Algebraic Identities & Factorisation

Using Identity (x + a)(x + b)

A very important identity that we have to learn is regarding the expression (x + a)

(x + b).

We know how to multiply binomials. By finding the product of these binomials, we can
find the identity.

Let us see how.

This identity can be derived by geometrical construction as well. Let us learn the same.

Deriving the identity geometrically:

Let us draw a rectangle PQRS of length and breadth (x + a) and (x + b) units

respectively.

Also, let us take two points A and B on sides SP and PQ respectively, such that PA =
PB = x unit.

Now, let us draw two line segments AC and BD such that AC || PQ and BD || PS. AC
intersects QR at point C and BD intersects RS at point D.

Now, we have

l(PS) = (x + a) unit and l(PQ) = (x + b) unit

∴ Area of rectangle PQRS = length × breadth

⇒ Area of rectangle PQRS = l(PS) × l(PQ)

⇒ Area of rectangle PQRS = (x + a) (x + b) sq. unit ...(i)

Also,

Area of square PBOA = x2 sq. unit ...(ii)

Area of rectangle BQCO = bx sq. unit ...(iii)

Area of rectangle OCRD = ab sq. unit ...(iv)

Area of rectangle AODS = ax sq. unit ...(v)

From the figure, it can be observed that

Area of rectangle PQRS = Area of square PBOA + Area of rectangle BQCO + Area of
rectangle OCRD + Area of rectangle AODS

On substituting the values from (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v), we get

(x + a) (x + b) = x2 + bx + ab + ax

⇒ (x + a) (x + b) = x2 + ax + bx + ab

⇒ (x + a) (x + b) = x2 +
(a + b)x + ab

Now, let us solve some examples in which this identity is used.

Example 1:
Find the product of (m + 3) and (m – 5).

Solution:

This expression is of the form (x + a) (x + b).

Using identity, (x + a) (x + b) = x2 + (a + b) x + ab

Example 2:
Use the appropriate identity to simplify the following expressions.

(a)

(b)

Solution:

(a)The given expression is .

This expression is of the form (x + a) (x + b).

Using identity, (x + a) (x + b) = x2 + (a + b) x + ab

(b)The given expression is .

This expression is of the form (x + a) (x + b).

Using identity, (x + a) (x + b) = x2 + (a + b) x + ab

Example 3:

Find the products of the following pairs of numbers using suitable identities.

(a) 105 × 102

(b) 98 × 103

Solution:

(a) 105 × 102 = (100 + 5) × (100 + 2)

Now, we can use the identity (x + a) (x + b) = x2 + (a + b) x + ab

Here, x = 100, a = 5, b = 2

∴105 × 102 = (100 + 5) × (100 + 2)

= (100)2 + (5 + 2) × 100 + 5 × 2

= 10000 + 700 + 10

= 10710

Thus, the product of the numbers 105 and 102 is 10710.

(b) 98 × 103 = (100 − 2) × (100 + 3)

Now, we can use the identity (x + a) (x + b) = x2 + (a + b) x + ab

Here, x = 100, a = −2, b = 3

∴98 × 103 = (100 − 2) × (100 + 3)

= (100)2 + (−2 + 3) × 100 + (−2) (3)

= 10000 + 1 × 100 − 6

= 10000 + 100 − 6

= 10100 − 6

= 10094

Thus, the product of the numbers 98 and 103 is 10094.

Using Identities for "Square of Sum or Difference of Two Terms"

Let us try to find the square of the number 102. The square of a number, as we know, is
the product of the number with itself. One way to do this is by writing the numbers one
below the other, and then multiplying them as we normally do. The other way is to break
the numbers and then apply distributive property. This will make our work much easier.

Let us see how.

1022 = 102 × 102

= (100 + 2) (100 + 2)

= 100 (100 + 2) + 2 (100 + 2)

= 100 × 100 + 100 × 2 + 2 × 100 + 2 × 2

= 10000 + 200 + 200 + 4

= 10404

Observing the similar expressions as above, we obtain the following identities.

(a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2

(a − b)2 = a2 − 2ab + b2

To understand the proof of these identities, look at the following video.

Deriving the identities geometrically:

These identities can be derived by geometrical construction as well. Let us learn the
same.

(1) (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2:

Let us consider a square ABCD whose each side measures (a + b) unit.

It can be seen that, we have drawn two line segments at a distance of a unit from A
such that one is parallel to AB and other is parallel to AD.

Also, the figure is divided into four regions named as I, II, III and IV.

Now,

∴ Area of square ABCD = (a + b)2 sq. unit ...(i)

Region I is a square of side measuring a unit.

∴ Area of region I = a2 sq. unit ...(ii)

Each of regions II and III is a rectangle having length and breadth as a unit and b unit
respectively.

∴ Area of region II = ab sq. unit ...(iii)

And,

Area of region III = ab sq. unit ...(iv)

Region IV is a square of side measuring b unit.

∴ Area of region IV = b2 sq. unit ...(v)

From the figure, we have

Area of square ABCD = Area of region I + Area of region II + Area of region III + Area of
region IV

On substituting the values from (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v), we get

(a + b)2 = a2 + ab + ab + b2

⇒ (a + b)2 = a2 +
2ab + b2

(2) (a − b)2 = a2 − 2ab + b2:

Let us consider a square EFGH whose each side measures a unit.

It can be seen that, we have drawn two line segments at a distance of b unit from G
such that one is parallel to GH and other is parallel to FG.

Also, the figure is divided into four regions named as I, II, III and IV.

Now,

∴ Area of square EFGH = a2 sq. unit ...(i)

Region I is a square of side measuring (a − b) unit.

∴ Area of region I = (a − b)2 sq. unit ...(ii)

Each of regions II and IV is a rectangle having length and breadth as (a − b) unit
and b unit respectively.

∴ Area of region II = b(a − b) sq. unit ...(iii)

And,

Area of region IV = b(a − b) sq. unit ...(iv)

Region III is a square of side measuring b unit.

∴ Area of region III = b2 sq. unit ...(v)

From the figure, we have

Area of region I = Area of square ABCD − (Area of region II + Area of region III + Area
of region IV)

On substituting the values from (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v), we get

(a − b)2 = a2 − [b(a − b) + b2 + b(a − b)]

(a − b)2 = a2 − [ab − b2 + b2 + ab − b2]

(a − b)2 = a2 − [2ab − b2]

⇒ (a − b)2 =
a2 − 2ab + b2

The identities we have proved above are known as identity because for any value
of a and b, the LHS is always equal to the RHS. The difference between an identity and
an equation is that for an equation, its LHS and RHS are equal only for some values of
the variable.

On the other hand, as we discussed, for an identity, the LHS equals the RHS for any
value of the variable.

Many a times, these identities help in shortening our calculations. Let us discuss some
examples using the above identities to understand this better.

Example 1:
Simplify the following expressions using suitable identities:
(a) (2m + 3n)2
(b) (4p – 7q)2
Solution:

(a) On comparing the given expression (2m + 3n)2 with (a + b)2, we get
a = 2m and b = 3n.

Now,
(a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
Thus,

(b) On comparing the given expression (4p – 7q)2 with (a – b)2, we get

a = 4p and b = 7q.

Now,
(a – b)2 = a2 – 2ab + b2

Thus,
(4p – 7q)2 = (4p)2 – 2(4p)(7q) + (7q)2

= 16p2 – 56pq + 49q2

Example 2:

Simplify the following expressions using suitable identities:

(a) (3ax + 5by) 2

(b) (0.6a2 − 0.04b3) 2

(c)

Solution:

(a) The given expression is (3ax + 5by)2, which is of the form (a+ b)2.

Thus, we can use the identity (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2 .

∴ (3ax + 5by)2 = (3ax)2 + 2 (3ax) (5by) + (5by)2

= 9a2x2 + 30abxy + 25b2y2

(b) The given expression is (0.6a2 − 0.04b3)2, which is of the form (a − b)2.

Thus, we can use the identity (a − b)2 = a2 − 2ab + b2 .

∴ (0.6a2 − 0.04b3)2 = (0.6a2)2 − 2 (0.6a2) (0.04b3) + (0.04b3)2

= 0.36a4 − 0.048a2b3 + 0.0016b6

(c) The given expression is , which is of the form (a + b)2.

Thus, we can use the identity (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2 .

Example 3:

Find the value of (208)2 using a suitable identity.

Solution:

208 = 200 + 8

∴ (208)2 = (200 + 8)2

Thus, we can use the identity (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2.

∴ (208)2 = (200 + 8)2

= (200)2 + 2 (200) (8) + (8)2

= 40000 + 3200 + 64

= 43264

Example 4:

Find the value of (99)2 using a suitable identity.

Solution:
99 = 100 − 1

∴ (99)2 = (100 − 1)2

Thus, we can use the identity (a − b)2 = a2 − 2ab + b2.

∴ (99)2 = (100 − 1)2 = (100)2 − 2 (100) (1) + (1)2

= 10000 − 200 + 1

= 9800 + 1

= 9801

Example 5:

(a) If , then find the value of the expressions and .

(b) If , then find the value of the expression .

(c) If 3x − 5y = −1 and xy = 6, then find the value of the expression 9x2 + 25y2.

Solution:

(a)It is given that .

On squaring both sides, we get

Now, on squaring both sides again, we get

Thus, the value of the expression is 11 and the value of the expression

is 119.

(b) It is given that .

On squaring both sides, we get

Thus, the value of the expression is 13.

(c) It is given that .

On squaring both sides, we get

Thus, the value of the expression (9x2 + 25y2) is 181.

Example 6:

Prove that

(a)

(b)

Solution:

(a)We know that (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2 and (a − b)2 = a2 − 2ab + b2 . Thus,

LHS = (a + b)2 + (a − b)2

= a2 + 2ab + b2 + a2 − 2ab + b2

= (a2 + a2) + (b2 + b2) + (2ab − 2ab)

= 2a2 + 2b2

= 2(a2 + b2) = RHS

Hence, proved.

(b)We know that (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2 and (a − b)2 = a2 − 2ab + b2 . Thus,

Hence, proved.

Using Identity for Square of Sum of Three Terms

Algebraic Identity:

(x + y + z)2 = x2 + y2 + z2 + 2xy + 2yz + 2zx

When we solve an algebraic equation, we get the values of the variables present in it.
When an algebraic equation is valid for all values of its variables, it is called
an algebraic identity.

So, an algebraic identity is a relation that holds true for all possible values of its
variables. We can use algebraic identities to expand, factorise and evaluate various
algebraic expressions.

Many algebraic identities are used in mathematics. One such identity

is(x + y + z)2 = x2 + y2 + z2 + 2xy + 2yz + 2zx. In this lesson, we will study this identity
and solve some examples based on it.

Proof of the Identity

Let us prove the identity (x + y + z)2 = x2 + y2 + z2 + 2xy + 2yz + 2zx

We can write (x + y + z)2 as :

(a + z) 2, where a = x + y

= a2 + 2az + z2 [Using the identity (x + y) 2 = x2 + 2xy + y2]

= (x + y) 2 + 2(x + y) z + z2 (Substituting the value of a)

= x2 + 2xy + y2 + 2xz + 2yz + z2 (Using the identity (x + y) 2 = x2 + 2xy + y2)

∴ (x + y + z) 2 = x2 + y2 + z2 + 2xy + 2yz + 2zx

The above identity holds true for all values of the variables present in it. Let us verify
this by substituting random values for the variables x, y and z.

If x = 2, y = 3 and z = 4, then:

(2 + 3 + 4)2 = 22 + 32 + 42 + 2 × 2 × 3 + 2 × 3 × 4 + 2 × 4 × 2

⇒ 92 = 4 + 9 + 16 + 12 + 24 + 16

⇒ 81 = 81

⇒ LHS = RHS

Thus, we see that the identity holds true for random values of the variables present in
it.

Let us now use this identity to expand, factorise and evaluate various algebraic
expressions.

Deriving Identity Geometrically

The identity (x + y + z)2 = x2 + y2 + z2 + 2xy + 2yz + 2zx can also be derived with the
help of geometrical construction.

The steps of construction are as follows:

(1) Draw a square PQRS of side measuring (x + y + z) taking any convenient values
of x, y and z.
(2) Mark two points A and B on side PQ such that l(PA) = x and l(AB) = y. Thus, l(BQ)
= z. Also, mark two points H and G on side PS such that l(PH) = x and l(HG) = y.
Thus, l(GS) = z.

(3) From points A and B, draw segments AF and BE parallel to side PS and intersecting
RS at F and E respectively.

(4) From points H and G, draw segments HC and GD parallel to side PQ and
intersecting QR at C and D respectively.

From the figure, it can be observed that

Area of square PQRS = Sum of areas of squares PAIH, IJKL and KDRE + Sum of areas
of rectangles ABJI, BQCJ, JCDK, HILG, LKEF and GLFS

⇒ (x + y + z)2 = (x2 + y2 + z2) + (xy + zx + yz + xy + yz + zx)

⇒ (x + y + z)2 = x2 + y2 + z2 + 2xy + 2yz + 2zx

Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1:

Expand the following expressions.

i) (ab − bc + ca) 2

ii)

Solution:

i) (ab − bc + ca) 2

On comparing the expression (ab − bc + ca) 2 with (x + y + z) 2, we get:

x = ab, y = −bc and z = ca

On using the identity (x + y + z)2 = x2 + y2 + z2 + 2xy + 2yz + 2zx, we get:

(ab)2 + (−bc)2 + (ca)2 + 2 (ab) (−bc) + 2 (−bc) (ca) + 2 (ca) (ab)

= a2b2 + b2c2 + c2a2 − 2ab2c − 2abc2 + 2a2bc

∴ (ab − bc + ca) 2 = a2b2 + b2c2 + c2a2 − 2ab2c − 2abc2 + 2a2bc

ii)

On comparing the expression with (a + b + c) 2, we get:

a= ,b= and c =

On using the identity (a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca, we get:

Example 2:

Expand the expression (xy + yz + zx)2.

Solution:

On comparing the expression (xy + yz + zx)2 with (a + b + c) 2, we get:

a = xy, b = yz and c = zx

On using the identity (a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca, we get:

(xy)2 + (yz)2 + (zx)2 + 2 (xy) (yz) + 2 (yz) (zx) + 2 (zx) (xy)

= x2y2 + y2z2 + z2x2 + 2xy2z + 2xyz2 + 2x2yz

∴ (xy + yz + zx)2 = x2y2 + y2z2 + z2x2 + 2xy2z + 2xyz2 + 2x2yz

Medium

Example 1:

Factorize the following expressions.

i)8x2 + 12y2 − 8 xy + 12 x − 36y + 27

ii)8x4 + 4 x3 + 25x2 + 6 x + 18

Solution:

i)8x2 + 12y2 − 8 xy + 12 x − 36y + 27

= 8x2 + 12y2 + 27 − 8 xy − 36y + 12 x

= (2 x)2 + (−2 y)2 + (3 )2 + 2(2 x)(−2 y) + 2(−2 y)(3 ) + 2(3 )(2 x)

On using the identity (a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca, where a = 2 x,

b = −2 y and c = 3 , we are left with (2 x −2 y+3 )2

∴ 8x2 + 12y2 − 8 xy + 12 x − 36y + 27 = (2 x −2 y+3 )2

ii)8x4 + 4 x3 + 25x2 + 6 x + 18

= 8x4 + 25x2 + 18 + 4 x3 + 6 x

= 8x4 + x2 + 18 + 4 x3 + 6 x + 24x2 (∵ 25x2 = x2 + 24x2)

= (2 x2)2 + (x)2 + (3 )2 + 2(2 x2)(x) + 2(x)(3 ) + 2(3 )(2 x2)

On using the identity (a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca, where a = 2 x2,

b = x and c = 3 , we are left with (2 x2 + x + 3 )2

∴ 8x4 + 4 x3 + 25x2 + 6 x + 18 = (2 x2 + x + 3 )2

Example 2:
Find the value of the expression 4x2 + 9y2 + 16z2 − 12xy − 24yz + 16zx for x = 3, y= 4
and
z = 5 without substituting the values of the variables in the expression.

Solution:

4x2 + 9y2 + 16z2 − 12xy − 24yz + 16zx

= (2x)2 + (−3y)2 + (4z)2 + 2 (2x) (−3y) + 2 (−3y) (4z) + 2 (4z) (2x)

On using the identity (a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca, where a = 2x,

b = −3y and c = 4z, we are left with (2x − 3y + 4z)2

It is given that x = 3, y = 4 and z = 5.

On substituting the values of x, y and z, we get:

(2 × 3 − 3 × 4 + 4 × 5)2

= (6 − 12 + 20)2

= 142

= 196

∴ 4x2 + 9y2 + 16z2 − 12xy − 24yz + 16zx = 196

Hard

Example 1:

Find the value of ab + bc + ca, where a + b + c = 1 and a2 + b2 + c2 = 29.

Solution:

We know that (a + b + c) 2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca

⇒ (a + b + c) 2 = (a2 + b2 + c2) + 2(ab + bc + ca)

⇒ (1)2 = 29 + 2(ab + bc + ca)

⇒ 1 − 29 = 2(ab + bc + ca)

⇒ − 28 = 2(ab + bc + ca)
⇒ ab + bc + ca =

⇒ ∴ ab + bc + ca = −14

Example 2:

If (x + 2)2 + (y − 6)2 + (z − a)2 − 2x (6 + a) + 2y (2 − a) − 8z + 2 (xy + yz + xz) − 8 (3 − a)

= (x + y + z)2, then find the value of a.

Solution:

(x + 2)2 + (y − 6)2 + (z − a)2 − 2x (6 + a) + 2y (2 − a) − 8z + 2 (xy + yz + xz) − 8 (3 − a)

= (x + 2)2 + (y − 6)2 + (z − a)2 − 12x − 2ax + 4y − 2ay − 8z + 2xy + 2yz + 2xz − 24 + 8a

= (x + 2)2 + (y − 6)2 + (z − a)2 − 12x − 2ax + 4y − 2ay − 12z + 4z + 2xy + 2yz + 2xz − 24
+ 12a
− 4a

= (x + 2)2 + (y − 6)2 + (z − a)2 + 2xy − 12x + 4y − 24 + 2yz − 2ay − 12z + 12a + 2xz −
2ax + 4z
− 4a

= (x + 2)2 + (y − 6)2 + (z − a)2 + 2(xy − 6x + 2y − 12) + 2(yz − ay − 6z + 6a) + 2(xz − ax +

2z − 2a)

= (x + 2)2 + (y − 6)2 + (z − a)2 + 2[x(y − 6) + 2(y − 6)] + 2[y(z − a) − 6(z − a)] + 2[x(z − a)
+ 2(z − a)]

= (x + 2)2 + (y − 6)2 + (z − a)2 + 2 (x + 2) (y − 6) + 2 (y − 6) (z − a) + 2 (x + 2) (z − a)

= [(x +2) + (y − 6) + (z − a)]2

= (x + y + z − 4 − a)2

It is given that
(x + 2)2 + (y − 6)2 + (z − a)2 − 2x (6 + a) + 2y (2 − a) − 8z + 2 (xy + yz + xz) − 8 (3 − a)

= (x + y + z)2

⇒ (x + y + z − 4 − a)2 = (x + y + z)2
 ⇒ −4 − a = 0

⇒ ∴ a = −4
Using Identities for Cube of Sum or Difference of Two Terms
Algebraic Identities:

(x + y)3 = x3 + y3 + 3xy (x + y) and (x − y)3 = x3 − y3 − 3xy (x − y)

Consider the number ‘999’. Suppose we have to calculate its cube. One way to find the
cube is to multiply 999 by itself three times. However, this method is tedious and,
therefore, prone to error.

Here is another way to solve the problem. Let us write 9993 as (1000 − 1)3. We have
thus changed the number into the form (x − y)3. Now, the expansion of (x − y)3 will give
the cube of 999. The required calculation will be easy since the values of x and y are
simple numbers whose multiplication is also simple.

Thus, we see algebraic identities help make calculations simpler and less tedious. In
this lesson, we will study the identities (x + y)3 = x3 + y3 + 3xy (x + y) and
(x − y)3 = x3 − y3 − 3xy (x − y). We will also solve some examples based on them.

Understanding the Identities

We have the two algebraic identities as follows:

• (x + y)3 = x3 + y3 + 3xy (x + y) OR (x + y)3 = x3 + y3 + 3x2y + 3xy2

• (x − y)3 = x3 − y3 − 3xy (x − y) OR (x − y)3 = x3 − y3 − 3x2y + 3xy2

The above identities hold true for all values of the variables present in them. Let us
verify this by substituting random values for the variables x and y in the first identity.

If x = 2 and y = 3, then:

(2 + 3)3 = 23 + 33 + 3 × 2 × 3 × (2 + 3)

⇒ 53 = 8 + 27 + 18 × 5

⇒ 125 = 8 + 27 + 90

⇒ 125 = 125

⇒ LHS = RHS
 Thus, we see that the first identity holds true for random values of the variables present
in it. We can prove the same for the second identity as well.

Here are some other ways in which the two identities can be represented

• x3 + y3 = (x + y)3 − 3xy (x + y) OR x3 + y3 = (x + y) (x2 − xy + y2)

• x3 − y3 = (x − y)3 + 3xy (x − y) OR x3 − y3 = (x − y) (x2 + xy + y2)

Proof of the Identities:

(x + y)3 = … and x3 + y3 = …

Let us prove the identity (x + y)3 = x3 + y3 + 3x2y + 3xy2 OR (x + y)3 = x3 + y3 +

3xy (x + y)

We can write (x + y)3 as:

(x + y) (x + y)2

= (x + y) (x2 + 2xy + y2)

= x3 + 2x2y + 2xy2 + x2y + 2xy2 + y3

= x3 + y3 + 3x2y + 3xy2

∴ (x + y)3 = x3 + y3 + 3x2y + 3xy2

⇒ (x + y)3 = x3 + y3 + 3xy (x + y) … (1)

Let us prove the identity x3 + y3 = (x + y)3 − 3xy (x + y) OR x3 + y3 = (x + y) (x2 − xy + y2)

We can rewrite equation 1 as:

x3 + y3 = (x + y)3 − 3xy (x + y)

⇒ x3 + y3 =(x + y) [(x + y)2 − 3xy]

⇒ x3 + y3 = (x + y) (x2 + 2xy + y2 − 3xy)

⇒ x3 + y3 = (x + y) (x2 − xy + y2)

Proof of the Identities:

(x − y)3 = … and x3 − y3 = …
Let us prove the identity (x − y)3 = x3 − y3 − 3x2y + 3xy2 OR (x − y)3 = x3 − y3 −
3xy (x − y)

We can write (x − y)3 as:

(x − y) (x − y)2

= (x − y) (x2 − 2xy + y2)

= x3 − 2x2y + xy2 − x2y + 2xy2 − y3

= x3 − y3 − 3x2y + 3xy2

∴ (x−y)3 = x3−y3− 3x2y + 3xy2

⇒ (x − y)3 = x3 − y3 − 3xy (x − y) … (1)

Let us prove the identity x3 − y3 = (x − y)3 + 3xy (x − y) OR x3 − y3 = (x − y) (x2 + xy + y2)

We can rewrite equation 1 as:

x3 −y3 = (x−y)3 + 3xy (x−y)

⇒ x3 − y3= (x − y) [(x − y)2 + 3xy]

⇒ x3 − y3 = (x − y) (x2 − 2xy + y2 + 3xy)

⇒ x3 −y3 = (x−y) (x2 + xy + y2)

Example Based on the Identity x3 − y3 = …

Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1:

Factorise the following expressions.

i)a3 − 125b3 − 15a2b + 75ab2

ii)27p3 + 125q3

Solution:
i)a3 − 125b3 − 15a2b + 75ab2

= (a)3 − (5b)3 − 15ab (a − 5b)

= (a)3 − (5b)3 − 3 × a × 5b (a − 5b)

On using the identity (x − y)3 = x3 − y3 − 3xy (x − y), where x = a and y = 5b, we are left
with (a − 5b)3

∴ a3 − 125b3 − 15a2b + 75ab2 = (a − 5b)3

ii)27p3 + 125q3

= (3p)3 + (5q)3

On using the identity x3 + y3 = (x + y) (x2 − xy + y2), where x = 3p and y = 5q, we get:

(3p + 5q) [(3p)2 − (3p) (5q) + (5q)2]

= (3p + 5q) (9p2 − 15pq + 25q2)

∴ 27p3 + 125q3 = (3p + 5q) (9p2 − 15pq + 25q2)

Example 2:

Evaluate the following expressions using identities.

i)10033

ii)983

Solution:

i)We can write 10033 as:

(1000 + 3)3

On using the identity (x + y)3 = x3 + y3 + 3xy (x + y), where x = 1000 and y = 3, we get:

(1000 + 3)3 = 10003 + 33 + 3 × 1000 × 3 × (1000 + 3)

= 1000000000 + 27 + 9000 × (1000 + 3)

= 1000000000 + 27 + 9000000 + 27000

= 1009027027

ii)We can write 983 as:

(100 − 2)3

On using the identity (x − y)3 = x3 − y3 − 3xy (x − y), where x = 100 and y = 2, we get:

(100 − 2)3 = 1003 − 23 − 3 × 100 × 2 × (100 − 2)

= 1000000 − 8 − 600 × (100 − 2)

= 1000000 − 8 − 60000 + 1200

= 941192

Medium

Example 1:

Expand the following expressions.

i)

ii)(2x + 5y)3 − (2x − 5y)3

Solution:

i)

On using the identity (p + q)3 = p3 + q3 + 3pq (p + q), where p = and q = , we get:

ii)(2x + 5y)3 − (2x − 5y)3

We have two terms in the given expression—(2x + 5y)3 and (2x − 5y)3.

On using the identity (p + q)3 = p3 + q3 + 3pq (p + q), where p = 2x and q = 5y, we get:

(2x + 5y)3 = (2x)3 + (5y)3 + 3 × (2x) (5y) (2x + 5y)

= 8x3 + 125y3 + 30xy (2x + 5y)

= 8x3 + 125y3 + 60x2y + 150xy2

Similarly, on using the identity (p − q)3 = p3 − q3 − 3pq (p − q), we get

(2x − 5y)3 = (2x)3 − (5y)3 − 3 × (2x) (5y) (2x − 5y)

= 8x3 − 125y3 − 30xy (2x − 5y)

= 8x3 − 125y3 − 60x2y + 150xy2

So,

(2x + 5y)3 − (2x − 5y)3 = 8x3 + 125y3 + 60x2y + 150xy2 − [8x3 − 125y3 − 60x2y + 150xy2]

= 8x3 + 125y3 + 60x2y + 150xy2 − 8x3 + 125y3 + 60x2y − 150xy2

= 250y3 + 120x2y

Alternate method

On using the identity p3 − q3 = (p − q) (p2 + pq + q2), where p = (2x + 5y) and q = (2x −
5y), we get:

(2x + 5y)3 − (2x − 5y)3

= [(2x + 5y) − (2x − 5y)] [(2x + 5y)2 + (2x + 5y) (2x − 5y) + (2x − 5y)2]

= (2x + 5y − 2x + 5y) (4x2 + 20xy + 25y2 + 4x2 + 10xy − 10xy − 25y2 + 4x2 − 20xy +
25y2)

= 10y (12x2 + 25y2)

= 120x2y + 250y3

Example 2:
The side of a cube is a. If each side of the cube is increased by b/5, then by how much
does its volume increase?

Solution:

Let the side of the cube be a.

Original volume of the cube = a × a × a = a3

After the increase, each side becomes .

New volume =

On using the identity (x + y)3 = x3 + y3 + 3xy (x + y), where x = a and y = b/5, we get:

Now,

Increase in volume = New volume − Original volume

Thus, the volume of the cube increases by .

Hard

Example 1:
Find the values of the following expressions.

Solution:

On cubing both sides, we get:

On using the identity (a + b)3 = a3 + b3 + 3ab (a + b), where a = x and b = 1/x, we get:
On using the identity a2 + b2 = (a − b)2 + 2ab, where a = 2y and b = 3/y, we get:

On cubing both sides, we get:

On using the identity (a − b)3 = a3 − b3 − 3ab (a − b), we get:

On using equation 1, we get:

iii)125x3 − 27y3 when 5x − 3y = 1 and xy = 6

We have 5x − 3y = 1

On cubing both sides, we get:

(5x − 3y)3 = 13

On using the identity (a − b)3 = a3 − b3 − 3ab (a − b), where a = 5x and b = 3y, we get:

(5x)3 − (3y)3 − 3 (5x) (3y) (5x − 3y) = 1

⇒ 125x3 − 27y3 − 45xy (5x − 3y) = 1

On substituting the values of xy and (5x − 3y),we get:

125x3 − 27y3 − 45 × 6 × 1 = 1

⇒ 125x3 − 27y3 = 1 + 270

⇒ 125x3 − 27y3 = 271

Example 2:

If x + y = 8 and x2 + y2 = 42, then find the value of x3 + y3.

Solution:

It is given that x + y = 8

⇒ (x + y)2 = 82

⇒ x2 + y2 + 2xy = 64

⇒ 42 + 2xy = 64 (∵x2 + y2 = 42)

⇒ 2xy = 64 − 42

⇒ 2xy = 22

⇒ xy =

⇒ ∴ xy = 11

Now, (x + y)3 = 83

⇒ x3 + y3 + 3xy (x + y) = 512

⇒ x3 + y3 + 3 × 11 × 8 = 512

⇒ x3 + y3 + 264 = 512

⇒ x3 + y3 = 512 − 264

⇒ ∴ x3 + y3 = 248

Example 3:

Prove that .

Solution:

Factorisation of Algebraic Expressions Using Method of Common

Factors
You know about the prime factorization of numbers. Let us revise the method of prime
factorization by taking the example of the number 210.

We can write 210 as a product of 2, 3, 5, and 7.

Hence, 210 = 2 × 3 × 5 × 7

Here, 2, 3, 5, and 7 are the prime factors of 210. In the same way, we can factorize any
expression, i.e., we can write any expression as a product of its factors.

For example, 2xyz = 2 × x × y × z

Here, 2, x, y, and z are the factors of 2xyz, and we cannot further reduce them. Thus,
we say that 2, x, y, and z are the irreducible factors of 2xyz.

Let us try to find the factors of 3x + 9 in the given video.

Now let us take another example in the given video to understand the concept of factors
of a polynomial.

The process of writing a given algebraic expression as a product of two or more

expressions is called factorization. Each of the expressions which form the
product is called a factor of the given expression.

Let us discuss some more examples based on the above concept.

Example 1:

Find the common factors of the terms 6pq, 8p2, and 4pq2.

Solution:

Write the factors of each term.

6pq = 2 × 3 × p × q

8p2 = 2 × 2 × 2 × p × p
4pq2 = 2 × 2 × p × q × q

Here, 2 and p are the common factors of the given terms 6pq, 8p2, and 4pq2.

Example 2:

Factorize 6x2 − 18x.

Solution:

Write the factors of each terms.

6x2 = 2 × 3 × x × x

18x = 2 × 3 × 3 × x

HCF of 6x2 and 18x = 2 × 3 × x = 6x

∴ 6x2 − 18x = 6x (x − 3)

Example 3:

Factorize the following expressions:

(i) 7x2 + 14x

(ii) 4a2bcx2y3z4 − 5ab2cx3y4z2 + 7abc2x4y2z3

(iii) − 4a2 + 3p3 − 5b

Solution:

(i) Write the factors of each term.

7x2 = 7 × x × x

14x = 2 × 7 × x

Here, 7 and x are the common factors.

7x2 + 14x = 7 × x × x + 2 × 7 × x

= 7 × x (x + 2)

= 7x (x + 2)
(ii) Write the factors of each term.

(iii) Write the factors of each term.

− 4a2 = − 2 × 2 × a × a

3p3 = 3 × p × p × p

− 5b = − 5 × b

There is no common factor of these terms other than 1.

Factorisation of Algebraic Expressions Using Method of Regrouping

Terms

Can you factorize the algebraic expression 4ab + a + 4b + 1?

All four terms in the expression do not have any common factor except 1. Thus, we
cannot factorize the expression by taking the common factors of each term.

Now, let us apply the method of regrouping to the above expression and see if we can
factorize it or not.

Let us look at the following example based on the above concept.

Example 1:

Factorize the following expressions:

(i) 2x + ax − 2y − ay

(ii) 2a + 3b − 2 − 3ab
Solution:

(i) The given expression is 2x + ax − 2y − ay.

We can factorize this expression as

2x + ax − 2y − ay = (2x − 2y) + (ax − ay)

= 2 (x − y) + a (x − y)

= (x − y) (2 + a)

= (x − y) (2 + a)

(ii) The given expression is 2a + 3b − 2 − 3ab.

We can factorize this expression as

2a + 3b − 2 − 3ab = (2a − 2) + (− 3ab + 3b)

= 2 (a − 1) + (−3b) (a − 1)

= 2 (a − 1) − 3b (a − 1)

= (a − 1) (2 − 3b)

Using Identity for "Difference of Two Squares"

Suppose we need to find the product of the numbers 79 and 81. Instead of multiplying
these two numbers, we can use the identity (a + b) (a − b). This identity is very
important and is applicable in various situations.

Let us first understand this identity.

(a + b) (a − b) = a (a − b) + b (a − b) (By distributive property)

= a2 − ab + ba − b2

= a2 − ab + ab − b2 (ab = ba)

= a2 − b2
 ∴ (a + b) (a −
b) = a2 − b2

Deriving the identity geometrically:

This identity can be derived from geometric construction as well.

For this, let us consider a square AEGD whose each side measures a units.

It can be seen that, a segment BC is drawn outside the square AEGD such that BC is
parallel to EG and at a distance of b unit from G.

Another segment HF is drawn inside the square AEGD such that HF is parallel to GD
and at a distance of b unit from G.

From the figure, it can be observed that

Area of rectangle ABFH = Area of rectangle ABCD – (Area of rectangle HKGD + Area of
square KFCG)

⇒ (a + b) (a − b) = a(a + b) − [(a × b) + (b × b)]

⇒ (a + b) (a − b) = a2 + ab − ab − b2

⇒ (a + b) (a − b) = a2 − b2

Now, let us solve some examples in which the above identity can be applied.
Example 1:

Simplify the following expressions.

(a) (x + 3) (x − 3)

(b) (11 + y) (11 − y)

Solution:

(a) (x + 3) (x − 3)

This expression is of the form (a + b) (a − b).

Hence, we can use the identity (a + b) (a − b) = a2 − b2 .

(x + 3) (x − 3) = x2 − 32 = x2 − 9

(b) (11 + y) (11 − y)

This expression is of the form (a + b) (a − b).

Hence, we can use the identity (a + b) (a − b) = a2 − b2 .

(11 + y) (11 − y) = 112 − y2 = 121 − y2

Example 2:

Simplify the following expressions.

(a)

(b)

Solution:

(a) The given expression is .

Using the identity (a + b) (a − b) = a2 − b2, we get

(b)

Using the identity (a + b) (a − b) = a2 − b2, we get

Example 3:

Find the values of the following expressions using suitable identities.

(a) 195 × 205

(b) (993)2 − (7)2

(c) 24.5 × 25.5

Solution:

(a) 195 = 200 − 5

and, 205 = 200 + 5

∴ 195 × 205 = (200 − 5) × (200 + 5)

= (200)2 − (5)2 [∵ (a + b) (a − b) = a2 − b2]

= 40000 − 25

= 39975

(b) (993)2 − (7)2

= (993 + 7) (993 − 7) [∵ (a + b) (a − b) = a2 − b2]

= (1000) (986)

= 986000

(c) 24.5 × 25.5

= (25 − 0.5) (25 + 0.5)

= (25)2 − (0.5)2 [∵ (a + b) (a − b) = a2 − b2]

= 625 − 0.25

= 624.75

Factorisation of Quadratic Trinomial

Factorisation of Quadratic Trinomial of the Form ax2 + bxy + cy2

Consider the following algebraic expression.

This is a quadratic trinomial.

Factorisation of this expression can be done in the following manner:

This type of factorisation is based on the concept that .

Quadratic trinomial of the form can also be factorised by the method

similar to the factorisation of .

So, let us factorise the trinomial .

Observe that here, 2 × (−5) = (−10)

Also, 5 × (−2) = (−10) and 5 − 2 = 3

Similarly, we can factorise a given trinomial of form .

Sometimes, we find a few algebraic expressions which are not quadratic. But, they can
still be expressed in the form or . Thus, they can be factorised.

Consider the following algebraic expression.

Let us assume that .

On re-substituting the values of x and y, we get

Let us understand this concept better by solving some examples based on this method.

Example 1: Factorise the following algebraic expressions.

(i)

(ii)

Solution:
Example 2:

Factorise the following algebraic expressions.

Solution:

On re-substituting the value of a, we get

Re-substituting the values of a and b, we get