Chapter

Chapter Expressions

12
2 and Special
Kinematics
Products

REmEmBER
Before beginning this chapter, you should be able to:
• Have clear knowledge on the four fundamental operations
on numbers, i.e., addition, subtraction, multiplication
and division
• Have idea about variable numbers like x, y, etc.

KEy IDEAS
After completing this chapter, you should be able to:
• Understand the concept of algebraic expression and
polynomial
• Categorize the polynomials based on degree of polynomial
and number of polynomial
• Apply operations on polynomials
• Obtain factorization and HCF of polynomials
• Learn about value of an expression and zero of polynomials

Figure 1.1

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 2.2 Chapter 2

INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we will look at the definitions of terms such as terms, constant, variable,
algebraic expression, and application of four fundamental operations, i.e., addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. Besides, we shall discuss some special products and simple factorisation
that are related to polynomials.

Constant
A number having a fixed numerical value is called a constant.
3
For example, 5, , 3.6, 2. 3, etc.
4
Variable
A number which can take various numerical values is known as a variable.
For example, x, y, z, etc.
A number which is a power of another variable where the power is not zero is also a variable.
2
For example, x3, y 3 , z0.5, etc.
A number which is the product of a constant and a variable is also a variable.
For example, 5x6, 6x2, − 3x, etc.
A combination of two or more variables separated by a + sign or a − sign is also a variable.
For example, x2 + y + z5, x3 − y3 − z2, etc.

Algebraic Expression
A combination of constants and variables connected by +, −, × or ÷ signs is known as an
algebraic expression.
For example, 3x2 − 5, x3 − 2xy + 3xy2 + 6, etc.
Terms: Several parts of an algebraic expression separated by + or − signs are called the terms of
the expression.
For example, in the expression 3x − 4y + 7, we say 3x, − 4y, and 7 are terms.
Coefficient of a term: Consider the term 7x3. In this case, 7 is called the numerical coefficient
of x3, and x3 is said to be the literal coefficient of 7.
In case of −6xy, the numerical coefficient is −6 and the literal coefficient is xy.
Like terms: Terms having the same literal coefficients are called like terms.
For example, (a) 3x3, − 5x3, and 4x3 are like terms. (b) 3x2y, − 5x2y, and 7x2y are like terms
Unlike terms: Terms having different literal coefficients are called unlike terms.
For example, −3x2, 7x3, and 4x4 are unlike terms.

Polynomial
An algebraic expression in which the variables involved have only non-negative integer powers
is called a polynomial.
For example, 5x2 − x + 1, 7x3 − 4x2 − 2x − 7, 2z2 − 5y – 7, etc.

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 Expressions and Special Products 2.3

The expression 3x3 + 4x + 5/x + 6x3/2 is not a polynomial, since it has powers of x, which
are negative and fractions.
A polynomial that contains only one variable is known as a polynomial in that variable.
For example, 3x3 + 2 x2 − 8x + 5 is a polynomial in the variable x.
5y3 + 2y2 − 2y − 3 is a polynomial in the variable y.
A polynomial that contains two variables say x and y is known as a polynomial in two variables
x and y.
For example, x3y2 − 2x4y3 + 5xy is a polynomial in x and y.
Degree of a polynomial in one variable: The highest exponent of the variable in a polynomial
of one variable is called the degree of the polynomial.
For example, (a) x4 − 5x2 − x + 7 is a polynomial of degree 4.
(b) 7x9 − 3x6 + 7x3 − x2 − 5 is a polynomial of degree 9.

Types of Polynomials with Respect to Degree

1. Linear polynomial: A polynomial of degree one is called a linear polynomial.
For example, 3x − 5, 2x + 3, 8y + 1, etc.
2. Quadratic polynomial: A polynomial of degree two is called a quadratic polynomial.
For example, 3x2 − 5x + 7, 5 − 2x − x2, y2 − 5y – 6, etc.
3. Cubic polynomial: A polynomial of degree three is called a cubic polynomial.
For example, 2x3 + 5x2 − 3x + 7, 8y3 − 2y – 1, etc.
4. Biquadratic polynomial: A polynomial of degree four is called a biquadratic polynomial
For example, 2x4 − x3 + 4x − 3, 5x4 − x2 – 7, etc.
5. C
 onstant polynomial: A polynomial having only one term which is a constant is called a
constant polynomial. Degree of a constant polynomial is 0.
For example, 7, −2, and 5 are constant polynomials.

Types of Polynomials with Respect to Number of Terms

1. Monomial: An expression containing only one term is called a monomial.
For example, 3x, 5x2y, 6xyz, etc.
2. Binomial: An expression containing two terms is called a binomial.
For example, 2x − 3y, 5x2y2 − 7, xy − 3y, etc.
3. Trinomial: An expression containing three terms is called a trinomial.
For example, 2x − 3y + 4z, 3xy2 − xy + 5, etc.
Addition of polynomials: The sum of two or more polynomials can be obtained by arranging
the terms and then adding the numerical coefficients of like terms.

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 2.4 Chapter 2

Example 2.1
Add 2x − 3y + z, 5y − x + 7z and 3x − y − 6z.
Solution
2x – 3y + z
– x + 5 y + 7z
3x – y – 6z
4x + y + 2z
∴ The required sum is 4x + y + 2z.

Subtraction of polynomials: The difference of two polynomials can be obtained by arranging

the terms and subtracting the numerical coefficients of the like terms.

Example 2.2
Subtract 8p − 5q + 7r from 5p − 9q + 3r.

Solution
5p – 9q + 3r
– (8p – 5q + 7r)
– 3p – 4q – 4r
∴ The required difference is −3p − 4q − 4r.

Example 2.3
What should be subtracted from x3 − 7x2 + 17 x + 17 so that the difference is a multiple of
x − 3?

Solution
Let k be subtracted.
⇒ 32 − k = 0
∴ k = 32

Multiplication of two polynomials: The result of multiplication of two polynomials is

obtained by multiplying each term of the polynomial by each term of the other polynomial and
then taking the algebraic sum of these products.

Example 2.4
Multiply (5 − 3x − 4x2) with 2x − 3.
Solution
5 – 3x – 4x2
× (2x – 3)
10x – 6x2 – 8x3
–15 + 9x + 12x2
– 15 + 19x + 6x2 – 8x3

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 Expressions and Special Products 2.5

∴ Required product = −8x3 + 6x2 + 19x − 15

Hence, the sum or product of two or more polynomials is also a polynomial.

Now, we shall learn some algebraic identities (relations that are true for all values of the symbols
that appear in them) and use these identities to find the product of different algebraic expressions.

Identity 1: (x + a)(x + b) = x2 + (a + b)x + ab

Example 2.5
(a) Expand (x + 4) (x + 7).
(b) Expand (x + 2) (x − 5).

Solution

(a) Putting a = 4 and b = 7, we have (x + 4) (x + 7) = x2 + (4 + 7)x + 4 × 7 = x2 + 11x + 28.

(b) Putting a = 2 and b = –5, we have
(x + 2) (x − 5) = x2 + (2 − 5)x + 2 × (− 5) = x2 − 3x − 10.

Identity 2: (x + a)(x + b)(x + c) = x3 + (a + b + c)x2 + (ab + bc + ca)x + abc

Example 2.6
Expand (x + 3) (x − 2) (x + 6).

Solution
Putting a = 3, b = –2, and c = 6, we have
(x + 3) (x − 2) (x + 6)
= x3 + (3 − 2 + 6)x2 + [3× (− 2) + (−2) (6) + 3 × 6]x + 3 × (−2) × 6
= x3 + 7x2 + (0)x − 36 = x3 + 7x2 − 36

Identity 3: (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2

Example 2.7
Expand (3x + 4y)2.

Solution
Here, a = 3x and b = 4y, by using the identity (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2, we have
(3x + 4y)2 = (3x)2 + 2.3x ⋅ 4y + (4y)2 = 9x2 + 24xy + 16y2.

2
 1 1
 a +  = a + 2 + 2
  Note 2
a a

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 2.6 Chapter 2

Example 2.8

1 1
If x + = 3, then find the value of x2 + 2 .
x x

Solution
2
 1 1 1
We know  x +  = x + 2 + 2; by substituting the value of x + = 3, we have
2
 x x x
1
(3)2 = x2 + + 2.
x2
1
⇒ x2 + =7
x2

Identity 4: (a − b)2 = a2 − 2ab + b2

Example 2.9
Expand (8x − 7y)2.

Solution
Here, a = 8x and b = 7y; by using the identity (a − b)2 = a2 − 2ab + b2, we have
(8x − 7y)2 = (8x)2 − 2.8x.7y + (7y)2 = 64x2 − 112xy + 49y2.

2
 1 1
 a −  = a + 2 − 2
  Note 2
a a

Example 2.10
1 1
If x − = 5, then find the value of x2 + 2 .
x x

Solution
2
 1 1 1
We know  x −  = x + 2 − 2; by substituting the value of x −
2 = 5, we have
 x x x
1
(5)2 = x2 + − 2.
x2
1
⇒ x2 + = 27
x2

Example 2.11
1 1
If y + = −2, then find the value of y50 − 50 .
y y

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 Expressions and Special Products 2.7

Solution
1
y+ = −2
y
y2 + 1 = −2y
y2 + 2y + 1 = 0
(y)2 + 2(y) (1) + 1 = 0
(y + 1)2 = 0
y = −1
1
⇒ y50 − 50
y
1
⇒ (−1)50 −
( −1)50
1
=1− =1−1=0
1

Example 2.12
x2 y2
If x2 − y2 = 12xy, then find the value of + .
y2 x2
Solution
x2 − y2 = 12xy
Dividing with xy,
x y
− = 12
y x
Taking squares on both the sides,
2
 x y
 y − x  = 12
2

x2 y2
⇒ + − 2 = 144
y2 x2
x2 y2
⇒ 2 + 2 = 146
y x

Identity 5: (a + b)2 + (a − b)2 = 2(a2 + b2)

Example 2.13
Simplify (3x + 4y)2 + (3x − 4y)2.

Solution
Here, a = 3x and b = 4y.
Using identity the (a + b)2 + (a − b)2 = 2(a2 + b2), we have
(3x + 4y)2 + (3x − 4y)2 = 2[(3x)2 + (4y)2] = 2(9x2 + 16y2) = 18x2 + 32y2.

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 2.8 Chapter 2

Identity 6: (a + b)2 − (a − b)2 = 4ab

Example 2.14
Simplify (11x + 3y)2 − (11x − 3y)2.

Solution
Here, a = 11x and b = 3y; by using the identity (a + b)2 − (a − b)2 = 4ab, we have
(11x + 3y)2 − (11x − 3y)2 = 4(11x) (3y) = 132xy.

Identity 7: (a + b)(a − b) = a2 − b2

Example 2.15
Simplify (13x − 9y) (13x + 9y).

Solution
Here, a = 13x and b = 9y; by using the identify (a + b) (a − b) = a2 − b2, we have
(13x + 9y) (13x − 9y).
= (13x)2 − (9y)2 = 169x2 − 81y2

Factorisation
Factorisation can be defined as the method of expressing a given polynomial as a product of two
or more polynomials. In some of the cases, we use algebraic identities in factorisation.
For example, 2x2 − 6x = 2x (x − 3) as 2x2 − 6x is expressed as the product of 2x and x − 3.
Hence, 2x and x − 3 are the factors of 2x2 − 6x.
1. Factorisation of polynomials of the form x2 − y2: x2 − y2 = (x + y) (x − y) ⇒ x + y and
x − y are the factors of x2 – y2.

Example 2.16
Factorise 49x2 − 16y2.

Solution
Let a = 7x and b = 4y.
Using the identity a2 − b2 = (a − b) (a + b), we have
49x2 − 16y2 = (7x)2 − (4y)2 = (7x − 4y) (7x + 4y).

2. Factorisation of polynomials by regrouping of terms: In this method, we regroup the terms

of the polynomials in such a way that we get a common factor out of them.

Example 2.17
(a) Factorise: x2 − (z − 5)x − 5z
(b) Factorise: x2 + x − y + y2 − 2xy

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 Expressions and Special Products 2.9

Solution

(a) x2 − (z − 5)x − 5z
= x2 − xz + 5x − 5z = x(x − z) + 5(x − z) = (x − z) (x + 5)
∴ x2 − (z − 5)x – 5z = (x − z) (x + 5)
(b) x2 + x − y + y2 − 2xy
= x2 + y2 − 2xy + x − y = (x − y)2 + 1(x − y) = (x − y) (x − y + 1)
∴ x2 + x − y + y2 − 2xy = (x − y) (x − y + 1)

3. F
 actorisation of a perfect square trinomial: A trinomial of the form x2 ± 2xy + y2 is
equivalent to (x ± y)2.
This identity can be used to factorise perfect square trinomials.

Example 2.18
(a) Factorise: 9x2 − 24xy + 16y2
1
(b) Factorise: 25x2 + +2
25x 2
Solution

(a) 9x2 − 24xy + 16y2 = (3x)2 − 2.3x.4y + (4y)2 = (3x − 4y)2

1
(b) 25x2 + +2
25x 2
2 2
 1 1  1
= (5x)2 +   + 2.5x. =  5x + 
 5x  5x  5x 
2
1  1
∴ 25x2 + +2=  5x + 
25x 2 5x

Division of a Polynomial by a Monomial

To divide a polynomial by a monomial, we need to divide each term of the polynomial by the
monomial.

Example 2.19
Divide 18x4 − 27x3 + 6x by 3x.

Solution
18x 4 − 27x 3 + 6x 18x 4 27x 3 6x
= − + = 6x3 − 9x2 + 2
3x 3x 3x 3x
∴ The required result = 6x3 − 9x2 + 2.

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 2.10 Chapter 2

Division of a Polynomial by a Polynomial

Long Division Method
Step 1: First arrange the terms of the dividend and the divisor in the descending order of their
degrees.
Step 2: Now, the first term of the quotient is obtained by dividing the first term of the dividend
by the first term of the divisor.
Step 3: Then multiply all the terms of the divisor by the first term of the quotient and subtract
the result from the dividend.
Step 4: Consider the remainder as the new dividend and proceed as before.
Step 5: Repeat this process till we obtain a remainder which is either 0 or a polynomial of a
degree less than that of the divisor.

Example 2.20
Divide 10x3 + 41x2 − 4x − 15 by 5x + 3.

Solution
5x + 3) 10x3 + 41x2 – 4x – 15 (2x2 + 7x – 5
– 10x3 ± 6x2
35x2 – 4x
–35x2 ± 21x
– 25x – 15
+ 25x + 15
0
∴ (10x3 + 41x2 − 4x − 15) ÷ (5x + 3) = 2x2 + 7x − 5

The HCF of the Given Polynomials

For two given polynomials f(x) and g(x), r(x) can be taken as the highest common factor, if:
1. r(x) is a common factor of f(x) and g(x) and
2. every common factor of f(x) and g(x) is also a factor of r(x).
Highest common factor is generally referred to as HCF.

Method for Finding the HCF of the Given Polynomials

Step 1: Express each polynomial as a product of the powers of irreducible factors which
also requires the numerical factors to be expressed as the product of the powers of
primes.
Step 2: If there is no common factor, then the HCF is 1, and if there are common irreducible
factors, then we find the least exponent of these irreducible factors in the factorised
form of the given polynomials.
Step 3: Raise the common irreducible factors to the smallest or the least exponents found in
step 2 and take their product to get the HCF.

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 Expressions and Special Products 2.11

Example 2.21
(a) Find the HCF of 28x4 and 70x6.
(b) Find the HCF of 48x2 (x + 3)2 (2x − 1)3 (x + 1) and 60x3(x + 3) (2x − 1)2 (x + 2).

Solution
(a) Let f(x) = 28x4 and g(x) = 70x6.
Writing f(x) and g(x) as a product of powers of irreducible factors,
we have f(x) = 22 × 7 × x4 and g(x) = 2 × 5 × 7 × x6.
∴ The common factors with the least exponents are 2, 7, and x4.
⇒ HCF = 2 × 7 × x4 = 14x4
(b) Let f(x) = 48x2(x + 3)2 (2x − 1)3 (x + 1) and
g(x) = 60x3 (x + 3) (2x − 1)2 (x + 2).
Writing f(x) and g(x) as the product of the powers of irreducible factors, we have
f(x) = 24 × 3 × x2 (x + 3)2 (2x − 1)3 (x + 1)
g(x) = 22 × 3 × 5 × x3 (x + 3) (2x − 1)2 (x + 2).
The common factors with least exponents are 22, 3, x2, x + 3, and (2x − 1)2.
∴ HCF = 22 × 3 × x2 (x + 3) (2x − 1)2 = 12x2(x + 3) (2x − 1)2

Value of an expression: In mathematics, we come across many situations in which we need to

find out the value of an expression. The value of an expression purely depends upon the values
of the variables that form the expression.
For example, when x = 5, the value of the expression 3x + 2 is 3 × 5 + 2 = 17.
The value of 3x + 2y when x = 2 and y = − 1 is 3 × 2 + (−1) = 6 − 2 = 4.
Zero of a polynomial: The number for which value of the variable, the value of the polynomial
is zero is called zero of the polynomial.
For example, when x = − 2, the value of the expression x + 2 is zero.
⇒ x = − 2 is the zero of x + 2.
To find zero of a polynomial, equate the given polynomial to zero and solve it for the value of
the variable.

Example 2.22
Find the zero of the polynomial 3x + 5.

Solution
Equating the given polynomial 3x + 5 to zero, we have 3x + 5 = 0.
5
⇒ 3x = − 5 and x = −
3
5
∴ x = − is the zero of the given polynomial.
3

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 2.12 Chapter 2

Algebraic Expressions—Formulae
In mathematics, we use many formulae to find perimeter, area, etc., which are expressed as
algebraic expressions.
1. For example, to find the perimeter of a rectangle, we use the formula P = 2(l + b).
If the values of l and b are given, then we can find the perimeter of a rectangle.
1
2. To find the area of a triangle, we use the formula A = × base × height, which is generally
1 2
written as A = b × h. If the values of b and h are known, then we can find the area of
2
the triangle.

Example 2.23
Find the perimeter of a rectangle whose length (l) = 15 cm and breadth (b) = 12 cm.

Solution
Here, l = 15 cm and b = 12 cm.
P = 2(15 + 12) = 54 cm.
∴ Perimeter of rectangle is 54 cm.

Example 24
Find the area of the triangle with base (b) = 12 cm and the corresponding height (h) = 8 cm.

Solution
1
Area of a triangle = b×h
2
Here, b = 12 cm and h = 8 cm
1
∴ Required area = × 12 × 8 = 48 cm2
2

Algebraic Expressions–Rules
Consider the following number patterns:
1. 2, 4, 6, 8, …
2. 1, 3, 5, 7…
In the first pattern, we see all even numbers. We know that all even numbers are divisible by
2; hence, every even number can be expressed as 2n (algebraic expression). By substituting n = 1,
2, 3, … we will get different even numbers. Here, the even numbers are expressed as an algebraic
expression which can be called as a rule.
Similarly, the second pattern can be expressed as 2n + 1 for n = 0, 1, 2, 3, …
∴ 2n + 1 is a rule to obtain odd numbers.

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 Expressions and Special Products 2.13

Points to Remember

• Every polynomial is an expression, but every expression need not be a polynomial.

• The degree of a polynomial is the highest degree of a monomial which is present in the
polynomial.
• If the degree of polynomials A and B are m and n, respectively, then the degree of AB is
m + n.
• The number for which the value of a polynomial is zero is called zero of the polynomial.
• If a trinomial is a perfect square, then it is the square of a binomial.

Important Formulae

• (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
• (a − b)2 = a2 − 2ab + b2
• (a + b) (a − b) = a2 − b2
• (x + a) (x + b) = x2 + x (a + b) + ab
• (x + a) (x + b) (x + c) = x3 + (a + b + c) x2 + (ab + bc + ac) x + abc
• (a + b)2 + (a − b)2 = 2(a2 + b2)
• (a + b)2 − (a − b)2 = 4ab

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