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Introduction to Algebra
Carlos da Maia, PhD
Business School
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS OF MOZAMBIQUE
3L5ECONS

Advanced Mathematics for Economics,

September 2014

Outline
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A Small Youtube Video

Algebraic Expressions

Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Solutions of Algebraix Equations

Conclusion

Video Math Tutor Website

Download it from here: Video Math Tutor Website

Variables

Letters represent an unknown or generic real number;

Often a letter from the end of the alphabet: x, y, z;
Or a letter that stands for a physical quantity: d, t, etc.

Constants

Fixed values like 2 or 32;

Often a letter from the end of the alphabet: x, y, z;
Can also be represented by letters: a, b, c, k, , .

Terms

They are separated by + or :

Example
2x 2 - 3x +8

Factors

They are multiplied together.

Example
2x 2 - 3x +8

Coecients

Constant factors that multiply a variable or powers of a

variable;
In the 2x 2 - 3x +8 what is the coecient of x?

Like (or similar) Terms

Terms which contain the same powers of same variables;

They can have dierent coecients;
3x, x, and -2x are like terms;
xy3 and yx3 are NOT like terms.

Combining LikeTerms

For this we benet from the distributive law;

How do we combine these terms?
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2x 2 - 3x +8

3x 2 +5x 2

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Combining LikeTerms, cont.

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Parentheses must be multiplied out before collecting like terms

Examples
3x+2(x-5)
=3x+2x-8
=5x-8

Combining LikeTerms, cont.

Subtraction can be replaced by adding the opposite

Examples
3x-2 = 3x+(-2)

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Equations

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An expression may be equal to any number depending on the

choice of x;
But with an equation we make a statement about its value;
An equation is either true or false;
Expression vs. equation:
Examples
3x-2 vs. 3x-2=7

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Solution to Equations

Equations can have no solution, one solution, several solutions,

or an innite number of solutions;
Examples
3x-2=7 will always have one solution;
x2 = 9 has two solutions;
x = x has an innite number of solutions
x + 2 = x + 9 has no solution
this equation is called a
"contradiction" (It cannot ever be true)

Equivalent Equations
Equations that have the same solution set
Examples
2x+3=7 and x=2
2x+3=7 and 4x+6=14
How about these two? 4x+6=7 and 4x+12=14

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The End

Next class: Graphs and Functions;

THANK YOU!!!

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The End

Next class: Graphs and Functions;

THANK YOU!!!

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