Tuition

Revision Notes for Additional Math GCE O-Level (4049)

TOPIC-I

Simultaneous Equations
Revision Notes:

1. Simultaneous Linear and Non-Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

Use the substitution method. Express one unlmown of the linear equation in terms of the other.
Then we substitute this unlmown in the non-linear equation to obtain a quadratic equation in one
unlmown which can be solved in the usual way.

TOPIC-2
Surds, Indices and Logarithms
Revision Notes:

1. Definition of surds
When the root of a number or expression cannot be exactly determined, the root is called a SURD,
e.g., ..fi. or ✓3 etc. A surd is also called an IRRATIONAL expression.
2. Operations on Surds

(a) a✓x+b✓x =(a+b)✓x e.g., 2✓3 + 4✓3 = (2 + 4)✓3 = 6✓3

(b) a✓x +b ✓x =(a-b)✓x e.g., 2✓3 -4 ✓3 =(2-4)'13 =-2Ji

(c) ✓x x-5= ✓xxy e.g., ✓3 - ✓5 =J3;s = ✓15

✓x = � e.g., �=JI; = .Js
'Jy
(d)
-5
3. Rationalizing the Denominator
It is usual not to write surds in the denominator of a fraction when this can be avoided. The
process of clearing irrational numbers is called rationalization.

Page 1 of 46
Tuition
Revision Notes for Additional Math GCE O-Level (4049)

Note:

✓x +Ji and ✓x -J'y are called conjugate surds. Their product, (✓x +J'i)(✓x -J'i) =x -y,
is a rational number.
4. I.aw of Indices
If a and b are positive and m and n, any rational indices, then
(a) am X a•= am+n

(b) am +a•=a-•
(c) (a"')"= a"'n
= (al::,Jm

(:r
(d) am x bm

(e) am +bm =

(f) a0 = 1, a* 0

--n
(g) a-•-
a

(h) a;=(;,

(i) a� =fW =(rar

Note:
When a> 0, ax > 0 for all real values ofx.
5. Logarithms
If ax = b, a> 0 (Index form)
Then loga b = x (Logarithmic form)
The logarithm to the base 10 is lmown as common logarithm.
The logarithm to the base e (= 2:718) is lmown as the natural logarithm.
Note: log10 x is also written as lg x.
log0 x is also written as Inx.

6. Laws of Logarithms

(a) log, .xy = log,,x + log7

Page 2 of 46
www.tuitionwithjason.sg