Algebra

Question 1

What are each of the rules for special products?

Answer 1

(a) Difference of Two Squares
(a - b) (a + b)= a^2 - b^2

(b) Perfect Square
(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 & (a - b)^2= a^2 - 2ab + b^2

Question 2

How do you complete the square?

Answer 2

You must divide the coefficient of x by 2 and then square it. You then must add the number to the coefficient and subtract it from the other side

eg. (x^2 - 8x + 16) - 16 + 9

Question 3

What are the steps to multiply/divide algebraic fractions?

Answer 3

1. Factorise if possible
2. Change division into multiplication by inverting the second fraction
3. Identify common factors in denominator and numerator
4. Simplify by multiplying the remaining numbers.

Question 4

What are the steps to adding/subtracting fractions?

Answer 4

1. Find the lowest common denominator
2. Rewrite the reaction as an equivalent fraction
3. Add/subtract the new numerators

Question 5

How do you expand two brackets?

Answer 5

Use F(irst)O(uter)I(nner)L(ast)