(𝒂𝒂 + 𝒃𝒃)𝟐𝟐 = 𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐 + 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 + 𝒃𝒃𝟐𝟐

(𝒂𝒂 − 𝒃𝒃)𝟐𝟐 = 𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐 − 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 + 𝒃𝒃𝟐𝟐

(𝒂𝒂 + 𝒃𝒃)𝟑𝟑 = 𝒂𝒂𝟑𝟑 + 𝟑𝟑𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐 𝒃𝒃 + 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝒃𝒃𝟐𝟐 + 𝒃𝒃𝟑𝟑

𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 𝒚𝒚𝟐𝟐 𝒙𝒙 𝒚𝒚 𝒙𝒙 𝒚𝒚
− = � − �� + �
𝟗𝟗 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 𝟑𝟑 𝟓𝟓 𝟑𝟑 𝟓𝟓

0966295655/0970295655/0955295655
[email protected]

Compiled by Kachama Dickson. C/ High Standards in Mathematics/Together we can 1

 THE AUTHOR
DICKSON KACHAMA. C: Is a former pupil of
Kamyanda Core Basic School (2001- 2009) in
Manyinga District of North Western Province
and Mufulira Secondary School (2010 - 2012)
on the Copperbelt Province.
He is a Copperbelt University graduate and
holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics
Education (B.Sc. Ma Ed). Currently, he works
at Katangalele Tuition center as a teacher of
mathematics and coordinator.

KACHAMA is a mathematician who believes in working hard, by simplifying learning

materials which include, simplified teaching notes, revision booklets, leaflets, and
mathematics pamphlets to enhance pupils' understanding. This is meant to improve the
performance of learners in mathematics countrywide. He is the author of the mathematics
materials entitled “High Standards in Mathematics”

ABOUT THE BOOKLET

This booklet contains well-summarized notes on algebra for grade 10.
At the end of studying this booklet, pupils should be able to:
 Define Algebra.
 Simplify algebraic expressions.
 Expand and simplify algebraic expressions.
 Factorize algebraic expressions using the four methods of factorization.
 Simplify algebraic fractions.
 Express the given fractions into single fractions
 Solve Examination Questions

All rights reserved © KDC – 2021 Mufulira Copperbelt province

Compiled by Kachama Dickson. C/ High Standards in Mathematics/Together we can 2

 Table of Contents
THE AUTHOR...................................................................................................................... 2

ABOUT THE BOOKLET ...................................................................................................... 2

Definition ............................................................................................................................ 4

Subtopic 1: Simplification of algebraic expressions ....................................................... 4

Subtopic 2: Expansion and Simplification of algebraic expressions ............................. 5

Subtopic 3: Factorization................................................................................................... 6

3.1 Using a common factor................................................................................................... 6

3.2 Factorising by Grouping terms........................................................................................ 7

3.3 Factorising using factors of quadratic expression ........................................................... 8

3.4 Difference of two squares ............................................................................................... 9

Subtopic 4: Algebraic Fractions.......................................................................................10

4.1 Simplifying algebraic Expressions .................................................................................10

4.2 Multiplication and Division .............................................................................................11

4.3 Addition and Subtraction (Single Fraction).....................................................................12

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 ALGEBRA

Definition: Basic algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with letters to

represent numbers. The letters in algebra are called variables and they stand

for an unknown number.

In other words, basic algebra is the field of mathematics that is one step

more abstract than arithmetic. Remember that arithmetic is the manipulation of

numbers through basic math functions.

Arithmetic expression: 2 + 5 = 7

Algebraic expression: 2𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑥𝑥 = 7𝑥𝑥

An expression is defined as a mathematical sentence that consists of terms

separated by a plus or minus signs.

Coefficients

3𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑦𝑦 − 7

Variables Constant

Terms 3x, 5y, 7

Subtopic 1: Simplification of algebraic expressions

To simplify an expression is to make it as simple as possible. To achieve this, we
group the like terms together

Like terms have the same variables and they are raised to the same powers.

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 Example 1

Simplify 3𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 − 5𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦

Solution

3𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 − 5𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦

Hint: Unlike terms have
𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 − 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 + 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 + 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 different variables, hence
cannot be added
−2𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑦𝑦

Questions

Simplify the following expressions

1. 2𝑥𝑥 + 3𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑥𝑥

2. 9𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 6𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 4𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
3. 4 − 3𝑚𝑚2 + 21 + 17𝑚𝑚2 − 7
4. 𝑥𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 9𝑦𝑦 2 − 7𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑥𝑥 2
5. ℎ2 + 2𝑎𝑎ℎ − 3ℎ2 + 8𝑎𝑎ℎ + 4ℎ2 − 20𝑎𝑎ℎ
6. −3𝑦𝑦 2 − 4𝑦𝑦 2 + 7𝑦𝑦 2 + 4𝑦𝑦 3 + 2𝑦𝑦 4 − 8𝑦𝑦 2

Subtopic 2: Expansion and Simplification of algebraic expressions

To expand means to remove the brackets.

Example 2

1. Expand 3(𝑥𝑥 − 2𝑦𝑦)

2. Expand and simplify 3𝑥𝑥 − 2(𝑥𝑥 − 2) − 3(𝑥𝑥 − 4)

Solution

1. 3(𝑥𝑥 − 2𝑦𝑦) = 3 × 𝑥𝑥 − 3 × 2𝑦𝑦 = 3𝑥𝑥 − 6𝑦𝑦 Hint: When expanding,

2. 3𝑥𝑥 − 2(𝑥𝑥 − 2) − 3(𝑥𝑥 + 4) remember to multiply the
3𝑥𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑥 + 4 − 3𝑥𝑥 − 12 term outside by every
𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑥𝑥 + 4 − 12 term inside the brackets
−2𝑥𝑥 − 8

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 Questions
1. Expand the following
(a) 4(2𝑥𝑥 − 3)
(b) 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 2 (𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑎𝑎2 𝑏𝑏 3 )
(c) 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥(−𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑥𝑥 2 𝑦𝑦 3 )
(d) −2𝑝𝑝2 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞(𝑝𝑝 − 3𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 − 𝑟𝑟 2 )
2. Expand and simplify the following
(a) 4(𝑥𝑥 + 3) − 6(2𝑥𝑥 + 3)
(b) 11𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑥(4 + 2𝑥𝑥) − 6𝑥𝑥
(c) (2𝑥𝑥 + 3)(2𝑥𝑥 − 3)
(d) 4𝑎𝑎2 − 𝑎𝑎(𝑏𝑏 − 2𝑎𝑎) + 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
(e) 3[(𝑥𝑥 − 2)(𝑥𝑥 − 3)]
(f) 6𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 − 2) − (2𝑥𝑥 − 10)
(g) 2(𝑥𝑥 − 3)2 + 4(𝑥𝑥 − 8)2
(h) (𝑒𝑒 − 2)(𝑒𝑒 − 4) − 3𝑒𝑒(𝑒𝑒 − 1)
(i) (2𝑥𝑥 − 5)2 − 𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 − 1)

Subtopic 3: Factorization

3.1 Using a common factor

A common factor is a number that divides into two or more numbers. For
instance, 2 is the common factor of 4 and 6. For variables, the common factor is
the one with the lowest power.

Example 3

Factorize the following

1. 3𝑥𝑥 − 6 2. 4𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 2 + 6𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 3 − 12𝑥𝑥 2 𝑦𝑦 2

Solution
Hint: Factorization is
1. 3𝑥𝑥 − 6 2. 4𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 2 + 6𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 3 − 12𝑥𝑥 2 𝑦𝑦 2
3(𝑥𝑥 − 2) 2𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 2 (2 + 3𝑦𝑦 − 6𝑥𝑥) the reverse process of
expansion.

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 Questions

Factorize the following expressions

1) 10𝑥𝑥 2 + 5𝑥𝑥
2) 4 + 2𝑏𝑏 2
3) 2𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 2 𝐻𝐻 − 4𝜋𝜋𝑅𝑅 2 ℎ
4) 2(𝑥𝑥 + 4) − 3𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 + 4)
5) 30𝑎𝑎2 𝑏𝑏 3 𝑐𝑐 − 14𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 3 𝑐𝑐 2 𝑑𝑑
6) (𝑥𝑥 − 𝑎𝑎)(3𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑎𝑎) − (𝑥𝑥 − 𝑎𝑎)2

3.2 Factorising by Grouping terms

Some algebraic expressions such as 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 do not have common
factors throughout except 1. Such expressions can only be factorized by
grouping terms with common factors.

Example 4

Factorize

1. 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 2. 8𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 12𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 8𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 12𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎

Solution

1. 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 2. 8𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 12𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 8𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 12𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎

𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 8𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 8𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 12𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 12𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
𝑚𝑚(𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏) + 𝑛𝑛(𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏) 8𝑡𝑡(𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏) − 12𝑟𝑟(𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)
(𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)(𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛) (8𝑡𝑡 − 12𝑟𝑟)(𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)
4(2𝑡𝑡 − 3𝑟𝑟)(𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)
Hint: Always
Questions
remember to group
Factorize the following expressions.
the terms with
1) 𝑎𝑎2 + 𝑏𝑏 − 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 common factors.
2) 10𝑚𝑚2 − 1 + 5𝑚𝑚 − 2𝑚𝑚
3) 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 3𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 − 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 3𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥
4) 3𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 + 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 − 3𝑒𝑒ℎ − 6𝑓𝑓ℎ
5) 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 + 4𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 2𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 2ℎ𝑛𝑛
6) 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 4𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 − 6𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
7) −2𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥 2 + 6𝑦𝑦 2

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 3.3 Factorising using factors of the quadratic expression
An expression of the form 𝑎𝑎𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐 where 𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏 and 𝑐𝑐 are numbers and 𝑎𝑎 ≠ 0,
is called a quadratic expression. For example 2𝑥𝑥 2 − 5𝑥𝑥 + 3.

Simple steps to follow when using this method

Step 1: Find the product of 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑐𝑐, i.e. 𝑎𝑎 × 𝑐𝑐 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎.

Step 2: Find two factors of the product ac, whose sum is b.

Step 3: Write the sum b in terms of the two factors found in step 2, so that
the expression has four terms.

Step 4: Factorize this expression by grouping terms.

Hint: To find the two
Example 5
factors of 16 whose
Factorize the following sum is 10, simply list
all the factors of 16
1. 𝑥𝑥 2 + 10𝑥𝑥 + 16 2. 3𝑚𝑚2 − 5𝑚𝑚 − 8 and see the possible
ones.
Solution

1. 𝑥𝑥 2 + 10𝑥𝑥 + 16 Product = 1 × 16 = 16
2
𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥 + 8𝑥𝑥 + 16 Sum = 10
𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 + 2) + 8(𝑥𝑥 + 2) Factors = 2 and 8
(𝑥𝑥 + 2)(𝑥𝑥 + 8)
2. 3𝑚𝑚2 − 5𝑚𝑚 − 8 Product = 3 × −8 = −24
3𝑚𝑚2 + 3𝑚𝑚 − 8𝑚𝑚 − 8 Sum = −5
3𝑚𝑚(𝑚𝑚 + 1) − 8(𝑚𝑚 + 1) Factors = 3 and −8
(𝑚𝑚 + 1)(3𝑚𝑚 − 8)

Questions

Factorize the following completely

1) 𝑥𝑥 2 + 7𝑥𝑥 + 12 5) 3𝑥𝑥 2 − 10𝑥𝑥 + 3

2) 21𝑦𝑦 2 + 10𝑦𝑦 + 1 6) 𝑘𝑘 2 − 3𝑦𝑦 − 40
3) 𝑧𝑧 2 − 7𝑧𝑧 − 8 7) 3 + 𝑡𝑡 − 2𝑡𝑡 2
4) 𝑎𝑎2 − 15𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 54𝑏𝑏 2 8) 10𝑎𝑎2 − 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 12𝑏𝑏 2

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 3.4 Difference of two squares
An expression of the form 𝑚𝑚2 − 𝑛𝑛2 is called a difference of two squares. Note
that (𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛)(𝑚𝑚 − 𝑛𝑛) = 𝑚𝑚2 − 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 − 𝑛𝑛2 = 𝑚𝑚2 − 𝑛𝑛2 . Thus when the expression
𝑚𝑚2 − 𝑛𝑛2 is factorized, we obtain (𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛)(𝑚𝑚 − 𝑛𝑛) as its factors.
36
Other examples of difference of two squares include 𝑦𝑦 2 − 1, 𝑘𝑘 2 − 25

Example 6

Factorize Hint: 𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑦𝑦 2 is
not a difference
25
1. 𝑥𝑥 − 49
2
2. 5𝑥𝑥 − 45
2
3. 𝑘𝑘 − 36
2
of two squares.

Solution
25
1. 𝑥𝑥 2 − 49 2. 5𝑥𝑥 2 − 45 3. 𝑘𝑘 2 − 36
52
𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥) − 7(7) 5(𝑥𝑥 2 − 9) 𝑘𝑘 2 − 62
5 5
(𝑥𝑥 − 7)(𝑥𝑥 + 7) 5(𝑥𝑥 2 − 32 ) 𝑘𝑘(𝑘𝑘) − 6 �6�
5 5
5[(𝑥𝑥 + 3)(𝑥𝑥 − 3)] �𝑘𝑘 − 6� �𝑘𝑘 + 6�

Questions

A. Factorize each of the following expressions

1. 𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑦𝑦 2 7. 𝑥𝑥 4 − 81
2. 𝑦𝑦 2 − 81 8. 16𝑚𝑚2 − 9𝑘𝑘 2 𝑛𝑛2
3. 𝑦𝑦 4 − 22 9. 72𝑎𝑎3 𝑏𝑏 2 𝑐𝑐 2 − 50𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 2 𝑒𝑒 2
4. 7𝑘𝑘 2 − 7𝑚𝑚2 10. 25𝑑𝑑2 − 4(𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑏𝑏)2
5. 75ℎ3 − 27ℎ 11. (𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑦𝑦)2 − 9𝑥𝑥 2
𝑎𝑎 2 𝑏𝑏 2 (𝑥𝑥−1)2 100
6. − 36 12. −
9 4 9
B. Use the difference of two squares to find the exact value of
4 36
1. 102 − 92 2. 121 − 42 3. 9 − 25
C. Given that 𝑎𝑎2 − 𝑏𝑏 2 = 100 and 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏 = 25, find the value of 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏.
D. If 𝑎𝑎2 + 𝑏𝑏 2 = 120 and 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 20, find
1. (𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)2 2. (2𝑎𝑎 − 2𝑏𝑏)2

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 Subtopic 4: Algebraic Fractions

4.1 Simplifying algebraic Expressions

 Any fraction which contains at least one variable (letter) is called an
2𝑥𝑥
algebraic fraction. For example 9
 Like numerical fractions, algebraic fractions can also be expressed in their
simplest form or terms by factorizing the numerator and the denominator.

Example 7

Simplify the following

Hint: Always
2𝑥𝑥 3 𝑦𝑦 2𝑥𝑥 2 −8 remember to divide
1. 6𝑥𝑥 2 𝑦𝑦 2
2. 𝑥𝑥+2
the common factors
Solution on the numerator and
denominators.
2𝑥𝑥 3 𝑦𝑦 4𝑥𝑥 2 −16
1. 6𝑥𝑥 2 𝑦𝑦 2
2. 2𝑥𝑥+4
2×𝑥𝑥×𝑥𝑥×𝑥𝑥×𝑦𝑦 4�𝑥𝑥 2 −4�
= 6×𝑥𝑥×𝑥𝑥×𝑦𝑦 ×𝑦𝑦 = 2(𝑥𝑥+2)
𝑥𝑥 4[(𝑥𝑥−2)(𝑥𝑥+2)]
= 3𝑦𝑦 =
2(𝑥𝑥+2)
= 2(𝑥𝑥 − 2)

Questions

Simplify the following

3𝑎𝑎 2 𝑏𝑏 2 𝑐𝑐−𝑦𝑦
1. 7.
15𝑎𝑎 3 𝑏𝑏 4 𝑐𝑐 −2𝑦𝑦+2𝑐𝑐
6𝑎𝑎 2 3ℎ 2 −27
2. 8.
4𝑎𝑎 2 𝑏𝑏+6𝑎𝑎 3𝑥𝑥+9
2𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 +8𝑥𝑥 𝑚𝑚 𝑛𝑛 2 +𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
3. 3𝑦𝑦 +12𝑦𝑦
9. 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 +𝑛𝑛 2
6𝑎𝑎 2 −24 𝑥𝑥 2 −5𝑥𝑥+6
4. 𝑎𝑎 2 −22
10. 𝑥𝑥 2 −9
−9𝑏𝑏 2 +1 5𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
5. 1+3𝑏𝑏
11. 5𝑎𝑎−10𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝑥𝑥 2 −36 𝑝𝑝 2 −1
6. 24𝑥𝑥−4𝑥𝑥 2
12. 2𝑝𝑝 2 −2𝑝𝑝

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 4.2 Multiplication and Division
Example 8

Simplify the following

34𝑦𝑦 2 12𝑥𝑥 3 3 12
1. × 17𝑦𝑦 3 2. ÷ 𝑎𝑎 2 −𝑏𝑏 2
4𝑥𝑥 𝑎𝑎+𝑏𝑏

Solution

34𝑦𝑦 2 12𝑥𝑥 3 3 12
1. × 17𝑦𝑦 3 2. 𝑎𝑎+𝑏𝑏 ÷ 𝑎𝑎 2 −𝑏𝑏 2
4𝑥𝑥
34×𝑦𝑦×𝑦𝑦 12×𝑥𝑥×𝑥𝑥×𝑥𝑥 3 𝑎𝑎 2 −𝑏𝑏 2
4×𝑥𝑥
× 17×𝑦𝑦×𝑦𝑦×𝑦𝑦 𝑎𝑎+𝑏𝑏
× 12
2 3𝑥𝑥 2 3 (𝑎𝑎−𝑏𝑏)(𝑎𝑎+𝑏𝑏)
1
× ×
𝑦𝑦 𝑎𝑎+𝑏𝑏 12
6𝑥𝑥 2 1 𝑎𝑎−𝑏𝑏
×
𝑦𝑦 1 4
𝑎𝑎−𝑏𝑏
4

Questions

Simplify the following

𝑏𝑏 2 6𝑎𝑎 3 25𝑝𝑝 4 5𝑞𝑞 5

1) × 9𝑏𝑏 2 6) ÷ 16𝑝𝑝 2 𝑞𝑞 2
2𝑎𝑎 4𝑝𝑝𝑞𝑞 3
14𝑥𝑥 2 𝑦𝑦 16𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 𝑧𝑧 2 𝑥𝑥 2 −𝑦𝑦 2 2𝑥𝑥+2𝑦𝑦
2) × 28𝑥𝑥 3 𝑦𝑦 4 7) ÷
8𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 𝑡𝑡 2 −𝑠𝑠 2 𝑡𝑡−𝑠𝑠
51𝑘𝑘 2 17𝑘𝑘 4 𝑚𝑚 2 −𝑛𝑛 2 𝑚𝑚 +𝑛𝑛
3) ÷ 8) ÷
18𝑘𝑘 3 9𝑘𝑘 2 𝑚𝑚 𝑛𝑛 2 𝑚𝑚 2 𝑛𝑛 2
3𝑚𝑚 2 𝑛𝑛 2𝑚𝑚 4 𝑛𝑛 6 7𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 15𝑐𝑐 2 𝑑𝑑 2
4) 4𝑚𝑚 3 𝑛𝑛 2
× 6𝑚𝑚 2 𝑛𝑛 3 9) 5𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
× 28𝑎𝑎 3 𝑡𝑡 2
𝑘𝑘 2 −49 2𝑘𝑘−14 3𝑎𝑎 15𝑎𝑎 2
5) 𝑙𝑙 2 −25
÷ 10) 4𝑏𝑏 2
×
2𝑙𝑙+10 16𝑏𝑏 2

Compiled by Kachama Dickson. C/ High Standards in Mathematics/Together we can 11

 4.3 Addition and Subtraction (Single Fraction)
Example 9

Express the following as a single fraction in its lowest terms

2−𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥+2 5 2
1. 3
+ 4
2. 2𝑥𝑥−1
− 𝑥𝑥−1
Hint: In both cases, first
Solution find the common
2−𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥+2 5 2 denominator and the
1. 3 4
+ 2. 2𝑥𝑥−1
− 𝑥𝑥−1
simplify the fractions. If
4(2−𝑥𝑥)+3(𝑥𝑥+2) 5(𝑥𝑥−1)−2(2𝑥𝑥−1)
12 (2𝑥𝑥−1)(𝑥𝑥−1) there is no common
8−4𝑥𝑥+3𝑥𝑥+6 5𝑥𝑥−5−4𝑥𝑥+2
denominator, then take
12 (2𝑥𝑥−1)(𝑥𝑥−1)
8+6−4𝑥𝑥+3𝑥𝑥 5𝑥𝑥−4𝑥𝑥−5+2 both denominators
12 (2𝑥𝑥−1)(𝑥𝑥−1)
14−𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥−3
12 (2𝑥𝑥−1)(𝑥𝑥−1)

Questions

Express each of the following as a single fraction in its lowest terms.

𝑥𝑥 3𝑥𝑥
1) 2
+ 3
4 3
2) 𝑥𝑥−1
− 𝑥𝑥+1
3𝑑𝑑+6 (𝑑𝑑+3)
3) 10
+
3
2𝑥𝑥−5 8𝑥𝑥−8
4) 7
− 6
3 2
5) 𝑦𝑦−3
+ 𝑥𝑥+3
𝑦𝑦 𝑦𝑦−1
6) 𝑦𝑦−3
− 𝑦𝑦+2
1 1
7) 7𝑥𝑥−2
− 3𝑥𝑥−2

Arranged & Compiled

By

Kachama Dickson. C (Young Prof)

Why should you fail mathematics when success is guaranteed?

Compiled by Kachama Dickson. C/ High Standards in Mathematics/Together we can 12