CHAPTER 1: THE BASICS

1.1: Notations & Symbols

Objectives: Translate written English phrases into Algebraic expressions. Simplify expressions containing exponents and apply the rule of order of operations. Read tables and charts. Recognize patterns in a sequence of numbers.

Think & Share

Suppose you have a checking account that costs you 15,000 Baht a month, plus 56 Baht for each check you write. If you write 10 checks in a month, then the monthly charge for your checking account will be 15,000 + (10)(56). How will you compute the total amount?

Review
1.1: Notation and Symbols
In learning any foreign language, you always start with the basic vocabulary. The same thing is true with algebra, you will not learn to talk and think algebra without knowing the basic terms & expressions involved.

Expressions
You are familiar with the following type of numerical expressions: 12 + 6 3 (12) 6 (3 + 2) 15 - 4 (6)

What is a variable?
In the expression 12 + B, the letter B is a variable. A variable is a letter or symbol that represents an unknown value.

Algebraic Expressions
When variables are used with other numbers, parentheses, or operations, they create an algebraic expression. a + 2 (a) (b) 3m + 6n - 6

What are coefficients?

A coefficient is the number multiplied by the variable in an algebraic expression. Algebraic Expression Coefficient 6m + 5 6 8r + 7m + 4 8, 7 14b - 8 14

What is a term?
A term is the name given to a number, a variable, or a number and a variable combined by multiplication or division. Algebraic Expressions a + 2 3m + 6n - 6 Terms a, 2 3m, 6n, - 6

What are constants?

A constant is a number that cannot change its value. In the expression: 5x + 7y - 2 the constant is - 2.

Figure it out!
Identify the terms, coefficients, and constants. 1. 2. 3. 4. 12a - 6b + 4 4x - 2y c - 32 3x + 2

Key words to look for:

Addition: add plus sum total increased by more than Subtraction: minus difference subtract less than decreased by less How many more

Key words to look for:

Multiplication product times multiply Division quotient divide ratio

Writing Algebraic Expressions

You can translate word phrases into variable expressions.

Examples:
1.

2.
3. 4.

5.

Three more than a number = x + 3 The quotient of a number and 8 = y 8 Six times a number = 6 n or 6n 15 less than a number z = z 15 The quotient of 30 and a number plus 10 = 30 x + 10

Write algebraic expressions for these word phrases

1. 2. 3. 4.

Four more than s s + 4 The product of 7 and c 7c Nine less than x x - 9 A number divided by the sum of 4 and 7.
n (4 + 7)

5. 6. 7.

Twice the sum of a number plus 4. 2 (n + 4) The sum of of a number and 7. n + 7 Ten times a number increased by 150.
10n + 150

Write an algebraic phrase for these situations

1.

2.

3.

4.

A car was traveling 35 miles per hour for a number of hours. 35/h Bob ran 7 times a week for a number of weeks. 7w The plumber added an extra $35 to her bill. b + 35 Thirty-five fewer people came than the number expected. e - 35

Cont
5. Scotts brother is 2 years younger than Scott S 2 6. The sum of two numbers is 12
x + y = 12

7. The difference between two numbers is 5 xy=5

Comparison Symbols
= < > equal to less than greater than less than or equal to greater than or equal to not equal to

Grouping Symbols

Parentheses/brackets ( ) [ ] { }

Order or Operations
P E M D A S (parenthesis) (exponents) (multiply) (divide) (add) (subtract)

Fibbonacci Sequence
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, (addition of 2 consecutive numbers)

Practice Problem Set 1.1

In Class Examples Write an equivalent expression in symbols. 1. The sum of x and 5 is 14. x + 5 = 14

3. The product of 5 and y is less than 30.

5y < 30
5. The product of 3 and y is less than or equal to the sum of y and 16.

3y y + 16

Practice Problem Set 1.1

In Class Examples Expand and multiply. 9. 32

33=9

15. 43
17. 24

4 4 4 = 64
2 2 2 2 =16

Practice Problem Set 1.1

In Class Examples Use the rule for order of operations to simplify the following expressions: 25a.) 5 + 2 6 = 5 + 12 = 17 33.) 5 + 2(3 4 1 ) + 8 = 5 + 2( 12 1) + 8

= 5 + 2( 11) + 8 = 35
37.) 3 8 + 10 2 + 4 2 = (3 8) + (10 2) + (4 2)

= 24 + 5 + 8 = 37

Practice Problem Set 1.1

In Class Examples Charts & Tables* Find the next number in the sequence 10 101.) 2, 4, 6, 8, ___

25 103.) 1, 4, 9, 16, ___

105.) 2, 2, 4, 6, 10 ___

Practice Problem Set 1.1 (pp. 9-11)

Individual Practice- Homework *Multiple of 4 Question nos. 4, 8, 12,104 *Applications of Concepts