Substituting 2 for x in eqn (1)

3x2 + 2y =12
2y =12 -6 =6
Y =3
so, x= 2 and y= 3.
Exercises:
Solve the following:-
(1). 3x + 2y = 10; 4x – y = 6
(2). 2x= 3y +14, 3x + 2y +5 = 0
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS

• A quadratic has the highest power of 2 in
the unknown. Normally a quadratic
equation have two possible solutions (also
called roots).

Using factor to solve quadratic equations.
• This involves factorization of the equation,
• Then expressing the equation as a multiple
of the two factors, made equal to zero.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

• When two numbers are multiplied to give 0,

then one of those numbers must be equal to
0.
• Now, if xy = 0, then x=0 or y=0. Where x and y
represents the two factors of the quadratic
equation.
Example:
• Solve the equation x2 – 5x = 0
• Factorise the LHS: x(x-5)= 0
• So, x= 0 or x = 5
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

Using a formula to solve quadratic

equations
The formula for solving quadratic
equations is called the quadratic formula,
• Written as follows:
• X = -b± √(b2 - 4ac)
2a
• which gives the roots of the equation
ax2 + bx + c = 0.
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

Example:
Solve the equation 2x2 + 7x + 3
a=2, b=7, c=3, and ac = 6
using the formula: x = -b± √(b2 - 4ac) ,
2a
x = -7± √(49 - 24), x = -7± √25,
4 4
x = -7+5, or x = -7- 5,
4 4
x = -½ or -3
 Module 2 – ALGEBRA

• EXERCISES:

Please refer to workbook