Basic Equations & Inequalities (one variable, linear)

Basic Equation

Introduction to Equation
An equation is a statement that two expressions are equal. For example, the expression 5 +
3 is equal to the expression 6 + 2 (because they both equal 8), so we can write the following
equation:
5 + 3 = 6
Here are two more examples of equations:
6 − 2 = 3 + 1
7 − 4 = 3
In algebra, an equation can be defined as a mathematical statement consisting of an equal
symbol between two algebraic expressions that have the same value. The most basic and common
algebraic equations in math consist of one or more variables. For instance, 3𝑥 − 7 = 9 is an
equation, in which 3𝑥 − 7 and 9 are two expressions separated by an ‘equal’ sign.

Reference: Splash Learn Website

Figuring out missing algebraic step
Find the value of x
6𝑥 + 9 = 3𝑥 + 12
6𝑥 + 9 − 3𝑥 = 3𝑥 + 12 − 3𝑥
3𝑥 + 9 = 12
3𝑥 + 9 − 9 = 12 − 9
3𝑥 = 3
1 1
( ) 3𝑥 = 3 ( )
3 3
𝑥=1

Step 1: Apply Addition Property of Equality

Step 2: Combine alike terms
Step 3: Apply Multiplication Property of Equality
Step 4: Recheck the process.

For more examples: https://youtu.be/RXgj09NXNWo

Linear Equation with Parentheses

A linear equation is any equation that can be written in the form:

𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 = 0
where a and b are real numbers and x is a variable. This form is sometimes called the standard
form of a linear equation and each term has an exponent of one. Note that most linear equations
will not start off in this form.
Example 1:
Solve for x in the equation:
4𝑥 + 1 = 17

Solution:
4𝑥 + 1 = 17
4𝑥 + 1 − 1 = 17 – 1
4𝑥 = 16
1 1
( ) 4𝑥 = 16 ( )
4 4
𝑥 = 4

Example 2:
Solve for x in the equation:
3
𝑥 = 21
2
Solution:
3
𝑥 = 21
2
2 3 2
( ) ∙ 𝑥 = 21 ∙ ( )
3 2 3
2
(1)𝑥 = 7 ∙ ( )
1
𝑥 = 14

For more examples, visit : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maOJ9hKCXm8

 💡
Always remember
Addition Property of Equality (APE)
If 𝐴 = 𝐵 , then 𝐴 + 𝑥 = 𝐵 + 𝑥

Multiplication Property of Equality (MPE)

If 𝐴 = 𝐵 , then 𝐴 × 𝑦 = 𝐵 × 𝑦

Identity Property:
1
𝐴× =1
𝐴

Link: https://youtu.be/5FBDqY41GjU
Reference: Khan Academy

Example 3:
Solve for a in the equation
−42 + 22𝑎 = 14𝑎 + 6

Solution:
−42 + 22𝑎 = 14𝑎 + 6
−42 + 22𝑎 − 14𝑎 = 14𝑎 + 6 − 14𝑎
−42 + 8𝑎 = 6
−42 + 42 + 8𝑎 = 6 + 42
8𝑎 = 48
1 1
( ) 8𝑎 = 48 ( )
8 8
𝑎 = 6

For more tutorial, visit: https://youtu.be/1c5HY3z4k8M

Example 4:
Solving equation with the distributive property:
5(2𝑒 + 3) − 4 = −2 − 3𝑒

Solution:
5(2𝑒 + 3) − 4 = −2 − 3𝑒
10𝑒 + 15 − 4 = −2 − 3𝑒
10𝑒 + 11 = −2 − 3𝑒
10𝑒 + 11 + 3𝑒 = −2 − 3𝑒 + 3𝑒
13𝑒 + 11 = −2
13𝑒 + 11 − 11 = −2 − 11
13𝑒 = −13
1 1
( ) 13𝑒 = −13 ( )
13 13
𝑒 = −1

💡
NOTE
Distributive Property of Multiplication over Addition
(𝐴 + 𝐵) × 𝑦 = 𝐴 × 𝑦 + 𝐵 × 𝑦

Commutative Properties of Addition and Multiplication

𝐴+𝐵 = 𝐵+𝐴

𝐴×𝐵 = 𝐵×𝐴

For tutorial: https://youtu.be/YZBStgZGyDY

Linear equations with unknown coefficients

Steps in solving Linear equations with unknown coefficients

Step1: Identify the variable you are solving for
Step 2: Bring all terms with the identified variable to one side and other terms to the opposite
side
Step 3: Isolate the indicated variable to get a final answer in terms of the unknown
coefficients

Example 5 :
Find the value of y
𝑎(𝑏 + 𝑦) = 23𝑦 + 17
Solution:
𝑎(𝑏 + 𝑦) = 23𝑦 + 17
𝑎𝑏 + 𝑎𝑦 = 23𝑦 + 17
𝑎𝑏 + 𝑎𝑦 − 23𝑦 = 23𝑦 + 17 − 23𝑦
𝑎𝑏 + 𝑎𝑦 − 23𝑦 = 17

𝑎𝑏 + 𝑎𝑦 − 23𝑦 − 𝑎𝑏 = 17 − 𝑎𝑏
𝑎𝑦 − 23𝑦 = 17 − 𝑎𝑏
𝑦(𝑎 − 23) = 17 − 𝑎𝑏

𝑦(𝑎 − 23) 17 − 𝑎𝑏
=
(𝑎 − 23) (𝑎 − 23)
17 − 𝑎𝑏
𝑦=
𝑎 − 23
Example 6:
Find the value of x
8𝑥 + 3𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 4

Solution:
8𝑥 + 3𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 4
11𝑥 – 𝑎𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 4 − 𝑎𝑥
11𝑥 – 𝑎𝑥 = 4
𝑥(11 − 𝑎) = 4
1 1
( ) [𝑥(11 − 𝑎)] = 4 ( )
11 − 𝑎 11 − 𝑎
4
𝑥 =
11 − 𝑎

For tutorials: https://youtu.be/adPgapI-h3g

For more examples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHhOjbGM_Zc

Inequalities

An inequality compares two values, showing if one is less than, greater than, or simply not
equal to another value. In inequality, the two expressions are not necessarily equal which is
indicated by the symbols: >, <, ≤ or ≥.
𝒙>𝒚
x is greater than y
𝒙≥𝒚
x is greater than or equal to y
𝒙 <𝒚
x is less than y
𝒙≤𝒚
x is less than or equal to y
 An Open Sentence is when an equation or an inequality contains at least one variable.
Substituting a number for the variable in an open sentence will make the statement result either
true or false. If the statement is true, the number is a solution to the equation or inequality.

Reference: MathPlanet Website

Inequalities with variables on both sides

In solving Inequalities with variables on both sides , use the properties of inequality to put all the
variable terms on one side and all the constant terms on the other side.

Example 7:
Solve for p
−10𝑝 + 1 < 𝑝 + 100
Solution:
−10𝑝 + 1 < 𝑝 + 100
−10𝑝 + 1 − 𝑝 < 𝑝 + 100 − 𝑝
−11𝑝 + 1 < 100
−11𝑝 + 1 − 1 < 100 − 1
−11𝑝 < 99
1 1
(− ) (−11𝑝) < 99 (− )
11 11
𝑝 > −9

Example 8:
Solve for m
13(𝑚 + 2) < 5𝑚 + 29
Solution:
13(𝑚 + 2) < 5𝑚 + 29
13𝑚 + 26 < 5𝑚 + 29
 13𝑚 + 26 − 26 < 5𝑚 + 29 − 26
13𝑚 < 5𝑚 + 3
13𝑚 − 13𝑚 < 5𝑚 + 3 − 13𝑚
0 < −8𝑚 + 3
0 − 3 < −8𝑚 + 3 − 3
−3 < −8𝑚
−3 −8𝑚
=
−8 −8
3
=𝑚
8
3
𝑚=
8

For more examples, visit : https://www.onlinemath4all.com/solving-inequalities-with-variables-

on-both-sides.html

💡
Always remember
Addition Property of Inequality
If 𝐴 > 𝐵 , then 𝐴 + 𝑥 > 𝐵 + 𝑥
If 𝐴 < 𝐵 , then 𝐴 + 𝑥 < 𝐵 + 𝑥

Multiplication Property of Inequality

If 𝑦 > 0
If 𝐴 > 𝐵 , then 𝐴 × 𝑦 > 𝐵 × 𝑦
If 𝐴 < 𝐵 , then 𝐴 × 𝑦 < 𝐵 × 𝑦

If 𝑦 < 0
If 𝐴 > 𝐵 , then 𝐴 × 𝑦 < 𝐵 × 𝑦
If 𝐴 < 𝐵 , then 𝐴 × 𝑦 > 𝐵 × 𝑦
 If we are dealing with inequality and we multiply or divide both sides of an equation by
a negative number, we have to swap the inequality.

For more information, visit the video: https://youtu.be/SgKBBUFaGb4

Multi-step inequalities
Multi-step inequality is when you multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a
negative number, you must reverse the inequality symbol.

Example 9:
Solve for x
4(3 + 𝑥) ≥ 30𝑥 + 11
Solution:
4(3 + 𝑥) ≥ 30𝑥 + 11
12 + 4𝑥 ≥ 30𝑥 + 11
12 + 4𝑥 − 30𝑥 ≥ 30𝑥 + 11 − 30𝑥
12 − 26𝑥 ≥ 11
12 − 26𝑥 − 12 ≥ 11 − 12
−26𝑥 ≥ −1
1 1
(− ) − 26𝑥 ≥ −1 (− )
26 26
1
𝑥≤
26
1
Therefore, x lies on the interval (−∞, 26]

Example 10:
Solve for x
1 1 2
(𝑥 + 4) + > −
4 3 3
Solution:s
1 1 2
(𝑥 + 4) + > −
4 3 3
 1 1 1 2 1
(𝑥 + 4) + − > − −
4 3 3 3 3
1
(𝑥 + 4) > −1
4
1
4 ∙ (𝑥 + 4) > −1 ∙ 4
4
𝑥 + 4 > −4
𝑥 + 4 − 4 > −4 − 4
𝑥 > −8
Therefore, x lies on the interval, (−8, +∞)
For more about Multi-step Inequalities: https://youtu.be/xOxvyeSl0uA

💡 INTERVAL NOTATION

Interval Notation is a notation for representing an interval as a pair of numbers. The numbers are the
endpoints of the interval. Parentheses and/or brackets are used to show whether the endpoints are excluded
or included. Some intervals are:

[ ] Closed Interval – An interval that includes the end points.

( ) Open Interval – An interval that does not include the end points.
[ ) Half Open/Closed Interval – An interval that include and does not include endpoints

NOTE:
[2 → It means including 2
(2 → It means not including 2
(−∞ → Infinity is not a real number, it means “continuing on”

For more Interval Notation visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJQkqV2zGv0

Reference: MathIsFun Website
Compound Inequalities
A compound inequality is an inequality that combines two simple inequalities. When two
inequalities are joined by the word AND, the solution of the compound inequality occurs
when BOTH inequalities are true at the same time. It is the overlap, or intersection, of the solutions
for each inequality. When the two inequalities are joined by the word OR, the solution of the
compound inequality occurs when EITHER of the inequalities is true. The solution is the
combination, or union, of the two individual solutions. AND is for intersection ∩ and OR is for
union ∪.

Reference: LumenLearning Website

Example with OR:

3𝑥 − 9 ≤ 12 or 3𝑥 − 9 ≥ −3

Solving for the first inequality Solving for the second inequality
3𝑥 − 9 ≤ 12 3𝑥 − 9 ≥ −3
3𝑥 − 9 + 9 ≤ 12 + 9 3𝑥 − 9 + 9 ≥ −3 + 9
3𝑥 ≤ 21 3𝑥 ≥ 6
1 1 1 1
( ) 3𝑥 ≤ 21 ( ) ( ) 3𝑥 ≥ 6 ( )
3 3 3 3
𝑥≤7 𝑥≥2

Graphically, we get:

The compound inequality can be express as the simple inequality

−∞ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ ∞
For further understanding about OR examples, Link: https://youtu.be/0YErxSShF0A

Example with AND:

2𝑥 + 3 < 4 and 3𝑥 + 1 > −5
Solving for the first inequality Solving for the second inequality
2𝑥 + 3 < 4 3𝑥 + 1 > −5
2𝑥 + 3 − 3 < 4 − 3 3𝑥 + 1 − 1 > −5 − 1
2𝑥 < 1 3𝑥 > −6
1 1 1 1
( ) 2𝑥 < 1 ( ) ( ) 3𝑥 > −6 ( )
2 2 3 3
1 𝑥 > −2
𝑥<
2

Graphically, we get:

The compound inequality can be express as the simple inequality

1
−2 < 𝑥 <
2
For other AND examples: https://youtu.be/d2cnQ5ahHgE
No solutions example: https://youtu.be/ZF_cZ-GX9PI
Reference: Khan Academy
Double Inequalities
A system f (x) ≥ a, f (x) ≤ b, where the same expression appears on both inequalities, is commonly
referred to as a “double” inequality and is often written in the form a ≤ f (x) ≤ b.

Example 11:
8 < 3𝑥 + 1 ≤ 3

Apply Subtraction property of equality, we subtract 1 on all parts:

8 − 1 < 3𝑥 + 1 − 1 ≤ 3 − 1
7 < 3𝑥 ≤ 2
1 1 1
7 ( ) < 3𝑥 ( ) ≤ 2( )
3 3 3
7 2
<𝑥≤
3 3

Example 12:
2
14 ≥ 𝑥 + 7 < 9
3
Solution:
2
14 − 7 ≥ 𝑥+7−7< 9−7
3
2
7≥ 𝑥<2
3
3 2 3 3
7( ) ≥ 𝑥( ) < 2( )
2 3 2 2
21
≥𝑥<3
2

💡
NOTE
Transitive Properties of Inequality
If 𝐴 < 𝐵 and 𝐵 < 𝐶, then 𝐴 < 𝐶.
If 𝐴 > 𝐵 and 𝐵 > 𝐶, then 𝐴 > 𝐶.
For other Double Inequalities examples: https://youtu.be/cvB8b4AACyE

Calculator used for graph: https://www.mathpapa.com/inequality-calculator/

Topics gathered from: Khan Academy