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# Algebra: Tips and hints

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16 Jul 2014, 11:30
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Algebra: Tips and hints

 ! This post is a part of the Quant Tips and Hints by Topic Directory focusing on Quant topics and providing examples of how to approach them. Most of the questions are above average difficulty.

Algebraic Identities
1. $$(x+y)^2=x^2+y^2+2xy$$
2. $$(x-y)^2=x^2+y^2-2xy$$
3. $$x^2-y^2=(x+y)(x-y)$$
4. $$(x+y)^2-(x-y)^2=4xy$$
5. $$x^3+y^3=(x+y)(x^2+y^2-xy)$$
6. $$x^3-y^3=(x-y)(x^2+y^2+xy)$$

The general form of a quadratic equation is $$ax^2+bx+c=0$$. It's roots are:
$$x_1=\frac{-b-\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$ and $$x_2=\frac{-b+\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$

Expression $$b^2-4ac$$ is called discriminant:
• If discriminant is positive quadratics has two roots;
• If discriminant is negative quadratics has no root;
• If discriminant is zero quadratics has one root.

When graphed quadratic expression ($$ax^2+bx+c=0$$) gives parabola:

• The larger the absolute value of $$a$$, the steeper (or thinner) the parabola is, since the value of y is increased more quickly.
• If $$a$$ is positive, the parabola opens upward, if negative, the parabola opens downward.

Viete's theorem

Viete's theorem states that for the roots $$x_1$$ and $$x_2$$ of a quadratic equation $$ax^2+bx+c=0$$:

$$x_1+x_2=\frac{-b}{a}$$ AND $$x_1*x_2=\frac{c}{a}$$.

Common mistake to avoid
Never reduce equation by variable (or expression with variable), if you are not certain that variable (or expression with variable) doesn't equal to zero. We cannot divide by zero.

For example, $$xy=y$$ cannot be reduced by $$y$$ because $$y$$ could be 0 and we cannot divide by 0. If we do we'll loose one of the solutions. The correct way is: $$xy=y$$ --> $$xy-y=0$$ --> $$y(x-1)=0$$ --> $$y=0$$ or $$x=1$$.

This week's PS question
This week's DS Question

Theory on Algebra: algebra-101576.html

DS Algebra Questions to practice: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=29
PS Algebra Questions to practice: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=50

Special algebra set: new-algebra-set-149349.html

Please share your Algebra tips below and get kudos point. Thank you.
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Re: Algebra: Tips and hints [#permalink]

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17 Jul 2014, 14:28
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Bunuel wrote:
Algebraic Identities
3. $$x^2-y^2=(x+y)(x-y)$$

Rule 3 is especially useful on GMAT. Sometimes it is obvious, as in PS 117 in OG 13: if-n-3-8-2-8-which-of-the-following-is-not-a-factor-of-n-132874.html

but sometimes it will be hidden, as in PS 199 in OG 13: topic-137149.html

In other words, if you are stuck and you see anything that might be expressed as "[perfect square] - [perfect square]", see if this can help you.
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Re: Algebra: Tips and hints [#permalink]

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01 Nov 2015, 23:26
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Re: Algebra: Tips and hints [#permalink]

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05 Nov 2016, 09:53
Hello from the GMAT Club BumpBot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.
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Re: Algebra: Tips and hints   [#permalink] 05 Nov 2016, 09:53
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