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This module is from Elementary Algebra by Denny Burzynski and Wade Ellis, Jr. The basic operations with real numbers are presented in this chapter. The concept of absolute value is discussed both geometrically and symbolically. The geometric presentation offers a visual understanding of the meaning of |x|. The symbolic presentation includes a literal explanation of how to use the definition. Negative exponents are developed, using reciprocals and the rules of exponents the student has already learned. Scientific notation is also included, using unique and real-life examples.This module contains a summary of the key concepts in the chapter "Basic Operations with Real Numbers".

Summary of key concepts

Positive and negative numbers ( [link] )

A number is denoted as positive if it is directly preceded by a " + " sign or no sign at all. A number is denoted as negative if it is directly preceded by a " " sign.

Opposites ( [link] )

Opposites are numbers that are the same distance from zero on the number line but have opposite signs.

Double-negative property ( [link] )

( a ) = a

Absolute value (geometric) ( [link] )

The absolute value of a number a , denoted | a | , is the distance from a to 0 on the number line.

Absolute value (algebraic) ( [link] )

| a | = { a if a 0 a if a < 0

Addition of signed numbers ( [link] )

To add two numbers with
like signs , add the absolute values of the numbers and associate the common sign with the sum.
unlike signs , subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value and associate the sign of the larger absolute value with the difference.

Addition with 0 ( [link] )

0 + any number = that particular number , that is, 0 + a = a for any real number a .

Additive identity ( [link] )

Since adding 0 to a real number leaves that number unchanged, 0 is called the additive identity.

Definition of subtraction ( [link] )

a b = a + ( b )

Subtraction of signed numbers ( [link] )

To perform the subtraction a b , add the opposite of b to a , that is, change the sign of b and add.

Multiplication and division of signed numbers ( [link] )

( + ) ( + ) = + ( + ) ( + ) = + ( + ) ( ) = ( ) ( ) = + ( + ) ( ) = ( ) ( + ) = ( ) ( ) = + ( ) ( + ) =

Reciprocals ( [link] )

Two numbers are reciprocals of each other if their product is 1. The numbers 4 and 1 4 are reciprocals since ( 4 ) ( 1 4 ) = 1 .

Negative exponents ( [link] )

If n is any natural number and x is any nonzero real number, then x n = 1 x n .

Writing a number in scientific notation ( [link] )

To write a number in scientific notation:

  1. Move the decimal point so that there is one nonzero digit to its left.
  2. Multiply the result by a power of 10 using an exponent whose absolute value is the number of places the decimal point was moved. Make the exponent positive if the decimal point was moved to the left and negative if the decimal point was moved to the right.

Converting from scientific notation:
Positive exponent ( [link] )

To convert a number written in scientific notation to a number in standard form when there is a positive exponent as the power of 10, move the decimal point to the right the number of places prescribed by the exponent on the 10.

Negative exponent ( [link] )

To convert a number written in scientific notation to a number in standard form when there is a negative exponent as the power of 10, move the decimal point to the left the number of places prescribed by the exponent on the 10.

Questions & Answers

how does Neisseria cause meningitis
Nyibol Reply
what is microbiologist
Muhammad Reply
what is errata
Muhammad
is the branch of biology that deals with the study of microorganisms.
Ntefuni Reply
What is microbiology
Mercy Reply
studies of microbes
Louisiaste
when we takee the specimen which lumbar,spin,
Ziyad Reply
How bacteria create energy to survive?
Muhamad Reply
Bacteria doesn't produce energy they are dependent upon their substrate in case of lack of nutrients they are able to make spores which helps them to sustain in harsh environments
_Adnan
But not all bacteria make spores, l mean Eukaryotic cells have Mitochondria which acts as powerhouse for them, since bacteria don't have it, what is the substitution for it?
Muhamad
they make spores
Louisiaste
what is sporadic nd endemic, epidemic
Aminu Reply
the significance of food webs for disease transmission
Abreham
food webs brings about an infection as an individual depends on number of diseased foods or carriers dully.
Mark
explain assimilatory nitrate reduction
Esinniobiwa Reply
Assimilatory nitrate reduction is a process that occurs in some microorganisms, such as bacteria and archaea, in which nitrate (NO3-) is reduced to nitrite (NO2-), and then further reduced to ammonia (NH3).
Elkana
This process is called assimilatory nitrate reduction because the nitrogen that is produced is incorporated in the cells of microorganisms where it can be used in the synthesis of amino acids and other nitrogen products
Elkana
Examples of thermophilic organisms
Shu Reply
Give Examples of thermophilic organisms
Shu
advantages of normal Flora to the host
Micheal Reply
Prevent foreign microbes to the host
Abubakar
they provide healthier benefits to their hosts
ayesha
They are friends to host only when Host immune system is strong and become enemies when the host immune system is weakened . very bad relationship!
Mark
what is cell
faisal Reply
cell is the smallest unit of life
Fauziya
cell is the smallest unit of life
Akanni
ok
Innocent
cell is the structural and functional unit of life
Hasan
is the fundamental units of Life
Musa
what are emergency diseases
Micheal Reply
There are nothing like emergency disease but there are some common medical emergency which can occur simultaneously like Bleeding,heart attack,Breathing difficulties,severe pain heart stock.Hope you will get my point .Have a nice day ❣️
_Adnan
define infection ,prevention and control
Innocent
I think infection prevention and control is the avoidance of all things we do that gives out break of infections and promotion of health practices that promote life
Lubega
Heyy Lubega hussein where are u from?
_Adnan
en français
Adama
which site have a normal flora
ESTHER Reply
Many sites of the body have it Skin Nasal cavity Oral cavity Gastro intestinal tract
Safaa
skin
Asiina
skin,Oral,Nasal,GIt
Sadik
How can Commensal can Bacteria change into pathogen?
Sadik
How can Commensal Bacteria change into pathogen?
Sadik
all
Tesfaye
by fussion
Asiina
what are the advantages of normal Flora to the host
Micheal
what are the ways of control and prevention of nosocomial infection in the hospital
Micheal
what is inflammation
Shelly Reply
part of a tissue or an organ being wounded or bruised.
Wilfred
what term is used to name and classify microorganisms?
Micheal Reply
Binomial nomenclature
adeolu
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Source:  OpenStax, Elementary algebra. OpenStax CNX. May 08, 2009 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col10614/1.3
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