15. -15-
Algebra
Operating with Real Numbers
Absolute Value
The absolute value of something is the distance it is from zero. The easiest way to get the
absolute value of a number is to eliminate its sign. Absolute values are always positive or 0.
| 5| 5 |3| 3
|0| 0
|1.5| 1.5
Adding and Subtracting Real Numbers
Adding Numbers with the Same Sign:
•
•
•
Add the numbers without regard
to sign.
Give the answer the same sign as
the original numbers.
Examples:
6
3
9
12 6 18
Adding Numbers with Different Signs:
•
•
•
Ignore the signs and subtract the
smaller number from the larger one.
Give the answer the sign of the number
with the greater absolute value.
Examples:
6
3
3
7
11 4
Subtracting Numbers:
•
•
•
Change the sign of the number or numbers being subtracted.
Add the resulting numbers.
Examples:
6
3
6
3
3
13 4 13
4
9
Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers
Numbers with the Same Sign:
Version 2.5
•
•
•
Multiply or divide the numbers
without regard to sign.
Give the answer a “+” sign.
Examples:
6 · 3
18 18
12 3
4 4
Numbers with Different Signs:
•
•
•
Multiply or divide the numbers without
regard to sign.
Give the answer a “‐” sign.
Examples:
6 · 3
18
12
3
4
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Algebra
Properties of Inequality
For any real numbers a, b, and c:
Property
Definition
Addition
Property
,
,
Subtraction
Property
,
,
Multiplication For
Property
0,
For
0,
For
·
·
,
·
·
,
Division
Property
,
·
·
,
·
·
0,
For
0,
,
,
,
,
Note: all properties which hold for “<” also hold for “≤”, and all properties which hold for “>”
also hold for “≥”.
There is nothing too surprising in these properties. The most important thing to be obtained
from them can be described as follows: When you multiply or divide an inequality by a
negative number, you must “flip” the sign. That is, “<” becomes “>”, “>” becomes “<”, etc.
In addition, it is useful to note that you can flip around an entire inequality as long as you keep
the “pointy” part of the sign directed at the same item. Examples:
4
is the same as
4
2
is the same as
3
3
Version 2.5
2
One way to remember this
is that when you flip around
an inequality, you must also
flip around the sign.
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ADVANCED
Algebra
Linear Dependence
Linear dependence is a concept from Linear Algebra, and is very useful in determining if
solutions to complex systems of equations exist. Essentially, a system of functions is defined
to be linearly dependent if there is a set of real numbers (not all zero), such that:
…
0 or, in summation notation,
0
If there is no set of real numbers , such that the above equations are true, the system is said
to be linearly independent.
is called a linear combination of the functions . The
The expression
importance of the concept of linear dependence lies in the recognition that a dependent
system is redundant, i.e., the system can be defined with fewer equations. It is useful to note
that a linearly dependent system of equations has a determinant of coefficients equal to 0.
Example:
Consider the following system of equations:
Notice that:
.
Therefore, the system is linearly
dependent.
Checking the determinant of the coefficient matrix:
3
1
1
2
1
0
1
2
5
1
2
1
1
2
0
3
1
1
2
5
3
1
2
1
1
5
0 7
5 1
0.
It should be noted that the fact that D 0 is sufficient to prove linear dependence only if there
are no constant terms in the functions (e.g., if the problem involves vectors). If there are
constant terms, it is also necessary that these terms combine “properly.” There are additional
techniques to test this, such as the use of augmented matrices and Gauss‐Jordan Elimination.
Much of Linear Algebra concerns itself with sets of equations that are linearly independent. If
the determinant of the coefficient matrix is non‐zero, then the set of equations is linearly
independent.
Version 2.5
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Algebra
Exponent Formulas
Word Description
Math Description
Limitations
of Property
of Property
on variables
·
Product of Powers
Examples
·
·
Quotient of Powers
·
Power of a Power
Anything to the zero power is 1
, if , ,
Negative powers generate the
reciprocal of what a positive
power generates
Power of a product
·
·
Power of a quotient
Converting a root to a power
√
√
Version 2.5
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Algebra
Adding and Subtracting with Scientific Notation
When adding or subtracting numbers in scientific notation:
•
•
•
Adjust the numbers so they have the same power of 10. This works best if you adjust
the representation of the smaller number so that it has the same power of 10 as the
larger number. To do this:
o Call the difference between the exponents of 10 in the two numbers “n”.
o Raise the power of 10 of the smaller number by “n”, and
o Move the decimal point of the coefficient of the smaller number “n” places to
the left.
Add the coefficients, keeping the power of 10 unchanged.
If the result is not in scientific notation, adjust it so that it is.
o If the coefficient is at least 1 and less than 10, the answer is in the correct form.
o If the coefficient is 10 or greater, increase the exponent of 10 by 1 and move the
decimal point of the coefficient one space to the left.
o If the coefficient is less than 1, decrease the exponent of 10 by 1 and move the
decimal point of the coefficient one space to the right.
Examples:
3.2
10
0.32 10
9.9
10
9.90
10
10. 22
10
1.022
10
Explanation: A conversion of the smaller
number is required prior to adding because the
exponents of the two numbers are different.
After adding, the result is no longer in scientific
notation, so an extra step is needed to convert it
into the appropriate format.
6.1
10
6.1
10
2.3
10
2.3
10
8. 4
10
1.2
10
1.20
10
4.5
10
0.45
10
0.75
10
Explanation: No conversion is necessary
because the exponents of the two numbers are
the same. After adding, the result is in scientific
notation, so no additional steps are required.
Version 2.5
7.5
10
Explanation: A conversion of the smaller
number is required prior to subtracting because
the exponents of the two numbers are different.
After subtracting, the result is no longer in
scientific notation, so an extra step is needed to
convert it into the appropriate format.
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