Chapter 1

THE REAL NUMBERS

1.1 BASIC CONCEPTS

♥ Consider a set of undefined elements called real numbers and indicate this as SET R.

♥ The set of integers, which comprises the positive integers, negative integers, and
zero, is an infinite subset of the system of real numbers R. In addition, such numbers
as , log 5, 4/3, and 3.45 are part of the system of real numbers.

♥ The set of real numbers has two (2) basic undefined operations called addition and
multiplication.

● The symbol " + " denotes the operation of addition whose result is called the sum.
Thus, if “a” and “b” are real numbers, then

a+b or b+a

are written for addition.

● The symbols " ● " and " x " denote multiplication whose result is termed product.
Thus, if “c” and “d” are real numbers, then

c●d or d●c
cxd or dxc

are written for multiplication.

Symbols grouped together are also used to indicate multiplication, as follows :

(c) (d) or c (d) or (c) d

♥ The equal sign ( = ) in the number system denotes the relation of identity. Thus,

e=f

means that “e” and “f” are symbols for the same number and so they have identical
values. For example, we may write :

8 = VIII 5/4 = 1.25

A statement like this relating two (2) quantities by the equal sign is called an
equation and for this equality relation, the following properties are assumed for all
elements of R, as follows :

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 1

 ● Axiom 1. Reflexive Property

a=a b=b

● Axiom 2. Symmetric Property

If a = b, then b = a

● Axiom 3. Transitive Property. Quantities equal to the same quantity are also
equal to each other.

If a = b and b = c, then a = c

● Axiom 4. Addition Property. If equal quantities are added to equal quantities,

the sums are also equal quantities.

If a = b and c = d, then a + c = b + d

Since d = c, then also a + c= b + c

● Axiom 5. Multiplication Property. If equal quantities are multiplied by equal

quantities, the products are also equal quantities.

If a= b and c = d, then ac = bd

Since d = c, then also ac= bc

♥ The five axioms seem to be reasonable.

● The first axiom, stating that a number is equal to itself, appears acceptable.

If in the equation a = b, then “a” can be replaced by its equal “b” and “b” by its
equal “a”, thus b = a is justified.

● The second axiom is therefore in agreement that any quantity may be replaced
by an equal quantity and this is called the Principle of Substitution.

● The rest of the axioms also proceeds from the above principle.

♥ The Basic Assumptions

The two principal operations with real numbers are addition and
multiplication. On the other hand, subtraction is considered as negative addition.
The rules for working with the set of real numbers, R, are based on several
properties which are already accepted as facts.

Note that the grouping symbols { } and [ ] indicate that the enclosed
numbers and/or expressions are to be considered as a single quantity.

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 2

1.2 ADDITION

1.2.1 The Properties of Addition

♥ The Closure Property. For all real numbers “a” and “b” :

a+bϵR

This property simply states that the sum of two numbers from R will always
belong to R.

Furthermore, the sum of two or more real numbers are unique real numbers.
This means that there is one and only one possible answer when two or
more real numbers are added.

Note further that in the sum “a +b”, “a” and “b” are called terms or addends.

♥ The Commutative Property. For all real numbers “a” and “b” :

a+b=b+a

This property states that the sum of two numbers does not depend on the
order in which the addition is performed.

♥ The Associative Property. For all real numbers “a”, “ b”, and “c” :

(a + b) + c = a + (b + c)

This property tells us that when any three (3) real numbers are added, the
grouping (or association) of the numbers does not affect / change the
sum.

♥ The Properties of Equality. For all real numbers “a”, “b”, and “c” :

Reflexive Property : a=a

Symmetric Property : If a = b, then b = a

Transitive Property : If a = b and b = c, then a = c.

♥ The Identity Property of Addition. For every real number “a”, there exists a
unique real number called “zero”, denoted by “0”, such that :

a+0=a and 0+a=a

♥ The Property of Opposites. For every real number “a”, there is a unique real
number “– a”, also called “negative a” such that :

a + (– a) = 0 and (– a) + a = 0

A number “a” has an opposite number “– a” whereas a number “– a” has an

opposite number “a”.

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 3

 A number and its opposite are called additive inverses of each other because
their sum is zero, the identity element of addition. This means that “–5” is the
additive inverse of “5” and “5” is the additive inverse of “–5”.

Thus, the numeral “– 10” can be read as “negative ten”, “the opposite of
ten”, or “the additive inverse of ten” whereas the numeral “10” can be read
as “positive ten”, “the opposite of negative ten”, or “the additive inverse of
negative ten”.

♥ The Property of the Opposite of a Sum. For every real numbers “a” and “b” :

– (a + b) = (– a) + (– b)

The opposite of a sum of real numbers is equal to the sum of the opposites of
the numbers.

♥ The Property of the Cancellation of Addition. For every real numbers “a”,
“b”, and “c” :

If a + c = b + c, then a = b

1.2.2 Rules for Addition

Based on the different properties of real numbers, the following rules for
addition were arrived at :

1. If the numbers to be added have the same sign, add their absolute or positive
values and prefix their common sign.

2. If the numbers to be added have opposite signs, subtract the lesser positive
value from the greater positive value and prefix the sign of the number having
the greater positive value.

A. Simplify the following expressions applying the rules of addition :

1. 9 + 24 2. – 15 + (– 22) 3. 17 + (– 29)

4. – 21 + 7 + 32 + (– 19) 5. 14 + 7 + (– 7)

6. 3.7 + 4.2 + (– 2.3) 7.– 7.8 + 14.1 + (– 1.8) + 0.7

8. – 3 + 2x + 4 + (– 5) 9. 2 + (– y) + 13 + (– 11)

10. 1 – 4 + 3y + 4 + (– 1)

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 4

1.3 SUBTRACTING REAL NUMBERS

1.3.1 The Definition of Subtraction. For all real numbers “a” and “b”, the
difference “a – b” is defined by

a – b = a + (– b)

To subtract “b” is to add the opposite of “b”.

1.3.2 The property of the opposite of a sum and the definition of subtraction produce this
useful result : To find the opposite of a sum or a difference, change the sign of
each term of the sum or difference.”

– (a + b) = – a – b

– (a – b) = – a + b

1.3.3 Exercises

A. Simplify the following expressions :

1. 49 – (– 94) 2. – 52 – (– 14) 3. – 2.8 – 4.4

4. 1.19 – (– 3.01) 5. 234 – (56 – 87) 6. (33 – 22) – (66 – 55)

7. (42 – 35) – (– 7 + 32) 8. 12 – (– 9) – [5 – (– 4)]

9. – 14 + 9 – [– 7 + (– 29)] 10. 25 – (5 + 8) – (8 – 42)

1.4 MULTIPLICATION

1.4.1 The Fundamental Properties

♥ The Closure Property. For all real numbers, “a” and “b” :

a●bϵR

This property simply states that the product of two numbers belonging to R
also belongs to R.

Furthermore, the product of two or more real numbers are unique real
numbers. This means that there is one and only one possible answer
when two or more real numbers are multiplied .

Note further that in the product “a ● b” or “ab” or “a (b)”, “a” and “b” are
called “factors”.

♥ The Commutative Property. For all real numbers “a” and “b” :

a●b=b●a

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 5

 The property states that the product of two numbers does not depend on the
order in which the multiplication is performed.

♥ The Associative Property. For all real numbers “a”, “b”, and “c” :

(a ● b) ● c = a ● (b ● c)

This associative property tells us that when any three real numbers are
multiplied, the grouping (or association) of the numbers does not affect /
change the product.

1.4.2 The Distributive Properties

♥ The Distributive Property of Multiplication with Respect to Addition. For all

real numbers “a”, “b”, and “c” :

a (b + c) = ab + ac
(b + c) a = ba + ca

♥ The Distributive Property of Multiplication with Respect to Subtraction.

For all real numbers “a”, “b”, and “c” :

a (b – c) = ab – ac
(b – c) a = ba – ca

♥ By applying the symmetric property of equality, the distributive properties of

multiplication can be written also in the following manner :

ab + ac = a (b + c) bc + ca = (b + c) a
ab – ac = a (b – c) ba – ca = (b – c) a

1.4.3 Exercises

A. Use the distributive property to simplify each expression :

1. 2 ( 30 + 10) 2. 4 (21 – 17) 3. 5 (x + 2) 4. 7 (2x – 3)

5. 12x + 8x 6. (– 3) x + (– 5)x 7. 3 (1 + x) + 6

8. (13 ●27) – (13 ● 27) 9. 0.75 (32) + (– 0.37) (32) 10. – 7x – (– 4)x

B. For each expression write an equivalent expression by removing the

grouping symbols :

1. 2x + y + 5x + 3y 2. 4w + z – 3w + 2z 3. 4(x + 4) + 8

4. 7 – 2 (11 – 2x) 5. (x – 3) 7 – 6x 6. (3x – 4) – (5 – 6x)

7. 4 (3x – 2y + z) 8. – 5 (– 2z + 3y – 4x) 9. 6 (x + 5) – 9 (3 – 2y) + 3z

10. 7 (x + 2y – 3) + 5 (9x – 4y) 11. (5x – 4y + 3z) 2 – 11 (1 – 2x – 3y)

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 6

 12. 8 [5x – 7 (3 – 4x)] – 8x + 16 13. – 24 + 3 [4y + 2 (5x – 4)] – 3y

14. 12 (3x – 2y) – 11 [x + 3(2x – y – 4)] 15. [7 (3x + 2y – z) – 12 (x – 2)] + 12

1.4.4 Rules for Multiplication

♥ Identity Property of Multiplication. There is a unique real number “1” such

that for every real number “a” :

a●1=a and 1●a=a

♥ Multiplicative Property of Zero. For every real number “a” :

a●0=0 and 0●a=0

♥ Multiplicative Property of “– 1” :

a (– 1) = – a and –1(a)=–a

♥ Property of Opposites in Products. For all real numbers “a” and “b” :

(– a) (b) = – ab a (– b) = – ab (– a)(– b) = ab

♥ Rules for Multiplication

1. If two numbers have the same sign, their product is positive.

If two numbers have opposite signs, their product is negative.

2. The product of an even number of negative numbers is positive.

The product of an odd number of negative numbers is negative.

1.4.5 Exercises

Multiply the following :

1. (– 73) (– 2) 2. (– 4) (10) (– 5) 3. 5 (– 6) (– 7) (– 8)
4. (– 5)(– 4)(– 3)(– 2)(– 1) 5. (– 1)(– 3)(– 5)(– 7)(– 9)(– 11)

1.5 DIVISION

1.5.1 The Reciprocal of a Real Number

Two numbers whose product is “1” are called reciprocals, or multiplicative

inverses, of each other.

♥ Property of Reciprocals. For every nonzero real number “a”, there is a unique
real number “1/a” such that :

a (1/a) = 1 and (1/a) (a) = 1

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 7

 ♥ Property of the Reciprocal of the Opposite of a Number. For every nonzero
number “a” :

1 / (– a) = – 1 / a

read as “the reciprocal of ‘– a’ is ‘– 1 /a’.

♥ Property of the Reciprocal of a Product. For all nonzero real numbers “a”
and “b” :

1 / (ab) = (1/a) (1/b)

The reciprocal of the product of two nonzero real numbers is the product of their
reciprocals.

1.5.2 Exercises

A. Find the reciprocal in simplest form :

1. 11 2. – 9 3. 1/13 4. – ¼ 5. 3/2 6. – 2/3

7. 0.375 8. – 0.125 9. x2 10. xy 11. 1/z

12. x/y 13. – yz 14. – z/y 15. x + y 16. – 1 / (x – y)

B. Simplify the following expressions :

1. (1/6) (1/10) 2. 1/(– 2) ● 1/(– 9) 3. (1/x) [1/(– y)]

4. (3x) (1/3) 5. 1/5 (5x) 6. 1/(– 3) (3xy) 7. ½ (10x + 12)

8. 1/7 (14 – 21x) 9. (54x – 48y) (– 1/6) 10. (12xy + 15yz) (– 2/3)

1.5.3 Dividing Real Numbers

♥ Division. For every real number “a” and every nonzero real number “b”, there
is a quotient (a ÷ b or a / b) that is defined by :

a ÷ b = a (1 / b)

To divide a number by a nonzero number, multiply that number by the reciprocal

of the nonzero number.

♥ Rules for Division

If two numbers have the same sign, their quotient is positive.

If two numbers have opposite signs, their quotient is negative.

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 8

 1.5.4 Exercises

A. Simplify each expression :

1. 1/5 (– 20) 2. – 1000 (1/100) 3. 96 (– 1/8) (– 1/12)

4. 44x (– 1/11) 5. (1/x) (5x), x ≠ 0 6. 4 (– x/8) (2)

7. 12xy (1/4) 8. – 1/12 (– 60) 9. 1/(– 3) (72) (1/8)

10. 45xy (– 1/5)

B. Divide the following :

1. – 27 ÷ 9 2. 0 ÷ 8 3. 45 ÷ (– 5) 4. – 11 ÷ (– 11)

5. 4 ÷ 32 6. – 7 ÷ 56 7. (8x) ÷ 64 8. (– 60x) ÷ (24)

9. (– 54) ÷ (– 18x) 10. – 24 ÷ (72x)

C. Simplify each expression :

1. (– 42x – 91 y) (– 1/7) 2. – 1/13 (– 39x + 52y) 3. 1/8 (56x – 72y)

4. ½ (8x + 10y) – 1/3 (15x – 3y) 5. – 1/5 (20y – 15x) + ¼ (8x + 12y)

1.5.5 Rules for the Operation on Quotients

♥ Addition of Quotients. For all real numbers “a”, “b”, and “c” such that c ≠ 0 :

a/c + b/c = (a + b) / c and so (a + b) / c = a/c + b/c

♥ Subtraction of Quotients. For all real numbers “a”, “b”, “c” such that c ≠ 0 :

a/c – b/c = (a – b) /c and so (a – b) / c = a/c – b/c

♥ Multiplication of Quotients.

a/b ● c/d = (a ● c) / (b ● d)

a/b ● c/c = (a ● c) / (b ● c)

and so,

(a ● c) / (b ● c) = a / b

♥ Division of Quotients.

a / b ÷ c /d = a / b ● d / c

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 9

 1.5.6 Exercises

Simplify the following :

1. 1/3 + 7/3 2. 4/5 – 17/5 3. – 3/8 + 25/8 4. ¾ – 19/4 + 11/4

5. – 5/6 + 23/6 – 11/6 6. – (3/8 – 14/8) + 5/8

7. (12/13 – 5/13) – (1/13 – 7/13) 8. (– 7/16 + 19/16) – (– 12/16 – 3/16)

9. (2/3) (1/7) 10. (– 1/6) (7/3) 11. (– 14/3) (– 6/7)

12. (1/4) (1/5) (10/3) 13. (8/9) (– 6/7) (9/4) 14. (–2/3) (– ¾) (– 4/5)

13. (1/2) (2/3) + (4/9) (3/4) 14. (– 15/4) (2/5) + (21/6) (– 4/7)

15. (– 12/13) (– 5/36) – (– 4/39) (– 3) 16. (1/6) ÷ (5/18) 17. (– 2/9) ÷ (3/8)

18. (– 21/25) / (– 5/3) 19. [1/2 (3/5)] / 6/7 20. [(– 12/5) (2/3)] ÷ [3/4 (– 7/9)]

1.6 OPERATIONS WITH FRACTIONS

1.6.1 Fractions

A fraction (from Latin: fractus, "broken") represents a part of a whole or,

more generally, any number of equal parts. A common, vulgar, or simple
fraction (examples: and 17/3) consists of an integer numerator, displayed
above a fraction line (or before a solidus or forward slash), and a non-zero
integer denominator, displayed below the fraction line (or after the solidus or
forward slash). Numerators and denominators are also used in fractions that are
not common, including compound fractions, complex fractions, and mixed
numerals.

The numerator represents a number of equal parts taken from a whole, and
the denominator, which cannot be zero, indicates the total number of parts a whole
has been equally divided into. For example, in the fraction 3/4, the numerator, 3,
tells us that the fraction represents 3 equal parts, and the denominator, 4, tells us
that the whole has been divided into 4 parts. The picture below illustrates or 3/4 of
a cake.

Note : A cake with one quarter (one fourth) removed. The remaining three fourths are shown. Dotted
lines indicate where the cake may be cut in order to divide it into equal parts. Each fourth of
the cake is denoted by the fraction ¼.

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 10

 Fractional numbers can also be written without using explicit numerators or
denominators, by using decimals, percent signs, or negative exponents (as in 0.01,
1%, and 10−2 respectively, all of which are equivalent to 1/100). An integer such as
the number 7 can be thought of as having an implicit denominator of one: 7 equals
7/1.

Other uses for fractions are to represent ratios and to represent division.
Thus the fraction 3/4 is also used to represent the ratio 3:4 (the ratio of the part to
the whole) and the division 3 ÷ 4 (three divided by four).

1.6.2 Forms of Fractions

a. Simple, common, or vulgar fractions

A simple fraction (also known as a common fraction or vulgar

fraction) is a rational number written as a/b or , where a and b are
both integers. As with other fractions, the denominator (b) cannot be zero.
Examples include , , – , , , and . Simple fractions can be positive or
negative, proper, or improper (see below).

b. Proper and improper fractions

Common fractions can be classified as either proper or improper.

1) When the numerator and the denominator are both positive, the fraction is
called proper if the numerator is less than the denominator, and improper
otherwise. In general, a common fraction is said to be a proper fraction if
the absolute value of the fraction is strictly less than one — that is, if the
fraction is greater than −1 and less than 1. Examples of proper fractions
are :

2/3, – 3/4, 4/9

2) A fraction is said to be an improper fraction, or sometimes top-heavy

fraction, if the absolute value of the fraction is greater than or equal to 1.
Examples of improper fractions are :

9/4, – 4/3, 3/3.

c. Mixed numbers
A mixed numeral (often called a mixed number, also called a mixed
fraction) is the sum of a non-zero integer and a proper fraction. This sum is
implied without the use of any visible operator such as "+". For example, in
referring to two whole cakes and three quarters of another cake, the whole and
fractional parts of the number are written next to each other: .

2 2+

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 11

 This is not to be confused with the algebra rule of implied multiplication which is
“when two algebraic expressions are written next to each other, the operation of
multiplication is said to be ‘understood’.” So, in algebra, a , for example, is not

a mixed number. Instead, multiplication is understood where a =ax .

To avoid confusion, however, multiplication should be explicitly

expressed. So, a should be written as :

ax ,

a• , or

a.( )

A mixed number can be negative also, as in – 2 , which is equal to : –

2 – (2 + ) –2–

So, generally, for a negative mixed number :

–a – 1 (a + ) –a– .

and for a positive mixed number :

a + 1 (a + ) a+ .

To avoid being confused with a mixed number interpreted as a

multiplication between a whole number and a fraction, it is much better to write
or convert a whole plus a fraction or a mixed number to an improper fraction
as follows :

1. Write the mixed number a as a sum : a +

2. Convert the whole number to an improper fraction with the same
denominator as the fractional part : a = a x .
3. Add the fractions. The resulting sum is the improper fraction, as follows :

a a+ = .+

For example : 2 2+ + +
11 11 + + +

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 12

 Similarly, an improper fraction can be converted to a mixed number as follows:

1. Divide the numerator of the improper fraction by the denominator. In the

example, , divide 11 by 4. So, 11 ÷ 4 = 2 with remainder 3.
2. The quotient (without the remainder) becomes the whole number part of the
mixed number. The remainder becomes the numerator of the fractional part.
In the example, 2 is the whole number part and 3 is the numerator of the
fractional part.
3. The denominator of the fractional part is the same as the denominator of the
improper fraction. In the example, the denominator of the fractional part is
thus 4. Thus

+ 2+ 2

In the same manner,

+ 11 + 11

d. Ratios

A ratio is a relationship between two or more quantities or numbers that

can be sometimes expressed as a fraction. Typically, a number of items are
grouped and compared in a ratio, specifying numerically the relationship
between each group. Ratios are expressed as "group 1 to group 2 ... to
group n". For example, if a basket had 12 fruits, of which

• 2 are mangos,
• 6 are guavas, and
• 4 are oranges,

then the ratio of guavas to mangos to oranges is 6 to 2 to 4 (6 : 2 : 4). The ratio

of mangos to guavas 2 to 6 and may be expressed as 2 : 6 or 1 : 2. The ratio
of guavas to oranges is 6 : 4 and maybe expressed as 3 : 2.

A ratio is often converted to a fraction when it is expressed as a ratio of

several parts to the whole. In the above example, the ratio of oranges to all
fruits is 4 : 12 or 1 : 3. We can convert these ratios to a fraction and say that
4/12 of the fruits or 1/3 of the fruits in the basket are oranges.

Finally, ratios can be converted also to probability. Probability is the

chance of having a successful event out of the many events possible to happen.
Again from the given example above, if a person randomly chose one fruit from
the basket, then there is a four chances of getting an orange from the 12 fruits or
one chance of getting an orange from every three fruits, and so the
probability that a person randomly an orange fruit is 4/12 or 1/4.

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 13

 e. Reciprocals and the "invisible denominator"

The reciprocal of a fraction is another fraction with the numerator and

denominator exchanged. The reciprocal of , for instance, is .

For the positive proper fraction the reciprocal is the improper fraction

or the whole number 5 and for the positive proper fraction , the reciprocal is
the positive improper fraction . For the positive improper fraction , the

reciprocal is the positive proper fraction while for the positive whole number

14 or improper fraction , the reciprocal is the positive proper fraction .

For the negative proper fraction – , the reciprocal is the improper

fraction – and for the negative proper fraction – , the reciprocal is the

negative number – 25. For the negative improper fraction – , the reciprocal is

the negative proper fraction – . For a negative whole number – 29 or

improper fraction – .

So, generally,
a. the reciprocal of a positive proper fraction is a positive
improper fraction;
b. the reciprocal of a positive improper fraction or a positive
whole number is a positive proper fraction;
c. the reciprocal of a negative proper fraction is a negative
improper fraction; and
d. the reciprocal of a negative improper fraction or a negative
whole number is a negative proper fraction.

The product of a fraction and its reciprocal is always 1; hence, the

reciprocal is the multiplicative inverse of a fraction. Consider the following
examples :

x 1

x 1

x x8=1

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 14

 – x (– 1

– x (– 1

– x (– – x (– 8) = 1

Finally, any integer can be written as a fraction with the number one (1)
as denominator. For example, 17 can be written as , where 1 is sometimes
referred to as the invisible denominator. It follows then that, any integer,
except for zero, has a reciprocal that is a proper fraction whose denominator is
the integer itself.

1.6.3 Exercises

A. Convert the following improper fractions to a mixed number :

1. 2. – 3. 4. – 5.

6. – 7.. 8. – 9. 10. –

B. Convert the following mixed number to an improper fraction :

1. – 2. 3. – 4. 5. –

6. 7. – 8. 9. – 10.

C. Find the reciprocal of the following mixed numbers :

1. – 2. 3. 4. – 5. –

6. 7. – 8. 9. – 10.

1.6.4 The Fundamental Principle of Fractions

The Fundamental Principle of Fractions states that “multiplying the

numerator and denominator of a fraction by the same number is the same as
multiplying the fraction by 1.” In symbols :

or

, provided “c”  0.

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 15

 Using this principle, equivalent fractions can be derived. Consider the
following examples :

1.

2. 7 =

7=

7=

3.

Using the same principle, fractions can be reduced also to what is called
simplified fraction by factoring the greatest common factor (GCF) from both the
numerator and the denominator so that the numerator and denominator becomes a
prime or irreducible number already. Consider the following examples :

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 16

 6.

7.

1.6.5 Addition and Subtraction of Fractions

A. Addition and Subtraction of Fractions With Equal Denominators

If there are two fractions with numerators a and b and equal denominator
c such that c  0, the sum and difference of the fractions are expressed by the
following :

So, to add or subtract fractions with similar denominators :

a. Add / subtract the numerators of the fractions;

b. Copy the common denominator below the fraction line; and
c. Simplify the resulting fraction.

Furthermore, the different properties of addition applied to real

numbers are also applicable to the addition of fractions.

Consider the following examples :

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 17

 7.

8.
9.

10.

But how about the addition or subtraction of mixed numbers ? The

following procedure may be followed :

a. Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions;

b. Add the improper fractions following the same rules for the addition of
fractions with similar denominators; and
c. If the result is an improper fraction, convert this to a mixed number again.

Again, consider the following examples :

1.

2 3

2.

12 13

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 18

 B. Addition and Subtraction of Fractions With Unequal Denominators

If there are two fractions with numerators a and b and unequal

denominators c and d such that c  d  0, the sum and difference of the
fractions are expressed by the following :

So, to add or subtract fractions with unequal denominators :

a. Convert the fractions to be added to their respective equivalent

fractions having the same denominators;
b. Add the numerators of the equivalent fractions;
c. Copy the common denominator below the fraction line; and
d. Simplify the resulting fraction.

Consider the following examples :

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 19

 6.

7.

But how about the addition or subtraction of mixed numbers ? The

following procedure may be followed :

a. Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions;

b. Add the improper fractions following the same rules for the addition of
fractions with unequal denominators; and
c. If the result is an improper fraction, convert this to a mixed number again.

Again, consider the following examples :

1.

2 3

2.

10 11

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 20

 1.6.6 Exercises

A. Find three (3) equivalent fractions to the given fractions :

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9. 3 10. – 5

B. Add and/or subtract the following fractions. Simplify your answer.

1. 2. 3.

5. 6.

8. 9.

10.

C. Add and/or subtract the following mixed numbers. Simplify your answer.

2. 3.

5. 6.

1.6.7 Multiplication of Fractions

To multiply fractions is simpler than to add and subtract them. Regardless of

whether the fractions have equal or unequal denominators, the product of two or
more fractions can be obtained by multiplying the numerators and then the
denominators.

Let a, , , and be integers with and . Then the

product of and is

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 21

 Furthermore, the different properties of multiplication applied to real
numbers are also applicable to the multiplication of fractions.

The following procedure may be followed in the multiplication of fractions :

a. Write the fractions to be multiplied in the form . Integers should be written with
a denominator of 1;
b. Multiply the numerators and then the denominators;
c. Look at the products of the numerators and denominators, analyzing whether
there could be common factors factorable from them;
d. Factor out common factors from both numerator and denominator in order to
simplify the product; and
e. If after factoring, the product becomes a proper fraction then this is already your
final answer; if it becomes an improper fraction then convert this into a mixed
number and this is already the final answer.

Check these examples :

1.

2.

3.

4. 24

5.

6.

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 22

 27

7.

8.

9.

1.6.8 Division of Fractions

To divide two fractions, multiply the numerator fraction by the reciprocal of

the denominator fraction. It may be said also that the division of fraction maybe done
by “invert the divisor and multiplying this to the dividend.”

Let a, , , and be integers with , and .

Then the quotient of and is

The following procedure may be followed in the division of fractions :

a. Write the fractions to be multiplied in the form . Integers should be written with
a denominator of 1;
b. Multiply the fraction to be divided (dividend) by the reciprocal of the fraction
serving as the divisor;
c. Multiply the numerator of the dividend fraction to the numerator of the reciprocal
of the divisor fraction. Multiply also the denominator of the dividend fraction to
the denominator of the reciprocal of the divisor fraction.
d. Look at the products of the numerators and denominators, analyzing whether
there could be common factors factorable from them;
e. Factor out common factors from both numerator and denominator in order to
simplify the product; and
f. If after factoring, the product becomes a proper fraction then this is already your
final answer; if it becomes an improper fraction then convert this into a mixed
number and this is already the final answer.

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 23

 Check these examples :

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

1.6.9 Exercises

A. Multiply the following fractions and expressed the product as a simplified

proper fraction or a mixed number :

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 24

 7. 8. 9.

10. 11. 12.

B. Divide the following fractions and expressed the quotient as a simplified

proper fraction or a mixed number :

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

10.

1.7 EXPONENTS AND ORDER OF OPERATIONS

1.7.1 Exponential Expressions

It has been mentioned already that multiplication is a form of repeated

addition. For example :

2+2+2+2+2

can be rewritten as

5 (2)

and so multiplication is a “shortcut” for repeated addition.

In algebra, a number or variable may be multiplied to itself for several times.

Again, let us say

4 (4) (4) (4) (4)

and to abbreviate this product, this can be written as

4 (4) (4) (4) (4) = 45

This is called exponential notation or exponential form. In 45, the number “4” is
called the base and it specifies the repeated factor. The small number “5” is the
exponent and it indicates how many times the base occurs as a factor. This
exponential form is read as “four raised to the fifth power.

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 25

 Note that every number or variable is raised to a power of 1. Thus,

4 = 41

and so

41 (41) (41) (41) (41) = 41+1+1+1+1 = 45 = 1,024

Consider the following examples to evaluate exponential expressions :

1. 36 = 3 • 3 • 3 • 3 • 3 • 3 = 729

2. (–5)4 = (– 5) (– 5) (– 5) (– 5) = 625

4
3. = = =
3
4. = = = =

1.7.2 Order of Operations

Five operations of arithmetic – addition, subtraction, multiplication, division,

and exponentiation (repeated multiplication) have already been taken up in class.
However, if there are more than one operation to perform in a given problem, then
a problem arise as to which operation should be done first.

ORDER OF OPERATIONS

1. Perform all calculations inside the parentheses and other grouping symbols,
following the order listed in steps 2 – 4 below and working from the innermost pair
to the outermost pair.
2. Evaluate first all exponential expressions (powers) and roots.
3. Perform all multiplications and divisions as they occur from left to right.
4. Perform all additions and subtractions as they occur from left to right.
When all grouping symbols have been removed, repeat steps 2 – 4 to complete the
calculations.
If a fraction is present, evaluate the expression above the bar (numerator) and
the one below the bar (denominator) separately. Then simplify the fraction, if possible.

Take this example wherein this could be evaluated in two ways, as follows :

Addition First

4 + 3 • 5 = 7 • 5 = 35

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 26

 Multiplication First

4 + 3 • 5 = 4 + 15 = 19

It is very clear in this example that there are two possible ways by which the
evaluation can be done and this will be a source of confusion between persons
doing the evaluation. There is therefore a need to establish as rule on how
operations should be done, that is, which operation should be done first, followed by
what and then what’s the last.

Check the following examples on evaluating expressions :

1. 7 – [(5 • 3) + 23] = 7 – [15 + 23]

= 7 – [15 + 8]
= 7 – 23
= – 16
2. 8 + {2 – [18 / 9 + (11 – 32 + 3) • 5 – 7] + 1}
5

= 8 + {25 – [18 / 9 + (11 – 9 + 3) • 5 – 7] + 1}

= 8 + {25 – [18 / 9 + 5 • 5 – 7] + 1}
= 8 + {25 – [2 + 25 – 7] + 1}
= 8 + {25 – 20 + 1}
= 8 + {32 – 20 + 1}
= 8 + 13
= 21

2
3. =

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 27

 _8 + 7_
4. 6 + 32 – 4 – (–5) = 6 +

=6+

= 6 + 3 – (– 5)

= 6 + 3 + 5 = 14

5. 1 + {2 • 7 / [6 / 3 • 5 – 8 • (92 – 33 • 3) – 3] + 1}

= 1 + {2 • 7 / [6 / 3 • 5 – 8 • (81 – 27 • 3) – 3] + 1}

= 1 + {2 • 7 / [6 / 3 • 5 – 8 • (81 – 81) – 3] + 1}

= 1 + {2 • 7 / [6 / 3 • 5 – 8 • 0 – 3] + 1}

= ! + {2 • 7 / [10 – 0 – 3] + 1}

= 1 + {2 • 7 / 7 + 1}

= 1 + {2 + 1}

=1+3

=4

6. (2 + [8 / 2 – 3 • 1 + 22]2 – 27/32)2 = (2 + [8 / 2 – 3 • 1 + 4]2 – 27/32)2

= (2 + [4 – 3 + 4]2 – 27/32)2

= (2 + 52 – 27/32)2

= (2 + 25 – 27/9)2

= (2 + 25 – 3)2

= 242

= 576

1.7.3 Exercises

Simplify the following expressions by strictly following the established order of

operations :

1. 2 + 3 {– 2 – 8 (4 – 32)} 2. 30 + [4 – 5(4 – 6)2] 3. 7 – 12 [72 – 4 (2 – 5)2] + 23

4. 3 – [33 + (3 – 1)3 (3 – 2)] 5. {43 – 2[10 ( + ) – 52]}

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 28

 6. {[(2 + 5/1 • 2) / 3]2 – 43 / 22}3 7. [(1/2 + 2/3)2 + (4/5 – 3/4)3]2

8. {[– 20 – 42 + (– 4)2 + 2] / 9}3 9. [12 – 3 • 6 + 22]2 [2 + 4 (– 2) + (– 3)2]3

10. 11 – (33 – 30) / (23 + 4 / 4) + (4 + 2 • 3) / (1 + 22)

Chapter 1, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 29