Basic Mathematics CCK-BMATH-013 1

EM01
Essential Mathematics
Session 3
Solving Algebraic Equation & Geometrical Interpretation
– Solving 1-Variable Equation
Chin Chee Kai
cheekai@ntu.edu.sg
Nanyang Business School
Nanyang Technological University
 Solving Algebraic Equation &
Geometrical Interpretation
• 1-Variable Linear Solution
• Geometrical Interpretation of 1-Variable
Equation
• Parallel Lines
• Perpendicular Lines

CCK-BMATH-013 Basic Mathematics 2

 1-Variable Linear Solution
• We say an equation is a “1-variable equation” if it
has only 1 unknown variable.
sin 1−2𝑥 3
• Eg: 𝑥 + 1 = 2𝑥 or 5𝑥 + 𝑒 3𝑥+2 =
4𝑥 2
• We say an equation is a “1-variable linear
equation” if 𝑥 has no power different from 0 or 1.
NOTE: 𝑥 0 = 1
• Eg: 𝑥 + 1 = 2𝑥 or 5 𝑥 − 2 = 𝑥 no matter
• These can be easily solved: what is 𝑥.

– Bring all the 𝑥’s to LHS, and all numbers to RHS

– (ANSWER: 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = 2.5)
CCK-BMATH-013 Basic Mathematics 3
 Geometrical Interpretation of 1-Variable
Equation
• Equation is “algebraic” – we cannot see it. 2
• Line is “geometric” – we can see it. 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2

• But they are linked! 1

– Algebraic form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 ALWAYS
represents a geometric straight Line.
1 2
– Geometric Line ALWAYS can be written in
Algebra as 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐.
2
• We study one but get educated in another.
– EXAMPLE: We learn that in Geometry, 2
points definitively identifies a unique line. 1
– Hence, in algebra, 2 coordinate values 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 2
uniquely defines a line equation 𝑦 = 1 2
𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐.
CCK-BMATH-013 Basic Mathematics 4
 Parallel Lines
• What does it imply when we “see” 2 parallel
lines in a diagram?
Assume 2 lines
have these
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 2
ቊ Eg: ቊ equations,
𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑𝑦 = 𝑓 3𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 12 where a, b, c, d,
e, f are
constants
2

3𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 12
1

𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 2
1 2
CCK-BMATH-013 Basic Mathematics 5
 Parallel Lines
• Being “parallel” means gradients are equal.
−1 −3
• ➔ = −0.5 and = −0.5 … same gradient
2 6
−𝑎 −𝑐
• Thus, = → 𝑎𝑑 − 𝑏𝑐 = 0
𝑏 𝑑
• 𝑎𝑑 − 𝑏𝑐 is so important it is called “determinant”!

• How do we detect parallel lines without drawing?

– ANSWER: Whenever determinant is 0.

CCK-BMATH-013 Basic Mathematics 6

 Perpendicular Lines
• What does it imply when we “see” 2 parallel
lines in a diagram?
2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2 Assume 2 lines
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 = 𝑒 have these
ቊ Eg: ቐ 2𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 1 equations,
𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑𝑦 = 𝑓 where a, b, c, d,
−𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 2 e, f are
constants
2
2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2

1
2𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 1
−𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 2

–2 –1 0 0.5 1 2
CCK-BMATH-013
–0.25 Basic Mathematics 7
 Perpendicular Lines
• Two lines are “perpendicular” if and only if
their gradients product to give –1.
−2 −2 −2 1
• Check: × = −1 and × = −1
1 −4 1 2

• How do we construct a line that is

perpendicular to another given line?
– ANSWER: Use gradient of given line 𝑚 → Gradient
1
of perpendicular line MUST be − .
𝑚

CCK-BMATH-013 Basic Mathematics 8