13 Equations and inequalities

13
13.4 Simultaneous equations 2 Equations and inequalities

Look again at these simultaneous equations from the last topic.

x + y = 83
x − y = 18
Another way to solve them is to add the equations together.
(x + y) + (x − y) = 83 + 18 The two y terms cancel.
→ 2x = 101
→ x = 50.5
Substitute this value in the first equation: 50.5 + y = 83 → y = 83 − 50.5 = 32.5
This method works because the coefficients of y (1 and –1) The coefficient is the number
add up to 0. multiplying the unknown.

Worked example 13.4

Solve the simultaneous equations: 5x + y = 27
2x + y = 6

Subtract the second equation from the first.

(5x + y) − (2x + y) = 27 − 6 Subtraction cancels out the y terms.
3x = 21 Collect like terms.
→x=7
Substitute in the second equation.
2×7+y=6 You could also substitute into the first equation.
→ y = 6 − 14 = −8
 13.5 Trial and improvement
Look at these three equations.
• 2x + 3 = 28
The solution of this equation is x = (28 − 3) ÷ 2 = 12.5
• x2 + 3x = 28
You cannot solve this by rearranging the terms. One way to solve it is to try different values of x.
A solution is x = 4 because 42 + (3 × 4) = 16 + 12 = 28
• x2 + 3x = 36
Again, you cannot solve this by rearranging the terms. Try different values of x.
If x = 4, x2 + 3x = 28 This is too small.
If x = 5, x + 3x = 5 + (3 × 5) = 40
2 2
This is too large.
Try a value between 4 and 5. Try x = 4.5.
If x = 4.5, x2 + 3x = 4.52 + (3 × 4.5) = 33.75 This is too small.
Try a value between 4.5 and 5. Try 4.6.
If x = 4.6, x2 + 3x = 4.62 + (3 × 4.6) = 34.96 This is too small.
Try 4.7 x value
If x = 4.7, x2 + 3x = 4.72 + (3 × 4.7) = 36.19 This is too large. 4 28 too small
5 40 too large
This method is called trial and improvement.
4.5 33.75 too small
You try to get closer and closer to the exact answer. 4.6 34.96 too small
The table on the right gives answers closer and closer to 36. 4.7 36.19 too large
4.65 was chosen because it is halfway between 4.6 and 4.7. 4.65 35.5725 too small
The exact answer is between 4.68 and 4.69. 4.68 35.9424 too small
The answer, to one decimal place, is 4.7. 4.69 36.0661 too large

Worked example 13.5

Use trial and improvement to find a positive solution to the equation x(x − 2) = 60.
Give the answer correct to one decimal place.

The table shows the values tried.

x x(x − 2)
6 6 × 4 = 24 too small It is a good idea to put the results in a table.
8 8 × 6 = 48 too small The value of x is between 8 and 9. It is closer to 9.
9 63 too large The value of x is between 8.8 and 8.9.
8.8 59.84 too small
8.8 is closer than 8.9.
8.9 61.41 too large
The solution, to one decimal place, is x = 8.8.
8.85 60.6225 too large
13.6 Inequalities

Here is an equation: 2x + 3 = 10
To solve it, first subtract 3. 2x = 7
Then divide by 2. x = 3.5
Now here is an inequality. 2x + 3 < 10 Remember: < means ‘less than’.
You can solve an inequality in the same way as an equation.
First subtract 3. 2x < 7
Then divide by 2. x < 3.5
The solution set is any value of x less than 3.5. You can show this
on a number line.
< less than
–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 > more than
The open circle (n) shows that 3.5 is not included. ≤ less than or equal to
You need to know the four inequality signs in the box. ≥ more than or equal to

Worked example 13.6

The perimeter of this triangle is at least 50 cm. x cm
a Write an inequality to show this.
x + 2 cm
b Solve the inequality.
c Show the solution set on a number line.
x+3c
m

a 3x + 5 ≥ 50 ‘At least 50’ means ‘50 or more’.

b 3x ≥ 45 Subtract 5 from both sides.
x ≥ 15 Divide both sides by 3.
C The closed circle (n) shows that 15 is in the solution set.
–15 –10 –5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30