Equations involving Rational Expressions, Radicals,

Absolute Values, and those in Quadratic Form

Mathematics 17
Institute of Mathematics, University of the Philippines-Diliman

Lecture 8

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

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Outline

Rational Equations in x

Equations involving Radicals

Equations in Quadratic Form

Equations Involving Absolute Values

Solving Equations via Factoring

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

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Equations involving Rational Expressions

To solve:

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

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Equations involving Rational Expressions

To solve:
1 Multiply the LCD to both sides of the equation
2 Solve the equation that arises
3 Drop any of the obtained solutions that make the rational expressions
undefined (extraneous solutions).

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

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Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

Solution:

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

Solution:

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

3x8
x2 3x10

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

Solution:

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

3x8
x2 3x10

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
(x 5)(x + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+4
x+2

Equations

3x8
x2 3x10

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
(x 5)(x + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+4
x+2

Equations

3x8
x2 3x10

3x 8

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
(x 5)(x + 2)

x+4
x+2

(x 5)(x + 4)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

3x8
x2 3x10

3x 8

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
h

3x8
x2 3x10

(x 5)(x + 4) (2x 3)(x + 2)

3x 8

(x 5)(x + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+4
x+2

Equations

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
h

3x8
x2 3x10

(x 5)(x + 4) (2x 3)(x + 2)

=
=

3x 8
3x 8

(x 5)(x + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+4
x+2

Equations

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
h

3x8
x2 3x10

(x 5)(x + 4) (2x 3)(x + 2)

x2 x 20

=
=

3x 8
3x 8

(x 5)(x + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+4
x+2

Equations

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
h

3x8
x2 3x10

(x 5)(x + 4) (2x 3)(x + 2)

x2 x 20 (2x2 + x 6)

=
=

3x 8
3x 8

(x 5)(x + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+4
x+2

Equations

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
h

3x8
x2 3x10

(x 5)(x + 4) (2x 3)(x + 2)

x2 x 20 (2x2 + x 6)
x2 x 20 2x2 x + 6

=
=
=

3x 8
3x 8
3x 8

(x 5)(x + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+4
x+2

Equations

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
h

3x8
x2 3x10

(x 5)(x + 4) (2x 3)(x + 2)

x2 x 20 (2x2 + x 6)
x2 x 20 2x2 x + 6
x2 5x 6

=
=
=
=

3x 8
3x 8
3x 8
0

(x 5)(x + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+4
x+2

Equations

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
h

3x8
x2 3x10

(x 5)(x + 4) (2x 3)(x + 2)

x2 x 20 (2x2 + x 6)
x2 x 20 2x2 x + 6
x2 5x 6
x2 + 5x + 6

=
=
=
=
=

3x 8
3x 8
3x 8
0
0

(x 5)(x + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+4
x+2

Equations

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
h

3x8
x2 3x10

(x 5)(x + 4) (2x 3)(x + 2)

x2 x 20 (2x2 + x 6)
x2 x 20 2x2 x + 6
x2 5x 6
x2 + 5x + 6
(x + 2)(x + 3)

=
=
=
=
=
=

3x 8
3x 8
3x 8
0
0
0

(x 5)(x + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+4
x+2

Equations

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
h

3x8
x2 3x10

(x 5)(x + 4) (2x 3)(x + 2)

x2 x 20 (2x2 + x 6)
x2 x 20 2x2 x + 6
x2 5x 6
x2 + 5x + 6
(x + 2)(x + 3)
x+2=0

=
=
=
=
=
=
or

3x 8
3x 8
3x 8
0
0
0
x+3=0

(x 5)(x + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+4
x+2

Equations

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
h

3x8
x2 3x10

(x 5)(x + 4) (2x 3)(x + 2)

x2 x 20 (2x2 + x 6)
x2 x 20 2x2 x + 6
x2 5x 6
x2 + 5x + 6
(x + 2)(x + 3)
x+2=0
x= 2

=
=
=
=
=
=
or
or

3x 8
3x 8
3x 8
0
0
0
x+3=0
x= 3

(x 5)(x + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+4
x+2

Equations

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
h

3x8
x2 3x10

(x 5)(x + 4) (2x 3)(x + 2)

x2 x 20 (2x2 + x 6)
x2 x 20 2x2 x + 6
x2 5x 6
x2 + 5x + 6
(x + 2)(x + 3)
x+2=0
x= 2

=
=
=
=
=
=
or
or

3x 8
3x 8
3x 8
0
0
0
x+3=0
x= 3

(x 5)(x + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+4
x+2

Equations

(x 5)(x + 2)

Lec 8

4 / 19

Example: Solve

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

3x8
.
x2 3x10

2x3
x5

Solution:
h

3x8
x2 3x10

(x 5)(x + 4) (2x 3)(x + 2)

x2 x 20 (2x2 + x 6)
x2 x 20 2x2 x + 6
x2 5x 6
x2 + 5x + 6
(x + 2)(x + 3)
x+2=0
x= 2

=
=
=
=
=
=
or
or

3x 8
3x 8
3x 8
0
0
0
x+3=0
x= 3

(x 5)(x + 2)

x+4
x+2

(x 5)(x + 2)

Checking: If x = 2, a denominator will be zero.

If x = 3,

x+4
x+2

2x3
x5

= 17
8 and

3x8
x2 3x10

= 17
8 .

Hence, solution set is {3}.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

4 / 19

Equations involving Radicals

Theorem
Let A and B be expressions and let n N.
Then the solution set of the equation A = B is a subset of the solution set
of the equation An = B n .

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

5 / 19

Equations involving Radicals

Theorem
Let A and B be expressions and let n N.
Then the solution set of the equation A = B is a subset of the solution set
of the equation An = B n .
Example:
x+1
x

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=

2
1

Equations

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Equations involving Radicals

Theorem
Let A and B be expressions and let n N.
Then the solution set of the equation A = B is a subset of the solution set
of the equation An = B n .
Example:
x+1
x

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=

(x + 1)2

2
1

Equations

22

Lec 8

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Equations involving Radicals

Theorem
Let A and B be expressions and let n N.
Then the solution set of the equation A = B is a subset of the solution set
of the equation An = B n .
Example:
x+1
x

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=

(x + 1)2
+ 2x + 1
2
x + 2x 3
(x + 3)(x 1)
x = 3

2
1

x2

Equations

=
=
=
=
or

22
4
0
0
x=1

Lec 8

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Equations involving Radicals

Theorem
Let A and B be expressions and let n N.
Then the solution set of the equation A = B is a subset of the solution set
of the equation An = B n .
Example:
x+1
x

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=

(x + 1)2 =
+ 2x + 1 =
2
x + 2x 3 =
(x + 3)(x 1) =
x = 3 or
3 is an extraneous

2
1

x2

Equations

22
4
0
0
x=1
solution

Lec 8

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Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in

x2=2

Solution:

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x2

Given

Equations

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Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in

x2=2

Solution:

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x2
x2

=
=

2
4

Given
Square both sides

Equations

Lec 8

6 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in

x2=2

Solution:

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x2
x2
x

=
=
=

2
4
6

Given
Square both sides

Equations

Lec 8

6 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in

x2=2

Solution:

x2
x2
x

=
=
=

2
4
6

Given
Square both sides

Checking: if x = 6, 6 2 = 2

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

6 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in

x2=2

Solution:

x2
x2
x

=
=
=

2
4
6

Given
Square both sides

Checking: if x = 6, 6 2 = 2
Hence, solution set is {6}.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

6 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in
Solution:
p

x+ x2

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+ x2=2

Given

Equations

Lec 8

7 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in
Solution:
p

x + x 2
x+ x2

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=

x+ x2=2

2
4

Given
Square both sides

Equations

Lec 8

7 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in
Solution:
p

x + x 2
x + x 2
x2

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
=

x+ x2=2

2
4
4x

Given
Square both sides
Additive Property of Equality

Equations

Lec 8

7 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in
Solution:
p

x + x 2
x + x 2
x2
x2

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
=
=

x+ x2=2

2
4
4x
16 8x + x2

Equations

Given
Square both sides
Additive Property of Equality

Lec 8

7 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in
Solution:
p

x + x 2
x + x 2
x2
x2
x2 9x + 18

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
=
=
=

x+ x2=2

2
4
4x
16 8x + x2
0

Equations

Given
Square both sides
Additive Property of Equality

Lec 8

7 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in
Solution:
p

x + x 2
x + x 2
x2
x2
x2 9x + 18
(x 6)(x 3)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
=
=
=
=

x+ x2=2

2
4
4x
16 8x + x2
0
0

Equations

Given
Square both sides
Additive Property of Equality

factoring

Lec 8

7 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in
Solution:
p

x + x 2
x + x 2
x2
x2
x2 9x + 18
(x 6)(x 3)
x6=0

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
=
=
=
=
or

x+ x2=2

2
4
4x
16 8x + x2
0
0
x3=0

Equations

Given
Square both sides
Additive Property of Equality

factoring
ab = 0 a = 0 or b = 0

Lec 8

7 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in
Solution:
p

x + x 2
x + x 2
x2
x2
x2 9x + 18
(x 6)(x 3)
x6=0
x=6

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
=
=
=
=
or
or

x+ x2=2

2
4
4x
16 8x + x2
0
0
x3=0
x=3

Equations

Given
Square both sides
Additive Property of Equality

factoring
ab = 0 a = 0 or b = 0

Lec 8

7 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in
Solution:
p

x + x 2
x + x 2
x2
x2
x2 9x + 18
(x 6)(x 3)
x6=0
x=6
Checking:

=
=
=
=
=
=
or
or

if x = 3,
if x = 6,

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+ x2=2

2
Given
4
Square both sides
4x
Additive Property of Equality
2
16 8x + x
0
0
factoring
x3=0
ab = 0 a = 0 or b = 0
x=3
p

3
+
32 = 2
p

6+ 62 =
8=2 2

Equations

Lec 8

7 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in
Solution:
p

x + x 2
x + x 2
x2
x2
x2 9x + 18
(x 6)(x 3)
x6=0
x=6
Checking:

=
=
=
=
=
=
or
or

if x = 3,
if x = 6,

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x+ x2=2

2
Given
4
Square both sides
4x
Additive Property of Equality
2
16 8x + x
0
0
factoring
x3=0
ab = 0 a = 0 or b = 0
x=3
p

3
+
32 = 2
p

6+ 62 =
8 = 2 26= 2

Equations

Lec 8

7 / 19

Equations in x involving Radicals

Example: Solve for x in
Solution:
p

x + x 2
x + x 2
x2
x2
x2 9x + 18
(x 6)(x 3)
x6=0
x=6
Checking:

=
=
=
=
=
=
or
or

if x = 3,
if x = 6,

x+ x2=2

2
Given
4
Square both sides
4x
Additive Property of Equality
2
16 8x + x
0
0
factoring
x3=0
ab = 0 a = 0 or b = 0
x=3
p

3
+
32 = 2
p

6+ 62 =
8 = 2 26= 2
Hence, solution set is {3}.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

7 / 19

Equations in Quadratic Form

Definition
An equation is in quadratic form if it can be written in the form
a 2 + b + c = 0,
where a, b, c R and a 6= 0.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

8 / 19

Equations in Quadratic Form

Definition
An equation is in quadratic form if it can be written in the form
a 2 + b + c = 0,
where a, b, c R and a 6= 0.
Example:



2
2 x + x1 + x + x1 10 = 0 is in quadratic form if = x + x1 .

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

8 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Equations

Lec 8

9 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution:

2


Equation is equivalent to 2 x + x1 + x + x1 10 = 0.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

9 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution:

2


Equation is equivalent to 2 x + x1 + x + x1 10 = 0.
If = x + x1 , equation has the form 2 2 + 10 = 0.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

9 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution:

2


Equation is equivalent to 2 x + x1 + x + x1 10 = 0.
If = x + x1 , equation has the form 2 2 + 10 = 0.
2 2 + 10

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

quadratic form

Lec 8

9 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution:

2


Equation is equivalent to 2 x + x1 + x + x1 10 = 0.
If = x + x1 , equation has the form 2 2 + 10 = 0.
2 2 + 10
(2 + 5)( 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=

0
0

Equations

quadratic form
factoring

Lec 8

9 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution:

2


Equation is equivalent to 2 x + x1 + x + x1 10 = 0.
If = x + x1 , equation has the form 2 2 + 10 = 0.
2 2 + 10
(2 + 5)( 2)
= 52

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
or

0
0
=2

Equations

quadratic form
factoring

Lec 8

9 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution:

2


Equation is equivalent to 2 x + x1 + x + x1 10 = 0.
If = x + x1 , equation has the form 2 2 + 10 = 0.
2 2 + 10
(2 + 5)( 2)
= 52

=
=
or

0
0
=2

quadratic form
factoring

To solve for x, we substitute back values for .

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

9 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution (cont):
= 52

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

or

Equations

=2

Lec 8

10 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution (cont):
= 52


x + x1

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

or
=

=2


5

Equations

Lec 8

10 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution (cont):
= 52


2x x + x1
2x2 + 2

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

or
=
=

=2

 
2x 52
5x

Equations

Lec 8

10 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution (cont):
= 52


2x x + x1
2x2 + 2
2x2 + 5x + 2

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

or
=
=
=

=2

 
2x 52
5x
0

Equations

Lec 8

10 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution (cont):
= 52


2x x + x1
2x2 + 2
2x2 + 5x + 2
(2x + 1)(x + 2)
x = 12

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

or
=
=
=
=
or

=2

 
2x 52
5x
0
0
x = 2

Equations

Lec 8

10 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution (cont):
= 52


2x x + x1
2x2 + 2
2x2 + 5x + 2
(2x + 1)(x + 2)
x = 12

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

or
=
=
=
=
or

=2


x + x1

 
2x 52
5x
0
0
x = 2

Equations

[2]

Lec 8

10 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution (cont):
= 52


2x x + x1
2x2 + 2
2x2 + 5x + 2
(2x + 1)(x + 2)
x = 12

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

or
=
=
=
=
or

=2


x x + x1
x2 + 1

 
2x 52
5x
0
0
x = 2

Equations

=
=

x[2]
2x

Lec 8

10 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution (cont):
= 52


2x x + x1
2x2 + 2
2x2 + 5x + 2
(2x + 1)(x + 2)
x = 12

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

or
=
=
=
=
or

=2


x x + x1
x2 + 1
x2 2x + 1

 
2x 52
5x
0
0
x = 2

Equations

=
=
=

x[2]
2x
0

Lec 8

10 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution (cont):
= 52


2x x + x1
2x2 + 2
2x2 + 5x + 2
(2x + 1)(x + 2)
x = 12

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

or
=
=
=
=
or

=2


x x + x1
x2 + 1
x2 2x + 1
(x 1)2
x

 
2x 52
5x
0
0
x = 2

Equations

=
=
=
=
=

x[2]
2x
0
0
1

Lec 8

10 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution (cont):
Checking:

if x = 21 ,
if x = 2,
if x = 1,

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

2
2 x + x1 = 25
2

2
2 x + x1 = 25

2 2
2 x + x1 = 8

Equations

and
and
and

10 x
10 x
10 x

1
x
1
x
1
x

= 25
.
2
= 25
.
2
= 8.

Lec 8

11 / 19

Solving Equations in Quadratic Form

Example: Solve for x in 2 x +

1 2
x

= 10 x x1 .

Solution (cont):
Checking:

if x = 21 ,
if x = 2,
if x = 1,

2
2 x + x1 = 25
2

2
2 x + x1 = 25

2 2
2 x + x1 = 8

and
and
and

10 x
10 x
10 x

1
x
1
x
1
x

= 25
.
2
= 25
.
2
= 8.

Hence, solution set is { 12 , 2, 1}.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

11 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Equations

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

2 6 = 0

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

quadratic form

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

2 6 = 0
( 3)( + 2)

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=

0
0

Equations

quadratic form
factoring

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

2 6 = 0
( 3)( + 2)
=3

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
or

0
0
= 2

Equations

quadratic form
factoring

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

2 6 = 0
( 3)( + 2)
=3
1

(x + 1) 3

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
or

0
0
= 2

quadratic form
factoring

Equations

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

2 6 = 0
( 3)( + 2)
=3
1

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

(3)3

=
=
or

0
0
= 2

Equations

quadratic form
factoring

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

2 6 = 0
( 3)( + 2)
=3
1

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

(3)3

x+1

27

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
or

0
0
= 2

Equations

quadratic form
factoring

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

2 6 = 0
( 3)( + 2)
=3
1

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

(3)3

x+1
x

=
=

27
26

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
or

0
0
= 2

Equations

quadratic form
factoring

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

2 6 = 0
( 3)( + 2)
=3
1

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

(3)3

x+1
x

=
=

27
26

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
or

0
0
= 2

quadratic form
factoring
1

(x + 1) 3

Equations

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

2 6 = 0
( 3)( + 2)
=3
1

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

(3)3

x+1
x

=
=

27
26

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
or

0
0
= 2

quadratic form
factoring
1

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

Equations

(2)3

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

2 6 = 0
( 3)( + 2)
=3
1

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

(3)3

x+1
x

=
=

27
26

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
or

0
0
= 2

quadratic form
factoring
1

Equations

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

(2)3

x+1

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

2 6 = 0
( 3)( + 2)
=3
1

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

(3)3

x+1
x

=
=

27
26

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
or

0
0
= 2

quadratic form
factoring
1

Equations

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

(2)3

x+1
x+1

=
=

8
9

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

2 6 = 0
( 3)( + 2)
=3
1

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

(3)3

x+1
x

=
=

27
26

Checking:

if x = 26,
if x = 9,

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
or

0
0
= 2

quadratic form
factoring
1

6+ 3x+1=9

6+ 3x+1=4

Equations

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

(2)3

x+1
x+1

=
=

8
9

and
and

(x + 1) 3 = 9.
2
(x + 1) 3 = 4.

Lec 8

12 / 19

Example: Solve for x in 6 +

x + 1 = (x + 1) 3 .

Solution:
2
1
Equation is equivalent to (x + 1) 3 (x + 1) 3 6 = 0.
1

If = (x + 1) 3 , equation has the form 2 6 = 0.

2 6 = 0
( 3)( + 2)
=3
1

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

(3)3

x+1
x

=
=

27
26

Checking:

if x = 26,
if x = 9,

=
=
or

0
0
= 2

quadratic form
factoring
1

6+ 3x+1=9

6+ 3x+1=4

(x + 1) 3


1 3
(x + 1) 3

(2)3

x+1
x+1

=
=

8
9

and
and

(x + 1) 3 = 9.
2
(x + 1) 3 = 4.

Hence, solution set is {26, 9}.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

12 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Let E be an expression and a R.

If a > 0, then |E| = a if and only if E = a or E = a.
If a = 0, then |E| = a if and only if E = 0.
If a < 0, then |E| = a has no solution.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

13 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:
x
2x3

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x
2x3

Equations

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:
x
2x3

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x
2x3

Equations

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:
(2x 3)

x
2x3

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x
2x3

[2] (2x 3)

Equations

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:
(2x 3)

x
2x3

=
x =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x
2x3

[2] (2x 3)
4x 6

Equations

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:
(2x 3)

x
2x3

=
x =
6 =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x
2x3

[2] (2x 3)
4x 6
3x

Equations

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:
(2x 3)

x
2x3

=
x =
6 =
2 =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x
2x3

[2] (2x 3)
4x 6
3x
x

Equations

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:
(2x 3)

x
2x3

=
x =
6 =
2 =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x
2x3

[2] (2x 3)
4x 6
3x
x

Equations

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:
(2x 3)

x
2x3

=
x =
6 =
2 =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

[2] (2x 3)
4x 6
3x
x

(2x 3)

Equations

x
2x3

[ 2] (2x 3)

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:
(2x 3)

x
2x3

=
x =
6 =
2 =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

[2] (2x 3)
4x 6
3x
x

(2x 3)

Equations

x
2x3

=
x =

[ 2] (2x 3)
4x + 6

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:
(2x 3)

x
2x3

=
x =
6 =
2 =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

[2] (2x 3)
4x 6
3x
x

(2x 3)

Equations

x
2x3

=
x =
5x =

[ 2] (2x 3)
4x + 6
6

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:
(2x 3)

x
2x3

=
x =
6 =
2 =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

[2] (2x 3)
4x 6
3x
x

(2x 3)

Equations

x
2x3

=
x =
5x =
x =

[ 2] (2x 3)
4x + 6
6
6
5

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:
(2x 3)

Checking:

x
2x3

=
x =
6 =
2 =

if x = 2,
if x = 56 ,

[2] (2x 3)
4x 6
3x
x

(2x 3)

x
2x3

=
x =
5x =
x =

[ 2] (2x 3)
4x + 6
6
6
5

x
| 2x3
| = 2.
x
| 2x3
| = 2.

Solution set is { 56 , 2}

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations involving Absolute Value



 x 
Example: Solve  2x3
 = 2.
Solution:
x
2x3

Checking:

=
x =
6 =
2 =

if x = 2,
if x = 56 ,

x
2x3

=
x =
5x =
x =

2
4x 6
3x
x

2
4x + 6
6
6
5

x
| 2x3
| = 2.
x
| 2x3
| = 2.

Solution set is { 56 , 2}

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

14 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = |x + 6|.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

15 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = |x + 6|.
Solution:
|4x 3| =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

|x + 6|

Given

Lec 8

15 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = |x + 6|.
Solution:
|4x 3| =
|4x 3|2 =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

|x + 6|
|x + 6|2

Given
Square both sides

Lec 8

15 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = |x + 6|.
Solution:
|4x 3| =
|4x 3|2 =
(4x 3)2 =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

|x + 6|
|x + 6|2
(x + 6)2

Given
Square both sides
Theorem above

Lec 8

15 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = |x + 6|.
Solution:
|4x 3| =
|4x 3|2 =
(4x 3)2 =
(4x 3)2 (x + 6)2 =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

|x + 6|
|x + 6|2
(x + 6)2
0

Given
Square both sides
Theorem above
Additive Property

Lec 8

15 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = |x + 6|.
Solution:
|4x 3| =
|4x 3|2 =
(4x 3)2 =
(4x 3)2 (x + 6)2 =
((4x 3) + (x + 6))((4x 3) (x + 6)) =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

|x + 6|
|x + 6|2
(x + 6)2
0
0

Given
Square both sides
Theorem above
Additive Property
Factor the LHS

Lec 8

15 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = |x + 6|.
Solution:
|4x 3| =
|4x 3|2 =
(4x 3)2 =
(4x 3)2 (x + 6)2 =
((4x 3) + (x + 6))((4x 3) (x + 6)) =

x = 35 or

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

|x + 6|
|x + 6|2
(x + 6)2
0
0
x=3

Given
Square both sides
Theorem above
Additive Property
Factor the LHS
Equate factors to 0

Lec 8

15 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = |x + 6|.
Solution:
|4x 3| =
|4x 3|2 =
(4x 3)2 =
(4x 3)2 (x + 6)2 =
((4x 3) + (x + 6))((4x 3) (x + 6)) =

x = 35 or

|x + 6|
|x + 6|2
(x + 6)2
0
0
x=3

Given
Square both sides
Theorem above
Additive Property
Factor the LHS
Equate factors to 0

After checking, solution set is { 35 , 3}.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

15 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = x.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

16 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = x.
Solution:
|4x 3| =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Given

Lec 8

16 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = x.
Solution:
|4x 3| =
|4x 3|2 =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

x
x2

Given
square both sides

Lec 8

16 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = x.
Solution:
|4x 3| =
|4x 3|2 =
(4x 3)2 =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

x
x2
x2

Given
square both sides
theorem above

Lec 8

16 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = x.
Solution:
|4x 3| =
|4x 3|2 =
(4x 3)2 =
(4x 3)2 x2 =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

x
x2
x2
0

Given
square both sides
theorem above
additive property

Lec 8

16 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = x.
Solution:
|4x 3| =
|4x 3|2 =
(4x 3)2 =
(4x 3)2 x2 =
((4x 3) + x)((4x 3) x) =

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

x
x2
x2
0
0

Given
square both sides
theorem above
additive property
diff. of squares

Lec 8

16 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = x.
Solution:
|4x 3| =
|4x 3|2 =
(4x 3)2 =
(4x 3)2 x2 =
((4x 3) + x)((4x 3) x) =
x = 53 or

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

x
x2
x2
0
0
x=1

Given
square both sides
theorem above
additive property
diff. of squares
equate factors to 0

Lec 8

16 / 19

Equations Involving Absolute Value

Theorem
Let a R. Then |a|2 = a2 .
Example: Solve for x in |4x 3| = x.
Solution:
|4x 3| =
|4x 3|2 =
(4x 3)2 =
(4x 3)2 x2 =
((4x 3) + x)((4x 3) x) =
x = 53 or

x
x2
x2
0
0
x=1

Given
square both sides
theorem above
additive property
diff. of squares
equate factors to 0

After checking, solution set is { 35 , 1}.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

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Solving Equations via Factoring

Theorem
For all x1 , x2 , ..., xn R,
x1 x2 ... xn = 0 if and only if x1 = 0 or x2 = 0 or ... or xn = 0
Let E be an expression. For equations with the form E = 0, we try to
factor E and equate each of its factors to 0.
Note: This only works when one side of the equation is 0.

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

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Example: Solve for x in x4 81 = 0

Solution:
x4 81

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Given

Lec 8

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Example: Solve for x in x4 81 = 0

Solution:
x4 81

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Given
Factor the LHS

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Example: Solve for x in x4 81 = 0

Solution:
(x2

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x4 81
9)(x2 + 9)

=
=

Equations

0
0

Given
Factor the LHS

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Example: Solve for x in x4 81 = 0

Solution:
x4 81
9)(x2 + 9)
(x 3)(x + 3)(x2 + 9)
(x2

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

=
=
=

Equations

0
0
0

Given
Factor the LHS

Lec 8

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Example: Solve for x in x4 81 = 0

Solution:
x4 81
9)(x2 + 9)
(x 3)(x + 3)(x2 + 9)
(x2

=
=
=

0
0
0

Given
Factor the LHS

then equate each factor to 0:

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

18 / 19

Example: Solve for x in x4 81 = 0

Solution:
x4 81
9)(x2 + 9)
(x 3)(x + 3)(x2 + 9)
(x2

=
=
=

0
0
0

Given
Factor the LHS

then equate each factor to 0:

x+3
x

=
=

0
3

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

Lec 8

18 / 19

Example: Solve for x in x4 81 = 0

Solution:
x4 81
9)(x2 + 9)
(x 3)(x + 3)(x2 + 9)
(x2

=
=
=

0
0
0

=
=

0
3

Given
Factor the LHS

then equate each factor to 0:

x+3
x

=
=

0
3

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x3
x

Equations

Lec 8

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Example: Solve for x in x4 81 = 0

Solution:
x4 81
9)(x2 + 9)
(x 3)(x + 3)(x2 + 9)
(x2

=
=
=

0
0
0

=
=

0
3

Given
Factor the LHS

then equate each factor to 0:

x+3
x

=
=

0
3

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

x3
x

Equations

x2 + 9
x2
x
x = 3i

=
=
=
or

0
9
9
x = 3i

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Example: Solve for x in x4 81 = 0

Solution:
x4 81
9)(x2 + 9)
(x 3)(x + 3)(x2 + 9)
(x2

=
=
=

0
0
0

=
=

0
3

Given
Factor the LHS

then equate each factor to 0:

x+3
x

Checking:

=
=

0
3

x3
x

if x = 3, x4 81 = 0
if x = 3i,x4 81 = 0

x2 + 9
x2
x
x = 3i

=
=
=
or

0
9
9
x = 3i

if x = 3, x4 81 = 0
if x = 3i, x4 81 = 0

Solution set is {3, 3, 3i, 3i}

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

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Exercises:
Solve for x:
1
2

5
x+3
x
x1

3
4
5

=
+

8+x
x+3 3
x5
x2 +2x3

2x + 3

x6

1
x+3

x2=

x+1

7x3

 = 8
 3x4 
 2x+3  = 1

Next Meeting: Inequalities

Math 17 (UP-IMath)

Equations

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