Topic 3. Studying the General Solution of Equations. Equivalent equaitions.

Solving
problems by setting up equations.
An equality that contains a variable is called an equation. By an equation, we mean an equality in
which the left-hand side and right-hand side are functions. That is, we need to find such values of
the variable that the corresponding values of the functions f (a) and g(a) are equal.

A value of the variable that turns the equation into a true numerical equality is called a root of the
equation. In other words, if f (a) and g(a), then x=a is called a root of the equation.

To solve an equation menas to determine whether it has roots, to fond them if they exist, or to
prove that no roots exist.

Note: For example, in the equation x 2 x =1, the left-hand side is understood as a function (not just
as a form), and its domain is the set of positive numbers. Therefore, x=−1 is not a solution of
the equation.
A number obtained during the solving process but which does not satisfy the given equation is
called an extraneous root. In other words, a number that does not belong to the domain of the
equation is called an extraneous root.
The set of all values of the variable for which the expressions in the equation are meaningful is
called the domain of possible values of the variable. The set is also called the domain definition
of the equation.
If every solution of one equation is also a solution of another, then the second equation is called
a consequence of the first (denoted by ⇒).
If two equations with the same variable have identical sets of solutions, they are called
equivalent equations (denoted by ⟺ ¿.
Types of the equations are the followings:
a) Equations with numerical and literal coefficients. An equation in which no letters
other than the unknown (or unknowns) are included is called an an equation with
numerical coefficients. For example,
2 2x x 5 7
3 x+ 2=x +5 ; 3 x −15=12 ; 3 x −5∙ 3 x +6=0 ; + =4 ; x + y + x=12 ; 2lg ( x+1 )−3=0.
x +3 x−1
If the equation, in addition to the unknown(s), contains one or kore other letters, it is
called an equation with literal coefficients. For example, a x 2 +bx +c=0 ;
3 2 a 4b 2
a x +2 b x + cx+ d=0 ; − =15 ; 3 ax +by +cz=a ; log 2 x−3 ax=0.
x y
b) Rational equations. If both sides of the eqaution are rational expressions in terms of the
variable, it is called a rational equation. For example, 3 a+1=7 a ; x 2+12=8 x ;
 3 15 3 2
+ =2 ; ( x−4 ) ( x+5 )=0 ; x −75 x −1400 x =0 ;
x−4 x−4
2 2 2
a b x y z
− =2 ; 2 + 2 − 2 =1.
x y a b c
c) Whole equations. If the equation does not involve division by the unknown, it is called a
2 2 2
x x−2 x y 2 x y z
whole equation. For example, + =2; + =1 ; x +15=8 x ; 2
− 2
+ 2
=1;
3 5 a b a b c
d) Fractional equations. If the equation involves division by the unknown, it is called a
1 3 15 x y tan2 x
fractional equation. For example, x− =2; + =2 ; + =1 ; −sin 2 x=0.
x x−2 x +5 a b cos 2 x

While solving equations, the given equation is often replaced by an equaivalent equation or
one derived from it. Threfore, It is necessary to remember the following theorems.

Theorem 1. If in equation two expressions are transformed to each other, then the obtained
equation will be the result of the first one. That is, the equation f ( x ) +φ ( x )−φ ( x )=0 is
equivalent to f ( x )=0 ,provided that in the obtained equation the root is not lost. Because the
domain of definition of the first equation includes the domain of definition of the second one.
For example, if we transform the equation 2 x+ y= y +2 to equivalent terms, we get the
equation 2 x=2. From here, x=1 is obtained. This is the solution of the given equation.

Theorem 2. If to the two sides of the function f ( x )=φ(x ) an expression not meaningful at
the value of x is added, then an equation equivalent to the first one is obtained. The
meaningless value of ψ (x ) completes the root of the equation as not meaningful.

f (x ) ψ (x )
Theorem 3. From an equation given in the form = (1), if we cancel the
φ(x ) φ (x)
denominator, then the equation f ( x )=ψ (x) will be the result of the first one. In this case, the
meniangless values of the denominator will not be included. Because the domain of
definition of the first equation includes the domain of definition of the second equation.
x 2
For example, the equation 2
= 2 has no root. Because if we cancel the denominator
x −4 x −4
2
x −4 , we get x=2, but x=2 is not a root of this equation.

To show, the equation (1) is equivalent to the system: {()

f x =φ (x)
φ (x)≠ 0
, so the equation has

meaning.

Theorem 4. If in the equation f ( x )=φ(x ) both sides are squared, then the obtained equation
2 2
[ f (x)] =[ φ(x) ] may be equivalent to the first one, or may not be equivalent.
For example, if we square both sides of the equation x=7 , we obtain x 2=49. As can be seen,
this equation has two roots. But the first equation has only one root.
3 3
Note. Now let’s investigate equations of the form [ f (x) ] = [ g( x) ] . Suppose we prove that
3 3 3 3
f ( x )=g (x). Then [ f (x) ] = [ g( x) ] is true. It is clear that, if f ( x )=g (x), then [ f (x) ] = [ g( x) ] .
The converse must be proven.

[ f (x)] = [ g( x)] ⇒ [ f (x )] −[ g ( x ) ] =0 ⇔ [ f ( x ) −g ( x ) ] × [ ( f ( x ) ) + f ( x ) g ( x ) + ( g ( x ) ) ]=0

3 3 3 3 2 2

From here it is obtained that f ( x )=g (x), because the discriminant of the quadratic trinomial
2 2
(f ( x ) ) + f ( x ) g ( x ) +(g ( x ) ) =0 is negative, and for this reason
2 2
(f ( x ) ) + f ( x ) g ( x ) +(g ( x ) ) < [Link] equation are not decomposable into factors.

Theorem 5. The equation f ( x ) ∙ φ ( x ) =0 is equivalent to the system φ ( x )=0; f (x) being

meaningful or f ( x )=0 ; φ(x ) being meaningful. Equations are equivalent.

If in these equations the second condition is not considered, then extraneous root may appear.
Indeed, consider the equation ( x 2−4 ) √ x−1=0 . Its solution set is x= {−2 ; 1 ; 2 } If the second
condition is not considered. But this is not correct, because x=−2 gives extraneous root
arises. Where do extraneous roots come from, and why do they appear? The answer to this
question will be given in the next paragraph.
Theorems about equivalence of equations
In the solution process of an equation, the given equation turns into another one, the obtained
equation again turns into another one, this process continues untill the solution becomes
clear. In this case, very often expressions are added to both sides, or expressions that are not
meaningful at some values of x are included, or divided by some expression.
What transformations make the equation equivalent to the previous one? Which ones cause
root loss? Which one create extraneous roots? These equations will be clarified in theorems
below.

Let us suppose, f 1 ( x )=g1 ( x )( 1 )

f 2 ( x )=g2 ( x ) (2)

is the given equation.

If every soluyion of equation (1) is also a solution of equation (2), but not every solution of
equation (2) is a solution of equation (1), then equation (1) and (2) are not equivalent. For
 example, ( x−1 ) ( x+ 5 )( x−4 )=0∧x3 −21 x +20=0 are not equivalent, because the numbers -
5,1,4 are roots of the first equation.
Especially, if neither equation (1) nor equation (2) has any solution, then these equations are
equaivalent.
It is clear that if each of them is equivalent to the third equation, then the two are equivalent
to each other.
If repeated roots appear in the obtained equations, then such roots are also considered as one
root. For example, the equation (x−1)2=0 is equivalent to ( x−1 )=0 , because in both cases
the answer x=1 is obtained.

Theorem 1. If in the set of possible values of the variable, the expression φ (x) is
meaningful, then from f 1 ( x )=g1 ( x )( 1 ) ∧f 1 ( x )+ φ ( x )=g1 ( x ) +φ ( x ) (3) the equations are
equivalent.
'
Proof. Let us suppose x 0 is a solution of equation (1). Then f 1 ( x 0 ) =g 1 ( x 0 ) (1 ) Equation (1' )
can be written as f 1 ( x ) +φ ( x 0 ) =g 1 ( x ) +φ ( x 0 ) (3 ¿¿ ' )¿ . Since for all values of x the domain of
possible values includes φ (x¿ ¿ 0)¿ to both sides of of equation (3¿¿ ')¿. If from both sides
we subtract φ ( x 0 ), we get back equation (1' ) . Ths shows that x 0 is the solution of (1).

This theorem can be expressed as follows: If to both sides of the given equation we add an
expression that is meaningful in the set of possible values of the variable, then the obtained
equation is equivalent to the given one.

Result. If in all cases of equation (1) the expression φ ( x ) is meaningful, then to both sides of
equation (1) we can add φ ( x ) . In thos case, equation (1) turns into equation (3), which is
equivalent to it.

1
Problem 1. Equation 3−x=2 is given. Adding =φ(x ) to both sides, we obtain
x−1
1 1
3−x+ =2+ . Are the given equations equivalent or not?
x−1 x−1
Solution. No, they are not. Because in the equation 3−x=2 in the possible values of variable x,
1
the number x=1 is also not included. Now, if we add =φ(x ) to both sides of the equation
x−2
1 1
3−x=2, we obtain 3−x+ =2+ , which is identical to the equation 3−x=2.
x−2 x−2
 1
Since the only solution of 3−x=2 is x=1, and at this solution the expression is defined,
x−2
the identity holds.

Theorem 2. If in the domain of possible values of the variable the expression φ (x) is defined
and nt equal to zero, then the equations f 1 ( x )=g1 ( x )( 1 ) ∧f 1 ( x ) ∙ φ ( x )=g1 ( x ) ∙ φ ( x ) (4) are
equivalent.
'
Proof. Suppose that x 0 is a solution of equation (1). Then the equality f 1 ( x 0 ) =g 1 ( x 0 ) (1 ) is true. If
we multiply both sides of this identity by φ (x¿ ¿ 0)¿, we obtain
'
f 1 ( x 0 ) ∙ φ(x ¿¿ 0)=g1 ( x 0 ) ∙φ (x ¿¿ 0)(4 ).¿ ¿ The equality (4' ) shows that, x 0 is the solution of
equation (4).

Conversely, suppose that x 0 is a solution of (4). Then (4' ) holds. Dividing both sides of this
identity by φ (x¿ ¿ 0), ¿which is not equal to zero by assumption, we get (1' ) which menas that x 0
is also a solution of equation (1).
Thua, the theorem is proved.
Conclusion. If we multiply both sides of an equation by any nonzero expression defined in the
domain of the variable, the resulting equation will be equivalent to the original.
When solving equations, the following steps should be observed:
1. Eliminate fractions.
2. Expand parentheses containing the unknown.
3. Simplify like terms.
4. Depending on the type of equation obtained, apply the appropriate solution method.
Solving problems by constructing equations
The solution of many practical problems can be reduced to solving a linear equation in one
variable. The process usually consists of two stages:
1. Introduce the unknown quantity to be found, and based on the conditions of the problem,
construct an equation.
2. Solve the equation and check whether the root obtained satisfies the meaning of the
problem.

Example 1. The amount of wheat in the first warehouse is 5 times more than in the second
warehouse. After 14 tons of wheat taken from the first warehouse and 22 tons are added to
the second, the quantities of wheat in both warehouses become equal. How much wheat was
there in each warehouse at first?
Solution. Let the amount of wheat in the second warehouse be x tons. Then, according to the
condition of the problem, the first warehouse contained 5 x tons of wheat. After 14 tons are
taken from the first warehouse and 22 tons are added to the second, the amounts of wheat in
the warehouses, are respectively (5 x−14) tons and (x +22) tons. According to the condition
of the problem, let us set up the equation: 5 x−14=x+ 22. Solving the equation gives x=9.
Thus, initially there were 9 tons of wheat in the second warehouse, and in the first warehouse
there were 5 ∙ 9=45 (tons).
Answer: 45 tons, 9 tons.

Problem 2. A motor booat that can travel at a speed of 12 km/h in still water goes 3 hours
downstream and 5 hours upstream. Find the speed of the current.
Solution. Let the speed of the current be vkm/h. Then, the boat’s downstream speed is
( 12+ v ) km/h , and its upstream speed is ( 12−v ) km/h . Thus, in 3 hours downstream, the boat
covers 3 ∙ (12+ v ) km, and in 5 hours upstream, it covers 5 ∙ (12−v ) km . Since the distances are
equal, we get the equation:3 ( 12+v ) =5 (12−v ) . Solving, we find v=3.
Answer: 3 km/h .

Problem 3. A car is traveling from Baku toward Ganja at a speed of 60 km/h . Two hours
later, a motorbike sets off from the same point at a speed of 80 km/h . How far from Baku will
the motorbike catch up with car?
Solution. Let the distance from Baku where the motorbike cathches up be s km . The car
s s
covers the distance in hours, and the motorbike in hours. According to the condition,
60 80
s s
the car has been traveling two hours longer, therefore: − =2. Solving the equation, we
60 80
get s=480.
Answer: 480 km.

Problem 4. If two adjacent angles are in the ratio 3 :7, find their measures.
Solution. Let the common factor be k .Then the angles are 3 k ∧7 k .Since adjacent angles
sum to 180° , we have: 3 k +7 k=180° , 10 k =180° , k=18° . Thus, one angle is 3 ∙18 °=¿ 54 °, and
the other is 7 ∙ 18°=126 °.
Answer: 54 ° ,126 °.