3
Equations
TERMINOLOGY
Absolute value: the distance of a number from zero on a
number line.
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
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
pronumeral that is solved to find values that make the
statement true e.g. 2x - 3 2 4
Quadratic equation: An equation involving x 2 as the
highest power of x that may have two, one or no
solutions
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.

Do the opposite operation

If a number is added, subtract it from both sides to take a number to the
other side of an equation.
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

ch3.indd 95 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 = 8y + 21
4 y - 4y - 3 = 8y - 4y + 21
-3 = 4y + 21
- 3 - 21 = 4y + 21 - 21
- 24 = 4y
- 24 4y
=
4 4
-6 = y
` y = -6

3. 2 ] 3x + 7 g = 6 - ] x - 1 g

Solution
Check these solutions
by substituting them
into the equation.
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 97

7x + 14 - 14 = 7 - 14
7x = -7
7x -7
=
7 7
x = -1

3.1 Exercises
Solve

1. t + 4 = -1 x
16. -3 =7
2
2. z + 1.7 = -3.9
m
17. + 7 = 11
3. y - 3 = -2 5

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

21. 8b - 4 = - 36
7. 5y = 1
3
22. 3 (x + 2) = 15
b
8. =5
7 23. -2 (3a + 1) = 8
n 24. 7t + 4 = 3t - 12
9. -2 =
8
r 2 25. x - 3 = 6x - 9
10. =
6 3
26. 2 (a - 2) = 4 - 3a
11. 2y + 1 = 19
27. 5b + 2 = - 3(b - 1)
12. 33 = 4k + 9
28. 3 (t + 7) = 2 (2t - 9)
13. 7d - 2 = 12
29. 2 + 5( p - 1) = 5p - ( p - 2)
14. -2 = 5x - 27
30. 3.7x + 1.2 = 5.4x - 6.3
y
15. +4=9
3

A S TA R T L I N G FA C T !
Half full = half empty
` full = empty
98 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

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
m 1
Multiply by -4 =
the common
3 2
m
denominator, 6. 6c m - 6 (4) = 6 c 1 m
3 2
2m - 24 = 3
2m - 24 + 24 = 3 + 24
2m = 27
2m 27
=
2 2
27
m=
2
= 13 1
2

x+1 x
2. + =5
3 4

Solution

x +1 x
The common
+ =5
3 4
denominator of
x +1 x
3 and 4 is 12. 12 c m + 12 c m = 12 (5)
3 4
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 99

y +1 y-2 5
3. - =
5 3 6

Solution

y +1 y-2 5
- =
5 3 6 The common
y +1 y -2 denominator of 5, 3
30 e o - 30 e o = 30 c 5 m and 6 is 30.
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

8 3
2. Solve = ^n ! 0h
5 2n

Solution
8 3
=
5 2n
16n = 15
16n 15
=
16 16
15
n=
16
100 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

3.2 Exercises
Solve
b 2 x x 3
1. = 14. - =
5 3 5 2 10

7 1 x+4 x
2. x = 5 (x ! 0 ) 15.
3
+ =1
2

4 9 p-3 2p
3. y = 10 (y ! 0) 16. + =2
2 3
5x 11 t +3 t -1
4. = 17. + =4
4 7 7 3

4
=
9
( k ! 0) x+5 x+2
5. 18. - =1
5 2k 9 5
x q-1 q-2
6. -4=8
3 19. - =2
3 4
5t 3
7. = x+3 x +7
4 4 20. +2=
5 2
5+x 2
8. = 3b 1 b
7 7 21. - =
4 5 2
y 3
9. =- a 3 5
2 5 22. + =
3 4 8
x 2
10. - =7 5 3
9 3 23. =x ^ x ! 0, -2 h
x+2
w-3
11. =5 1 1 1
2 24. = c y ! -1, m
y +1 3y - 1 3
2t t
12. - =2 2 1
5 3 25. + = 0 ^ t ! 3, - 4 h
t-3 t+4
x 1
13. + =4
4 2

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 101

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 Another way of doing
this would be to change
72 30b
= the subject of the
30 30 formula first.
2. 4 = b

CONTINUED
102 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,

correct to 2 decimal places, when V = 350 and h = 6.5.

Solution
V = rr 2 h
350 = rr 2 (6.5)
350 r r 2 ( 6 .5 )
=
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 7. The area of a rhombus is given by

formula for the velocity of the formula A = 1 xy where x and
2
a particle at time t, nd the y are its diagonals. Find the value
value of t when u = 17.3, of x correct to 2 decimal places
v = 100.6 and a = 9.8. when y = 7.8 and A = 25.1.
2. The sum of an arithmetic series is 8. The simple interest formula is
n
given by S = (a + l ) . Find l if I=
Pr n
. Find n if r = 14.5,
2 100
a = 3, n = 26 and S = 1625. P = 150 and I = 326.25.
3. The formula for nding the area 9. The gradient of a straight
of a triangle is A = 1 bh. Find b y2 - y1
2 line is given by m = x - x .
when A = 36 and h = 9. 2 1

Find y 1 when m = - 5 ,
6
4. The area of a trapezium is given
y 2 = 7, x 2 = - 3 and x 1 = 1.
by A = 1 h (a + b) . Find
2
10. The surface area of a cylinder
the value of a when A = 120,
is given by the formula
h = 5 and b = 7.
S = 2rr ] r + h g . Evaluate h
5. Find the value of y when x = 3, correct to 1 decimal place if
given the straight line equation S = 232 and r = 4.5.
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.
 Chapter 3 Equations 103

There are two solutions to

11. The formula for body mass index 15. If y = x 2 + 1, evaluate x when this question.
w y = 5.
is BMI = 2 . Evaluate
h
(a) the BMI when w = 65 and 16. If the surface area of a sphere
h = 1.6 is S = 4rr 2, evaluate r to 3
(b) w when BMI = 21.5 and signicant gures when S = 56.3.
h = 1.8
17. The area of a sector of a circle
(c) h when BMI = 19.7 and 1
w = 73.8. is A = r 2 i. Evaluate r when
2
A = 24.6 and i = 0.45.
12. A formula for depreciation
is D = P ] 1 - r g n . Find r if 2
18. If y = , nd the value of x
D = 12 000, P = 15 000 and n = 3. x3 - 1
when y = 3.
13. The x-value of the midpoint is
x1 + x2 19. Given y = 2x + 5 , evaluate x
given by x = . Find x1 when y = 4.
2
when x = - 2 and x 2 = 5.
20. The volume of a sphere is
4
14. Given the height of a particle at V = rr 3. Evaluate r to 1 decimal
3
time t is h = 5t 2, evaluate t when place when V = 150.
h = 23.

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.

104 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.

1 1
If a 2 b then a 1 for all positive numbers a and b
b

1 1
For example, 3 2 2 but 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

$
 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 0 1 2 3 4

2. 3t - 2 2 5t + 4

Solution
3t - 2 2 5t + 4
3t - 3t - 2 2 5t - 3t + 4
-2 2 2t + 4
- 2 - 4 2 2t + 4-4
-6 2 2t
-6 2t
2
2 2
-3 2 t
or
3t - 2 2 5t + 4
3t - 5t - 2 2 5t - 5t + 4
-2t - 2 24
- 2t - 2 + 2 24+2
-2t 26
Remember to change
-2t 6
2 the inequality sign when
-2 -2 dividing by -2.
t 1 -3

-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

CONTINUED
106 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

3. Solve 1 1 2z + 7 # 11.

Solution
Method 1: Separate into two separate questions.
(i) 1 1 2z + 7
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
Solving this inequation as a 1 #
single question is quicker than 2 2 2
splitting it into two parts. -3 1 z # 2
Notice that the circle is not
filled in for 1 and filled in
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
for #.

3.4 Exercises

1. Solve and plot the solution on a (h) 2x + 9 1 1 - 4 (x + 1)

number line a
(i) # - 3
(a) x + 4 2 7 2
(b) y - 3 # 1 2y
(j) 8 2
3
2. Solve b
(k) + 5 1 - 4
(a) 5t 2 35 2
(b) 3x - 7 $ 2 x
(l) - 4 2 6
(c) 2 (p + 5) 2 8 3
(d) 4 - (x - 1) # 7 1 x
(m) + # 1
(e) 3y + 5 2 2y - 4 4 5
(f) 2a - 6 # 5a - 3 m 2
(n) -3 2
(g) 3 + 4y $ - 2 (1 - y) 4 3
 Chapter 3 Equations 107

2b 1 2x x -1 2
(o) - $6 (v) - 2
5 2 3 2 9
r-3 2b - 5 b+6
(p) # -6 (w) +3#
2 8 12
z+1
(q) +223 3. Solve and plot the solutions on a
9
number line
w 2w + 5
(r) + 14 (a) 3 1 x + 2 1 9
6 3
(b) -4 # 2p 1 10
x+1 x-2
(s) - $7 (c) 2 1 3x - 1 1 11
2 3
(d) -6 # 5y + 9 # 34
t+2 t+3
(t) - #2 (e) -2 1 3 (2y - 1) 1 7
7 2
q-2 3q
(u) 12+
3 4

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 2

-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

x = !2

CONTINUED
108 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

2. x # 2

Solution
x # 2 means the distance of x from zero is less than or equal to 2 (in
either direction).
2 2

-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
The solution of
| x | 1 2 would be Notice that there is one region on the number line. We can write this as
- 2 1 x 1 2. 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 2

-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
The solution of
| x | $ 2 would be There are two regions on the number line, so we write two separate
x # - 2, x $ 2. 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 You could solve these as
two separate inequations.
-4 2y 6
1 1
2 2 2
-2 1 y 1 3

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 - 7 + 7 $ 3 + 7
5b # 4 5b $ 10
5b 4 5b 10
# $
5 5 5 5
4
b # b$2
5 These must be solved
4 and written as two
So b # , b $ 2. separate inequations.
5
110 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

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 111

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
It is often easier to solve
1
Since LHS ! RHS, x = is not a solution. these harder equations
5 graphically. You will do
So the only solution is x = 3. 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 when 2x - 3 $ 0
x - 3) when 2x - 3 1 0
x + 1 = ' -(xx ++1 when x + 1 $ 0
1) 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
2
Check by substituting x = 3 into 2x - 3 + x + 1 = 9.
3
CONTINUED
112 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

2 2
LHS = 2 # 3 -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
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
x = -2
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 You will learn how to
So solutions are x = 3 , - 2 . solve equations involving
3 3
absolute values graphically
in Chapter 5. With
graphical solutions it is
While you should always check solutions, you can see that there are some easy to see how many
cases where this is really important. solutions there are.

3.5 Exercises
Remember to check solutions
in questions 3, 4 and 5.
1. Solve 3. Solve
(a) x = 5 (a) x + 2 = 5x - 3
(b) y = 8 (b) 2a - 1 = a + 2
(c) b - 3 = 2b - 4
(c) a 1 4
(d) 3k - 2 = k - 4
(d) k $ 1
(e) 6y + 23 = y - 7
(e) x 2 6 (f) 4x + 3 = 5x - 4
(f) p # 10 (g) 2m - 5 = m
(g) x = 0 (h) 3d + 1 = d + 6
(h) a 2 14 (i) 5 - y = 4y + 1
(i) y 1 12 (j) 2t - 7 = 3 - t

(j) b $ 20
4. Solve

2. Solve (a) x + 3 = 3x - 1

(a) x + 2 = 7 (b) 2y - 5 = y - 2

(b) n - 1 = 3 (c) 3a + 1 = 2a - 9

(c) 2a 2 4 (d) 2x + 5 + x = 17

(d) x - 5 # 1 (e) 3d - 2 + d + 4 = 18

(e) 9 = 2x + 3 5. (a) Solve 4t - 3 + t - 1 = 11.

(f) 7x - 1 = 34 (b) By plotting the solutions on
(g) 4y + 3 1 11 a number line and looking at
(h) 2x - 3 $ 15 values in between the solutions,
x solve 4t - 3 + t - 1 1 11.
(i) =4
3
a
(j) -3 #2
2
114 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

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

Solution
There are two possible
solutions for x one
x2 = 9
positive and one
negative since 3 2 = 9 x2 = ! 9
and (- 3) 2 = 9. ` x= !3

2. 5n 3 = 40

Solution
5n 3 = 40
5n 3 40
=
There is only one 5 5
answer for this 3
question since 2 3 = 8 n =8
but (- 2) 3 = -8. 3
n3 = 3 8
n=2
 Chapter 3 Equations 115

2
3. a 3 = 4

Solution
3 2
2 2 3 3
We use the fact that ` a j = ` a j = a.
3 2

2
a3 = 4
3
2 2 3
`a j = 4 2
3
3
a= 42
a = ^ 4h
3
`
= 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. What is the solution when n = 0?

2. What is the solution when n = 1?
3. How many solutions are there when n = 2?
4. How many solutions are there when n = 3?
5. How many solutions are there when n is even?
6. 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
116 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

2. 5 2k - 1 = 25

Solution

5 2k - 1 = 25
5 2k - 1 = 5 2
` 2k - 1 = 2
2k - 1 + 1 = 2 + 1
We can check this solution
1
2k = 3
by substituting k = 1 into
2 2k 3
the equation 5 2k -1
= 25. =
2 2
1
k=1
2

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
3 n

2 3n = 2 2
` 3n = 2
3n 2
=
3 3
2
n=
3

3.6 Exercises

1. Solve 2. Solve and give the answer correct

(a) x 3 = 27 to 2 decimal places.
(b) y 2 = 64 (a) p 2 = 45
(c) n 4 = 16 (b) x 3 = 100
(d) x 2 = 20 (give the exact answer) (c) n 5 = 240
(e) p 3 = 1000 (d) 2x 2 = 70
(f) 2x 2 = 50 (e) 4y 3 + 7 = 34
(g) 6y 4 = 486 d4
(f) = 14
(h) w 3 + 7 = 15 3
(i) 6n 2 - 4 = 92 k2
(g) -3=7
(j) 3q 3 + 20 = - 4 2
x3 - 1
(h) =2
5
(i) 2y 2 - 9 = 20
(j) 7y 3 + 9 = 200
 Chapter 3 Equations 117

3. Solve 6. Solve
2
(a) 2 n = 16
(a) n = 9
3

3 (b) 3 y = 243
(b) t 4 = 8 (c) 2 m = 512
2
(c) x 5 = 4 (d) 10 x = 100 000
4 (e) 6 m = 1
(d) t 3 = 16
3
(f) 4 x = 64
(e) p 5 = 27 (g) 4 x + 3 = 19
3
(h) 5 (3 x ) = 45
(f) 2m 4 = 250
2 (i) 4 x = 4
(g) b 3 + 3 = 39 6k
4 (j) = 18
(h) 5y 3 = 405 2
2
(i) 3a 7 - 2 = 10 7. Solve
3
4
(a) 3 2x = 81
t
(j) =9 (b) 2 5x - 1 = 16
3
(c) 4 x + 3 = 4
4. Solve (all pronumerals ! 0)
(d) 3 n - 2 = 1
(a) x - 1 = 5
(e) 7 2x + 1 = 7
(b) a - 3 = 8
(f) 3 x - 3 = 27
(c) y - 5 = 32
(g) 5 3y + 2 = 125
(d) x - 2 + 1 = 50
(h) 7 3x - 4 = 49
(e) 2n - 1 = 3
(i) 2 4x = 256
1
(f) a - 3 = (j) 9 3a + 1 = 9
8
-2 1
(g) x = 8. Solve
4
(a) 4 m = 2
1
(h) b - 1 = (b) 27 x = 3
9
1 (c) 125 x = 5
(i) x - 2 = 2
4 1 k
(d) c m =7
16 49
(j) b - 4 =
81 1 k
(e) c m = 100
5. Solve (all pronumerals ! 0) 1000
-
1 (f) 16 n = 8
(a) x 3
=8 (g) 25 x = 125
3
- 8 (h) 64 n = 16
(b) x 2
=
125
1 3k
-
1 (i) c m = 2
(c) a 4
=3 4
-
3 (j) 8 x - 1 = 4
(d) k 4
= 125
2
- 9. Solve
(e) 3x 3
= 12
3 (a) 2 4x + 1 = 8 x
- 1
(f) x 2
= (b) 3 5x = 9 x - 2
8
-
2
1 (c) 7 2k + 3 = 7 k - 1
(g) y =3
4 (d) 4 3n = 8 n + 3
-
2
4 (e) 6 x - 5 = 216 x
(h) n 5 =
9 (f) 16 2x - 1 = 4 x - 4
-
5
1 (g) 27 x + 3 = 3 x
(i) b 3
=
32 1 x 1 2x + 3
(h) c m = c m
-
2
36 2 64
(j) m 3
=
49
118 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

3 x 27 2x - 3 (d) 3 k = 3 3
(i) c m = c m
4 64 1 3n + 1 3
1 x-9 (e) c m =
(j) ] 5 g- x = c m 27 81
25
2 3n + 1 5 -n
(f) c m =c m
10. Solve 5 2
(a) 4 m = 1
2 (g) 32 - x =
16
9 k+3 3
(b) c m = (h) 9 2b + 5 = 3 b 3
25 5
1 (i) 81 x + 1 = 3x
(c) = 4 2x - 5
2 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 119

` 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 a-4 =0
3a - 2 + 2 = 0 or a-4+4 =0+4
3a = 2 a=4
3a 2
=
3 3
2
a=
3
2
So the solution is a = or 4.
3

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
120 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

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
A formula for displacement s at time t is given by s = ut + 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.

s = ut + 1 at
2
2
0 = -12t + 1 (10) t
2
2
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
x + 3 = ! 11 both sides.

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

You learnt how to

To solve a quadratic equation like x 2 - 6x + 3 = 0, which will not factorise, we complete the square in
Chapter 2.
can use the method of completing the square.

EXAMPLES

Solve by completing the square

1. x 2 - 6x + 3 = 0 (give exact answer)

Solution

x 2 - 6x + 3 = 0 Halve 6, square it and

2 add to both sides of the
x 2 - 6x = - 3 c 6 m = 32 = 9 equation.
2

CONTINUED
122 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

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
2
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, 2. Solve by completing the square

giving exact answers in simplest and write your answers correct to
surd form 3 significant figures
(a) x 2 + 4x - 1 = 0 (a) x 2 - 2x - 5 = 0
(b) a 2 - 6a + 2 = 0 (b) x 2 + 12x + 34 = 0
(c) y 2 - 8y - 7 = 0 (c) q 2 + 18q - 1 = 0
(d) x 2 + 2x - 12 = 0 (d) x 2 - 4x - 2 = 0
(e) p 2 + 14p + 5 = 0 (e) b 2 + 16b + 50 = 0
(f) x 2 - 10x - 3 = 0 (f) x 2 - 24x + 112 = 0
(g) y 2 + 20y + 12 = 0 (g) r 2 - 22r - 7 = 0
(h) x 2 - 2x - 1 = 0 (h) x 2 + 8x + 5 = 0
(i) n 2 + 24n + 7 = 0 (i) a 2 + 6a - 1 = 0
(j) y 2 - 3y + 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 123

For the equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0

-b ! b 2 - 4ac
x=
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
bx c c c
x2 + a + a - a = 0 - a
2 2 2
bx c b b ' 2l = c b m = b 2
x2 + a = - a a 2a 4a
bx b2 c b2
x2 + a + 2 = - a + 2
4a 4a
b 2 c b2
cx + m = -a + 2
2a 4a
- 4ac + b 2
=
4a 2
b - 4ac + b 2
x+ =!
2a 4a 2
b - 4ac
2
=!
2a
b b b 2 - 4ac b
x+ - =! -
2a 2a 2a 2a
-b b 2 - 4ac
x= !
2a 2a
- b ! b - 4ac
2
=
2a

EXAMPLES

1. Solve x 2 - x - 2 = 0 by using the quadratic formula.

Solution
a = 1, b = -1, c = - 2
-b ! b 2 - 4ac
x=
2a
- (-1) ! (-1) 2 - 4 (1) (-2)
=
2 (1 )
1! 1+8
=
2
CONTINUED
124 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

1! 3 1! 9
x =
2
gives two =
1+ 3 2
separate solutions,
2 1!3
and
1- 3
. =
2 2
= 2 or - 1

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
x=
2a
- ] -9 g ! ] -9 g2 - 4 ] 2 g ] 3 g
y=
2] 2 g
9 ! 81 - 24
=
4
9 ! 57
These solutions are
=
irrational. 4
Z 4.14 or 0.36

3.9 Exercises

1. Solve by formula, correct to 3 2. Solve by formula, leaving the

significant figures where necessary answer in simplest surd form
(a) y 2 + 6y + 2 = 0 (a) x 2 + x - 4 = 0
(b) 2x 2 - 5x + 3 = 0 (b) 3x 2 - 5x + 1 = 0
(c) b 2 - b - 9 = 0 (c) q 2 - 4q - 3 = 0
(d) 2x 2 - x - 1 = 0 (d) 4h 2 + 12h + 1 = 0
(e) - 8x 2 + x + 3 = 0 (e) 3s 2 - 8s + 2 = 0
(f) n 2 + 8n - 2 = 0 (f) x 2 + 11x - 3 = 0
(g) m 2 + 7m + 10 = 0 (g) 6d 2 + 5d - 2 = 0
(h) x 2 - 7x = 0 (h) x 2 - 2x = 7
(i) x 2 + 5x = 6 (i) t 2 = t + 1
(j) y 2 = 3y - 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
x!0 0
is undefined.

1
Solve x = 3.
1
x #x=3#x
1 = 3x
1 3x
=
3 3
1
=x
3
1 1
x= is not a solution of the inequation x 1 3.
3
1 Circle these values as they
Place x = 0 and x = on a number plane and test x values on either side
3 are not included in the
of these values in the inequation. solution.

-3 -2 -1 0 1 1 2 3 4 5
3

Test for x 1 0, say x = -1

Substitute into the inequation:
1
x 13
1
13
-1
-1 1 3 (true)
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 (false)
1
So 0 1 x 1 is not part of the solution.
3
1
Test for x 2 , say x = 1
3
Substitute into the inequation:
CONTINUED
126 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

1
13
1
113 (true)
1
So x 2 is part of the solution.
3
1
Solution is x 1 0, x 2 .
3

-3 -2 -1 0 1 1 2 3 4 5
3

6
2. Solve $ 1.
x+3
Solution
6
is undefined.
0 x ! -3
6
Solve = 1.
x+3
6
# (x + 3) = 1 # (x + 3)
x+3
6 =x+3
6-3 =x+ 3-3
3=x
6
x = 3 is a solution of the inequation $ 1.
Circle x = - 3 and fill in x+3
x = 3 since it is a part of Place x = - 3 and x = 3 on a number plane and test values on either side
the solution. in the inequation.

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

Test for x 1 - 3, say x = - 4

Substitute into the inequation:
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
Substitute into the inequation:
6
$1
4+3
6
$1 (false)
7
So x $ 3 is not part of the solution.
 Chapter 3 Equations 127

Solution is - 3 1 x # 3

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

y2 - 6
3. Solve y # 1.

Solution
y!0
y2 - 6
Solve y = 1.
y -6
2

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
Sketch these on a number line and test values on either side.

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

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

Substitute into the inequation:
y2 - 6
y #1
]-3 g - 6
2
#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 (true)
So 0 1 y # 3 is part of the solution.
Test y $ 3, say y = 4
CONTINUED
128 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

42 - 6
#1
4
1
2 #1 (false)
2
So y $ 3 is not part of the solution.
The solution is y # - 2, 0 1 y # 3

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

3.10 Exercises

Solve

1 3x + 1 1
1. y 11 16.
x-4
$
3
1 8p + 7
2. x 22 17. 25
2p - 9
3 x-2 3
3. x 12 18. #
5x + 1 4
2 7t + 4
4. m $7 19. $ -1
3t - 8
3 5m + 4 1
5. x 2 -5 20. 1
2m 4
2 x2 - 5
6. # -1 21. 1 -4
b x
1 n2 + 8
7. 24 22. $6
x -1 n
1 x 2 - 15
8. 1 -5 23. 22
z+3 x
3 m2 - 8
9. $4 24. #4
x-2 m +1
-1 4
10. 16 25. $x
2-x x-3
5
11. # -9 2x 2
x+4 26. # -1
3x - 2
2
12. 25 3
3x - 4 27. #x
x-2
-3
13. 12 n+5
2a + 5 28. 2n
n-3
x
14. 25 3x 2
2x - 1 29. 1 -2
7x + 4
y
15. 12 2 x ( x - 4)
y +1 30. #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
First solve x + x - 6 = 0
2
does not mean x - 2 2 0
and x + 3 2 0.
(x - 2 ) (x + 3 ) = 0
` x = 2 or -3
Now look at the number line.

-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

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 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

Substitute x = 3 into the inequation.

32 + 3 - 6 2 0
620 (true)
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
(- 4) 2 + ( - 4) - 6 2 0
620 (true)
So the solution is on the LHS of -3.

-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

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 0 1 2 3 4

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

Substitute x = 0 into the inequation.
9 - x2 $ 0
Check numbers on the 9 - 02 $ 0
RHS and LHS to verify this. 9$0 (true)
So the solution is between -3 and 3, that is -3 # x # 3.
On the number line:

-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

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
x!0 sign does not change.
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
1
x = 0 or
3

-2 -1 0 1 1 2
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

3
2. $2
x+5
Solution
2
(x + 5) is positive, so the
x ! -5 inequality sign does not
First, multiply both sides by (x + 5)2 . change.

3
$2
x+5
3 ( x + 5 ) $ 2 ( x + 5) 2
0 $ 2 ( x + 5 ) 2 - 3 ( x + 5) Check this factorisation
0 $ ( x + 5 ) [ 2 ( x + 5) - 3 ] carefully.

0 $ ( x + 5 ) ( 2 x + 7)
Now, solve (x + 5) (2x + 7) = 0
` x + 5 = 0 or 2x + 7 = 0
x cannot be -5 as this would
x = -5 x = -3 1 give 0 in the denominator.
2

-6 -5 -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 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

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
3
27. x # 6
8. x + 6x + 8 # 0
2

1
9. x 2 - 9x + 20 1 0 28. 15
y+1
10. 4b 2 + 10b + 4 $ 0
1
29. $2
11. 1 - 2a - 3a 1 0 2 n-3

3
12. 2y 2 - y - 6 2 0 30. $ -1
x+5
13. 3x 2 - 5x + 2 $ 0
1
31. 17
14. 6 - 13b - 5b 1 0 2 5x - 2

4
15. 6x 2 + 11x + 3 # 0 32. $ -5
x-5
16. y 2 + y # 12 x
33. #5
x+1
17. x 2 2 16
2x + 1
18. a 2 # 1 34. 21
x-2
19. x 2 1 x + 6
2x - 3
35. $6
20. x $ 2x + 3
2 5x + 3

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 133

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
3a + 2b = 5 (1)
2a - b = -6 (2)
] 2 g # 2: 4a - 2b = -12 (3)
] 1 g + (3): 3a + 2b = 5 (1)
7a = - 7
a = -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
5x - 3y = 19 ( 1)
2x - 4y = 16 ( 2)
(1) # 4: 20x - 12y = 76 (3)
( 2 ) # 3: 6x - 12y = 48 (4 )
(3) - (4): 14x = 28
x=2
Substitute x = 2 in (2)
2 ( 2) - 4 y = 16
4 - 4y = 16
- 4y = 12
y = -3
134 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

3.12 Exercises

Solve simultaneously
1. a - b = -2 and a + b = 4 12. 3a - 4b = -16 and 2a + 3b = 12

2. 5x + 2y = 12 and 3x - 2y = 4 13. 5p + 2q + 18 = 0 and

2p - 3q + 11 = 0
3. 4p - 3q = 11 and 5p + 3q = 7
14. 7x 1 + 3x 2 = 4 and 3x 1 + 5x 2 = - 2
4. y = 3x - 1 and y = 2x + 5
15. 9x - 2y = -1 and 7x - 4y = 9
5. 2x + 3y = -14 and x + 3y = -4
16. 5s - 3t - 13 = 0 and
6. 7t + v = 22 and 4t + v = 13
3s - 7t - 13 = 0
7. 4x + 5y + 2 = 0 and
17. 3a - 2b = - 6 and a - 3b = - 2
4x + y + 10 = 0
18. 3k - 2h = -14 and
8. 2x - 4y = 28 and 2x - 3y = -11
2k - 5h = -13
9. 5x - y = 19 and 2x + 5y = -14
19. 2v 1 + 5v 2 - 16 = 0 and
10. 5m + 4n = 22 and m - 5n = -13 7v 1 + 2v 2 + 6 = 0

11. 4w 1 + 3w 2 = 11 and 3w 1 + w 2 = 2 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 135

EXAMPLES

Solve simultaneously
1. xy = 6 and x + y = 5

Solution
xy = 6 ( 1)
x+y=5 (2 )
From (2): y=5-x (3 )
Substitute (3) in (1)
x (5 - x) = 6
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
Substitute x = 2 in (3)
y=5-2=3
Substitute x = 3 in (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 (1)
3x - 4y - 20 = 0 ( 2)
From ] 2 g: 3x - 20 = 4y
3x - 20
=y (3)
4
Substitute (3) into (1)
3x - 20 2
x2 + c m = 16
4
9x 2 - 120x + 400 n
x2 + d = 16
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
y=
4
= -3.2
So the solution is x = 2.4, y = -3.2.
136 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

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

Three equations can be solved simultaneously to nd 3 unknown
equations, and so on. pronumerals.

EXAMPLE

Solve simultaneously a - b + c = 7, a + 2b - c = -4 and 3a - b - c = 3.

Solution

a-b +c=7 (1 )
a + 2b - c = - 4 (2)
3a - b - c = 3 (3)
(1) + (2): a-b+c=7
a + 2b - c = - 4
2a + b =3 ( 4)
(1) + (3): a- b+c=7
3a - b - c = 3
4a - 2b = 10
or 2a - b =5 (5)
(4) + (5): 2a + b =3
4a =8
a=2
 Chapter 3 Equations 137

Substitute a = 2 in (4)
2 ( 2) + b = 3 You will solve
3 simultaneous
4+b=3 equations in later
b = -1 topics (for example,
in Chapter 10).
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 Exercises

Solve the simultaneous equations.

1. x = - 2, 2x - y = 4 and 7. 2p + 5q - r = 25,
x - y + 6z = 0 2p - 2q - r = -24 and
3p - q + 5r = 4
2. a = - 2, 2a - 3b = -1 and
a - b + 5c = 9 8. 2x - y + 3z = 9,
3x + y - 2z = -2 and
3. 2a + b + c = 1, a + b = - 2
3x - y + 5z = 14
and c = 7
9. 3h + j - k = -3,
4. a + b + c = 0, a - b + c = - 4 and
h + 2j + k = -3 and
2a - 3b - c = -1
5h - 3j - 2k = -13
5. x + y - z = 7, x + y + 2z = 1 and
10. 2a - 7b + 3c = 7,
3x + y - 2z = 19
a + 3b + 2c = -4 and
6. x - y - z = 1, 2x + y - z = -9 4a + 5b - c = 9
and 2x - 3y - 2z = 7
138 Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 Preliminary Course

Test Yourself 3
1. Solve 9. Solve -2 1 3y + 1 # 10, and plot your
(a) 8 = 3b - 22 solution on a number line.
a a+2
(b) - =9 10. Solve correct to 3 significant figures
4 3
(a) x 2 + 7x + 2 = 0
(c) 4 (3x + 1) = 11x - 3
(b) y 2 - 2y - 9 = 0
-4
(d) #3 (c) 3n 2 + 2n - 4 = 0
x+3
(e) 3p + 1 # p + 9
11. The surface area of a sphere is given by
2. The compound interest formula is A = 4rr 2 . Evaluate to 1 decimal place
r n (a) A when r = 7.8
A = P c1 + m . Find correct to 2 (b) r when A = 102.9
100
decimal places. x-3 3
12. Solve - 2 9.
(a) A when P = 1000, r = 6 and n = 4 7 4
(b) P when A = 12 450, r = 5.5 and n = 7 13. Solve x 2 - 11x + 18 2 0.

3. Complete the square on 14. Solve the simultaneous equations

(a) x 2 - 8x x 2 + y 2 = 16 and 3x + 4y - 20 = 0.
(b) k 2 + 4k 4 3
15. The volume of a sphere is V = rr .
3
4. Solve these simultaneous equations.
Evaluate to 2 significant figures
(a) x - y + 7 = 0 and 3x - 4y + 26 = 0
(a) V when r = 8
(b) xy = 4 and 2x - y - 7 = 0
(b) r when V = 250
5. Solve
16. Which of the following equations has
(a) 3 x + 2 = 81
(i) 2 solutions (ii) 1 solution
(b) 16 y = 2
(iii) no solutions?
6. Solve (a) x 2 - 6x + 9 = 0
(a) 3b - 1 = 5 (b) 2x - 3 = 7
(b) 5g - 3 = 3g + 1 (c) x - 2 = 7 - x
(c) 2x - 7 $ 1 (d) x 2 - x + 4 = 0
(e) 2x + 1 = x - 2
7. The area of a trapezium is given by
A = 1 h (a + b). Find 17. Solve simultaneously
2
a + b = 5, 2 a + b + c = 4, a - b - c = 5.
(a) A when h = 6, a = 5 and b = 7
(b) b when A = 40, h = 5 and a = 4. 18. Solve 3n + 5 2 5, and plot the solution
on a number line.
8. Solve 2x 2 - 3x + 1 = 0 by
(a) factorisation 3 4
19. Solve =x ^ x ! 0, -1 h .
(b) quadratic formula. x+1
 Chapter 3 Equations 139

20. Solve 9 2x + 1 = 27 x . (k) 27 2x - 1 = 9

(l) 4b - 3 # 5
21. Solve
(m) 3x + 2 = 2x - 3
(a) 2 ^ 3y - 5 h 2 y + 5
(n) 4t - 5 = t + 2
(b) n 2 + 3n # 0
(o) x 2 1 2x + 3
(c) 3 2x - 1 = 27
(p) m 2 + m $ 6
(d) 5x 3 - 1 = 39 2t - 3
(e) 5x - 4 = 11 (q) 15
t
(f) 2t + 1 $ 3 y+1
(r) 22
(g) x 2 + 2x - 8 # 0 y-1
(h) 8 x + 1 = 4 x n
(s) $3
(i) y 2 - 4 2 0 2n - 4
3x - 2
(j) 1 - x 2 # 0 (t) # -1
2x + 1

Challenge Exercise 3
1 11. Solve ] x - 4 g ] x - 1 g # 28.
1. Find the value of y if a 3y - 5 = .
a2 3
1
12. Solve x 2 = .
2. Solve x 2 a .
2 2
8
13. The volume of a sphere is given by
3. The solutions of x 2 - 6x - 3 = 0 are in
4
the form a + b 3 . Find the values of V = rr 3 . Find the value of r when
3
a and b. V = 51.8 (correct to three signicant
2 1 gures).
4. Solve - = 1 correct to 3
x -1 x +1
signicant gures. (x ! ! 1) 14. Solve x - 3 + x + 4 = x - 2 .
y2 - 6
5. Solve # 1. 15. Find the solutions of x 2 - 2ax - b = 0 by
y
completing the square.
6. Factorise x 5 - 9x 3 - 8x 2 + 72. Hence
6y 2
solve x 5 - 9x 3 - 8x 2 + 72 = 0. 16. Solve # - 3.
3y - 2
7. Solve simultaneous equations y = x 3 + x 2
and y = x + 1. r n
17. Given A = P c 1 + m , nd P
100
8. Find the value of b if x 2 - 8x + b 2 correct to 2 decimal places when
is a perfect square. Hence solve A = 3281.69, r = 1.27 and n = 30.
x 2 - 8x - 1 = 0 by completing the 18. Solve 3x 2 = 8 (2x - 1) and write the
square. solution in the simplest surd form.
9. Considering the denition of absolute 5x + 3
x-3 19. Solve 2 2 x.
x+4
value, solve = x, where x ! 3.
3-x
20. Solve 3y - 1 + 2y + 3 2 5.
10. Solve t + 2 + 3t - 1 1 5.