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 Prior Knowledge Check
1) Factorise each polynomial: 3) For any integers 𝑛 and 𝑚,
decide whether the following will
a) 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 5 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 5)
always be odd, always be even, or
b) 𝑥 2 − 16 (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 4) could be either:
c) 9𝑥 2 − 25 (3𝑥 − 5)(3𝑥 + 5) a) 8𝑛 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑛
b) 𝑛 − 𝑚 𝐸𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟
2) Simplify the following c) 3𝑚 𝐸𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟
algebraic fractions fully:
d) 2𝑛 − 5 𝑂𝑑𝑑
𝑥 2 −9 𝑥−3
a) 𝑥+6
𝑥 2 +9𝑥+18
2𝑥 2 +5𝑥−12 𝑥 + 4
b)
6𝑥 2 −7𝑥−3 3𝑥 + 1
𝑥 2 −𝑥−30 𝑥+5
c) −
−𝑥 2 +3𝑥+18 𝑥+3
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to prove
statements by contradiction
To prove a statement by
contradiction, you need to follow
these steps:
1) Assume the statement is false
2) Use logical steps to show that
this leads to an impossible
outcome, or one that
contradicts the original
statement
The statement that shows the
original assumption is false is
known as the ‘negation’ of the
statement
Prove by contradiction that there is no
greatest odd integer
Assumption: There is a greatest odd
integer, 𝑛
We need to use logical steps to reach a
contradiction/impossibility
If 𝑛 is an integer, then 𝑛 + 2 is also an integer
𝑛+2>𝑛
𝑛 + 2 = 𝑜𝑑𝑑 + 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 = 𝑜𝑑𝑑
So 𝑛 + 2 would be an odd integer, and is greater
than 𝑛. Therefore, there is no greatest odd
integer.
1A
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to prove
statements by contradiction
To prove a statement by
contradiction, you need to follow
these steps:
1) Assume the statement is false
2) Use logical steps to show that
this leads to an impossible
outcome, or one that
contradicts the original
statement
The statement that shows the
original assumption is false is
known as the ‘negation’ of the
statement
Prove by contradiction that if 𝑛2 is even,
then 𝑛 must be even
Assumption: There exists a number 𝑛 such
that 𝑛 is odd, but 𝑛2 is even.
We need to use logical steps to reach a
contradiction/impossibility
If 𝑛 is odd then it can be written in
the form 2𝑘 + 1
Therefore 𝑛2 = 2𝑘 + 1 2
= 4𝑘 2 + 4𝑘 + 1
= 2(2𝑘 2 + 2𝑘) + 1
So 𝑛2 is odd, which contradicts the
original statement that if 𝑛 is odd,
then 𝑛2 can be even
1A
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to prove Prove by contradiction that 2 is an
statements by contradiction irrational number
Assumption: 2 is a rational number, and can
To prove a statement by 𝑎
therefore be expressed as , with the fraction is
contradiction, you need to follow 𝑏
these steps: its simplest form
We need to use logical steps to reach a
1) Assume the statement is false contradiction/impossibility
𝑎
2) Use logical steps to show that 2=
this leads to an impossible 𝑏
outcome, or one that Square both sides
contradicts the original 𝑎2
statement 2= 2
𝑏 Multiply by 𝑏2
2𝑏 2 = 𝑎2
The statement that shows the Replace 𝑎 with 2𝑛
original assumption is false is
known as the ‘negation’ of the
2 2
2𝑏 = (2𝑛)
statement Square
2 2
This means that 𝑎 is even,2𝑏
2 = 4𝑛
so therefore 𝑎 must also be even
Divide by 2
This means that 𝑏 2 is also even, so 2
2𝑛2 as 2𝑛, where 𝑛 is a
 This means that 𝑎 can 𝑏be = written
therefore 𝑏 must also be even
different integer…
1A
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to prove
statements by contradiction
To prove a statement by
therefore be expressed as , with the fraction is
contradiction, you need to follow
these steps:
1) Assume the statement is false
2) Use logical steps to show that
this leads to an impossible
outcome, or one that
contradicts the original
statement
The statement that shows the
original assumption is false is
known as the ‘negation’ of the
statement
Prove by contradiction that 2 is an
irrational number
Assumption: 2 is a rational number, and can
𝑎
𝑏
its simplest form
We have just shown that 𝑎 and 𝑏 are both even –
how does this contradict the original statement?
 If 𝑎 and 𝑏 are both even, then we can
𝑎
simplify the fraction
𝑏
 However, our assumption was that 2 can be
𝑎
written as , which has been fully simplified
𝑏
 What we showed contradicts this!
Legend has it that Pythagoras believed that all
roots can be written as rational numbers. A
student proved otherwise, so he had the student
killed!
1A
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to prove
statements by contradiction
To prove a statement by
contradiction, you need to follow
these steps:
1) Assume the statement is false
2) Use logical steps to show that
this leads to an impossible
outcome, or one that
contradicts the original
statement
The statement that shows the
original assumption is false is
known as the ‘negation’ of the
statement
Prove by contradiction that there are
infinitely many Prime numbers
Assumption: There is a finite number of Primes,
with the largest being 𝑝𝑛
We need to use logical steps to reach a
contradiction/impossibility
Imagine we listed all the prime numbers:
𝑝1 , 𝑝2 , 𝑝3 , … , … , … 𝑝𝑛
 A number N will exist which is created by
multiplying all the primes up to 𝑝𝑛 , and then adding 1
𝑝1 × 𝑝2 × 𝑝3 , … , … × 𝑝𝑛
 This number will not be divisible by any of the
primes, since 1 has been added
 Therefore, this number must either be Prime, or
have a prime factor which was not on the original list
 Either way, the statement has been contradicted!
1A
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to multiply Example Questions
and divide Algebraic Fractions
1 3 3
a)  
The rules for Algebraic versions are 2 5 10
the same as for numerical versions
a c ac
b)  
b d bd
When multiplying Fractions, you
multiply the Numerators together, and c) 3 5 15
the Denominators together…  
5 9 45
It is possible to simplify a sum before
1

you work it out. This will be vital on 3
harder Algebraic questions
3 5

5 9
1 1
1  
3 3 1B
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to multiply Example Questions
and divide Algebraic Fractions
1a c c
d) 1 
The rules for Algebraic versions are b a b
the same as for numerical versions
x 1 3
e)  2
When multiplying Fractions, you 2 x 1
multiply the Numerators together, and Factorise
the Denominators together… 1
x 1 3
1
2 ( x  1)( x  1) Multiply
Numerator
It is possible to simplify a sum before and
you work it out. This will be vital on 3 Denominator
harder Algebraic questions 
2( x  1)

1B
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to multiply and divide Example Questions
Algebraic Fractions

5 1
The rules for Algebraic versions are the a) 
same as for numerical versions
6 3

5 3 15
When multiplying Fractions, you multiply the
 
Numerators together, and the Denominators
6 1 6
together…
5

2
It is possible to simplify a sum before you
work it out. This will be vital on harder
Algebraic questions

When dividing Fractions, remember the

rule, ‘Leave, Change and Flip’
 Leave the first Fraction, change the sign
to multiply, and flip the second Fraction.

1B
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to multiply Example Questions
and divide Algebraic Fractions
a a
The rules for Algebraic versions are the b) 
same as for numerical versions b c
1
When multiplying Fractions, you multiply a c c
the Numerators together, and the 1 
Denominators together… b a b

It is possible to simplify a sum before

you work it out. This will be vital on
harder Algebraic questions

When dividing Fractions, remember the

rule, ‘Leave, Change and Flip’
 Leave the first Fraction, change the
sign to multiply, and flip the second
Fraction.

1B
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to multiply Example Questions
and divide Algebraic Fractions
x  2 3x  6
The rules for Algebraic versions are the c)  2
same as for numerical versions x  4 x  16 Leave, Change
and Flip

When multiplying Fractions, you multiply x  2 x 2  16

the Numerators together, and the 
Denominators together… x  4 3x  6
Factorise
1
It is possible to simplify a sum before x  2 1( x  4)( x  4)
you work it out. This will be vital on 1 x4
 1
harder Algebraic questions 3( x  2) Multiply the
Numerators
and
When dividing Fractions, remember the ( x  4) Denominators
rule, ‘Leave, Change and Flip’ 
3
 Leave the first Fraction, change the
sign to multiply, and flip the second
Fraction.

1B
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to add and Example Questions
subtract Algebraic Fractions
1 3
a) 
The rules for Algebraic versions are Multiply all
3 4
Multiply all
the same as for numerical versions by 4 by 3
4 9

When adding and subtracting
12 12
Add the Add the
fractions, they must first have the Numerators Numerators
same Denominator. After that, you 13
just add/subtract the Numerators. 
12

1C
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to add and Example Questions
subtract Algebraic Fractions
a
b) b
The rules for Algebraic versions are x Imagine ‘b’ as
the same as for numerical versions a Fraction
a b

When adding and subtracting
x 1
Multiply all
fractions, they must first have the by x
same Denominator. After that, you a bx
just add/subtract the Numerators.

Combine as a x x Combine as a
single single
Fraction Fraction
a  bx
x

1C
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to add and Example Questions
subtract Algebraic Fractions
c)
3 4x
 2
The rules for Algebraic versions are Factorise so x 1 x 1 Factorise so
the same as for numerical versions you can you can
compare compare
Denominators 3 4x Denominators

When adding and subtracting x  1 ( x  1)( x  1)
Multiply by
fractions, they must first have the (x - 1)
same Denominator. After that, you 3( x  1) 4x
just add/subtract the Numerators. 
Expand the ( x  1)( x  1) ( x  1)( x  1) Expand the
bracket, and bracket, and
write as a single write as a single
Fraction Fraction
3x  3  4 x

Simplify the
( x  1)( x  1) Simplify the
Numerator Numerator
7x  3

( x  1)( x  1)
1C
 Algebraic Methods
You can split a fraction with two
linear factors into Partial
Fractions

𝑥−1 2 1
For example: = − when split up into Partial Fractions
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 1) 𝑥+3 𝑥+1

11 𝐴 𝐵
= + when split up into Partial Fractions
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 2) 𝑥−3 𝑥+2

You need to be able to calculate the values of A and B…

1D
 Algebraic Methods
You can split a fraction with two 6𝑥 − 2
linear factors into Partial (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1)
Split the Fraction into its 2 linear
Fractions parts, with numerators A and B
𝐴 𝐵
Split (𝑥 − 3) + (𝑥 + 1)
Cross-multiply to make the
6𝑥 − 2 denominators the same
𝐴(𝑥 + 1) 𝐵(𝑥 − 3)
+
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1) (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1) (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1)
Group together as one fraction
into Partial Fractions 𝐴 𝑥 + 1 + 𝐵(𝑥 − 3)
=
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1)
This has the same denominator as
the initial fraction, so the
numerators must be the same
6𝑥 − 2 = A 𝑥 + 1 + 𝐵(𝑥 − 3)
If x = -1: −8 = −4𝐵
2 = 𝐵
If x = 3: 16 = 4𝐴
4 = 𝐴
You now have the values of A and
B and can write the answer as
4 2 Partial Fractions
=
(𝑥 − 3) + (𝑥 + 1)
1D
 Algebraic Methods
6𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2
You can also split fractions 𝑥(𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 1) Split the Fraction into
with more than 2 linear factors its 3 linear parts
in the denominator 𝐴
+
𝐵
+
𝐶
𝑥 𝑥−1 2𝑥 + 1
Cross Multiply to make
Split the denominators equal
𝐴(𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 1) 𝐵(𝑥)(2𝑥 + 1) 𝐶(𝑥)(𝑥 − 1)
6𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2 + +
𝑥(𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 1) 𝑥(𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 1) 𝑥(𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 1)
𝑥(𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 1) Put the fractions
together
into Partial fractions 𝐴 𝑥 − 1 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝐵 𝑥 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝐶(𝑥)(𝑥 − 1)
𝑥(𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 1) The numerators
must be equal
6𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2 = 𝐴 𝑥 − 1 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝐵 𝑥 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝐶(𝑥)(𝑥 − 1)
If x = 1 9 = 3𝐵
3 = 𝐵
If x = 0 −2 = −𝐴
2 = 𝐴
If x = -0.5 −3 = 0.75𝐶
−4 = 𝐶
You can now fill in
the numerators
2 3 4
= + −
𝑥 𝑥−1 2𝑥 + 1

1D
 Algebraic Methods
You need to be able to split a
fraction that has repeated linear
roots into a Partial Fraction

3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 2 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶 when split up into

For example: = + +
𝑥 + 1 (𝑥 − 5)2 (𝑥 + 1) (𝑥 − 5) (𝑥 − 5)2 Partial Fractions

The repeated root is

included once ‘fully’ and
once ‘broken down’

1E
 Algebraic Methods
11𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 + 5
You need to be able to split a (𝑥 + 1)2 (2𝑥 + 1) Split the fraction into
fraction that has repeated linear its 3 parts
roots into a Partial Fraction 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
+ +
(𝑥 + 1) (𝑥 + 1)2 (2𝑥 + 1)
Split Make the denominators
equivalent
11𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 + 5 𝐴(𝑥 + 1)(2𝑥 + 1) 𝐵(2𝑥 + 1) 𝐶(𝑥 + 1)2
+ +
(𝑥 + 1)2 (2𝑥 + 1) (𝑥 + 1)2 (2𝑥 + 1) (𝑥 + 1)2 (2𝑥 + 1)
(𝑥 + 1)2 (2𝑥 + 1)
Group up
into Partial fractions 𝐴 𝑥 + 1 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝐵 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝐶(𝑥 + 1)2
=
(𝑥 + 1)2 (2𝑥 + 1) The numerators
will be the same
11𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 + 5 = 𝐴 𝑥 + 1 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝐵 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝐶(𝑥 + 1)2
If x = -1 2 = −𝐵
−2 = 𝐵
If x = -0.5 0.75 = 0.25𝐶
At this point there is no way to 3 = 𝐶
cancel B and C to leave A by
substituting a value in If x = 0 5 = 1𝐴 + 1𝐵 + 1C
5 = 𝐴 − 2 + 3
Choose any value for x (that
hasn’t been used yet), and use 4 = 𝐴
Sub in the values
the values you know for B and C of A, B and C
to leave A =
4
−
2
+
3
(𝑥 + 1) (𝑥 + 1)2 (2𝑥 + 1)
1E
 Algebraic Methods
𝑥 3 +𝑥 2 −7 𝐷
Given that ≡ 𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐵𝑥 + 𝐶 + ,
If you have an improper fraction, 𝑥−3 𝑥−3
it must first be converted into a find the values of 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 and 𝐷
mixed fraction before you can
express it in partial fractions 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 12

𝑥−3 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 + 0𝑥 − 7
𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2
 You can solve these kinds of Using 4𝑥 2 + 0𝑥 − 7
problems by using algebraic long algebraic long
division 4𝑥 2 − 12𝑥
division
12𝑥 − 7
12𝑥 − 36
 Alternatively, you can use the 29
relationship:

𝐹 𝑥 = 𝑄 𝑥 × 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑟 + 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑥3 + 𝑥2 − 7
≡ 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 12 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 29
𝑥−3
37 = 12 × 3 + 1
Write the remainder over the divisor (as you
would if dividing with numbers)

𝑥3 + 𝑥2 − 7 29
≡ 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 12 +
𝑥−3 𝑥−3
1F
 Algebraic Methods
Given that:
If you have an improper fraction,
it must first be converted into a 𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 − 10 ≡ 𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐵𝑥 + 𝐶 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3 + 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸
mixed fraction before you can
express it in partial fractions find the values of 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, 𝐷 and 𝐸.

Compare 𝑥 4 terms Compare 𝑥 3 terms

 You can solve these kinds of 𝑥 4 = 𝐴𝑥 4 𝑥 3 = 2𝑥 3 + 𝐵𝑥 3
problems by using algebraic long
division 𝐴=1 𝐵 = −1

Updated relationship
 Alternatively, you can use the 2
𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 − 10 ≡ 𝑥 2 − 𝐶 𝐶 𝑥𝑥22𝑥+
+ 𝑥𝐵𝑥++5 ++2𝑥2𝑥
2𝑥 −−
− 33 3−
++
+ 𝐷𝑥
𝐷𝑥
𝐷𝑥
12𝑥+++
+ 𝐸𝐸𝐸
𝐸5
relationship:

𝐹 𝑥 = 𝑄 𝑥 × 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑟 + 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 Compare 𝑥 2 terms Compare 𝑥 terms

0𝑥 2 = 𝐶𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 2 𝑥 = 3𝑥 + 10𝑥 + 𝐷𝑥
𝐶=5 𝐷 = −12
Compare constant
−10 = −15 + 𝐸
𝐸=5
1F
 Algebraic Methods
You can split an improper fraction into
Partial Fractions. You will need to divide
the numerator by the denominator first
to find the ‘whole’ part

A regular fraction being

22 1 3 split into 2 ‘components’
= +
35 5 7

57 1 3
= 2 + + A top heavy (improper) fraction
20 4 5 will have a ‘whole number part
before the fractions

1G
 Algebraic Methods
3𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 2 = 3𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 2
You can split an improper fraction into (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2) 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2
Partial Fractions. You will need to divide Divide the numerator by
the numerator by the denominator first 3
the denominator to find
the ‘whole’ part
to find the ‘whole’ part
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2 3𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 2
Split 3𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 + 6

3𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 2 6𝑥 − 8 Now rewrite the original

fraction with the whole
(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2) part taken out
3𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 2 = 3 + 6𝑥 − 8
into Partial fractions (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2) (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2)
Split the fraction into 2
parts (ignore the whole
𝐴 𝐵 part for now)
Remember, Algebraically an +
‘improper’ fraction is one where (𝑥 − 1) (𝑥 − 2)
Make denominators
the degree (power) of the equivalent and group up
numerator is equal to or exceeds 𝐴 𝑥 − 2 + 𝐵(𝑥 − 1)
=
that of the denominator (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2)
The numerators will be
the same
6𝑥 − 8 = 𝐴 𝑥 − 2 + 𝐵(𝑥 − 1)

If x = 2 4 = 𝐵

If x = 1 −2 = −𝐴

2 = 𝐴
2 4
= 3 + +
(𝑥 − 1) (𝑥 − 2) 1G