Algebra Analytical geometry Angles Area and Surface Area Calculus Complex numbers Co-ordinates Fractions Functions Gradient

Money Trigonometry Evaluating expressions Evaluate algebraic expressions How to substitute values for variables in algebraic expressions and how to evaluate the expressions to give a numerical answer. Expanding brackets Expand brackets: (a+b)(c+d) How to expand algebraic expressions with brackets. Factorising Factorise expressions like: ab + ac How to factorise expressions by finding common factors. Factorise quadratic expressions How to factorise quadratic expressions using several methods. Splitting the middle term of a quadratic How to split the middle term of a quadratic expression so that it can be factorised. Other factorising techniques How to use Algematics to do these operations: difference of squares, sum and difference of cubes, split middle term of quadratic, group and factorise four terms. Quadratic Equations Finding roots by factorising How to calculate the roots of a quadratic equation algebraically after the quadratic expression is factorised. Using the quadratic formula How to find roots of a quadratic equation by using the quadratic formula. Simplifying Simplify algebraic expressions How to simplify algebraic expressions where no preparation is necessary. Several examples are discussed.

Advanced simplifying techniques How to simplify algebraic expressions where some expansion of brackets or factorising is necessary before the expression can be simplified. Simultaneous Equations Solve simultaneous equations by substitution This topic explains the concept of simultaneous equations, and explains how to solve simultaneous equations algebraically by the method of substitution. Solve simultaneous equations by elimination How to solve simultaneous equations algebraically by the method of elimination. Solve simultaneous equations graphically How to solve simultaneous equations by finding intersection points of plotted graph lines. Solve systems of linear equations How to use your computer to automatically solve simultaneous linear equations in any number of variables. (A powerful numerical method called 'partial pivoting' is used.) Solving Equations Solve linear equations with algebra How to solve several common types of linear equations using algebraic techniques. Ten worked examples explain the methods clearly. Solve equations graphically How to solve implicit functions in one variable using a graphical technique. The method is very accurate, and works on very difficult equations. Changing the subject of a Formula Uses two worked examples and the principle of inverse operations to explain how to change the subject of a formula.

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Analytical geometry

Distance formula How to use the distance formula to find distances between (x,y) points. The download file displays the working steps and a diagram for your distance formula problems. Midpoint formula How to use the midpoint formula to find the midpoint of a line between two (x,y) points. The download file solves midpoint formula problems. Enter two points to display working steps and a diagram. Divide a line in a given ratio How to to find the point 'P' that divides the line segment AB in a given ratio. This topic covers both internal and external division. The download file solves problems of this type, displaying working steps and a diagram.

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Angles

Angle conversions between radians and degrees This topic explains the concept of radian measure, as well as how to convert between

radians and degrees. The download file converts between radians and degrees, showing full working steps and a labelled diagram.

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Area and Surface Area

Area unit conversions How to convert area measurements between 10 common units. Includes tables of conversion factors and worked examples. The download file converts areas in any of the ten area units to any of the remaining 9 types. Area of triangles, bh How to find areas of triangles using the formula: A = baseheight. The download document displays working steps and a labelled diagram for this problem type. Area of triangles, absinC How to find areas of triangles using the formula: A = absinC. The download document displays working steps and a labelled diagram for this problem type. Area of triangles, Heron's formula How to find areas of triangles using Heron's formula. The download document displays working steps and a labelled diagram for solving a triangle using Heron's formula. Area of parallelograms How to find areas of parallelograms using the formula: A = baseheight. The formula is explained pictorially, and the download document allows you to experiment with the formula, while displaying working steps and a labelled diagram. Area of circles How to find areas of circles using the formula: A = 2, or to find the radius if the r area is given. The download document solves both kind of problem, and also displays a labelled diagram. Surface area and volume of prisms How to find the surface area and volume of prisms. Several prism types are discussed. The download document calculates the volume and surface area of rectangular prisms, showing all working steps. The labelled diagram shows a 3d model of the prism, as well as the 2d net of the prism. Surface area of a sphere How to find the surface area of a sphere, or the radius if the surface area is given. The download document solves both problem types, and displays both the working steps and a labelled diagram.

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Calculus

Plot derivative graphs This topic explains relationships between the graphs of a given function and its derivative, and shows you how to graph your own derivative functions. Calculate definite integrals A detailed introduction to definite integrals. Includes helpful diagrams and examples. Shows you how to calculate definite integrals using a variety of numerical methods.

Area under a curve An introduction to finding areas under curves using definite integrals. Helpful diagrams and examples are included. Area between two curves A brief introduction and diagram explain the concept, then the rest of the article shows you how to find areas between graphs using Maths Helper Plus. The download file is set up for the worked example from the article, but you can easily edit the example functions to calculate your own areas. Stationary points This article discusses both turning points and points of horizontal inflection of functions. Helpful worked examples and diagrams are given. The download file is a starting point for your own problem solutions. Tangents and normals Worked examples and diagrams explain how to find tangent and normal equations to functions at a given point. The steps for calculating and plotting tangent and normal equations in Maths Helper Plus are explained, and the download file is a starting point for your own problem solutions.

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Complex Numbers

About complex numbers This topic introduces complex numbers, and demonstrates how complex number calculations can be done using complex calculator data sets in Maths Helper Plus. Complex number operations This topic shows you how to add, subtract, multiply and divide complex numbers. It also shows how to display full working steps for complex number operations in Maths Helper Plus.

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Co-ordinates

Plotting ordered pairs in four quadrants This topic introduces the concept of an ordered pair, and shows you how to plot ordered pairs on a graph. The download file helps to clarify the concepts involved in plotting ordered pairs. Plotting polar coordinates This topic introduces the concept of polar coordinates, and shows you how to plot polar coordinates on a graph. The download file displays a polar grid and marks in the angle and radius for a given plotted polar point. Converting between rectangular and polar coordinates This topic uses diagrams and examples to explain how to convert between polar and rectangular coordinates. The download file displays full working steps and a labelled diagram to help you convert your own coordinates.

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Fractions

Comparing fractions Explains one way of comparing different kinds of fractions with each other. The download file displays a number line on which you can plot up to five fractions

of any type. The decimal value of each fraction is calculated and marked on the number line for easy comparison. Adding and subtracting common fractions This topic explains how to add and subtract common fractions, and also how to use Algematics to create a worked solution for problems of this type. Converting decimals to common fractions How to convert decimal fractions to common fractions, and also how to use Algematics to create a worked solution for problems of this type. Multiplying and dividing common fractions How to multiply or divide common fractions, and also how to use Algematics to create a worked solution for problems of this type.

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Functions

Create a table of function values This topic introduces the concept of a mathematical function, and shows you how to create a table of function values. Find the tangent or normal to a function at a given point Worked examples and diagrams explain how to find tangent and normal equations to functions at a given point. Linear functions: y = mx + c, gradient and y intercept This topic introduces the straight line function, y = mx + c, discusses 'm' and 'c', and shows you how to draw graphs of some different forms of this function. Learn about polynomial functions An introduction to polynomial functions, and how to draw graphs of polynomials, as well as find zeros and turning points. Learn about trigonometric functions An introduction to sine and cosine functions, and how to draw their graphs. The download file graphs sine functions and does the calculations involving period and phase shift, showing the working steps.

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Gradient

Gradient of line from the origin to a fixed point How to find the gradient of a line through the origin and another fixed point. The download file displays complete working and a labelled diagram. Gradient of line segment between two fixed points How to find the gradient of a line through two fixed points. The download file displays complete working and a labelled diagram.

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Money

Discount This topic shows you how to solve problems related to marked price, selling price and discount. The download file solves a wide range of discount problems with detailed working and helpful diagrams.

Profit and loss This topic shows you how to solve profit and loss problems. The download file solves a wide range of profit and loss problems with detailed working and helpful diagrams. Simple interest This topic shows you how to solve simple interest problems. Several worked examples and a powerful download file will help you solve your own simple interest problems easily. Compound interest This topic shows you how to solve compound interest problems based on the compound interest formula. The worked examples and download file help you solve your own compound interest problems easily.

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Trigonometry

Pythagoras About the rule of Pythagoras This topic introduces you to the rule of Pythagoras for right triangles, as well as Pythagorian triples. The download file is a demonstration of the rule of Pythagoras by areas. It lets you experiment with a triangle to verify the rule. Using the rule of Pythagoras to find unknown triangle sides How to use the Rule of Pythagoras to find unknown sides of right triangles. Worked examples and the download file show you all of the steps and include labelled diagrams. Tangent Ratio (right triangles) Introduction to tangent ratios This topic introduces the 'tangent ratio' for right angled triangles, and defines the term 'opposite' and 'adjacent' for right triangles. The download file calculates tangent ratios for right triangles with working and diagram. Using the tangent ratio to find unknown angles This topic shows you how to find unknown angles in right triangles using tangent ratios. The download file calculates tangent ratios for a given angle, and also finds an angle when the tangent ratio is given. Finding unknown opposite or adjacent sides with the tangent ratio This topic shows you how to find unknown opposite or adjacent sides in right triangles using tangent ratios. Worked examples and diagrams explain the mathematics, then the download file displays the complete working and a labelled diagram for solving your own problems. Sine Ratio (right triangles) Introduction to sine ratios This topic introduces the 'sine ratio' for right angled triangles. The download file calculates sine ratios for right triangles with working steps and diagram included. Finding an unknown opposite side or hypotenuse with the sine ratio This topic shows you how to find an unknown opposite side or hypotenuse in a right triangle using sine ratios. The download file shows full working steps and a diagram to help you solve your own problems of this type.

Cosine Ratio (right triangles) Introduction to cosine ratios This topic introduces the 'cosine ratio' for right angled triangles. The download file calculates cosine ratios and displays a helpful diagram when you enter an adjacent side and a hypotenuse. Finding an unknown adjacent side or hypotenuse with the cosine ratio How to find an unknown adjacent side or hypotenuse in a right triangle using cosine ratios. The worked examples and diagrams show you the steps, while the download file solves your problems showing full working and a labelled diagram. General triangle solution given three (x,y) points How to find the unknown sides and angles of a triangle defined by three (x,y) points. The working steps are fully explained, and the download file creates full working steps and a labelled diagram for your own problems. given three sides How to find the unknown angles of a triangle when given the three side lengths. The working steps are fully explained, and the download file creates full working steps and a labelled diagram for your own problems. given two angles and one side How to find the unknown angle and sides of a triangle when given the two angles and one side. The working steps are fully explained, and the download file creates full working steps and a labelled diagram for your own problems. given two sides and the included angle How to find the unknown side and angles of a triangle when given two sides and the angle between them. The working steps are fully explained, and the download file creates full working steps and a labelled diagram for your own problems. given two sides and a non-included angle How to find the unknown side and angles of a triangle when given two sides and an angle not between them. In this case there may be two possible solutions. The working steps are fully explained, and the download file creates full working steps and a labelled diagram for your own problems.

12. Algebra
12.1.
Theory: Algebraic expressions contain 'variables', which are letters that can have many different values. For example, this algebraic expression:

Substitute values for variables in algebraic expressions and evaluate the expressions.

contains the variable: v

If we substitute a value for v and write the expression using that value instead of v, it is then possible to calculate the value of the expression because then it contains only numbers. For example, substituting 2 for v in the example expression we have: 2 + 6 2 16 Calculating the value of an expression is called evaluating the expression. Thus evaluating the example expression for v = 2 we have: 4 + 12 16 = 0

12.2.
Theory:

Expand algebraic expressions with brackets.

When brackets are removed from around a sum or difference, then any factors outside the brackets must be multiplied by each term inside the brackets. For example, to remove the brackets in this expression: a(x + y) the factor a outside the brackets must be multiplied by both the x and the y inside the brackets, like this: ax + ay To 'expand' an expression means to remove the brackets. During expansion, the factor a is distributed over the terms x and y. Differences are expanded in the same way. For example, expanding this expression: a(x y) gives this expanded expression: ax ay If there are several factors outside the brackets, and more than two terms inside the brackets, then exactly the same procedure applies. For example, expanding: 3abc(2a + 3ab 5bc + 1) gives: 3abc2a3abc3ab 3abc5bc + 3abc1 In this case, each term can then be simplified, giving: 6abc + 9abc 15abc + 3abc

12.3.

Factorise expressions by finding common factors.

Theory: Factorising an algebraic expression is the opposite of expanding. You start with a sum or difference of terms and finish up with a product. For example, if you factorise: ab + ac you get: a(b + c) You can factorise a sum or difference of terms by the common factor method if there is at least one common factor other than 1 between all the terms. In the example, all terms have a as a factor, so a is a common factor. Once all common factors have been identified, you write them down as the factors that go outside the brackets. In the example, the only common factor is 'a', so this will be the only factor outside the brackets: a( + ) To find out what goes inside the brackets, divide the original terms by the common factor(s). For the example, divide the original terms by a: ab a = b, ac a = c, The last step is to write these new expressions inside the brackets, like this: a( b + c ) The factorising process is more difficult when numbers and powers are involved, because finding the common factors requires more work. The steps below describe how to use Algematics to factorise even the most difficult of these expressions.

12.4.
Theory:

Factorise quadratic expressions.

A quadratic expression is one where the highest power on the variable is 2. Here are some examples of quadratic expressions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. x, z + 3z, 2x + 3x 5, a 1, p 4p 6

When these quadratic expressions are factorised, they are written as the product of two factors.

This is how to factorise these quadratic expressions: Example 1: x Write as a product: xx Example 2: z + 3z Take z out as a common factor: z(z + 3) Example 3: 2x + 3x 5 This expression can be factorised if the middle term: 3x, is replaced by the equivalent expression: 2x+5x, like this: 2x 2x + 5x 5 After doing this, the first two terms and the last two terms can be factorised: 2x(x 1) + 5(x 1) Now there are only two terms, and there is a common factor: (x 1), so the expression can be factorised again, like this: (x 1)(2x + 5) Example 4: a 1 This expression can be expressed as: a 1 that is a difference of perfect squares, a special pattern that you need to be able to recognise. It can be written immediately as: (a + 1)(a 1) In general, any expression of the form: a - b can then be written immediately as: (a + b)(a - b). Example 5: p 4p 6 In this case, the middle term cannot be split to allow factorising as in example 3. You use a technique called 'completing the square' to write the quadratic as a difference of perfect squares, as in example 4 above. As a difference of perfect squares, the expression becomes:

then it factorises like this:

and simplifies to give:

The method section below describes how to use Algematics to factorise examples 3, 4 and 5 above.

12.5.

Split the middle term of a quadratic equation in order to factorise it.

Algematics can easily split the middle term of many quadratic expressions in order to factorise them. You must be able to do this step yourself without help from Algematics, and this topic shows you how to do it. It is not always possible to split the middle term of a quadratic expression, but when this is possible, the method described here allows you to write down the factorised quadratic immediately. We will factorise the quadratic expression: 2x + 3x 5 to demonstrate the technique. Here are the steps: (a) Split the first term into two factors with the variable in each one: 2x = 2x x (b) Split the last term into two factors: 5 = 1 5 (c) Write the factors like this: term 1 2x x term 3 1 5

(d) Multiply the factors in opposite corners and add the two answers, these may be the two factors for splitting the middle term: term 1 2x x term 3 1 5 = 9x If the two products add to give the middle term then the split is correct. But in this case, the middle term is 3x, not 9x. We have not chosen the correct factors. TRY AGAIN ... BACK TO STEP (c) (c) Try different term 3 factors, or the same factors in a different arrangement: term term

2x 5 + x 1 = 10x x

1 2x x

3 1

(d) Multiply the factors in opposite corners: term 1 2x x term 3 1

See if the two products add to give the middle term: 5x 2x = 3x Yes! So we have chosen the correct factors, and the quadratic expression can be written ready to be factorised, like this: 2x 2x + 5x 5 The two factors from the top row of the table: 2x and 5 and the two factors from the bottom row of the table: x and -1 in step (c) now give the factorised quadratic immediately: term 1 2x x (x 1)(2x + 5) term 3 1

12.6.
Theory:

How to factorise several kinds of algebra expressions.

Algematics uses six different methods to factorise an algebraic expression. They are: 1. common factors 8p + 12pq 4pr factorises to: 4p(2p + 3q r) 2. difference of perfect squares a b factorises to: (a + b)(a b) 3. sum of perfect cubes a + b factorises to: (a + b)(a ab + b) 4. difference of perfect cubes a b factorises to: (a b)(a + ab + b)

5. split middle term of quadratics 2x + 3x 5 becomes: 2x 2x + 5x 5 (While this has not factorised the expressions, this is just the first of several steps needed to factorise the quadratic. In this case you will need to use the factorise command two more times. ) 6. group and factorise four terms 2x 2x + 5x 5 becomes: 2x(x 1) + 5(x 1) This does two things. First, the four terms are swapped around and regrouped if necessary, then the pairs of terms are factorised in such a way that a common factor results. In this example, (x-1) is now a common factor, so that if the factorise command is used one more time the expression will be fully factorised.

12.7.
Theory:

How to find roots of a quadratic equation by factorising.

A quadratic equation looks like this: ax + bx + c = 0 (where a cannot be zero.) Solving the equation means finding x values that make the equation true. These x values are called the roots of the quadratic. Quadratic equations can have 0, 1 or two roots. NOTE: In the complex number system, all quadratic equations have roots, but we will not discuss complex numbers in this article. Roots of quadratics always come in pairs, but when there are two roots that are the same we say that there is only one root. This method requires that you can factorise the quadratic expression on the left hand side. This is not always possible, and if not you would have to use one of the other methods. For a complete explanation of how to factorise quadratic expressions, see the topic: Factorise quadratics. Consider this quadratic expression... x 4x 5 = 0 When factorised, it looks like this... (x + 1)(x 5) = 0 When the quadratic expression is factorised, it is written as the product of two factors, like this: pq = 0

This equation is true only if either p or q is zero. In the example, p is (x+1), and q is (x-5). If p is zero, then we have: 0q = 0 which is true, and if q is zero, then we have: p0 = 0 which is also true. For the example, this means that if (x+1) or (x5) is zero, the product will be zero and the equation will be true. We use this fact to find the roots as follows: x + 1 = 0 so or x 5 = 0 so x=5 The example quadratic equation has two roots, x = -1 and x = 5. x=1

12.8.
Theory:

How to use the quadratic formula to find roots of a quadratic equation.

A quadratic equation looks like this: ax + bx + c = 0 (where a cannot be zero.) Solving the equation means finding x values that make the equation true. These x values are called the roots of the quadratic. Quadratic equations can have 0, 1 or two roots. NOTE: In the complex number system, all quadratic equations have roots, but we will not discuss complex numbers in this article. Roots of quadratics always come in pairs, but when there are two roots that are the same we say that there is only one root. The quadratic formula is derived from the general quadratic equation (below) by completing the square. The general quadratic equation... ax + bx + c = 0 has roots...

This formula, known as the quadratic formula, is actually two formulas. The symbol should be read as plus or minus, which means that you have to work out the formula twice, once with a plus sign in that position, then again with a minus sign. The first step is to identify the coefficients a, b and c in your quadratic equation, so that you can substitute them into the formula to calculate x.

For this equation: x 4x 5 = 0 There is no number written in front of the x term, but in that case it is helpful to think of the x term as 1x , so then: a = 1, b = 4, and c = 5 Substituting these values into the formula we get:

NOTE: If the expression under the square root sign is negative, then there are no real roots and you cannot go any further. You can investigate this before you start by calculating: b - 4ac Simplifying the square root term:

Calculating the square root:

Thus:

or

12.9.
Theory:

How to simplify algebraic expressions.

Algebraic expressions contain alphabetic symbols as well as numbers. When an algebraic expression is simplified, an equivalent expression is found that is simpler than the original. This usually means that the simplified expression is smaller than the original. There is no standard procedure for simplifying all algebraic expressions because there are so many different kinds of expressions, but they can be grouped into three types: (a) those that can be simplified immediately without any preparation. (b) those that require preparation before being simplified. (c) those that cannot be simplified at all.

NOTE: This article will discuss three examples of algebraic expressions that can be simplified immediately. To simplify more difficult expressions, see the article: Simplify expressions (Advanced). Example 1:

2x + 3y 2 + 3x + 6y + 7 This expression can be simplified by identifying like terms and then grouping and combining like terms, like this: +2x and +3x are like terms, and can be combined to give +5x, +3y and +6y combine to give +9y, and 2 and +7 combine to give +5.

So after simplifying, this expression becomes: 5x + 9y + 5 Example 2: 3b - (4b - 6b + 2) + b The brackets in this expression can be removed first, then the expression may be simplified like example 1 above, OR the like terms: +4b and 6b inside the brackets can be combined to give 2b before removing the brackets. This is what Algematics will do if you use the simplify command on this expression. (The next article will show you how to make Algematics remove the brackets first.) Simplifying the bracketed expression we have: This step is not displayed by Algematics unless you use the expand command as explained in the method section below. 3b (2b + 2) + b There is a minus sign before the left bracket, so the sign of each term inside the brackets will change when the brackets are removed: Removing the brackets:

NOTE: This step is not displayed by Algematics unless you use the expand command as explained in the method section below. 3b + 2b 2 + b Grouping and combining the like terms: +3b, +2b and +b combine to give 6b: 6b 2 Example 3: Expressions that are products and quotients of simple factors that include powers with the same base can be simplified immediately by adding and subtracting the indices of the powers. This expression simplifies to give: 4pq

12.10. How to simplify more difficult algebraic expressions.

Theory: Example 1: If one or more terms of an expression contain factors that are sums or differences in brackets, then the brackets may need to be removed by multiplication of factors before the expression can be simplified. This example illustrates this situation. 24x 4(12x 10x + 2) + x First the brackets must be expanded, like this: 24x 48x + 40x 8 + x Grouping like terms and simplifying we now have: 17x 8 Example 2: Rational expressions are simplified by removing (also called cancelling) common factors that appear in both the numerator and denominator of the expression. This means that both the numerator and denominator of a rational expression must be expressed as a product of factors (ie factorised) before the expression can be simplified. For instance, this expression:

has the difference: m m in the numerator, and the difference: 5m 5 in the denominator. Before this expression can be simplified, both the numerator and denominator must be factorised, giving the following equivalent expression:

Now the expression can be simplified by cancelling the factor (m - 1) in both the numerator and denominator. The simplified form of the original expression is then:

Example 3: If an expression contains more than one term, and one or more of the terms are rational expressions similar to that in example 2 above, then you will need to: factorise the expression as much as possible without combining the terms into a single term, put all of the terms over a common denominator,

expand, simplify and factorise the numerator as necessary, simplify the whole expression to cancel common factors.

For instance, the expression:

has two terms, both of which are rational expressions. The denominators of both terms can be factorised, like this:

Writing this expression with a common denominator gives:

Now the numerator needs to be expanded, simplified, and factorised as necessary: Expand the numerator:

Simplify the numerator:

The numerator expression: a + 8 cannot be factorised further, so we are now ready to simplify. Both the numerator and denominator expressions contain the factor (a+8), so this factor can be cancelled from both expressions, giving:

How to solve simultaneous equations by substitution.

This topic is part of the TCS FREE high school mathematics 'How-to Library', and will help you to solve simultaneous equations by substitution. (See the index page for a list of all available topics in the library.) To make best use of this topic, you need to download the Algematics software. Click here for instructions.

Theory: If two (or more) equations have the same variables and the same solutions then they are simultaneous equations. For example, these equations are simultaneous equations: x + y = 3 and 2x + 3y = 8 because both have the same variables: x and y, and the same solutions: x = 1, y = 2 Substituting x = 1 and y = 2 into both equations, they BOTH give correct answers: 1 + 2 = 3 and 21 + 32 = 8 Thus: x = 1 and y = 2 are the solutions to both equations. 'Solving' simultaneous equations means finding the values of 'x' and 'y' that make them true. The following steps will demonstrate how to solve simultaneous equations by the substitution method. We will use the example equations above to demonstrate the procedure... (1) Isolate one of the variables ( x ) on one side of one of the equations: x+y=3 Isolating x: x =3y (2) Substitute for the isolated variable in the other equation: 2x + 3y = 8 Substituting 3 y for x: 2(3 y) + 3y = 8 This equation has only one variable, so we can solve it. (3) Solve this equation for the other variable, y: 2(3 y) + 3y = 8 Expanding the brackets: 6 2y + 3y = 8

Simplifying: 6+y=8 Subtracting 6 from both sides: y=2 (4) Substitute the known value of y into the equation for x derived in step 1: x =3y Substituting 2 for y: x =32 Therefore: x=1 The Method section below shows you how to use Algematics to solve simultaneous equations by substitution.

Download the free support file... We have created an Algematics document containing the completed example from this topic. It also includes practice exercises to improve your skills. File name: 'Simultaneous equations (substitution).alg' Click here to download the file. File size: 6kb

If you choose 'Open this file from its current location', then Algematics should open the document immediately. If not, try the other option: 'Save this file to disk', then run Algematics and choose the 'Open' command from the 'File' menu. Locate the saved file and open it. If you do not yet have Algematics installed on your computer, click here for instructions. Method: IMPORTANT: This topic assumes that you know how to enter mathematical formulas into Algematics. Find out how by completing the three simple tutorials in the 'Getting Started' section of the Algematics program 'Help'. Step 1 Enter the equations to solve Click box. and type your first equation into the maths box in the data entry dialog

If the EMPTY message is not displayed between the blue buttons, click the button until the message: INSERT appears. If required, use the * symbol for multiply, and the / symbol for divide. Maths... x+y=3

Click the Maths... 2x + 3y = 8

button, then type the second equation into the maths box:

and then click Step 2 Isolate one variable in one of the equations Choose the equation in which you want to isolate a variable. (The other equation will be used in step 4 below.) For the example, we choose the equation: x+y=3 Click on this equation with the mouse to make it the target data set. Isolate one of the variables in this equation. The procedure for isolating a variable is explained in the algebra topic: Solve equations with algebra .

To isolate x in the example, we subtract y from both sides and then simplify. Type 'y' into the input box, then click the '' toolbar button, the click the left hand 'S' toolbar button to simplify... x =3y Step 3 Substitute for the isolated variable into the other equation Click on the other equation with the mouse to make it the target data set. For the example, we click on the equation: 2x + 3y = 8 Click on the input box arrow and select the equation you derived in step 3. Click here to select For the example, select: x = 3 y in the input box. Input Click x=3-y

(substitute) to substitute for the isolated variable.

You will now have an equation in only one variable that will be solved in step 5. For the example, you will now have this equation: 2(3 y) + 3y = 8 Step 4 Calculate the first variable NOTE: Continuing from step 3, use the methods explained in the article: Solve equations with algebra . For the example, 2(3 y) + 3y = 8 Click (expand) to remove the brackets... 6 2y + 3y = 8 Click (simplify all): 6+y=8 Subtract 6 from both sides: - Click on the input box and type: Input 6

- Click - Click y=2 Step 5 Calculate the second variable Click on the equation that you derived in step 3. For the example, click on the equation: x =3y Click on the input box, and select or type the equation that you derived in step 4. Click here to select For the example, select: x = 2 in the input box. Input Click y=2 (simplify all) to calculate the second variable. (simplify)

(substitute) then x =32

For the example, substituting will give you this: and simplifying will give you this: x =1

How to solve simultaneous equations by elimination. This topic is part of the TCS FREE high school mathematics 'How-to Library', and will help you to solve simultaneous equations by elimination. (See the index page for a list of all available topics in the library.) To make best use of this topic, you need to download the Algematics software. Click here for instructions.

Theory: In the elimination method for solving simultaneous equations, two equations are simplified by adding them or subtracting them. This eliminates one of the variables so that the other variable can be found. To add two equations, add the left hand expressions and right hand expressions separately. Similarly, to subtract two equations, subtract the left hand expressions from each other, and subtract the right hand expressions from each other. The following examples will make this clear. Example 1: Consider these equations: 2x 5y = 1 3x + 5y = 14 The first equation contains a 5y term, while the second equation contains a +5y term. These two terms will cancel if added together, so we will add the equations to eliminate y. To add the equations, add the left side expressions and the right side expressions separately. 2x 5y + 3x + 5y (2x 5y) + (3x + 5y) = = = 1 +14 1 + 14

Simplifying, 5y and +5y cancel out, so we have: 5x Therefore x is 3. By substituting 3 for x into either of the two original equations we can find y. Example 2: The elimination method will only work if you can eliminate one of the variables by adding or subtracting the equations as in example 1 above. But for many simultaneous equations, this is not the case. For example, consider these equations: 2x + 3y = x 2 y = 5 4 = 15

Adding or subtracting these equations will not cancel out the x or y terms. Before using the elimination method you may have to multiply every term of one or both of the equations by some number so that equal terms can be eliminated. We could eliminate x for this example if the second equation had a 2x term instead of an x term. By multiplying every term in the second equation by 2, the x term will become 2x, like this:

x2 2y2 = 52 giving: 2x 4y = 10 Now the x term in each equation is the same, and the equations can be subtracted to eliminate x: 2x + 3y 2x 4y (2x + 3y) (2x 4y) = = = 4 10 4 10

Removing the brackets and simplifying, the 2x terms cancel out, so we have: 7y So y=2 The other variable, x, can now be found by substituting 2 for y into either of the original equations. Sometimes both equations must be modified in order to cancel a variable. For example, to cancel the y terms for this example, we could multiply the first equation by 4, and the second equation by 3. Then there would be a 12y term in the first equation and a -12y term in the second equation. Adding the equations would then eliminate y. The steps in the Method section below demonstrate how to use Algematics to solve simultaneous equations using the elimination method. Download the free support file... We have created an Algematics document containing the completed example from this topic. It also includes practice exercises to improve your skills. File name: 'Simultaneous equations (elimination).alg' Click here to download the file. File size: 10kb = 14

If you choose 'Open this file from its current location', then Algematics should open the document immediately. If not, try the other option: 'Save this file to disk', then run Algematics and choose the 'Open' command from the 'File' menu. Locate the saved file and open it. If you do not yet have Algematics installed on your computer, click here for instructions. Method: IMPORTANT: This topic assumes that you know how to enter mathematical formulas into Algematics. Find out how by completing the three simple tutorials in the 'Getting Started' section of the Algematics program 'Help'. To solve two equations by the elimination method:

enter the equations, prepare them if necessary so that one of the variable will cancel, add or subtract them to eliminate one of the variables, then substitute to find the second variable.

We will use example 2 from the Theory section above in this demonstration. Step 1 Enter the equations to solve Click box. and type your first equation into the maths box in the data entry dialog

If the EMPTY message is not displayed between the blue buttons, click the button until the message: INSERT appears. Maths... 2x + 3y = 4

Click the Maths... x 2y = -5

button, then type the second equation into the maths box:

Check the Rule Of Line ... check box so that the two initial equations will stand out at the top of all the working.

Click Step 2 If necessary, prepare either or both equations for eliminating a variable. Decide which variable you are going to eliminate from the equations and whether you are going to add the equations or subtract them. For the example equations, 2x + 3y x 2y = = 5 4

we will multiply the second equation through by 2 and eliminate variable x by subtracting the second equation from the first. To modify an equation, use a copy of the original equation. To copy an equation, hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard while you click on the equation with the mouse and drag it down below the others. The copy will appear when you release the mouse button.

For the example, copy the equation: x 2y = 5 below the others, so that the display looks like this: (The newly copied equation is shown here in red) 2x + 3y = x 2 y = 5 x 2 y = 5 To multiply the bottom equation by 2: Click on the input box and type 2: Input Click Multiplying by '2', both sides ... (x 2y)2 = 52 Click (expand, this removes the brackets) Expanding, both sides ... x2 2y2 = 52 Click (simplify all) Simplifying, both sides ... 2x 4y = 10 RULE OFF: Double click the mouse on this last data set to open the data entry dialog box. Check the Rule Off Line ... check box so that the two initial equations will stand out at the top of all the working. Click NOTE: If you need to modify the other equation as well, copy it to the bottom and follow the same procedure, ending with another rule off line. Step 3 Eliminate the first variable Copy the two equations that you are going to add or subtract to the bottom of the working page, using the copying technique described above. For the example, the last few lines of the display will now look like this: Simplifying, both sides ... 2x 4y = 10 2x 4y = 10 2x + 3y = 4 Click on the bottom equation to make it the target. 2 4

2x + 3y =

Click on the input box arrow and select the other equation. Click here to select For the example, select: 2x 4y = -10 in the input box. Input 2x 4y = -10

Click to add the equations, or to subtract them. (For the example, we are subtracting the equations to eliminate 2x, so click ) Click (simplify all). variable. You will now have an equation in only one

For the example, the last few lines of the display will now look like this: 2x 4y = 10 2x + 3y = 4 = 4 10 Subtracting '2x - 4y = -10' ... (2x + 3y) (2x 4y) Simplifying, both sides ... 7y = 14 Solve this equation to find 'y'. For the example, we just divide both sides by 7 and simplify. Click on the input box, type 7, then click y =2 Make a rule off line under this last step as explained above. Step 4 Substitute to find the other variable Copy either of the original equations to the bottom of the working page, using the copying technique described earlier in this article. For the example, we will copy the equation: x 2y = 5 Click on the input box, and type or select the equation for the known variable. For the example, select or type: y = 2 Input Click y=2 (simplify all). , then . This gives the result:

(substitute) and then

You will now have an equation in the other variable. Solve this equation to find the value of this other variable. For the example, the equation is: x4 =5 In this case, we add 4 to both sides and simplify: Click on the input box, type 4,click x = 1 Step 5 [OPTIONAL] Validate the solutions by substitution You can test your answers to make sure they are correct. Click on the input box, and type both solutions with a comma between them: For the example, type: x = -1, y = 2 Input x = -1, y = 2 , then . This gives the result:

Click on one of the original equations to make it the target data set

2x + 3y = Click

(substitute) 2 1 + 3 = 4

Click

(simplify all) 4 = x 2y 4 = 5

Click on the other original equation to make it the target data set

Click

(substitute) 1 2 = 5

Click

(simplify all) 5 = 5

If you get equations that are true in both cases, then your solutions are correct ! For the example, we get these equations: 5 and 4 = 4 so the solutions: x = 1, y = 2 are correct. How to solve simultaneous equations graphhically. This topic is part of the TCS FREE high school mathematics 'How-to Library', and will help you to solve simultaneous equations by finding where their graphs intersect. (See the index page for a list of all available topics in the library.) To make best use of this topic, you need to download the Maths Helper Plus software. Click here for instructions. = 5

Theory: When there is an ordered pair that satisfies two or more equations, then this ordered pair is a simultaneous solution of the equations. For example, consider these two equations: y = 2x 1 y = x + 5 When x is 2, then y is 3 for both: y = 22 1 = 3 y = 2 + 5 = 3

The ordered pair (x,y) = (2,3) is said to satisfy both equations, and is called a simultaneous solution of the equations. If we graph both equations together, the graph lines will coincide at the point (2,3). This means that simultaneous solutions of equations can be found by graphing the equations and finding where they intersect. Graphing with pencil and paper is inaccurate, but the Maths Helper Plus software allows you to use this approach with high accuracy. How to solve systems of linear equations. This topic is part of the TCS FREE high school mathematics 'How-to Library', and will help you to solve systems of linear equations with any number of unknown variables. (See the index page for a list of all available topics in the library.) To make best use of this topic, you need to download the Maths Helper Plus software. Click here for instructions.

This topic shows you how to solve systems of linear equations with any number of unknowns. Theory: Consider the following linear equations: 2x + 3y z = 7 4y + 6z = 26 5x + 9y + 2z = 7 If these three straight line functions have a single intersection point at the point (x,y,z), then these coordinates will make each of these equations true. (x,y,z) is then called the solution of the system of equations. This solution can be found using the steps outlined below. Download the free support file... We have created a Maths Helper Plus document containing the completed example from this topic. You can use this to practice the steps described below, and as a starting point for solving your own problems. File name: 'Systems of linear equations.mhp' Click here to download the file. File size: 3kb

If you choose 'Open this file from its current location', then Maths Helper Plus should open the document immediately. If not, try the other option: 'Save this file to disk', then run Maths Helper Plus and choose the 'Open' command from the 'File' menu. Locate the saved file and open it. If you do not yet have Maths Helper Plus installed on your computer, click here for instructions. Method: 1 Prepare the equations a. Include zeros

Each equation must have one term for each variable. For two unknowns, every equation must have an 'x' term and a 'y' term. For three unknowns, every equation must have an 'x' term, a 'y' term and a 'z' term. If this is not the case, write in any missing terms with a zero coefficient: 2x + 3y z = 7 0x 4y + 6z = 26 5x + 9y + 2z = 7 b. Include ones Each term must have a coefficient. If a term is a letter with no number in front, like: 'x' or 'y' or 'z', then write it with a coefficient of one: 2x + 3y 1z = 7 0x 4y + 6z = 26 5x + 9y + 2z = 7 2 Start with an empty Maths Helper Plus document If you have just launched the software then you already have an empty document, otherwise hold down Ctrl while you briefly press the N key. 3 Load the 'Simultaneous Linear Equations.tpl' template file a. If another symbol is used, replace with 'x' b. While holding down a 'Ctrl' key, press 'M' to display the 'use teMplate' dialog box. c. Choose the 'Simultaneous Linear Equations.tpl' template file, then click the 'Open' button. 4 Display the Matrix Editor a. Hold down Ctrl and press the 'T' key to view all of the text view. b. Double click on the text view beside the matrix calculator data set, anywhere in the area shaded red in the diagram below...

This will display the options box. Click the 'display program' option check box to turn this option off...

d. Click the 'Matrix Editor' tab at the top of the dialog box to display the matrix editor ...

5 Enter the coefficients 'Coefficients' are the numbers from the left side of the equations.

a. Make sure the 'Now editing' list box indicates 'A' is being edited. (If not, click the selection arrow and choose 'A')

b. Click on the editing window, then type the coefficients of the equations separated by commas and on separate lines, like this: 2, 3, 1 0, 4, 6 5, 9, 2 6. Enter the right side values (These are the numbers on the right side of the equations.) a. Select 'B' in the 'Now editing' list box...

b. Click on the editing window, then type the numbers, one on each line, like this: 7 26 7 7. Solve the equations a. Select 'X' in the 'Now editing' list box. b. Click the 'Run' button. The solutions will appear in a vertical column, like this: 1 2 3 So the solution: (x,y,z) = (1,-2,3) How to solve linear equations in one variable using algebra. This topic is part of the TCS FREE high school mathematics 'How-to Library', and will help you to solve linear equations in one variable using algebra. (See the index page for a list of all available topics in the library.) To make best use of this topic, you need to download the Algematics software. Click here for instructions.

This topic shows you how you can use Algematics to help you solve linear equations. You must decide what steps to do to solve a linear equation, but Algematics makes sure that each step is mathematically correct.

Theory: A linear equation in one variable has a single unknown quantity called a variable represented by a letter. Eg: x, where x is always to the power of 1. This means there is no x or x in the equation. The process of finding out the variable value that makes the equation true is called solving the equation. An equation is a statement that two quantities are equivalent. For example, this linear equation: x + 1 = 4 means that when we add 1 to the unknown value, x, the answer is equal to 4. To solve linear equations, you add, subtract, multiply and divide both sides of the equation by numbers and variables, so that you end up with a single variable on one side and a single number on the other side. As long as you always do the same thing to BOTH sides of the equation, and do the operations in the correct order, you will get to the solution. For this example, we only need to subtract 1 from both sides of the equation in order to isolate 'x' and solve the equation: x+11=41 Now simplifying both sides we have: x+0 =3 So: x =3 With some practice you will easily recognise what operations are required to solve an equation. Here are possible ways of solving a variety of linear equation types. Example 1, Solve for x : x+1 = 3 31 1. Subtract 1 from both sides: x+11= x 2x = = 4 12 2. Simplify both sides: Example 2, Solve for x : 1. Divide both sides by -2:

2. Simplify both sides: x = 6

Example 3, Solve for x :

1. Multiply both sides by 3:

2. Simplify both sides: x = 6 Example 4, Solve for x : 2x + 1 = 17 1. Subtract 1 from both sides: 2x + 1 1 = 17 1 2. Simplify both sides: 2x = 18 3. Divide both sides by 2:

4. Simplify both sides: x = 9 Example 5, Solve for x :

1. Multiply both sides by 9:

2. Simplify both sides: 3x = 36 3. Divide both sides by 3:

4. Simplify both sides: x = 12

Example 6, Solve for x :

1. Multiply both sides by 3:

2. Simplify both sides: x+1 = 21 21 1 3. Subtract 1 from both sides: x+11= x = 20 4. Simplify both sides: Example 7, Solve for x : 7(x 1) = 21 1. Divide both sides by 7:

2. Simplify both sides: x1 = 3 3+1 3. Add 1 to both sides: x1+1= x = 4 4. Simplify both sides: Example 8, Solve for x :

1. Multiply both sides by 5:

2. Simplify both sides: 3(x 1) = 30 3. Divide both sides by 3:

4. Simplify both sides: x1 = 10 10 + 1 5. Add 1 to both sides: x1+1= x = 11 6. Simplify both sides: Example 9, Solve for x : 5x + 2 = 2x + 17 1. Subtract 2x from both sides: 5x + 2 2x = 3x + 2 = 2x + 17 2x 2. Simplify both sides: 17 17 2 3. Subtract 2 from both sides: 3x + 2 2 = 3x = 15 4. Simplify both sides: 5. Divide both sides by 3:

6. Simplify both sides: x = 5 Example 10, Solve for x : 5(x 4) = 3x + 2 1. Expand brackets: 5x 20 = 3x + 2 3x + 2 3x 2. Subtract 3x from both sides: 5x 20 3x = 2x 20 = 2 2 + 20 3. Simplify both sides: 4. Add 20 to both sides: 2x 20 + 20 = 5. Simplify both sides:

2x

22

6. Divide both sides by 2:

7. Simplify both sides: x = 11

How to solve linear equations in one variable using algebra. This topic is part of the TCS FREE high school mathematics 'How-to Library', and will help you to solve linear equations in one variable using algebra. (See the index page for a list of all available topics in the library.) To make best use of this topic, you need to download the Algematics software. Click here for instructions.

This topic shows you how you can use Algematics to help you solve linear equations. You must decide what steps to do to solve a linear equation, but Algematics makes sure that each step is mathematically correct. Theory: A linear equation in one variable has a single unknown quantity called a variable represented by a letter. Eg: x, where x is always to the power of 1. This means there is no x or x in the equation. The process of finding out the variable value that makes the equation true is called solving the equation. An equation is a statement that two quantities are equivalent. For example, this linear equation: x + 1 = 4 means that when we add 1 to the unknown value, x, the answer is equal to 4. To solve linear equations, you add, subtract, multiply and divide both sides of the equation by numbers and variables, so that you end up with a single variable on one side and a single number on the other side. As long as you always do the same thing to BOTH sides of the equation, and do the operations in the correct order, you will get to the solution. For this example, we only need to subtract 1 from both sides of the equation in order to isolate 'x' and solve the equation: x+11=41 Now simplifying both sides we have: x+0 =3 So:

x =3 With some practice you will easily recognise what operations are required to solve an equation. Here are possible ways of solving a variety of linear equation types. Example 1, Solve for x : x+1 = 3 31 1. Subtract 1 from both sides: x+11= x 2x = = 4 12 2. Simplify both sides: Example 2, Solve for x : 1. Divide both sides by -2:

2. Simplify both sides: x = 6 Example 3, Solve for x :

1. Multiply both sides by 3:

2. Simplify both sides: x = 6 Example 4, Solve for x : 2x + 1 = 17 1. Subtract 1 from both sides: 2x + 1 1 = 17 1 2. Simplify both sides: 2x = 18 3. Divide both sides by 2:

4. Simplify both sides: x = 9 Example 5, Solve for x :

1. Multiply both sides by 9:

2. Simplify both sides: 3x = 36 3. Divide both sides by 3:

4. Simplify both sides: x = 12 Example 6, Solve for x :

1. Multiply both sides by 3:

2. Simplify both sides: x+1 = 21 21 1 3. Subtract 1 from both sides: x+11= x = 20 4. Simplify both sides: Example 7, Solve for x : 7(x 1) = 21 1. Divide both sides by 7:

2. Simplify both sides: x1 = 3 3+1 3. Add 1 to both sides: x1+1= x = 4 4. Simplify both sides: Example 8, Solve for x :

1. Multiply both sides by 5:

2. Simplify both sides: 3(x 1) = 30 3. Divide both sides by 3:

4. Simplify both sides: x1 = 10 10 + 1 5. Add 1 to both sides: x1+1= x = 11 6. Simplify both sides: Example 9, Solve for x : 5x + 2 = 2x + 17 1. Subtract 2x from both sides: 5x + 2 2x = 3x + 2 = 2x + 17 2x 2. Simplify both sides: 17 17 2 3. Subtract 2 from both sides: 3x + 2 2 =

4. Simplify both sides: 3x = 15 5. Divide both sides by 3:

6. Simplify both sides: x = 5 Example 10, Solve for x : 5(x 4) = 3x + 2 1. Expand brackets: 5x 20 = 3x + 2 3x + 2 3x 2. Subtract 3x from both sides: 5x 20 3x = 2x 20 = 2 2 + 20 3. Simplify both sides: 4. Add 20 to both sides: 2x 20 + 20 = 5. Simplify both sides: 2x = 22 6. Divide both sides by 2:

7. Simplify both sides: x = 11

How to solve linear equations in one variable from a graph. This topic is part of the TCS FREE high school mathematics 'How-to Library', and will help you to use a graphical method to solve algebra equations accurately. (See the index page for a list of all available topics in the library.) To make best use of this topic, you need to download the Maths Helper Plus software. Click here for instructions.

This topic shows you how to solve algebra equations in one variable accurately by graphing. This method will often work even when you can't solve the equation using algebra. Theory: An equation is a statement that two quantities are equivalent. For example, this linear equation: 5(x 4) = 3x + 2 means that 5(x 4) and 3x + 2 are exactly the same. Only certain values of the variable 'x' will make the equation true. The process of finding out the variable value(s) that makes the equation true is called solving the equation. If the left and right sides of the equation are graphed separately, the graphs will intersect wherever the 'x' coordinate is a solution of the equation. How to change the subject of a formula. This topic is part of the TCS FREE high school mathematics 'How-to Library', and will help you to change the subject of a formula. (See the index page for a list of all available topics in the library.) To make best use of this topic, you need to download the Algematics software. Click here for instructions.

Theory: A formula is an equation which specifies how a number of variables are related to one another. Formulas are written so that a single variable, the subject of the formula, is on the left hand side of the equation. Everything else goes on the right hand side of the equation. For example, in the formula: v = u + at , v is the subject. Formulas are used to calculate the value of the subject when values of all of the other variables are known. To find v in the example, you must substitute values for u, a, and t in the right hand side of the equation, then evaluate. The answer will equal v. To find unknown values of u, a, or t, you can make any of these other variables the subject, instead of v. To change the subject of a formula, begin with the variable to become the new subject, and apply inverse operations as for solving equations, in the opposite order to the order convention. The following steps can be used to change the subject of this formula: v = u + at (1) make u the subject of the formula: According to the order convention, beginning with u, you add at to get v.

The inverse operation is then to subtract at: Subtract at from both sides: v at = u + at at Simplify: v at = u Swap sides so the subject is on the left hand side: u = v at (2) make t the subject of the formula: According to the order convention, beginning with t, you multiply by a first, then add u to get v. The inverse operations are to subtract u first, then divide by a. Subtract u from both sides: v u = u + at u Simplify: v u = at Divide both sides by 'a': (v u)a = ata Simplify: (v u)a = t Swap sides so the subject is on the left hand side: t = (v u)a