D Equations

3
Equations
TERMINOLOGY
Absolute value: the distance of a number from zero on a
number line.
pronumeral that is solved to find values that make the

statement true e.g. 2x - 3 2 4
Equation: A mathematical statement that has a

pronumeral or unknown number and an equal sign. An
equation can be solved to find the value of the unknown
number e.g. 2x - 3 = 5
Quadratic equation: An equation involving x 2 as the

highest power of x that may have two, one or no
solutions
Exponential equation: Equation where the unknown

pronumeral is the power or index e.g. 2 x = 8
Inequation: A mathematical statement involving an
inequality sign, 1, 2, # or $ that has an unknown
Simultaneous equations: Two or more independent

equations that can be solved together to produce a
solution that makes each equation true at the same time.
The number of equations required is the same as the
number of unknowns
Chapter 3 Equations
95
INTRODUCTION
EQUATIONS ARE FOUND IN most branches of mathematics. They are also
important in many other elds, such as science, economics, statistics and

engineering. In this chapter you will revise basic equations and inequations.
Equations involving absolute values, exponential equations, quadratic
equations and simultaneous equations are also covered here.
DID YOU KNOW?

Algebra was known in ancient civilisations. Many equations were known in Babylonia, although
general solutions were difficult because symbols were not used in those times.
Diophantus, around 250 AD, first used algebraic notation and symbols (e.g. the minus sign).
He wrote a treatise on algebra in his Arithmetica, comprising 13 books. Only six of these books
survived. About 400 AD, Hypatia of Alexandria wrote a commentary on them.
Hypatia was the daughter of Theon, a mathematician who ensured that she had the best
education. She was the first female mathematician on record, and was a philosopher and teacher.
She was murdered for her philosophical views by a fanatical Christian sect.
In 1799 Carl Friedrich Gauss proved the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra: that every
algebraic equation has a solution.
PROBLEM
The age of Diophantus at his death can be calculated from this epitaph:
Diophantus passed one-sixth of his life in childhood, one-twelfth in youth, and
one-seventh more as a bachelor; ve years after his marriage a son was born
who died four years before his father at half his fathers nal age. How old
was Diophantus?
Simple Equations
Here are the four rules for changing numbers or pronumerals from one side of
an equation to the other.
ch3.indd 95
If a number is added, subtract it from both sides

If a number is subtracted, add it to both sides
If a number is multiplied, divide both sides by the number
If a number is divided, multiply both sides by the number
Do the opposite operation

to take a number to the
other side of an equation.
8/11/09 10:59:40 AM
96
Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course
EXAMPLES
Solve
1. 3x + 5 = 17
Solution
3x + 5 = 17
3x + 5 - 5 = 17 - 5
3x = 12
3x
12
=
3
3
x=4
You can check the solution by substituting the value into the equation.
LHS = 3x + 5
= 3 ( 4) + 5
= 12 + 5
= 17
= RHS
Since LHS = RHS, x = 4 is the correct solution.
2. 4y - 3 = 8y + 21
Solution
4y - 3
4 y - 4y - 3
-3
- 3 - 21
- 24
= 8y + 21
= 8y - 4y + 21
= 4y + 21
= 4y + 21 - 21
= 4y
4y
- 24
=
4
4
-6 = y
y = -6
3. 2 ] 3x + 7 g = 6 - ] x - 1 g
Check these solutions
by substituting them
into the equation.
Solution
2 (3 x + 7 ) = 6 - ( x - 1 )
6x + 14 = 6 - x + 1
=7-x
6x + x + 14 = 7 - x + x
7x + 14 = 7
Chapter 3 Equations
7x + 14 - 14
7x
7x
7
x
= 7 - 14
= -7
-7
7
= -1
=
3.1 Exercises
Solve
1.
t + 4 = -1
2.
z + 1.7 = -3.9
3.
y - 3 = -2
4.
w - 2 .6 = 4 .1
18. 3x + 5 = 17
5.
5 = x -7
19. 4a + 7 = - 21
6.
1.5x = 6
20. 7y - 1 = 20
7.
5y = 1
3
8.
b
=5
7
9.
-2 =
10.
r
2
=
6
3
16.
x
-3 =7
2
17.
m
+ 7 = 11
5
21. 8b - 4 = - 36
22. 3 (x + 2) = 15
23. -2 (3a + 1) = 8
n
8
11. 2y + 1 = 19
12. 33 = 4k + 9
13. 7d - 2 = 12
14. -2 = 5x - 27
y
15.
+4=9
3
24. 7t + 4 = 3t - 12
25. x - 3 = 6x - 9
26. 2 (a - 2) = 4 - 3a
27. 5b + 2 = - 3(b - 1)
28. 3 (t + 7) = 2 (2t - 9)
29. 2 + 5( p - 1) = 5p - ( p - 2)
30. 3.7x + 1.2 = 5.4x - 6.3
A S TA R T L I N G FA C T !
Half full = half empty
`
full = empty
97
98
Equations involving fractions

There are different ways to solve this type of equation. One way is to multiply
both sides of the equation by the common denominator of the fractions.
EXAMPLES
Solve
m
1
1.
-4=
3
2
Solution
Multiply by
the common
denominator, 6.
m
1
-4 =
3
2
m
m - 6 (4) = 6 c 1 m
2
3
2m - 24 = 3
2m - 24 + 24 = 3 + 24
2m = 27
6c
2m
27
=
2
2
27
m=
2
= 13 1
2
2.
x+1
x
+ =5
4
3
Solution
The common
denominator of
3 and 4 is 12.
x +1 x
+ =5
4
3
x +1
x
m + 12 c m = 12 (5)
12 c
4
3
4 (x + 1) + 3x = 60
4x + 4 + 3x = 60
7x + 4 = 60
7x + 4 - 4 = 60 - 4
7x = 56
7x
56
=
7
7
x=8
Chapter 3 Equations
3.
99
y +1
y-2
5
=
5
3
6
Solution
y +1
y-2
5
=
5
3
6
y +1
y -2
o - 30 e
o = 30 c 5 m
30 e
5
3
6
6 (y + 1) - 10 (y - 2) = 25
6y + 6 - 10y + 20 = 25
- 4y + 26 = 25
- 4y + 26 - 26 = 25 - 26
- 4y = -1
- 4y
-1
=
-4
-4
y=1
4
When there is a fraction on either side of the equation, multiplying by
the common denominator is the same as cross multiplying.
EXAMPLES
5
8
1. Solve x =
(x ! 0 )
3
Solution
5
8
x =3
8x = 15
8x
15
=
8
8
7
x=1
8
2. Solve
3
8
^n ! 0h
=
5
2n
Solution
3
8
=
5
2n
16n = 15
16n
15
=
16
16
15
n=
16
The common
denominator of 5, 3
and 6 is 30.
100
3.2 Exercises
Solve
1.
b
2
=
5
3
14.
3
x
x
- =
5
2
10
2.
7
1
x = 5 (x ! 0 )
15.
x+4 x
+ =1
3
2
3.
9
4
y = 10 (y ! 0)
16.
p-3
2p
+
=2
2
3
4.
5x
11
=
4
7
17.
t +3 t -1
+
=4
7
3
5.
9
4
=
( k ! 0)
5
2k
18.
x+5
x+2
=1
5
9
6.
x
-4=8
3
19.
q-1
q-2
=2
4
3
7.
3
5t
=
4
4
20.
x+3
x +7
+2=
5
2
8.
5+x
2
=
7
7
21.
3b
1
b
- =
4
5
2
9.
y
3
=5
2
22.
a
3
5
+ =
4
3
8
10.
x
2
- =7
9
3
23.
3
5
=x
x+2
^ x ! 0, -2 h
11.
w-3
=5
2
24.
1
1
=
y +1
3y - 1
c y ! -1,
12.
2t
t
- =2
5
3
25.
2
1
+
= 0 ^ t ! 3, - 4 h
t-3 t+4
13.
x
1
+ =4
4
2
1
m
3
Substitution
Sometimes substituting values into a formula involves solving an equation.
Investigation
Body mass index (BMI) is a formula that is used to measure body fatness
and is used by health professionals to screen for weight categories that
may lead to health problems.
Chapter 3 Equations
This is not the only measure that is used when looking for health
problems, however. For example, there are other factors in cardiac (heart)
disease. Research these to nd out what other things doctors look for.
The BMI is used in a different way with children and teens, and is taken
in relation to the childs age.
w
The formula for BMI is BMI = 2 where w is weight in kg and h is height
h
in metres.
For adults over 20, a BMI under
18.5 means that the person
is underweight and over 25 is
overweight. Over 30 is obese.
The BMI may not always be
reliable in measuring body fat. Can
you think of some reasons?
Is it important where the body fat
is stored? Does it make a difference if it is on the hips or the stomach?
Research these questions and nd out more about BMI generally.
EXAMPLES
1. The formula for the surface area of a rectangular prism is given by
S = 2 (lb + bh + lh) . Find the value of b when S = 180, l = 9 and h = 6.
Solution
S = 2 (lb + bh + lh)
180 = 2 (9b + 6b + 9 # 6)
= 2 (15b + 54)
= 30b + 108
180 - 108 = 30b + 108 - 108
72 = 30b
30b
72
=
30
30
2. 4 = b
Another way of doing

this would be to change
the subject of the
formula first.
CONTINUED
101
102
2. The volume of a cylinder is given by V = rr 2 h. Evaluate the radius r,

correct to 2 decimal places, when V = 350 and h = 6.5.
Solution
V = rr 2 h
350 = rr 2 (6.5)
r r 2 ( 6 .5 )
350
=
6 .5 r
6.5r
350
= r2
6 .5 r
350
= r2
6 .5 r
350
=r
6 .5 r
4.14 = r
3.3 Exercises
1.
Given that v = u + at is the

formula for the velocity of
a particle at time t, nd the
value of t when u = 17.3,
v = 100.6 and a = 9.8.
7.
The area of a rhombus is given by

the formula A = 1 xy where x and
2
y are its diagonals. Find the value
of x correct to 2 decimal places
when y = 7.8 and A = 25.1.
2.
The sum of an arithmetic series is

n
given by S = (a + l ) . Find l if
2
a = 3, n = 26 and S = 1625.
8.
The simple interest formula is

Pr n
. Find n if r = 14.5,
I=
100
P = 150 and I = 326.25.
3.
The formula for nding the area

of a triangle is A = 1 bh. Find b
2
when A = 36 and h = 9.
9.
The gradient of a straight

y2 - y1
line is given by m = x - x .
2
1
4.
The area of a trapezium is given

by A = 1 h (a + b) . Find
2
the value of a when A = 120,
h = 5 and b = 7.
5.
Find the value of y when x = 3,

given the straight line equation
5x - 2y - 7 = 0.
6.
The area of a circle is given

by A = rr 2 . Find r correct to 3
signicant gures if A = 140.
Find y 1 when m = - 5 ,
6
y 2 = 7, x 2 = - 3 and x 1 = 1.
10. The surface area of a cylinder
is given by the formula
S = 2rr ] r + h g . Evaluate h
correct to 1 decimal place if
S = 232 and r = 4.5.
Chapter 3 Equations
11. The formula for body mass index

w
is BMI = 2 . Evaluate
h
(a) the BMI when w = 65 and
h = 1.6
(b) w when BMI = 21.5 and
h = 1.8
(c) h when BMI = 19.7 and
w = 73.8.
16. If the surface area of a sphere

is S = 4rr 2, evaluate r to 3
signicant gures when S = 56.3.
12. A formula for depreciation

is D = P ] 1 - r g n . Find r if
D = 12 000, P = 15 000 and n = 3.
18. If y =
13. The x-value of the midpoint is

x1 + x2
given by x =
. Find x1
2
when x = - 2 and x 2 = 5.
19. Given y = 2x + 5 , evaluate x

when y = 4.
14. Given the height of a particle at

time t is h = 5t 2, evaluate t when
h = 23.
15. If y = x 2 + 1, evaluate x when

y = 5.
17. The area of a sector of a circle

1
is A = r 2 i. Evaluate r when
2
A = 24.6 and i = 0.45.
2
, nd the value of x
x3 - 1
when y = 3.
20. The volume of a sphere is

4
V = rr 3. Evaluate r to 1 decimal
3
place when V = 150.
Inequations
2 means greater than

1 means less than
$ means greater than or equal to
# means less than or equal to
In order to solve inequations, we need to see what effect one operation applied
to both sides has on the inequality sign.
If a 2 b then a + c 2 b + c for all c
For example, 3 2 2 and 3 + 1 2 2 + 1 are both true.
If a 2 b then a - c 2 b - c for all c
For example, 3 2 2 and 3 - 1 2 2 - 1 are both true.
103
There are two solutions to

this question.
104
If a 2 b then ac 2 bc for all c 2 0
For example, 3 2 2 and 3 # 2 2 2 # 2 are both true.
If a 2 b then ac 1 bc for all c 1 0
For example, 3 2 2 but 3 # -2 1 2 # -2.
If a 2 b then a ' c 2 b ' c for all c 2 0
For example, 6 2 4 and 6 ' 2 2 4 ' 2 are both true.
If a 2 b then a ' c 1 b ' c for all c 1 0
For example, 6 2 4 but 6 ' -2 1 4 ' -2.
1
1
If a 2 b then a 1 for all positive numbers a and b
b
For example, 3 2 2 but
1
1
1 .
3
2
The inequality sign reverses when:

multiplying by a negative
dividing by a negative
taking the reciprocal of both sides
On the number plane, we graph inequalities using arrows and circles

(open for greater than and less than and closed in for greater than or
equal to and less than or equal to)
1
2
#
$
Chapter 3 Equations
105
EXAMPLES
Solve and show the solutions on a number line
1. 5x + 7 $ 17
Solution
5x + 7 $ 17
5x + 7 - 7 $ 17 - 7
5x $ 10
5x
10
$
5
5
x$2
-4
-3
-2
-1
2. 3t - 2 2 5t + 4
Solution
3t - 2 2 5t +
3t - 3t - 2 2 5t -2 2 2t +
- 2 - 4 2 2t +
-6 2 2t
2t
-6
2
2
2
-3 2 t
4
3t + 4
4
4-4
or
3t - 2
3t - 5t - 2
-2t - 2
- 2t - 2 + 2
-2t
-2t
-2
t
-4
2 5t + 4
2 5t - 5t + 4
24
24+2
26
6
2
-2
1 -3
-3
-2
Remember to change
the inequality sign when
dividing by -2.
-1
CONTINUED
106
3. Solve 1 1 2z + 7 # 11.
Solution
Method 1: Separate into two separate questions.
1 1 2z + 7
(i)
1 - 7 1 2z + 7 - 7
- 6 1 2z
-6
2z
1
2
2
-3 1 z
(ii)
2z + 7 # 11
2z + 7 - 7 # 11 - 7
2z # 4
2z
4
#
2
2
z #2
Putting these together gives the solution -3 1 z # 2.

Method 2: Do as a single question.
1 1 2z + 7 # 11
1 - 7 1 2z + 7 - 7 # 11 - 7
-6 1 2z # 4
-6
2z
4
#
1
2
2
2
-3 1 z # 2
Solving this inequation as a

single question is quicker than
splitting it into two parts.
Notice that the circle is not
filled in for 1 and filled in
for #.
-4
-3
-2
-1
3.4 Exercises
1.
Solve and plot the solution on a

number line
(a) x + 4 2 7
(b) y - 3 # 1
2.
Solve
(a) 5t 2 35
(b) 3x - 7 $ 2
(c) 2 (p + 5) 2 8
(d) 4 - (x - 1) # 7
(e) 3y + 5 2 2y - 4
(f) 2a - 6 # 5a - 3
(g) 3 + 4y $ - 2 (1 - y)
(h) 2x + 9 1 1 - 4 (x + 1)
a
(i) # - 3
2
2y
(j) 8 2
3
b
(k) + 5 1 - 4
2
x
(l) - 4 2 6
3
x
1
(m) + # 1
4
5
(n)
m
2
-3 2
4
3
Chapter 3 Equations
2b 1
- $6
5
2
r-3
(p)
# -6
2
z+1
(q)
+223
9
w
2w + 5
(r)
+
14
6
3
(o)
(s)
x+1
x-2
$7
2
3
(t)
t+3
t+2
#2
7
2
(u)
q-2
3q
12+
4
3
3.
(v)
2x
x -1
2
2
3
2
9
(w)
2b - 5
b+6
+3#
8
12
Solve and plot the solutions on a

number line
(a) 3 1 x + 2 1 9
(b) -4 # 2p 1 10
(c) 2 1 3x - 1 1 11
(d) -6 # 5y + 9 # 34
(e) -2 1 3 (2y - 1) 1 7
PROBLEM
Find a solution for this sum. Is it a unique solution?
CR OS S
+RO A DS
DANGE R
Equations and Inequations Involving Absolute Values

On a number line, x means the distance of x from zero in either direction.
EXAMPLES
Plot on a number line and evaluate x
1. x = 2
Solution
x = 2 means the distance of x from zero is 2 (in either direction).
2
-4
-3
-2
-1
x = !2
CONTINUED
107
108
2. x # 2
Solution
x # 2 means the distance of x from zero is less than or equal to 2 (in
either direction).
2
-4
The solution of
| x | 1 2 would be
- 2 1 x 1 2.
-3
-1
-2
Notice that there is one region on the number line. We can write this as
the single statement - 2 # x # 2.
3. x 2 2
Solution
x 2 2 means the distance of x from zero is greater than 2 (in either
direction).
2
-4
The solution of
| x | $ 2 would be
x # - 2, x $ 2.
-3
-1
-2
There are two regions on the number line, so we write two separate
inequalities x 1 - 2, x 2 2.
x = a means x = ! a
x 1 a means -a 1 x 1 a
x 2 a means x 2 a, x 1 -a
Class Discussion
What does a - b mean as a distance along the number line?
Select different values of a and b to help with this discussion.
We use absolute value as a distance on a number line to solve equations

and inequations involving absolute values.
Chapter 3 Equations
109
EXAMPLES
Solve
1. x + 4 = 7
Solution
This means that the distance from x + 4 to zero is 7 in either direction.
So x + 4 = ! 7.
x+4 =7
x+4=7
or
x + 4 = -7
x+4-4=7-4
x + 4 - 4 = -7 - 4
x=3
x = -11
2. 2y - 1 1 5
Solution
This means that the distance from 2y - 1 to zero is less than 5 in either
direction. So it means - 5 1 2y - 1 1 5.
- 5 1 2y - 1 1 5
- 5 + 1 1 2y - 1 + 1 1 5 + 1
2y
6
-4
1
1
2
2
2
-2 1 y 1 3
You could solve these as

two separate inequations.
3. 5b - 7 $ 3
Solution
5b - 7 $ 3 means that the distance from 5b - 7 to zero is greater than
or equal to 3 in either direction.
5b - 7 # - 3
5b - 7 $ 3
5b - 7 + 7 # -3 + 7
5b # 4
5b
4
#
5
5
4
b #
5
4
So b # , b $ 2.
5
5b - 7 + 7 $ 3 + 7
5b $ 10
5b
10
$
5
5
b$2
These must be solved

and written as two
separate inequations.
110
While it is always a good habit to check solutions to equations and

inequations by substituting in values, in these next examples it is essential to
check, as some of the solutions are impossible!
EXAMPLES
Solve
1. 2x + 1 = 3x - 2
Solution
2x + 1 = 3x - 2 means that 2x + 1 is at a distance of 3x - 2 from zero.
2x + 1 = ! ] 3x - 2 g
This question is impossible if 3x - 2 is negative. Can you see why? If
2x + 1 is equal to a negative number, this is impossible as the absolute
value is always positive.
Case (i)
2x + 1 = 3x - 2
2x - 2x + 1 = 3x - 2x - 2
1=x-2
1+2=x-2+2
3=x
Check solution is possible:
Substitute x = 3 into 2x + 1 = 3x - 2.
LHS = 2 # 3 + 1
= 7
=7
RHS = 3 # 3 - 2
=9-2
=7
Since LHS = RHS, x = 3 is a solution.
Case (ii)
2 x + 1 = - ( 3x - 2 )
= - 3x + 2
2 x + 3x + 1 = - 3 x + 3x + 2
5x + 1 = 2
5x + 1 - 1 = 2 - 1
5x = 1
5x
1
=
5
5
1
x=
5
Chapter 3 Equations
Check:
1
Substitute x = into 2x + 1 = 3x - 2.
5
1
LHS = 2 # + 1
5
2
= 1
5
2
=1
5
1
RHS = 3 # - 2
5
3
= -2
5
2
= -1
5
1
Since LHS ! RHS, x = is not a solution.
5
So the only solution is x = 3.
It is often easier to solve

these harder equations
graphically. You will do
this in Chapter 5.
2. 2x - 3 + x + 1 = 9
Solution
In this question it is difficult to use distances on the number line, so we
use the definition of absolute value.
2x - 3
2x - 3 = ' - (2
x - 3)
+1
x + 1 = ' -(xx +
1)
when 2x - 3 $ 0
when 2x - 3 1 0
when x + 1 $ 0
when x + 1 1 0
This gives 4 cases:

(i) (2x - 3) + (x + 1) = 9
(ii) (2x - 3) - (x + 1) = 9
(iii) -(2x - 3) + (x + 1) = 9
(iv) -(2x - 3) - (x + 1) = 9
Case (i)
( 2x - 3 ) + ( x + 1 ) = 9
2x - 3 + x + 1 = 9
3x - 2 = 9
3x - 2 + 2 = 9 + 2
3x = 11
3x
11
=
3
3
2
x=3
3
Check by substituting x = 3
111
2
into 2x - 3 + x + 1 = 9.
3
CONTINUED
112
2
2
-3 + 3 +1
3
3
1
2
= 4 + 4
3
3
1
2
=4 +4
3
3
=9
= RHS
2
So x = 3 is a solution.
3
Case (ii)
( 2 x - 3 ) - (x + 1 ) = 9
2x - 3 - x - 1 = 9
x-4=9
x-4+4=9+4
x = 13
Check by substituting x = 13 into 2x - 3 + x + 1 = 9.
LHS = 2 # 13 - 3 + 13 + 1
= 23 + 14
= 23 + 14
= 37
! RHS
So x = 13 is not a solution.
Case (iii)
-(2x - 3) + (x + 1) = 9
- 2x + 3 + x + 1 = 9
-x + 4 = 9
-x + 4 - 4 = 9 - 4
-x = 5
-x
5
=
-1
-1
x = -5
LHS = 2 # 3
Check by substituting x = - 5 into 2x - 3 + x + 1 = 9.

LHS = 2 # - 5 - 3 + - 5 + 1
= - 13 + - 4
= 13 + 4
= 17
! RHS
So x = - 5 is not a solution.
Case (iv)
- (2x - 3) - (x + 1) = 9
- 2x + 3 - x - 1 = 9
- 3x + 2 = 9
- 3x + 2 - 2 = 9 - 2
- 3x = 7
Chapter 3 Equations
113
- 3x
7
=
-3
-3
1
3
1
Check by substituting x = - 2 into 2x - 3 + x + 1 = 9.
3
1
1
LHS = 2 # - 2 - 3 + - 2 + 1
3
3
2
1
= -7 + -1
3
3
2
1
= 7 +1
3
3
=9
= RHS
1
So x = - 2 is a solution.
3
2
1
So solutions are x = 3 , - 2 .
3
3
x = -2
While you should always check solutions, you can see that there are some
cases where this is really important.
You will learn how to

solve equations involving
absolute values graphically
in Chapter 5. With
graphical solutions it is
easy to see how many
solutions there are.
3.5 Exercises
1.
Solve
3.
Solve
(a) x + 2 = 5x - 3
(b) 2a - 1 = a + 2
(c) b - 3 = 2b - 4
(d) 3k - 2 = k - 4
(e) 6y + 23 = y - 7
(f) 4x + 3 = 5x - 4
(g) 2m - 5 = m
(h) 3d + 1 = d + 6
(i) 5 - y = 4y + 1
(j) 2t - 7 = 3 - t
4.
Solve
(a) x = 5
(b) y = 8
(c) a 1 4
(d) k $ 1
(e) x 2 6
(f) p # 10
(g) x = 0
(h) a 2 14
(i) y 1 12
(j) b $ 20
2.
Solve
(a) x + 3 = 3x - 1
(a) x + 2 = 7
(b) 2y - 5 = y - 2
(c) 3a + 1 = 2a - 9
(b) n - 1 = 3
(d) 2x + 5 + x = 17
(c) 2a 2 4
(e) 3d - 2 + d + 4 = 18
(d) x - 5 # 1
(e) 9 = 2x + 3
(f) 7x - 1 = 34
(g) 4y + 3 1 11
(h) 2x - 3 $ 15
x
(i)
=4
3
a
(j)
-3 #2
2
5.
(a) Solve 4t - 3 + t - 1 = 11.

(b) By plotting the solutions on
a number line and looking at
values in between the solutions,
solve 4t - 3 + t - 1 1 11.
Remember to check solutions

in questions 3, 4 and 5.
114
Exponential Equations
An exponential equation involves an unknown index or power e.g. 2 x = 8.
We can also solve other equations involving indices. In order to solve
these, you need to understand their relationship. For example, squares and
square roots are the reverse of each other (we call them inverse operations).
Similarly cubes and cube roots are inverses, and this extends to all indices.
To solve equations, use inverse operations:
For squares, take the square root
For cubes, take the cube root
For square roots, take the square
For cube roots, take the cube
You have previously used these rules when substituting into formulae
involving squares and cubes.
EXAMPLES
Solve
1. x 2 = 9
There are two possible
solutions for x one
positive and one
negative since 3 2 = 9
and (- 3) 2 = 9.
Solution
x2 = 9
x2 = ! 9
` x= !3
2. 5n 3 = 40
Solution
There is only one

answer for this
question since 2 3 = 8
but (- 2) 3 = -8.
5n 3 = 40
5n 3
40
=
5
5
3
n =8
3
n3 = 3 8
n=2
Chapter 3 Equations
3. a 3 = 4
Solution
2
3
3
2
3
2
2
3
We use the fact that ` a j = ` a j = a.

2
a3 = 4
2
3
3
2
`a j = 4 2
3
a= 42
3
a = ^ 4h
= 23
=8
Investigation
Investigate equations of the type x n = k where k is a constant, for
example, x n = 9.
Look at these questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What is the solution when n = 0?

What is the solution when n = 1?
How many solutions are there when n = 2?
How many solutions are there when n = 3?
How many solutions are there when n is even?
How many solutions are there when n is odd?
In other types of equations, the pronumeral (or unknown variable) is in

the index. We call these exponential equations, and we use the fact that
if the base numbers are equal, then the powers (or indices or exponents)
must be equal.
EXAMPLES
Solve
1. 3 x = 81
Solution
3 x = 81
Equating indices:
3x = 34
`x=4
CONTINUED
115
116
2. 5 2k - 1 = 25
Solution
5 2k - 1 = 25
5 2k - 1 = 5 2
` 2k - 1 = 2
2k - 1 + 1 = 2 + 1
2k = 3
3
2k
=
2
2
1
k=1
2
We can check this solution

1
by substituting k = 1
into
2
2k -1
the equation 5
= 25.
3. 8 n = 4
Solution
It is hard to write 8 as a power of 4 or 4 as a power of 8, but both can be
written as powers of 2.
8n = 4
(2 ) = 2 2
2 3n = 2 2
` 3n = 2
3n
2
=
3
3
2
n=
3
3 n
3.6 Exercises
1.
Solve
(a) x 3 = 27
(b) y 2 = 64
(c) n 4 = 16
(d) x 2 = 20 (give the exact answer)
(e) p 3 = 1000
(f) 2x 2 = 50
(g) 6y 4 = 486
(h) w 3 + 7 = 15
(i) 6n 2 - 4 = 92
(j) 3q 3 + 20 = - 4
2.
Solve and give the answer correct

to 2 decimal places.
(a) p 2 = 45
(b) x 3 = 100
(c) n 5 = 240
(d) 2x 2 = 70
(e) 4y 3 + 7 = 34
d4
(f)
= 14
3
k2
(g)
-3=7
2
x3 - 1
(h)
=2
5
(i) 2y 2 - 9 = 20
(j) 7y 3 + 9 = 200
Chapter 3 Equations
3.
Solve
6.
Solve
(a) 2 n = 16
(b) 3 y = 243
(c) 2 m = 512
(d) 10 x = 100 000
(e) 6 m = 1
(f) 4 x = 64
(g) 4 x + 3 = 19
(h) 5 (3 x ) = 45
(i) 4 x = 4
6k
(j)
= 18
2
7.
Solve
(a) 3 2x = 81
(b) 2 5x - 1 = 16
(c) 4 x + 3 = 4
(d) 3 n - 2 = 1
(e) 7 2x + 1 = 7
(f) 3 x - 3 = 27
(g) 5 3y + 2 = 125
(h) 7 3x - 4 = 49
(i) 2 4x = 256
(j) 9 3a + 1 = 9
8.
Solve
(a) 4 m = 2
(b) 27 x = 3
(c) 125 x = 5
2
3
(a) n = 9
3
(b) t 4 = 8
2
(c) x 5 = 4
4
(d) t 3 = 16
3
(e) p 5 = 27
3
(f) 2m 4 = 250
2
(g) b 3 + 3 = 39
4
(h) 5y 3 = 405
2
(i) 3a 7 - 2 = 10
3
4
(j)
4.
5.
t
=9
3
Solve (all pronumerals ! 0)

(a) x - 1 = 5
(b) a - 3 = 8
(c) y - 5 = 32
(d) x - 2 + 1 = 50
(e) 2n - 1 = 3
1
(f) a - 3 =
8
1
-2
(g) x =
4
1
(h) b - 1 =
9
1
(i) x - 2 = 2
4
16
(j) b - 4 =
81
1 k
m =7
49
1 k
m = 100
(e) c
1000
(f) 16 n = 8
(g) 25 x = 125
(h) 64 n = 16
(d) c
Solve (all pronumerals ! 0)

(a) x
1
3
3
2
1
4
3
4
(b) x
(c) a
(d) k
(e) 3x
3
2
=8
=
8
125
=3
= 125
2
3
= 12
1
8
2
1
3
(g) y =
4
2
4
(h) n 5 =
9
(f) x
(i) b
(j) m
5
3
2
3
1 3k
(i) c m = 2
4
(j) 8 x - 1 = 4
=
=
1
32
36
49
9.
Solve
(a) 2 4x + 1 = 8 x
(b) 3 5x = 9 x - 2
(c) 7 2k + 3 = 7 k - 1
(d) 4 3n = 8 n + 3
(e) 6 x - 5 = 216 x
(f) 16 2x - 1 = 4 x - 4
(g) 27 x + 3 = 3 x
1 x
1 2x + 3
m
(h) c m = c
2
64
117
118
3 x
27 2x - 3
m
(i) c m = c
4
64
1 x-9
m
(j) ] 5 g- x = c
25
10. Solve
(a) 4 m =
9 k+3
m
(b) c
=
25
1
(c)
= 4 2x - 5
2
3
5
(d) 3 k = 3 3
(e) c
3
1 3n + 1
m
=
27
81
5 -n
2 3n + 1
(f) c m
=c m
5
2
1
(g) 32 - x =
16
(h) 9 2b + 5 = 3 b 3
(i) 81 x + 1 =
3x
1 3m - 5
(j) 25 - m = c m
5
PUZZLE
Test your logical thinking and that of your friends.
1. How many months have 28 days?
2. If I have 128 sheep and take away all but 10, how many
do I have left?
3. A bottle and its cork cost $1.10 to make. If the bottle costs $1 more
than the cork, how much does each cost?
4. What do you get if you add 1 to 15 four times?
5. On what day of the week does Good Friday fall in 2016?
Quadratic Equations
A quadratic equation is an equation involving a square. For example, x 2 - 4 = 0.
Solving by factorisation
When solving quadratic equations by factorising, we use a property of zero.
For any real numbers a and b, if ab = 0 then a = 0 or b = 0
EXAMPLES
Solve
1. x 2 + x - 6 = 0
Solution
x2 + x - 6 = 0
(x + 3) (x - 2) = 0
Chapter 3 Equations
x+3=0
or
x-2=0
x+3-3=0-3
x-2+2 =0 +2
x = -3
or
x= 2
So the solution is x = - 3 or 2.
2. y 2 - 7y = 0
Solution
y 2 - 7y = 0
y ( y - 7) = 0
`
y=0
or
y-7=0
y-7+7=0+7
y=7
So the solution is y = 0 or 7.
3. 3a 2 - 14a = - 8
Solution
3a 2 - 14a = - 8
3a 2 - 14a + 8 = - 8 + 8
3a 2 - 14a + 8 = 0
(3a - 2) (a - 4) = 0
`
3a - 2 = 0
or
3a - 2 + 2 = 0
or
3a = 2
3a
2
=
3
3
2
a=
3
2
So the solution is a = or 4.
3
a-4 =0
a-4+4 =0+4
a=4
3.7 Exercises
Solve
1.
y2 + y = 0
4.
t 2 - 5t = 0
2.
b2 - b - 2 = 0
5.
x 2 + 9x + 14 = 0
3.
p 2 + 2p - 15 = 0
6.
q2 - 9 = 0
119
120
7.
x2 - 1 = 0
17. 5x - x 2 = 0
8.
a 2 + 3a = 0
18. y 2 = y + 2
9.
2x 2 + 8x = 0
19. 8n = n 2 + 15
10. 4x 2 - 1 = 0
20. 12 = 7x - x 2
11. 3x 2 + 7x + 4 = 0
21. m 2 = 6 - 5m
12. 2y 2 + y - 3 = 0
22. x (x + 1) (x + 2) = 0
13. 8b 2 - 10b + 3 = 0
23. (y - 1) (y + 5) (y + 2) = 0
14. x 2 - 3x = 10
24. (x + 3) (x - 1) = 32
15. 3x 2 = 2x
25. (m - 3) (m - 4) = 20
16. 2x 2 = 7x - 5
Application
1 2
at where u is the
2
initial velocity and a is the acceleration. Find the time when the displacement will
be zero, given u = - 12 and a = 10.
A formula for displacement s at time t is given by s = ut +
2
s = ut + 1 at
2
2
0 = -12t + 1 (10) t
2
= -12t + 5t
= t (-12 + 5t )
` t = 0 or
-12 + 5t = 0
-12 + 12 + 5t = 0 + 12
5t = 12
5t
12
=
5
5
t = 2.4
So displacement will be zero when t = 0 or 2.4.
Solving by completing the square

Not all trinomials will factorise, so other methods need to be used to solve
quadratic equations.
Chapter 3 Equations
121
EXAMPLES
Solve
1. x 2 = 7
Solution
x2 = 7
x=! 7
= ! 2.6
2. ] x + 3 g2 = 11
Solution
] x + 3 g2 = 11
Take the square root of

both sides.
x + 3 = ! 11
x + 3 - 3 = ! 11 - 3
x = ! 11 - 3
= 0.3, - 6.3
3. ^ y - 2 h2 = 7
Solution
^ y - 2 h2 = 7
y-2=! 7
y-2+2=! 7+2
y=! 7+2
= 4.6, - 0.6
To solve a quadratic equation like x 2 - 6x + 3 = 0, which will not factorise, we

can use the method of completing the square.
You learnt how to

complete the square in
Chapter 2.
EXAMPLES
Solve by completing the square
1. x 2 - 6x + 3 = 0 (give exact answer)
Solution
x 2 - 6x + 3 = 0
x 2 - 6x = - 3
Halve 6, square it and

add to both sides of the
equation.
c 6 m = 32 = 9
2
CONTINUED
122
x 2 - 6x + 9 = - 3 + 9
] x - 3 g2 = 6
`
x-3=! 6
x-3+3=! 6+3
x=! 6+3
2. y 2 + 2y - 7 = 0 (correct to 3 significant figures)
Solution
y 2 + 2y - 7 = 0
y 2 + 2y = 7
c 2 m = 12 = 1
2
y 2 + 2y + 1 = 7 + 1
^ y + 1 h2 = 8
`
y+1=! 8
y + 1 - 1 = ! 8 -1
y = ! 8 -1
= !2 2 - 1
y = 1.83 or - 3.83
3.8 Exercises
1.
Solve by completing the square,

giving exact answers in simplest
surd form
(a) x 2 + 4x - 1 = 0
(b) a 2 - 6a + 2 = 0
(c) y 2 - 8y - 7 = 0
(d) x 2 + 2x - 12 = 0
(e) p 2 + 14p + 5 = 0
(f) x 2 - 10x - 3 = 0
(g) y 2 + 20y + 12 = 0
(h) x 2 - 2x - 1 = 0
(i) n 2 + 24n + 7 = 0
(j) y 2 - 3y + 1 = 0
2.
Solve by completing the square

and write your answers correct to
3 significant figures
(a) x 2 - 2x - 5 = 0
(b) x 2 + 12x + 34 = 0
(c) q 2 + 18q - 1 = 0
(d) x 2 - 4x - 2 = 0
(e) b 2 + 16b + 50 = 0
(f) x 2 - 24x + 112 = 0
(g) r 2 - 22r - 7 = 0
(h) x 2 + 8x + 5 = 0
(i) a 2 + 6a - 1 = 0
(j) y 2 - 40y - 3 = 0
Solving by formula
Completing the square is difficult with harder quadratic equations, for
example 2x 2 - x - 5 = 0. Completing the square on a general quadratic
equation gives the following formula.
Chapter 3 Equations
For the equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0

x=
-b !
b 2 - 4ac
2a
Proof
Solve ax 2 + b + c = 0 by completing the square.
ax 2 + bx + c = 0
ax 2 bx c
0
a + a +a=a
bx c
x2 + a + a = 0
c
c
bx c
x2 + a + a - a = 0 - a
bx
c
x2 + a = - a
2
2
2
b b ' 2l = c b m = b 2
a
2a
4a
bx
c
b2
b2
x2 + a + 2 = - a + 2
4a
4a
c
b2
b 2
cx +
m = -a + 2
2a
4a
- 4ac + b 2
=
4a 2
- 4ac + b 2
b
x+
=!
2a
4a 2
2
b - 4ac
=!
2a
b 2 - 4ac
b
b
b
x+
=!
2a
2a 2a
2a
b 2 - 4ac
-b
x=
!
2a
2a
2
- b ! b - 4ac
=
2a
EXAMPLES
1. Solve x 2 - x - 2 = 0 by using the quadratic formula.
Solution
a = 1, b = -1, c = - 2
b 2 - 4ac
2a
- (-1) ! (-1) 2 - 4 (1) (-2)
=
2 (1 )
1! 1+8
=
2
x=
-b !
CONTINUED
123
124
1! 9
2
1!3
=
2
= 2 or - 1
1! 3
gives two
2
1+ 3
separate solutions,
2
1- 3
and
.
2
x =
2. Solve 2y 2 - 9y + 3 = 0 by formula and give your answer correct to

2 decimal places.
Solution
a = 2, b = -9, c = 3
-b ! b 2 - 4ac
2a
- ] -9 g ! ] -9 g2 - 4 ] 2 g ] 3 g
y=
2] 2 g
9 ! 81 - 24
=
4
9 ! 57
=
4
Z 4.14 or 0.36
x=
These solutions are

irrational.
3.9
1.
Exercises
Solve by formula, correct to 3

significant figures where necessary
(a) y 2 + 6y + 2 = 0
(b) 2x 2 - 5x + 3 = 0
(c) b 2 - b - 9 = 0
(d) 2x 2 - x - 1 = 0
(e) - 8x 2 + x + 3 = 0
(f) n 2 + 8n - 2 = 0
(g) m 2 + 7m + 10 = 0
(h) x 2 - 7x = 0
(i) x 2 + 5x = 6
(j) y 2 = 3y - 1
2.
Solve by formula, leaving the

answer in simplest surd form
(a) x 2 + x - 4 = 0
(b) 3x 2 - 5x + 1 = 0
(c) q 2 - 4q - 3 = 0
(d) 4h 2 + 12h + 1 = 0
(e) 3s 2 - 8s + 2 = 0
(f) x 2 + 11x - 3 = 0
(g) 6d 2 + 5d - 2 = 0
(h) x 2 - 2x = 7
(i) t 2 = t + 1
(j) 2x 2 + 1 = 7x
Class Investigation
Here is a proof that 1 = 2. Can you see the fault in the proof?
x2 - x2 = x2 - x2
x(x - x) = (x + x) (x - x)
x=x+x
x = 2x
1=2
`
Chapter 3 Equations
125
Further Inequations
Inequations involving pronumerals in the denominator can be
solved in several ways. Here is one method. You will use a different
method in Chapter 10.
EXAMPLES
1
1. Solve x 1 3.
Solution
1
is undefined.
0
x!0
1
Solve x = 3.
1
x #x=3#x
1 = 3x
3x
1
=
3
3
1
=x
3
1
1
is not a solution of the inequation x 1 3.
3
1
Place x = 0 and x = on a number plane and test x values on either side
3
of these values in the inequation.
x=
-3
-2
-1
0 1
3
Test for x 1 0, say x = -1

Substitute into the inequation:
1
x 13
1
13
-1
-1 1 3
So x 1 0 is part of the solution.
1
1
Test for 0 1 x 1 , say x =
3
10
1
13
1
10
10 1 3
1
So 0 1 x 1 is not part of the solution.
3
1
Test for x 2 , say x = 1
3
(true)
(false)
CONTINUED
Circle these values as they

are not included in the
solution.
126
1
13
1
113
(true)
1
is part of the solution.
3
1
Solution is x 1 0, x 2 .
3
So x 2
-2
-3
2. Solve
-1
0 1
3
6
$ 1.
x+3
Solution
6
is undefined.
0
x ! -3
Solve
6
= 1.
x+3
6
# (x + 3) = 1 # (x + 3)
x+3
6 =x+3
6-3 =x+ 3-3
3=x
Circle x = - 3 and fill in

x = 3 since it is a part of
the solution.
6
$ 1.
x+3
Place x = - 3 and x = 3 on a number plane and test values on either side
in the inequation.
x = 3 is a solution of the inequation
-3
-2
-1
Test for x 1 - 3, say x = - 4

6
$1
x+3
6
$1
-4 + 3
-6 $ 3
(false)
So x 1 - 3 is not part of the solution.

Test for - 3 1 x # 3, say x = 0
6
$1
0+3
2$1
(true)
So - 3 1 x # 3 is part of the solution.

Test for x $ 3, say x = 4
6
$1
4+3
6
$1
7
So x $ 3 is not part of the solution.
(false)
Chapter 3 Equations
Solution is - 3 1 x # 3
-2
-3
3. Solve
-1
y2 - 6
# 1.
y
Solution
y!0
y2 - 6
= 1.
y
2
y -6
y #y=1#y
y2 - 6 = y
y2 - y - 6 = y - y
y2 - y - 6 = 0
^y - 3h^y + 2h = 0
y - 3 = 0,
y+2 =0
y - 3 + 3 = 0 + 3, y + 2 - 2 = 0 - 2
y = 3,
y = -2
Solve
Sketch these on a number line and test values on either side.

-3
-2
-1
Test for y # - 2, say y = - 3

y2 - 6
#1
y
2
]-3 g - 6
#1
-3
-1 # 1
(true)
So y # - 2 is part of the solution.

Test for - 2 # y 1 0, say y = -1
] -1 g2 - 6
#1
-1
5#1
(false)
So - 2 # y 1 0 is not part of the solution.

Test 0 1 y # 3, say y = 1
12 - 6
#1
1
-5 # 1
So 0 1 y # 3 is part of the solution.
(true)
Test y $ 3, say y = 4
CONTINUED
127
128
42 - 6
#1
4
1
2 #1
2
So y $ 3 is not part of the solution.
The solution is y # - 2, 0 1 y # 3
-3
3.10
-2
-1
(false)
Exercises
Solve
1.
1
y 11
16.
3x + 1 1
$
x-4
3
2.
1
x 22
17.
8p + 7
25
2p - 9
3.
3
x 12
18.
3
x-2
#
5x + 1 4
4.
2
m $7
19.
7t + 4
$ -1
3t - 8
5.
3
x 2 -5
20.
5m + 4
1
1
4
2m
6.
2
# -1
b
21.
x2 - 5
1 -4
x
7.
1
24
x -1
22.
n2 + 8
$6
n
8.
1
1 -5
z+3
23.
x 2 - 15
22
x
9.
3
$4
x-2
24.
m2 - 8
#4
m +1
10.
-1
16
2-x
25.
4
$x
x-3
11.
5
# -9
x+4
26.
2x 2
# -1
3x - 2
12.
2
25
3x - 4
27.
3
#x
x-2
13.
-3
12
2a + 5
28.
n+5
2n
n-3
14.
x
25
2x - 1
29.
3x 2
1 -2
7x + 4
15.
y
12
y +1
30.
2 x ( x - 4)
#7
x -1
Chapter 3 Equations
129
Quadratic Inequations
Solving quadratic inequations is similar to solving quadratic equations, but
you need to do this in two stages. The rst is to solve the equation and then
the second step is to look at either the number line or the number plane for
the inequality.
To solve a quadratic inequation:

1. Factorise and solve the quadratic equation
2. Test values in the inequality
In Chapter 10 you will look at how to use the number plane to solve
these quadratic inequations. Here are some examples of solving quadratic
inequations using the number line.
EXAMPLES
Solve
1. x 2 + x - 6 2 0
Solution
Be careful: x 2 + x - 6 2 0
does not mean x - 2 2 0
and x + 3 2 0.
First solve x + x - 6 = 0
(x - 2 ) (x + 3 ) = 0
`
x = 2 or -3
2
Now look at the number line.

-4
-3
-2
-1
Choose a number between - 3 and 2, say x = 0.

Substitute x = 0 into the inequation.
x2 + x - 6 2 0
02 + 0 - 6 2 0
-6 2 0
(false)
So the solution is not between -3 and 2.

` the solution lies either side of -3 and 2.
Check by choosing a number on either side of the two numbers.
Choose a number on the RHS of 2, say x = 3.
CONTINUED
130

32 + 3 - 6 2 0
620
So the solution is on the RHS of 2.
Choose a number on the LHS of -3, say x = -4
Substitute x = -4 into the inequation
(true)
(- 4) 2 + ( - 4) - 6 2 0
620
So the solution is on the LHS of -3.
-4
-3
-2
-1
(true)
This gives the solution x 1 -3, x 2 2.

2. 9 - x 2 $ 0
Solution
First solve 9 - x 2 = 0
(3 - x) (3 + x) = 0
`
x = !3
-4
-3
-2
-1
Choose a number between -3 and 3, say x = 0.

Check numbers on the
RHS and LHS to verify this.
9 - x2 $ 0
9 - 02 $ 0
9$0
(true)
So the solution is between -3 and 3, that is -3 # x # 3.

On the number line:
-4
-3
-2
-1
Earlier in the chapter you learned how to solve inequations with the
unknown in the denominator. Some people like to solve these using quadratic
inequations. Here are some examples of how to do this.
Chapter 3 Equations
131
EXAMPLES
Solve
1
1. x 1 3
Solution
x 2 is positive, so the inequality
sign does not change.
x!0
First, multiply both sides by x 2 .
1
x 13
x 1 3x 2
0 1 3x 2 - x
Now, solve
3x 2 - x = 0
x(3x - 1) = 0
x = 0 or
-2
1
3
-1
0 1
3
By checking on each side of 0 and 1 , for 0 1 3x 2 - x, the solution is

3
x 1 0, x 2 1 .
3
2.
3
$2
x+5
Solution
2
(x + 5) is positive, so the
inequality sign does not
change.
x ! -5
First, multiply both sides by (x + 5)2 .
3
$2
x+5
3 ( x + 5 ) $ 2 ( x + 5) 2
0 $ 2 ( x + 5 ) 2 - 3 ( x + 5)
0 $ ( x + 5 ) [ 2 ( x + 5) - 3 ]
0 $ ( x + 5 ) ( 2 x + 7)
Now, solve (x + 5) (2x + 7) = 0
`
x + 5 = 0 or 2x + 7 = 0
x = -5
-6
-5
Check this factorisation

carefully.
x cannot be -5 as this would

give 0 in the denominator.
x = -3 1
2
-4 -3 1 -3
2
-2
1
Check by choosing a number on each side of -5 and -3 for
2
1
0 $ (x + 5) (2x + 7) that the solution is -5 1 x # -3 .
2
132
3.11
Exercises
Solve
1.
x 2 + 3x 1 0
21. x 2 1 2x
2.
y 2 - 4y 1 0
22. 2a 2 - 5a + 3 # 0
3.
n2 - n $ 0
23. 5y 2 + 6y $ 8
4.
x2 - 4 $ 0
24. 6m 2 2 15 - m
5.
1 - n2 1 0
25. 3x 2 # 7x - 4
6.
n 2 + 2n - 15 # 0
1
26. x 2 2
7.
c2 - c - 2 2 0
8.
x + 6x + 8 # 0
9.
x 2 - 9x + 20 1 0
3
27. x # 6
28.
1
15
y+1
29.
1
$2
n-3
30.
3
$ -1
x+5
31.
1
17
5x - 2
32.
4
$ -5
x-5
33.
x
#5
x+1
34.
2x + 1
21
x-2
35.
2x - 3
$6
5x + 3
10. 4b 2 + 10b + 4 $ 0
11. 1 - 2a - 3a 1 0
2
12. 2y 2 - y - 6 2 0
13. 3x 2 - 5x + 2 $ 0
14. 6 - 13b - 5b 1 0
2
15. 6x 2 + 11x + 3 # 0
16. y 2 + y # 12
17. x 2 2 16
18. a 2 # 1
19. x 2 1 x + 6
20. x $ 2x + 3
2
Simultaneous Equations
Two equations, each with two unknown pronumerals, can be solved together
to nd one solution that satises both equations.
There are different ways of solving simultaneous equations. The
elimination method adds or subtracts the equations. The substitution
method substitutes one equation into the other.
Chapter 3 Equations
Linear equations
These equations can be solved by either method. Many students prefer the
elimination method.
EXAMPLES
Solve simultaneously
1. 3a + 2b = 5 and 2a - b = -6
Solution
] 2 g # 2:
] 1 g + (3):
3a + 2b = 5
2a - b = -6
(1)
(2)
4a - 2b = -12
3a + 2b = 5
7a = - 7
a = -1
(3)
(1)
Substitute a = -1 in (1)
3 (-1) + 2b = 5
-3 + 2b = 5
2b = 8
b=4
` solution is a = -1, b = 4
2. 5x - 3y = 19 and 2x - 4y = 16
Solution
(1) # 4:
( 2 ) # 3:
(3) - (4):
5x - 3y = 19
2x - 4y = 16
20x - 12y = 76
6x - 12y = 48
14x = 28
x=2
Substitute x = 2 in (2)
2 ( 2) - 4 y
4 - 4y
- 4y
y
= 16
= 16
= 12
= -3
( 1)
( 2)
(3)
(4 )
133
134
3.12
Exercises
1.
a - b = -2 and a + b = 4
12. 3a - 4b = -16 and 2a + 3b = 12
2.
5x + 2y = 12 and 3x - 2y = 4
3.
4p - 3q = 11 and 5p + 3q = 7
13. 5p + 2q + 18 = 0 and
2p - 3q + 11 = 0
4.
y = 3x - 1 and y = 2x + 5
5.
2x + 3y = -14 and x + 3y = -4
6.
7t + v = 22 and 4t + v = 13
16. 5s - 3t - 13 = 0 and
3s - 7t - 13 = 0
7.
4x + 5y + 2 = 0 and
4x + y + 10 = 0
17. 3a - 2b = - 6 and a - 3b = - 2
8.
2x - 4y = 28 and 2x - 3y = -11
18. 3k - 2h = -14 and

2k - 5h = -13
9.
5x - y = 19 and 2x + 5y = -14
10. 5m + 4n = 22 and m - 5n = -13

11. 4w 1 + 3w 2 = 11 and 3w 1 + w 2 = 2
14. 7x 1 + 3x 2 = 4 and 3x 1 + 5x 2 = - 2
15. 9x - 2y = -1 and 7x - 4y = 9
19. 2v 1 + 5v 2 - 16 = 0 and
7v 1 + 2v 2 + 6 = 0
20. 1.5x + 3.4y = 7.8 and
2 . 1 x - 1 . 7y = 1 . 8
PROBLEM
A group of 39 people went to see a play. There were both adults and
children in the group. The total cost of the tickets was $939, with
children paying $17 each and adults paying $29 each. How many in
the group were adults and how many were children? (Hint: let x be the
number of adults and y the number of children.)
Non-linear equations
In questions involving non-linear equations there may be more than one set
of solutions. In some of these, the elimination method cannot be used. Here
are some examples using the substitution method.
Chapter 3 Equations
EXAMPLES
1. xy = 6 and x + y = 5
Solution
xy = 6
x+y=5
From (2):
y=5-x
Substitute (3) in (1)
x (5 - x) = 6
( 1)
(2 )
(3 )
5x - x 2 = 6
0 = x 2 - 5x + 6
0 = (x - 2 ) (x - 3 )
`
x - 2 = 0 or x - 3 = 0
x = 2 or x = 3
y=5-2=3
y=5-3=2
` solutions are x = 2, y = 3 and x = 3, y = 2
2. x 2 + y 2 = 16 and 3x - 4y - 20 = 0
Solution
x 2 + y 2 = 16
3x - 4y - 20 = 0
From ] 2 g: 3x - 20 = 4y
3x - 20
=y
4
Substitute (3) into (1)
3x - 20 2
m = 16
x2 + c
4
9x 2 - 120x + 400 n
= 16
x2 + d
16
16x 2 + 9x 2 - 120x + 400 = 256
25x 2 - 120x + 144 = 0
(5x - 12)2 = 0
`
5x - 12 = 0
5x = 12
x = 2.4
Substitute x = 2.4 into ] 3 g
3 (2.4) - 20
4
= -3.2
So the solution is x = 2.4, y = -3.2.
y=
(1)
( 2)
(3)
135
136
3.13
Exercises
Solve the simultaneous equations.

1.
y = x 2 and y = x
11. y = x - 1 and y = x 2 - 3
2.
y = x 2 and 2x + y = 0
12. y = x 2 + 1 and y = 1 - x 2
3.
x 2 + y 2 = 9 and x + y = 3
13. y = x 2 - 3x + 7 and y = 2x + 3
4.
x - y = 7 and xy = -12
14. xy = 1 and 4x - y + 3 = 0
5.
y = x 2 + 4x and 2x - y - 1 = 0
15. h = t 2 and h = ] t + 1 g2
6.
y = x 2 and 6x - y - 9 = 0
16. x + y = 2 and 2x 2 + xy - y 2 = 8
7.
x = t 2 and x + t - 2 = 0
17. y = x 3 and y = x 2 + 6x
8.
m 2 + n 2 = 16 and m + n + 4 = 0
18. y = | x | and y = x 2
9.
xy = 2 and y = 2x
19. y = x 2 - 7x + 6 and
24x + 4y - 23 = 0
10. y = x 3 and y = x 2
20. x 2 + y 2 = 1 and 5x + 12y + 13 = 0
Equations with 3 unknown variables

Four unknowns need 4
equations, and so on.
Three equations can be solved simultaneously to nd 3 unknown

pronumerals.
EXAMPLE
Solve simultaneously a - b + c = 7, a + 2b - c = -4 and 3a - b - c = 3.
Solution
a-b +c=7
a + 2b - c = - 4
3a - b - c = 3
(1) + (2):
a-b+c=7
a + 2b - c = - 4
2a + b
=3
(1) + (3):
a- b+c=7
3a - b - c = 3
4a - 2b
= 10
or
2a - b
=5
(4) + (5): 2a + b
=3
4a
=8
a=2
(1 )
(2)
(3)
( 4)
(5)
Chapter 3 Equations
Substitute a = 2 in (4)
2 ( 2) + b = 3
4+b=3
b = -1
Substitute a = 2 and b = -1 in (1)
2 - (-1) + c = 7
2 +1 + c = 7
3+c=7
c=4
` solution is a = 2, b = -1, c = 4
3.14
You will solve

3 simultaneous
equations in later
topics (for example,
in Chapter 10).
Exercises
Solve the simultaneous equations.

1.
x = - 2, 2x - y = 4 and
x - y + 6z = 0
2.
a = - 2, 2a - 3b = -1 and
a - b + 5c = 9
3.
2a + b + c = 1, a + b = - 2
and c = 7
4.
a + b + c = 0, a - b + c = - 4 and
2a - 3b - c = -1
5.
x + y - z = 7, x + y + 2z = 1 and
3x + y - 2z = 19
6.
x - y - z = 1, 2x + y - z = -9
and 2x - 3y - 2z = 7
137
7.
2p + 5q - r = 25,
2p - 2q - r = -24 and
3p - q + 5r = 4
8.
2x - y + 3z = 9,
3x + y - 2z = -2 and
3x - y + 5z = 14
9.
3h + j - k = -3,
h + 2j + k = -3 and
5h - 3j - 2k = -13
10. 2a - 7b + 3c = 7,
a + 3b + 2c = -4 and
4a + 5b - c = 9
138
Test Yourself 3
1.
Solve
(a) 8 = 3b - 22
a a+2
(b) =9
4
3
(c) 4 (3x + 1) = 11x - 3
-4
(d)
#3
x+3
(e) 3p + 1 # p + 9
2.
3.
The compound interest formula is

r n
m . Find correct to 2
A = P c1 +
100
decimal places.
(a) A when P = 1000, r = 6 and n = 4
(b) P when A = 12 450, r = 5.5 and n = 7
Complete the square on
(a) x 2 - 8x
(b) k 2 + 4k
9.
Solve -2 1 3y + 1 # 10, and plot your

solution on a number line.
10. Solve correct to 3 significant figures

(a) x 2 + 7x + 2 = 0
(b) y 2 - 2y - 9 = 0
(c) 3n 2 + 2n - 4 = 0
11. The surface area of a sphere is given by
A = 4rr 2 . Evaluate to 1 decimal place
(a) A when r = 7.8
(b) r when A = 102.9
12. Solve
x-3 3
- 2 9.
7
4
13. Solve x 2 - 11x + 18 2 0.

14. Solve the simultaneous equations
x 2 + y 2 = 16 and 3x + 4y - 20 = 0.
4 3
rr .
3
Evaluate to 2 significant figures
(a) V when r = 8
(b) r when V = 250
15. The volume of a sphere is V =
4.
Solve these simultaneous equations.

(a) x - y + 7 = 0 and 3x - 4y + 26 = 0
(b) xy = 4 and 2x - y - 7 = 0
5.
Solve
(a) 3 x + 2 = 81
(b) 16 y = 2
6.
Solve
(a) 3b - 1 = 5
(a) x 2 - 6x + 9 = 0
(b) 5g - 3 = 3g + 1
(c) x - 2 = 7 - x
(c) 2x - 7 $ 1
(d) x 2 - x + 4 = 0
7.
8.
The area of a trapezium is given by

A = 1 h (a + b). Find
2
(a) A when h = 6, a = 5 and b = 7
(b) b when A = 40, h = 5 and a = 4.
Solve 2x 2 - 3x + 1 = 0 by
(a) factorisation
(b) quadratic formula.
16. Which of the following equations has

(i) 2 solutions (ii) 1 solution
(iii) no solutions?
(b) 2x - 3 = 7
(e) 2x + 1 = x - 2
17. Solve simultaneously
a + b = 5, 2 a + b + c = 4, a - b - c = 5.
18. Solve 3n + 5 2 5, and plot the solution
on a number line.
19. Solve
3
4
=x
x+1
^ x ! 0, -1 h .
Chapter 3 Equations
20. Solve 9 2x + 1 = 27 x .
(k) 27 2x - 1 = 9
(l) 4b - 3 # 5
(m) 3x + 2 = 2x - 3
(n) 4t - 5 = t + 2
(o) x 2 1 2x + 3
(p) m 2 + m $ 6
2t - 3
(q)
15
t
y+1
(r)
22
y-1
n
(s)
$3
2n - 4
3x - 2
(t)
# -1
2x + 1
21. Solve
(a) 2 ^ 3y - 5 h 2 y + 5
(b) n 2 + 3n # 0
(c) 3 2x - 1 = 27
(d) 5x 3 - 1 = 39
(e) 5x - 4 = 11
(f) 2t + 1 $ 3
(g) x 2 + 2x - 8 # 0
(h) 8 x + 1 = 4 x
(i) y 2 - 4 2 0
(j) 1 - x 2 # 0
Challenge Exercise 3
1
.
a2
1.
Find the value of y if a 3y - 5 =
2.
Solve x 2 a .
3.
The solutions of x 2 - 6x - 3 = 0 are in

the form a + b 3 . Find the values of
a and b.
4.
2
1
= 1 correct to 3
x -1 x +1
signicant gures. (x ! ! 1)
y2 - 6
Solve
# 1.
y
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Solve
11. Solve ] x - 4 g ] x - 1 g # 28.

3
12. Solve x 2 =
1
.
8
13. The volume of a sphere is given by

4
V = rr 3 . Find the value of r when
3
V = 51.8 (correct to three signicant
gures).
14. Solve x - 3 + x + 4 = x - 2 .
15. Find the solutions of x 2 - 2ax - b = 0 by
completing the square.
Factorise x 5 - 9x 3 - 8x 2 + 72. Hence

solve x 5 - 9x 3 - 8x 2 + 72 = 0.
16. Solve
Solve simultaneous equations y = x 3 + x 2

and y = x + 1.
17. Given A = P c 1 +
Find the value of b if x 2 - 8x + b 2

is a perfect square. Hence solve
x 2 - 8x - 1 = 0 by completing the
square.
18. Solve 3x 2 = 8 (2x - 1) and write the

solution in the simplest surd form.
Considering the denition of absolute

x-3
value, solve
= x, where x ! 3.
3-x
10. Solve t + 2 + 3t - 1 1 5.
6y 2
# - 3.
3y - 2
r n
m , nd P
100
correct to 2 decimal places when
A = 3281.69, r = 1.27 and n = 30.
19. Solve
5x + 3
2 2 x.
x+4
20. Solve 3y - 1 + 2y + 3 2 5.
139

D Equations

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Título original

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

D Equations

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

3

pronumeral that is solved to find values that make the

Equation: A mathematical statement that has a

Quadratic equation: An equation involving x 2 as the

Exponential equation: Equation where the unknown

Simultaneous equations: Two or more independent

important in many other elds, such as science, economics, statistics and

DID YOU KNOW?

If a number is added, subtract it from both sides

Do the opposite operation

Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

Equations involving fractions

Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

Another way of doing

Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

2. The volume of a cylinder is given by V = rr 2 h. Evaluate the radius r,

Given that v = u + at is the

The area of a rhombus is given by

The sum of an arithmetic series is

The simple interest formula is

The formula for nding the area

The gradient of a straight

The area of a trapezium is given

Find the value of y when x = 3,

The area of a circle is given

11. The formula for body mass index

16. If the surface area of a sphere

12. A formula for depreciation

13. The x-value of the midpoint is

19. Given y = 2x + 5 , evaluate x

14. Given the height of a particle at

15. If y = x 2 + 1, evaluate x when

17. The area of a sector of a circle

20. The volume of a sphere is

2 means greater than

If a 2 b then a + c 2 b + c for all c

For example, 3 2 2 and 3 + 1 2 2 + 1 are both true.

If a 2 b then a - c 2 b - c for all c

For example, 3 2 2 and 3 - 1 2 2 - 1 are both true.

There are two solutions to

Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

If a 2 b then ac 2 bc for all c 2 0

For example, 3 2 2 and 3 # 2 2 2 # 2 are both true.

If a 2 b then ac 1 bc for all c 1 0

For example, 3 2 2 but 3 # -2 1 2 # -2.

If a 2 b then a ' c 2 b ' c for all c 2 0

For example, 6 2 4 and 6 ' 2 2 4 ' 2 are both true.

If a 2 b then a ' c 1 b ' c for all c 1 0

For example, 6 2 4 but 6 ' -2 1 4 ' -2.

For example, 3 2 2 but

The inequality sign reverses when:

On the number plane, we graph inequalities using arrows and circles

Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

Putting these together gives the solution -3 1 z # 2.

Solving this inequation as a

Solve and plot the solution on a

Solve and plot the solutions on a

Equations and Inequations Involving Absolute Values

Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

We use absolute value as a distance on a number line to solve equations

You could solve these as

These must be solved