Algebra
QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE
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Algebra
Algebra is the branch of mathematics in which we perform mathematical operations with
the help of numbers (constants) and alphabets (variables).
Algebraic Expression
The combination of constants, variables and elementary arithmetic operations (+, -, ×, ÷) is called
algebraic expression.
On the basis of Degree of Polynomial
Linear Polynomial Quadratic Polynomial Cubic Polynomial Quartic Polynomial
The polynomial in which
the highest power of the The polynomial of degree The polynomial of The polynomial of degree
variables is one or, the two is called quadratic degree three is called four is called quartic
polynomial of degree one is polynomial cubic polynomial equation
called linear polynomial.
Eg: Eg:
Eg: 2x + 3 Eg: x2 – 4x + 5, x2 – 5 etc. x3 + 4x2 – 3x + 4, x3 – 4x – 5x4 – 4x + 2, 5x4 + 4x3 – 3x
3 etc etc.
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On the basis of number of terms
Monomial Binomial Trinomial Polynomial
The algebraic expression
that consists of two or
more than two terms is
called polynomial.
The algebraic
The algebraic expression The algebraic expression The general form of
expression that consists
that consists of only one that consists of two terms polynomial is given by P(x)
of three terms is called
term is called monomial is called binomial. = a0 + a1x + a2x2 + … + an xn
trinomial
Where, a0, a1, a2, a3 … and
an, are real numbers and n
is a whole number (none
negative integer).
Eg:
2 2
Eg: 4x, 4y/3, -6.33z etc Eg: 2x + 3y, 4x + x etc. Eg: 4xy + 3x + 5y 1 + 2x – 3x2 + 5x4, 6x3 – 2x2
+ 4 etc.
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Important Algebraic Identities
(a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
(a – b)2 = a2 – 2ab + b2
(a + b)2 = (a – b)2 + 4ab
(a – b)2 = (a + b)2 – 4ab
Quadratic Identities
a2 + b2 = (a + b)2 – 2ab
a2 + b2 = (a – b)2 + 2ab
a2 – b2 = (a + b) (a – b)
(a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca
a3 + b3 = (a + b) (a2 – ab + b2)
a3 – b3 = (a – b) (a2 + ab + b2)
(a + b)3 = a3 + b3 + 3ab (a + b)
(a – b)3 = a3 – b3 – 3ab (a – b)
Cubic Identities a3 + b3 = (a + b)3 – 3ab (a + b)
a3 – b3 = (a – b)3 + 3ab (a – b)
a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc = (a + b + c) (a2 + b2 + c2 – ab – bc – ac) = ½(a + b + c)[(a – b)2 + (b
– c)2 + (c – a)2]
a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc If (a + b + c) = 0
(a + b + c)3 = a3 + b3 + c3 + 3(a + b)(b + c)(c + a)
Quartic Polynomial a4 + b4 + a2b2 = (a2 – ab + b2)(a2 + ab + b2)
Table-1 : Algebraic Identities ( Important Formulae are highlighted in Grey)
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Important Special Cases
Important Special Cases
Type 1 If x2 + y2 + z2 = 0, then x = y = z = 0
Type 2 If a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc Then (a + b + c) = 0
Shortcuts which might come handy while solving questions:
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Additional information
For the two forms mentioned below, if the difference between the factors of x is 1, then
the factor which is greater in value will be the answer of the given question
Additional information
Important Examples
A.
Given: (a – 2)2 + (b + 3)2 + (c – 5)2 = 0
So, a – 2 = 0
⇒a=2
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And, b + 3 = 0
⇒ b = -3
And, c – 5 = 0
⇒ c=5
Therefore, a – b – c = 2 – (-3) – 5 = 0
Q. If (2x + 3)3 + (x - 8)3 + (x + 13)3 = (2x + 3) (3x - 24) (x + 13), then what is the valueof x?
A. As we know,
If x3 + y3 + z3 - 3xyz = 0, then x + y + z = 0
⇒ (2x + 3)3 + (x - 8)3 + (x + 13)3 = (2x + 3) (3x - 24) (x + 13)
⇒ (2x + 3)3 + (x - 8)3 + (x + 13)3 - 3 (2x + 3) (x - 8) (x + 13) = 0
⇒ (2x + 3) + (x - 8) + (x + 13) = 0
⇒ 4x + 8 = 0
⇒ 4x = -8
⇒ x = -8/4 = -2
x=1
x=–1
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x6 = – 1
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