Book cover for Elementary Algebra

Elementary Algebra

Lynn Marecek

ISBN #9780998625713

1st Edition

6,645 Questions

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32,192 Students Helped

Homework Questions

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Summary

Learning Objectives

Key Concepts

Example Problems

Explanations

Common Mistakes

Summary

This chapter covers the foundational aspects of polynomials including identifying different types (monomials, binomials, and trinomials), determining degrees, and performing operations such as addition, subtraction, and evaluation. It also introduces the properties of exponents, which are essential when simplifying and manipulating polynomial expressions. These skills are not only central to algebra but also have practical applications in engineering, design, and various scientific fields.

Learning Objectives

1

Identify and classify polynomials, monomials, binomials, and trinomials.

2

Determine the degree of polynomials by analyzing the exponents of their terms.

3

Add and subtract monomials and polynomials by combining like terms.

4

Evaluate polynomials for given variable values.

5

Apply multiplication properties of exponents to simplify expressions.

Key Concepts

CONCEPT

DEFINITION

Polynomial

An expression formed by the addition or subtraction of one or more monomials.

Monomial

A polynomial with exactly one term, typically in the form ax^m where a is a constant and m is a positive whole number.

Binomial

A polynomial with exactly two terms.

Trinomial

A polynomial with exactly three terms.

Degree

The highest sum of the exponents of the variables in any term of a polynomial; for a constant, the degree is 0.

Exponent

Indicates how many times the base is multiplied by itself; used in expressing the power of a number or variable.

Product Property of Exponents

If multiplying like bases, add the exponents: a^m * a^n = a^(m+n).

Power Property of Exponents

Raising a power to a power multiplies the exponents: (a^m)^n = a^(m*n).

Product to a Power Property

When raising a product to an exponent: (ab)^n = a^n * b^n.

Example Problems

Example 1

In the following exercises, determine if each of the following polynomials is a monomial, binomial, trinomial, or other polynomial. (a) $81 b^{5}-24 b^{3}+1$ (b) $5 c^{3}+11 c^{2}-c-8$ (c) $\frac{14}{15} y+\frac{1}{7}$ (a) 5 (e) $4 y+17$

Example 2

In the following exercises, determine if each of the following polynomials is a monomial, binomial, trinomial, or other polynomial. (a) $x^{2}-y^{2}$ (b) $-13 c^{4}$ (c) $x^{2}+5 x-7$ (d) $x^{2} y^{2}-2 x y+8$ (e) 19

Example 3

In the following exercises, determine if each of the following polynomials is a monomial, binomial, trinomial, or other polynomial. (a) $8-3 x$ (b) $z^{2}-5 z-6$ (c) $y^{3}-8 y^{2}+2 y-16$ (d) $81 b^{5}-24 b^{3}+1$ (e) -18

Example 4

In the following exercises, determine if each of the following polynomials is a monomial, binomial, trinomial, or other polynomial. a) $11 y^{2}$ (b) -73 (c) $6 x^{2}-3 x y+4 x-2 y+y^{2}$ (d) $4 y+17$ (e) $5 c^{3}+11 c^{2}-c-8$

Example 5

In the following exercises, determine the degree of each polynomial. a) $6 a^{2}+12 a+14$ (b) $18 x y^{2} z$ (c) $5 x+2$ (d) $y^{3}-8 y^{2}+2 y-16$ (e) -24

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Step-by-Step Explanations

QUESTION

Simplify (5y² - 3y + 15) + (3y² - 4y - 11).

STEP-BY-STEP ANSWER:

Step 1: Identify like terms. The y² terms: 5y² and 3y², the y terms: -3y and -4y, and the constants: 15 and -11.
Step 2: Combine the like terms: 5y² + 3y² = 8y²; -3y - 4y = -7y; 15 - 11 = 4.
Final Answer: 8y² - 7y + 4.

Adding Polynomials

QUESTION

Evaluate 5x² - 8x + 4 when x = 4.

STEP-BY-STEP ANSWER:

Step 1: Substitute x = 4 into the polynomial: 5(4²) - 8(4) + 4.
Step 2: Calculate the exponent: 4² = 16, then multiply: 5 * 16 = 80.
Step 3: Multiply: 8 * 4 = 32.
Step 4: Combine the results: 80 - 32 + 4 = 52.
Final Answer: 52.

Evaluating a Polynomial

QUESTION

Find the degree of the polynomial 4x³ - 7x + 5.

STEP-BY-STEP ANSWER:

Step 1: Identify the degrees of each term: 4x³ has degree 3, -7x has degree 1, and 5 is a constant with degree 0.
Step 2: The highest degree among these is 3.
Final Answer: The degree is 3.

Determining the Degree of a Polynomial

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Common Mistakes

  • Confusing terms with different exponents as like terms, leading to incorrect combination of terms.
  • Neglecting to arrange terms in standard form before performing operations.
  • Overlooking that the degree of a constant is 0, which can lead to misinterpretation of the polynomial's overall degree.
  • Incorrectly applying exponent rules, such as adding exponents when bases are not the same.
  • Failing to distribute negative signs correctly when subtracting polynomials.