Chapter

Algebraic Expressions and Identities

The first module of the book: recognising expression structure, using difference of squares, sum and difference of cubes, grouping, symmetric substitutions, and conditions such as \(a+b+c=0\).
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Theory

Key Idea

Olympiad algebra does not begin with mechanical expansion. It begins with recognising the shape of an expression. A good transformation reduces chaos: it reveals a common factor, a difference of squares, a sum of cubes, symmetry, or a useful substitution.

In this module, an expression should be read as a structure: which parts repeat, what resembles a square, where a difference is hidden, whether \(x+y\) and \(xy\) can be used, and whether a condition like \(a+b+c=0\) is present.

Basic Facts

Basic identities: \[ a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b), \] \[ a^3-b^3=(a-b)(a^2+ab+b^2), \] \[ a^3+b^3=(a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2). \]

Also useful: \[ (a+b)^2=a^2+2ab+b^2,\quad (a-b)^2=a^2-2ab+b^2, \] \[ a^3+b^3+c^3-3abc=(a+b+c)(a^2+b^2+c^2-ab-bc-ca). \]

When to Use This Method

Use identities when you need to prove divisibility, factor an expression, show that a number is composite, solve a system through \(x+y\) and \(xy\), prove non-negativity, or replace a long expression by a short one.

How to Recognise the Method

A difference of two similar squares almost always asks for \(u^2-v^2\). Cubes with signs ask for sum or difference of cubes. A symmetric expression in two variables often depends only on \(s=x+y\) and \(p=xy\). The condition \(a+b+c=0\) almost always means \(a^3+b^3+c^3=3abc\).

Typical Mistakes

Do not expand everything automatically: full expansion often destroys structure. Do not confuse \(a^3+b^3\) with \((a+b)^3\). Do not forget to check cases where a common factor may be zero. In integer problems, after factoring, check that both factors are really greater than \(1\) when proving compositeness.

Mini-Checklist

1. Is there a difference of squares? 2. Is there a sum or difference of cubes? 3. Can terms be grouped in pairs? 4. Is the expression symmetric? 5. Does the substitution \(s=x+y\), \(p=xy\) help? 6. Can the goal be proved through a product of factors?

Examples

Example 1. Hidden Difference of Squares

First look for two squares; expand only if necessary.

Problem. Factor \( (x^2+3x+1)^2-(x^2+x+1)^2 \).

Solution.

This is a difference of squares: \(U^2-V^2=(U-V)(U+V)\), where \(U=x^2+3x+1\), \(V=x^2+x+1\).

We get \(U-V=2x\), \(U+V=2x^2+4x+2=2(x+1)^2\). Hence the expression is \(4x(x+1)^2\).

Comment. Full expansion is longer and hides the structure.

Example 2. Cubes and Divisibility

Sum and difference of cubes are often used to prove divisibility.

Problem. Prove that if \(a-b\) divides \(a+b\), then \(a-b\) divides \(a^3-b^3\).

Solution.

By the difference of cubes, \(a^3-b^3=(a-b)(a^2+ab+b^2)\). Therefore \(a^3-b^3\) is divisible by \(a-b\) for all integers \(a,b\), provided \(a\ne b\).

The condition about \(a+b\) is unnecessary; the key is to notice the correct factor.

Comment. Olympiad problems sometimes contain extra information; do not force it into the solution.

Example 3. Grouping

If an expression does not match one formula, group terms so that common factors appear.

Problem. Factor \(x^3+x^2y-xy^2-y^3\).

Solution.

Group the first two and last two terms: \[ x^3+x^2y-xy^2-y^3=x^2(x+y)-y^2(x+y). \] Factor out \(x+y\):

\((x+y)(x^2-y^2)=(x+y)(x-y)(x+y)=(x-y)(x+y)^2\).

Comment. Grouping often creates a difference of squares.

Example 4. Symmetric Substitution

In two variables, symmetry often suggests \(s=x+y\), \(p=xy\).

Problem. Express \(x^2+y^2\) and \(x^3+y^3\) through \(s=x+y\) and \(p=xy\).

Solution.

We have \(x^2+y^2=(x+y)^2-2xy=s^2-2p\).

Also \(x^3+y^3=(x+y)(x^2-xy+y^2)=s((x^2+y^2)-p)=s(s^2-3p)\).

Comment. This substitution is essential for symmetric systems and equations.

Example 5. The Condition \(a+b+c=0\)

This is one of the most useful conditions in olympiad algebra.

Problem. Prove that if \(a+b+c=0\), then \(a^3+b^3+c^3=3abc\).

Solution.

Use the identity \[ a^3+b^3+c^3-3abc=(a+b+c)(a^2+b^2+c^2-ab-bc-ca). \] If \(a+b+c=0\), the right side is zero.

Therefore \(a^3+b^3+c^3-3abc=0\), so \(a^3+b^3+c^3=3abc\).

Comment. This identity should be remembered as a tool, not as an isolated fact.

Example 6. Compositeness by Factoring

Factoring helps prove that an expression cannot be prime.

Problem. Prove that for every integer \(n>1\), the number \(n^4+4\) is composite.

Solution.

Use Sophie Germain's trick: \[ n^4+4=n^4+4n^2+4-4n^2=(n^2+2)^2-(2n)^2. \] Hence \[ n^4+4=(n^2-2n+2)(n^2+2n+2). \]

For \(n>1\), both factors are greater than \(1\), so the number is composite.

Comment. Do not forget to check the sizes of the factors.

Example 7. Non-Negativity as a Sum of Squares

Even in an identities module, it is useful to recognise sums of squares.

Problem. Prove that \(a^2+b^2+c^2-ab-bc-ca\ge 0\) for all real \(a,b,c\).

Solution.

Multiply the expression by \(2\): \[ 2(a^2+b^2+c^2-ab-bc-ca)=(a-b)^2+(b-c)^2+(c-a)^2. \] The right side is non-negative.

Hence the original expression is non-negative. Equality holds only when \(a=b=c\).

Comment. This form often appears next to \(a^3+b^3+c^3-3abc\).

Example 8. A System via Sum and Product

A symmetric system should not be solved directly.

Problem. Find all real \(x,y\) such that \(x+y=5\), \(x^2+y^2=13\).

Solution.

From \(x^2+y^2=(x+y)^2-2xy\), we get \(13=25-2xy\), hence \(xy=6\).

Now \(x\) and \(y\) are roots of \(t^2-5t+6=0\). Thus \(t=2\) or \(t=3\). Therefore \((x,y)=(2,3)\) or \((3,2)\).

Comment. This is the first step toward olympiad-style symmetric systems.

Problems

Problems

#1.1
#1.1

Hidden Difference of Squares

Factorisation Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★☆☆☆☆

Factor \( (x^2+2x+3)^2-(x^2-3)^2 \).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P001
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.2
#1.2

Sum of Cubes

Factorisation Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★☆☆☆☆

Factor \(8a^3+27b^3\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P002
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.3
#1.3

Grouping with a Repeated Factor

Factorisation Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★☆☆☆☆

Factor \(a^2b-a^2c+b^2c-bc^2\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P003
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.4
#1.4

Symmetric Sum

Symmetric Expressions Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★☆☆☆☆

Let \(x+y=7\), \(xy=10\). Find \(x^2+y^2\) and \(x^3+y^3\) without finding \(x\) and \(y\) separately.

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P004
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Symmetric Expressions
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.5
#1.5

A Cube as a Difference of Squares

Divisibility Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Prove that the cube of any positive integer can be written as the difference of squares of two integers.

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P005
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Divisibility
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.6
#1.6

Sophie Germain

Factorisation Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Factor \(x^4+4y^4\) and prove that for positive integers \(x,y\), \(x>1\), the expression is composite.

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P006
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.7
#1.7

Expression Through x+y

Symmetric Expressions Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

If \(x+y=1\), find \(x^3+y^3+3xy\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P007
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Symmetric Expressions
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.8
#1.8

Zero Sum

Condition Sum Zero Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Let \(a+b+c=0\). Prove that \(a^2+b^2+c^2=-2(ab+bc+ca)\) and \(a^3+b^3+c^3=3abc\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P008
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Condition Sum Zero
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.9
#1.9

When an Expression Is Definitely Composite

Factorisation Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Prove that for every integer \(n>2\), the number \(n^2-1\) is composite.

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P009
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.10
#1.10

The Substitution t=x+1/x

Substitution Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Let \(x\ne0\) and \(x+\frac1x=3\). Find \(x^2+\frac1{x^2}\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P010
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Substitution
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.11
#1.11

Difference of Powers

Divisibility Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Prove that for every positive integer \(n\), the expression \(a^n-b^n\) is divisible by \(a-b\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P011
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Divisibility
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.12
#1.12

A System Without Guessing

Substitution Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Find all real pairs \(x,y\) such that \(x+y=4\), \(x^3+y^3=28\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P012
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Substitution
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.13
#1.13

Equality in the Cubic Identity

Factorisation Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Prove that for real \(a,b,c\), if \(a+b+c>0\) and \(a^3+b^3+c^3=3abc\), then \(a=b=c\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P013
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.14
#1.14

Two-Level Substitution

Factorisation Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Factor \(x^4+2x^2y^2+y^4-16\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P014
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.15
#1.15

Fourth Powers with Zero Sum

Symmetric Expressions Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Let \(a+b+c=0\). Prove that \(a^4+b^4+c^4=2(a^2b^2+b^2c^2+c^2a^2)\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P015
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Symmetric Expressions
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.16
#1.16

Prime or Composite

Factorisation Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Find all positive integers \(n\) for which \(n^4+4\) is prime.

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P016
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.17
#1.17

Sum of Squares from Symmetry

Nonnegative Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Prove that \(a^2+b^2+c^2\ge ab+bc+ca\) for all real \(a,b,c\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P017
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Nonnegative
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.18
#1.18

Cyclic Difference

Factorisation Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

Factor \(a^2(b-c)+b^2(c-a)+c^2(a-b)\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P018
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.19
#1.19

Symmetric Triple

Systems Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

Real numbers \(x,y,z\) satisfy \(x+y+z=3\) and \(x^2+y^2+z^2=3\). Prove that \(x=y=z=1\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P019
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Systems
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.20
#1.20

Integer Solutions by Factoring

Factorisation Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

Find all integers \(x,y\) such that \(x^2-y^2=15\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P020
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.21
#1.21

Three Numbers and a Product

Condition Sum Zero Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

Let \(a+b+c=0\) and \(abc=2\). Find \(a^3+b^3+c^3\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P021
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Condition Sum Zero
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.22
#1.22

Difference of Fourth Powers

Factorisation Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

Prove that \(a^4+b^4\ge a^3b+ab^3\) for all real \(a,b\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P022
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.23
#1.23

When a Product Can Be Prime

Factorisation Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★★

Find all positive integers \(n\) for which \(n^4+4n^2+4\) is prime.

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P023
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.24
#1.24

Recover a Pair from Powers

Systems Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★★

Real numbers \(x,y\) satisfy \(x^2+y^2=10\), \(x^3+y^3=10\). Find all possible values of \(x+y\).

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P024
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Systems
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.25
#1.25

Strong Form of the Cubic Identity

Nonnegative Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★★

Let \(a,b,c\ge0\). Prove that \(a^3+b^3+c^3\ge3abc\), and determine when equality holds.

Details
Problem: ALG-B1-M01-P025
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Nonnegative
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9

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