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Today, we will start by discussing monomials. Can anyone define what a monomial is?
Is it just an expression with only one term?
Exactly! A monomial consists of a single term, such as `3xy`, `-5`, or `4x^2y`.
What happens when we multiply two monomials?
Great question! When we multiply two monomials, we multiply their coefficients and apply the rules of exponents to the variables.
Can you give an example?
Sure! For instance, if we multiply `4x` and `3y`, we get `12xy`. See how simple that was?
So we just combine the numbers in front and keep the variables together?
Exactly! Let's summarize: when multiplying monomials, multiply coefficients and add the exponents of like variables. Now, let's move to our next point.
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Now, letβs delve into multiplying three or more monomials. What happens then?
Do we just keep multiplying them together?
Exactly! For example, if we have `2x`, `5y`, and `7z`, we multiply their coefficients together: `2 Γ 5 Γ 7 = 70`, and write the variables together, resulting in `70xyz`.
Does the order matter when multiplying?
Not at all! Multiplication is commutative, so `2x Γ 5y Γ 7z` is the same as `7z Γ 2x Γ 5y`.
So I can group them however I want?
Yes, you can! This flexibility is advantageous. Letβs summarize these rules before we practice.
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Let's review some examples to cement our understanding. What is the product of `5x` and `4xΒ²`?
That would be `20xΒ³`, right?
That's correct! Now, how about `3x` multiplied by `-5y`?
Itβs `-15xy`!
Excellent! You are really getting the hang of this. Let's recap: multiply coefficients and apply exponent rules. Ready for some practice?
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Section 8.3 explores the multiplication of monomials, explaining how to multiply two or more monomials step-by-step. It highlights the result of multiplying monomials, including the combination of coefficients and variables. Examples demonstrate multiplying monomials effectively and efficiently, providing a strong foundation for further algebraic expression operations.
In this section, we focus on the foundational operation of multiplying monomials, which are algebraic expressions that contain only one term.
A monomial is defined as an expression that includes only one term, upon which we can perform multiplication in a systematic manner. For example, monomials may appear as simple numbers (like 4 or -3) or variable expressions (like 3xy or -15abc).
x
with 3y
, we write:x Γ 3y = 3xy
.5x
with 4xΒ²
, we find:5x Γ 4xΒ² = (5 Γ 4) Γ (x Γ xΒ²) = 20xΒ³
.5x Γ (β3y)
gives us β15xy
.
2x Γ 5y Γ 7z = (2 Γ 5 Γ 7)(x Γ y Γ z) = 70xyz
.
Understanding how to multiply monomials sets the groundwork for more advanced operations in algebra, such as working with polynomials, where the same foundational principles apply.
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Expression that contains only one term is called a monomial.
A monomial is an algebraic expression that consists of a single term. This means it contains a coefficient (a numerical factor) multiplied by one or more variables raised to non-negative integer exponents. For example, 3x
, -5ab^2
, and 7
are all monomials. It is important to recognize that a monomial cannot have addition or subtraction within it; it must be a product.
Think of a monomial like a single item in a shopping cart. Just as you can have an apple (which represents 1
apple) or 3
apples (3x
), you can't have a mixture of items (like an apple and a banana together in this case) in the same cart without making it more complex.
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We begin with
4 Γ x =x + x + x + x = 4x as seen earlier.
Similarly, 4 Γ (3x) = 3x + 3x + 3x + 3x = 12x.
Now, observe the following products.
(i) x Γ 3y = x Γ 3 Γ y = 3 Γ x Γ y = 3xy
(ii) 5x Γ 3y = 5 Γ x Γ 3 Γ y = 5 Γ 3 Γ x Γ y = 15xy
(iii) 5x Γ (β3y) = 5 Γ x Γ (β3) Γ y = 5 Γ (β3) Γ x Γ y = β15xy
When multiplying two monomials, you multiply their coefficients (numerical parts) and then combine the variables by adding their exponents. For example, to multiply 4
and 3x
, you would multiply the numbers (4 * 3 = 12
) and keep the variable x
as is, resulting in 12x
. In a more complex example like 5x * 3y
, you multiply 5 * 3 = 15
and then multiply x * y
, resulting in 15xy
. If there is a negative coefficient, like in 5x * (-3y)
, it results in -15xy
.
Imagine youβre packing boxes. If one box can contain 5 toys (5x) and you want to pack 3 such boxes (3y), you can think of multiplying the contents of the boxes. So, 5 toys/box * 3 boxes = 15 toys
total, which can be represented as 15xy
where x
could represent toys and y
represents boxes.
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Some more useful examples follow.
Note that 5 Γ 4 = 20
(iv) 5x Γ 4x2 =(5 Γ 4) Γ (x Γ x2) = 20 Γ x3 = 20x3
(v) 5x Γ (β 4xyz) =(5 Γ β 4) Γ (x Γ xyz) = β20 Γ (x Γ x Γ y Γ z) = β20x2yz
(i.e., algebraic factor of product = algebraic factor of first monomial Γ algebraic factor of second monomial.)
When you multiply monomials that have the same base variables, you add their exponents. For instance, in 5x * 4x^2
, you first multiply the coefficients 5 * 4 = 20
and then for the variable x
, you add the exponents. Here it is x^(1+2) = x^3
, so the result is 20x^3
. Similarly, when multiplying different variables, make sure to keep track of each part to know how it combines, as shown in the example with -20x^2yz
.
Think of it this way: if one carton holds 5 apples (5x
), and you have 4 cartons stacked, where each carton has an extra space for the same type of apple stacked on top (4x^2
), you can multiply those numbers to know how many total apples you can fill in for that space. Itβs like arranging in a grid: stack vertically to get more apples in that volume.
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Observe the following examples.
(i) 2x Γ 5y Γ 7z = (2x Γ 5y) Γ 7z = 10xy Γ 7z = 70xyz
(ii) 4xy Γ 5x2y2 Γ 6x3y3 = (4xy Γ 5x2y2) Γ 6x3y3 = 20x3y3 Γ 6x3y3 = 120x3y3 Γ x3y3 = 120(x3 Γ x3)(y3 Γ y3) = 120x6y6.
When multiplying multiple monomials together, group the multiplications in stages if needed. For example, in 2x * 5y * 7z
, you can first multiply 2x
and 5y
to get 10xy
, then multiply that result by 7z
to get 70xyz
. You can also combine coefficients and the variables separately to ensure easier calculations. Notice that when multiplying monomials with the same variables, you should add their exponents.
Consider a factory where you make toy sets. If one type of toy (2x
) can be combined with another type (5y
) and then that entire result can be styled or packaged with yet another variant (7z
), you can see how the products multiply together to form larger combinations in toy sets, similar to multiplying numbers and keeping track of distinct features.
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
Monomial: A single-term algebraic expression.
Coefficient: The number before a variable.
Exponent Rule: When multiplying like bases, add exponents.
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Example 1: Multiply 5x
and 4xΒ²
to get 20xΒ³
.
Example 2: Multiply 6a
and -3a
to get -18aΒ²
.
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
When monomials align, just combine; multiply the numbers, keep the variables in line.
Imagine multiplying apples and oranges. The apples, like coefficients, multiply, while the oranges represent variables. They come together to form a tasty fruit salad!
CAVEMAN: Coefficients All Value Each Monomial's Amount - to remember the steps to multiply monomials correctly.
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Review the Definitions for terms.
Term: Monomial
Definition:
An algebraic expression that contains only one term.
Term: Coefficient
Definition:
The numerical factor in a term.
Term: Exponent
Definition:
A number that indicates how many times a base is multiplied by itself.