1

Algebra
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW

Introduction 2
1.1 Algebraic expressions 4
1.2 Decimal places 4
1.3 Rules of algebra 5
1.4 The algebra of fractions 8
1.5 Equations 12
1.6 Inequalities 21
1.7 Simultaneous equations 25

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 2

Introduction
Algebra, the written language of mathematics, is defined in terms of numbers, letters, and
mathematical symbols. As with any language, a variety of rules are needed to enhance precision,
and to resolve ambiguity. Ultimately, all mathematics uses algebra to describe and clarify relations
between variables.

This topic covers algebraic expressions, decimal places, the rules of algebra, the algebra of fractions,
inequalities, and the solution of equations in both one and two variables.

After studying this topic, you should be able to:

 evaluate algebraic expressions for given values of the variables;

 round fractions to a specified number of decimal places;
 understand and apply the rules of algebra;
 understand and apply the rules to simplify operations on fractions;
 re-arrange and solve equations in one variable;
 simplify and solve inequalities;
 solve pairs of simultaneous linear equations in two variables.

1.1 Algebraic expressions

An algebraic expression contains numbers, letters and mathematical symbols. The standard symbols
(operations) used are the familiar:

+ addition;
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW
− subtraction;
× multiplication;
÷ division;
and ( ) brackets.
3𝑥+2
e.g. 5𝑥 − 3, 2(𝑥 + 9) and are expressions.
𝑥

Note that the division of one quantity by another can be denoted in three separate ways, e.g. 3 ÷ 5,
3
and 3/5 all mean 3 divided by 5.
5

The letters appearing in an expression are called the variables (or unknowns). So 𝑥 is the variable in
the expression 5𝑥 − 3.

Expressions can be evaluated when the variable has a given value,

e.g. when 𝑥 = 4, 5𝑥 − 3 = 5 × 4 − 3 = 20 − 3 = 17.

3(𝑥−4𝑦)
Expressions may involve more than one variable, e.g. .
2𝑥+1

Examples
1. Evaluate 5𝑥 − 3 when
(i) 𝑥 = 7 (ii) 𝑥 = 0 (iii) 𝑥 = −3.

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 3 Chapter 1

10−2𝑥
2. Evaluate when
𝑥+2𝑦

(i) 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 0 (ii) 𝑥 = −3 and 𝑦 = 1

(iii) 𝑥 = 5 and 𝑦 = −1 (iv) 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑦 = 3

Answers
1. (i) When 𝑥 = 7, 5𝑥 − 3 = 5 × 7 − 3 = 35 − 3 = 32.
(ii) When 𝑥 = 0, 5𝑥 − 3 = 5 × 0 − 3 = 0 − 3 = −3.
(iii) When 𝑥 = −3, 5𝑥 − 3 = 5 × −3 − 3 = −15 − 3 = −18.

2. (i) When 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 0,

10−2𝑥 10−2×2 10−4 6
= = = = 3.
𝑥+2𝑦 2+2×0 2+0 2

(ii) When 𝑥 = −3 and 𝑦 = 1,

10−2𝑥 10−2×−3 10+6 16
= = = = −16.
𝑥+2𝑦 −3+2×1 −3+2 −1

(iii) When 𝑥 = 5 and 𝑦 = −1,

10−2𝑥 10−2×5 10−10 0
= = = = 0.
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW
𝑥+2𝑦 5+2×−1 5−2 3

(iv) When 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑦 = 3,

10−2𝑥 10−2×1 10−2 8

= = = .
𝑥+2𝑦 1+2×3 1+6 7

Problems
1. Evaluate 6𝑥 − 5 when
(i) 𝑥 = 7 (ii) 𝑥 = 0 (iii) 𝑥 = −3.

16−3𝑥
2. Evaluate when
𝑦+4

(i) 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 6 (ii) 𝑥 = −3 and 𝑦 = 1

(iii) 𝑥 = 5 and 𝑦 = −1 (iv) 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑦 = 3

Answers
1. (i) 37 (ii) −5 (iii) −23.

1 13
2. (i) 1 (ii) 5 (iii) 3 (iv) 7
.

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 4

1.2 Decimal places

When a fraction is converted to a decimal, the resulting answer is often an approximation. For
254
instance, a calculator gives the answer to as 12.0952381. This answer is not exact, and is
21

therefore an approximation.
For any fraction, the decimal will be recurring or terminating (exact). For fractions in simplest form,
terminating decimals result when the denominator consists of powers of the factors 2 and/or 5 only,
3 7
otherwise recurring decimals result. E.g. has an exact decimal since 50 = 2 × 5 × 5 and has
50 12

a recurring decimal since 12 = 2 × 2 × 3.

To distinguish between an approximate and exact answer, the symbol ≈ (read as ‘is approximately
254
equal to’) is used, e.g. ≈ 12.0952381. Other symbols, such as =̇ also denote approximations.
21

In approximations, decimals are usually rounded off to a specified number of decimal places. The
number of places establishes the last digit quoted in the approximation. The procedure is as follows:
Identify the specified final digit in the decimal. If the next digit is 4 or less, leave the final digit as it is.
If, however, the final digit is 5 or more, add 1 to the final digit. Then drop all digits after the specified
final digit.
Examples
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW

254
1. Round to
21

(i) 6 decimal places

(ii) 5 decimal places
(iii) 3 decimal places
(iv) 2 decimal places.
17
2. Round to
29

(i) 7 decimal places

(ii) 4 decimal places
(iii) 1 decimal place.

Answers
254
1. A calculator gives ≈ 12.0952381
21

(i) 12.095238
(ii) 12.09524 (next digit is 8 so 3 is rounded up to 4)
(iii) 12.095
(iv) 12.10 (the 3rd decimal place is 5 so 9 is rounded up, which means changing two digits)

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 5 Chapter 1

17
2. A calculator gives ≈ 0.58620689
29

(i) 0.5862069 (next digit is 9 so 8 is rounded up to 9)

(ii) 0.5862
(iii) 0.6 (the 2nd decimal place is 8 so 5 is rounded up to 6)

Problems
34
1. Round to
67

(i) 6 decimal places

(ii) 4 decimal places
(iii) 3 decimal places
(iv) 2 decimal places.

47
2. Round to
31

(i) 7 decimal places

(ii) 5 decimal places
(iii) 1 decimal place.
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW

Answers
1. (i) 0.507463 (ii) 0.5075 (iii) 0.507 (iv) 0.51
2. (i) 1.5161290 (ii) 1.51613 (iii) 1.5

1.3 Rules of algebra

Rules of algebra are needed to avoid ambiguity when more than one of the mathematical operations
is used. Without any rules, both of the following answers could be correct:
11 × 6 = 66
7+4×6 = {
7 + 24 = 31
For this reason a precedence rule is required. The rule, BOMDAS (or BODMAS) specifies that
operations are performed in the following order:
Brackets
Of (pOwers)
Multiply
Divide
Add
Subtract

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 6

Using the BODMAS rule, 7 + 4 × 6 = 7 + 24 = 31, the multiplication (4 × 6) being performed

before the addition. If the addition is required to be performed before the multiplication, brackets
need be inserted, i.e. (7 + 4) × 6 = 11 + 6 = 66.

Whole number powers of a variable, e.g. 𝑥 2 , 𝑥 3 can be considered as multiplications, as 𝑥 2 = 𝑥 × 𝑥,

etc. Note the difference between, say, −52 = −5 × 5 = −25, and (−5)2 = −5 × −5 = 25.

The square root, denoted √ , can be considered to act like a bracket. Note the difference between,
say, √9 + √16 = 3 + 4 = 7, and √9 + 16 = √25 = 5.

The distributive law is used to expand brackets, as follows:

𝑎(𝑏 + 𝑐) = 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑎𝑐, and 𝑎(𝑏 − 𝑐) = 𝑎𝑏 − 𝑎𝑐.
Note that the left side (L.S.) in each case is ultimately a product of terms, and the right side (R.S.) is a
sum (or difference) of terms. In general, the distributive rule is used to convert products to sums (by
expanding brackets), or to convert sums to products (called ‘factorising’). When the distributive law
is used to expand more than one bracket, all of the required terms must be multiplied, i.e.
(𝑎 + 𝑏)(𝑐 + 𝑑) = 𝑎(𝑐 + 𝑑) + 𝑏(𝑐 + 𝑑) (where 𝑎 multiplies all terms in the second bracket, then 𝑏
multiplies all terms in the second bracket).
Continuing the expansion, 𝑎(𝑐 + 𝑑) + 𝑏(𝑐 + 𝑑) = 𝑎𝑐 + 𝑎𝑑 + 𝑏𝑐 + 𝑏𝑑.
In general, if there are 2 terms in each bracket, there will be 2 × 2 = 4 terms in the expansion.
Similarly, 3 terms in one bracket and 2 terms in the other means 3 × 2 = 6 terms in the expansion.

Examples
1. Evaluate
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW (i) 8 + 4 × 3 (ii) (8 + 4) × 3 (iii) 6 ÷ 3 − 1

(iv) 8 ÷ (4 − 2) (v) 5 × 3 − 4 (vi) 5 × (3 − 4)

(vii) 4 − 32 (viii) 4 + (−3)2 (ix) √52 − 42 .

2. Expand

(i) 2(𝑥 − 6) (ii) −3(2𝑥 + 3) (iii) −2(𝑥 − 7)

(iv) −(2𝑥 − 3𝑦) (v) 𝑥(𝑦 + 9) (vi) 𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 5).

3. Expand and simplify

(i) (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 3) (ii) (2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 3)

(iii) (3𝑥 − 2𝑦)(𝑥 − 𝑦) (iv) (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 7).

4. Factorise

(i) 5𝑥 + 10𝑦 (ii) 𝑥𝑦 − 5𝑥 (iii) 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥.

Answers
1. (i) 8 + 4 × 3 = 8 + 12 = 20
(ii) (8 + 4) × 3 = 12 × 3 = 36

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 7 Chapter 1

(iii) 6 ÷ 3 − 1 = 2 − 1 = 1
(iv) 8 ÷ (4 − 2) = 8 ÷ 2 = 4
(v) 5 × 3 − 4 = 15 − 4 = 11
(vi) 5 × (3 − 4) = 5 × −1 = −5
(vii) 4 − 32 = 4 − 9 = −5
(viii) 4 + (−3)2 = 4 + 9 = 13
(ix) √52 − 42 = √25 − 16 = √9 = 3

2. (i) 2(𝑥 − 6) = 2 × 𝑥 − 2 × 6 = 2𝑥 − 12

(ii) −3(2𝑥 + 3) = −3 × 2𝑥 − 3 × 3 = −6𝑥 − 9

(iii) −2(𝑥 − 7) = −2𝑥 − 2 × −7 = −2𝑥 + 14

(iv) −(2𝑥 − 3𝑦) = −2𝑥 − (−3𝑦) = −2𝑥 + 3𝑦

(v) 𝑥(𝑦 + 9) = 𝑥𝑦 + 9𝑥
(vi) 𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 5) = 𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2

3. (i) (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 3) = 𝑥(𝑥 + 3) + 2(𝑥 + 3) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 6

= 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6 (after simplifying)

[Link]@[Link]
(ii) (2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 3) = 2𝑥(𝑥 − 3) + 1(𝑥 − 3) = 2𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 𝑥 − 3
XJGUET17SW

= 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 3 (after simplifying)

(iii) (3𝑥 − 2𝑦)(𝑥 − 𝑦) = 3𝑥(𝑥 − 𝑦) − 2𝑦(𝑥 − 𝑦) = 3𝑥 2 − 3𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑦 2

= 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑦 2 (after simplifying)

(iv) (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 7) = 𝑥(𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 7) + 4(𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 7)

= 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 4𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 28 (note the 6 terms)

= 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 28 (after simplifying)

4. (i) 5𝑥 + 10𝑦 = 5(𝑥 + 2𝑦)

(ii) 𝑥𝑦 − 5𝑥 = 𝑥(𝑦 − 5)

(iii) 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 = 𝑥(3𝑥 + 2)

Problems
1. Evaluate
(i) 8 + 5 × 2 (ii) (8 + 5) × 2 (iii) 4 ÷ 4 − 6

(iv) 4 ÷ (4 − 6) (v) 5 × 6 − 8 (vi) 5 × (6 − 8)

(vii) 9 − 42 (viii) 9 + (−4)2 (ix) √52 − 32 .

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 8

2. Expand

(i) 3(𝑥 − 3) (ii) −2(3𝑥 + 1) (iii) −5(𝑥 − 3)

(iv) −(4𝑥 − 5𝑦) (v) 2𝑥(𝑦 + 7) (vi) 𝑥 2 (3𝑥 − 7).

3. Expand and simplify

(i) (𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 + 3) (ii) (2𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2)

(iii) (3𝑥 − 𝑦)(𝑥 − 2𝑦) (iv) (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2).

4. Factorise

(i) 3𝑥 + 9𝑦 (ii) 2𝑥𝑦 − 4𝑥 (iii) 5𝑥 2 + 9𝑥.

Answers
1. (i) 18 (ii) 26 (iii) −5
(iv) −2 (v) 22 (vi) −10
(vii) −7 (viii) 25 (ix) 4

2. (i) 3𝑥 − 9 (ii) −6𝑥 − 2 (iii) −5𝑥 + 15

[Link]@[Link] (iv) −4𝑥 + 5𝑦 (v) 2𝑥𝑦 + 14𝑥 (vi) 3𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2

XJGUET17SW

3. (i) 𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 15 (ii) 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 6

(iii) 3𝑥 2 − 7𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑦 2 (iv) 𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 + 6

4. (i) 3(𝑥 + 3𝑦) (ii) 2𝑥(𝑦 − 2) (iii) 𝑥(5𝑥 + 9)

1.4 The algebra of fractions

There are 4 rules which govern the algebra of fractions. These 4 rules are as follows:

𝑎𝑚 𝑎
RULE I = (Cancellation Rule)
𝑏𝑚 𝑏

i.e. common factors can be cancelled.

6 2×3 2 7𝑥 7 2𝑥+1
e.g. = = and = but does not simplify, as there is no factor common to
15 5×3 5 4𝑥 4 𝑥+1
both the top and bottom lines.
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎+𝑏
RULE II + = (Addition Rule)
𝑐 𝑐 𝑐

i.e. fractions must have the same (common) denominator in order to be added. The same rule
applies to subtraction of fractions, i.e.
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎−𝑏
− =
𝑐 𝑐 𝑐

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 9 Chapter 1

5 3 5+3 8 5 2 5−2 3 1
e.g. + = = and − = = = .
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 3

If fractions do not have a common denominator, the cancellation property can be used to form the
2 1
common denominator before adding (or subtracting) the fractions. For instance, to evaluate + ,
3 6
2 2×2 4 2 1 4 1 5
it is necessary to write as = before adding. Then, + = + = .
3 3×2 6 3 6 6 6 6

𝑥 3𝑥 2𝑥 3𝑥 5𝑥 1 3 1×4 3×3 4 9 13
Similarly, + = + = and + = + = + = .
2 4 4 4 4 6 8 6×4 8×3 24 24 24

If a common denominator is not readily apparent, it can always be found by multiplying the
2 4
denominators of the two fractions together. For instance, and have a common denominator of
7 5
2 4 2×5 4×7 10 28 38
7 × 5 = 35. So, + = + = + = .
7 5 7×5 5×7 35 35 35
2𝑥 𝑥
Similarly, and have a common denominator of (𝑥 + 1)(2𝑥 + 1).
𝑥+1 2𝑥+1
2𝑥 𝑥 2𝑥(2𝑥+1) 𝑥(𝑥+1)
So, − = (𝑥+1)(2𝑥+1) − (2𝑥+1)(𝑥+1)
𝑥+1 2𝑥+1

2𝑥(2𝑥+1)−𝑥(𝑥+1)
= (𝑥+1)(2𝑥+1)

4𝑥 2 +2𝑥−𝑥 2 −𝑥
= (𝑥+1)(2𝑥+1)
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW 3𝑥 2 +𝑥 𝑥(3𝑥+1)
= (𝑥+1)(2𝑥+1) = (𝑥+1)(2𝑥+1)

𝑎 𝑐 𝑎𝑐
RULE III × = (Multiplication Rule)
𝑏 𝑑 𝑏𝑑

i.e. numerators are multiplied, and denominators are multiplied, there being no need for a common
denominator.
3 4 3×4 12 3 2𝑥+7 3(2𝑥+7)
e.g. × = = and × = .
5 7 5×7 35 𝑥 3𝑥−5 𝑥(3𝑥−5)

2 4 2 4×2 8
Note also, that 4 × = × = = , i.e. when multiplying by a whole number, the
3 1 3 1×3 3
numerator of the fraction is multiplied by that number, and the denominator remains unchanged.
𝑎 𝑐 𝑎 𝑑 𝑎𝑑
RULE IV ÷ = × = (Division Rule)
𝑏 𝑑 𝑏 𝑐 𝑏𝑐

i.e. the second fraction is inverted, then multiplied by the first fraction.
2 3 2 5 2×5 10 𝑥 2 𝑥 3 3𝑥
e.g. ÷ = × = = and ÷ = × = .
7 5 7 3 7×3 21 4 3 4 2 8
3/4 3 2 3 3 9
Similarly = ÷ = × = .
2/3 4 3 4 2 8

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 10

Examples
1. Simplify, i.e. write as a single fraction with no common factors
84 7 1 2 5 3
(i) (ii) − (iii) ( − )
16 5 10 7 4 8
5/9 2+3/5 7 8
(iv) (v) (vi) +
5/4 6−4/5 9 11

2. Simplify, i.e. write as a single fraction with no common factors

5𝑥(𝑦+3) 3𝑥𝑦 2 −2𝑦 𝑥 3

(i) 15𝑥2 𝑦 (ii) (iii) −
𝑦−4𝑥𝑦 𝑥+3 4

2𝑥−1 2𝑥 4 3𝑥−7 3𝑥−4

(iv) −7 (v) − (vi) −
𝑥+3 2𝑥+5 2𝑥+1 𝑥+3 𝑥−5

Answers
84 21×4 21
1. (i) = =
16 4×4 4
7 1 7×2 1 14 1 13
(ii) − = − = − =
5 10 5×2 10 10 10 10
2 5 3 2 10 3 2 7 2 1
(iii) ( − ) = ( − )= × = =
7 4 8 7 8 8 7 8 8 4
5/9 5 5 5 4 4
(iv) = ÷ = × =
5/4 9 4 9 5 9
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW
2+3/5 10/5+3/5 13/5 13 5 13 1
(v) = = = × = =
6−4/5 30/5−4/5 26/5 5 26 26 2
7 8 7×11 8×9 77 72 149
(vi) + = + = + =
9 11 9×11 11×9 99 99 99

5𝑥(𝑦+3) 5𝑥(𝑦+3) 𝑦+3

2. (i) = =
15𝑥 2 𝑦 5𝑥×3𝑥𝑦 3𝑥𝑦

3𝑥𝑦 2 −2𝑦 𝑦(3𝑥𝑦−2) 3𝑥𝑦−2

(ii) = =
𝑦−4𝑥𝑦 𝑦(1−4𝑥) 1−4𝑥

𝑥 3 4𝑥 3(𝑥+3) 4𝑥−3(𝑥+3)
(iii) − = − =
𝑥+3 4 4(𝑥+3) 4(𝑥+3) 4(𝑥+3)

4𝑥−3𝑥−9 𝑥−9
= =
4(𝑥+3) 4(𝑥+3)

2𝑥−1 2𝑥−1 7(𝑥+3) 2𝑥−1−7(𝑥+3)

(iv) −7= − =
𝑥+3 𝑥+3 𝑥+3 𝑥+3

2𝑥−1−7𝑥−21 −5𝑥−22
= =
𝑥+3 𝑥+3
2𝑥 4 2𝑥(2𝑥+1) 4(2𝑥+5)
(v) − = (2𝑥+5)(2𝑥+1) − (2𝑥+1)(2𝑥+5)
2𝑥+5 2𝑥+1

2𝑥(2𝑥+1)−4(2𝑥+5)
= (2𝑥+5)(2𝑥+1)

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 11 Chapter 1

4𝑥 2 +2𝑥−8𝑥−20 4𝑥 2 −6𝑥−20
= (2𝑥+5)(2𝑥+1)
= (2𝑥+5)(2𝑥+1)

3𝑥−7 3𝑥−4 (3𝑥−7)(𝑥−5) (3𝑥−4)(𝑥+3)

(vi) − = (𝑥+3)(𝑥−5)
− (𝑥−5)(𝑥+3)
𝑥+3 𝑥−5

(3𝑥−7)(𝑥−5)−(3𝑥−4)(𝑥+3)
= (𝑥+3)(𝑥−5)

3𝑥 2 −15𝑥−7𝑥+35−(3𝑥 2 +9𝑥−4𝑥−12)
= (𝑥+3)(𝑥−5)

3𝑥 2 −22𝑥+35−(3𝑥 2 +5𝑥−12)
= (𝑥+3)(𝑥−5)

3𝑥 2 −22𝑥+35−3𝑥 2 −5𝑥+12
= (𝑥+3)(𝑥−5)

−27𝑥+47
= (𝑥+3)(𝑥−5)

Problems
1. Simplify, i.e. write as a single fraction with no common factors
[Link]@[Link]
15 7 1 5 4 2
XJGUET17SW
(i) (ii) − (iii) ( − )
95 8 4 2 5 3
6/11 2+5/8 7 3
(iv) (v) (vi) +
3/2 2−7/8 11 5

2. Simplify, i.e. write as a single fraction with no common factors

4𝑥(3𝑦+8) 7𝑥𝑦 2 −2𝑥𝑦 5𝑥 6

(i) 8𝑥𝑦2
(ii) (iii) −
3𝑥𝑦−4𝑥 2 𝑦 𝑥+1 5

3𝑥−1 𝑥 2 2𝑥−7 2𝑥+5

(iv) −3 (v) − (vi) −
𝑥+6 2𝑥+5 2𝑥+7 𝑥+3 𝑥−5

Answers
3 5 1
1. (i) (ii) (iii)
19 8 3
4 7 68
(iv) (v) (vi)
11 3 55

3𝑦+8 𝑥𝑦(7𝑦−2) 7𝑦−2

2. (i) (ii) =
2𝑦 2 𝑥𝑦(3−4𝑥) 3−4𝑥

25𝑥 6(𝑥+1) 19𝑥−6

(iii) − =
5(𝑥+1) 5(𝑥+1) 5(𝑥+1)

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 12

3𝑥−1 3(𝑥+6) −19

(iv) − =
𝑥+6 𝑥+6 𝑥+6
𝑥 2 𝑥(2𝑥+7) 2(2𝑥+5)
(v) − = (2𝑥+5)(2𝑥+7) − (2𝑥+7)(2𝑥+5)
2𝑥+5 2𝑥+7

𝑥(2𝑥+7)−2(2𝑥+5)
= (2𝑥+5)(2𝑥+7)

2𝑥 2 +7𝑥−4𝑥−10 2𝑥 2 +3𝑥−10
= (2𝑥+5)(2𝑥+7)
= (2𝑥+5)(2𝑥+7)

2𝑥−7 2𝑥+5 (2𝑥−7)(𝑥−5) (2𝑥+5)(𝑥+3)

(vi) − = (𝑥+3)(𝑥−5)
− (𝑥−5)(𝑥+3)
𝑥+3 𝑥−5

(2𝑥−7)(𝑥−5)−(2𝑥+5)(𝑥+3)
= (𝑥+3)(𝑥−5)

2𝑥 2 −10𝑥−7𝑥+35−(2𝑥 2 +6𝑥+5𝑥+15)
= (𝑥+3)(𝑥−5)

2𝑥 2 −17𝑥+35−2𝑥 2 −11𝑥−15
= (𝑥+3)(𝑥−5)

−28𝑥+20
= (𝑥+3)(𝑥−5)
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW

1.5 Equations
When two expressions are equal for certain values of a variable (normally 𝑥), the result is an
equation, e.g. 5𝑥 − 7 = 4𝑥 + 1. This equation is true for one value of 𝑥 only; 𝑥 = 8 . This can be
checked by evaluating both the left side (L.S.) and the right side (R.S.) of the equation when 𝑥 = 8,
i.e.
L.S. = 5 × 8 − 7 = 40 − 7 = 33, and
R.S. = 4 × 8 + 1 = 32 + 1 = 33.

This means that the equation 5𝑥 − 7 = 4𝑥 + 1 has the solution 𝑥 = 8.

The solution to an equation can be found by performing the same operations on both the L.S. and
the R.S. of the equation. The aim is to isolate the variable 𝑥 on the L.S. For the above equation,

5𝑥 − 7 = 4𝑥 + 1
∴ 5𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 1 + 7 (adding 7 to both sides)

∴ 5𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 8 (simplifying)

∴ 5𝑥 − 4𝑥 = 8 (subtracting 4𝑥 from both sides)

∴𝑥=8 (simplifying)

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 13 Chapter 1

Note that all terms not involving 𝑥 are removed from the L.S. (by adding 7), and then all 𝑥 terms are
removed from the R.S. (by subtracting 4𝑥).

The process of isolating 𝑥 on the L.S. can be pictured as ‘undoing’ what has happened to 𝑥. For
4𝑥+3
instance to solve the equation
5
= 7, note that 𝑥 has been:
multiplied by 4, 3 has been added, then the result has been divided by 5.
To isolate 𝑥, these operations are ‘undone’ in reverse order, i.e. first multiply by 5, then subtract 3,
then divide by 4.
4𝑥+3
So, =7
5

∴ 4𝑥 + 3 = 35 [ × 5]

∴ 4𝑥 = 32 [ −3]
32
∴𝑥= =8 [ ÷ 4]
4

Note that ‘undoing’ an operation is the same as performing the inverse operation. The common
operations and their inverses are shown in the following table.

OPERATION INVERSE
Addition Subtraction
Subtraction Addition
Multiplication Division
Division
[Link]@[Link]
Multiplication
XJGUET17SW

When solving an equation involving squares and/or square roots, the following rules should be used.
For any ≥ 0 :

If 𝑥 2 = 𝑎 , then 𝑥 = ±√𝑎
(the inverse of the square is the ± square root);

If √𝑥 = 𝑎 , then 𝑥 = 𝑎2
(the inverse of the square root is the square).

Note that for any 𝑎 > 0, there are two solutions to the equation 𝑥 2 = 𝑎. For instance, if 𝑥 2 = 9,
then 𝑥 = ±√9 = ±3. So both 𝑥 = 3 and 𝑥 = −3 are solutions. This is a consequence of the fact
that the square of a negative number is positive.
However, for any 𝑎 ≥ 0, there is only one solution to the equation √𝑥 = 𝑎. For instance if √𝑥 = 4,
then 𝑥 = 42 = 16. This is a consequence of the fact that 𝑥 cannot be negative if √𝑥 exists.

An equation containing two (or more) variables can also be ‘solved’ for one of the variables, i.e. one
variable can be made the subject of the equation by isolating it on the L.S. For instance, the equation
𝑥−2𝑦
= 2𝑦 + 4 can be re-arranged to isolate 𝑥 on the L.S., as follows.
3

𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 3(2𝑦 + 4) [ × 3]
∴ 𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 6𝑦 + 12 (simplifying)

∴ 𝑥 = 8𝑦 + 12 [ +2𝑦]

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 14

In any equation, 2 expressions are equal, so the L.S. and R.S. may be switched at any time (since 𝑎 =
𝑏 and 𝑏 = 𝑎 are regarded as identical equations). For instance, the equation 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 1 can be re-
arranged to isolate 𝑥 as follows:

3𝑥 − 1 = 𝑦 (switching sides)

∴ 3𝑥 = 𝑦 + 1 [ + 1]
𝑦+1
∴𝑥= 3
[ ÷ 3]

Examples
1. Solve the following equations for 𝑥
4𝑥−1 𝑥 7𝑥−4
(i) =3 (ii) + 2𝑥 − 9 = 2
5
(iii) =5
5 2𝑥+1
2𝑥−9
(iv) √2𝑥 2 − 17 = 9 (v) 3𝑥 2 + 7 = 19 (vi) =0
𝑥 2 +3

2. Solve the following equations for 𝑥, i.e. make 𝑥 the subject of the formula

(i) 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 10 (ii) 𝑦 = √5𝑥 + 7 (iii) 2𝑥 2 − 3 = 5𝑦

2𝑥+3 3𝑥
(iv) 𝑦 = √𝑥 2 − 8 (v) 𝑦 = (vi) 𝑦 =
𝑥 𝑥−7
3𝑥+5
3. Given that 𝑦 =
𝑥
(i) make 𝑥 the subject of the formula
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW
(ii) find 𝑥 when 𝑦 = 4.

Answers
4𝑥−1
1. (i) =3
5

∴ 4𝑥 − 1 = 15 [ × 5]

∴ 4𝑥 = 16 [+1]
16
∴𝑥= =4 [ ÷ 4]
4

i.e. 𝑥 = 4

𝑥
(ii) + 2𝑥 − 9 = 2
5

∴ 𝑥 + 5(2𝑥 − 9) = 10 [ × 5]

∴ 𝑥 + 10𝑥 − 45 = 10 (simplifying)

∴ 11𝑥 − 45 = 10 (simplifying)

∴ 11𝑥 = 55 [+ 45]
55
∴ 𝑥 = 11 = 5 [ ÷ 11]

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 15 Chapter 1

i.e. 𝑥 = 5

7𝑥−4
(iii) =5
2𝑥+1

∴ 7𝑥 − 4 = 5(2𝑥 + 1) [ × (2𝑥 + 1)]

∴ 7𝑥 − 4 = 10𝑥 + 5 (simplifying)

∴ 7𝑥 = 10𝑥 + 9 [+ 4]

∴ −3𝑥 = 9 [− 10𝑥]
9
∴ 𝑥 = −3 = −3 [ ÷ (−3)]

i.e. 𝑥 = −3

(iv) √2𝑥 2 − 17 = 9

∴ 2𝑥 2 − 17 = 92 (squaring)

∴ 2𝑥 2 − 17 = 81 (simplifying)

∴ 2𝑥 2 = 98 [+ 17]

∴ 𝑥 2 = 49 [÷ 2]

∴ 𝑥 = ±√49 = ±7 [ ±√ ]
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW
i.e. 𝑥 = ±7 (2 solutions)

(v) 3𝑥 2 + 7 = 19

∴ 3𝑥 2 = 12 [− 7]
12
∴ 𝑥2 = =4 [÷ 3]
3

∴ 𝑥 = ±√4 = ±2 [ ±√ ]

i.e. 𝑥 = ±2 (2 solutions)

2𝑥−9
(vi) =0
𝑥 2 +3

∴ 2𝑥 − 9 = 0(𝑥 2 + 3) [ × (𝑥 2 + 3)]

∴ 2𝑥 − 9 = 0 (simplifying)

∴ 2𝑥 = 9 [+ 9]
9
∴𝑥=2 [ ÷ 2]
9
i.e. 𝑥 = 2

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 16

2. (i) 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 10

∴ 3𝑥 = 10 − 2𝑦 [− 2𝑦]
10−2𝑦
∴𝑥= [÷ 3]
3
10−2𝑦
i.e. 𝑥 =
3

(ii) 𝑦 = √5𝑥 + 7

∴ 𝑦 2 = 5𝑥 + 7 (squaring)

∴ 5𝑥 + 7 = 𝑦 2 (switching sides)

∴ 5𝑥 = 𝑦 2 − 7 [− 7]
𝑦2 −7
∴𝑥= [÷ 5]
5
𝑦 2 −7
i.e. 𝑥 =
5

(iii) 2𝑥 2 − 3 = 5𝑦

∴ 2𝑥 2 = 5𝑦 + 3 [+ 3]
5𝑦+3
[Link]@[Link] ∴ 𝑥2 = [÷ 2]
XJGUET17SW 2

5𝑦+3
∴ 𝑥 = ±√ 2 [ ±√ ]

5𝑦+3
i.e. 𝑥 = ±√ 2

(iv) 𝑦 = √𝑥 2 − 8

∴ 𝑦2 = 𝑥2 − 8 (squaring)

∴ 𝑥2 − 8 = 𝑦2 (switching sides)

∴ 𝑥2 = 𝑦2 + 8 [+ 8]

∴ 𝑥 = ±√𝑦2 + 8 [±√ ]

i.e. 𝑥 = ±√𝑦 2 + 8

2𝑥+3
(v) 𝑦 =
𝑥

∴ 𝑥𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3 [ × 𝑥]

∴ 𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑥 = 3 [− 2𝑥]

∴ 𝑥(𝑦 − 2) = 3 (factorising)

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 17 Chapter 1

3
∴𝑥= [ ÷ (𝑦 − 2)]
𝑦−2

3
i.e. 𝑥 =
𝑦−2

3𝑥
(vi) 𝑦 = 𝑥−7

∴ 𝑦(𝑥 − 7) = 3𝑥 [ × (𝑥 − 7)]

∴ 𝑥𝑦 − 7𝑦 = 3𝑥 (expanding)

∴ 𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 − 7𝑦 = 0 [− 3𝑥]

∴ 𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 = 7𝑦 [+ 7𝑦]

∴ 𝑥(𝑦 − 3) = 7𝑦 (factorising)
7𝑦
∴𝑥= [ ÷ (𝑦 − 3)]
𝑦−3

7𝑦
i.e. 𝑥 =
𝑦−3

3𝑥+5
3. (i) 𝑦 =
𝑥

∴ 𝑥𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 5 [ × 𝑥]
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW
∴ 𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 = 5 [− 3𝑥]

∴ 𝑥(𝑦 − 3) = 5 (factorising)
5
∴𝑥= [ ÷ (𝑦 − 3)]
𝑦−3

5
i.e. 𝑥 =
𝑦−3

5 5
(ii) When 𝑦 = 4, 𝑥 = = =5
4−3 1

Problems
1. Solve the following equations for 𝑥
7𝑥−2 𝑥 3𝑥−1
(i) =6 (ii) − 2𝑥 − 4 = 6
3
(iii) =2
9 2𝑥−4
2𝑥+5
(iv) √5𝑥 − 11 = 7 (v) 2𝑥 2 + 5 = 77 (vi) =0
𝑥 2 +8

2. Solve the following equations for 𝑥, i.e. make 𝑥 the subject of the formula

(i) 8𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 10 (ii) 𝑦 = √9𝑥 + 2 (iii) 5𝑥 2 − 1 = 7𝑦

𝑥+4 3𝑥−1
(iv) 𝑦 = √𝑥 2 + 4 (v) 𝑦 = (vi) 𝑦 =
2𝑥 𝑥−5

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 18

7𝑥+4
3. Given that 𝑦 =
2𝑥
(i) make 𝑥 the subject of the formula

(ii) find 𝑥 when 𝑦 = 3.

Answers
7𝑥−2
1. (i) =6
9

∴ 7𝑥 − 2 = 54 [ × 9]

∴ 7𝑥 = 56 [+ 2]

∴𝑥=8 [ ÷ 7]

i.e. 𝑥 = 8

𝑥
(ii) − 2𝑥 − 4 = 6
3

∴ 𝑥 + 3(−2𝑥 − 4) = 18 [ × 3]

∴ 𝑥 − 6𝑥 − 12 = 18 (simplifying)

∴ −5𝑥 − 12 = 18 (simplifying)
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW ∴ −5𝑥 = 30 [+ 12]
30
∴ 𝑥 = −5 = −6 [ ÷ (−5)]

i.e. 𝑥 = −6

3𝑥−1
(iii) =2
2𝑥−4

∴ 3𝑥 − 1 = 2(2𝑥 − 4) [ × (2𝑥 − 4)]

∴ 3𝑥 − 1 = 4𝑥 − 8 (simplifying)

∴ 3𝑥 = 4𝑥 − 7 [+ 1]

∴ −𝑥 = −7 [− 4𝑥]
−7
∴ 𝑥 = −1 = 7 [ ÷ (−1)]

i.e. 𝑥 = 7

(iv) √5𝑥 − 11 = 7

∴ 5𝑥 − 11 = 72 (squaring)

∴ 5𝑥 − 11 = 49 (simplifying)

∴ 5𝑥 = 60 [+ 11]

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 19 Chapter 1

∴ 𝑥 = 12 [÷ 5]

i.e. 𝑥 = 12

(v) 2𝑥 2 + 5 = 77

∴ 2𝑥 2 = 72 [− 5]

∴ 𝑥 2 = 36 [÷ 2]

∴ 𝑥 = ±√36 = ±6 [ ±√ ]

i.e. 𝑥 = ±6 (2 solutions)

2𝑥+5
(vi) =0
𝑥 2 +8

∴ 2𝑥 + 5 = 0(𝑥 2 + 8) [ × (𝑥 2 + 8)]

∴ 2𝑥 + 5 = 0 (simplifying)

∴ 2𝑥 = −5 [− 5]
−5
∴𝑥= [ ÷ 2]
2
−5
i.e. 𝑥 = 2
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW
2. (i) 8𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 10

∴ 8𝑥 = 10 + 3𝑦 [+ 3𝑦]
10+3𝑦
∴𝑥= [÷ 8]
8
10+3𝑦
i.e. 𝑥 =
8

(ii) 𝑦 = √9𝑥 + 2

∴ 𝑦 2 = 9𝑥 + 2 (squaring)

∴ 9𝑥 + 2 = 𝑦 2 (switching sides)

∴ 9𝑥 = 𝑦 2 − 2 [− 2]
𝑦2 −2
∴𝑥= [÷ 9]
9
𝑦 2 −2
i.e. 𝑥 = 9

(iii) 5𝑥 2 − 1 = 7𝑦

∴ 5𝑥 2 = 7𝑦 + 1 [+ 1]

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 20

7𝑦+1
∴ 𝑥2 = [÷ 5]
5

7𝑦+1
∴ 𝑥 = ±√ 5 [ ±√ ]

7𝑦+1
i.e. 𝑥 = ±√
5

(iv) 𝑦 = √𝑥 2 + 4

∴ 𝑦2 = 𝑥2 + 4 (squaring)

∴ 𝑥2 + 4 = 𝑦2 (switching sides)

∴ 𝑥2 = 𝑦2 − 4 [− 4]

∴ 𝑥 = ±√𝑦2 − 4 [±√ ]

i.e. 𝑥 = ±√𝑦 2 − 4

𝑥+4
(v) 𝑦 = 2𝑥

∴ 2𝑥𝑦 = 𝑥 + 4 [ × 2𝑥]

∴ 2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑥 = 4 [− 𝑥]
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW ∴ 𝑥(2𝑦 − 1) = 4 (factorising)
4
∴𝑥= [ ÷ (2𝑦 − 1)]
2𝑦−1

4
i.e. 𝑥 =
2𝑦−1

3𝑥−1
(vi) 𝑦 = 𝑥−5

∴ 𝑦(𝑥 − 5) = 3𝑥 − 1 [ × (𝑥 − 5)]

∴ 𝑥𝑦 − 5𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 1 (expanding)

∴ 𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 − 5𝑦 = −1 [− 3𝑥]

∴ 𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 = 5𝑦 − 1 [+ 5𝑦]

∴ 𝑥(𝑦 − 3) = 5𝑦 − 1 (factorising)
5𝑦−1
∴𝑥= [ ÷ (𝑦 − 3)]
𝑦−3

5𝑦−1
i.e. 𝑥 =
𝑦−3

7𝑥+4
3. (i) 𝑦 =
2𝑥

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 21 Chapter 1

∴ 2𝑥𝑦 = 7𝑥 + 4 [ × 2𝑥]

∴ 2𝑥𝑦 − 7𝑥 = 4 [− 7𝑥]

∴ 𝑥(2𝑦 − 7) = 4 (factorising)
4
∴𝑥= [ ÷ (2𝑦 − 7)]
2𝑦−7

4
i.e. 𝑥 =
2𝑦−7

4 4
(ii) When 𝑦 = 3, 𝑥 = = = −4
6−7 −1

1.6 Inequalities
An inequality is a relation between the L.S. and R.S. expressions that does not use an equals sign.
Instead, inequalities use the symbols >, <, ≥ or ≤. E.g. 5 > 2 or −1 < 7.

Symbol Definition Example

> greater than 𝑥+3 > 5
< less than 3𝑥 − 1 < 0
≥ greater than or equal to 7−𝑥 ≥2
≤ less than or equal to 2𝑥 − 5 ≤ −1
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW
There is not one unique solution to an inequality, but rather a range of values. E.g. if 𝑥 + 3 > 5, any
value of 𝑥 that is greater than 2 makes the statement true. So 𝑥 = 3, 𝑥 = 10.1 and 𝑥 = 103 are all
possible answers. All the possible solutions are more concisely written as 𝑥 > 2.
To simplify and solve inequalities, the aim is the same as that for equations – isolate the variable
(usually 𝑥) on the L.S. of the inequality.
Some operations can be performed to each side of the inequality as they would for equations,
without the direction of the inequality being affected. For example, to solve 𝑥 + 3 > 5, 3 is
subtracted from each side of the inequality to give:
𝑥 + 3 − 3 > 5 − 3 which simplifies to 𝑥 > 2.

e.g for 3𝑥 − 1 < 0,

3𝑥 < 1 [ + 1]
1
𝑥< [÷ 3]
3
1
So 𝑥 < 3
is the solution.

Adding or subtracting a number on both sides, dividing both sides by a positive number and
simplifying a single side are operations that do not affect the direction of the inequality.

Some operations require the inequality direction to be reversed. For example, −5 < −1, but 5 > 1.
When dividing or multiplying both sides by a negative number or swapping the L.S and R.S., it is
necessary to reverse the direction of the inequality.
e.g for 7 − 𝑥 ≥ 2,
−𝑥 ≥ −5 [ − 7 and leave the inequality unchanged]

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 22

𝑥 ≤ 5 [÷ −1, and change the inequality direction]

So 𝑥 ≤ 5 is the solution.

e.g for 3 ≥ 𝑥 + 2,
𝑥 + 2 ≤ 3 [swap sides and change the inequality direction]
𝑥≤1 [− 2, and leave the inequality unchanged]
So 𝑥 ≤ 1 is the solution.

Examples
1. Solve the following inequalities for 𝑥
𝑥
(i) 2𝑥 + 5 < 11 (ii) − 9 > −2
5
4𝑥−1
(iii) ≤3 (iv) 1 + 3𝑥 ≥ 0
5

2. Solve the following inequalities for 𝑥

(i) 1 < 2𝑥 + 7 (ii) 1 − 2𝑥 > 2

−𝑥+2
(iii) ≤1 (iv) −1 ≥ 1 − 2𝑥
3
-

Answers
1. (i) 2𝑥 + 5 < 11
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW
∴ 2𝑥 < 6 [− 5]

∴𝑥<3 [ ÷ 2]

i.e. 𝑥 < 3

𝑥
(ii) − 9 > −2
5
𝑥
∴5>7 [+ 9]

∴ 𝑥 > 35 [ × 5]

i.e. 𝑥 > 35

4𝑥−1
(iii) ≤3
5

∴ 4𝑥 − 1 ≤ 15 [× 5]

∴ 4𝑥 ≤ 16 [+ 1]

∴𝑥≤4 [÷ 4]

i.e. 𝑥 ≤ 4

(iv) 1 + 3𝑥 ≥ 0

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 23 Chapter 1

∴ 3𝑥 ≥ −1 [− 1]
−1
∴𝑥≥ [÷ 3]
3
−1
i.e. 𝑥 ≥ 3

2. (i) 1 < 2𝑥 + 7

∴ 2𝑥 + 7 > 1 [swap sides and change the inequality direction]

∴ 2𝑥 > −6 [− 7]

∴ 𝑥 > −3 [ ÷ 2]

i.e. 𝑥 > −3

(ii) 1 − 2𝑥 > 2

∴ −2𝑥 > 1 [− 1]
1
∴𝑥< [÷ −2, and change the inequality direction]
−2
−1
i.e. 𝑥 < 2

−𝑥+2
(iii) ≤1
3
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW

∴ −𝑥 + 2 ≤ 3 [× 3]

∴ −𝑥 ≤ 1 [− 2]

∴ 𝑥 ≥ −1 [÷ −1, and change the inequality direction]

i.e. 𝑥 ≥ −1

(iv) −1 ≥ 1 − 2𝑥

∴ 1 − 2𝑥 ≤ −1 [swap sides and change the inequality direction]

∴ −2𝑥 ≤ −2 [− 1]

∴𝑥≥1 [÷ −2, and change the inequality direction]

i.e. 𝑥 ≥ 1

Alternatively, add 2𝑥 to each side for the first step:

i.e. 2𝑥 − 1 ≥ 1
∴ 2𝑥 ≥ 2 [+ 1]
∴𝑥≥1 [÷ 2]

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 24

Problems
1. Solve the following inequalities for 𝑥
𝑥
(i) 3𝑥 − 2 < 10 (ii) + 5 > −1
2
2𝑥+1
(iii) ≤5 (iv) 5𝑥 − 2 ≥ 0
3

2. Solve the following inequalities for 𝑥

(i) 3 > 6𝑥 − 2 (ii) 5 − 𝑥 < −2

−2𝑥+1
(iii) ≥0 (iv) 3 ≤ −1 + 4𝑥
2

Answers
1. (i) 3𝑥 − 2 < 10

∴ 3𝑥 < 12 [+ 2]

∴𝑥<4 [ ÷ 3]

i.e. 𝑥 < 4

𝑥
(ii) + 5 > −1
2
𝑥
∴ > −6 [− 5]
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW
2

∴ 𝑥 > −12 [ × 2]

i.e. 𝑥 > −12

2𝑥+1
(iii) ≤5
3

∴ 2𝑥 + 1 ≤ 15 [× 3]

∴ 2𝑥 ≤ 14 [− 1]

∴𝑥≤7 [÷ 2]

i.e. 𝑥 ≤ 7

(iv) 5𝑥 − 2 ≥ 0

∴ 5𝑥 ≥ 2 [+ 2]
2
∴𝑥≥5 [÷ 5]
2
i.e. 𝑥 ≥
5

2. (i) 3 > 6𝑥 − 2

∴ 6𝑥 − 2 < 3 [swap sides and change the inequality direction]

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 25 Chapter 1

∴ 6𝑥 < 5 [+ 2]
5
∴𝑥<6 [ ÷ 6]
5
i.e. 𝑥 < 6

(ii) 5 − 𝑥 < −2

∴ −𝑥 < −7 [− 5]

∴𝑥>7 [÷ −1, and change the inequality direction]

i.e. 𝑥 > 7

−2𝑥+1
(iii) ≥0
2

∴ −2𝑥 + 1 ≥ 0 [× 2]

∴ −2𝑥 ≥ −1 [− 1]
1
∴𝑥≤2 [÷ −2, and change the inequality direction]

1
i.e. 𝑥 ≤ 2

(iv) 3 ≤ −1 + 4𝑥
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW

∴ −1 + 4𝑥 ≥ 3 [swap sides and change the inequality direction]

∴ 4𝑥 ≥ 4 [+ 1]

∴𝑥≥1 [÷ 4]

i.e. 𝑥 ≥ 1

1.7 Simultaneous equations

A linear equation in 2 variables (normally 𝑥 and 𝑦) has the form 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐷, where 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐷
are constants. A linear equation is so called because its graph is a straight line. This can be seen
mathematically by re-arranging the equation 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐷 as follows:

𝐵𝑦 = −𝐴𝑥 + 𝐷 [− 𝐴𝑥]
−𝐴𝑥+𝐷
∴𝑦= [÷ 𝐵]
𝐵
−𝐴 𝐷
∴ 𝑦 = ( ) 𝑥 + , which is of the form of the straight line
𝐵 𝐵
−𝐴 𝐷
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐, with 𝑚 = 𝐵 and = 𝐵 .

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 26

A linear equation can be sketched by finding any two points on the line, and connecting them with a
straight line. In general, this is done by simply finding the 𝑦 value when 𝑥 = 0 (the 𝑦-intercept), and
finding the 𝑥-value when 𝑦 = 0 (the 𝑥-intercept).
For instance, given the equation 3𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 6:
when 𝑥 = 0, −2𝑦 = 6 ∴ 𝑦 = −3 (the 𝑦-intercept);
when 𝑦 = 0, 3𝑥 = 6 ∴ 𝑥 = 2 (the 𝑥-intercept).
So, the sketch is as follows:

A linear equation has infinitely many solutions, and each solution is a single point on the straight line
−3
graph of the equation. Some solutions of the equation 3𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 6 are 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑦 = 2 , 𝑥 = 4
and 𝑦 = 3, 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑦 = −6, etc.
Consider 2 linear equations in 2 variables, e.g.
𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 6 and 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 3.
Each equation has infinitely many solutions, and has a straight line graph. The graphs are sketched
below.
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW

It can be seen that the graphs intersect. The point of intersection indicates the particular values of 𝑥
and 𝑦 which are on both straight lines simultaneously. These particular values of 𝑥 and 𝑦 represent
the solution to the two simultaneous equations. From the sketch, the 𝑥 co-ordinate of the solution
is between 3 and 6. The corresponding 𝑦 co-ordinate of the solution is between 0 and −3.

Any pair of simultaneous linear equations in 2 variables has either:

(i) exactly one solution (the 2 lines intersect at a single point);
(ii) no solution (the 2 lines are parallel, and hence don’t intersect);
(iii) infinitely many solutions (the 2 lines are identical).

The 3 cases are shown in the diagrams below.

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 27 Chapter 1

In all cases, the solution(s) can be found using either substitution or elimination, as described below.
Both methods are used to find the solution to the equations sketched above, i.e.
𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 6 (1) and 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 3 (2)

Substitution
I Make one variable the subject of one of the equations
e.g. from (1), 𝑥 = 2𝑦 + 6
II Substitute for this variable in the other equation
e.g. in (2), 𝑥 can be replaced by 2𝑦 + 6.
So, (2) becomes 2𝑦 + 6 + 𝑦 = 3, or 3𝑦 + 6 = 3 when simplified.
III Solve this equation to find the solution for one variable
e.g. since 3𝑦 + 6 = 3
∴ 3𝑦 = −3
−3
∴ 𝑦 = 3 = −1 So, 𝑦 = −1.
IV Substitute the answer found in III into the equation obtained in I to find the solution
for the remaining variable
e.g. 𝑦 = −1 (from III), and 𝑥 = 2𝑦 + 6 (from I),
𝑥 = −2 + 6 = 4.
So, the solution is 𝑥 = 4 and 𝑦 = −1, i.e. the co-ordinates of the solution are (4, −1).
Note that this solution is consistent with the intersection of the two lines sketched earlier.

Elimination
I Eliminate one variable by adding (or subtracting) a multiple of one equation to (or from)
the other equation
e.g. for 𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 6 (1) and 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 3 (2), the coefficient of 𝑥 in each equation is 1.
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW
So, 𝑥 can be eliminated by subtracting one equation from the other, i.e. (2) subtract (1) gives
𝑥 + 𝑦 − ( 𝑥 − 2𝑦) = 3 − 6. Simplifying gives
𝑥 + 𝑦 − 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = −3 ∴ 3𝑦 = −3
II Solve this equation to find the solution for one variable
−3
e.g. since 3𝑦 = −3, 𝑦 = = −1 ∴ 𝑦 = −1
3
III Substitute the answer found in II into either of the original equations to find the solution
for the remaining variable
e.g. since 𝑦 = −1, using (1) gives 𝑥 − 2(−1) = 6
∴𝑥+2=6 ∴𝑥 =6−2=4
So, again, the solution is 𝑥 = 4 and 𝑦 = −1, i.e. the co-ordinates of the solution are (4, −1).

In the elimination method, the first step is the most important. The coefficients of one variable
must be ‘matched’ before adding or subtracting. For instance, as the coefficients of 𝑦 are −2 and 1,
𝑦 could be eliminated by multiplying (2) by 2 as follows.
As 𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 6 (1) and 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 3 (2)
(2) × 2 gives 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6 (3)
Now, adding (1) and (3) gives 𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6 + 6
12
Simplifying gives 3𝑥 = 12 ∴𝑥= 3 =4
Using (2), 4+𝑦 =3 ∴ 𝑦 = 3 − 4 = −1. So, again the solution is 𝑥 = 4 and 𝑦 = −1.

The solution to a pair of simultaneous equations can be checked by substituting the answers into the
original equations. In the example above, when 𝑥 = 4 and 𝑦 = −1, the L.S. of (1) becomes
4 − (−2) = 4 + 2 = 6, = R.S., as required.
Similarly, the L.S. of (2) becomes
4 + (−1) = 4 − 1 = 3, = R.S., as required.

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 28

Examples
1. Solve the following equations for 𝑥 and 𝑦 by

(a) elimination (b) substitution

(i) 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = −1 (1) and 𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 16 (2)

(ii) 4𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 8 (1) and 5𝑥 − 𝑦 = 10 (2)

2. Use elimination to show that there is no solution to the equations

−2𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 6 (1) and 𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 1 (2)

3. Use elimination to show that there are infinitely many solutions to the equations

2𝑥 + 4𝑦 = −12 (1) and 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = −6 (2)

Answers
1. (i)(a) Comparing 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = −1 (1) and 𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 16 (2),
it can be seen that the 𝑥 coefficients can be matched by multiplying (2) by 2
i.e. 2𝑥 − 8𝑦 = 32 (3).
Now, (1) subtract (3) gives 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 − (2𝑥 − 8𝑦) = −1 − 32.
Simplifying gives 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 2𝑥 + 8𝑦 = −33
∴ 11𝑦 = −33 ∴ 𝑦 = −3
When 𝑦 = −3 (2) becomes 𝑥 − 4(−3) = 16
∴ 𝑥 + 12 = 16 ∴ 𝑥 = 4.
[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW
So the solution is 𝑥 = 4 and 𝑦 = −3.

(b) From (2), 𝑥 = 4𝑦 + 16. Substituting in (1) gives

2(4𝑦 + 16) + 3𝑦 = −1
∴ 8𝑦 + 32 + 3𝑦 = −1
∴ 11𝑦 + 32 = −1
∴ 11𝑦 = −1 − 32 = −33
−33
∴ 𝑦 = 11 = −3. Substituting in 𝑥 = 4𝑦 + 16 gives
𝑥 = 4(−3) + 16 = −12 + 16 = 4
So, again, the solution is 𝑥 = 4 and 𝑦 = −3.

(ii)(a) Comparing 4𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 8 (1) and 5𝑥 − 𝑦 = 10 (2),

it can be seen that the 𝑦 coefficients can be matched by multiplying (2) by 3
i.e. 15𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 30 (3).
Now, adding (1) and (3) gives 4𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 15𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 8 + 30.
Simplifying gives 19𝑥 = 38
38
∴ 𝑥 = 19 = 2
When 𝑥 = 2 (2) becomes 10 − 𝑦 = 10
∴ −𝑦 = 0 ∴ 𝑦 = 0.
So, the solution is 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 0.

(b) From (2), −𝑦 = 10 − 5𝑥 ∴ 𝑦 = −10 + 5𝑥

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 29 Chapter 1

Substituting in (1) gives

4𝑥 + 3(−10 + 5𝑥) = 8
∴ 4𝑥 − 30 + 15𝑥 = 8
∴ 19𝑥 = 8 + 30 = 38
38
∴ 𝑥 = = 2 Substituting in 𝑦 = −10 + 5𝑥 gives
19
𝑦 = −10 + 10 = 0
So, again, the solution is 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 0.

2. Comparing −2𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 6 (1) and 𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 1 (2),

it can be seen that the 𝑥 coefficients can be matched by multiplying (2) by 2
i.e. 2𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 2 (3).
Now, adding (1) and (3) gives −2𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 2𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 6 + 2.
Simplifying gives 0 = 8, which is impossible.
Hence, there is no solution (and the equations represent 2 parallel lines).

3. Comparing 2𝑥 + 4𝑦 = −12 (1) and 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = −6 (2),

it can be seen that the 𝑥 coefficients can be matched by multiplying (2) by 2
i.e. 2𝑥 + 4𝑦 = −12 (3).
Now, subtracting (1) from (3) gives
2𝑥 + 4𝑦 − (2𝑥 + 4𝑦) = −12 − (−12).
Simplifying gives 2𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 2𝑥 + 4𝑦 = −12 + 12
∴ 0 = 0, which is always true.
Hence, there are infinitely many solutions (and the equations represent 2 identical lines).

[Link]@[Link]
XJGUET17SW Problems
1. Solve the following equations for 𝑥 and 𝑦 by

(a) elimination (b) substitution

(i) 𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 4 (1) and 2𝑥 + 7𝑦 = 2 (2)

(ii) 4𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 4 (1) and 3𝑥 − 𝑦 = 16 (2)

2. Use elimination to show that there is no solution to the equations

(i) −3𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 7 (1) and 𝑥 − 2𝑦 = −1 (2)

3. Use elimination to show that there are infinitely many solutions to the equations

(i) 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 7 (1) and 2𝑥 + 8𝑦 = 14 (2)

Answers
1. (i)(a) Comparing 𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 4 (1) and 2𝑥 + 7𝑦 = 2 (2),
it can be seen that the 𝑥 coefficients can be matched by multiplying (1) by 2
i.e. 2𝑥 + 10𝑦 = 8 (3).
Now, (3) subtract (2) gives 2𝑥 + 10𝑦 − (2𝑥 + 7𝑦) = 8 − 2.
Simplifying gives 2𝑥 + 10𝑦 − 2𝑥 − 7𝑦 = 6
∴ 3𝑦 = 6 ∴𝑦=2
When 𝑦 = 2, (1) becomes 𝑥 + 10 = 4
∴ 𝑥 = 4 − 10 = −6.
So, the solution is 𝑥 = −6 and 𝑦 = 2.

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.
 Algebra 30

(b) From (1), 𝑥 = 4 − 5𝑦. Substituting in (2) gives

2(4 − 5𝑦) + 7𝑦 = 2
∴ 8 − 10𝑦 + 7𝑦 = 2
∴ −3𝑦 + 8 = 2
∴ −3𝑦 = 2 − 8 = −6
−6
∴𝑦= = 2. Substituting in 𝑥 = 4 − 5𝑦 gives
−3
𝑥 = 4 − 10 = −6
So, again, the solution is 𝑥 = −6 and 𝑦 = 2.

(ii)(a) Comparing 4𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 4 (1) and 3𝑥 − 𝑦 = 16 (2),

it can be seen that the 𝑦 coefficients can be matched by multiplying (2) by 3
i.e. 9𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 48 (3).
Now, adding (1) and (3) gives 4𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 9𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 4 + 48.
Simplifying gives 13𝑥 = 52
52
∴ 𝑥 = 13 = 4
When 𝑥 = 4 (2) becomes 12 − 𝑦 = 16
∴ −𝑦 = 16 − 12 = 4 ∴ 𝑦 = −4.
So the solution is 𝑥 = 4 and 𝑦 = −4.

(b) From (2), −𝑦 = 16 − 3𝑥 ∴ 𝑦 = −16 + 3𝑥

Substituting in (1) gives
[Link]@[Link]
4𝑥 + 3(−16 + 3𝑥) = 4
XJGUET17SW

∴ 4𝑥 − 48 + 9𝑥 = 4
∴ 13𝑥 = 4 + 48 = 52
52
∴ 𝑥 = 13 = 4 Substituting in 𝑦 = −16 + 3𝑥 gives
𝑦 = −16 + 12 = −4
So, again, the solution is 𝑥 = 4 and 𝑦 = −4.

2. Comparing −3𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 7 (1) and 𝑥 − 2𝑦 = −1 (2),

it can be seen that the 𝑥 coefficients can be matched by multiplying (2) by 3
i.e. 3𝑥 − 6𝑦 = −3 (3).
Now, adding (1) and (3) gives −3𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 3𝑥 − 6𝑦 = 7 − 3.
Simplifying gives 0 = 4, which is impossible.
Hence, there is no solution (and the equations represent 2 parallel lines).

3. Comparing 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 7 (1) and 2𝑥 + 8𝑦 = 14 (2),

it can be seen that the 𝑥 coefficients can be matched by multiplying (1) by 2
i.e. 2𝑥 + 8𝑦 = 14 (3).
Now, subtracting (2) from (3) gives
2𝑥 + 8𝑦 − (2𝑥 + 8𝑦) = 14 − 14.
Simplifying gives 2𝑥 + 8𝑦 − 2𝑥 − 8𝑦 = 0
∴ 0 = 0, which is always true.
Hence, there are infinitely many solutions (and the equations represent 2 identical lines).

This file is meant for personal use by [Link]@[Link] only.

Sharing or publishing the contents in part or full is liable for legal action.