Algebra

CXC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra
Unit 2:Algebra 1.
1. Change
Change all
all mixed
mixed fractions
fractions into
into their
their
equivalent improper fractions.
equivalent improper fractions.
FRACTIONS
2.
2. Use
Use LCM
LCM to
to work
work out
out each
each fraction.
fraction.
1.1 Algebra 3.
3. Then
Then add
add or
or subtract
subtract the
the equivalent
equivalent fractions.
fractions.
DECIMALS
1.2 Approximations (rounding off)
1.3 Standard form Definitions

CONSUMER ARITHMETIC Algebra is the use of symbols or letters to represent
1.4 Discount
unknown quantities.
1.5 Profit and loss Basic algebra terms you need to know:
1.6 Percentages
Constant: A fixed quantity that does not change.
1.7 Hire Purchase
E.g. 3, – 6, π, etc.
1.8 Interests and Depreciation
1.9 Wages and Salaries Variables: A variable is a symbol that is assigned to an

unknown value. It is usually represented by
1.10 Ratio and map scales letters such as x, y, or t.
1.11 Rates and Foreign Exchange

Coefficients: The coefficient of a variable is the number
1.12 Utility bills that is placed in front of a variable.
1.13 Examination Questions E.g. 3w = 3 × w. 3 is the coefficient.
Terms: A term can be a number, a variable, or a number

and variable combined by multiplication or
division.
1.
E.g. 3w, 4xy,  5, etc.
2. Substitutions / Binary operations
3. Simplifying algebraic expressions
Like terms: Like terms have the same variables and same
4. Algebraic fractions
power.
5. Writing Expressions
6. Factorisation of algebraic expressions
7. Transposition Expressions: An expression is made up of one or more
8. Equations / Inequalities terms.
Examination Questions Examples
E.g. 3w + 4xy + 5
1.1: Basic operations
1.1.1: Addition and Subtraction of fractions Equations: An equation consists of two expressions
separated by an equal sign. The expression on
one side of the equal sign has the same value
Steps: as the expression on the other side.
Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 36

E.g. 3w + 5 = 2w + 3
Substitutions / Binary operations
Substitutions and binary operations work in a

similar fashion:
Replace each letter or symbol with the given number.

Then work out.
Examples: substitutions
1. Given that x  2, y   5 and z  3,

find the value of :
(a) 5x  2 y
(b) x2  3y  z 2
(c) 7 x2  2 z3  y2
(d) 10 x 2  3 y  2 z
Solutions:
(a) 5x  2 y = 5 (2)  2 ( 5)

= 10 + 10 = 20 Ans.
(b) x2  3y  z 2 = ( 2) 2  3( 5)  (3) 2

= 4  15  9 = − 20
Ans.

(c) 7 x2  2 z3  y2 = = 16    4  3) 
7 ( 2) 2  2 (3) 3  ( 5) 2 = 16    1)  = − 16Ans.
=
7 ( 4)  2 ( 27)  (25)
= 28  54  25
= − 51 Ans.
(d) 10 x 2  3 y  2 z =
10 ( 2) 2  3( 5)  2 (3)
= 10 (4)  3(5)  2 (3)
= 40  15  6
= 49 = 7 Ans.
2. Given that a  4, b   2 and c   3,

calculate:
(a) 4 a  5b  3 c
(b) a 2  b 2  2 abc
(c) a 2  2 b  c
Solutions:
(a) 4 a  5b  3 c =
4 ( 4)  5( 2)  3 ( 3)
= 16  10  9 = 35
Ans.
(b) a 2  b 2  abc =
4 2  ( 2) 2  4  ( 2)  (3)
= 16  4  24 = − 4
Ans.
(c) a 2  2 b  c = 4 2   2 ( 2)  ( 3) 

12 m
3. Using the formula t  5n
, calculate
the value of t when m  3 and n  20 :
Solution:
12 m 12  3 36
t  = =
5n 5  20 100
36 6 3
= = = Ans.
100 10 5
Examples: Binary operations
1. If x  y  2 x 2  y, then find the value

of 4  9
Solution:
x  y  2x 2  y
4  9  2 ( 4) 2  9 = 2 (16)  9
= 32  9 = 23 Ans.
2. If a  b means 3a 2  b 3 , then find the

value of 2  ( 1) , correct to 3
significant figures.
Solution:
a b = 3a 2  b 3
2  ( 1) = 3( 2) 2  ( 1) 3
= 3( 4)  ( 1) = 12  1
= 13 = 3.61 (3 s.f.) Ans.

4. An operation is defined as (c) 5 p  7 p 2  3 pq  6qp  2 p 2  11 p

m  n  m 3  5mn  n 2 .
Solution:
Calculate the value of:
(a) 3x  2y  2 x  6 =
(a) 2  3
3x  2 x  2y  6
(b) ( 1)   2  3
= 3  2  x  2 y  6
= x  2 y  6 Ans.
Solution:
(b) 5 x  2 y  3 z  5 y  2 x  11 z
(a) m  n  m 3  5mn  n 2
= 5 x  2 x  2 y  5 y  11 z  3 z
2  3  (2) 3  5  2  3  (3) 2
=  5  2  x   2  5 y  11  3 z
= 8  30  9
= 3 x  7 y  8 z Ans.
= − 13 Ans.
(c) 5 p  7 p 2  3 pq  6qp  2 p 2  11 p
(b) ( 1)   2  3 = ( 1)    13 =  7  2 p 2   6  3  pq  11  5 p
m  n  m 3  5mn  n 2 = 5 p 2  3 pq  16 p Ans.
( 1)    13 Multiplying and Dividing Algebraic expressions

=
To multiply algebraic expressions:
(1) 3  5  (1)  (13)  (13) 2
Expand powers (if necessary). Cancel variables of
= − 1 − 65 + 169 = 103 the same type in the numerator and denominator.
( 1)   2  3 = 103 Ans. or , use indices laws where applicable.
Simplifying algebraic expressions Examples:
2. Simplify:
Adding and Subtracting Algebraic expressions
(a) 2 x3 4 x2
Combine like terms together. Then add or subtract
their coefficients.
(b) 3pq3× 4qr
Examples:
Solution:
1. Simplify: ab
(a) 2 x3 4 x2  Indices law x  x  x
a b
(3  2)
(a) 3x  2y  2 x  6 = 2 4 x = 8 x = 8x5 5
Ans.
(b) 5 x  2 y  3 z  5 y  2 x  11 z ab
(b) 3pq³× 4qr  Indices law x  x  x
a b

= 3  4  p  q ( 3  1)  r Expanding brackets (removing brackets)

= 12  p  q 4  r = 12pq4r
The distributive property must be used to remove
To divide algebraic expressions: bracket(s). Remember that:
×
Write the division of the algebraic terms as a
fraction. Simplify the coefficients. 1. 3 ( x  4) = 3  x  3  4 =
Cancel variables of the same type in the numerator
and denominator. 3 x  12 Ans.
or , use indices laws where applicable.

×
Examples: 2. ( x  3) ( x  4) =
3. Simplify: x ( x  4)  3
× ( x  4)
(a) 6pq³ ÷ 3pq = x 2  4 x  3 x  12

= x 2  7 x  12 Ans.
(b) 12 x 5 y 3  4 x 3 y
Here are some common expansions that you will find useful to
Solution: remember:
6p  q  q  q 1. (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²

(a) 6pq³ ÷ 3pq = 3p  q
2. (a – b)² = a² – 2ab + b²
6p  q  q  q
= 3p  q 3. (a + b)(a – b) = a² – b²
= 2 qq = 2q 2
Ans. Examples
(b) 12 x 5 y 3  4 x 3 y 4. Simplify:
12  x  x  x  x  x  y  y  y
= (a) 3  x  5  4  x  2   5
4x  x  x  y
12  x  x  x  x  x  y  y  y (b) 7 x  x  3  4  x  2 
= 4x  x  x  y
(c) x  4   x  5  2 x 2  3
= 3 x  x y  y = 3 x2 y2 Ans.
Solution:
(a) 3  x  5  4  x  2   5 Removing
brackets.
= 3 x  15  4 x  8  5 grouping by like
terms

= 3 x  4 x  15  8  5 (3 + 4) x − 15 − Solution:
8−5
x  2 x 1
= 7 x  28 Ans. (a)   Addition, use LCD
3 2
(b) 7 x  x  3  4  x  2  Removing brackets. 2  x  2   3  x  1

=  removing
= 7 x 2  21x  4 x  8 grouping by like 6
brackets
terms 2x  4  3x  3
=  combine like
= 7 x   21  4  x  8
2
6
terms
= 7 x 2  17 x  8 Ans. 2x  3x  4  3
=
6
5x  7
(c) x  4   x  5  2 x 2  3 = Ans.
6
= x 2  5 x  4 x  20  2 x 2  3
y  2 y 5
(b) 
= 1  2  x 2   5  4  x  20  3 3 4
 Subtraction, use
= 3 x 2  x  17 Ans. LCD
4  y  2   3  y  5
=  removing
Algebraic fractions 12
brackets. Take notice of the sign change
Addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions

4 y  8  3 y  15
=  combine like
To simplify by adding or subtracting: 12
terms
Use a common denominator to work.
4 y  3 y  8  15 y  7
= =
12 12
Examples: Ans.
5. Express as a single fraction: 3 4

(c)   use LCD p (p +1)
p p 1
x  2 x 1
(a)  p  1  3  p  4
3 2 =  removing
p  p  1
y  2 y 5 brackets
(b) 
3 4 3p  3  4p 3 p  4 p 3
= p  p  1
= p  p  1
3 4
(c) 
p p 1 p  3 3p
= p  p  1 or
p  p  1
Ans.
b 2
(d) 
b  5 b  3
b 2
(d)   use LCD (b – 5) (b +
b  5 b  3
3 2
(e) 
3t  1 2t  1 3)

b  3  b   b  5   2
=
 b  5   b  3 y2 y 2y3
(a)  
b 2  3b  2 b  10 3 4 5
= Take notice of the
 b  5  b  3 2
= 3 4  5  y  y  y
2 3

sign change
b 2  b  10 xa  xb  xa b
= Ans.
 b  5   b  3 =
1
 y ( 2  1  3) =
y6
Ans.
30 30
3 2
(e)   use LCD (3t – 1) (2t
3t  1 2t  1 8ab 2 9 n2m
(b)   Cancel numerals
3 mn 4 ab
+ 1)
 2t  1  3   3t  1  2 8ab 2
= 3 mn 
9 n2m
=
= Take notice of
 3t  1  2t  1 4 ab
the sign change

a  b2  m  n2
6t  3  6t  2 6t  6t  3  2 6
a b  m n
=  3t  1  2t  1 =  3t  1  2t  1
= 6 a 0  b 1  m 0  n1 xa  xb  xab
5
=  3t  1  2t  1 Ans. = 6 bn Ans.
3 pq 2 2 qs 3r 2 s
(c)    Cancel numerals
Multiplication of algebraic fractions 5r 3t pq
3 pq 2 2 qs 3r 2 s
To simplify by multiplying: =  
5r 3t pq
Expand powers (if necessary). Cancel variables of 6 p  q2  q  s  s  r 2

the same type in the numerator and denominator. = 5 
p q  r  t
Examples: xa  xb  xab
6. Simplify: 6 p 0  q 2  s 2  r1 6 q 2 rs 2
=  =
y2 y 2y3 5 t 5
(a)  
3 4 5 Ans.
8ab 2 9 n2m
(b) 
3 mn 4 ab a2

 a  1 2
(d)  Expand powers
a 1 2a
3 pq 2 2 qs 3r 2 s
(c) 5r

3t

pq
aa

 a  1  a  1
=  Cancel
 a  1 2 a
a2  a  1 2
(d)
a 1

2a
aa

 a  1  a  1
=
 a  1 2 a
6  2 x  5 2
(e)  a  a  1
2x 5 3 = Ans.
2
Solution:

m2n3

 mn  2
 2 x  5 (b)
 kl  2
2
6 kl
(e)   Expand
2x 5 3
6

 2 x  5  2 x  5 Changing division to multiplication and reciprocating
the second fraction
=  2 x  5 3
6  2 x  5  2 x  5 m2n3

 kl  2
 =
= 
2 x  5 3
 kl  mn  2
Cancel k 2 l 2  m 2  n3
=  cancelling
= 2  2 x  5 Ans. k  l  m2  n2
= k ( 2  1)  l ( 2  1)  m ( 2  2 )  n ( 3  2 )
Division of algebraic fractions xa  xb  xab
To simplify by dividing fraction: = kln Ans.
Examples:
3 pq p2
(c) 
7. Express as a single fraction: 5 sr 15 s 2
Changing division to multiplication and reciprocating
m2n3

 mn  2
the second fraction
(a)
kl  kl  2
3 pq 15s 2
2 =   cancelling
mn kn 5 sr p2
(b) 
ln lm
3  15 p  q  s 2
3 pq p 2 =  2
(c)  5 p  sr
5 sr 15 s 2
= 9  p (1  2 )  q 1  r 1  s ( 2  1) 
x 1 x 1
(d) 
x2 x3 xa  xb  xab
x 1 x 1 9qs
(e)  = 9  p  1  q 1  r 1  s 1 = pr Ans.
 x  2  x  2   x  2 2
x 1 x 1
Solution: (d)  Changing division to
x2 x3
8 x5 2 x2 multiplication and reciprocating the second fraction

(a) 
3 9  x  1 
 x  3
=  cancelling
Changing division to multiplication and reciprocating  x  2  x  1
the second fraction
4  x  1 
 x  3  x  3
3 = = Ans.
8x 5
9 8x 5
9  x  2  x  1  x  2
=  = 
3 2 x2 3 2 x2 x 1 x 1
(e) 
 x  2  x  2   x  2 2
= 12  x ( 5  2 ) = 12 x 3 Ans.

Changing division to multiplication and multiplication

reciprocating the second fraction
Phrase Expression
 x  1 
 x  2 2 4 times some number = 4x
=
 x  2 x  2   x 1 twice a number = 2y
1
 x 1 
 x  2 x  2 one-third of some number = t
= 3
 x  2  x  2   x 1 the product of a number and 12 = 12w
 x  2
= Ans.
 x  2 Division
Phrase Expression
Writing Expressions the quotient of 4 and some 4
=
number x
To write an expression, we often have to interpret a y
a number divided by 2 =
written phrase. 2
8
the ratio of 8 and some number =
E.g. t
w
the quotient of a number and 12 =
“6 added to some number”  x + 6, where the 12
variable x represents the unknown number.
Two operations
Addition
Phrase Expression
Phrase Expression
6 more than 5 times a number = 5x + 6
4 more than some number = x+4
4 times the sum of a number and 7 = 4(y + 7)
a number increased by 10 = y + 10
8 plus some number =t+8 5 less than the product of 3 and a
= 3w – 5
number
the sum of a number and 12 = w + 12
twice the difference between a
= 2(z – 9)
Subtraction number and 9
Phrase Expression
4 less than some number =x–4
a number decreased by 10 = y – 10
8 minus some number =8–t
the difference between a number
= w – 12
and 12

Factorisation of algebraic expressions (d) 5 a 2 b  ab 2
(e) 6 a 4 b  18 a 2 b 4
To obtain the product of two numbers they are
multiplied together.
Solution:
Example: (a) 3 xy  6 x  Common factor is 3x
= 3 xy  2  3 x  Take out 3x and leave

3 × 4 = 12.
remainder in bracket
= 3 x y  2 Ans.
The numbers which are multiplied together are
called factors. Therefore 3 and 4 are both factors of
(b) 4 y2  4 y  Common factor is 4y
12.
= 4 y  y  4 y 1  Take out 4y and leave
remainder in bracket
There are several methods to factorise algebraic
= 4 y  y  1 Ans.
expressions. Some common methods are:
(c) 8 h2  4 h  Common factor is 4h

I. Highest Common Factor:
= 2  4 h  h  4 h 1  Take out 4h
II. Groupings expressing the
remainder in brackets.
= 4 h 2 h  1 Ans.
III. Try and error
IV. Difference of two squares (d) 5 a 2 b  ab 2 = ab 5a  b  Ans.
(e) 6 a 4 b  18 a 2 b 4 = 6a 2 b a 2  3b 3 
Factoring using Highest Common Factor
Ans.
Generally, this method is used to factorise
expressions containing two or more terms that have Factoring using Groupings
a common factor.
To factorise using HCF: The distributive property (distributive law) can be

used to factor some expressions with four terms.
Locate and take out the common factor the common There is no common factor to all terms. However,
factor to each term.
two terms (binomial) could be factored separately:
Express the remainder in a bracket.
Factor each binomial.
Examples:
Take out the common factor of each binomial and
1. Factorise express the remainder in a bracket.
Examples:
(a) 3 xy  6 x
2. Factorise completely
(b) 4 y2  4 y
8h2  4 h (a) 3 pq  q  6 p  2
(c)
(b) 5 x  xy  10  2 y (e) 6nx  9mx  4ny  6my
(c) tm  3t  2 pm  6 p = 3 x  2n  3m   2 y  2n  3m 
(d) a 2  ab  ac  bc =  2n  3m   3 x  2 y  Ans.
(e) 6nx  9mx  4ny  6my

(f) 6ap  15a  4 p  10
(f) 6ap  15a  4 p  10
= 3a  2 p  5   2  2 p  5
Solution: =  2 p  5   3a  2  Ans.
(a) 3 pq  q  6 p  2  Common factors are q

and 2 respectively Factoring Difference of two squares
= 3 p q 
 q   2  3 p  2   Take out q and 2 A difference of squares is a binomial of the form:
respectively,
leaving remainders a2  b2
in bracket.
= q  3 p  1  2 3 p  1  Factor again Take note that the first term and the last term are both
perfect squares. And there must be a minus between them.
=  3 p  1  q  2  Ans.
To factor a difference of two squares:

(b) 5 x  xy  10  2 y  Common factors
are x a2  b2 =  a  b  a  b
and 2 respectively
=  5 x  x y    2  5  2 y   Take out x Be careful! This method only works for difference of

and 2 two squares and not for the sum of two
respectively,
leaving remainders squares: ≠
in bracket.
= x 5  y   2  5  y   Factor again Examples:

=  5  y   x  2 Ans.
3. Factorise completely
(c) tm  3t  2 pm  6 p
(a) x2  y2
=  
t m  3t   2 p m  3  2 p 
factoring. (b) 4 y 2  25
= t  m  3   2 p  m  3 Factoring (c) 9k 2  1
again.
(d) 81  49n 2
=  m  3   t  2 p Ans.
(d) a 2  ab  ac  bc
(e) 36t 2  121 a 2
= a  a  b   c  a  b
=  a  b   a  c  Ans. Solution:
(a) x2  y2

First term and last term are both squares and minus
between them. [a² - b² = (a + b) (a - b)] 4. Factorise completely
x 2  y 2 =  x  y   x  y  Ans.
(a) x 2  3x  2
(b) 4 y 2  25 =  2 y 2  52
(b) x 2  2x  1
 4y 2
 25 =  2 y  5  2 y  5 Ans.
(c) x 2  xy  2 y 2
(c) 9k 2  1 =  3k  2  12
(d) 2 y 2  11 y  15
 9k 2  1 =  3k  1  3k  1 Ans.
(e) 6 y 2  13 y  8
(d) 81  49 n 2
=  9   7n 
2 2
Solution:
=  9  7n   9  7n  Ans.
Applying grouping method:
(e) 36t 2  121 a 2 =  6t  2  11a 
2
(a) x 2  3x  2 = x 2  x  2x  2
=  6t  a11  6  a11
Ans. = x  x  1  2  x  1
=  x  2   x  1 Ans.
Factoring Quadratic trinomials
Alternatively, applying Try and Error method.
Polynomials in the form a x 2  bx  c may be

x 2  3x  2
factorised as a product of two different binomials.
 factors 
ax 2
+ bx + c x 2 2x
First term Middle term Last term
x 1 x
Different methods are used to factorise these kinds
3x
of expressions. Among them is Try and Error
x 2
 3x  2 =  x  2   x  1 Ans.
method.
(b)
x 2  2x  1
To factorise quadratic trinomials using Try and  factors 

Error: x x
-1
Express the first and last terms in two factors.
Cross multiply the factors and then add them. x -1 x
Always ensure that the factors chosen give the  2x

middle term. x 2
 2x  1 =  x  1  x  1 Ans.
Write the factors in brackets.
(c)
Examples: x 2  xy  2 y 2

(e)
 factors  6 y 2  13 y  8
x y xy
 factors 
2y −1  3y
x  2 y  2 xy
 xy
x 2
 xy  2 y 2
=  x  y  x  2 y Ans. 3y 8 16 y
13 y
(d) 6y 2
 13 y  8 =  2 y  1  3 y  8 Ans.
2 y 2  11 y  15
Transposition (subject of a formula)
 factors 
2y −5  5y Transposition is the process of changing the subject
of a formula.
y −3  6y Example:
 11 y
2y 2
 11 y  15 =  2 y  5   y  3 Ans. 1. Make r the subject of the formula
A   r2 .
Solution:
A    r2  move π to the left

side.
A
 r2  remove 2

A A
 r   r  ans.
 
To change the subject moved all variables, except

the subject in question, to the opposite side.
** Note **
Left side Right side
moving
1. +2x = −2x
2. −2x = +2x
3. 2× x = x ÷2

4. x ÷2 = 2× x Solution: Transposing for a
5. x = x² 3a  2
b   cross multiply
a  3
6. x² = x
b  a  3  3a  2  remove the
7. x n
= n
x
bracket
8. x = x n
ab  3b  3a  2  move 3a to the left
side
Examples: ab  3a  2  3b  take out the
1. Make m the subject of y  mx  c common

a  b  3  2  3b  move  b  3 to the
Solution: right.
y  mx  c  move c to the 2  3b
a  Ans.
b  3
left side.
y  c  mx  move x to the 4 3 7
4. Given that x  y  t , express t in terms
left side.
y c y c of x and y.
 m or m 
x x
Ans. Solution: Transposing for t
2. Transpose for y in the formula 4


3

7
 work out the left
ym x y t
 3b
t side.
4 y  3x 7
Solution:   move t to the left and
xy t
ym move 4 y  3 x to the right.

 3b  remove
t t 7
 move xy to the right
2 xy 4 y  3x
 ym 
    3b 
2
 t  7 xy
 t  Ans.
4 y  3x
ym
  3b 
2
 move t to the
t
right side 5. Transpose for R in the formula
y 
 3b  2
t
y 
2
9b t
Ans. R  r
2
or A   
m m  2 
3a  2 Solution:
3. Given that b  a  3 , express a in
terms of b.

R  r
2
Solutions:
A     move  to the
 2 
(a) 5 x  7  3 x  19  grouping like
left
terms
2
A R  r
    remove the ² move 3x to the left and move (− 7) to the right.
  2 
2 5 x  3 x  19  7  work out like
A R  r
   terms
  2 
2 x  26  divide by 2
A R  r
 2x 26
 2 
2 2
A
2  R  r x  13 Ans.

A A (b) 2 x  5  11  x  grouping like

2  r  R or R  2  r
  terms
Ans.
 move -x to the left and move 5 to the right.
2 x  x  11  5  work out like terms

Equations / Inequalities 3x  6  divide by 3
Solving Linear equations / inequalities 3x 6

3 3
Remove any brackets.
x  2  {x : x  2 } Ans.
x = 2, 1, 0, -1, -2 …
If the equation has fraction(s), multiply each term
by the LCD first, then cancel each denominator by
the LCD and then remove the brackets.
(c) 5  y  3  2  y  9   remove
Group like terms and work out. brackets

5 y  15  2 y  18  grouping like
Examples: terms
1. Solve the following  move 2y to the left and move 15 to the right.
(a) 5 x  7  3 x  19 5 y  2 y  18  15  work out
2 x  5  11  x like terms
(b)
2y  3  divide by 3
(c) 5  y  3  2  y  9 
3y 3

3 3
(d) 3  x  1  4  2 x  3  15
y  1 Ans.
2x  1 x 5
(e)   2
2 3

(d) 3  x  1  4  2 x  3  15  remove equations will imply finding the value of each

brackets variable.
3 x  3  8 x  12  15  grouping like
To solve:
terms
3 x  8 x  15  3  12  work out like If a variable has the same coefficients, then add or
terms subtract to eliminate that variable. After eliminating
a variable only one equation remains.
 5 x  30  change sign and divide by -5
 5x 30

5 5
x  6  {x : x   6 } Ans.
 x = - 7, - 8, - 9, -10 …
2x  1 x 5
(e)   2  Multiply each
2 3
term by the LCD
 2x  1   x  5
6   6   6 2 
 2   3 
Cancel denominator and LCD
3  2 x  1  2  x  5  6  2 
Brackets
6 x  3  2 x  10  12  Group and
work out like terms
6 x  2 x  12  3  10
4 x  25  Divide by 4
4x 25

4 4
25 1
x  or x  6 or x  6.25
4 4
Ans.
Solving Simultaneous equations
Simultaneous equations have two or more

equations and two or more variables. Solving the

E.g. (e) 3x  2 y  8
x  3 y   23
5x  2 y  9 y will be eliminated
Eq.[1] because the Solution:
3x  2 y  1 coefficients are the
Eq.[2] same. x  y  9
(a) Equation[1]
x  y  1 Equation[2]
Add when the signs are different.
e.g.
x  y  9
3x  2 y  9 2y and - 2y will be y and - y will be eliminated
Eq.[1] (becomes 0) by addition
eliminated + x  y  1
2x  2 y  1 (becomes 0) by
+ addition  10
Eq.[2] 2x
5x  10
solving for x;
Subtract when the signs are the same. 2 x  10  Divide by 2
5x  2 y  9 2x 10
2y and - 2y will 
Eq.[1] be eliminated 2 2
3x  2 y  1 (becomes 0) by x  5
− subtraction
Eq.[2]
2x  8 substituting 5 for x and solving for y;
If the equations don’t have same coefficient, then x  y  9

choose any variable and cross multiply the
5  y  9
coefficients.
y  9  5 = 4
Solve the remaining equation and substitute the  x  5 and y  4 ans .
solution in any one of the original equations. Then
solve to obtain the second solution.
(b) 2 x  y  11 Equation[1]
Examples: x  y  4 Equation[2]
2. Solve the following

2 x  y  11
y and y will be eliminated
(a) x  y  9 (becomes 0) by subtraction
x  y  1 − x  y  4
2 x  y  11 x  7
(b)
x  y  4
(c) x  7 y  15
3 x  4 y  11
(d) 3a  3b  12
2a  b  1

substituting 7 for x and solving for y; 9a 15


9 9
x  y  4
5
7  y  4 a 
3
y  4  7 = −3
5
 x  7 and y   3 ans . substituting
3
for a and solving for b;
6a  3b  3
(c) x  7 y  15 Equation[1] × 3
5
3 x  4 y  11 Equation[2] 6    3b  3
 3
3 x  21 y  45 10  3b  3
3x and 3x will be eliminated
(becomes 0) by subtraction 3b  3  10 = ‒7
− 3 x  4 y  11
3b 7
  Divide by 3
17 y  34 3 3
7
solving for y; b  
3
17 y  34  Divide by 17 5 7
 a  and b   ans .
17 y 34 3 3

17 17
y  2 (e) 3x  2 y  8 Equation[1] × 3
x  3 y   23 Equation[2] × 2
substituting 2 for y and solving for x;
x  7 y  15 9 x  6 y  24 6y and - 6y will be
eliminated (becomes 0) by
x  2  15 + 2 x  6 y   46 addition
x  15  2 = 13 11x   22
 x  13 and y  2 ans .
solving for y;
(d) 3a  3b  12 Equation[1] 11 x   22  Divide by 11

2a  b  1 Equation[2] × 3 11x 22
 
11 11
3a  3b  12
- 3b and 3b will be eliminated x  2
(becomes 0) by addition
+ 6a  3b  3
substituting - 2 for x and solving for y;
9a  15
3(2)  2 y  8
solving for a;  6  2y  8
2y  8  6 = 14  Divide by 2
9a  15  Divide by 9

2y 14 b  b 2  4ac
 x =
2 2 2a
y  7 7  7 2  4  1  10
x 
2 1
 x   2 and y  7 ans .
7  49  40 7  9
 
Solving Quadratic equations 2 2
7  3

A quadratic equation, ax  bx  c  0 ,
2
2
is a squared variable single equation that gives two
answer solutions. Work out the positive and negative at the top and
then divide.
Several methods can be used to solve the quadratic
equation. Amongst them is the quadratic formula 7  3 4
x   = − 2 or
method. 2 2
7  3  10
x   = −5
To solve using the formula method: 2 2
Substitute the values a, b and c in the formula

 x   2 or x  5 ans .
b  b  4ac
2
2a
(b) x 2  7 x  12  0
Then, work out. a = 1, b = − 7 and c = 12
b  b 2  4ac
x =
Examples: 2a
 ( 7 )  ( 7) 2  4  1  12
3. Solve the following x 
2 1
(a) x 2  7 x  10  0  ( 7)  49  48

2
(b) x 2  7 x  12  0  ( 7 )  1 7 1
 
2 2
(c) 6 x 2  13 x  5  0
Work out the positive and negative at the top
separate and then divide.
(d) 3x 2  5 x  6  0
7 1 8
(e) 2 x 2  2 x  8  3x  6 x   = 4 or
2 2
7 1 6
Solution: x   = 3
2 2
(a) x 2  7 x  10  0
 x  4 or x  3 ans .
a = 1, b = 7 and c = 10

(c) 6 x 2  13 x  5  0 2x 2  x  2  0
a = 6, b = 13 and c = 5 a = 2, b = − 1 and c = − 2
13  13 2  4  6  5  ( 1)  ( 1) 2  4  2  ( 2)

x  x 
2 6 2 2
13  169  120 13  49 1 1  16
  
12 12 4
13  7 1 17 1  4.1
  
12 4 4
Work out the positive and negative at the top and then divide.
1  4.1 5 .1
13  7 20 x    1.28 or
x    1.67 or 4 4
12 12
1  4. 1  3.1
13  7 6 x     0.78
x    0.5 4 4
12 12
 x  1.28 or x   0.78 ans .

 x  1.67 or x  0. 5 ans .
(d) 3x 2  5 x  6  0
a = 3, b = 5 and c = − 6
5 5 2  4  3  ( 6)
x 
23
5 25  72

6
5 97 5  9 .8
 
6 6
5  9. 8 13.8
x    2 .3 or
6 6
5  9.8  4.8
x     0.8
6 6
 x  2.3 or x   0. 8 ans .
(e) 2 x 2  2 x  8  3x  6  group like

terms
2 x 2  2 x  3x  8  6  0

Solving Indices equations 1

32 x 
34
To solve: 32 x  3 4  solve the indices equation
Express the terms to the same base. 2x   4  Divide by 2

x  2 ans.
Write the powers as equation and work out.
1
Examples: (d) 32 p  1   express to same base
243
4. Solve the following 32 p 1
 3 5  solve the indices
1 equation
(a) 4x  2x
2p  5  1  group like terms and
2x  3 x  5
(b) 5  125 work out
2p   4  Divide by 2
1
(c) 9 x
 p  2 ans.
81
1
(d) 32 p  243 (e) 46 y  7
 8 2 y  16 y  1  express to
same base
 7
(e) 46 y  8 2 y  16 y  1 2 2(6 y  7)
 2 3( 2 y )  2 4 ( y  1)
 7)
2 2( 6 y  2 3( 2 y )  4 ( y  1)
 Solve
Solution:
4x  2x 1 2(6 y  7)  3( 2 y )  4( y  1)
(a)  express to same base
( 2) 2 x  2 x  1  solve the indices equation

Remove brackets, group like terms and work out
2 x  x  1  group like terms and work out
2x  x  1
12 y  14  6 y  4 y  4
x  1 ans.
Group like terms and work out

 3  5
(b) 52x  125 x  express to same base
52 x  3
 5 3( x  5)
 solve the indices 12 y  10 y  4  14
equation 2 y   10  Divide by 2
2 x  3  3( x  5) y  5 ans.
2 x  3  3 x  15
2 x  3 x  15  3
 x  12  Divide by − 1
x   12 ans.
1
(c) 32 x   express to same base
81

Examination Questions (to do)

Attempt ALL questions.
All working must be clearly shown.
1. Given that p  4 , q  2 and r  3 , find

the value of
(a) 2 p  3q
(b) ( p  r) q
(c) r 2
 q2
2. Given that r  7 , s  2 and t  2 , find

the value of:
r st
(a)
2s 2
4r  t
(b)
rt 2
(c) 3
r 2  20 st 2  1
3. Find the value of the following when x  2

and y  3 :
5x  4 y
(a) xy 2
8 y  xy
(b) 2y2
3y 2  7
(c) 4
2

4. Find the value of the following when u  5 (a) u 2  2uv  v 2

and v  8 :
(b) ( w  u ) 3  (v  u ) 2
5u  v
(a) 3 3v 2  w 2  u 2
v (c)
 3uvw
2  uv
(b) 1
2v 2 9. If a  b =  2( a  b) , find the value of
3  3 .
5. If p  4 , q  5 and r  7 , find the
value of: 10. If a  b means a 2  b 2 , find the value of
pqr 5  12 .
(a)
2r
1 3
11. If m  n means m  2mn  n 4 , find the
2q  r 2
(b) p value of 2  3 .
(c) rq  r  p 2
pq
12. If p  q = q
, what is the value of:
6. Given that a  1 , b  2 and c  3 ,
determine the value of: (a) 3 4
(b  c ) 2  a (b) 2 1
(a)
ab
13. An operation is defined by
b  6c  a x  y = xy  x  y . Find the value of :
(b)
( a  b) 2
(a) 23
a2  b2  c2
(c)
2bc  1 (b) ( 2  3)  4
7. Find the value of the following when 14. An operation is defined by

x  2 and y  1 : m  n = m 2  n 2  mn , find the value of:
1 3 (a) 45
(a) x y
3
(b) 3  (4  5)
(b) xy  2(3 x  2 y )
(c) 2 x 2 y  4( 2 x  y )
8. Find the value of the following when
u  2 , v  3 and w  4 :

15. Given a = 2, b =  3 and c = 0, evaluate (a) 25
(a) 4 a  2b  3c (b) 5  2  4
(b) ac Simplify the following:
1. 3(a  4)  2(a  3)
16. If p  5 , q  0 and r  - 3 , calculate
the value of 2. 3m  2( m  1)
(a) 4 p  qr 2 y  3 y  1
3.
(b) 2 r3 4. 5(b  3)  2(b  8)
17. (a) Given that m * n = m – nm, 5. 3b(b  4)  b( 2b  1)
(a) evaluate 5 * 3 6. x (3 x  2)  2 (2 x  4)
(b) solve for g given that g * 4 =  3. 7. 2 x ( 2 x  3 y )  3 x( x  2 y )
8. 3 c ( 2 c  5)  5 ( 4 c  3)
18. If a  4 , b  2 and c  3 , calculate the
a  b  c 9. 2  3 x  1   x  2 
value of
bc
10. 2 (5 x  y )  3 ( 43 x  y )
19. Given that a = 3, b - 2 and c =  4, find
11.  6(2 x  3)  ( x  10)  2(1  x )
the value of 8b  ac  2a 2
12. x2  x3  x4
20. Given that m =  3, n = 2 and p =  1,
m  p  n
2
13. 3x 2
 4 x3  5 x 0
find the value of
3p  m
( a  4) 3
14.
21. Given that a = 4, b =  2 and c = 3, b ( a  4)
a 2
 bc
calculate the value of 3 5
b  c 15. a2 b2 ab 3
22. If l =  2, n =  3 and m = 4, calculate

4c 2  3c 4
m  nl 16.
c3
n  m
23. Given that a = 4, b =  3 and c = 12,

calculate the value of a 2  2 b  c 
24. If a  b =  a  b  2 , calculate:

Write as a single fraction in its lowest terms: 2


3
16. a  3 a
m 2 m
1. 
2 3 1 2
17. 
p  2 4p  3
3x  2 y 1
2. 
4 5
5 4
18. 
x 5 ( 2 x  3) r  2 4r  1
3. 
8 2 3t  1
19. 2 
2t  5
2x  3 x  2
4. 
5 3 3 2
20. 
x  1 5x  4
3 2
5. 
y y  2 2x 6
21. 
x  3 3 x
3 4
6. 
x x  1 2 3
22. 
x  1 x 1
3p q
7. 
2 p 4 3
23. 
x  1 x2  1
6 2 x
8.  
x 3x 3
Factorise completely:
7 3 1
9.   1. 5 fg  10 f
a a 4
2. 2kn  2kp
1 5 9
10.  
2 x x
3. 2ab  ac  ad
7 7 1
11.   4. 3npq  9n
a 2a 4
5. 3 x 2  3 xy
3x 2x
12. 
x 1 x 1
6. x 2  vx
x 2x
13.  7. 6h  2h 2
x2 x2
x x 8. 7 mp 2  14m 2 p
14. 
x2 x3
9. px  qx  py  qy
1 2
15.  10. 3lp  2mp  3lq  2mq
p  2 4p  3
11. 2wx  wy  4 xz  2 yz

12. 6 xp  4 py  3 xq  2qy 3a 2  ab  10b 2

35.
13. 2 x 2  2 xm  xn  mn 36. x 2  4 xy  3 y 2
14. 2ac  4ad  bc  2bd 37. 2 y 2  11 y  15
15. kn  5k  3n  15 38. 49  42k  9k 2
16. 10a  5a 2  2b  ab 39. 2a 2  a  6
mp  3m  p  3 40. n 2  16
17.
41. a2  b2
18. 2ab  6ac  5bc  15c 2
42. 9  16a 2
19. 6 m  4 n  9km  6 kn
43. 1 4y2
20. y 2  9 y  14
44. 25 x 2  16 y 2
21. k 2  6k  8
45. 4x 2  y 2
22. y  8 y  16
2
46. 7 m p 2  14 m 2 p
23. 4  4r  r 2
47. 2y 2
 11 y  15
24. y2 1
48. 3g – 3t + 2mg – 2mt
25. x  10 x  25
2
49. 3x² + 2x  8.
26. 16  8 z  z 2
50. 5a 2 b  ab 2
27. 2y2  y  3
51. 9k 2  1
28. 3a 2  2a  5 52. 2y2  5y  2
29. 3 x 2  11 x  10 53. 2p 2
 7p  3
30. 4z  92
54. 49  r 2
31. 2c 2  9c  10
55. 10 x 2  x  3
32. 3d 2  7 d  6
56. 2a 2
 6 a  a b  3b
33. 5b  36b  7
2
57. 3 xy  5 x  6 ay  10 a
34. 4  20m  25m 2

58. p2  6p  9
Simplify
59. 9  16 a 2
3x  9
1.
60. c x  2 y c  3 d x  6dy 3
61. 6a b  3a y2  2y
2.
y
62. 12 x  4 x 2
x5
3.
63. 1  4y 2
3 x  15
64. n 2  n  12 4  h2
4.
2h
65. 81  x 2
3z  9
5.
66. 6 k  3q  2 k p  p q z 3
67. 16 x 2
 9 8 f  8g
6. 6 f  6g
68. x  3  x  2   ax  3a
c2  c  6
7.
69. 15 x 2 y  20 xy 2 c3
70. 4 p 2  4q 2 d 2
8.
d d 6
2
71. 3x² – 27
3 z  15
9.
72. 5k  45
2
z 2  5z
73. p3  p y2  9
10.
2( y  3)
74. 3  12b 2
x2  y2
75. 1 a  b
2 11.
x 2  xy
76. 5 p  5q  p 2  q 2
n 2  2n  1
12.
n2 1
77. x 2  y 2  4x  4 y
b 2  6b  5
78. x y  x  y
2
13.
b 2  25
79. 2x 2
 xy  y 2  2 x  y  9  6a  a 2
14.
9  a2
SIMPLIFICATION

x2  1
15. (b) Rearrange the formula to make q the
x  1
subject.
9x 2  y 2
16. 9x  3y
1
5. Given the formula s  (u  v) t ,
2
4ab 2  2a 2 b
17. express u in terms of v, s, and t.
ab
LINEAR EQUATIONS/INHEQUALITIES
SUBJECT OF A FORMULA
Solve
1.
1. 5( x  6)  20
(a) Make t the subject of s  3 t  r t .
2. 6 x  8 x  3  10
(b) Calculate the value of t when r = 2 and
s = 15. 3. 5 x  4  6  2 x  8
2. The temperature, C, in degrees Celsius, is 5

calculated using the formula 4. 2 x  1 
2
5
C   F  32 where F is the x 2 x 1
9 5.   2
temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. 2 3
3x  1 x 2 2x  3
(a) Make F the subject of the formula. 6.   2
3 2 3
(b) The temperature in London is 15°C. Use the
formula derived in (a) above to 7. 17  2 p  10
convert this temperature to degrees
Fahrenheit. 8. 2  3q  8
5m
3. Using the formula t = 12 n 9. x  3  6  2x  8
10. (a) 3  2x  7
(a) Calculate the value of t when m = 20 and n
= 48.
(b) If x is An integer, state the
(b) Express m as subject of the formula in (a) GREATEST value of x which
above. satisfies the inequality in (a) above.
2q 2
4. Given that r  ,
q  3 11. (a) 12  3 x  5
(a) Calculate the value of r when p = 6 and q

= 12.
(b) If x is an integer, state the 4. 3a  2b  2

SMALLEST value of x which 2 a  3 b  23
satisfies the inequality in (a) above.
5. 2 a  3b  1
a  4 b  17
SIMULTANEOUS LINEAR EQUATIONS
1
Solve the following pair of simultaneous equations: 6. 3 x  5 y  16
2
2x  3 y  4
1. 2x + 3y = 18
x + 5y = 23 y  2x
7.
10 x  y  4
2. 3a  2b  12
2a  b  1
8. 2 x  3 y  19
3x  2 y   4
3. 2 x  3 y  11
4 x  2 y  10 QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
Solve
1. 3x 2  7 x  2  0
2. 3x 2
 8 x  25 = 0
3. 2y 2
 5y
4. y ( y  2)  3
5. ( x  2)( x  3)  14
WORDED PROBLEMS
1. At a school shop, pens are sold at x dollars

each and rulers at y dollars each. Mr. James
bought 4 pens and 5 rulers for $ 24. Mrs.
Singh bought 2 of the same pens and 7 of
the same rulers for $ 21.
(a) Write TWO equations in x and y to

represent the information given above.
(b) Solve the equations.

(c) Calculate the TOTAL cost for 1 pen and 1 (i) the number of minutes she walks,
ruler.
(ii) the distance she runs,
2. 7 pencils and 5 erasers cost $ 11.60,
whereas 5 pencils and 3 erasers cost $7.60. (iii) the distance to the bus stop.
Calculate the cost of 8 erasers. (b) Given also that the distance to the bus stop
is 740 metres, find the value of t.
3. Adma scored x points
Imran 3 points fewer than Adam 7. A restaurant bill for $ 350 was paid using $5
Shakeel scored twice as many points as notes and $ 50 notes. The total number of
Imran notes used was 16:
Together they scored 39 points.
Let x represent the number of $ 5 notes.
(a) Write down, in terms of x, an expression for Let y represent the number of $ 50 notes.
the number of points scored by Shakeel
(a) Write TWO equation in x and y to represent
(b) Write an equation which may be used to the information given.
find the value of x.
(b) Hence, calculate the number of $ 5 notes
4. Change the following statements into and the number of $ 50 notes.
algebraic expressions:
8. Ninety tickets were sold for a concert. x
(a) Four times the sum of x and 5 tickets were sold for $ 3.00 each and the rest
of the tickets were sold for $ 4.00 each.
(b) 16 larger than the product of a and b
Write an expression, in x, to represent the
5. Jane is x years old. She is 3 years older than number of tickets sold at
her twin brothers Peter and Paul.
(a) $ 3.00 each
(a) Write down Peter's age, in terms of x.
(b) $ 4.00 each.
(b) Find, as simply as possible in terms of x, the
(c) If the total sales on all tickets amounted to
mean age of the three children.
$300.00, how many of the tickets costing
$3.00 each were sold?
6. Alice runs at the rate of 170 metres in one
minute, and walks at the rate of 90 metres in
one minute. From the instant she leaves
home, Alice takes 6 minutes, by running and
walking, to reach a bus stop.
(a) Given that she runs for t minutes, find, in
terms of f, expressions for:

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CXC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

1.2 Approximations (rounding off)

1.3 Standard form Definitions

1.9 Wages and Salaries Variables: A variable is a symbol that is assigned to an

1.11 Rates and Foreign Exchange

1.13 Examination Questions E.g. 3w = 3 × w. 3 is the coefficient.

Terms: A term can be a number, a variable, or a number

Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 36

Substitutions / Binary operations

Substitutions and binary operations work in a

Replace each letter or symbol with the given number.

1. Given that x  2, y   5 and z  3,

(a) 5x  2 y = 5 (2)  2 ( 5)

(b) x2  3y  z 2 = ( 2) 2  3( 5)  (3) 2

Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 37

7 ( 2) 2  2 (3) 3  ( 5) 2 = 16    1)  = − 16Ans.

= 10 (4)  3(5)  2 (3)

2. Given that a  4, b   2 and c   3,

4 2  ( 2) 2  4  ( 2)  (3)

(c) a 2  2 b  c = 4 2   2 ( 2)  ( 3) 

Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 38

Examples: Binary operations

1. If x  y  2 x 2  y, then find the value

2. If a  b means 3a 2  b 3 , then find the

= 13 = 3.61 (3 s.f.) Ans.

Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 39

4. An operation is defined as (c) 5 p  7 p 2  3 pq  6qp  2 p 2  11 p

(b) ( 1)   2  3 = ( 1)    13 =  7  2 p 2   6  3  pq  11  5 p

( 1)    13 Multiplying and Dividing Algebraic expressions

( 1)   2  3 = 103 Ans. or , use indices laws where applicable.

Simplifying algebraic expressions Examples:

Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 40

= 3  4  p  q ( 3  1)  r Expanding brackets (removing brackets)

or , use indices laws where applicable.

(a) 6pq³ ÷ 3pq = x 2  4 x  3 x  12

6p  q  q  q 1. (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²

Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 41

(b) 7 x  x  3  4  x  2  Removing brackets. 2  x  2   3  x  1

Addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions

5. Express as a single fraction: 3 4

Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 42

the sign change

Expand powers (if necessary). Cancel variables of 6 p  q2  q  s  s  r 2

Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 43

To simplify by dividing fraction: = kln Ans.

8 x5 2 x2 multiplication and reciprocating the second fraction

Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 44

Changing division to multiplication and multiplication

Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 45

Factorisation of algebraic expressions (d) 5 a 2 b  ab 2

= 3 xy  2  3 x  Take out 3x and leave

(c) 8 h2  4 h  Common factor is 4h

IV. Difference of two squares (d) 5 a 2 b  ab 2 = ab 5a  b  Ans.

To factorise using HCF: The distributive property (distributive law) can be

(b) 5 x  xy  10  2 y (e) 6nx  9mx  4ny  6my

(e) 6nx  9mx  4ny  6my

(a) 3 pq  q  6 p  2  Common factors are q

To factor a difference of two squares:

=  5 x  x y    2  5  2 y   Take out x Be careful! This method only works for difference of