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LectureNotes - TOPIC - 4 - Algebraic Expression

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INSTITUTE OF ACCOUNTANCY ARUSHA

MODULE NAME: Introduction to Business Mathematics and Statistics


PROGRAMS: ODBM I, ODPLM I & ODBC I - 2024/2025

Lecture notes: Algebraic Expressions and Equations

(A) Algebra Expressions


Introduction
Algebra is basically a system of shorthand. Symbols are used to represent concepts and variables that
are capable of taking different values. Algebra employs symbols which are treated as unknown numbers.
The laws of combining for algebraic expressions are the same as those of arithmetic. The algebraic term
is the product of numbers and symbols. For example: 6xy is the product of 5, x and y each of which is
a factor. An algebraic expression is the combination of algebraic terms separated by + or – signs
Definitions of the terms
The algebraic expression has terms. The terms are the components that are separated by addition and
subtraction. For example, the algebraic expression 0.2q + 0.05q + 0.1q is composed of three terms.
These terms are “0.2q”, “0.05q” and “0.1q”.
A nomial refers to how many terms appear in an algebraic expression. If an algebraic expression contains
only one term, like “3x”, it is called a monomial. If the expression contains two terms or more, such as
“0.2q + 0.05q + 0.1q,” it is called a polynomial.
Computations of Algebraic expression when values are given
An expression can be evaluated when the variables represented by algebraic symbols are given specific
numerical values.
Example 1: Evaluate the expression 6.5x when x = 8.
Solution
6.5x = 6.5 x 8
. = 52
Simplifications of Algebraic Expressions
In performing algebraic expressions, we should follow the BIDMAS which means that in simplifying the
algebraic expression the order should be adhered to. The letters in BIDMAS stands for the following
meaning: B –Bracket first. I – Indices second. DM – Division and Multiplication third. AS – Addition
and Subtraction fourth
Example 2: Simplify the following algebraic expressions: (a) 3x + 14yx - 7x + 2yx (b) 4mn – 3m - mn
+ 2m
Solution
(a) 3x + 14yx - 7x + 2yx

1
The first step is to collect like terms with their signs, i.e put together like terms. We can realize that the
terms 3x and -7x are similar. Again, the terms 14yx and +2yx are the same. Therefore,
3x + 14yx - 7x + 2yx = 3x – 7x + 14yx + 2yx
= -4x + 16yx
(b) 4mn – 3m - mn + 2m (To be discussed by students)
Example 3: A business woman driving her own car on her employer’s business gets paid a set fee per
mile travelled for travelling expenses. During one week she records one journey of 234 miles, one of 166
miles and one of 90 miles. Derive an expression for total travelling expenses.
Solution: If the rate per mile is denoted by the letter M then her expenses will be 234M for the first
journey and 166M and 90M for the second and third journeys respectively. Total travelling expenses for
the week will thus be: 234M + 166M + 90M
By combining the like terms, we get 234M + 166M + 90M = 490M

Factorisation: Factorisation of algebraic expressions is like the arithmetical process of factorizing a


number, which means finding all the prime numbers which when multiplied together equal that number,
e.g. 126 = 2 × 3 × 3 × 7. If an expression has only one unknown variable, x, and it is possible to factorize
it into two sets of brackets that do not contain terms in x to a power other than 1, the expression must be
in the form ax2 + bx + c
Example 4: Factorize the expression x2 + 6x + 9.
Solution
In this example a = 1, b = 6 and c = 9.
Product (a x b) = 1 x 9
=9
Sum (b) = 6
We should find the numbers that when are multiplied result to 9 and 6, when are added together.
Therefore, 3 × 3 = 9 and 3 + 3 = 6, follows that: x2 + 6x + 9 = (x + 3)(x + 3)

(B) Equations
In business when we make some calculations, when we deliver different types of goods, when we pay
our workers etc., we have been using equations. Equations are actually all the mathematical statements
where we see the symbol =. Equations are of many types including linear and quadratic equations. These
equations involve one or more variable(s) and solution of an equation or equations means that we have
to find the exact values of these variables. Equations play an important role to solve the different problems
of Business, Economics, Banking, Stock Market and Agriculture etc.

Meaning of Equations: A statement of equality of two algebraic expressions which involves one or more variables
and constants is called Equation. The following are examples of equations; 𝑥 = 5, 2x + 4y = 4, 𝑥+2𝑦2=10.

2
Linear Equation: Is an equation between two variables that gives a straight line when plotted on a
graph. Linear equations are first degree equations i.e. the highest exponent of the variables involved is
exactly one. There are three linear equations; these are:
i. Linear (in one variable). This type has only one variable and its standard form is ax + b = c, where
a≠0
ii. Simultaneous equations (in two variables). Here the there are two variables and its standard form
is ax + by = c, where a and b ≠ 0
iii. Simultaneous equations (in three variables). This type of linear equation has three variables e.g
ax + by + cz = d, where a, b and z ≠ 0

Example 5: (To be done by students): Solve for 𝑥: 5𝑥−10 = 3𝑥+6

Simultaneous Linear Equations: A set of simultaneous equations or system of equations is a set of


at-least two equations developed in a problem that involves some unknowns. There are different methods
of solving simultaneous equations, here we discuss Analytical (algebraic) method (elimination and
substitution methods)
Quadratic Equations: An equation of the second degree which contains exactly one variable that is
squared is called the Quadratic equation. Standard form of quadratic equation is 𝑎𝑥2+ 𝑏x+ 𝑐 = 0 where
a, b and c are real numbers and a≠ 0. Usually, quadratic equations must have either two solutions/roots
or no solutions.
(a) Formation of quadratic equation: If given that α and β are two roots of a quadratic equation
then we can form the equation as: x2 – (α + β )x + αβ = 0, That is, x2 – (sum of the roots) x + product
of the roots = 0. Suppose 3 and 5 are two roots of the quadratic equation then the quadratic equation
is x2 – (3 + 5)x + 3.5 = 0; Or, x2 – 8x + 15 = 0.
Question: If 2 and 4 are the roots of quadratic equation, form the quadratic equation.
(b) Methods of Solving Quadratic Equations: There are different methods of solving quadratic
equations One of the most common solution techniques is quadratic formula or general quadratic
−b±√b2 −4ac
formula given as x = . Under this formula when b2 − 4ac > 0, there will be two real
2a

roots; if when, b2 − 4ac =0, there will be one real root; and if when b2 − 4ac< 0, there will be
no real roots but in this lecture we discuss; Quadratic formula, Factorization and Completing the
square methods.
Factorization Method: To solve the quadratic equations, we need to follow the procedure step by step.
Firstly, arrange the quadratic equation in a standard form. Then multiply first and third term to get the
product i.e. 𝑎c𝑥2 after that find two factors of that product in a way that if we multiply them it should be
equal to 𝑎c𝑥2 and when we add them they should be equal to 𝑏x. Further substitute the two factor at the

3
place of 𝑏x and convert the equation as the product of two linear factors. Moreover, find the values of
the variable by setting each linear factor equal to zero.
Example 6: (Students should discuss in pairs)
Solve the given equation using factorization method: 𝑥2+2𝑥−3=0
Completing Square Method:
In this method, we take the variables i.e. 𝑥2 and 𝑥 on one side of the equation and constants on other
side of the equation. Then divide the whole equation by coefficient of 𝑥2 by this coefficient of 𝑥2 will
1
become 1. In next step add the term (2 x coefficient of 𝑥)2 on both sides of the equation. Moreover, write

the equation as complete square on left side of the equation and simplify both sides of the equation.
Lastly to solve for 𝑥 take the square root on both sides of the equation using both positive and negative
signs on left hand side.

Example 7: Solve the given equation using completing the square method: 𝑥2+2𝑥−3=0
Solution: First, make the given equation in the form of completing square by adding s (1) 2 in the given
equation i.e. 𝑥2+2(𝑥)(1)+(1)2 = (1)2+3
𝑥2+2𝑥+1=1+3
(𝑥+1)2 = 4. Taking square root on both sides we get:
𝑥+1 = ±2
𝑥+1= 2 – 1 or x = -2 – 1
𝑥 = 1 or x = -3

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