Grade 12

Mathematics

Maths and Science Infinity

CAPS Syllabus
Basic Algebra
Equations & Inequalities
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Thulani Mjikwa

Senior Facilitator & Strategic Interventionist

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 CONCEPT HOW TO LEARN IT? RELEVANT FORMULAE AND
KEYWORDS
Equations with fractions Restrict the denominator: E.g. is given: No specific formula used.

𝑥+1 𝑥−3
+
(𝑥 − 1) (𝑥 + 4)

Then the restriction will be 𝑥 ≠ 1 and 𝑥 ≠ −4

Find: LCD

HOW? Simplify the denominator by factorising and

take all the brackets / terms that are repeating, making
them one term.
Showing the restriction. Usually they don’t tell but the will say solve for 𝑥.
Once you see fraction start by restriction.
For the restriction, as yourself how to make the Check if you can create your own equation and
denominator zero; e.g.: solve it.
3
=1 Try to do more problem as a very limited time this
𝑥−2
If 𝑥 = 2, then we can see that our equation will be: will also help you to improve speed writing in the
3 exam.
=1
2−2
3
=1
0
And any number divided by zero is undefined that is
why we say 𝑥 can be any number but not 2.
Practice Check the memorandum.

Fractions and hyperbolic function

Surd equations Use your calculator for each term: e.g. if given: No specific formula used.
√20 + √8
√32
Then use your calculator to determine:

√20 , √8 and √32 then simplify your expression.

Simplifying each term using a calculator. Simplify and leave your answer in a surd form.

NB: Don’t put the equation as is in the calculator

because you will give answer only and you will be
panelised for giving answer only.
It’s an equation which contains a surd.
Practice
Square both sides of the equation to get rid of the
surd. Remember to check 𝐿𝐻𝑆 = 𝑅𝐻𝑆.
Check the memorandum.

Surd and quadratic formula, sequence and series,

trigonometry.
Simultaneous equations Choose the easy equation from the given two No specific formula used.
equations (your easy equation will always be a linear
Equation).

From the chosen equation choose any variable that

has one as a co-efficient and make that variable the
subject of the formula.

Substitute back to equation 2 or the complicated

equation. Then solve the equation.
Making one variable the subject of the formula: Solve for 𝑥 and 𝑦 simultaneously

Substituting in the second equation

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 Simplifying

Standard form

Finding the factors

Co-efficient of 𝑥 2 should be 1 if so then: Be able to identify the maximum and the minimum
value.
Add and subtract the half square of the middle term if
you working on an expression but if you working on
an equation the add half squared of the middle term
both sides.
Practice Check the memorandum.

Simultaneous equations and functions, sequence and

series.
Completing the square Make the co-efficient of 𝑥 2 to be 1. Rewriting the equation: 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 in the
form: 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 + 𝑝)2 + 𝑞
Add half of the middle term both sides if you are
given the equation.

If expression is given the add and subtract half of

the middle term.
Adding squared half of the middle term: e.g.

𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 9

𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + (2)2 − 9 − (2)2 adding squared half

of the middle term and subtract it.

𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2)2 − 13

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 Co-efficient of 𝑥 2 should be 1 if so then: Be able to identify the maximum and the minimum
Add and subtract the half square of the middle term value.
(if you are working on an expression but if you
working on an equation the add half squared of the
middle term both sides).
Practice Check the memorandum.

Completing the square and parabolic function (finding

the turning point), and analytical geometry (centre of a
circle at any point).
Finding the equation of the circle centre and any point.

Turning point of parabolic function in the from: 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 + 𝑝)2 + 𝑞

Finding the maximum and minimum values of a parabolic function.

Quadratic formula Standard form of quadratic equation. −𝑏 ± √𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑥=
2𝑎
Arrange the given equation in the descending order
power of 𝑥:

𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0
Substituting into the quadratic formula. Solve for 𝑥 and round off your answer to (2 decimal
places) or to the nearest whole number.
Know how to identify 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐. −𝑏 ± √𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑥=
2𝑎
Know that:

𝑎: is the co-efficient of 𝑥 2

𝑏: is the co-efficient of 𝑥

𝑐: is the constant value

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Linear inequalities
Solving exponential equations
Practice Check the memorandum.
It can be used when finding 𝑥 intercepts of parabola
functions.
Sequence and series when finding the number of
terms.
It can be integrated with a parabolic function when finding the roots / intercepts.
This is “like” an equation but with < or > Give the answer as 𝑥 > 4, it cannot be a single
answer.
How to solve a linear inequality. Remember the inequality sign swops around when
dividing by a negative.
Solve the variable. Remember the inequality sign swops around when
dividing by a negative.
Practice Check the memorandum.
Straight lines
Geometric series: Convergent series −1 < 𝑟 < 1.
Change your bases to be the same: e.g.: No specific method used.
2𝑥 = 8
2𝑥 = 23 same bases
𝑥 = 3 equate the exponents
Simplifying by taking out the common factor: this can
be done if we have the operation positive (+) and
negative (-). E.g.:
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 3𝑥+1 + 3𝑥 = 36

3𝑥 (3 + 1) = 36 taking out the common factor

3𝑥 (4) = 36

3𝑥 = 9 divide by 4

3𝑥 = 32 same base

𝑥=2

Changing the base into a prime base. Solve for 𝑥.

Taking out the common factor.

More practice. Remember that logs can also be used to solve the
equation.
Practice Check the memorandum.

Exponential equations and financial equation (when

finding number of years / period) (𝑛).
Inverse of logarithmic.

Geometric series
Quadratic inequalities Find the critical values by factorising or quadratic −𝑏 ± √𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
formula: 𝑥=
2𝑎
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 10 < 0 It can be used if you cannot get the factors.

(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 2) < 0

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Factor and remainder theorem
Critical values: 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥=5
Put your critical values on the number line and draw
a parabola graph without the turning point. Check
where your solution will certify your equation.
According to the above function our solution is true if:
−2 < 𝑥 < 5
Identifying critical values. Use a help-sketch to find the solution.
Change all the equations that you have solve and make Use a help-sketch to find the solution.
them inequalities and solve them.
If it is > there are two solutions.
If it is < there is one solution written in interval
notation.
Practice Check the memorandum.
Inequalities (quadratic) and nature of roots.
Know the theory. It can also help if you know how to Synthetic division
do synthetic division, to find the roots of a cubic
function.
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 𝑏
If 𝑓 (− 𝑎) = 0, then 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 is a factor of 𝑓(𝑥).
Showing that 𝑔(𝑥) is a factor of 𝑓(𝑥). Find the other roots.
Be able to substitute using the factor remainder Find the factors using synthetic division or long
theorem. division.
Practice Check the memorandum.

Factor remainder theorem and calculus, functions

It helps on calculus when we want to find the factors.

We practice substitution.
Nature of roots If: E.g.: ∆ = 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐

∆ = 0: roots are equal, real and rational 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 10 = 0

∆ > 0 and a perfect number: roots are unequal, real 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = −3 and 𝑐 = −10
and rational
∆ = 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
∆ > 0 and is NOT a perfect number: roots are unequal,
real and irrational ∆ = (−3)2 − 4(1)(−10)

∆ < 0: roots are non-real or imaginary. ∆ = 49

Discriminant is 49, and 49 is a perfect number then

the roots are unequal, real and rational
Substituting into ∆ = 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐 For which value of 𝑥 will the following expression
be undefined?

2 + √𝑥 − 7
𝑦=
𝑥

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Know the theory very well. Use the discriminant to answer the question.
Practice Check the memorandum.

Throughout the syllabus.

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 QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
Activity 1
Solve for 𝑥:
1.1 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 24 = 0 (3)
1.2 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 = 0 (3)
1.3 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 6 = 0 (3)
1.4 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3 = 0 (3)
1.5 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 16 = 0 (3)
1.6 𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 14 = 0 (3)
1.7 (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 (2)
1.8 𝑥(𝑥 − 7) = 0 (2)
1.9 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 12 = 0 (3)
1.10 𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 + 20 = 0 (3)
1.11 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 20 = 0 (3)
1.12 (𝑥 − 2)(4 + 𝑥) = 0 (2)
1.13 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 35 = 0 (3)

Activity 2
Solve for 𝑥, correct to TWO decimal places:
2.1 𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 8 = 0 (3)
2.2 4𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5 = 0 (3)
2.3 5𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 1 = 0 (3)
2.4 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 1 = 0 (4)
2.5 4𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 − 3 = 0 (4)

2.6 √𝑥 3 = 512 (3)

2.7 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 2 = 0 (3)
2.8 𝑥(𝑥 + 3) − 1 = 0 (3)
2.9 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 = 4 (4)
2.10 2𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 + 7 = 0 (3)
2.11 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 = 14 (4)

INEQUALITIES
Activity 3
Solve for 𝑥:
3.1 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 ≤ −4 (4)
3.2 (1 − 𝑥)(𝑥 + 2) < 0 (3)
3.3 4𝑥 2 − 1 < 0 (3)
3.4 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 10 > 0 (3)
3.5 𝑥 2 − 25 < 0 (4)
3.6 𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 16 > 0 (3)
3.7 𝑥(𝑥 − 4) < 0 (2)
3.8 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 4 < 0 (2)
3.9 𝑥(4 − 𝑥) < 0 (3)
3.10 𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 < 0 (3)
3.11 5𝑥 2 + 4 > 21𝑥 (5)
3.12 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2) < 6 (6)
3.13 𝑥 2 − 16 ≥ 0 (4)

Activity 4
Solve for 𝑥:

4.1 √𝑥 + 28 = 2 − 𝑥 (4)

4.2 √𝑥 + 18 = 𝑥 − 2 (4)

4.3 (√√32 + 𝑥) (√√32 − 𝑥) = 𝑥 (4)

4.4 3√𝑥 = 𝑥 − 4 (4)

4.5 √𝑥 2 − 5 = 2√𝑥 (4)

4.6 √𝑥 − 1 + 1 = 𝑥 (5)

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4.7 √2 − 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 2 (4)
4.8 22𝑥 − 6. 2𝑥 = 16 (4)
4.9 22𝑥 + 2𝑥 = 20 (3)
4.10 9. 2𝑥−1 = 2. 3𝑥 (3)

SIMULTANEOUS EQUATIONS
Activity 5
Solve for 𝑥 and 𝑦 in:

5.1 2𝑦 = 3 + 𝑥 and 7 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 (6)

5.2 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 3 and 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦 = 15 (6)
5.3 𝑦 + 𝑥 = 12 and 𝑥𝑦 = 14 − 3𝑥 (5)

5.4 3𝑥 − 𝑦 = 2 and 2𝑦 + 9𝑥 2 = −1 (6)

5.5 −2𝑦 + 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 2 − 7 − 𝑦 2 = −𝑦 (6)

5.6 3𝑥 − 𝑦 = 4 and 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦 2 = −2 (6)

5.7 𝑥 = 2𝑦 + 2 and 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑦 + 3𝑦 2 = 4 (6)

5.8 𝑥 = 2𝑦 and 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥𝑦 = −24 (4)

5.9 𝑦 + 7 = 2𝑥 and 𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑦 + 3𝑦 2 = 15 (6)

5.10 𝑦 + 1 = 2𝑥 and 𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 = 7 (6)

5.11 𝑥 = 2𝑦 + 3 and 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥𝑦 = 24 + 16𝑦 (6)

5.12 3𝑥−10 = 33𝑥 and 𝑦 2 + 𝑥 = 20 (5)

NATURE OF ROOTS
Activity 6
6.1 The equation 3𝑚𝑥 2 − 𝑝𝑥 + 5 ; 𝑚 ≠ 0 and 𝑝 ≠ 0, has equal roots.

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 6.1.1 Show that 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑚2 − 𝑝𝑥 + 5 has a minimum value. (4)
6.1.2 If it is further given that 𝑝 < 0, draw a sketch graph of
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑚2 − 𝑝𝑥 + 5. (2)

−𝑛±√𝑛2 −4𝑚𝑝
6.2 The roots of an equation are 𝑥 = where 𝑚, 𝑛 and 𝑝 are positive
2𝑚
real numbers. The numbers 𝑚, 𝑛 and 𝑝, in that order, form a geometric sequence.
Prove that 𝑥 is a non-real number. (4)
6.3 Show that the roots of the equation (𝑥 + 𝑚)(𝑥 + 𝑛) = 3𝑝2 are all real for all
values of 𝑚, 𝑛 and 𝑝. (4)
√3𝑥−5
6.4 Given: 𝑡(𝑥) =
𝑥−3

√3𝑥−5
6.4.1 For which values of 𝑥 will be real? (3)
𝑥−3

6.4.2 Solve for 𝑥 if 𝑡(𝑥) = 1. (4)

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6.5 Solve for 𝑥 if: 1+ 1 = ; 𝑥≠0 (5)
𝑥+𝑥 5

6.6 Given: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 16

6.6.1 Solve for 𝑥 if 𝑓(𝑥) > 0. (3)
6.6.2 For which values of 𝑝 will 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑝 have to TWO unequal negative roots? (4)
1
6.7 Determine the range of the function 𝑦 = 𝑥 + , 𝑥 ≠ 0 and 𝑥 is real. (6)
𝑥
1
𝑥−𝑥
6.8 Given the equation: 1 = 1.
1+𝑥

6.8.1 or which value(s) of 𝑥 is the equation undefined? (2)

6.8.2 Solve for 𝑥. (5)
6.9 For which value of 𝑘 will the equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 = 𝑘 have no real roots? (4)

−5±√20+8𝑘
6.10 The roots of a quadratic equation are given by 𝑥 = ,
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where 𝑘 ∈ {−3 ; −2 ; −1 ; 0 ; 1 ; 2 ; 3}.
6.10.1 Write down TWO values of 𝑘 for which the roots will be rational. (2)

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6.10.2 Write down ONE values of 𝑘 for which the roots will be non-real. (1)

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