Section 1.

2 Operations on Real Numbers 15

Operations on Real Numbers Section 1.2

1. Opposite and Absolute Value Concepts

Several key definitions are associated with the set of real numbers and consti- 1. Opposite and Absolute Value
tute the foundation of algebra. Two important definitions are the opposite of a 2. Addition and Subtraction of
real number and the absolute value of a real number. Real Numbers
3. Multiplication and Division
of Real Numbers
Definition of the Opposite of a Real Number
4. Exponential Expressions
Two numbers that are the same distance from 0 but on opposite sides of 5. Square Roots
0 on the number line are called opposites of each other. 6. Order of Operations
Symbolically, we denote the opposite of a real number a as 2a.
7. Evaluating Expressions

3
The numbers 24 and 4 are opposites of each other. Similarly, the numbers 2
and 223 are opposites.
24 Opposites 4

26 25 24 23 22 21 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

2 32 Opposites 3
2

The absolute value of a real number a, denoted 0a 0 , is the distance between a

and 0 on the number line. Note: The absolute value of any real number is non-
negative.
For example: 05 0 5 5 and 025 0 5 5
|25| 5 5 |5| 5 5
5 units 5 units

26 25 24 23 22 21 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Example 1 Evaluating Absolute Value Expressions

Calculator Connections
Simplify the expressions: a. 022.5 0 b. 0 54 0 c. 2 024 0
Some calculators have an
Solution: absolute value function.
a. 022.5 0 5 2.5 For example,
5
4 units 4 units

b. 0 54 0 5 5
4

c. 2 024 0 5 2142 5 24
26 25 24 23 22 21 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
2.5 units

Skill Practice Simplify.

1. 0 292 0 2. 0 7.6 0 3. 2 0 2 0

The absolute value of a number a is its distance from zero on the number line.
The definition of 0a 0 may also be given algebraically depending on whether a is
negative or nonnegative.

Skill Practice Answers

1. 92 2. 7.6 3. 22
16 Chapter 1 Review of Basic Algebraic Concepts

Definition of the Absolute Value of a Real Number

Let a be a real number. Then
1. If a is nonnegative (that is, a $ 02, then 0a 0 5 a.
2. If a is negative (that is, a 6 02, then 0a 0 5 2a.

This definition states that if a is a nonnegative number, then 0a 0 equals a itself.

If a is a negative number, then 0a 0 equals the opposite of a. For example,
09 0 5 9 Because 9 is positive, 09 0 equals the number 9 itself.
027 0 5 7 Because 27 is negative, 027 0 equals the opposite of 27, which is 7.

2. Addition and Subtraction of Real Numbers

Addition of Real Numbers

1. To add two numbers with the same sign, add their absolute values and
apply the common sign to the sum.
2. To add two numbers with different signs, subtract the smaller absolute
value from the larger absolute value. Then apply the sign of the number
having the larger absolute value.

Example 2 Adding Real Numbers

Perform the indicated operations:
a. 22 1 (26) b. 210.3 1 13.8 c. 5
6 1 12141 2

Solution:
a. 22 1 1262 First find the absolute value of the addends.
0 22 0 5 2 and 0 26 0 5 6
5 212 1 62 Add their absolute values and apply the common sign
(in this case, the common sign is negative).

Common sign is negative.

5 28

b. 210.3 1 13.8 First find the absolute value of the addends.

0 210.3 0 5 10.3 and 0 13.8 0 5 13.8
The absolute value of 13.8 is greater than the
absolute value of 210.3. Therefore, the sum is
positive.
5 1113.8 2 10.32 Subtract the smaller absolute value from the
larger absolute value.
Apply the sign of the number with the larger absolute value.
5 3.5
 Section 1.2 Operations on Real Numbers 17

1 a21 b
5 1
c.
6 4

1 a2 b
5 5 1
5 Write 21 as an improper fraction.
6 4 4

1 a2 b
5?2 5?3
5 The LCD is 12. Write each fraction with the LCD.
6?2 4?3

1 a2 b
10 15
5 Find the absolute value of the addends.
12 12
` ` 5 `2 ` 5
10 10 15 15
and
12 12 12 12
The absolute value of 215 12 is greater than the
absolute value of 10
12 . Therefore, the sum is
negative.

52a 2 b
15 10
Subtract the smaller absolute value from the
12 12
larger absolute value.
Apply the sign of the number with the larger absolute value.

5
52
12

Skill Practice Add.

4. 24 1 1212 6. 21 1 a2 b
3
5. 22.6 1 1.8
7

Subtraction of real numbers is defined in terms of the addition process. To subtract

two real numbers, add the opposite of the second number to the first number.

Subtraction of Real Numbers

If a and b are real numbers, then a 2 b 5 a 1 (2b)

Example 3 Subtracting Real Numbers

Perform the indicated operations.
5 2
a. 213 2 5 b. 2.7 2 (23.8) c. 24
2 3

Solution:
a. 213 2 5
5 213 1 1252 Add the opposite of the second number to the first
number.
5 218 Add.

Skill Practice Answers

10
4. 25 5. 20.8 6. 2
7
18 Chapter 1 Review of Basic Algebraic Concepts

b. 2.7 2 123.82
5 2.7 1 13.82 Add the opposite of the second number to the first
number.
5 6.5 Add.

5 2
c. 24
2 3

1 a24 b
5 2
5 Add the opposite of the second number to the first
2 3
number.

1 a2 b
5 14
5 Write the mixed number as a fraction.
2 3

1 a2 b
15 28
5 Get a common denominator and add.
6 6
13 1
52 or 22
6 6

Skill Practice Subtract.

8. 25 2 1222
1 3
7. 21.1 2 3 9. 2
6 4

3. Multiplication and Division of Real Numbers

The sign of the product of two real numbers is determined by the signs of the
factors.

Multiplication of Real Numbers

1. The product of two real numbers with the same sign is positive.
2. The product of two real numbers with different signs is negative.
3. The product of any real number and zero is zero.

Example 4 Multiplying Real Numbers

Multiply the real numbers.

c. a23 b a2 b
2 9 1 3
a. (2)(25.1) b. 2 ?
3 8 3 10

Solution:
a. (2)(25.1)
5 210.2 Different signs. The product is negative.

Skill Practice Answers

7
7. 24.1 8. 23 9. 2
12
 Section 1.2 Operations on Real Numbers 19

2 9
b. 2 ?
3 8
18
52 Different signs. The product is negative.
24
3
52 Simplify to lowest terms.
4

c. a23 b a2 b
1 3
3 10

5 a2 b a2 b
10 3
Write the mixed number as a fraction.
3 10
30
5 Same signs. The product is positive.
30
51 Simplify to lowest terms.

Skill Practice Multiply.

10. 12521112 11. 1242a b 12. 12514 2a2 b

2 8
3 3

Notice from Example 4(c) that 12103 212103 2 5 1. If the product of two numbers is
1, then the numbers are said to be reciprocals. That is, the reciprocal of a real
number a is a1. Furthermore, a ? a1 5 1.

TIP: A number and its reciprocal have the same sign. For example:

a2 b a2 b 5 1
10 3 1
and 3? 51
3 10 3

Recall that subtraction of real numbers was defined in terms of addition. In a

similar way, division of real numbers can be defined in terms of multiplication.
To divide two real numbers, multiply the first number by the reciprocal of the
second number. For example:
Multiply

1
10 4 5 5 2 or equivalently 10 ? 52
5

Reciprocal

Because division of real numbers can be expressed in terms of multiplication,

the sign rules that apply to multiplication also apply to division.
1
10 4 2 5 10 ? 55
2 Dividing two numbers of the same
sign produces a positive quotient.
210 4 1222 5 210 ? a2 b 5 5
1
2 Skill Practice Answers
8
10. 255 11. 2 12. 14
3
20 Chapter 1 Review of Basic Algebraic Concepts

10 4 1222 5 10 a2 b 5 25
1
2 Dividing two numbers of opposite
signs produces a negative quotient.
1
210 4 2 5 210 ?
2
5 25

Division of Real Numbers

Assume that a and b are real numbers such that b 0.
a
1. If a and b have the same signs, then the quotient b is positive.
a
2. If a and b have different signs, then the quotient b is negative.
0
3. b 5 0.
b
4. 0 is undefined.

The relationship between multiplication and division can be used to investigate

properties 3 and 4 in the preceding box. For example,
0
50 Because 6 3 0 5 0
6

6
is undefined Because there is no number that when multiplied by 0 will equal 6
0
Note: The quotient of 0 and 0 cannot be determined. Evaluating an expres-
sion of the form 00 5 ? is equivalent to asking, What number times zero will
equal 0? That is, (0)(?) 5 0. Any real number will satisfy this requirement;
however, expressions involving 00 are usually discussed in advanced mathematics
courses.

Example 5 Dividing Real Numbers

Divide the real numbers. Write the answer as a fraction or whole number.

4 a2 b
242 296 25 1 2
a. b. c. d. 3
7 2144 27 10 5

Solution:
242
a. 5 26 Different signs. The quotient is negative.
7

TIP: Recall that multiplication may be used to check a division problem.

For example:

172 ? 1262 5 242

242
5 26 1
TIP: If the numerator 7
and denominator are both
negative, then the fraction
is positive: 296 2
b. 5 Same signs. The quotient is positive. Simplify.
2144 3
25 5
5 25 5
27 7
c. 5 Same signs. The quotient is positive.
27 7
 Section 1.2 Operations on Real Numbers 21

4 a2 b
1 2
d. 3
10 5

a2 b
31 5
5 Write the mixed number as an improper fraction, and
10 2
multiply by the reciprocal of the second number.
1

5 a2 b
31 5
10 2
2

31
52 Different signs. The quotient is negative.
4

TIP: If the numerator and denominator of a fraction have opposite signs, then
the quotient will be negative. Therefore, a fraction has the same value whether
the negative sign is written in the numerator, in the denominator, or in front of a
fraction.
31 231 31
2 5 5
4 4 24

Skill Practice Divide.

228 42 21 2
13. 14. 15. 16. 2 4 4
24 22 22 3

4. Exponential Expressions
To simplify the process of repeated multiplication, exponential notation is of-
ten used. For example, the quantity 3 ? 3 ? 3 ? 3 ? 3 can be written as 35 (3 to the
fifth power).

Definition of b n
Let b represent any real number and n represent a positive integer. Then
bn 5 b ? b ? b ? b ? ? ? b

n factors of b

bn is read as b to the nth power.

b is called the base and n is called the exponent, or power.
b2 is read as b squared, and b3 is read as b cubed.

Example 6 Evaluating Exponential Expressions

Simplify the expression.
1 2
a. 53 b. (22)4 c. 224 d. a2 b
3 Skill Practice Answers
13. 7 14. 221
1 1
15. 16. 2
2 6
22 Chapter 1 Review of Basic Algebraic Concepts

Solution:
a. 53 5 5 ? 5 ? 5 The base is 5, and the exponent is 3.
5 125

b. 1222 4 5 12221222 12221222 The base is 22, and the exponent is 4.

The exponent 4 applies to the entire
5 16
contents of the parentheses.

c. 224 5 232 ? 2 ? 2 ? 2 4 The base is 2, and the exponent is 4.

TIP: The quantity 22 4 Because no parentheses enclose the
5 216
can also be interpreted negative sign, the exponent applies to only 2.
as 21 ? 24.
224 5 21 ? 24 1 2
d. a2 b 5 a2 b a2 b
1 1
The base is 231, and the exponent is 2.
5 21 ? 12 ? 2 ? 2 ? 22 3 3 3
5 216
1
5
9

Calculator Connections

On many calculators, the x 2 key is used to square

a number. The ^ key is used to raise a base to
any power.

Skill Practice Simplify.

3 3
17. 23 18. 12102 2 19. 2102 20. a 4 b

5. Square Roots
The inverse operation to squaring a number is to find its square roots. For
example, finding a square root of 9 is equivalent to asking, What number when
squared equals 9? One obvious answer is 3, because 132 2 5 9. However, 23 is
also a square root of 9 because 1232 2 5 9. For now, we will focus on the principal

The symbol 1 , called a radical sign, is used to denote the principal square
square root which is always taken to be nonnegative.

19. The expression 164 represents the principal square root of 64.
root of a number. Therefore, the principal square root of 9 can be written as

Example 7 Evaluating Square Roots

Evaluate the expressions, if possible.

a. 181 c. 1216
A 64
Skill Practice Answers 25
17. 8 18. 100 b.
27
19. 2100 20.
64
 Section 1.2 Operations on Real Numbers 23

a. 181 5 9
Solution:
because (9)2 5 81
Calculator Connections
The 1 key is used to find
A 64
5 2 25
a b 5
25 5
b. 5 because
8 8 64 the square root of a
c. 1216
nonnegative real number.
is not a real number because no real number when squared
will be negative.

Skill Practice Evaluate, if possible.

21. 125 23. 124

B 100
49
22.

Example 7(c) illustrates that the square root of a negative number is not a real
number because no real number when squared will be negative.

Let a be a negative real number. Then 1a is not a real number.

The Square Root of a Negative Number

6. Order of Operations
When algebraic expressions contain numerous operations, it is important to
evaluate the operations in the proper order. Parentheses ( ), brackets [ ], and
braces { } are used for grouping numbers and algebraic expressions. It is im-
portant to recognize that operations must be done first within parentheses and
other grouping symbols. Other grouping symbols include absolute value bars,
radical signs, and fraction bars.

Order of Operations
1. First, simplify expressions within parentheses and other grouping symbols.
These include absolute value bars, fraction bars, and radicals. If embedded
parentheses are present, start with the innermost parentheses.
2. Evaluate expressions involving exponents, radicals, and absolute values.
3. Perform multiplication or division in the order in which they occur from
left to right.
4. Perform addition or subtraction in the order in which they occur from
left to right.

Example 8 Applying the Order of Operations

Simplify the following expressions.

a. 10 2 512 2 52 2 1 6 4 3 1 216 2 7
0 1232 3 1 152 2 32 0
215 4 1232122
b.

Skill Practice Answers

7
21. 5 22.
10
23. Not a real number
24 Chapter 1 Review of Basic Algebraic Concepts

a. 10 2 512 2 52 2 1 6 4 3 1 216 2 7
Solution:

5 10 2 51232 2 1 6 4 3 1 29 Simplify inside the parentheses

and radical.
TIP: Dont try to do 5 10 2 5192 1 6 4 3 1 3 Simplify exponents and radicals.
too many steps at once.
5 10 2 45 1 2 1 3 Do multiplication and division
Taking a shortcut may
from left to right.
result in a careless error.
For each step rewrite the 5 235 1 2 1 3 Do addition and subtraction from
entire expression, chang- left to right.
ing only the operation
5 233 1 3
being evaluated.
5 230

0 1232 3 1 152 2 32 0
215 4 1232122
b. Simplify numerator and denominator separately.

0 1232 3 1 125 2 32 0 Numerator: Simplify inner parentheses.

5 Denominator: Do multiplication and division
5122
(left to right).
0 1232 3 1 1222 0 Numerator: Simplify inner parentheses.
5 Denominator: Multiply.
10
0227 1 22 0
5 Simplify exponents.
10
025 0
5 Add within the absolute value.
10
5 1
5 or Evaluate the absolute value.
10 2

Calculator Connections
To evaluate the expression
0 1232 3 1 152 2 32 0
215 4 1232122
on a graphing calculator, use parentheses to
enclose the absolute value expression. Likewise, it is necessary to use
parentheses to enclose the entire denominator.

Skill Practice Simplify the expressions.

2 0 5 2 7 0 1 11
24. 36 4 22 ? 3 2 118 2 52 ? 2 1 6
121 2 22 2
25.

Skill Practice Answers

24. 7 25. 1
 Section 1.2 Operations on Real Numbers 25

7. Evaluating Expressions
The order of operations is followed when evaluating an algebraic expression or
when evaluating a geometric formula. For a list of common geometry formulas,
see the inside front cover of the text. It is important to note that some geometric
formulas use Greek letters (such as p) and some formulas use variables with
subscripts. A subscript is a number or letter written to the right of and slightly
below a variable. Subscripts are used on variables to represent different quan-
tities. For example, the area of a trapezoid is given by A 5 21 1b1 1 b2 2h. The val-
ues of b1 and b2 (read as b sub 1 and b sub 2) represent the two different
bases of the trapezoid (Figure 1-5). This is illustrated in Example 9.
b2

h Subscripts

b1
Figure 1-5

Example 9 Evaluating an Algebraic Expression

A homeowner in North Carolina wants to buy protective film for a trapezoid-
shaped window. The film will adhere to shattered glass in the event that the glass
breaks during a bad storm. Find the area of the window whose dimensions are
given in Figure 1-6.

b1 5 4.0 ft
b2 5 2.5 ft

h 5 5.0 ft
Figure 1-6

Solution:

1b 1 b2 2h
1
A5
2 1 TIP: Subscripts should
5 14.0 ft 1 2.5 ft215.0 ft2
1 not be confused with
Substitute b1 5 4.0 ft, b2 5 2.5 ft, and superscripts, which are
2 h 5 5.0 ft. written above a variable.
Superscripts are used to
16.5 ft215.0 ft2
1
5 Simplify inside parentheses. denote powers.
2
b2 b2
5 16.25 ft2 Multiply from left to right.
The area of the window is 16.25 ft2.

Skill Practice
26. Use the formula given in Example 9 to find the area of the trapezoid.
b2 5 5 in.

h 5 10 in.

b1 5 12 in.
Skill Practice Answers
26. The area is 85 in.2
26 Chapter 1 Review of Basic Algebraic Concepts

Section 1.2 Practice Exercises

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Study Skills Exercises

1. Sometimes you may run into a problem with homework or you may find that you are having trouble keeping
up with the pace of the class. A tutor can be a good resource. Answer the following questions.
a. Does your college offer tutoring? b. Is it free?
c. Where should you go to sign up for a tutor? d. Is there tutoring available online?

2. Define the key terms:

a. Opposite b. Absolute value c. Reciprocal
d. Base e. Exponent f. Power
g. Principal square root h. Radical sign i. Order of operations
j. Subscript

Review Exercises
For Exercises 36, describe the set.
3. Rational numbers Integers 4. Rational numbers Irrational numbers

5. Natural numbers {0} 6. Integers Whole numbers

Concept 1: Opposite and Absolute Value

7. If the absolute value of a number can be thought of as its distance from zero, explain why an absolute
value can never be negative.

8. If a number is negative, then its opposite will be a. Positive b. Negative.

9. If a number is negative, then its reciprocal will be a. Positive b. Negative.

10. If a number is negative, then its absolute value will be a. Positive b. Negative.

11. Complete the table.

Number Opposite Reciprocal Absolute Value

6
1
2
11
1
2
8
13
10
0
20.3
 Section 1.2 Operations on Real Numbers 27

12. Complete the table.

Number Opposite Reciprocal Absolute Value

29
2
3
14
21
0
219

For Exercises 1320, fill in the blank with the appropriate symbol 1 6, 7 , 52.
13. 2 06 0 ______ 026 0 14. 21252 ______ 2 025 0 15. 024 0 ______ 04 0

16. 2 02 0 ______ 1222 17. 2 021 0 ______ 1 18. 23 _______ 2 027 0

19. 02 1 1252 0 ______ 02 0 1 025 0 20. 04 1 3 0 ______ 04 0 1 03 0

Concept 2: Addition and Subtraction of Real Numbers

For Exercises 2136, add or subtract as indicated.
21. 28 1 4 22. 3 1 1272 23. 212 1 1272 24. 25 1 12112

25. 217 2 12102 26. 214 2 1222 27. 5 2 1292 28. 8 2 1242

29. 26 2 15 30. 221 2 4 31. 1.5 2 9.6 32. 4.8 2 10

1 a22 b 34. 2 1 a1 b
2 1 4 4 5 14 2
33. 35. 2 2 36. 26 2
3 3 7 7 9 15 9

Concept 3: Multiplication and Division of Real Numbers

For Exercises 3750, perform the indicated operation.
40. a2 b ? a21 b
2 12 5 7
37. 41282 38. 221132 39. ?
9 7 9 11

41. 2 4 a21 b 4 1252

2 5 5 1
42. 43. 7 4 0 44. 40
3 7 8 16

45. 0 4 1232 46. 0 4 11 47. 121.22123.12 48. 14.62122.252

49. 15.4182 4 10.92 50. 16.92 4 17.52

Concept 4: Exponential Expressions

For Exercises 5158, evaluate the expressions.
51. 43 52. 223 53. 272 54. 224
5 3 10 2
55. 1272 2 56. 1252 2 57. a b 58. a b
3 9
28 Chapter 1 Review of Basic Algebraic Concepts

Concept 5: Square Roots

For Exercises 5966, evaluate the expression, if possible.
59. 181 60. 11 61. 124 62. 1236

B4 B4
1 9
63. 64. 65. 2149 66. 21100

Concept 6: Order of Operations

For Exercises 6792, simplify by using the order of operations.
3 2 2 2
67. 2a b 68. 2a b 69. 5 1 33 70. 10 2 24
4 3

71. 43 2 13 72. 13 1 42 2 73. 5 ? 23 74. 12 4 22

75. 6 1 10 4 2 ? 3 2 4 76. 12 4 3 ? 4 2 18 77. 42 2 15 2 22 2 ? 3 78. 5 2 318 4 42 2

80. 52 2 1 29 1 4 4 22
3 2 3 5
81. a2 b 2 ? 1 2a 4 b1
7 1 2 5 5
79. 2 2 519 2 42252 2 82.
5 5 9 10 2 3 9 6

2102 2 82 116 2 7 1 32
116 2 14
83. 1.75 4 0.25 2 11.252 2 84. 5.4 2 10.32 2 4 0.09 85. 86.
32

87. 2 0211 1 5 0 1 07 2 2 0 88. 2 028 2 3 0 2 128 2 32

81232 2 6 61222 2 8
27 2 1222 215 2 1102
89. 90.

1 2 624 2 512 2 23 2 8 2 1222 2

91. a b 1 a b 1a b 92. a b 4 a b
2 5 10 23 1 1 32

For Exercises 9394, find the average of the set of data values by adding the values and dividing by the number
of values.
93. Find the average low temperature for a week in Day Mon. Tues. Wed. Thur. Fri. Sat. Sun.
January in St. Johns, Newfoundland. (Round to the
nearest tenth of a degree.) Low
temperature 2188C 2168C 2208C 2118C 248C 238C 18C

94. Find the average high temperature for a week in Day Mon. Tues. Wed. Thur. Fri. Sat. Sun.
January in St. Johns, Newfoundland. (Round to the
High
nearest tenth of a degree.)
temperature 228C 268C 278C 08C 18C 88C 108C

Concept 7: Evaluating Expressions

95. The formula C 5 95 1F 2 322 converts temperatures in the Fahrenheit scale to the Celsius scale. Find the
equivalent Celsius temperature for each Fahrenheit temperature.
a. 77F b. 212F c. 32F d. 240F

96. The formula F 5 95 C 1 32 converts Celsius temperatures to Fahrenheit temperatures. Find the equivalent
Fahrenheit temperature for each Celsius temperature.
a. 25C b. 0C c. 37C d. 240C
 Section 1.2 Operations on Real Numbers 29

Use the geometry formulas found in the inside front cover of the book to answer Exercises 97106.
For Exercises 97100, find the area.
97. Trapezoid 98. Parallelogram 99. Triangle 100. Rectangle
5 in. 8.5 m
3
4 yd
2 in. 6m 3.1 cm
1
7 6 yd
4 in.
5.2 cm

For Exercises 101106, find the volume. (Use the p key on your calculator, and round the final answer to
1 decimal place.)
101. Sphere 102. Right circular cone 103. Right circular cone

r 5 1.5 ft h 5 12 cm
h 5 4.1 ft

r 5 5 cm r 5 2.5 ft

104. Sphere 105. Right circular cylinder 106. Right circular cylinder

r 5 12 yd h 5 9.5 m
h 5 5 in.

r54m

r 5 3 in.

Graphing Calculator Exercises

12
107. Which expression when entered into a graphing calculator will yield the correct value of 6 2 2?

12/6 2 2 or 12 / 16 2 22
24 2 6
108. Which expression when entered into a graphing calculator will yield the correct value of 3 ?

124 2 62 /3 or 24 2 6 /3

109. Verify your solution to Exercise 85 by entering the expression into a graphing calculator:
1 1 1102 2 82 2 2 /32

110. Verify your solution to Exercise 86 by entering the expression into a graphing calculator:
1 1 116 2 72 1 32 2 / 1 1 1162 2 1 1422