Name ______________________

Senior Math Seminar Module 4 Notes

Section 8.1: Symbols and Sets of Numbers

A __________ is a collection of objects, each of which is called an element of the set. A pair of ​
{ } encloses the list of elements and is translated as “the set of” or “the set containing”.

The three dots at the end of the list of elements of a set means that the list continues in the
same manner indefinitely.

Below is a review of symbols. The letters a and b are used to represent quantities. Letters such
as a and b that are used to represent numbers or quantities are called _______________.

A number to the right of another number is larger. Similarly, a number to the left of another
number is smaller.

Example 1: Determine whether each statement is true or false.

A.​ 2 < 3

B.​ 72 < 27

C.​ 8 ≥ 8

D.​ 8 ≤ 8

E.​ 23 ≤ 0
Example 2: Translate each sentence into a mathematical statement.
A.​ Nine is less than or equal to eleven.

B.​ Eight is greater than one.

C.​ Three is not equal to four.

Numbers less than 0 are to the left of 0 and are labeled -1, -2, -3, and so on. The numbers we
have labeled on the number line below are called the set of integers.

Integers to the left of 0 are called __________ integers; integers to the right of 0 are called
__________ integers. The integer 0 is neither positive nor negative.

Example 3: Use an integer to express the number in the following: “The lowest
temperature ever recorded at South Pole Station, Antarctica, occurred during the month
of June. The record-low temperature was 117 degrees Fahrenheit below zero.”

A problem with integers in real-life settings arises when quantities are smaller than some integer
but greater than the next smallest integer. On a number line, these quantities may be visualized
by points between integers. Some of these quantities between integers can be represented as
quotients of integers. For example,

These numbers, each of which can be represented as a quotient of integers (fractions), are
examples of rational numbers.
Example 4: Graph the numbers on a number line.

Every rational number has a point on the number line that corresponds to it. But not every point
on the number line corresponds to a rational number. Those points that do not correspond to
rational numbers correspond instead to _______________ numbers.

Both rational and irrational numbers can be written as decimal numbers. The decimal equivalent
of a rational number will either terminate or repeat in a pattern.

The decimal representation of an irrational number will neither terminate nor repeat.

The set of numbers, each of which corresponds to a point on a number line, is called the set of
real numbers. One and only one point on a number line corresponds to each real number.
Example 5: Insert <, >, or = between the pairs of numbers to form true statements.
A.​ -5 -6

B.​ 3.195 3.2

1 1
C.​ 4 3

Example 6: Given the set {-3, -2, 0, ¼, 2, 11, 112} list the numbers in this set that belong
to the set of:
Natural numbers

Whole numbers

Integers

Rational numbers

Irrational numbers

Real numbers

A number line not only gives us a picture of the real numbers, it also helps us visualize the
distance between numbers. The distance between a real number a and 0 is given a special
name called the absolute value of a. “The absolute value of a” is written in symbols as | a | .
Example 7: Find the absolute value of each number.
A.​ | 4 |

B.​ | - 5 |

C.​ | 0 |

−2
D.​ | 9
|

E.​ | 4.93 |

Example 8: Insert <, >, or = in the appropriate space to make each statement true.
A.​ | 0 | |2|

B.​ | - 5 | |5|

C.​ | - 3 | |-2|

D.​ | - 9 | | - 9.7 |
Section 8.2: Exponents, Order of Operations, and Variable Expressions

We may use exponential notation to write such products in a more compact form.

The 2 in 2 3 is called the__________; it is the repeated factor. The 3 in 2 3 is called the

3
________________ and is the number of times the base is used as a factor. The expression 2
is called an exponential expression.

Example 1: Evaluate (find the value of) each expression.

A.​ 3 2

B.​ 5 3

C.​ 2 4

D.​ 7 1
Example 2: Simplify each expression.
2
A.​ 6 ÷ 3 + 5

B.​ 20 ÷ 5 × 4

3 1 1
C.​ 2
× 2
− 2

D.​ 1 + 2[5(2 × 3 + 1) − 10]

In the next example, the fraction bar serves as a grouping symbol and separates the numerator
and denominator. Simplify each separately.

2
3 + |2 − 3| + 2
Example 3: Simplify the expression 6−3

Recall that letters used to represent quantities are called _______________. An algebraic
expression is a collection of numbers, variables, operation symbols, and grouping symbols.
For example,

If we give a specific value to a variable, we can evaluate an algebraic expression. To evaluate

an algebraic expression means to find its numerical value once we know the values of the
variables. Algebraic expressions are often used in problem solving. For example, the expression
16t2 gives the distance in feet (neglecting air resistance) that an object will fall in t seconds.

Example 4: Evaluate each expression when x = 3 and y = 2.

A.​ 5x2

B.​ 2x - y

3𝑥
C.​ 2𝑦
 𝑥 𝑦
D.​ 𝑦
+ 2

E.​ x2 - y2

An _______________ is a mathematical statement that two expressions have equal value. An

equal sign “=” is used to equate the two expressions.

Example 5: Which of the following are equations? Which are expressions?

A.​ 5x = 8

B.​ 5x - 8

C.​ 12y + 3x

D.​ 12y = 3x

When an equation contains a variable, deciding which value(s) of the variable make the
equation a true statement is called solving the equation for the variable. A _______________ of
an equation is a value for the variable that makes the equation a true statement

Example 6: Decide whether 2 is a solution of 3x + 10 = 8x

Example 7: Write an algebraic expression that represents each phrase. Let the variable x
represent the unknown number.
A.​ The sum of a number and 3

B.​ The product of 3 and a number

C.​ The quotient of 7.3 and a number

D.​ 10 decreased by a number

E.​ 5 times a number, increased by 7

Example 8: Write each sentence as an equation. Let x represent the unknown number.
A.​ The quotient of 15 and a number is 4.

B.​ Three subtracted from 12 is a number.

C.​ 17 added to four times a number is 21.

Section 8.3: Adding Real Numbers

Adding real numbers can be visualized by using a number line. A positive number can be
represented on the number line by an arrow of appropriate length pointing to the right, and a
negative number by an arrow of appropriate length pointing to the left.

For example, to add signed numbers such as 5+(-2) on a number line, we start at 0 on the
number line and draw an arrow representing 5. From the tip of this arrow, we draw another
arrow representing -2. The tip of the second arrow ends at their sum, 3.

Example 1: Add the following numbers. Use a number line.

A.​ (-1) + (-2)

B.​ (-4) + 6

C.​ 4 + (-6)

Example 2: Add without using a number line:

A.​ (-7) + (-6)

B.​ (-10) + 4

C.​ (-8) + ( -11)

 D.​ 0.2 + (-0.5)

−3 2
E.​ ( 8
)+ 5

Example 3: Find the sum:

A.​ 3 + (-7) + (-8)

B.​ [7 + (-10)] + [ -2 + (-4)]

Notice that the graphs of 4 and -4 lie on opposite sides of 0, and each is 4 units away from 0.
Such numbers are known as opposites or additive inverses of each other.

Example 4: Find the opposite of each number.

A.​ 10

B.​ -3

C.​ ½
We use the symbol “ - ” to represent the phrase “the opposite of”. In general, if a is a number,
we write the opposite or additive inverse of a as -a.

Example 5: Simplify each expression.

A.​ - (-10)

1
B.​ - (− 2
)

C.​ - (-2x)

Example 6: Add (-54) + 54

Example 7: Evaluate the following expressions:

A.​ Evaluate 2x + y for x = 3 and y = - 5

B.​ Evaluate x + y for x = - 2 and y = - 10

Example 8: In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the record extreme high temperature is 104°F.

Decrease this temperature by 111 degrees, and the result is the record extreme low
temperature. Find this temperature.
Section 8.4: Subtracting Real Numbers

In other words, to find the difference of two numbers, we add the opposite of the number being
subtracted.

Example 1: Subtract.
A.​ -13 - 4

B.​ 5 - (-6)

C.​ 3 - 6

D.​ -1 - (-7)

Example 2: Subtract.
A.​ 5.3 - (-4.6)

−3 −5
B.​ 10
− ( 10
)

−2 −4
C.​ 3
− ( 5
)
Example 3: Write each phrase as an expression and simplify.
A.​ Subtract 8 from - 4

B.​ Decrease 10 by - 20

If an expression contains additions and subtractions, just write the subtractions as equivalent
additions. Then simplify from left to right.

Example 4: Simplify each expression.

A.​ -14 - 8 + 10 - (-6)

B.​ 1.6 - (-10.3) + (-5.6)

When an expression contains parentheses and brackets, remember the order of operations.
Start with the innermost set of parentheses or brackets and work your way outward.

Example 5: Simplify each expression.

A.​ -3 + [(-2 - 5) - 2)]

B.​ 23 - 10 + [-6 - (-5)]

It is important to be able to evaluate expressions for given replacement values. This helps, for
example, when checking solutions of equations.

Example 6: Find the value of each expression when x = 2 and y = -5

𝑥−𝑦
A.​ 12 + 𝑥

B.​ x2 - y

Recall from Section 8.2 that a solution of an equation is a value for the variable that makes the
equation true.

Example 7: Determine whether -4 is a solution of x - 5 = -9.

Example 8: The highest point in the United States is the top of Denali, at a height of
20,320 feet above sea level. The lowest point is Death Valley, California, which is 282 feet
below sea level. How much higher is Denali than Death Valley?
Example 9: Find the measure of each unknown complementary or supplementary angle.

A.​

B.​
Section 8.5: Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers

Multiplication of real numbers is similar to multiplication of whole numbers. We just need to

determine when the answer is positive, when it is negative, and when it is zero. To discover sign
patterns for multiplication, recall that multiplication is repeated addition.

Example 1: Multiply.
A.​ -7(6)

B.​ -2(-14)

−2 4
C.​ 3
(7)

D.​ 5(-1.7)

E.​ -18(-3)
Example 2: Multiply.
A.​ 7(0)(-6)

B.​ (-2)(-3)(-4)

C.​ (-1)(-9)(-5)(-2)

When raising a number to an exponent, be careful of how the base number is written and the
degree of the exponent as they can yield different results.

For example, (-5)2 = (-5)(-5) = 25 but -52 = -(5)(5) = - 25

Example 3: Evaluate
A.​ (-2)3

B.​ -23

C.​ -32

D.​ (-3)2
Example 4: Find the reciprocal of each number.
A.​ 22

3
B.​ 16

C.​ -10

−9
D.​ 13

The quotient of two real numbers is the product of the first number and the multiplicative inverse
or reciprocal of the second number.
Example 5: Find the quotient.
A.​ -18 / 3

−14
B.​ −2

20
C.​ −4

Example 6: Divide.
−30
A.​ −10

−100
B.​ 5

20
C.​ −2
When we divide by a fraction, it is usually easier to multiply by its reciprocal.

Example 7: Divide.
2 −5
A.​ 3
÷ ( 4
)

−1 −2
B.​ 6
÷ ( 3
)

Example 8: Divide if possible.

1
A.​ 0

0
B.​ −3

Example 9: Use the order of operations to evaluate each expression.

0(−8)
A.​ 2

B.​ (-4)(-11) - 5(-2)

 C.​ (-2)2 + 3[(-3 - 2) - |4 - 6|]

Example 10: Evaluate each expression when x = -2 and y = -4.

3𝑥
A.​ 2𝑦

B.​ x3 - y2

𝑥−𝑦
C.​ −𝑥

−20
Example 11: Determine whether -10 is a solution of 𝑥
+ 15 = 2𝑥.

Example 12: A professional golfer finished seven strokes under par (-7) for each of three
days of a tournament. What was her total score of the tournament?
Section 8.6: Properties of Real Numbers

These properties state that the order in which any two real numbers are added or multiplied
does not change their sum or product.

Example 1: Use a commutative property to complete each statement.

A.​ x + 5 = __________

B.​ 3 * x = __________

These properties state that the way in which three numbers are grouped does not change their
sum or their product.

Example 2: Use an associative property to complete each statement.

A.​ 5 + (4 + 6) = _______________

B.​ (-1 * 2) * 5 = _______________

C.​ (m + n) + p = _______________

D.​ 12 * (xy) = _______________

Example 3: Determine whether each statement is true by an associative property or a

commutative property.
A.​ (7 + 10) + 4 = (10 + 7) + 4

B.​ 2 * (3 * 1) = (2 * 3) * 1
Example 4: Simplify each expression.
A.​ 10 + (x + 12)

B.​ -3 * (7x)

Example 5: Use the distributive property to write each expression without parentheses.
Then simplify the result.
A.​ 2(x + y)

B.​ -5(-3 + 2z)

C.​ 5(x + 3y - z)

D.​ -1(2 - y)
The distributive property can also be used to write a sum as a product.

Example 6: Use the distributive property to write each sum as a product.

A.​ 8 * 2 + 8 * x

B.​ 7s + 7t

Example 7: Name the property illustrated by each true statement.

A.​ 3(x + y) = 3x + 3y

B.​ (x + 7) + 9 = x + (7 + 9)

C.​ (b + 0) + 3 = b + 3

D.​ 2 * (z * 5) = 2 * (5 * z)

E.​ -2 + 2 = 0

F.​ -3 * (-⅓) - 1
Section 8.7: Simplifying Expressions

A __________ is a number or the product of a number and variables raised to powers.

2
​ Examples: -y, 2x3, 5, 3xy2, 𝑥
, 0.28z

The ________________________________ of a term is the numerical factor.

​ Example: For 2x3 it is 2 or for 3xy2 it is 3.

Example 1: Identify the numerical coefficient of each term.

A.​ -3y

B.​ 22z4

C.​ y

𝑥
D.​ 7

Terms with the same variables raised to exactly the same powers are called _______________.
Terms that aren’t like terms are called _____________________.

Example 2: Determine whether the terms are like or unlike.

A.​ 2x, 3x2

B.​ 4x2y, x2y, -2x2y

C.​ -2yz, -3zy

D.​ -x4, x4
Simplifying the sum or difference of like terms is called combining like terms.

Example 3: Simplify each expression by combining like terms.

A.​ 7x - 3x

B.​ 10y2 + y2

C.​ 8x2 + 2x - 3x

D.​ 9n2 - 5n2 + n2

E.​ 2x + 3x + 5 + 2

F.​ -5a - 3 + a + 2

Example 4: Find each product by using the distributive property to remove parentheses.
A.​ 5(3x + 2)

B.​ -2(y + 0.3x - 1)

 C.​ -(9x + 2y -z + 6)

When simplifying an expression containing parentheses, we often use the distributive property
first to remove parentheses and then again to combine any like terms.

Example 5: Simplify each expression.

A.​ 3(2x - 5) + 1

B.​ 8 - (7x + 2) + 3x

C.​ -2(4x + 7) = (3x - 1)

Example 6: Subtract (4x - 2) from (2x - 3).

Example 7: Write each phrase as an algebraic expression and simplify if possible. Let x
represent the unknown number.
A.​ Twice a number, plus 6

B.​ The difference of a number and 4, divided by 7

C.​ Five plus the sum of a number and 1

D.​ Four times the sum of a number and 3