CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

TIP:
2.1: ALGEBRA When substituting, it is a good practice to place each
negative number in a bracket.

Algebra is the branch of mathematics that uses E.g.

symbols (letters of the alphabet or any other symbol)
to represent unknown quantities (unknown values). 1. Find the value of 7a – 5b – 3c when a = 4,
b = ‒ 2 and c = ‒ 3.
Algebra is made up of expressions and equations
expression: Solution:
Step (1) Replace each letter with given number:
2
E.g. (1) 2x + 6y (expression)
7a – 5b – 3c = 7(4) – 5(‒2) – 3(‒3)
(2) 20 ‒ 5 z (expression)
Step (2) Then work out the numeric value:
2
(3) 2x + 6y = 0 (equation)
7a – 5b – 3c = 7(4) – 5(‒2) – 3(‒3)
(4) 20 ‒ 5 z = 3 0 (equation) = 28 + 10 + 9
= 35 ans.
The multiples the variables are known as
coefficients. 2 x 2 , 3 y , or ‒ 5 z , in bold.
2. Evaluate 2x 2 ‒ y 2 given that x = ‒ 3 and
y = 2
Expression coefficient
(1) 2x2 2 Solution:
E.g. (2) 6y 6 2 x 2 ‒ y 2 = 2(‒ 3)2 ‒ (2)2
(3) −5z −5 = 2 (9) ‒ 4
= 18 ‒ 4
2
E.g. (1) 2x + 6y ()
= 14 ans.
(2) 20 ‒ 5 z (expression)
2: Binary operations
(3) 2x2 + 6y = 0 (equation)
Binary operations: Binary operations are just like
(4) 20 ‒ 5 z = 3 0 (equation) substitution; indirectly numbers are
given to replace the letters in order to
work out the numerical value of the
2.1.1: Algebraic operations
algebraic expression.

1: Substitutions E.g.

Substitutions: Substitution is the process by which the 1. If x ⁕ y = 5 x 2 + 2 0 y then find the value
unknowns are replaced by numbers in order of 4 ⁕ 1
to work out the value of an expression or
term.

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

Solution: 3. Expanding brackets.

5 x 2 + y = 5 ( 4 ) 2 + 20( 1)
Expanding brackets is the of removing the brackets in
= 5 (16) + 20
expressions.
= 80 + 20
CASE # 1: Each term inside the brackets is multiplied by the
= 100 ans.
term preceding the bracket.

2. If a  b means √3𝑎2 − 𝑏 3 , then find the

E.g.
value of 2  (‒1) , correct to 3 significant
figures. Expand and simplify by expanding the following
algebraic expression:
Solution:
1. 5(𝑥 − 2) + 4(𝑥 − 3)
a  b = √3𝑎2 − 𝑏 3 ,
= √3(2)2 − (−1)3 2. 3(4𝑥 + 1) − 2(5𝑥 + 7)

= √12 + 1 3. (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 3)
= 3.61 ans.
4. (3𝑥 − 7)(5𝑥 − 1)

𝑥+2 𝑥+1
5. +
3 2

3𝑏−5 𝑏+3
6. −
3 2

Solutions:

1. 5(𝑥 − 2) + 4(𝑥 − 3)
= 5𝑥 − 10 + 4𝑥 − 12
= 5𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 10 − 12
= 𝟗𝒙 − 𝟐𝟐 ans.

2. 3(4𝑥 + 1) − 2(5𝑥 + 7)
= 12𝑥 + 3 + 10𝑥 − 14
= 12𝑥 + 10𝑥 + 3 − 14
= 𝟐𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏𝟏 ans.

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

3. (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 3) 4. Factorisations
= 𝑥(𝑥 − 3) + 4(𝑥 − 3)
= 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 12 Factorisation is the reverse process of expansion. This involves
writing the algebraic expression as a product of two or more
= 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐 ans. simpler expressions (factors).

Common useful methods include:

4. (3𝑥 − 7)(5𝑥 − 1)
1. Highest Common Factor (HCF) method. Generally,
= 3𝑥(5𝑥 − 1) − 7(5𝑥 − 1)
this method is used to factorise expressions containing
= 15𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 35𝑥 + 7 two that have a common factor.

= 𝟏𝟓𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝟖𝒙 + 𝟕 ans.

E.g. (1) 5𝑥 2 + 15𝑥 (HCF is 5x)

𝑥+2 𝑥+1 2(𝑥 + 2) + 3(𝑥 + 1) = 5x (x + 3)

5. + =
3 2 6
2. Groupings method. This method is used to arramge
2𝑥 + 4 + 3𝑥 + 3 terms in groups of common factors so they can be
=
6 factorised in their respective groupings.
2𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 4 + 3
=
6 E.g. 𝑎𝑥 − 2𝑎𝑦 + 3𝑥𝑦 − 6𝑦 2 (HCF is a and 3y)
𝟓𝒙 + 𝟕 = 𝒂(𝑥 − 2𝑦) + 𝟑𝒚(𝑥 − 2𝑦) (factored)
= ans.
𝟔
= (𝑥 − 2𝑦)(𝒂 + 𝟑𝒚)
3𝑏 − 5 𝑏+3 2(3𝑏 − 5) + 3(𝑏 + 3)
6. − = 3. Difference of squares. The two terms are both perfect
3 2 6
squares, and there is a minus between them.
6𝑏 − 10 + 3𝑏 + 9
=
6
E.g. (1) 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)(𝑥 − 𝑦)
𝟗𝒃 − 𝟏
= ans.
𝟔 (2) 4𝑥 2 − 9 = (𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑)(𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑)

The coefficients in the difference of squares are

perfect squares: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81, 100, …

4. Try and error. This method is useful to factor

expressions containing three terms in descending
power.

2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1

Examples

𝑎𝑥 2 𝑏𝑥
1. 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 = 𝑥 ( + )
𝑥 𝑥
= 𝒙(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) ans.

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

𝑎𝑥 2 𝑏𝑥  
2. 3𝑦 2 + 12𝑦 = 𝑥 ( + )
𝑥 𝑥
2x 1 =x
= 𝟑𝒚(𝒚 + 𝟒) ans.
x 1 = 2x
3. 12𝑥 2 𝑦 + 6𝑥𝑦 2 = 𝟔𝒙𝒚(𝟐𝒙 + 𝒚) ans.

x + 2x = 3x
2
𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 6
2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1 = (2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 1)
= 𝑥(𝑥 + 3) + 2(𝑥 + 3)
= (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 2)
5𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3
2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 10𝑥 + 5
2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1
= 𝑥(2𝑥 − 1) − 5(2𝑥 − 1)
 
= (2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 5)
2x 1 =x

16𝑥 2 − 1 x 1 = 2x

√16𝑥 2 = 4𝑥 and √1 = 1 x + 2x = 3x
16𝑥 2 − 1 = (4𝑥 + 1)(4𝑥 − 1)
5𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3 = (5𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 2)

49 − 25𝑦 2

√49 = 7 and √25𝑦 2 = 5𝑦

49 − 25𝑦 2 = (7 + 5𝑦)(7 − 5𝑦)

𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 7
 
x 7 = 7x

x 1 =x

7x + x = 8x

𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 7 = (𝑥 + 7)(𝑥 + 1)
Examples
2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1

2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

5. Transposition 6. Simples equations and inequalities

Transposition is the process of changing the subject of a

When an expression is put equal to another, or equal
formula. to a numeric value, the statement is called equation.

The following rules can be followed when transposing. To solve an equation/inequality we find the value of
the unknown that makes the left hand side equal to
Examples the right hand side (equation) greater than or equal
to or less than or equal to (inequality).
𝑣 = 𝑢 + 𝑎𝑡
𝑣 − 𝑢 = 𝑎𝑡 The following illustrates different types of
𝑣−𝑢 equations/inequalities and how to find their
= a solution(s).
𝑡
𝑣−𝑢
a = 𝑡
Linear equations/Linear inequalities
1 𝑦𝑚
𝑏 = 3√ Linear equations are single equations with one variable; the
𝑡
highest power of the variable is 1.
𝑦𝑚
= (3𝑏)2
𝑡
3x + 5 = 11
𝑦𝑚 2
= 9𝑏
𝑡 The solution of a linear equation a single numeric value
9𝑏 2 𝑡
y = Linear inequalities are algebraic statements that link algebraic
𝑚
expressions that are not equal.
1 𝑦𝑚
Make y the subject of the formula 𝑏 = 3 √ 𝑡
3 x + 5  11

The solution of an inequality may be written using set notation,

Step by step solution: for example {x w: x  2} or
{x w: − 1  x < 2 }. A number line may be used to illustrate
Step (1) Square the right side and remove the square root on
the range when solving an inequality. If the end values of the
the left side.
range are not included, then this is illustrated by an empty
circle. If the end values of the range are included, then this is
illustrated by a shaded circle.

When solving:

➢ If there are brackets in the linear equation/ inequality,

multiply out the brackets.

➢ If there are fractions in the linear equations/inequality,

its best practice to multiply each term by the LCM of the
fractions.

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

Examples x = 6.25
5(𝑦 + 3) = 2(𝑦 + 9)
Checking the answer
5𝑦 + 15 = 2𝑦 + 18
2(6.25)−1 6.25+5
LHS: −
5𝑦 − 2𝑦 = 18 − 15 2 3
11.5 11.25
3𝑦 = 3 = −
2 3
3
y = 3 = 5.75 − 3.75
y = 1 = 2

Checking the answer LHS = RHS

5(1 + 3) = 2(1 + 9)  x = 6.25
5 × 4 = 2 × 10 2𝑥−1 𝑥+5
− = 2
20 = 20 2 3

LHS = RHS:
 y = 1

2𝑥 + 𝑥 ≤ 11 − 5
3𝑥 ≤ 6
6
x ≤ 3

x ≤ 2

Checking the answer

2(1) + 5 ≤ 11 − 1
9 < 10
LHS ≤ RHS

 {x : x ≤ 2}

2𝑥−1 𝑥+5
− = 2
2 3
2𝑥−1 𝑥+5
6( )−6( ) = 62
2 3

6𝑥 − 3 − 2𝑥 − 10 = 12
6𝑥 − 2𝑥 = 12 + 3 + 10
6𝑥 − 2𝑥 = 25
4x = 25
25
x = 4

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

Simultaneous equations
Simultaneous equations are two equations with two unknowns.
Solving the equations is to find two solutions (the value of the
two unknowns).
Step (4) Substitute the numeric value obtained in either of the
two equations
Step (5) check your answers (optional)

2𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 1 Adding the two equations to eliminate y

3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 9
𝑥+𝑦 =9 Eq.[1]
The commonly used methods to find the solutions of these + 𝑥−𝑦 =1 Eq.[2]
equations are:
2𝑥 = 10
1. Elimination: adding or subtracting terms with equal
coefficients to eliminate one equation. Finding x
10
𝑥=
2𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 1 [1] y will be eliminated by 2
adding equations [1]
𝑥=5
3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 9 [2] and [2].
Finding y
We add when the coefficients have different signs.
We subtract when the coefficients have same sign. 𝑥+𝑦 =9
5+𝑦 =9
2. Substitution: putting one equation into the other to
eliminate one equation. 𝑦=4

2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 1 [1] Checking the answer

equation [2] may be
put into equation [1]
𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 17 [2]
𝑥 + 𝑦 = 9 Eq.[1]
The first step is to try to eliminate one of the unknowns. 5+4=9

When the coefficients of the same variable in the equations 𝑥 − 𝑦 = 1 Eq.[2]

are numerically equal, it is usually easier to use the 5−4=1
elimination method.
 Solutions: 𝑥 = 5 and 𝑦 = 4 ans.
When the coefficient of one of the variables is 1, it is usually
easier to use the substitution method.
3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 2 Eq.[1]
2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 6 Eq.[2]
𝑥+𝑦 =9
Multiplying Eq.[2] by 2 and adding
𝑥−𝑦=1
3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 2 Eq.[1]
Step by step solution:
+ 4𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 12 Eq.[3]
Step (1) Make the coefficient of the same variable numerically
equal. 7𝑥 = 14
Step (2) Add or subtract to eliminate a variable. Finding x

Step (3) Solve for x in the linear equation

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

14 Finding y
𝑥= −17𝑦 = 11 − 45
7
𝑥=2 −34
𝑦=
Finding y −17
y = 2
3(2) + 2𝑦 = 2
2𝑦 = 2 − 6 Finding x
𝑥 = 15 − 7(2)
2𝑦 = −4
𝑥=1
𝑦 = −2
checking
Checking
𝑥 + 7𝑦 = 15 Eq.[1]
3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 2 Eq.[1]
1 + 7(2) = 15
3(2) + 2(−2) = 2
3𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 11 Eq.[2]
2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 6 Eq.[2]
2(2) − (−2) = 6
3(1) + 4(2) = 11
 Solutions: 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = −2 ans.
 Solutions: 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑦 = 2 ans.
𝑥 + 7𝑦 = 15
3𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 11

Step by step solution:

Step (1) Make a subject in the simplest equation

Step (2) Substitute the subject in the other equation to

eliminate one equation. Solve the equation to find .

Step (3) Substitute the answer in the subject to find the next .

Step (4) check your answers (optional)

𝑥 + 7𝑦 = 15
3𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 11

Making x the subject of Eq.[1]

𝑥 = 15 − 7𝑦
Substituting

3(15 − 7𝑦) + 4𝑦 = 11
45 − 21𝑦 + 4𝑦 = 11

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

Quadratic equation −7−3 −10

or x = = = −5
2 2
A quadratic equation is a squared variable single equation that
gives two solutions.
Checking: 𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 10
𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 4 = 0
For 𝑥 = −2
2
If 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 then
(−2)2 + 7(−2) + 10
−𝑏±√𝑏2 −4𝑎𝑐 = 4 – 14 + 10
x= (Quadratic formula)
2𝑎
= 0

If the expression can be factored.

For 𝑥 = −5
(𝑥 ± 𝑔)(𝑥 ± ℎ) = 0
(−5)2 + 7(−5) + 10
Where g and h are numeric values.
= 25 – 35 + 10
Then, each factor is equaled to zero to obtain two numeric = 0
solutions.
(𝑥 ± 𝑔) = 0 LHS = RHS
(𝑥 ± ℎ) = 0
 Solutions: 𝑥 = −2 or 𝑥 = −5 ans.
It is a good practice to check that your solution is correct by
substituting your answer in each side of the original equation
to confirm the two sides of the equation are equal. 6𝑥 2 + 13𝑥 + 5 = 0

𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 10 = 0 a = 6, b = 13 and c = 5

Step (1) Substituting the values a, b and c in the quadratic

Substituting in the formula to solve for x.
formula.
−13±√132 −4(6)(5)
Step (2) Then work out to obtain two solutions. x = 2(1)

Step (5) Check your answer −13±√169−120

= 12
a = 1, b = 7 and c = 10 −13±√49
= 12
−𝑏±√𝑏2 −4𝑎𝑐
x = 2𝑎 −13+7 −6
Either; x = = = − 0.5
12 12
−7±√72 −4(1)(10)
= 2(1)
−13−7 −20
−7±√49−40 or x = = = − 1.7
= 12 12
2
−7±√9
= 2
Checking: 6𝑥 2 + 13𝑥 + 5 = 0
For 𝑥 = −0.5
Obtaining two solutions
Either; 𝑥=
−7+3
=
−4
= −2 6(−0.5)2 + 13(−0.5) + 5
2 2
= 1.5 – 6.5 + 5
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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

= 0 = − 8.4

For 𝑥 = −1.7 RHS: 3(−0.775) − 6 = − 8.3

6(−1.7)2 + 13(−1.7) + 5
 LHS  RHS
= 17.34 – 22.1 + 5
 0  Solutions: 𝑥 = 1.2775 or 𝑥 = −0.775 ans.

 LHS = RHS

Solutions;  𝑥 = 1.7 or 𝑥 = 0.5 ans .

2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 8 = 3𝑥 − 6

Expressing the quadratic equation in its standard form

2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3𝑥 − 8 + 6 = 0
2x 2 − x − 2 = 0

a = 2, b = − 1 and c = − 2

Substituting in the formula to solve for x.

−(−1)±√(−1)2 −4(2)(−2)
x = 2(2)

1±√17
= 4

1+4.1 5.1
Either 𝑥= = = 1.275
4 4

1−4.1 −3.1
or 𝑥= = = − 0.775
4 4

Checking: 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 8 = 3𝑥 − 6

LHS: 2(1.275)2 + 2(1.275) − 8

= 3.25 + 2.55 − 8
= − 2.2

RHS: 3(1.275) − 6 = − 2.2

LHS: 2(−0.775)2 + 2(−0.775) − 8

= 1.20 − 1.55 − 8

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

(c)
Worked Examination Questions (i) 4𝑦 2 + 4𝑦 = 4𝑦(𝑦 + 1) ans.

(ii) 5𝑥 − 𝑥𝑦 + 10 − 2𝑦
Question 1:
= 𝑥(5 − 𝑦) + 2(5 − 𝑦)
(a) Given that 𝑎 = 4, 𝑏 = −2 and 𝑐 = −3, = (5 − y ) (𝑥 + 2) ans.
calculate value of 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 2𝑎𝑏𝑐
(iii) 4𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 = (2𝑥 + 𝑦)2(𝑥 − 𝑦) ans.
2𝑝+3 𝑝+1
(b) Simplify + (iv) 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
3 4

𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
(c) Factorise completely
 
(i) 4𝑦 2 + 4𝑦
x 1 =x
(ii) 3𝑝𝑞 + 𝑞 + 6𝑝 + 2
x 2 = 2x
(iii) 4𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2
x + 2x = 3x
2
(iv) 𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 2

𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2 = (x + 2)(𝑥 + 1) ans.
(d) (i) Solve the inequality
(d)
3(𝑥 − 1) − 4(2𝑥 + 3) > 15
(i) 3(𝑥 − 1) − 4(2𝑥 + 3) > 15
(ii) Show the range of value on a number 3𝑥 − 3 − 8𝑥 − 12 > 15
line. 3𝑥 − 8𝑥 > 15 + 3 + 12

Solution: −5𝑥 > 30

Dividing by the number, the inequality sign must be inverted.
(a) 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 𝑎𝑏𝑐 x <
30
−5
= 42 + (−2)2 − 4 × (−2) × (−3)
x < ‒6
= 16 + 4 − 24
= − 4 ans. Checking the answer

3((−7) − 1) − 4(2(−7) + 3) = 20
2𝑝+3 𝑝+1
(b) +
3 4
3(−8 − 1) − 4(2(−8) + 3) = 25
4(2𝑝+3)+3(𝑝+1)
= 12
LHS > RHS
8𝑝+12+3𝑝+3
= 12  {x Z: x < ‒ 6 } ans.
11𝑝+15
= ans.
12

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

(ii)
(c)
(i) 5𝑎2 𝑏 + 𝑎𝑏 2 = 𝑎𝑏(5𝑎 + 𝑏) Ans.

(ii) (3𝑝𝑞 + 𝑞) + (6𝑝 + 2)

= 𝑞(3𝑝 + 1) + 2(3𝑝 + 1)
Question 2: = (3𝑝 + 1)(𝑞 + 2) Ans.
12𝑚
(a) Using the formula 𝑡 = √ , calculate the
4𝑦 2 − 25 = (4 y + 5) (4𝑦 − 5) Ans.
5𝑛
(iii)
value of t when 𝑚 = 3 and 𝑛 = 20, giving
your answer in fraction form in the lowest (iv) 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1
term: 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1
 
(b) Expand and simplify
(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 5) + 2𝑥 2 + 3 x −1 = −x

x −1 =x
(c) Factorise completely
−x + −x = − 2x
2 2
(i) 5𝑎 𝑏 + 𝑎𝑏
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 = (x − 1) (𝑥 − 1) Ans.
(ii) 3𝑝𝑞 + 𝑞 + 6𝑝 + 2
√𝑦+3
(iii) 4𝑦 2 − 25 (d) =2
𝑥

(iv) 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 √𝑦 + 3 = 2𝑥

√𝑦+3
𝑦 + 3 = 4𝑥 2
(d) Make y the subject of =2
𝑥 𝑦 = 4𝑥 2 − 3 Ans.

Solution:
Question 3:
12×3
(a) 𝑡 = √5×20
(a) An operation is defined as 𝑚 ⊕ 𝑛 = 𝑚3 +
𝑛2 .
36
= √
100
Calculate the value of:
3
= ans.
5
(i) 2⊕3

(b) 𝑥(𝑥 + 5) − 4(𝑥 + 5) + 2𝑥 2 + 3 (ii) (−1) ⊕ (2 ⊕ 3)

= 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 4 ⥂ 𝑥 − 20 + 2𝑥 2 + 3
= 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 4 ⥂ 𝑥 − 20 + 3
= 3𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 17 ans.

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

(b) Simplify (ii) 6𝑎𝑝 + 15𝑎 − 4𝑝 − 10

= 3𝑎(2𝑝 + 5) − 2(2𝑝 + 5)
(i) 2𝑥 3 × 4𝑥 2
= (2𝑝 + 5)(3𝑎 − 2) Ans.
5 3 3
(ii) 12𝑥 𝑦 ÷ 4𝑥 𝑦

(c) Factorise completely (iii) 81 − 49𝑛2 = (9 + 7𝑛)(9 − 7𝑛) Ans.

(i) 6𝑎4 𝑏 + 18𝑎2 𝑏 4 (iv)

6𝑦 2 + 13𝑦 − 8
(ii) 6𝑎𝑝 + 15𝑎 − 4𝑝 − 10  

(iii) 81 − 49𝑛2 3y 8 = 16y

2y −1 = −3y
(iv) 6𝑦 2 + 13𝑦 − 8

(d) Solve the following pair of equations: 16y + −3y = 13y

6𝑦 2 + 13𝑦 − 8 = (3 y + 8) (2𝑦 − 1) Ans.

2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 11
𝑥+𝑦 =4
(d) 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 11 Eq.[1]
Solution: 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 4 Eq.[2]

subtracting Eq.[2] from Eq.[1]

(a)
(i) 𝑚 ⊕ 𝑛 = 𝑚 3 + 𝑛2 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 11 Eq.[1]
3 2
2⊕3= 2 +3 − 𝑥+𝑦 =4 Eq.[2]
= 8+9
𝑥=7
= 17 Ans.

Finding y
(ii) 𝑚 ⊕ 𝑛 = 𝑚 3 + 𝑛2
𝑥+𝑦 =4
−1 ⊕ 17 = (−1)3 + 172
7+𝑦 =4
= 288 Ans.
𝑦 =4−7

(b) 𝑦 = −3
(i) 2𝑥 3 × 4𝑥 2 = 2 × 4 × 𝑥 (3+2) checking
= 8𝑥 5
Ans. 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 11 Eq.[1]
2(7) + −3 = 11
(ii) 12𝑥 5 𝑦 3 ÷ 4𝑥 3 𝑦 = 3𝑥 (5−3) 𝑦 (3−1)
𝑥 + 𝑦 = 4 Eq.[2]
= 3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 Ans.
(c) 7 + −3 = 4
4 2 4 2 2 3)
(i) 6𝑎 𝑏 + 18𝑎 𝑏 = 6𝑎 𝑏(𝑎 + 3𝑏 Ans.

 Solutions: 𝑥 = 7 and 𝑦 = −3 ans.

Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 57
 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

Question 4:
𝐴 𝑅−𝑟
√ =
(a) (i) Transpose for R in the formula 𝜋 2
𝑅−𝑟 2
𝐴 = 𝜋( ) 𝐴
2 2√ = 𝑅 − 𝑟
𝜋
(i) Calculate the value of R in the
𝐴
formula when A = 50 and r = 5. 𝑅 = 2√𝜋 + 𝑟 Ans.

(b) (i) Express as a single fraction

50
3 2 (ii) 𝑅 = 2√3.14 + 5
−
𝑦 𝑦−2 = 7.98 + 5
3𝑧−9 = 12.98 Ans.
(ii) Simplify 𝑧−3

(b)
(c) Factorise completely 3 2 3(𝑦−2)−2𝑦
(i) − 𝑦−2 =
𝑦 𝑦(𝑦−2)
(i) 36𝑡 2 − 121𝑎2
3𝑦−6−2𝑦
= 𝑦(𝑦−2)
(ii) 6𝑛𝑥 − 9𝑚𝑥 − 4𝑛𝑦 + 6𝑚𝑦
𝑦−6
= Ans.
𝑦(𝑦−2)
(iii) 𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑦 2
3𝑧−9 3(𝑧−3)
(d) Solve the pair of equations: (ii) =
𝑧−3 𝑧−3

5𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 51 = 3 Ans.
3𝑥 − 5𝑦 = 51
(e) At a hardware store 7 chairs and 9 desks cost (c)
$1200; 13 chairs and 6 desks also cost $1200 (i) 36𝑡 2 − 121𝑎2 = (6𝑡 + 𝑎11)(6 − 𝑎11)

(i) Using x to represent the cost of one

(ii) . 6𝑛𝑥 − 9𝑚𝑥 − 4𝑛𝑦 + 6𝑚𝑦
and y to represent the cost of desk,
write a pair of simultaneous equations = 3𝑥(2𝑛 − 3𝑚) − 2𝑦(2𝑛 − 3𝑚)
to the information above.
= (2𝑛 − 3𝑚)(3𝑥 − 2𝑦) Ans.

(ii) Hence, determine the cost of:

a) one chair (d)

5𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 51 Eq.[1]
b) one desk
Solution: 3𝑥 − 5𝑦 = 51 Eq.[2]

(a) 25𝑥 + 15𝑦 = 255

𝑅−𝑟 2
(i) 𝐴 = 𝜋( )
2 + 9𝑥 − 15𝑦 = 153
Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 58
 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

9𝑦 = 1200 − 336
34𝑥 = 408
9𝑦 = 864
9𝑦 864
solving for x =
9 9

34𝑥 = 408 𝑦 = 96
408
𝑥= Solutions: 𝑥 = 48 and 𝑦 = 96
34
𝑥 = 12 (ii) Hence, the cost of:

solving for y a) one chair is $ 48

5𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 51
b) one desk is $ 96
5(12) + 3𝑦 = 51
60 + 3𝑦 = 51
Transposition
3𝑦 = 51 − 60
−9 1. (a) Make t the subject of 𝑠 − 3𝑡 = 𝑟𝑡.
𝑦=
3
= −3 (b) Calculate the value of t when r = 2
and s = 15.
Solutions; 𝑥 = 12 and 𝑦 = −3 ans .
2. The temperature, C, in degrees Celsius, is
5
(e) calculated using the formula 𝐶 = (𝐹 − 32),
9

(i) 7𝑥 + 9𝑦 = 1200 Eq.[1]

where F is the temperature in degrees
Fahrenheit.
13𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 1200 Eq.[2]
(a) Make F the subject of the formula.
42𝑥 + 54𝑦 = 7200
117𝑥 + 54𝑦 = (b) The temperature in London is 15 °C.
− Use the formula derived in (a) above
10800
to convert this temperature to degrees
−75𝑥 = −3600
Fahrenheit.

solving for x 5𝑚
3. Using the formula t = √12𝑛
−3600
𝑥= −75
(a) Calculate the value of t when m = 20
= 48 and n = 48.
solving for y
(b) Express m as subject of the formula in
7𝑥 + 9𝑦 = 1200 (a) above.
336 + 9𝑦 = 1200

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

2𝑞 2 (b) If x is an integer, state the

4. Given that 𝑟 = 𝑞−3,
SMALLEST value of x which
satisfies the inequality in (a) above.
(a) Calculate the value of r when p = 6
and q = 12.

(b) Rearrange the formula to make q the

subject.

5. Given the formula 𝑠 = 12 (𝑢 + 𝑣)𝑡, express u in

terms of v, s, and t.

Linear equation

Solve

1. 5(𝑥 + 6) = 20

2. 6𝑥 − 8(𝑥 + 3) = 10

3. 5𝑥 − 4 = 6 + 2(𝑥 − 8)

5
4. 2(𝑥 − 1) = 2

3𝑥+1 𝑥−2 2𝑥−3

5. − =2+
3 2 3

6. 17 − 2𝑝 ≤ 10

7. 2 − 3𝑞 < 8

8. 𝑥 − 3 ≤ 6 + 2𝑥 − 8

9. (a) 3 − 2𝑥 ≥ 7

(b) If x is An integer, state the

GREATEST value of x which
satisfies the inequality in (a) above.

10. (a) 12 ≤ 3𝑥 + 5

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

Simultaneous linear equation Worded problems

Solve the following pair of simultaneous equations: 1. At a school shop, pens are sold at x dollars
each and rulers at y dollars each. Mr. James
1. 2x + 3y = 18 bought 4 pens and 5 rulers for $ 24. Mrs.
x + 5y = 23 Singh bought 2 of the same pens and 7 of the
same rulers for $ 21.
2. 3𝑎 − 2𝑏 = 12
(a) Write TWO equations in x and y to
2𝑎 + 𝑏 = 1 represent the information given
above.
3. 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 11 (b) Solve the equations.
4𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 10
(c) Calculate the TOTAL cost for 1 pen
4. 3𝑎 + 2𝑏 = 2 and 1 ruler.
2𝑎 − 3𝑏 = 23
2. 7 pencils and 5 erasers cost $ 11.60, whereas
5. 𝑦 = 2𝑥 5 pencils and 3 erasers cost $7.60.
10𝑥 − 𝑦 = 4 Calculate the cost of 8 erasers.

6. 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 19 3. Adam scored x points

3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = −4 Imran 3 points fewer than Adam
Shakeel scored twice as many points as
1
7. 3𝑥 − 5𝑦 = 16 2 Imran
2𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 4
Together they scored 39 points.

Quadratic equation (a) Write down, in terms of x, an

expression for the number of points
Solve the quadratic equations: scored by Shakeel

1. 3𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 2 = 0 (b) Write an equation which may be used

to find the value of x.
2. 3𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 25 = 0
4. Change the following statements into
3. 2𝑦 2 = 5𝑦 algebraic expressions:
4. 𝑦(𝑦 + 2) = 3
(a) Four times the sum of x and 5
5. (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3) = 14 (b) 16 more than the product of a and b

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 CSEC Mathematics General Proficiency Algebra

5. A restaurant bill for $ 350 was paid using $5

notes and $ 50 notes. The total number of
notes used was 16:

Let x represent the number of $ 5 notes.

Let y represent the number of $ 50 notes.

(a) Write TWO equation in x and y to

represent the information given.

(b) Hence, calculate the number of $ 5

notes and the number of $ 50 notes.

6. Ninety tickets were sold for a concert.

x tickets were sold for $ 3.00 each and the
rest of the tickets were sold for $ 4.00 each.

(a) Write an expression, in x, to represent

the number of tickets sold at:

(i) $ 3.00 each

(ii) $ 4.00 each.

(c) If the total sales on all tickets

amounted to $300.00, how many of
the tickets costing $3.00 each were
sold?

Revision notes  Paper 2 Section I Page | 62