Algebraic Equations
Algebraic equations are two algebraic expressions that are joined together using
an equal to ( = ) sign. An algebraic equation is also known as a polynomial
equation because both sides of the equal sign contain polynomials. An algebraic
equation is built up of variables, coefficients, constants as well as algebraic
operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation,
etc.
If there is a number or a set of numbers that satisfy the algebraic equation then
they are known as the roots or the solutions of that equation. In this article, we
will learn more about algebraic equations, their types, examples, and how to
solve algebraic equations.
What is Algebraic Equations?
An algebraic equation is a mathematical statement that contains two equated
algebraic expressions. The general form of an algebraic equation is P = 0 or P = Q,
where P and Q are polynomials. Algebraic equations that contain only one
variable are known as univariate equations and those which contain more than
one variable are known as multivariate equations. An algebraic equation will
always be balanced. This means that the right-hand side of the equation will be
equal to the left-hand side.
Algebraic Expressions
A polynomial expression that contains variables, coefficients, and constants joined
together using operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division,
and non-negative exponentiation is known as an algebraic expression. An
algebraic expression should not be confused with an algebraic equation. When
two algebraic expressions are merged together using an "equal to" sign then they
form an algebraic equation. Thus, 5x + 1 is an expression while 5x + 1 = 0 will be
an equation.
Algebraic Equations Examples
x2 - 5x = 3 is a univariate algebraic equation while y2x - 5z = 3x is an example of a
multivariate algebraic equation.
Types of Algebraic Equations
Algebraic equations can be classified into different types based on the degree of
the equation. The degree can be defined as the highest exponent of a variable in
an algebraic equation. Suppose there is an equation given by x4 + y3 = 35 then the
degree will be 4. In determining the degree, the exponent of the constant or
coefficient is not considered. The number of roots of an algebraic equation
depends on its degree. An algebraic equation where the degree equals 5 will have
a maximum of 5 roots. The various types of algebraic equations are as follows:
Linear Algebraic Equations
A linear algebraic equation is one in which the degree of the polynomial is 1. The
general form of a linear equation is given as a1x1+a2x2+...+anxn = 0 where at least
one coefficient is a non-zero number. These linear equations are used to
represent and solve linear programming problems.
Example: 3x + 5 = 5 is a linear equation in one variable. y = 2x - 6 is a linear
equation in two variables.
Quadratic Algebraic Equations
An equation where the degree of the polynomial is 2 is known as a quadratic
algebraic equation. The general form of such an equation is ax2 + bx + c = 0, where
a is not equal to 0.
Example: 3x2 + 2x - 6 = 0 is a quadratic algebraic equation. This type of equation
will have a maximum of two solutions.
Cubic Algebraic Equations
An algebraic equation where the degree equals 3 will be classified as a cubic
algebraic equation. ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = 0 is the general form of a cubic algebraic
equation (a ≠ 0).
Example: x3 + x2 - x - 1 = 0. A cubic algebraic equation will have a maximum of
three roots as the degree is 3.
Higher-Order Polynomial Algebraic Equations
Algebraic equations that have a degree greater than 3 are known as higher-order
polynomial algebraic equations. Quartic (degree = 4), quintic (5), sextic (6), septic
(7) equations all fall under the category of higher algebraic equations. Such
equations might not be solvable using a finite number of operations.
Algebraic Equations Formulas
Algebraic equations can be simplified using several formulas and identities. These
help to expedite the process of solving a given equation. Given below are some
important algebraic formulas:
(a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
(a - b)2 = a2 - 2ab + b2
(a + b)(a - b) = a2 - b2
(x + a)(x + b) = x2 + x(a + b) + ab
(a + b)3 = a3 + 3a2b + 3ab2 + b3
(a - b)3 = a3 - 3a2b + 3ab2 - b3
a3 + b3 = (a + b)(a2 - ab + b2)
a3 - b3 = (a - b)(a2 + ab + b2)
(a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca
Quadratic Formula: [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)]/2a
Discriminant: b2 - 4ac
How to Solve Algebraic Equations
There are many different methods that are available for solving algebraic
equations depending upon the degree. If an algebraic equation has two variables
then two equations will be required to find the solution. Thus, it can be said that
the number of equations required to solve an algebraic equation will be equal to
the number of variables present in the equation. Given below are the ways to
solve algebraic equations.
Linear Algebraic Equations
A linear algebraic equation in one variable can be solved by simply applying basic
arithmetic operations on both sides of the equation.
E.g: 4x + 1 = 5.
4x = 5 - 1 (Subtracted 1 from both sides).
4x = 4 (Solve the R.H.S using algebraic operations)
x = 1 (Divided both sides by 4)
Linear algebraic equations in more than one variable will be solved using the
concept of simultaneous equations.
Quadratic Algebraic Equations
A quadratic algebraic equation can be solved by using identities, factorizing, long
division, splitting the middle term, completing the square, applying the quadratic
formula, and using graphs. A quadratic equation will always have a maximum of
two roots.
E.g: x2 + 2x + 1 = 0
Using the identity (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2, we get
a = x and b = 1
(x + 1)2 = 0
(x + 1)(x + 1) = 0
x = -1, -1.
The most effective way of solving higher-order algebraic polynomials in one
variable is by using the long division method. This decomposes the higher-order
polynomial into polynomials of a lower degree thus, making it easier to find the
solutions.
Important Notes on Algebraic Equations:
An algebraic equation is an equation where two algebraic expressions are
joined together using an equal sign.
Polynomial equations are algebra equations.
Algebraic equations can be one-step, two-step, or multi-step equations.
Algebra equations are classified as linear, quadratic, cubic, and higher-order
equations based on the degree.
Algebraic Equations Worksheet
Worksheet on Algebra Equations
Algebraic Equations Examples
Example 1: Solve the algebraic equation x + 3 = 2x
Solution: Taking the variable terms on one side of the equation and
keeping the constant terms on the other side we get,
3 = 2x - x
3=x
Answer: x = 3
Example 2: A total of 15 items can fit in a box. If the box contains 2 scales, 7
pencils, and 1 eraser then how many pens can fit in the box?
Solution: Converting this problem statement in the form of an algebraic
equation we get,
2 scales + 7 pencils + 1 eraser + x pens = 15
2 + 7 + 1 + x = 15
Solving the L.H.S
10 + x = 15
x = 15 - 10
x=5
Answer: 5 pens can fit in the box
Example 3: Find the roots of the quadratic equation x2 + x - 6 = 0
Solution: Using the quadratic formula x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)]/2a.
a = 1, b = 1, c = - 6
x = [-1 ± √(1² - 4 · 1 · -6)] / (2 · 1)
x = [-1 ± √(25)] / 2
x = [-1 + 5] / 2, [-1 - 5] / 2
x = 2, -3
Answer: The roots of the given algebraic equation are 2 and -3.