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Chapter 13
Equations and Inequalities
This chapter deals with the solution of linear equations and
inequalities, and the solution of simple quadratic equations.
After completing this chapter you should be able to:
solve linear equations
solve word problems using linear equations
substitute into formulas and solve
explain why a particular value could be a solution to an equation
solve simple quadratic equations
solve linear inequalities.
400
Diagnostic Test
1
B x=5
----- 16
5
10
D x = 1
-----B 14
5
17
-----2
D 6
A x = 1
B x = 5
D 3(x + 12) = 2x + 12
C x=5
D x=1
11
A solution to x2 = 16 is:
A x=8
B x = 32
A 5x + 2 = 26 3x
C x = 4
D x = 256
D 5x 3 = 4x
12
13
C 3x = 2
2
--3
5x + 2
The solution to ---------------- = 4 is:
3
-----A x = 6--5B x = 10
3
-----C x = 14
5
B 8x = 15
C x=
D x=
15
-----8
1 7--8-
14
D x=2
5
--2
C x = 2.4
B 3x + 1 = 3
D x=
C 5
C 2x 1 = 7
B 4
A x + 12 = 2(3x + 12)
D 4
B 4 3x = 2x 11
D x=2
x
The solution to --- 2 = 1 is:
3
A x=3
B x=9
C x=1
15
-----B x = 25
4
D x=
5
--4
B 31.8
C 10
D 5.6
B 4n + 8 90
C 4n + 8 > 90
D 4n + 8 < 90
B x = 3
C x = 2
D x = 1
16
17
A x = 16
-----B x = 16
5
C x = 6--5-
D x = 4--5-
If you have any difficulty with these questions, refer to the examples and questions in the sections
listed in the table.
Question
Section
13
46
7, 8
9, 10
11, 12
13
14, 15
16, 17
A. LINEAR EQUATIONS
Linear equations are equations of the form (or can be simplified to the form) ax + b = 0,
where a and b are constants and x is the unknown (or variable).
Example 1
Solve:
a 7x 9 = 5
a
b 17 = 8 4x
7x 9 = 5
7x 9 + 9 = 5 + 9
7x = 4
7x
4
------ = --7
7
x =
b
(+9)
(7)
17 = 8 4x
17 8 = 8 8 4x
9 = 4x
9
4x
------ = --------4
4
(8)
( 4)
9--4- = x
4
--7
x = 9--4 x = 2 1--4-
Exercise 13A
1
Solve for x :
a x + 3 = 10
e 5x + 8 = 2
i 6 + 7x = 2
m 6 x = 5
q 3 7x = 2
u 8 = 3 2x
b
f
j
n
r
v
3x = 9
4x 9 = 1
5 = 3x + 7
4x = 15
17 2x = 1
6 = 1 7x
c
g
k
o
s
w
3x + 6 = 0
8x 6 = 10
6x 7 = 1
3 2x = 7
11 = 3 2x
15 = 3 6x
d
h
l
p
t
x
3x 4 = 6
3x + 6 = 7
1 = 2x + 6
5 4x = 7
15 2x = 1
11 = 4 3x
401
402
Example 2
Solve:
m
---- 5 = 2
3
m
---- 5 = 2
3
m
---- 5 + 5 = 2 + 5
3
m
---- = 3
3
m
---- 3 = 3 3
3
m=9
Solve for x:
x
a --- + 3 = 8
2
x
d --- + 3 = 4
6
x
b --- 1 = 4
3
x
e --- 2 = 4
7
c
f
x
--- + 2 = 3
5
x
------ 6 = 1
10
Check the given solution by substitution and say whether or not it is correct.
a 2x + 8 = 15
(x = 7)
b 7 + 5x = 9
(x = 2)
x
c 15 = 6 7x
(x = 3)
d --- 3 = 6
(x = 9--5- )
5
Example 3
If y = 5x 3 find x when y = 18.
y = 5x 3
18 = 5x 3
15 = 5x
3 = x
x = 3
(divide by 5)
a If y = 3x 5, find x when y = 5
b If y = 4x + 2, find x when y = 11
If y = 3x 5, find x when y = 8
Example 1
Solve:
a 5x + 2 = 3x 5
a
b 15 2x = 11 + x
5x + 2 = 3x 5
5x + 2 3x = 3x 3x 5 ( 3x)
2x + 2 = 5
2x = 7
( 2)
x = 7--2( 2)
x = 3 1--2-
15 2x = 11 + x
15 2x + 2x = 11 + x + 2x
15 = 11 + 3x
15 11 = 11 11 + 3x
4 = 3x
Always do the
same thing to
both sides.
4--3- = x
x = 1 1--3-
Exercise 13B
1
c 5 + x = 8 2x
f 4 2x = 3 x
i 3x 5 = 7 x
Solve:
a 8x + 7 = 4x 2
d x 3 = 5x + 7
g 2x + 5 = 9 2x
j 5a + 3 = a 1
m 11a 7 = 5a + 12
c
f
i
l
o
b
e
h
k
n
7x + 3 = 2x + 7
3 + x = 17 + 4x
3x 5 = 5x + 9
4 3s = 2s + 17
3y 5 = 14 2y
5 + 2x = 11 x
15 3x = 2 x
5 7x = 3x + 2
9x 4 = 3 + 4x
7p = 15 3p
(+ 2x)
( 11)
( 3)
403
404
Example 2
By substituting, check the solutions to the following equations.
a 2x 5 = 10 3x
a
(x = 3)
Is 2x 5 = 10 3x ?
Is 2(3) 5 = 10 3(3)
1=1
x = 3 is the solution
b 5x + 2 = 2x 7
b
(x = 2)
Is 5x + 2 = 2x 7 ?
Is 5(2) + 2 = 2(2) 7
12 3
x = 2 is not the solution
Example 3
Solve:
a 5(x + 1) 2(x 2) = 7
a 5(x + 1) 2(x 2) = 7
5x + 5 2x + 4 = 7
3x + 9 = 7
3x + 9 9 = 7 9
3x = 2
x = 2--3b
3(x + 1) = 5x + 3(2x 1)
3x + 3 = 5x + 6x 3
3x + 3 = 11x 3
3x 3x + 3 = 11x 3x 3
3 = 8x 3
6 = 8x
6 8x
--- = -----8
8
3
--4
=x
x=
3
--4
b 3(x + 1) = 5x + 3(2x 1)
(expanding the brackets)
(collecting like terms)
(subtracting 9 from both sides)
(a = 3)
(x = 3)
(x = 3 1--2- )
b
d
f
h
2(x 5) + 3(x + 2) = 9
2(x 1) = 3(x + 5) 22
2(x 1) = 4(2x + 1) 9x
6 2(x + 5) = 2(2x 1) 5x
Solve for x :
a 2(x + 1) 1 = 8
c 3(x + 2) 7 = 11
e 4(2x 1) + 7 = 0
g 3 2(x + 1) = 4
i 5x 4(4 x) = x + 1
k 2(x 1) = 1 (3 x)
b
d
f
h
j
l
5(1 3x) = 4
2(x + 1) + 3(x 1) = 6
11 2(x 1) = 7
7 (2 x) = 2x
3 x = 5 2(x + 1)
x + 7(4 x) = 2x + 3(x 1)
Example 4
If y = 3 5(x + 4), find x when y = 32.
y = 3 5(x + 4)
32 = 3 5(x + 4)
32 = 3 5x 20
32 = 17 5x
32 + 17 = 17 + 17 5x
15 = 5x
3=x
x=3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
(substituting y = 32)
(collecting like terms)
(add 17 to both sides)
(dividing by 5)
405
406
Example 5
The equation 3(x 4) = 5 (2x + 3) has solution x =
14
-----5
Change one term or sign so that each of the following equations has solution x = 2.
a 2(x 3) = 1 (2x 5)
b 3(x 1) = 4 (3x 2)
c 5(2x + 3) = 2 (5x + 1)
d 6x 5 = 5(3x 1)
Write three equations of your own (with at least four terms) that have solution x = 3.
Investigation 1
WM: Reasoning, Applying Strategies
Spreadsheet
Use a spreadsheet program to solve the equation 3x 7 = 9 x given that the solution is an integer.
The spreadsheet needs to have three columns labelled x, 3x 7, and 9 x.
In cell A1 enter x, in cell B1 enter 3x 7,
in cell C1 enter 9 x, in cell A2 enter 0,
in cell B2 enter = A2 * 3 7, in cell C2
enter = 9 A2.
3x 7
9x
11
Change the spreadsheet to solve the following equations with integer solutions.
a 5x 3 = 53 2x
b 3x + 5 = 35 2x
c 19 2x = 7x 44
d 6x + 11 = 41 4x
e 3x 17 = 33 7x
f 9x + 15 = 79 7x
Change the spreadsheet to solve the following equations with negative integer solutions.
a 4x 3 = 13 + 6x
b 7x 3 = 25 + 5x
c 8 7x = 2 8x
d 3 5x = 39 3x
Solve:
a 3x 7 = 6 9x
b 5x + 23 = 2x 8
c 8 7x = 4x + 59
Example 1
Solve for x:
x
2
a --- = --3
5
a
x
2
--- = --3
5
x
2
15 --- = --- 15
3
5
5x = 6
6
x = --5
4
x
b --- = --7
3
b
4
x
--- = --7
3
4
x
21 --- = --- 21
7
3
12 = 7x
12
x = -----7
c
c
x
--- = 4
2
x
--- = 4
2
x
2 --- = 4 2
2
x=8
407
408
Example 2
Solve for x:
4x + 3
a ---------------- = 2
5
a
4x + 3
2
---------------- = -----5
1
4x + 3
2
5 ---------------- = ------ 5
5
1
4x + 3 = 2 5
4x + 3 = 10
4x + 3 3 = 10 3
4x = 13
----- x = 13
4
1
--3
(2x 1) = 4
1
--3
(2x 1) = 4
Do the same
to both sides.
3 1--3- (2x 1) = 4 3
2x 1 = 12
2x 1 + 1 = 12 + 1
2x = 11
(subtracting 3
from both sides)
----- x = 11
2
Exercise 13C
1
Solve for x:
x
a --- = 5
3
x
d --- 2 = 1
4
2x + 7
g ---------------- = 0
3
1 2x
j --------------- = 3
2
2x
b ------ = 4
5
x1
e ------------ = 6
2
c
f
1
--2
(3x + 1) = 1
1
--5
(4 3x) = 1
x
--- + 1 = 5
2
x+5
------------ = 1
3
1 + 2x
---------------- = 6
7
1
--4
(5 2x) = 2
Example 3
Solve for x:
3x + 1
a ---------------- = 2
3
a
3x + 1
---------------- = 2
3
3x + 1
3 ---------------- = 2 3
3
3x + 1 = 6
3x = 5
x = 5--3-
3x 1
2x
b --------------- = -----5
7
b
3x 1
2x
--------------- = -----5
7
3x 1
2x
35 --------------- = ------ 35
5
7
7(3x 1) = 5(2x)
21x 7 = 10x
21x 10x 7 = 10x 10x
11x 7 = 0
11x = 7
7
x = ----11
Solve for x :
2x + 1 1
a ---------------- = --3
2
c
4x + 1
b ---------------- = 2
5
3x 2
--------------- = 2
4
2x + 1
d ---------------- = 3
4
3x + 1
e ---------------- = 3
2
3x + 2 x 1
---------------- = -----------5
4
1x x+2
g ------------ = -----------2
3
x+1 x
h ------------ = --2
3
2x 1 3x
--------------- = -----7
5
x + 1 2x 3
------------ = --------------2
3
2x + 5
---------------- = x + 4
3
2x + 7
---------------- = x 5
3
When either the LHS or RHS of a fractional equation has more than one term, we solve it
by multiplying both sides of the equation by the lowest common denominator (LCD).
Example 4
Solve for x:
2x x
a ------ --- = 5
3 2
2x x
a ------ --- = 5 has LCD of 6
3 2
2x
x
6 ------ 6 --- = 6 5
3
2
2(2x) 3(x) = 30
4x 3x = 30
x = 30
Solve for x :
x
x
a --- + --- = 2
2 5
x 5x
e --- + ------ = 14
3
6
x 2x 5
b --- ------ = --2
3
6
x 3x
f --- + ------ = 6 1--23
4
x
3x
--- 3 = -----5
8
x
3x
b --- 3 = -----has LCD of 40
5
8
x
3x
40 --- 40 3 = 40 ------
5
8
3x x
------ --- = 11
2
8
2x x
g ------ --- = 2
5
2
c
x
x
d --- + --- = 5
2 4
x
7x
h --- 2 = -----3
12
409
410
Investigation 2
WM: Applying Strategies
Equation solver
1
= . 6
x,,T
Solve:
a 4x 5 = 7 3x
c 6 5x = 3 + 2x
4 5x
e --------------- = 8
3
b 6 2x = 5x + 3
d 4(x + 3) = 7(4 3x)
6 2x 4x + 1
f --------------- + ---------------- = 3
5
2
D. PRACTICAL EQUATIONS
Example 1
If twice a certain number is subtracted from 11, the result is 4 more than the
number. Find the number.
Let x be the number,
2x is twice the number and 11 2x is twice the number subtracted from 11.
Also x + 4 is 4 more than the number.
Thus 11 2x = x + 4
11 = 3x + 4
7 = 3x
--73- = x
the number is 7--3- (or 2 1--3- )
Exercise 13D
1
Example 2
The sum of three consecutive even numbers is 132. Find the smallest one.
Let x be the smallest even number.
(x + 2) and (x + 4) are the other two even numbers.
Now x + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 132
3x + 6 = 132
3x = 126
x = 42
Thus 42 is the smallest even number.
Consecutive integers
are whole numbers
that follow one
another.
Example 3
If five more than a number is one more than twice the number, find the number.
Let n be the number, then 5 + n = 2n + 1
4 + n = 2n
4=n
the number is 4.
3
(subtracting 1)
(subtracting n)
411
412
Example 4
The sum of two numbers is 14. When one number is added to twice the other
the result is 25. Find the numbers.
Let n be one number.
Since the numbers add up to 14, the other number is (14 n), and
n + 2(14 n) = 25
n + 28 2n = 25
n + 28 = 25
n = 3 (subtracting 28 from both sides)
n=3
and since 14 n = 14 3 = 11, the numbers are 3 and 11.
4
Example 5
Apples cost 13 cents each and oranges cost 11 cents each. If I buy 5 more
apples than oranges, and the total cost of the apples and the oranges is
$2.33, how many oranges and apples did I buy?
Let x be the number of oranges bought.
Type
Number
apples
x+5
oranges
x
Cost/unit
13 cents
11 cents
Total
Total value
13(x + 5) cents
11x cents
233 cents
10 5
Example 6
At the moment Jack is 5 years older than Mim. In 7 years Mims age will be threequarters of Jacks age. How old are they at present?
Age now
Age in 7 years
Mim
x yr
(x + 7) yr
Jack
(x + 5) yr
(x + 12) yr
413
414
Investigation 3
WM: Reasoning, Applying Strategies, Communicating
Square numbers
1
Find:
a 4 4 and 4 4
c 6 6 and 6 6
b 5 5 and 5 5
d 10 10 and 10 10
The solution to the equation x2 = 49 is found by finding a number that when multiplied by
itself gives 49. What are the two answers?
Example 1
Solve:
a x2 = 25
b x2 = 169
a x2 = 25
x = 25 (square root both sides)
x = 5
b x2 = 169
x = 169
x = 13
is the symbol
for plus or minus.
Exercise 13E
1
Solve:
a x2 = 9
f x 2 = 121
b x 2 = 16
g x 2 = 36
c x 2 = 64
h x 2 = 81
d x 2 = 144
i x 2 = 100
e x 2 = 49
j x2 = 4
Example 2
Solve:
a x 2 = 10
b x 2 = 43
a x 2 = 10
x = 10
x = 3.16 (2 d.p.)
b x 2 = 43
x = 43
x = 6.56 (2 d.p.)
d x 2 = 47
i x 2 = 193
e x 2 = 83
j x 2 = 200
Example 3
Quadratic equations
have two answers.
Solve:
a 5x 2 = 80
a
5x 2 = 80
2
5x
80
--------- = -----5
5
2
x = 16
b 3x 2 = 75
b 3x 2 = 75
2
3x
75
--------- = -----3
3
2
x = 25
x = 16
x = 25
x = 4
x = 5
Solve:
a 2x 2 = 18
e 7x 2 = 175
b 5x 2 = 180
f 10x 2 = 160
c 8x 2 = 72
g 7x 2 = 252
d 3x 2 = 48
h 6x 2 = 294
Example 4
Solve:
a 9x 2 = 25
b 81x 2 = 49
415
416
9x 2 = 25
81x 2 = 49
2
9x
25
--------- = -----9
9
25
x 2 = -----9
81x
49
------------ = -----81
81
49
x 2 = -----81
25
x = ---------9
5
x = --3
4
Solve:
a 4x 2 = 49
e 49x 2 = 144
49
x = ---------81
7
x = --9
b 100x 2 = 81
f 121x 2 = 64
c 25x 2 = 16
g 144x 2 = 49
d 81x 2 = 16
h 81x 2 = 100
Example 5
Solve:
a
3x 2 = 21
5x 2 = 12
3x 2 = 21
5x 2 = 12
3x
21
--------- = -----3
3
5x
12
--------- = -----5
5
12
2
x = -----5
x2 = 7
x= 7
12
x = -----5
x = 2.65 (2 d.p.)
x = 1.55 (2 d.p.)
Example 6
Solve 4x2 5 = 20
4x 2 5 = 20
4x = 25
25
x 2 = -----4
x=
5
x = --2
25
-----4
c
f
11x 2 = 66
5x 2 = 23
d 49x 2 20 = 5
Investigation 4
WM: Applying Strategies, Communicating, Reflecting
Square roots
Suppose the square root key is the only key on your calculator that does not work. How can
5 be determined? Heres a method.
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Make an estimate of
5
Find the average of a and --- , and call it b.
a
5
Find the average of b and --- , and call it c.
b
And so on.
5 and call it a.
5 2 i.e. a = 2
1
5
--- (2 + --- ) = 2.25
2
2
1
5
--- (2.25 + ----------- )
2
2.25
2.2361
d = _____
e = _____
f = _____
1
Find
417
418
Formula substitution
If a formula contains two or more variables and we know the value of all but one of them, we can use the formula
to find the value of the unknown variable. Follow the method below.
1
Example 1
The area of a triangle is given by A = 1--- bh, where A is the area, b is the base of
2
the triangle, and h the height.
a Find the area of a triangle with b = 8 m and h = 7 m.
b Find the height when A = 30 cm2 and b = 5 cm.
a A = 1--2- bh
A=
1
--2
87
A = 1--2- bh
30 =
= 28
2
The area is 28 m .
1
--2
5h
60 = 5h
60 5h
------ = -----5
5
h = 12
The height is 12 cm.
Exercise 13F
1
The area of a rectangle is given by A = lb, where A is the area, l the length and b the breadth.
a Find the area of a rectangle with length 16 cm and breadth 5 cm.
b Find the length of a rectangle with area of 30 cm2 and breadth 5 cm.
The formula for calculating the circumference C of a circle of radius r is C = 2r. Find:
a the circumference of a circle of radius 8.6 cm
b the radius of a circle of circumference 100 m
When a car travels a distance of d km in time t h, the average speed, s kmph, for the journey
d
is given by the formula s = --- . Find:
t
a the average speed of a car that travels 200 km in 2 h
b the distance travelled by a car in 3 1--4- h if its average speed is 80 kmph
c the time taken for a car to travel 865 km at an average speed of 110 kmph
Example 2
When a stone is dropped down a well the total distance
fallen, D metres, is given by the formula D = 1--- gt 2,
2
where t is the time of fall (in seconds) and g is the
gravitational constant of 9.8 m s1. Find:
D=
1
--2
9.8 52 m
Calculator:
0.5
D = 122.5 m
the stone has fallen a distance of 122.5 metres.
b D = 1--2- gt 2 where D = 100 m, and g = 9.8 m s1
100 = 1--2- 9.8 t 2
100 = 4.9t 2
100
---------- = t 2
4.9
100
t = ---------- (as t > 0)
4.9
t 4.5175
the time taken is 4.52 seconds.
9.8
x =
2
Calculator:
100
4.9
When a cricket ball is dropped from the top of a building the total distance fallen is given by
the formula D = 1--2- gt 2 where D is the distance in metres and t is the time taken in seconds.
Find, given that g 9.8 m s1,
a the total distance fallen in the first 3 s of fall
b the height of the building when the time of fall to hit the ground is 5.13 s
419
420
8
h
Earth
10
point of support
.
11
pendulum
12
13
14
15
y2 y1
-.
The formula for gradient, m, is given by m = --------------x
x
2
1
Find:
a y2 when x1 = 5, x2 = 3, y1 = 2 and m = 2
b x1 when x2 = 7, y1 = 3, y2 = 4 and m = 1
G. INEQUALITIES
These symbols are convenient devices for representing inequalities.
Symbol
Meaning
<
less than
>
greater than
not equal to
Example 1
Write in algebraic form:
a Three times a number is always smaller than ten.
b Twice a number is larger than or equal to eight.
c Four more than three times a number is greater than fifteen.
Let the unknown number be x. Then,
a 3x < 10
b 2x 8
c 3x + 4 > 15
the 3 button.
421
422
Exercise 13G
1
Example 2
a Is x = 3 a solution to the inequality 3x 2 > 5?
b Is x = 5 a solution to the inequality 5 2x 6?
c Is x = 7 a solution to the inequality 3 5x > 2x + 1?
Check by substituting.
a
3x 2 > 5
Is 3(3) 2 > 5?
Is 9 2 > 5?
7 >5
which is true
x = 3 is a solution
5 2x 6
c
3 5x > 2x + 1
Is 5 2(5) 6?
Is 3 5(7) > 2(7) + 1?
Is 5 + 10 6?
Is 32 > 15?
15 6
which is false
which is false
x = 5 is not a solution x = 7 is not a solution
b 3 4x 13
(x = 5)
c 5x + 1 < 11 (x = 2)
x
d --- + 3 > 0
2
3x 1
f --------------- 3
4
x3
h ------------ <7
2
(x = 10)
a 3x 2 > 7
e 7x 8 5
(x = 10)
g 7 4x 3
(x = 2)
(x = 0)
(x = 3)
3x + 7 < 11 2x
(x = 3)
k 4x + 1 6
(x = 1)
7x + 3 < 5 x
(x = 3)
m 2>5x
(x = 3)
x+6>0
(x = 7)
(x = 1)
Example 3
Find a solution to these inequalities using the guess-and-check method.
a 5 7x 10
b 3x 5 < 8 5x
a Try x = 0
5 7(0) 10
5 10 false
x = 0 is not a solution
Try x = 5
5 7(5) 10
30 10 false
x = 5 is not a solution
Try x = 10
5 7(10) 10
75 10 true
x = 10 is a solution
b Try x = 4
3(4) 5 < 8 5(4)
7 < 12 false
x = 4 is not a solution
Try x = 0
3(0) 5 < 8 5(0)
5 < 8 true
x = 0 is a solution
Find three solutions to each of the following inequalities, using the guess-and-check method.
4x
a 3x 9
b ------------ 3
c 2x 5
5
d 4 + 3x 7 + 2x
e 5 6x 7
f 3x 4 > 5x 2
x
g 2>4x
h 4 2x 3 x
i --- > 2
3
Investigation 5
WM: Reflecting, Reasoning
Inequalities
Example 1
Change both sides of the inequality 5 < 7 by the operation [x(3)]
and insert a sign to make the new inequality true.
5<7
15 21
Thus 15 > 21
423
424
Both sides of the inequality 6 > 4 are changed by the operation in brackets. Insert > or < signs
to make the new inequality true.
a 12 8
[2]
b 3
2
[2]
c 9
7
[+3]
d 1
1 [5]
e 12 8 [(2)]
f 3
2 [(2)]
g 4
2
[+2]
h 8
6
[(2)]
Both sides of the inequality 8 < 4 are changed by the operation in brackets. Insert < or >
signs to make the new inequality true.
a 2
1
[4]
b 24
12 [3]
c 1
13
[+9]
d 15 3 [7]
e 4
2 [(2)]
f 24
12 [(3)]
g 2
2 [(4)]
h 12
0 [+(4)]
Using your answers to questions 1 and 2 write a set of rules for working with inequalities.
Inequalities may be written in equation form, as a number line graph, or in words. Copy and
complete this table.
Inequality
x >3
x 3
4 < x 2
x < 0 or x > 4
Graph
1
Description
4 3 2 1
3 2 1
x 2
3
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
a
b
c
d
H. SOLVING INEQUALITIES
Inequalities are algebraic sentences containing at least one of
the symbols >, <, or .
7
Right Hand Side (RHS)
Rules
Note:
425
426
but, if 3x 18 then x 6
Example 1
Solve for x, graphing the solution on the number line.
b 3 4x 15
a 3x 16 > 8
a
3x 16 > 8
3x > 24
x >8
5
c 2 > 5 2x
3 4x 15
4x 12
----- x 12
4
10
11
x 3
6
2 > 5 2x
2 5 > 5 5 2x
3 > 2x
3
------ < x
2
x>
3
--2
Exercise 13H
1
b x23
e 2x 12
x3>4
3x 9
x+5>0
c 3x 18
x
g --- > 4
4
k 2x 6
x
d --- < 2
3
h x + 4 < 3
l
5x < 10
m 2x + 1 > 13
n 3x 2 7
o 4x + 1 6
p 3x<0
q 5 2x 0
r 2>5x
s 3 4x 13
5 6x 7
c
f
i
x
--- + 3 > 0
2
1
--- (3 2x) 1
2
3 5x
--------------- > 1
4
Extension
Example 2
Solve for x:
a 3 + 2x < 13 3x
a
b 5 3x x + 7
3 + 2x < 13 3x
3 + 2x + 3x < 13 3x + 3x
3 + 5x < 13
3 3 + 5x < 13 3
5x < 10
x<2
5 3x x + 7
5 3x x x x + 7
5 4x 7
5 5 4x 7 5
4x 2
x 1--2
Solve for x.
a 4 + 3x 5 + x
c 3x 4 > 5x 2
e 3x + 7 < 11 2x
g 3x + 2 > x 5
i 5 2x x + 4
k 3(x 1) > x + 2
m 3x 2 > 2(x 1) + 5x
o 5 (x + 2) 2(2x 1)
q 3 x 5 2(x + 1)
b
d
f
h
j
l
n
p
r
Solve for x.
3+x
2x
a ------------ -----------4
3
7x 5 3x 1
c --------------- --------------5
4
5x 3 4 x
e --------------- > -----------2
3
3 2x 7x + 1
----------------------------g
<
4
5
11 4x
i ------------------- 3 > 5
7
4x 3 7x 5
k --------------- + --------------- 1
2
3
6x 5
b --------------2
4x + 3
d ---------------3
5 3x
f --------------7
9 2x
--------------h
3
2x 7
j --------------4
8 3x
l --------------2
3 + 3x < 13 + x
x 3 5x + 7
4 2x 3 x
2x 3 < 5 7x
7 3x 5 x
5 2x 2(x + 2)
1 (x 3) 2(x + 5) 1
3(x + 1) 2 > 5 2(x 1)
x + 7(4 x) < 2 5(1 x)
3x + 1
< ---------------4
1x
> -----------5
2+x
-----------4
2x + 1
--------------
4
3<7
4x + 1
---------------- 1
3
427
428
non-calculator activities
21
Write ------ as a mixed numeral,
2
If 20 5 =
1
Write 5 --- as a mixed fraction.
5
2367.5 10 =
10
3
B -----10
C 0.03
D none of these
11
12
13
The temperature at 6 p.m. at Perisher was 4C but it fell 2C each hour for the next 6 hours.
What was the temperature at midnight?
14
9.9
Estimate the value of ----------------------- giving your answer as a whole number.
3.1 + 1.8
15
16
If Kritizia earns $250 for 10 hours work, how much will she receive for 3 hours work?
17
Jade knows that 26 156 = 4056. Use this data to find the answer to Jades question
4056 156 =
2
18
What is
25 + 4 ?
19
What is the next number in the sequence 2, 10, 18, 26, __?
20
21
2+63=
22
Stuart solved the equation 2x + 2 = x + 5 and got the answer x = 3. Is Stuart correct?
23
The product of two numbers is 12. If one number is 2, what is the other number?
24
What is the area of a triangle with a base of 12 cm and a perpendicular height of 10 cm?
25
Jasmine reverses the digits in the number 4683 and subtracts them from the original number.
What is the answer?
Language in Mathematics
429
430
a
b
c
d
e
a l __ n __ __ r
b p r __ n __ m __ r __ l
c q __ __ dr __ t __ c
d s __ l __ t __ __ n
e s __ b s t __ t __ t __
v __ r __ __ bl __
Glossary
consecutive
equation
formulae
formulas
fractions
inequalities
like terms
linear
pronumeral
quadratic equation
solution
solve
substitute
unknown
value
variable
subject
431
1
-----3
C x=
1
-----2
B x=
5
--7
11
--------3
1
--2
D x=
11
-----3
C x = 25
A x=
5
1
--3
x
The solution to --- + 3 = 2 is:
5
1
A x = ----B x=1
5
A 7 1--24
B x=
C x=
D x = 5
D 7 1--2-
5
--3
D x=
5
-----3
D x=
5
-----12
B 7 2x = 3x + 17
D 6x + 4 = 2x 4
x 3 4 2x
The first line with an error in solving ------------ --------------- = 2 is:
2
3
A 3(x 3) 2(4 2x) = 12
B
3x 9 8 4x = 12
C
x 17 = 12
D
x = 29
6 5x
The solution to --------------- = 2 is:
3
A x = 2 2--5B x=0
C x=
8
--5
3x x + 1 1
The line without an error in the solution of ------ ------------ = ------ is:
2
3
5
A 15 (3x) 10 (x + 1) = 1
B
45x 10x + 10 = 1
C
35x = 11
-----D
x = 35
11
When one-third of a number is added to twice a number, the answer is 10. The number is:
-----A 1 3--7B 10
C 3 1--3D 4 2--77
10
A woman is currently twice as old as her son. In 5 years time the sum of their ages will be
70 years. An equation to find the sons age now is:
A n + 2n = 5
B n + 2n = 70
C (n + 5) = 7 + (2n + 5)
D (n + 5) + (2n + 5) = 70
11
A solution to x2 = 64 is:
A x=4
B x=8
C x = 32
D x = 128
432
12
C x=
7
-----3
D x=
49
-----9
+ 49--------9
13
The surface area of a sphere is given by A = 4r2. The value of r when A = 200 is closest to:
A 4
B 14
C 50
D 64
14
In symbols five times a number minus three is always greater than the number plus one is:
A 5n 3 >1
B 5(n3) > n + 1
C 3 5n > 1
D 5n 3 > n + 1
15
16
17
C x=3
4 3x
The number that is not a solution of --------------- > 1 is:
5
A 3
B 2
C 1
A solution to 7 3x < 4 + 2x is:
3
A x = ----B x=0
5
C x=
D x=4
D 0
3
--5
D x=1
If you have any difficulty with these questions, refer to the examples and questions in the sections
listed in the table.
Question
Section
13
46
7, 8
9, 10
11, 12
13
14, 15
16, 17
Solve for x:
a 2x + 5 = 3
b 4x = 2x + 11
x
d --- + 9 = 3
7
e 2 x = 3x + 7
4 2x
If x = 3, find y if y = --------------- .
5
Solve for x:
a 3(2x + 1) = 4
d 3(x 2) + 5(x + 1) = 15
2x 1
g --------------- = 4
3
b 2(3 x) = 3(x + 5)
x 3
e --- = --5 2
x x
h --- --- = 4
3 6
x 1
--- = --3 6
x5
------------ = 7
4
c 4 3(2 x) = 7
(2x + 1) = 3
1
--2
x 3
x + --- = --3 4
The period of a pendulum (the time for one complete swing) is given by T =
where l cm is the length of the pendulum. Find:
a the period if the pendulum has length 74 cm
b the length of the pendulum if its period is 2.5 seconds.
Solve:
a x+5<3
2x 3
d --------------- > 1
4
x
b --- 3
2
4 2x
e --------------- 3
5
1
--5
c 4x + 1 2
f
3 2x < 14 + 5x
l seconds,
433
434
Solve for x:
a 3x 1 = 2
b 6x = 11 3x
x
d --- 3 = 6
5
e 4 3x = 2x + 1
5a 4
If a = 2, find t if t = ---------------- .
3
Solve for x:
a 2(4x + 1) = 3
d 4(x 5) + 3(2x + 1) = 3
3x 5
g --------------- = 8
2
2x
------ = 5
3
x3
------------ = 2
4
c 5 2(5 2x) = 3
(4 5x) = 2
1
--3
x 2
x --- = --4 3
Solve:
a 2x 8
d 4 3x < 5
b x 5 < 3
3x 1
e --------------- 2
4
c 8x > 16
6x
f ------------ > 4
2
Solve for x:
a 4x + 5 = 12
b 5 3x = 7
x
d --- 5 = 7
3
e 3x 2 = x + 6
2x 3
If y = --------------- find:
5
1
a y when x = --2
x
--- = 4
3
2x + 5
---------------- = 1
4
b x when y = 3
Solve:
a 3(2a + 5) = 15
c 3(2p 3) = 4(p + 1)
x 4
e --- = --2 3
2x + 3 3x 2
g ---------------- = --------------4
5
x+1
1x
i ------------ + x = -----------5
2
b 2(3a 4) = a + 9
d x + 5(3 x) = 2x + 4(x 1)
f
1
--3
(2x + 1) = 4
2x + 3 3x + 1
h ---------------- ---------------- = 2
3
4
The value $V, of precious opal is given by the formula V = 20w2 dollars, where w is the weight
in grams.
a Find the value of an opal weighing 23.8 grams.
b Find the weight of an opal valued at $2300.
Solve:
x
a ------ > 2
3
x+1
d ------------ < 2
3
b 6x<1
c 4x + 1 7
4 3x
e --------------- 1
5
5 3x 2(1 x)
435
436
Solve for x:
a 3x 2 = 5
x
d --- + 3 = 2
7
3x 5
If y = --------------- find:
3
a y when x =
b 4 7x = 3
e 4x 7 = 3x + 5
b x when y =
1
--3
Solve:
a 2(4x + 3) = 15
d x 5(2x + 1) 3 = 4
3 4x x + 5
g --------------- = -----------2
5
b 4(3t + 1) = t 2
4 x
e --- = --3 4
3x 4 2 4x
h --------------- --------------- = 1
5
3
x
--- = 4
5
3x 2
--------------- = 2
5
7
--3
c 4(3p 7) = 5(1 p)
(3x 1) = 5
1
--4
x+1
3x
------------ + x = ------------ + 1
2
3
Solve:
a x4>3
x
d --- + 2 0
3
b 3x > 9
4 3x
e --------------- 1
2
c 4 3x 14
f
3 x 2 4(x 1)