OAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

OAS, ALBAY

MODULE 2- ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Subject Code : MC MATH 02 Subject Title: COLLEGE AND ADVANCE ALGEBRA

I – MODULE TITLE: Algebraic Expressions

II-MODULE DESCRIPTION: This module explains all about the Algebraic Expressions. This encourages
students to have a clear grasp about the algebraic expressions and the use of these in their daily
activities.

III-Expected Outcome / Objectives : After completing this module, students should be able to :

1. Classify and define constants, variables, expressions, terms, monomial, multinomial, coefficients,
factors and degree of terms.

2. Perform the fundamental operations of polynomial and algebraic fractions.

3. Identify and factor polynomials with common factors and special products of the general quadratic
trinomial form.

4. Treasure the value of patience and endurance.

IV- PRE-TEST-

1. Enumerate the different Algebraic expressions you came across in the study of module 2.

2. Explain the how you will relate algebraic expressions to your major .

3. Define all the algebraic expressions you will meet here.

4-6. Give examples of algebraic expressions.

Translate the following phrases into mathematical expressions:

7. "13 more than x" and

8. "12 fewer than y".
9. A string measures 15 inches is cut into two pieces. Let x represent the length of one of the
resulting pieces. Express the length of the second piece in terms of the length x of the first piece.

V- LESSON CONTENT:

1. Classify and define constants, variables, terms, monomial , multinomial, polynomials algebraic
expressions.

Types of Polynomials: Monomial, Binomial, Trinomial Polynomials are algebraic expressions that may

comprise of exponents which are added, subtracted or multiplied. Polynomials are of different
types. Namely,Monomial, Binomial, and Trinomial. A monomial is a polynomial with one term.
A binomial is a polynomial with two, unlike terms. A trinomial is an algebraic expression with
three, unlike terms. In the following section, we will study about polynomials and types of
polynomials in detail.

What is a Polynomial?
In simple words, polynomials are expressions comprising a sum of terms, where each term holding
a variable or variables is elevated to power and further multiplied by a coefficient. Amusingly, the
simplest polynomials hold one variable.
Types of Polynomials
Let us get familiar with the different types of polynomials. It will form
the base to further learning.

1. Monomials – Monomials are the algebraic expressions with one

term, hence the name “Mono”mial. In other words, it is an expression
that contains any count of like terms. For example, 2x + 5x + 10x is a
monomial because when we add the like terms it results in 17x.
Furthermore, 4t, 21x2y, 9pq etc are monomials because each of these
expressions contains only one term.
2. Binomials – Binomials are the algebraic expressions with two
unlike terms, hence the name “Bi”nomial. For example, 3x + 4x2 is
binomial since it contains two unlike terms, that is, 3x and 4x2.
Likewise, 10pq + 13p2q is a binomial.
3. Trinomials – Trinomials are the algebraic expressions with three
unlike terms, hence the name “Tri”nomial. For example- 3x + 5x2 –
6x3 is a trinomial. It is due to the presence of three, unlike terms,
namely, 3x, 5x2 and 6x3. Likewise, 12pq + 4x2 – 10 is a trinomial.

There is another type of polynomial called the zero polynomial. In this type, the value of every
coefficient is zero. For example: 0x2 + 0x – 0

Degree of a Polynomial
It is simply the greatest of the exponents or powers over the various terms present in the algebraic
expression.
Example: Find the degree of  7x – 5
In the given example, the first term is 7x, whereas the second term is -5. Now, let us define the
exponent for each term. The exponent for the first term 7x is 1 and for the second term -5, it is 0.
Since the highest exponent is 1, the degree of 7x – 5 is also 1.

Polynomial Equation
A single-variable polynomial having degree n has the
following equation:

anxn + an-1xn-1 + … + a2x2 + a1x1 + a0x0

In this, a’s denote the coefficients whereas x denotes the variable. Since x1 = x and x0= 1
considering all complex numbers x. Therefore, the above expression can be shortened to:

anxn + an-1xn-1 + … + a2x2 + a1x + a

When an nth-degree of single-variable polynomial equals to 0, then the resultant polynomial

equation of degree ‘n’ acquires the following form:

anxn + an-1xn-1 + … + a2x2 + a1x + a = 0

 Solved Examples For You

Question 1: Which of the following is a binomial?
a. 8*a+a           b. 7a2 + 8b + 9c
c. 3a*4b* 2c    d. 11a2 + 11b2
Question 2: What kind of polynomial has 4 terms?
Question 3: What is a polynomial with 5 terms called?
Question 4: What is a zero polynomial?
Question 5: Who invented polynomials?
Basic Operations Using Polynomials

Many applications in mathematics have to do with what are called polynomials. Polynomials are
made up of terms. Terms are a product of numbers and/or variables. For example 2y, 5x, -5,abc,
x and are all terms. Terms are connected to each other by addition or subtraction.

Expressions are often defined by the number of terms they have.

coefficient
A number or symbol multiplied with a variable or an unknown quantity in an
algebraic term. For example, 4 is the coefficient in the term 4x, and x is the coefficient
in x(a + b).

A numerical measure of a physical or chemical property that is constant for a system

under specified conditions. The speed of light in a vacuum, for example, is a constant.

Identifying the Degree and Leading Coefficient of Polynomials

The formula just found is an example of a polynomial, which is a sum of or difference of terms,
each consisting of a variable raised to a nonnegative integer power. A number multiplied by a
variable raised to an exponent, such as 384\pi384π, is known as a coefficient. Coefficients can
be positive, negative, or zero, and can be whole numbers, decimals, or fractions. Each
product {a}_{i}{x}^{i}aixi, such as 384\pi w384πw, is a term of a polynomial. If a term does not
contain a variable, it is called a constant.

A polynomial containing only one term, such as 5{x}^{4}5x4, is called a monomial. A polynomial
containing two terms, such as  2x - 92x−9, is called a binomial. A polynomial containing three
terms, such as  -3{x}^{2}+8x - 7−3x2+8x−7, is called a trinomial.

We can find the degree of a polynomial by identifying the highest power of the variable
that occurs in the polynomial. The term with the highest degree is called the leading
term because it is usually written first. The coefficient of the leading term is called
the leading coefficient. When a polynomial is written so that the powers are
descending, we say that it is in standard form.

A GENERAL NOTE: POLYNOMIALS

A polynomial is an expression that can be written in the form

anxn+⋯+a2x2+a1x+a0
Each real number ai s called a coefficient. The number {a}_{0}a0 that is not multiplied by a
variable is called a constant. Each product  {a}_{i}{x}^{i}aixiis a term of a polynomial. The
highest power of the variable that occurs in the polynomial is called the degree of a polynomial.
The leading term is the term with the highest power, and its coefficient is called the leading
coefficient.
HOW TO: GIVEN A POLYNOMIAL EXPRESSION, IDENTIFY THE DEGREE AND LEADING
COEFFICIENT.
1. Find the highest power of x to determine the degree.
2. Identify the term containing the highest power of x to find the leading term.
3. Identify the coefficient of the leading term.
EXAMPLE 1: IDENTIFYING THE DEGREE AND LEADING COEFFICIENT OF A
POLYNOMIAL

For the following polynomials, identify the degree, the leading term, and the leading
coefficient.
1. [Math Processing Error]3+2x2−4x3
2.5{t}^{5}-2{t}^{3}+7t5t5−2t3+7t
3.6p-{p}^{3}-26p−p3−2
SOLUTION
1. The highest power of x is 3, so the degree is 3. The leading term is the term containing
that degree,  -4{x}^{3}−4x3. The leading coefficient is the coefficient of that term, 
-4−4.
2. The highest power of t is  55, so the degree is 55. The leading term is the term
containing that degree,  5{t}^{5}5t5. The leading coefficient is the coefficient of that
term,  55.
3. The highest power of p is  33, so the degree is  33. The leading term is the term
containing that degree,  -{p}^{3}−p3, The leading coefficient is the coefficient of that
term,  -1−1.
FUNDAMENTAL OPERATIONS OF ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS:

Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

We can add and subtract polynomials by combining like terms, which are terms that
contain the same variables raised to the same exponents. For example,  5{x}^{2}5x
2 and  -2{x}^{2}−2x2 are like terms, and can be added to get  3{x}^{2}3x2, but 
3x3x and  3{x}^{2}3x2 are not like terms, and therefore cannot be added.

HOW TO: GIVEN MULTIPLE POLYNOMIALS, ADD OR SUBTRACT THEM TO

SIMPLIFY THE EXPRESSIONS.
1. Combine like terms.
2. Simplify and write in standard form.

EXAMPLE 2: ADDING POLYNOMIALS

1. Find the sum. (12{x}^{2}+9x – 21) + (4{x}^{3}+8{x}^{2}-5x+20 (12x2+9x−21)+(4x3

+8x2−5x+20)

SOLUTION:

4x3+(12x2+8x2)+(9x−5x)+(−21+20)Combine like terms.4x3+20x2+4x−1Simplify.

Analysis of the Solution

We can check our answers to these types of problems using a graphing calculator. To
check, graph the problem as given along with the simplified answer. The two graphs
should be equivalent. Be sure to use the same window to compare the graphs. Using
different windows can make the expressions seem equivalent when they are not.

EXAMPLE 3: SUBTRACTING POLYNOMIALS

Find the difference.

(7{x}^{4}-{x}^{2}+6x+1)-(5{x}^{3}-2{x}^{2}+3x+2)(7x4−x2+6x+1)−(5x3−2x2+3x+2)
SOLUTION

7x4−5x3+(−x2+2x2)+(6x−3x)+(1−2) Combine like terms.7x4−5x3+x2+3x−1Simplify.

Section 1-5 : Factoring Polynomials

1. Factor out the greatest common factor from the following polynomial.

6x^7+3x^4−9x^3
The first step is to identify the greatest common factor. In this case it looks like we can factor a 3
and an x3x3 out of each term and so the greatest common factor is 3x^33x^3.

6x^7+3x^4−9x^3=3x^3(2x^4+x−3)

2. Factor: a^3b^8−7a^10b^4+2a^5b^2a^3b^8−7a^10b^4+2a^5b^2 
Answer____________________
Factoring Trinomial – Method & Examples

Proficiency in algebra is a key tool in understanding and mastering mathematics. For those
aspiring to advance their level in studying Algebra, factoring is a fundamental skill required
for solving complex problems involving polynomials.Factoring is employed at every algebra level
for solving polynomials, graphing functions, and simplifying complex expressions.

Generally, factoring is the inverse operation of expanding an expression.

Algebraic Fractions:

For example, 3(x − 2) is a factored form of 3x − 6, and (x − 1) (x + 6) is a factored form
of x2 + 5x − 6. While expanding is comparatively a straightforward process, factoring is a
bit challenging, and therefore a student ought to practice various types of factorization
to gain proficiency in applying them.

If there is any lesson in Algebra that many students find perplexing is the topic of
factoring trinomials.

This article will guide you step by step in understanding how to solve problems
involving the factoring of trinomials. Therefore, the illusion of this topic being the
hardest will be your story of the past.

You will learn how to factor all kinds of trinomials, including those with a leading
coefficient of 1 and those with a leading coefficient not equal to 1.

Before we get started, it is useful to recall the following terms:

 Factors
A factor is a number that divides another given number without leaving a
remainder. Every number has a factor that is less than or equal to the number itself.

For example, the factors of the number 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 themselves. We can
conclude that all numbers have a factor of 1, and every number is a factor of itself.

 Factoring

Before the invention of electronic and graphing calculators, factoring was the most reliable
method of finding the roots of polynomial equations.

Though quadratic equations gave solutions that were more direct as compared to
complex equations, it was only limited for
second-degree polynomials.

Factoring allows us to rewrite a polynomial into simpler factors, and by equating

these factors to zero, we can determine the solutions of any polynomial equation.

There are several methods of factoring polynomials. This article will focus on how to
factor different types of trinomials, such as trinomials with a leading coefficient of 1 and
those with a leading coefficient not equal to 1.

Before we get started, we must familiarize ourselves with the following terms.

 Common factors

The common factor is defined as a number that can be divided into two or more
different numbers without leaving a remainder.

For example, the common factors of the numbers 60, 90, and 150 are; 1, 2, 3,5, 6,10,
15, and 30.

o The Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

The Greatest Common Factor of numbers is the largest value of factors of the given
numbers. For example, given the common factors of 60, 90, and 150 are; 1, 2, 3,5, 6,10, 15,
and 30, and therefore the 

The GCF. for a trinomial is the largest monomial that divides each term of the trinomial.
For example, to find the GCF of an expression 6x 4 – 12x3 + 4x2, we apply the following
steps:

 Break down each term of the trinomial into prime factors.

(2* 3 * x * x* x * x) – (2 * 2* 3 * x * x * x) + (2 * 2 * x * x)

 Look for factors that appear in every single term above.

You can encircle or color the factors as:

(2* 3 * x * x* x * x) – (2 * 2* 3 * x * x * x) + (2 * 2 * x * x)

Therefore, the GCF of 6x4 – 12x3 + 4x2 is 2x2

 Polynomial

A polynomial is an algebraic expression containing more than two terms, such as

variables and numbers, usually combined by addition or subtraction operations.

Post Test:

1. Write the types of Polynomial.

2. Give and write 5 example each of polynomials with degree 3, 4, 5, and 2.
3. From the given polynomials be able to solve each by factoring or any other way of
solving to find the value of x.
4. Why do you study polynomials? Is this essential to you as student? Give 2 reasons .
VII- References: Internet – Google search. College and Algebra by any author

Prepared by :

SALVACION R. RAQUID, PhD.

Instructor

Recommending Approval:

RICHARD BERMUNDO
MAEng.Ed
Director of Administrator

Approved.

DR. FRANKLIN BEL T. ISIP, .En.P

College Administrator
 OAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Oas, Albay

MODUL
E I IN
MATHE
MATICS
OF
INVEST
MENT
SY 2021-2022
FIRST
SEMESTER

Prepared by:
SALVACION
R. RAQUID,
PhD
Instructor