Algebra, Factorisation, Equations & Proportion

1. Algebraic Expressions and Identities

Multiplying Polynomials

  • Monomial × Polynomial: Use distributive law. 3x(2x² + 4) = 6x³ + 12x.
  • Binomial × Binomial: (x + a)(x + b) = x² + (a+b)x + ab
  • Binomial × Trinomial: Use distributive law for each term.

Standard Identities

Identity
(a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
(a — b)² = a² — 2ab + b²
(a + b)(a — b) = a² — b²
(x + a)(x + b) = x² + (a+b)x + ab

2. Factorisation

What Is Factorisation?

Writing an algebraic expression as a PRODUCT of its FACTORS. 'The REVERSE of expansion.'

Methods

MethodWhen to Use
Taking common factorALL terms share a factor. 6x + 9 = 3(2x + 3).
GroupingGroup terms. Factor each group. Look for common binomial.
Using identitiesExpression matches a standard identity. x² — 16 = x² — 4² = (x+4)(x-4).
Splitting middle term (quadratics)For x² + bx + c: find two numbers that MULTIPLY to c and ADD to b. x² + 5x + 6 = (x+2)(x+3).

3. Linear Equations in One Variable

Solving — Step by Step

  1. Clear denominators (multiply by LCM)
  2. Remove brackets
  3. Transpose: variables to one side, constants to other
  4. Solve for the variable
  5. CHECK by substituting back

Equations Reducible to Linear Form

Cross-multiplication: (x+1)/(x-1) = 3/2 → 2(x+1) = 3(x-1) → 2x+2 = 3x-3 → x = 5.

Word Problems

  • Age problems. Digit problems. Fraction problems. 'Let the unknown be x. Frame the equation. Solve. Check for reasonableness.'

4. Percentage and Its Applications

Profit, Loss and Discount

  • Profit = SP — CP. Profit% = (Profit/CP)×100.
  • Discount = Marked Price — Selling Price. Discount% = (Discount/MP)×100.
  • Successive Discounts: NOT additive. Two 10% discounts ≠ 20%. Final price = Original × 0.9 × 0.9 = 81%.

Tax (GST — Goods and Services Tax)

GST is added to the selling price. SP + GST = Final price paid.


5. Direct and Inverse Proportion

Direct ProportionInverse Proportion
x ↑ → y ↑ (or x ↓ → y ↓)x ↑ → y ↓ (or x ↓ → y ↑)
y/x = k (CONSTANT ratio). y = kx.xy = k (CONSTANT product). y = k/x.
More people → more food needed. More time → more distance covered.More workers → less time. Faster speed → less time.

6. Compound Interest

Simple vs Compound

  • Simple Interest: SI = (P×R×T)/100. Same interest each year.
  • Compound Interest: Interest COMPOUNDS — each year's interest is ADDED to the principal for NEXT year's calculation.

Formula

  • CI = P(1 + r/100)ⁿ — P (for annual compounding)
  • For half-yearly: rate = r/2. Number of periods = 2n.
  • For quarterly: rate = r/4. Number of periods = 4n.

Growth and Depreciation

  • Population growth: Popₙ = P₀(1 + r/100)ⁿ (same formula as CI)
  • Depreciation of value: Valueₙ = P₀(1 — r/100)ⁿ
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