Basic Algebra Concepts – Review

Unit 1 Notes
Chapter 1: Sections 1.1 – 1.10

K. Yoder
MTH 123
FA 24
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1.1 Numbers
Number Sets

Example 1: Match the following number sets with the appropriate description.

1. _____ natural numbers a. A number that can be expressed as the

division of one integer a by another
nonzero integer b, and can be represented
2. _____ whole numbers by the fraction a/b. The decimal form of
this kind of number will either terminate or
repeat.
3. _____ integers b. The name given to the square root of a
negative number
c. Also called the counting numbers
4. _____ rational numbers d. The set of the whole numbers and their
opposites.
e. The rational numbers together with the
5. _____ irrational numbers irrational numbers, including all such
numbers that are positive, negative, or zero
make up this set of numbers.
6. _____ real numbers f. The decimal form of these numbers are
nonterminating, nonrepeating decimals.
g. The set of the natural numbers and zero.
7. _____ imaginary numbers

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Absolute Value

Example 2: Determine the following absolute values:

a. b.

Reciprocals
The reciprocal of a number is formed by simply reversing the roles of the numerator and the
denominator.

Example 3: Form the reciprocal of each number below:

Ordering Numbers
Example 4: List the following numbers in numerical order, starting with the smallest. You may wish to
convert all values to DECIMAL form for easier comparisons.

4 19 −π
, − 11, , −6 , 1.7,
9 4 2

Signs of Inequality
< means ________________________ and > means ________________________

Example 5: Place the correct sign of inequality between the two values.
[Hint: you must simplify the absolute value first.]

− −6 + 10 −6 + −10

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1.2: Fundamental Operations of Algebra
Order of Operations

1. Perform operations within grouping symbols (parenthesis, brackets, or absolute value)

2. Perform multiplications and divisions (from left to right)
3. Perform additions and subtractions (from left to right)

Example 1: Evaluate the following numerical expressions using the Order of Operations.

a. d.

b. e.

c. f.

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Operations with Zero
Example 2: Complete the following operations with zero by hand and then use your calculator to check
your answers.
a. 0 − ( −5 ) = d.
0
=
6

b. −6 − 0 =
8
e. =
0

c. 0 − 4 =

2
f. ÷0 =
5

Thus, division by zero is ____________________.

Evaluating in an Application

Example 2: A 3000-lb van going at 40 mi/h ran head-on into a 2000-lb car going at 20 mi/h. An
insurance investigator determined the velocity of the vehicles immediately after the collision from the
following calculation. Simplify the ratio and then use your calculator to check your answer.

3000(40) + 2000(−20)
3000 + 2000

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1.3: Calculators and Approximate Numbers

“Most numbers in technical and scientific work are approximate numbers, having been determined by
some measurement. Other numbers are exact numbers, having been determined by a definition or
counting process.” (i.e. 12 iPhones that weigh 129 g each)

Accuracy – refers to the number of significant digits a number has

Precision – refers to the place value of the last significant digit (the right-most significant digit)

Rules for Significant Digits

Rule Example Accuracy Precision
1. All non-zero digits are considered significant. 2.36 ft

2. All zero’s that are between any non-zero digits are 4002 m
considered significant.
3. Zero’s to the RIGHT of a whole number & to the LEFT 5000 kg
of the decimal are NOT significant
4. Any zero to the RIGHT of a decimal & AFTER non-zero 12.40 in
digits are significant
5. A “tagged” zero is considered significant. A tag can 2000 mi
only be over a 0, it makes an unsignificant 0, significant.
6. Zero’s to the RIGHT of a decimal and to the LEFT of a 0.0014 g
non-zero are NOT significant

Example 1: Find the accuracy of each of the following measurements.

Accuracy - # Accuracy - #
Measurement Measurement
sig digs of sig digs
1. 3463 ft 8. 0.00632 kg

2. 3005 mi 9. 0.0401 m

3. 10,809 kg 10. 0.0060 g

4. 36,000 tons 11. 14.20 m

5. 880� 0 mi 12. 30.00 cm

6. 1,349,000 km 13. 100.060 g

7. 6000 m 14. 40.02310 in

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Rules for Combining Operations
Adding or Subtracting Measurements Multiplying or Dividing Measurements
1. After making sure all units are the same, 1. Multiply or divide the measurements as given
perform the addition or the subtraction. (no like units necessary).
2. Round the result to the same precision as the 2. Round the result to the same number of
least precise measurement. significant digits as the number with the least
number of significant digits.

ASP (Add-Subtract-Precision) & MDA (Multiply-Divide-Accuracy)

Perform the indicated operations with the approximate numbers and round using the rules for
performing operations with measurements.

Example 2: 4857 + 73.8 =

Example 3: 15.02 mm – 12.6 mm =

Example 4: (17.7 in )( 32 in ) =

Example 5: Find the volume of a cube whose edge is 8.50 cm long if the formula for the volume of a
cube is V = e3 .

Example 6: For problems with multiple operations, round the answer to the last operation performed.
All numbers are approximate. ( 4.265 ) 2.60  ÷ ( 3.7 + 5.14 )

Example 7: A circular pipe has an inside radius, r, of 10.6 cm and a wall thickness of 2.125 cm. It is
surrounded by insulation having a thickness of 4.8 cm. What is the outside diameter D? Round to
three significant digits.

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1.4: Exponents and Unit Conversions
Laws of Exponents

Example 1: Meaning of Exponents

a. 4 ⋅ 4 ⋅ 4 ⋅ 4 ⋅ 4

b. (−2)(−2)(−2)(−2)

c. a ⋅ a

 1  1  1 
d.      
 5  5  5 

e. x 3 ⋅ x 5

x3
f.
x5

(2y)
3
g.

Be very careful! −32 versus (−3) 2 ... What is the difference (besides one has parenthesis and one does not)?

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Example 2: Simplify using exponents.
a. d.

b. e.

c. f.

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Unit Conversions

*All conversions above will be given to you on the exam.

Example 3: Perform the following conversions and use the rules for precision and accuracy for
rounding. Assume all values are approximate unless stated otherwise.

a. Change lbs to g

b. Change in 2 to ft 2

c. Change mph to ft/min

d. Water flows from a fire hose at a rate of gal/min. Convert this to liters per second.

e. Perform the indicated operations and attach the appropriate units to our answer. (60, 1, and
5280 are exact)
2
 8.75 mi  1 min   5280 ft 
 2    
 1.32 min  60 sec   1 mi 

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1.5: Scientific Notation

Example 1: Fill in the chart. Do not round.

Scientific Notation Standard Notation

2.4 ×106

0.000532

Example 2: Use your calculator to perform the indicated operations. Answer in scientific notation and
use the rules for precision and accuracy for rounding.

0.00452
a.
2430 ( 97.100 )

b.
( 2.45 ×10 )( 3.41×10 )
2 −9

0.0462

8.03 ×105
c.
5.25 ×10−6

d. ( 2.13 ×10 )( 5.6 ×10 )

2 −5

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1.6: Roots and Radicals

Example 1: Simplify the given expressions. Exact answers only.

a. 64

b. 3
−125

Example 2: Find the value of each square root by use of calculator. Each number is approximate.
Use the rules for accuracy and precision for rounding.
a. 52 d. 0.8152

b. 4.02 + 32 e. 10.6276 + 2.1609

c. 85.4 f. 0.04292 − 0.01832

Example 3: Solve the given application problems. Use the rules for precision and accuracy for
rounding.
a. The lateral surface area of a right circular cone, s, is represented by the equation
= s π r r 2 + h 2 , where r is the radius of the circular base and h is the height of the cone. If
the radius of a large cone-shaped funnel is 5.750 cm and the height is 19.33 cm, find its
lateral surface area.

b. A car costs $38,000 new and is worth $24,000 2 years later. The annual rate of depreciation is
( )
found by evaluating 100 1 − V / C , where C is the cost and V is the value after 2 years. At
what rate did the car depreciate? (100 and 1 are exact)

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1.7: Addition & Subtraction of Algebraic Expressions

Algebraic Expressions: any combination of numbers and literal symbols that results from algebraic
operations

Example 1: Simplify the given algebraic expression.

 What needs done to eliminate grouping symbols if the inside cannot be simplified?

a. 5 − (3 − 4n + n)

b.

c.

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 d.

e.

Example 2: When finding the current in a transistor circuit, the expression

i1 − (2 − 3i2 ) + i2 is used. Simplify this expression. (The numbers below the i’s are subscripts. Different
subscripts denote different variables.)

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1.8: Multiplication of Algebraic Expressions

Example 1: Simplify the given algebraic expression.

a. −4c 2 (−9c3 − 2c + g 2 )

b.

c.

d.

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 e.

f.

( )
Example 2: In using aircraft radar, the expression ( 2R − X ) − R 2 + X 2 arises. Simplify this
2

expression.

Example 3: A savings account of $1000 that earns r% annual interest, compounded quarterly, has a
value of 1000(1 + 0.0025r ) 2 after 6 months. Simplify this expression.

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1.9: Division of Algebraic Expressions

Example 1: Perform the indicated divisions.

−16r 3t 5
a.
−4r 5t

b.

c.

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d.

e.

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1.10: Solving Equations

What is a solution?

What does it mean to solve an equation?

Procedure for Solving Equations

1. Clear fractions.
2. Simplify both sides completely (remove parenthesis and combine like terms)
3. Move variable terms to one side of the equals sign.
4. Move constant terms to the other side of the equals sign.
5. Multiply/divide, if needed, to isolate variable completely.
6. Always check your answer!!

Example 1: Solve the given equations. Do not round.

11 − t c.
a. =4
5

d.
b.

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 e. f.

Example 2: Solve the given problem.

In order to find the distance x such that the weights are balanced on the lever shown in Fig. 1.16, the
equation 210(3 x) = 55.3 x + 38.5(8.25 − 3 x) must be solved. Find x. Round to three significant digits.

Equations with Absolute Value:

1. Isolate absolute value expression.
2. Clear absolute value expression (split into 2 different equations, positive and negative of the
isolated constant i.e. 4 and –4).
3. Solve both equations. You will get two solutions.
4. Check your answers!

Example 3: Solve for y.

5− 2y − 2 =7

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Solving Formulas:
1. Clear fractions.
2. Isolate the variable term you are solving for by adding or subtracting other terms to the other
side.
3. Multiply or divide to isolate the variable you are solving for.

Example 4: Solve the formula for the given variable.

a. In Einstein’s formula E = mc 2 , solve for m.

b. A formula relating acceleration a, velocity v, initial velocity v0, and time is v= v0 + at . Solve for t.

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MTH 123

Unit 1 Exam Review

[1.1]

1. List the following numbers in numerical order, starting with the smallest: −5, 6, π , 7, −8 , − −3 , −8.1
5
2. Which of the following are rational numbers? −5, 25, 6, π , 7, −8.1,
9
3. Is –2.25 rational or irrational? Why?
[1.2]
0 25
4. Find the value of a.) and b.) .
−7 0
6(−2 − 3) − 3(−1)
5. Evaluate the given expression.
2−5

[1.3]
6. Round off the given approximate number to three significant digits. 87359.26

7. Perform the indicated operations using a calculator. Assume all numbers are approximate. Use rules
for precision and accuracy for rounding. 9.75 + (9.2)(3.84)

8. A shipment contains eight plasma televisions, each weighing 68.6 lb, and five video game consoles,
each weighing 15.3 lb. What is the total weight of the shipment? Round to three significant digits.
[1.4]
2
 6x 
9. Simplify and express with positive exponents only:  
 7 
10. GPS satellites orbit the Earth at an altitude of about 12,500 mi. Convert this to kilometers. Use rules
for precision and accuracy for rounding. [See Table 1.1 Conversion Factors on page 9 of your notes.]

11. Convert 245 lb/ft3 to kg/L. Round to 3 significant digits and include the proper units in your answer.
[See Table 1.1 Conversion Factors on page 9 of your notes.]

12. Perform the indicated operations and attach the appropriate units to your answer. Use rules for
precision and accuracy for rounding. [The 1000, 100 and 1 are exact.]

3
 kg   1000 g   1 m 
 238 3    
 m   1 kg   100 cm 

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[1.5]
13. Express 0.0000036 in scientific notation.

14. Evaluate the given expression. Answer in scientific notation. Use the rules for precision and accuracy
3.372 ×10−3
for rounding.
7.526 ×1012
[1.6]
For questions, 15-16, simplify. Do not round:

15.
3
−125 32 + 92
16.
10
[1.7]
Simplify the expression:

17. ( 2 x − 5 ) − ( 6 − 4 x )

18. 3 x −  4 x − ( 3 − 2 x ) + 2 

[1.8]
Multiply and simplify:
19. ( 2 x − 3)( x + 7 )

20. ( 2 x + 3)
2

21. In finding the illuminance from a light source, the expression 8 (100 − x ) + x 2 is used. Simplify the
2

expression.
[1.9]

−2ax 2 + 8a 3 x 2 − 4a 2 rx 4
22. Divide and simplify:
−2arx 2
[1.10]
Solve:
23. 3t − 2(7 − t )= 5(2t + 1) 12 − x
25. = −3
5
24. 2 − x =
4

**In addition to completing this review, you should also review all quizzes,
homework assignments, labs, and your class notes.
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