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9780521740494c02.xml CUAU033-EVANS September 4, 2010 8:48

Chapter 2 — Algebra I 35

2: By elimination

2x − y = 4 (1)

x + 2y = −3 (2)
If the coefficient of one of the unknowns is the same in both equations, we can
eliminate that unknown by subtracting one equation from the other. It may be
necessary to multiply one of the equations by a constant to make the coefficients of x
or y the same for the two equations.
To eliminate x multiply equation (2) by 2 and subtract the result from equation (1).

Equation (2) becomes 2x + 4y =6 (2 )

Then 2x − y =4 (1)
2x + 4y = −6 (2 )
Subtracting (1) − (2 ) −5y = 10
y = −2
Now substitute for y in (1) to find x, and check as in substitution method.

Using the TI-Nspire

The simultaneous equations can be solved in
a Calculator application. Use
b>Algebra>Solve System of
Equations>Solve System of Equations,
complete the pop-up screen, and enter the
equations as shown to give the solution to the
simultaneous equations 2x − y = 4 and
x + 2y = −3.
The entry solve(2x – 3y = 4 and x + 2y =
–3, x,y) also gives the result.
The and can either be typed in or found in
the Catalog (k 1 A)

The simultaneous equations can also be

solved graphically in a Graphs application.
The equations are rearranged to make y the
subject. The equations in this form are
−3 − x
y = 2x − 4 and y = . Enter these as
2
shown.

Cambridge University Press (c) Evans, Avery, Wallace & Lipson 2010
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36 Essential Advanced General Mathematics

If the Entry Line is not visible, press

Note:
e. Pressing · will hide the Entry Line.
/+G will also Hide/Show the Entry Line.

The intersection point is found by using

b>Points and Lines>Intersection Point/s.
Use the Nav Pad to move the hand to select
each of the two graphs.

The intersection point’s coordinates will

appear on the screen.
Press to exit the Intersection Point(s)
menu.

Using the Casio ClassPad

The simultaneous equations can also be solved
graphically. First, the equations need to be
rearranged to make y the subject. In this form
the equations are y = 2x − 4 and
1 3
y = − x − . Enter these in area as
2 2
shown. Select both equations by ticking the box
at the left then press to produce the graph.
To find the solution, click into the graph
screen to select it and then click Analysis,
G-Solve, Intersect.

Cambridge University Press (c) Evans, Avery, Wallace & Lipson 2010
Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party
P1: FXS/ABE P2: FXS
9780521740494c02.xml CUAU033-EVANS September 4, 2010 8:48

50 Essential Advanced General Mathematics

Using the TI-Nspire with algebra

In this section a demonstration of the basic algebra properties of the TI-Nspire is
provided. To access these, open a Calculator application ( >New Doc>Add
Calculator) and select b >Algebra. The three main commands are solve, factor and
expand.

1: Solve( )
This command is used to solve equations, simultaneous equations and some
inequalities.
An approximate (decimal) answer can be obtained by pressing /+· or by
including a decimal number in the expression.
The following screens illustrate its use.

2: Factor( )
This command is used for factorisation.
Factorisation over the rational numbers is obtained by not specifying the variable,
whereas factorisation over the real numbers is obtained by specifying the variable.
The following screens illustrate its use.

Cambridge University Press (c) Evans, Avery, Wallace & Lipson 2010
Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party
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Chapter 2 — Algebra I 51

3: Expand( )
This command is used for expansion of expressions.
By specifying the variable, the expanded expression will be ordered in decreasing
powers of that variable. Symbolic expressions can only be expanded for an appropriate
domain.
The following screens illustrate its use.

Using the Casio ClassPad with algebra

Using the Main menu
In this section the Main menu is explored.
Work through it to become acquainted with
the menu.
There are two ways to operate in this
menu, but the Interactive menu is the
simplest when used in conjunction with the
stylus. In this section we shall demonstrate
some examples of how this is used.

Solve
This is used to solve equation and
inequalities. The variables x, y and z are
found on the hard keyboard. Other variables
may be entered using the k and
selecting VAR. Variables are shown in bold
italics. The keyboard allows you to type
sentences, etc; however, the letters are not
always recognised as variables.
If you choose to use the keyboard, you must type a × x, for example, because
ax will be treated as text.

Cambridge University Press (c) Evans, Avery, Wallace & Lipson 2010
Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party