BRIDGE MATHEMATICS 1 (BM 101-A) FACULTY OF EDUCATION

UPOU UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGOD

MODULE 4: ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS AND

BASIC RULES IN ALGEBRA

Meet Your Target

At the end of the module, each Bridge Math
participant will be able to:
•recognize an algebraic statement in the
form of an algebraic term, expression, or
equation;
•translate English phrases and sentences to
Mathematical phrases and sentences;
•p e r f o r m s i m p l i c a t i o n o f a l g e b r a i c
expressions; and
•perform di erent operations on polynomials

Activate the Mind

TOPIC 1: ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

In Module 2: Numbers and Its Operations,

you have reviewed how to add, subtract,
multiply and divide real numbers. The
combinations of real numbers and arithmetic
operations are called numerical
expressions.

In this module, we will review about algebraic expressions. These are combinations of
variables, constants, and arithmetic operations. Algebra is a branch of mathematics that uses
letters along with numbers and operation symbols to create expressions. It uses mathematical
statements to describe relationships between quantities that may vary over time. In the
description of such relationships, variables and constants are used to represent numbers,
values, quantities, vectors, and many more. Algebra is important in any study of mathematics,
science, engineering and other applied elds of study.

VARIABLES AND CONSTANTS

A variable is a symbol which represents any number from a set of values.
Examples:
▪ x, y, z ▪ b, h ▪ l, w

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A constant is a symbol which represents one xed value.

Examples:
• 1, 2, 3, -5, -6, -7
• e, π

More examples:
Algebraic Expression Variable Constant
3x x 3
2abc a, b, c 2
x+5 x 5
1 b, h ½
bh
2

BASE AND EXPONENT

An algebraic expression can have a base and an
exponent.

Base is a number or letter which an exponent refers.

Exponent is a small number written above a number or

letter to indicate how many times the base will be used as a
factor.

POLYNOMIAL OR NOT?
A polynomial is a special type of algebraic expression. An algebraic expression is considered
polynomial if:
• Its exponent is a positive integer.
• The variables are found in the numerator.
• The variable is not found in the radical sign .

Examples of a Polynomial Examples of Expressions that are

Not Polynomials
1 p −2
The exponent is negative.
1
−5x 2 x2
The exponent is a fraction.
3x 3
5 5x
The variable is found in the denominator.

x 2 − 5x + 6 x
The variable is found inside the radical sign.

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DEGREE OF A TERM AND DEGREE OF A POLYNOMIAL

An algebraic expression is composed of algebraic terms or simply terms. These terms are
connected by plus and minus signs.

Example:
Algebraic Expression Number of Terms
2y + 3x – 10 This expression can be divided into 2y, 3x,
-10. The expression has three terms.

Algebraic Expression Number of Terms

4x y 2 + 3x − 5 The expression has three terms. These are

4xy2, 3x, and -5.

5x y 2 − 3x + 5y 3 − 3 The expression has four terms. These are

5xy2, -3x, 5y3, and -3.

In a term, the constant factor is called numerical coe cient while the variable factor is called
literal coe cient. For example, in the term 2abc, 2 is called the numerical coe cient while
abc is called the literal coe cient. A term without a variable is called a constant term.

The degree of the term is the sum of the exponents in every term.

Examples:
Algebraic Degree of the Term
Expression
5x4 The exponent in the term is 4. So, the degree of the term is 4.

-4x6 The exponent in the term is 6. So, the degree of the term is 6.

5abc The exponents are not reflected, but there are variables. It means that
a1b1c1. You add all the exponents, the degree of the term is 3.

5ab3c5 The exponents are 1, 3, and 5. Adding all the exponents, the degree of
the term is 9.

4 There are no variables. The degree of the term is 0.

2x2 – 3x + 5 The degree of the term 2x2 is 2.

The degree of the term -3x is 1.
The degree of the constant term 5 is 0.

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The degree of the polynomial is the highest degree of any of its non-zero terms.

The gure on the left shows that the degrees of

the terms are 9, 4, and 5. Since 9 is the highest
degree of the term, then the degree of the
polynomial is 9.

Examples:
Algebraic Expression Degree of the Term Degree of the Polynomial

2x2 – 3x + 5 2, 1, and 0 2
3x2y +10xy – 5xy2 3, 2, and 3 3
2x + 3y 1 and 1 1
2abc 3 3

CLASSIFYING POLYNOMIALS

Cycles are classi ed based on the number of their wheels. A cycle with one wheel is called
monocycle. A cycle with two wheels is called bicycle. A cycle with three wheels is called
tricycle.

Just like cycles, polynomials are also classi ed based on the number of terms.

If a polynomial has more than 3 terms, we call them multinomial.

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ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS AND ALGEBRAIC EQUATIONS

Algebraic expressions are called mathematical phrases while algebraic equations are called
mathematical sentences. An algebraic equation is a mathematical sentence which states that
two expressions are equal.

Algebraic Expressions Algebraic Equations

5x + 4 5x + 4 = 24
10x 2 + 2x + 3 10x 2 + 2x + 3 = 0
x +y x +y =7

An equal sign ( = ) separates the two algebraic expressions. In the equation 5x + 4 = 24, the
expression 5x + 4 is called the left-hand side while 24 is called the right-hand side of the
equation.

In solving an equation, you need to nd all the solutions to the equation. These are values that
will make the equation true.

A solution for an equation is any value that makes the equation a true
statement.

The solution set of an equation is the collection of all its solutions.

Example: Check if -5 is a solution for the equation 2x + 5 = 3x + 10.

Note: To check if it is a solution, substitute -5 to the value of x.

2x + 5 = 3x + 10
2(−5) + 5 = 3(−5) + 10
−10 + 5 = − 15 + 10
−5 = − 5 True. -5 is a solution

Example: Check if 2 is a solution for the equation 2x + 5 = 3x + 10.

Note: To check if it is a solution, substitute 2 to the value of x.

2x + 5 = 3x + 10
2(2) + 5 = 3(2) + 10
4 + 5 = 6 + 10
9 ≠ 16 False. 2 is NOT a solution.

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The equation can be identity, inconsistent, or conditional.

TYPES OF EQUATIONS EXAMPLES

An identity is an equation where every Example 1:
real number is a solution. x + x = 2x
2x = 2x
This happens when the left-hand side is
equal to the right-hand side. Example 2:
3x + 4 = 4x – x + 8 – 4
3x + 4 = 3x + 4

The left-hand side is equal to the

right-hand side.

An inconsistent equation is an Example 1:

equation with no solution. x=x+1
x–x=1
This happens when one side becomes 0 = 1
zero and the other side has a numerical
value. Example 2:
x+2=x+4
Both sides have x. If you eliminate
both x, you will be left with 2 = 4
which is NOT true. Thus, it is
inconsistent.

A conditional equation is an equation Example 1:

with exactly one solution. 2x = 4

This happens when one side is left with Example 2:

a variable and the other side with a 5x + 4 = 3x
numerical value.

Link to Resource
Material:
College Algebra Tutorial
6: Polynomials
[Link]
academic/anns/mps/math/
mathlab/col_algebra/
col_alg_tut6_poly.htm

Link to YouTube:
Algebraic Expressions
(Basic)
[Link]
watch?v=OF2GtIinL_s

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Try This

A polynomial is called linear if it has a degree of 1;

quadratic for 2; cubic for 3; quartic for 4; and quintic for 5.
Do you need more practice in classifying polynomials and
identifying their degrees? Try this Polynomial Degrees
Quiz by Soft Schools or this Classifying Polynomials
Worksheet by Kuta Software. You can either scan the QR
code or click the link.

Link to Polynomial Degree Quiz: Polynomial Degree

[Link]

Link to YouTube: Classifying Polynomials

[Link] [Link]/[Link]

Activate the Mind

TOPIC 2: TRANSLATING ENGLISH PHRASES AND SENTENCES TO
MATHEMATICAL PHRASES AND SENTENCES

Algebra is a language which translates verbal phrases into algebraic expressions and algebraic
expressions into verbal phrases. Common verbal phrases are used to translate mathematical
operations.

VERBAL PHRASES
These are the common phrases used in translating verbal phrases to mathematical phrases:
Verbal Phrases Mathematical Operation
plus, sum, increased by, added to, total of, more than
Addition

minus, subtract, less, less than, difference of, diminished by,

subtracted from, reduced by Subtraction

times, multiplied by, product of

Multiplication

divided by, quotient of, ratio of

Division

raised to, square of, cube of

Exponent

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TRANSLATING VERBAL PHRASES TO MATHEMATICAL PHRASES

More Examples:
Verbal Phrases Mathematical Phrases

1) the sum of x and 8 x+8

2) x plus y x+y

3) x increased by 10 x + 10

4) 4 added to y 4+y

5) Total of x and z x+z

6) z more than 10 z + 10

7) x minus 8 x–8

8) x subtract y x–y

9) x less 5 x–5

10) x less than 5 (this means that 5 goes rst) 5–x

11) di erence of z and 8 z–8

12) z diminished by y z–y

13) 15 subtracted from z z – 10

14) n reduced by 20 n – 20

15) 4 times x 4x (The symbol " × " is seldom used for multiplication as an
operation since it can be mistaken as variable x. Instead, when a
variable and a number are placed next to each other, it means
multiplication.)

16) Twice z 2z

17) Thrice y 3y

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Verbal Phrases Mathematical Phrases

18) 5 multiplied by n 5n

19) The product of 5 and 10 (5)(10)

20) z divided by 5 z
5
21) the quotient of x and y x
y
22) the ratio of twice x and thrice y 2x
3y
23) the square of a number x2

24) the square of the sum of two numbers (x + y)2

25) cube of a number x3

26) the sum of the square of two numbers x2 + y2

ENGLISH SENTENCES AND ALGEBRAIC EQUATIONS

In the previous section, you have reviewed how to translate English phrases into algebraic
expressions. In this subtopic, you will review how to translate English sentences to algebraic
equations and vice versa.

English Phrase The cost of 2 kilos of English Sentence The cost of 2 kilos of
tomatoes and 5 kilos tomatoes and 5 kilos of
of tomatoes tomatoes is Php 140.00.

Algebraic Expression 2x + 5x Algebraic Equation 2x + 5x = 140

Note: The verb “is” in the sentence translates as “=” in the equation.

Other verbs translated as “ = “ equal sign in the equation:

are was were will

TRANSLATING ENGLISH SENTENCES TO ALGEBRAIC EQUATIONS

Examples:
English Sentences Mathematical Sentences / Algebraic Equations

1) A number increased by 7 is 25. x + 7 = 25

2) Eleven diminished by a number is 53. 11 – x = 53

3) Five times a number is 45. 5x = 45

4) The quotient of a number and 8 is 12. x

= 12
8

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5) The quotient of 15 and a number is 5. 15

=5
x
6) One-third of a number is 30. 1
x = 30
3
7) The product of a number and 15 is 3. 15x = 3

8) The length of a rectangle is 7 feet longer l=7+w

than its width.
Since the area of a rectangle is computed as A =
The area is 78 square feet. length x width, then
(7 + w)(w) = 78
9) The length of a rectangle is 3 feet longer l = 3 + 2w
than twice the width.
Since the perimeter of a rectangle is computed as P
The perimeter is 24 feet. = 2(length) + 2 (width), then
2(3 + 2w) + 2(w) = 24
10) Three more than a number is ve. 3+x=5

11) The price of the book decreased by Php P – 10 = 365.75

10.00 is Php 365.75.

12) The sum of thrice a number and two is 26. 3x + 2 = 26

13) Speed is the ratio of the distance traveled d

and the time spent in traveling.
S=
t
14) One-fourth of a number less than six is 11. 1
6− x = 11
4
15) The sum of 20 and a number is 20. 20 + x = 20

Link to YouTube Video:

Translating English Phrases to Mathematical Symbols
[Link]

Translating English Sentences to Mathematical Sentences

[Link]

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Try This

Enhance your translating skills by trying these online

quizzes. These are generated by Mathopolis and by
Quizziz. You can either scan the QR code or click the quiz
link provided below.

Link to Quiz by Mathopolis:

[Link]
qs=6093_6089_6091_6095_6090_6092_6094_16193_5812_6088&t=s
kill&skillno=210

Link to Quiz by Quizziz:

[Link]
translating-verbal-expressions

Activate the Mind

TOPIC 3: OPERATIONS ON ALGEBRA

SIMILAR AND DISSIMILAR TERMS

If polynomials have the same literal coe cient, then they are called similar terms. However, if
polynomials have di erent literal coe cient, then they are called dissimilar terms. Remember,
in the algebraic expression 4xy2, 4 is called the numerical coe cient while xy2 is called the
literal coe cient.

Examples of Similar Terms Examples of Dissimilar Terms

(Same variable and same exponent)

4x2 and 3x2 4x2 and 3x

4xy and -2xy 4xy and -2x2y

abc and 10abc abc and 10a2b2c2

2x and 9x 2x and 9y

2x2y2 and 10y2x2 2x2y2 and 10xy

ADDING POLYNOMIALS
In adding polynomials, we can only combine similar terms.

Vertical Method in Adding Polynomials:

Step 1. Align polynomials with similar terms
Step 2. Add the numerical coe cient.
Step 3. Copy the literal coe cient.

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Example 1: (x2 + 2x + 3) + (2x2 – x – 1)

x2 + 2x +3
+ 2x2 -x -1
3x2 +x +2

The answer is 3x2 + x + 2.

Example 2: (3x3 – 8x2 + 5x – 10) + (2x2 – 7x3 + 10x + 8)

3x3 - 8x2 5x -10

-7x3 + 2x2 + 10x +8
- 4x3 - 6x2 + 15x -2

The answer is -4x3 – 6x2 + 15x – 2.

Example 3: (2x2 – 3x + 4) + (3x2 + 2x – 1)

2x2 -3x +4
3x2 +2x -1
5x2 -x +3

The answer is 5x2 – x + 3.

Example 4: (10x3 – 5x2 + x – 1) and (3x2 + 3x – 5)

10x3 -5x2 +x -1
3x2 +3x -5
10x3 -2x2 +4x -6

The answer is 10x3 – 2x2 + 4x - 6.

Example 5: 6x5 + 4x2y3 + 8x3y2 – 5x4y +xy4 and 6x2y3 + 10x4y - 7xy4 + 3x3y2 – y5

6x5 + 8x3y2 +4x2y3 -5x4y +xy4

+3x3y2 +6x2y3 +10x4y -7xy4 -y5
6x5 +11x3y2 +10x2y3 +5x4y -6xy4 -y5

The answer is 6x5 + 11x3y2 + 10x2y3 + 5x4y – 6xy4 – y5.

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SUBTRACTING POLYNOMIALS
In subtracting polynomials, we can only subtract similar terms. We need to change the sign of
the subtrahend or of the term that has a subtraction sign before the parenthesis.

Vertical Method in Adding Polynomials:

Step 1. Change the sign of the subtrahend or the term that has a subtraction sign
before the parenthesis.
Example: x – y = x + (-y) or
x – (-y) = x + y
Step 2. Align polynomials with similar terms
Step 3. Add the numerical coe cient.
Step 3. Copy the literal coe cient.

Example 1: (x2 + 2x + 3) - (2x2 – x – 1)

x2 + 2x +3
The sign of the subtrahend is changed. - 2x2 +x +1
-x2 + 3x +4

The answer is -x2 + 3x + 4.

Example 2: (3x3 – 8x2 + 5x – 10) - (2x2 – 7x3 + 10x + 8)

3x3 - 8x2 5x -10
The sign of the subtrahend is changed. +7x3 - 2x2 - 10x -8
10x3 - 10x2 -5x - 18

The answer is 10x3 – 10x2 – 5x – 18.

Example 3: - (2x2 – 3x + 4) + (3x2 + 2x – 1)

The sign of the minuend is changed since the
-2x2 +3x -4 nega ve/minus sign can be seen before its group.

3x2 +2x -1
x2 +5x -5

The answer is x2 + 5x – 5.

Example 4: Find the di erence of (10x3 – 5x2 + x – 1) and (3x2 + 3x – 5)

10x3 -5x2 +x -1
The sign of the subtrahend is changed. -3x2 -3x +5
10x3 -8x2 -2x +4

The answer is 10x3 – 8x2 – 2x + 4.

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LAWS OF EXPONENTS
The laws of exponents are helpful in simplifying algebraic expressions and in performing
operations or polynomials.

There are ve laws of exponents:

o Product Law
o Quotient Law
o Power Law (Power of a Power)
o Power Law on a Product
o Power Law on a Quotient

PRODUCT LAW
If x is any non-zero real number and m and n are natural numbers, then
x m ∙ x n = x m+n
It means that when you multiply expressions of the same base, you keep the base
and add the exponents.

Example 1: 54 × 52 Example 3: (−5a 8)(2a 3)

=54 + 2 = 56 = (-5)(2)a8 + 3 = -10a11

Example 2: (n 5)(n 9) Example 4: (a 3 b 4)(a 7 b 10)

= n5 + 9 = n14 = a 3+7 b 4+10 = a 10 b 14

QUOTIENT LAW
If x is any non-zero real number and m and n are natural numbers, then
x m−n i f m > n
m
x 1 if m = n
=
xn 1
x n−m
if m < n

This means that when you divide exponential expressions having the same base,
keep the base and subtract the exponents.

510 m7
Example 1: Example 3:
52 m 10
=510 – 2 = 58 Since the exponent in the
denominator is greater than the
exponent in the numerator, then
1 1
= 10−7 = 3
m m

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x5 −64q r 2 s 5
Example 2: Example 4:
x5 4q 3 r s 5
= x 5−5 = x 0 = 1 Note: You subtract exponents from
the ones with greater exponents.

( 4 ) q 3−1
−64 r 2−1s 5−5 −16r
= =
q2

POWER OF A POWER
If x is any real number and m and n are natural numbers, then
(x ) = x
m n mn

This means that when you raise a power to a power, multiply the exponents and
keep the base.

Example 3: (x ) =x
4 3
Example 1: (10 2)
6 12
= 102(6) = 1012

Example 2: (−23) Example 4: (a 5)

3 10
= − 29 = − 512 = a 50

POWER LAW ON A PRODUCT

If x and y are real numbers and m is a natural number, then
(x y) = x y
n n n

This means that when you raise a power to a power, multiply the exponents to the
exponents of the base.

Example 2: (5x 2 y 5) = 55 x 2(5) y 5(5)

Example 1: 5
4 4 4 4
(−3x) = (−3) x = 81x = 3,125x 10 y 25

POWER LAW ON A QUOTIENT

If x and y are real numbers and y≠0, and m is a natural number, then

(y)
n
x xn
= n
y
This means that when you raise a power to a power, multiply the exponents to
the exponents of the base. Then, subtract the exponents of the same base.

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(2) ( 5b )
5 3
x x5 x5 −3a
Example 1: = 5 = Example 2:
2 32
( − 3a)3 (−3)3a 3 −27a 3
= = =
(5b)3 53 b 3 125b 3

NEGATIVE EXPONENTS
For any real number x, x ≠ 0, and any integer n,
1
x −n = n or
x
1
= xn
x −n

If the negative exponent is in the numerator, transfer it to the denominator to make

the exponent positive. If the negative exponent is in the denominator, transfer it to
the numerator to make the exponent positive.

3 7
Example 1: 3s −2 = Example 2: = 7y 8
s2 y −8

2 2c 5 −4x −3 y4
Example 3: = Example 4: = −
9c −5 9 20y −4 5x 3

MULTIPLYING POLYNOMIALS

PRODUCT OF A MONOMIAL AND A MONOMIAL

To multiply a monomial and another monomial, apply the product law and the power law of
exponents.
Monomial
Monomial Product

Example 1: Example 2:
Find the product: (−3x 2 y)(2x y 2)
Stent has a rectangular playground with 2
a length of 3x and a width of 2x. Find
the area of his playground. = ( − 3x 2 y)(22 x 2 y 4 )
A = length × wi dth = − 12x 4 y 5
A = (3x)(2x) = 6x 2
(2x y )
2 2
2x
3x 6x2
−3x y −12x 4 y 5
2

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PRODUCT OF A MONOMIAL AND A POLYNOMIAL

To multiply a monomial and a polynomial, use the distributive property to multiply the monomial
with each term of the polynomial.
a(x + y + z) = a x + ay + a z

Polynomial Polynomial Polynomial

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3
Monomial Product Product Product
Note: Add similar terms.

Example 1: Example 2:
Find the product: 2x (3x + 1) Find the product: 3x 2(5x 2 − x + 9)

= 2x (3x) + 2x (1) = 3x 2(5x 2) + 3x 2(−x) + 3x 2(9)

= 6x 2 + 2x = 15x 4 − 3x 3 + 27x 2
3x +1
5x2 -x +9
2x 6x2 2x
3x2 15x4 -3x3 + 27x2
6x2 + 2x
15x4 – 3x3 + 27x2

PRODUCT OF A BINOMIAL AND A BINOMIAL

To multiply a binomial and a binomial, use the distributive property to

multiply the binomial with each term of the binomial. You can also use
the FOIL Method.

F – First. (First term of the first binomial by the first term of the second binomial)
O – Outer. (First term of the first binomial by last term of the second binomial)
I – Inner. (Last term of the first binomial by the first term of the second binomial)
L – Last. (Last term of the first binomial by the last term of the second binomial)

Or, you can also use the tile method.

First Term (Binomial Last Term

2) (Binomial 2)
First Term Product Product
(Binomial 1)
Last Term Product Product
(Binomial 2)
Note: Add similar terms.

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Example 1: Example 2:
Find the product: (2x + 3)(3x + 1) Find the product: (3x 2 + 2)(5x 2 − x)

Using the FOIL Method, Using the FOIL Method,

= 2x (3x) + 2x (1) + 3(3x) + 3(1) = 3x 2(5x 2) + 3x 2(−x) + 2(5x 2) + 2( − x)

= 6x 2 + 2x + 9x + 3 = 15x 4 − 3x 3 + 10x 2 − 2x
= 6x 2 + 11x + 3

Using the Tile Method, Using the Tile Method,

3x +1 5x2 -x
2x 6x 2 2x 3x2 15x 4 -3x3
+3 9x +3 +2 10x2 -2x
6x2 + 11x + 3 15x4 – 3x3 + 10x2 – 2x

PRODUCT OF THE SUM AND DIFFERENCE OF TWO TERMS

For all numbers x and y:

(x + y)(x − y) = x − y
2 2

To prove using the FOIL METHOD,

Example 1: Example 2:
Stent has a rectangular playground with Find the product: (4x
− 9)(4x + 9)
a length of (x + 5) and a width of (x- 5). = (4x) − (9) = (42 x 2) − (92 )
2 2
Find the area of his playground.
A = length × wi dth = 16x 2 − 81
A = (x + 5)(x − 5) = x 2 − 25

SQUARE OF A BINOMIAL

To find the square of a binomial:

• Square the first term of the binomial
• Plus/minus twice the product of the first term and the second term
• Plus the square of the second term of the binomial

To show,
(x + y) = x + 2x y + y
2
2 2

(x − y) = x − 2x y + y
2 2 2

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To prove using the FOIL METHOD,

Example 1: Example 2:
Stent has a square playground. Each − 9)2
Find the product: (4x
side measures (x + 4). Find the area of
his playground.
= (4x) − 2(4x)(9) + (9)2
2

A = si d e 2 = 16x 2 − 72x + 81
A = (x + 4)2 = x 2 + 8x + 16

CUBE OF A BINOMIAL

To find the cube of a binomial:

• Cube the first term
• Plus/minus thrice the product of the square of the first term and the second term
• Plus thrice the product of the first term and square of the second term
• Plus/minus cube of the second term

Note: When you cube a binomial difference (x – y)3, there must be alternating positive and
negative signs.

To show,
(x + y) = x + 3x y + 3x y + y
33 2 2 3

(x − y) = x − 3x y + 3x y − y
3 3 2 2 3

Example 1: Example 2:
Find the product: (3x − 2y)
Stent has a cube box. Each side 3
measures (x + 4). Find the volume of
= (3x)3 − 3(3x)2(2y) + 3(3x)(2y) − (2y)
2 3
his box.
= 27x 3 − 3(9x 2)(2y) + 3(3x)(4y 2) − 8y 3
3
V = edge
V = (x + 4)3 = 27x 3 − 54x 2 y + 36x y 2 − 8y 3
V = x 3 + 3(x 2)(4) + 3(x)(42) + (43)
V = x 3 + 12x 2 + 48x + 64

PRODUCT OF A BINOMIAL AND A TRINOMIAL

To multiply a binomial and a trinomial, use the distributive property to multiply the binomial with
each term of the trinomial.

(x + y)(x + y + z) = x(x) + x(y) + x(z) + x(y) + y(y) + y(z)

Note: Combine similar terms.

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Using the Tile Method,
First Term Second Term Third Term
(Trinomial) (Trinomial) (Trinomial)
First Term Product Product Product
(Binomial)
Last Term Product Product Product
(Binomial)
Note: Combine similar terms.

4x2 -5x 6
7x 28x3 -35x2 +42x
+3 12x2 -15x +18

Example:
Find the product: (7x + 3)(4x 2 − 5x + 6)
Using the Tile Method,

28x3 – 23x2 +27x + 18

DIVIDING A MONOMIAL BY A MONOMIAL

In dividing a monomial by a monomial, we need to review the law of exponents. It can be the
quotient rule or the power of a quotient.
When we divide powers, we subtract the exponents of the same base.
If the exponent of the numerator is greater than of the denominator, subtract the
exponents in the numerator. If the exponent is greater in the denominator, subtract the
exponents in the denominator.

Example 1: Simplify −94

5
x Example 2: Simplify
96
x2 1 1 1
= x 5−2 = x 3 = − 6−4 = − 2 = −
9 9 81

−18x 8 −25a 5 b 5
Example 3: Example 4:
3x 4 −5a 2 b 3
8−4
= − 6x = − 6x 4 5−2 5−3
= 5a b = 5a 3 b 2

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UPOU UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGOD

DIVIDING A POLYNOMIAL BY A MONOMIAL

To divide a polynomial by a monomial, apply the property of fractions.
a+b a b
= +
c c c
Here are some steps to consider:
Step 1. Arrange the powers of the divided in descending order.
Step 2. Divide each term of the polynomial by the monomial
Step 3. Add the resulting quotient.

Example 1
30x 4 + 35x 6 + 25x 8
Divide:
5x 2
Solution:
25x 8 + 35x 6 + 30x 4 Step 1. Arrange the powers in descending
= order.
5x 2
8
25x 35x 6 30x 4 Step 2. Divide each term of the
= + + polynomial by the monomial.
5x 2 5x 2 5x 2 Step 3. Divide the numerical coefficients
6 4 2
= 5x + 7x + 6x then subtract the exponents

Example 2
−21a 7 b 6 − 42a 6 b 5 + 7a 5 b 4
Divide:
−7a 4 b 5
Solution:
−21a 7b 6 42a 6b 5 7a 5b 4 Step 2. Divide each term of the
= − + polynomial by the monomial.
−7a 4 b 5 −7a 4 b 5 −7a 4 b 5
7−4 6−5 6−4 5−5 a 5−4 Step 3. Divide the numerical coefficients
= 3a b + 6a b − 5−4 then subtract the exponents
b
3 2 a
= 3a b + 6a −
b

DIVIDING A POLYNOMIAL BY A BINOMIAL

To divide a polynomial by a polynomial, apply the long division of whole numbers.

Here are some steps to consider:

Step 1. Arrange the terms of the dividend and divisor in descending order. In case there
is a missing term in the dividend, insert a 0.
Step 2. Divide the rst term of the polynomial by the rst term of the binomial. The
result is the rst term of the quotient.
Step 3. Multiply the rst term of the quotient by the binomial and subtract the results
from the rst two terms of the polynomial. Bring down the next term
Step 4. If the degree of the rst term of the remainder is less than the degree of the rst
term of the binomial divisor, STOP. If not, repeat step 2 and continue the
process.

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BRIDGE MATHEMATICS 1 (BM 101-A) FACULTY OF EDUCATION
UPOU UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGOD

Example: Divide 27x3 + 64 by (3x + 4)

Link to Resource Materials:

College Algebra Tutorial 6:
Polynomials
[Link]
anns/mps/math/mathlab/col_algebra/
col_alg_tut6_poly.htm

Fractions in Algebra
[Link]
[Link]

Link to YouTube Videos:

Addition of Polynomials
[Link]

Subtraction of Polynomials
[Link]

Multiplication of Polynomials
[Link]

Division of Polynomials
[Link]

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BRIDGE MATHEMATICS 1 (BM 101-A) FACULTY OF EDUCATION
UPOU UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGOD

Try This

Link to by Adding and Subtracting Polynomials by

Mathopolis:
[Link]
qs=12720_5161_12716_12717_12718_5163_345_12719_5164_12721
&t=skill&skillno=424#

Link to Multiplying Polynomials by IXL Learning:

[Link]

Link to Fractions in Algebra by Mathopolis:

[Link]
qs=3881_12903_294_12900_7071_12902_337_2269_12908_12904&t
=skill&skillno=461#

Link to the Challenge Exercise by Mathopolis:

[Link]
qs=5179_12699_12700_12701_5182_5176_12698_5183_12704_5175
&t=skill&skillno=422#

How is your Algebra experience? Do you nd it easy like eating peanuts or a little bit
challenging? Practice is the key.

You can practice adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials. You can also do the
fractions in algebra exercise. To enhance more your operations in algebra skills, you can also
try the challenge exercise.

You can either scan the QR code or click the link provided above.

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References

Books:

Department of Education (2015). Learning module for mathematics 7.

Domingo, A. E. C., & Padilla, J. R. C. (2017). Empowering through Math. Ephesians

Publishing Inc.

Geruela, M. C., de Guzman, L. A. M., Garcia, A. K., & De Las Peñas, M. L. A. N. (2015).
Mathematics for the 21st century learner. Diwa Learning Systems Inc.

Oronce, O. A., & Mendoza, M. O. (2019). E-math: Worktext in mathematics. Rex Bookstore,
Inc.

Singapore Asia Publishers (2013). Synergy for success in mathematics: Singapore

approach.

Webpages:

West Texas A & M University (n. d.). College algebra tutorial 6: Polynomials. https://
[Link]/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/col_algebra/col_alg_tut6_poly.htm

Math Is Fun (n. d.). Fractions in algebra. [Link]

[Link]

Videos:

Anywhere Math (2014, September 24). Algebraic expressions (basics) [Video]. YouTube. https://
[Link]/watch?v=OF2GtIinL_s

Wow Math (2021, January 15). Translating English phrases to mathematical symbols and vice
versa || Grade 7 mathematics Q2 [Video]. YouTube. [Link]
v=v7vBYfvLMDk

Wow Math (2021, January 29). Addition of Polynomials || Grade 7 mathematics Q2 [Video].
YouTube. [Link]

Wow Math (2021, January 29). Subtraction of Polynomials || Grade 7 mathematics Q2 [Video].
YouTube. [Link]

Wow Math (2021, February 9). Multiplication of Polynomials || Grade 7 mathematics Q2 [Video].
YouTube. [Link]

Wow Math (2021, February 9). Division of Polynomials || Grade 7 mathematics Q2 [Video].
YouTube. [Link]

Bridge Mathematics Course Module designed by LGV Pondara | Module 4

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 BRIDGE MATHEMATICS 1 (BM 101-A) FACULTY OF EDUCATION
UPOU UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGOD

Wow Math (2021, March 3). Translating English sentences to mathematical sentences and vice
versa || Grade 7 mathematics Q2 [Video]. YouTube. [Link]
v=h3d6YxPbk4A

Online Games, Quizzes and Worksheets:

[Link]
[Link]

[Link] [Link]/[Link]

[Link]
qs=6093_6089_6091_6095_6090_6092_6094_16193_5812_6088&t=skill&skillno=210

[Link]

[Link]
qs=12720_5161_12716_12717_12718_5163_345_12719_5164_12721&t=skill&skillno=42
4#

[Link]

[Link]
qs=3881_12903_294_12900_7071_12902_337_2269_12908_12904&t=skill&skillno=461#

[Link]
qs=5179_12699_12700_12701_5182_5176_12698_5183_12704_5175&t=skill&skillno=42
2#

-END OF MODULE 4-

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