MTH 101 (Elementary Mathematics I),

2019/2020 Session:

Module 3.1- Operations with Real Numbers

Lecture I, Module 3

Olawanle LAYENI

Department of Mathematics,
Obafemi Awolowo University,
220005 ILE-IFE, NIGERIA

15th February, 2021

1 / 31
Introduction
Real numbers constitute a set often referred to as the set of real
numbers. This set is denoted by R.

2 / 31
Introduction
Real numbers constitute a set often referred to as the set of real
numbers. This set is denoted by R.

A shape of the constitution of the set of real numbers, like that

of any set, can be garnered from those of its subsets. In order to
have this insight, we shall consider the following subsets of the
set of real numbers R:

2 / 31
Introduction
Real numbers constitute a set often referred to as the set of real
numbers. This set is denoted by R.

A shape of the constitution of the set of real numbers, like that

of any set, can be garnered from those of its subsets. In order to
have this insight, we shall consider the following subsets of the
set of real numbers R:

The set of natural numbers,

2 / 31
Introduction
Real numbers constitute a set often referred to as the set of real
numbers. This set is denoted by R.

A shape of the constitution of the set of real numbers, like that

of any set, can be garnered from those of its subsets. In order to
have this insight, we shall consider the following subsets of the
set of real numbers R:

the set of integers,

2 / 31
Introduction
Real numbers constitute a set often referred to as the set of real
numbers. This set is denoted by R.

A shape of the constitution of the set of real numbers, like that

of any set, can be garnered from those of its subsets. In order to
have this insight, we shall consider the following subsets of the
set of real numbers R:

the set of rational numbers, and

2 / 31
Introduction
Real numbers constitute a set often referred to as the set of real
numbers. This set is denoted by R.

A shape of the constitution of the set of real numbers, like that

of any set, can be garnered from those of its subsets. In order to
have this insight, we shall consider the following subsets of the
set of real numbers R:

the set of irrational numbers.

2 / 31
Introduction
Real numbers constitute a set often referred to as the set of real
numbers. This set is denoted by R.

A shape of the constitution of the set of real numbers, like that

of any set, can be garnered from those of its subsets. In order to
have this insight, we shall consider the following subsets of the
set of real numbers R:

The set of natural numbers,

the set of integers,

the set of rational numbers, and

the set of irrational numbers.

2 / 31
The Set of Natural Numbers

This is the set of numbers often called, “the counting numbers,”

and denoted by N:

N = {1, 2, 3, 4, . . .} . (1)

We note the following.

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The Set of Natural Numbers

This is the set of numbers often called, “the counting numbers,”

and denoted by N:

N = {1, 2, 3, 4, . . .} . (1)

We note the following.

The ellipsis in Eq.(1) indicates that the cardinality of the set

is infinite.

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The Set of Natural Numbers

This is the set of numbers often called, “the counting numbers,”

and denoted by N:

N = {1, 2, 3, 4, . . .} . (1)

We note the following.

The set of natural numbers N is countable.

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The Set of Natural Numbers

This is the set of numbers often called, “the counting numbers,”

and denoted by N:

N = {1, 2, 3, 4, . . .} . (1)

We note the following.

The set of natural numbers N is countable.

The set of natural numbers is the archetype of countable

sets.

3 / 31
The Set of Natural Numbers

This is the set of numbers often called, “the counting numbers,”

and denoted by N:

N = {1, 2, 3, 4, . . .} . (1)

We note the following.

The ellipsis in Eq.(1) indicates that the cardinality of the set

is infinite.

The set of natural numbers N is countable.

The set of natural numbers is the archetype of countable

sets.

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The Set of Integers
The set of integers, denoted by Z, is the union
{. . . , −4, −3, −2, −1} ∪ {0} ∪ N (2)

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The Set of Integers
The set of integers is the union
{. . . , −4, −3, −2, −1} ∪ {0} ∪ N (2)

otherwise written as

{. . . , −4, −3, −2, −1} ∪ {0} ∪ {1, 2, 3, 4, . . .} , (3)

4 / 31
The Set of Integers
The set of integers is the union
{. . . , −4, −3, −2, −1} ∪ {0} ∪ N (2)

which is
n o
. . . , −6, −5, −4, −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, . . . . (4)

4 / 31
The Set of Integers
The set of integers is the union
{. . . , −4, −3, −2, −1} ∪ {0} ∪ N (2)

The set {. . . , −4, −3, −2, −1} deployed in the definition

above is often referred to as the set of negative integers
and denoted by Z− .N is also often referred to as Z+ . 4 / 31
The Set of Integers
The set of integers is the union
{. . . , −4, −3, −2, −1} ∪ {0} ∪ N (2)

4 / 31
The Set of Integers
The set of integers, denoted by Z, is the union
{. . . , −4, −3, −2, −1} ∪ {0} ∪ N (2)

otherwise written as

{. . . , −4, −3, −2, −1} ∪ {0} ∪ {1, 2, 3, 4, . . .} , (3)

which is
n o
. . . , −6, −5, −4, −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, . . . . (4)

The set {. . . , −4, −3, −2, −1} deployed in the definition

above is often referred to as the set of negative integers
and denoted by Z− .N is also often referred to as Z+ .Z is 4 / 31
The Set of Rational Numbers

The set of rational numbers, denoted by Q, is the set of real

numbers that can be expressed in the form
a
(5)
b
where both a and b are integers, and a is nonzero.

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The Set of Rational Numbers, Illustration

Example 1:

2
is a rational number.
3

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The Set of Rational Numbers, Illustration

Example 1:

0.25 is a rational number: It is the terminating decimal form

1
of .
4

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The Set of Rational Numbers, Illustration

Example 1:

0.6666 . . . is a rational number: It is the recurring decimal of

2
.
3

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The Set of Rational Numbers, Illustration

Example 1:

0.6969 . . . is a rational number: It is the recurring decimal of

23
.
33

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The Set of Rational Numbers: Continued

Every recurring or terminating decimal

is a rational number.

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The Set of Rational Numbers: Continued
The decimal forms of rational numbers either present as
terminating decimals (for example 0.12568) or as recurring
decimals (for example 0.725972597259 . . . or 0.69696969 . . .).

Example 2:

a
0.12568 expressible in the form , b 6= 0, a, b ∈ Z, by
b
writing
12568 1571
0.12568 = = .
100000 12500

8 / 31
The Set of Rational Numbers: Continued
The decimal forms of rational numbers either present as
terminating decimals (for example 0.12568) or as recurring
decimals (for example 0.725972597259 . . . or 0.69696969 . . .).

Example 2:

a
0.72597259 . . . is likewise expressible in the form . Let
b
y = 0.72597259 . . .. Then
10000y = 7259.72597259 . . . = 7259 + 0.72597259 . . .
7259
= 7259 + y ; 9999y = 7259 ; y = .
9999
8 / 31
Set of Irrational Numbers

Irrational numbers are real numbers which CANNOT

be expressed in the form
a
b
where a, b ∈ Z, b nonzero.

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Set of Irrational Numbers- Examples

Example 3 (Examples of irrational numbers)

π, the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.

10 / 31
Set of Irrational Numbers- Examples

Example 3 (Examples of irrational numbers)

√ √ √
p, p a prime number, examples of which are 2 and 11.

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Set of Irrational Numbers- Examples

Example 3 (Examples of irrational numbers)

e, Napier’s constant: The base of natural logarithms,

n
defined by e = lim 1 + n1 .
n→ ∞

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Set of Irrational Numbers- Examples

Example 3 (Examples of irrational numbers)

π, the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.

√ √ √
p, p a prime number, examples of which are 2 and 11.

e, Napier’s constant: The base of natural logarithms,

n
defined by e = lim 1 + n1 .
n→ ∞

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Inclusion of Subsets of the Set of Real Numbers

The infinite subsets of the set of real numbers Q, Z, N are

related through the inclusion

N ⊂ Z ⊂ Q ⊂ R. (6)

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Operations on R, Commutativity

Let x, y, z be any real numbers. Then

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Operations on R, Commutativity

(1a) Commutativity with respect to the + operation holds:

x + y = y + x;

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Operations on R, Commutativity

and

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Operations on R, Commutativity

(1b) Commutativity with respect to the × operation holds:

x × y = y × x.

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Operations on R, Commutativity

Let x, y, z be any real numbers. Then

(1a) Commutativity with respect to the + operation holds:

x + y = y + x;

and

(1b) Commutativity with respect to the × operation holds:

x × y = y × x.

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Operations on R, Associativity

Let x, y, z be any real numbers. Then

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Operations on R, Associativity

(2a) Associativity with respect to the + operation holds:

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

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Operations on R, Associativity

and

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Operations on R, Associativity

(2b) Associativity with respect to the × operation holds:

x × (y × z) = (x × y) × z.

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Operations on R, Associativity

Let x, y, z be any real numbers. Then

(2a) Associativity with respect to the + operation holds:

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

and

(2b) Associativity with respect to the × operation holds:

x × (y × z) = (x × y) × z.

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Operations on R, Distributivity

Let x, y, z be any real numbers . Then

(3) Distributivity of multiplication over addition holds:

x × (y + z)
=⇒

14 / 31
Operations on R, Distributivity

Let x, y, z be any real numbers . Then

(3) Distributivity of multiplication over addition holds:

x × (y + z)
=⇒
= x×y+x×z
| {z }
Left distributivity of × over +

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Operations on R, Distributivity

Let x, y, z be any real numbers . Then

(3) Distributivity of multiplication over addition holds:

(y + z) × x
⇐=

14 / 31
Operations on R, Distributivity

Let x, y, z be any real numbers . Then

(3) Distributivity of multiplication over addition holds:

= y×x+z×x =
| {z }
Right distributivity of × over +

(y + z) × x
⇐=

14 / 31
Operations on R, Distributivity

Let x, y, z be any real numbers . Then

(3) Distributivity of multiplication over addition holds:

x × (y + z)
=⇒

(y + z) × x
⇐=

14 / 31
Operations on R, Distributivity

Let x, y, z be any real numbers . Then

(3) Distributivity of multiplication over addition holds:

x × (y + z)
=⇒
= x×y+x×z
| {z }
Left distributivity of × over +

= y×x+z×x =
| {z }
Right distributivity of × over +

(y + z) × x
⇐=

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Operations on R : An Example

Example 4
!
1 1 1 1
(4 × 6 × 10 × 14) + + + =
4 6 10 14
60 × 14 + 40 × 14 + 24 × 14 + 24 × 10 =

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Operations on R : An Example

Example 4
!
1 1 1 1
(4 × 6 × 10 × 14) + + + =
4 6 10 14
60 × 14 + 40 × 14 + 24 × 14 + 24 × 10 =
(60 + 40)14 + 24(14 + 10) =
| {z } | {z }

15 / 31
Operations on R : An Example

Example 4
!
1 1 1 1
(4 × 6 × 10 × 14) + + + =
4 6 10 14
60 × 14 + 40 × 14 + 24 × 14 + 24 × 10 =
(60 + 40)14 + 24(14 + 10) =
| {z } | {z }
due to right distributivity
of × operation on R over +

15 / 31
Operations on R : An Example

Example 4
!
1 1 1 1
(4 × 6 × 10 × 14) + + + =
4 6 10 14
60 × 14 + 40 × 14 + 24 × 14 + 24 × 10 =
(60 + 40)14 + 24(14 + 10) =
| {z } | {z }
due to right distributivity due to left distributivity
of × operation on R over + of × operation on R over +

15 / 31
Operations on R : An Example

Example 4
!
1 1 1 1
(4 × 6 × 10 × 14) + + + =
4 6 10 14
60 × 14 + 40 × 14 + 24 × 14 + 24 × 10 =
(60 + 40)14 + 24(14 + 10) =
| {z } | {z }
due to right distributivity due to left distributivity
of × operation on R over + of × operation on R over +

100 × 14 + 242 = .

15 / 31
Operations on R : An Example

Example 4
!
1 1 1 1
(4 × 6 × 10 × 14) + + + =
4 6 10 14
60 × 14 + 40 × 14 + 24 × 14 + 24 × 10 =
(60 + 40)14 + 24(14 + 10) =
| {z } | {z }
due to right distributivity due to left distributivity
of × operation on R over + of × operation on R over +

100 × 14 + 242 = 1400 + 576 = .

15 / 31
Operations on R : An Example

Example 4
!
1 1 1 1
(4 × 6 × 10 × 14) + + + =
4 6 10 14
60 × 14 + 40 × 14 + 24 × 14 + 24 × 10 =
(60 + 40)14 + 24(14 + 10) =
| {z } | {z }
due to right distributivity due to left distributivity
of × operation on R over + of × operation on R over +

100 × 14 + 242 = 1400 + 576 = 1976 .

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Operations on R- Useful Identities Ia

(a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2

16 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities Ia

a2 − b2 = (a + b)(a − b)

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Operations on R- Useful Identities Ia

a3 + b3 = (a + b)(a2 − ab + b2 )

16 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities Ia

a3 − b3 = (a − b)(a2 + ab + b2 )

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Operations on R- Useful Identities Ia

(a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2

a2 − b2 = (a + b)(a − b)

a3 + b3 = (a + b)(a2 − ab + b2 )

a3 − b3 = (a − b)(a2 + ab + b2 )

16 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities Ib
Example 5:
2911729342
Question: Simplify .
2911729332 + 2911729352 − 2

Answer:

2911729342
2911729332 + 2911729352 − 2

17 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities Ib
Example 5:
2911729342
Question: Simplify .
2911729332 + 2911729352 − 2

Answer:

2911729342
2911729332 + 2911729352 − 2
2911729342
=
(2911729332 − 1) + (2911729352 − 1)
| {z } | {z }
Difference of two squares Difference of two squares

17 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities Ib
Example 5:
2911729342
Question: Simplify .
2911729332 + 2911729352 − 2

Answer:

2911729342
2911729332 + 2911729352 − 2
2911729342
=
(2911729332 − 1) + (2911729352 − 1)
| {z } | {z }
Difference of two squares Difference of two squares

2911729342
=
(291172934)(291172932) + (291172934)(291172936)

17 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities Ib
Example 5:
2911729342
Question: Simplify .
2911729332 + 2911729352 − 2

Answer:

2911729342
2911729332 + 2911729352 − 2
2911729342
=
(2911729332 − 1) + (2911729352 − 1)
| {z } | {z }
Difference of two squares Difference of two squares

2911729342
=
(291172934)(291172932) + (291172934)(291172936)
2911729342
= )
(291172934)(291172932
|
+ 291172936}
{z
2×291172934

17 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities Ib
Example 5:
2911729342
Question: Simplify .
2911729332 + 2911729352 − 2

Answer:

2911729342
2911729332 + 2911729352 − 2
2911729342
=
(2911729332 − 1) + (2911729352 − 1)
| {z } | {z }
Difference of two squares Difference of two squares

2911729342
=
(291172934)(291172932) + (291172934)(291172936)
2911729342 1
= )= .
(291172934)(291172932
|
+
{z
291172936
}
2
2×291172934

17 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities Ic
Example 6:
Question: Let a, b be real numbers such that a 6= −b. Simplify
a6 − b6
.
(a3 + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )

Answer:

a6 − b6
(a3 + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )

18 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities Ic
Example 6:
Question: Let a, b be real numbers such that a 6= −b. Simplify
a6 − b6
.
(a3 + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )

Answer:

a6 − b6
(a3 + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )
( a 3 ) 2 − ( b3 ) 2
= 3
(a + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )

18 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities Ic
Example 6:
Question: Let a, b be real numbers such that a 6= −b. Simplify
a6 − b6
.
(a3 + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )

Answer:

a6 − b6
(a3 + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )
( a 3 ) 2 − ( b3 ) 2
= 3 a6 − b6 is a difference of two squares
(a + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )

18 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities Ic
Example 6:
Question: Let a, b be real numbers such that a 6= −b. Simplify
a6 − b6
.
(a3 + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )

Answer:

a6 − b6
(a3 + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )
( a 3 ) 2 − ( b3 ) 2
= 3
(a + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )
(a3 − b3 ) 3+
(a 3
b)
= 3  3
(a+ b )(a + ab + b2 )
 2


18 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities Ic
Example 6:
Question: Let a, b be real numbers such that a 6= −b. Simplify
a6 − b6
.
(a3 + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )

Answer:

a6 − b6
(a3 + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )
( a 3 ) 2 − ( b3 ) 2
= 3
(a + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )
(a3 − b3 ) 3+
(a 3
b )
= 3  3
(a+ b )(a + ab + b2 )
 2

( a 3 − b3 )
= 2
(a + ab + b2 )

18 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities Ic
Example 6:
Question: Let a, b be real numbers such that a 6= −b. Simplify
a6 − b6
.
(a3 + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )

Answer:

a6 − b6
(a3 + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )
( a 3 ) 2 − ( b3 ) 2
= 3
(a + b3 )(a2 + ab + b2 )
(a3 − b3 ) 3+
(a 3
b )
= 3  3
(a+ b )(a + ab + b2 )
 2

( a 3 − b3 )
= 2 = a−b .
(a + ab + b2 )

18 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities IIa

For nonzero real numbers x and m, x not taking values −1 or

−m, the following partial fraction identities hold.

1 1 1
= −
x(x + 1) x (x + 1)
 
1 1 1 1
= −
x(x + m) m x x+m

19 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities IIb
Example 7
Question: Let k be a nonzero real number which does not take
1
values −1 or −2. Express as partial fractions.
k(k + 1)(k + 2)

Answer:
1
k(k + 1)(k + 2)

20 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities IIb
Example 7
Question: Let k be a nonzero real number which does not take
1
values −1 or −2. Express as partial fractions.
k(k + 1)(k + 2)

Answer:
1
k(k + 1)(k + 2)
 
1 1
=
k (k + 1)(k + 2)

20 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities IIb
Example 7
Question: Let k be a nonzero real number which does not take
1
values −1 or −2. Express as partial fractions.
k(k + 1)(k + 2)

Answer:
1
k(k + 1)(k + 2)
   
1 1 1 1 1
= = −
k (k + 1)(k + 2) k k+1 k+2

20 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities IIb
Example 7
Question: Let k be a nonzero real number which does not take
1
values −1 or −2. Express as partial fractions.
k(k + 1)(k + 2)

Answer:
1
k(k + 1)(k + 2)
   
1 1 1 1 1
= = −
k (k + 1)(k + 2) k k+1 k+2
1 1
= −
k (k + 1) k (k + 2)

20 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities IIb
Example 7
Question: Let k be a nonzero real number which does not take
1
values −1 or −2. Express as partial fractions.
k(k + 1)(k + 2)

Answer:
1
k(k + 1)(k + 2)
   
1 1 1 1 1
= = −
k (k + 1)(k + 2) k k+1 k+2
 
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= − = − − −
k (k + 1) k (k + 2) k k+1 2 k k+2

20 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities IIb
Example 7
Question: Let k be a nonzero real number which does not take
1
values −1 or −2. Express as partial fractions.
k(k + 1)(k + 2)

Answer:
1
k(k + 1)(k + 2)
   
1 1 1 1 1
= = −
k (k + 1)(k + 2) k k+1 k+2
 
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= − = − − −
k (k + 1) k (k + 2) k k+1 2 k k+2
 
1 1 1 1
= − +
2 k k + 1 2(k + 2)

20 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities IIb
Example 7
Question: Let k be a nonzero real number which does not take
1
values −1 or −2. Express as partial fractions.
k(k + 1)(k + 2)

Answer:
1
k(k + 1)(k + 2)
   
1 1 1 1 1
= = −
k (k + 1)(k + 2) k k+1 k+2
 
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= − = − − −
k (k + 1) k (k + 2) k k+1 2 k k+2
   
1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1
= − + = − + .
2 k k + 1 2(k + 2) 2 k k+1 k+2

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Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIa

Some generalizations of the aforegiven identities are the

following. Let a, b be real numbers.

(a − b)(a3 + a2 b + ab2 + b2 ) = a4 − b4

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Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIa

Some generalizations of the aforegiven identities are the

following. Let a, b be real numbers.

(a − b)(a4 + a3 b + a2 b2 + ab3 + b4 ) = a5 − b5
..
.

21 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIa

Some generalizations of the aforegiven identities are the

following. Let a, b be real numbers.

 
(a − b) an−1 + an−2 b + . . . + abn−2 + bn−1 = an − bn , for all n ∈ N

21 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIa

Some generalizations of the aforegiven identities are the

following. Let a, b be real numbers.

 
(a + b) an−1 − an−2 b + . . . − abn−2 + bn−1 = an + bn , for odd n ∈ N

21 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIb
Example 8
1
Question: Let x + = 5, x a nonzero real number. Find the
x
3 1
value of x + 3 .
x

Answer (i):

1
x3 +
x3

22 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIb
Example 8
1
Question: Let x + = 5, x a nonzero real number. Find the
x
3 1
value of x + 3 .
x

Answer (i):
 3
3 1 3 1
x + 3 = x +
x x
| {z }
1
Form a3 + b3 a:=x , b:=
x

22 / 31
Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIb
Example 8
1
Question: Let x + = 5, x a nonzero real number. Find the
x
3 1
value of x + 3 .
x

Answer (i):
 3
3 1 3 1
x + 3 = x +
x x
| {z }
1
Form a3 + b3 a:=x , b:=
x
   2 !
1 1 1
= x+ x2 − x × +
x x x
| {z }
(a + b)(a2 − ab + b2 )

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Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIb Continued

 
 
   2 
1  2
 1 
= x+ x + − 1 
x 
 | {z x }


 
2 2
Form a + b

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Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIb Continued

 
 
   2 
1  2
 1 
= x+ x + − 1 
x 
 | {z x }


 
2 2
Form a + b
  
  
    
1 2
 
1   1  
= x+  x + −2×x×  − 1
  
x  x x  
 | {z }  
  
a2 + b2 = (a + b)2 − 2ab

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Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIb Continued

 
 
   2 
1  2
 1 
= x+ x + − 1 
x 
 | {z x }


 
2 2
Form a + b
  
  
    
1 2
 
1   1  
= x+  x + −2×x×  − 1
  
x  x x  
 | {z }  
  
a2 + b2 = (a + b)2 − 2ab

= 5([52 − 2] − 1)

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Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIb Continued

 
 
   2 
1  2
 1 
= x+ x + − 1 
x 
 | {z x }


 
2 2
Form a + b
  
  
    
1 2
 
1   1  
= x+  x + −2×x×  − 1
  
x  x x  
 | {z }  
  
a2 + b2 = (a + b)2 − 2ab

= 5([52 − 2] − 1) = 5(23 − 1) = 5(22)

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Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIb Continued

 
 
   2 
1  2
 1 
= x+ x + − 1 
x 
 | {z x }


 
2 2
Form a + b
  
  
    
1 2
 
1   1  
= x+  x + −2×x×  − 1
  
x  x x  
 | {z }  
  
a2 + b2 = (a + b)2 − 2ab

= 5([52 − 2] − 1) = 5(23 − 1) = 5(22) = 110 .

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Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIc

Example 8
Question: Suppose that the real numbers x and y satisfy the
system of equations
(
x+y = 6
x2 + y2 = 29 .

Calculate (i) xy , (ii) x3 + y3 .

Answer (i): From the identity (x + y)2 − 2xy = x2 + y2 , one

observes that
1  1 2  1
xy = (x + y)2 − (x2 + y2 ) = 6 − 29 = 3 .
2 | {z } | {z } 2 2
6 29

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Operations on R- Useful Identities IIIc Continued

Answer (ii): The value of the sum of cubes x3 + y3 can be

calculated through the identity

x3 + y3 = (x + y)(x2 − xy + y2 )

7
Since x3 + y3 = (x + y)((x2 + y2 ) − xy); xy = ; x + y = 6; and
  2  
2 2 3 3 7 51
x + y = 29, then x + y = (6) (29) − =6 = 153 .
2 2

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Absolute Value of a Real Number

The absolute value of a real number x, denoted by |x|, is

defined as 
x
 x>0
|x| =

.


26 / 31
Absolute Value of a Real Number

The absolute value of a real number x, denoted by |x|, is

defined as 


|x| = 0 x=0

.


26 / 31
Absolute Value of a Real Number

The absolute value of a real number x, denoted by |x|, is

defined as 


|x| =

−x x < 0.


26 / 31
Absolute Value of a Real Number

The absolute value of a real number x, denoted by |x|, is

defined as 
x
 x>0
|x| = 0 x=0

−x x < 0.


26 / 31
Some Properties of the Absolute Value of Real
Numbers Ia

Let x, y, and λ be real numbers, m ∈ N. Then,

|λx| = |λ||x| ,

|x| = |y| if and only if x = y or x = −y ,

| xm | = | x | m ,

x |x|
= , y 6= 0.
y |y|

27 / 31
Some Properties of the Absolute Value of Real
Numbers Ib- Examples
Example 9
Question: Let x be a nonzero real number. Simplify
|x + |x||
g(x) : = .
x

Answer: We shall two cases for x: (i) x > 0, and (ii) x < 0).

Case (i): x > 0: In this instance, |x| = x, and as such

x + |x| = x + x = 2x; and x + |x| = |2x| = 2x . Therefore
x + |x| 2x
g(x) = = = 2
x x

28 / 31
Some Properties of the Absolute Value of Real
Numbers Ib- Examples
Example 9
Question: Let x be a nonzero real number. Simplify
|x + |x||
g(x) : = .
x

Answer: We shall two cases for x: (i) x > 0, and (ii) x < 0).

Case (ii): x > 0: In this case, |x| = −x and therefore

x + |x| 0
x + |x| = x − x = 0. Therefore g(x) = = = 0.
x x
28 / 31
Some Properties of the Absolute Value of Real
Numbers Ib- Examples
Example 9
Question: Let x be a nonzero real number. Simplify
|x + |x||
g(x) : = .
x

Answer: We shall two cases for x: (i) x > 0, and (ii) x < 0).

Case (i): x > 0: In this instance, |x| = x, and as such

x + |x| = x + x = 2x; and x + |x| = |2x| = 2x . Therefore
x + |x| 2x
g(x) = = = 2
x x

Case (ii): x > 0: In this case, |x| = −x and therefore

x + |x| 0
x + |x| = x − x = 0. Therefore g(x) = = = 0.
x x
28 / 31
Some Properties of the Absolute Value of Real
Numbers Ic- Examples
Example 10
|x| − 3x
Question: If x < 0, find the value of .
7

Answer: Since x < 0, |x| = −x by definition. This means that

−3x
|x| − 3x
| {z }
Note that |x|=−x if x<0
=
7 7

29 / 31
Some Properties of the Absolute Value of Real
Numbers Ic- Examples
Example 10
|x| − 3x
Question: If x < 0, find the value of .
7

Answer: Since x < 0, |x| = −x by definition. This means that

−x −3x
|x| − 3x
| {z }
=
7 7

29 / 31
Some Properties of the Absolute Value of Real
Numbers Ic- Examples
Example 10
|x| − 3x
Question: If x < 0, find the value of .
7

Answer: Since x < 0, |x| = −x by definition. This means that

−x −3x
|x| − 3x
| {z }
=
7 7
4
= − x .
7

29 / 31
Some Properties of the Absolute Value of Real
Numbers Id- Examples
Example 11
Question: Let x, y, z be real numbers such that
1
(2x − 4)2 + (y − 9) + z − 3 = 0 .
4
Find the value x10 + yz .

Answer:

1
Since each of (2x − 4)2 , 4 (y − 9) , or z − 3 is positive and
their sum is zero, they each must be zero.

30 / 31
Some Properties of the Absolute Value of Real
Numbers Id- Examples
Example 11
Question: Let x, y, z be real numbers such that
1
(2x − 4)2 + (y − 9) + z − 3 = 0 .
4
Find the value x10 + yz .

Answer:

Then 2x − 4 = 0, y − 9 = 0, z − 3 = 0. That is, x = 2, y = 9,

and z = 3.

30 / 31
Some Properties of the Absolute Value of Real
Numbers Id- Examples
Example 11
Question: Let x, y, z be real numbers such that
1
(2x − 4)2 + (y − 9) + z − 3 = 0 .
4
Find the value x10 + yz .

Answer:

x10 + yz = 210 + 9 × 3 = 1024 + 27 = 1051 .

30 / 31
Some Properties of the Absolute Value of Real
Numbers Id- Examples
Example 11
Question: Let x, y, z be real numbers such that
1
(2x − 4)2 + (y − 9) + z − 3 = 0 .
4
Find the value x10 + yz .

Answer:

1
Since each of (2x − 4)2 , 4 (y − 9) , or z − 3 is positive and
their sum is zero, they each must be zero.

Then 2x − 4 = 0, y − 9 = 0, z − 3 = 0. That is, x = 2, y = 9,

and z = 3.

x10 + yz = 210 + 9 × 3 = 1024 + 27 = 1051 .

30 / 31
End of Lecture I

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION

31 / 31