GRADE 9

TERM 1
MATHEMATICS
STUDY NOTES
 1. Number Systems

#1
Real Numbers (ℝ)
• Rational Numbers:
Can be written as a/b if b ≠ 0
(i.e. fractions)

• Integers:
= {... -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}

• Whole Numbers:
= {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, ...}

• Natural Numbers:
= {1, 2, 3, 4, ...}

• Irrational Numbers:
Non-recurring and non-terminating decimals
i.e. √5 or π

Important Terms:

• Factor: A factor can be divided into a number with no remainder.

e.g. The factors of 20 are F20 = {1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20}

• Multiple: The multiples of a number are found by multiplying the number by only
natural numbers.
e.g. The first 5 multiples of 5 are M5 = {5, 10, 15, 20, 25 ...}

• Prime Numbers: A prime number has only two factors, 1 and itself.
e.g. 17 is a prime since its only two factors are 1 and 17
 • Composite Number: A composite number has more than two factors.
e.g. 8 is a composite number since F8 = {1, 2, 4, 8}

• Universal number: 1 is the universal number (it is neither prime nor composite)

• Square number: A number multiplied by itself is square.

e.g. 16 is a square number since 4 × 4 = 16

Writing Numbers as Products of Prime Factors:

Each composite number can be written as a product of its prime factors

e.g. 20 = 4 × 5 = 2 × 2 × 5

For bigger numbers: use the tree or ladder methods to find their products. (Hint: always
start with the smallest prime factors)

Example: Write 180 as a product of its prime factors

Tree Method

Start with 180 and break it down by dividing with the smallest prime numbers:

180 ÷ 2 = 90

90 ÷ 2 = 45

45 ÷ 3 = 15

15 ÷ 3 = 5

5÷5=1

∴ 180 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 5

Ladder Method

We divide by the smallest possible prime number at each step.

∴ 180 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 5
Using Prime Factors to Find HCF and LCM:

HCF: Highest Common Factor

LCM: Lowest Common Multiple

For smaller numbers you can write out a list of the factors and multiples to find the HCF and
LCM

Example: Find the HCF and LCM of 24 and 18

F24 = {1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24}

F18 = {1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18}

M24 = {24, 48, 72, 96, 120 ...}

M18 = {18, 36, 54, 72, 90...}

HCF = 6 since it is the highest factor on both lists

LCM = 72 since it is the lowest multiple on both lists

For larger numbers, use prime factors.

Order Of Operations: BODMAS

Brackets
Order (Exponent)
Division (Left to Right)
Multiplication (Left to Right)
Addition (Left to Right)
Subtraction (Left to Right)

Squares, Cubes and Roots

A number SQUARED: a number multiplied by itself

e.g. 6 × 6 = 6² = 36

A number CUBED: a number multiplied by itself twice

e.g. 5 × 5 × 5 = 5³ = 125

A SQUARE ROOT: √4 means x² = 4

and since 2 × 2 = 4 then √4 = 2
 3
A CUBE ROOT: √27 means x³ = 27
3
and since 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 then√27 = 3

2. Integers

Important Terms:

Integers (ℤ) include whole numbers which are both positive or negative or zero.
ℤ = {... -6, -5, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ...}

On a number line, integers look like this:

Adding Integers:

• When you add a positive ( + ) integer: Move right on the number line.
• When you add a negative ( − ) integer: Move left on the number line.
Subtracting Integers:

When you subtract a positive ( + ) integer: Move left on the number line.
When you subtract a negative ( − ) integer: Move right on the number line.

Take note:
Subtracting a negative ( − ) integer is the same as adding its additive inverse.
The additive inverse of −5 is +5 and the additive inverse of −3 is +3.

Multiplying Integers:
When multiplying or dividing integers,
remember these sign rules:

• Same signs (both positive or both

negative) give a positive answer.
• Different signs (one positive and
one negative) give a negative
answer.
Dividing Integers:

3. Fractions

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It has two parts:

• The numerator (top number) shows how many parts

you have.
• The denominator (bottom number) shows how many
equal parts the whole is divided into.
 #1
Types of Fractions

3
• Proper fractions: Numerator is smaller than the denominator (e.g.5).
7
• Improper fractions: Numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator (e.g.4).
1
• Mixed numbers: A whole number and a fraction together (e.g. 22).

#2
Fractions and the Correct
Order of Operations
Using BIDMAS/BODMAS with Fractions

• Brackets first
• Exponents
• Division and Multiplication (left to right)
• Addition and Subtraction (left to right)

• Worked Example:
1 3 1
Solve: 3 2 − �4 + 2�

Solution:
3 1 3 2 5
1. Solve the brackets: 4 + 2 = 4 + 4 = 4
1 7
2. Convert 3 2 to an improper fraction: 2
7 5
3. Perform subtraction: 2 − 4
14 5 9 1
4. Convert to a common denominator: 4
− 4 = 4 = 24
 #3
Adding and Subtracting Fractions

First make sure the denominators are the same (common denominator). Then add or
subtract the numerators.

#4
Multiplying Fractions

Steps for Multiplying Fractions

1. Convert mixed numbers into improper fractions.

2. Multiply numerators and denominators.
3. Simplify by cancelling common factors.
4. Convert back to a mixed number if necessary.
• Worked Example:
2
Solve: 3 × 18
Solution:
2
• Divide 18 by 3: 3 × 18 = 2 × 6 = 12
• Answer: 12

�Tip: Always look for common factors to cancel before multiplying.

� Common Mistake: Forgetting to simplify the final fraction.
 #4
Dividing Fractions
Steps for Dividing Fractions

1. Flip (invert) the second fraction.

2. Multiply as normal.
3. Simplify your answer.

• Worked Example:
18 3
Solve: 7
÷2
Solution:
3 2
1. Flip the divisor: 2 ⇒ 3
18 2 36
2. Multiply: 7
× 3 = 21
12 5
3. Simplify: 7
= 17

� Tip: "Keep, Change, Flip" – Keep the first fraction, Change the operation, Flip the second
fraction.
� Exam Tip: Always write your final answer in the simplest form.
 4. Exponents

#1
Exponent Rules
Rule Formula Example
Multiplication 𝑎𝑎 × 𝑎𝑎𝑛𝑛 = 𝑎𝑎𝑚𝑚+𝑛𝑛
𝑚𝑚
3 × 32 = 36
4

Division 𝑎𝑎𝑚𝑚 ÷ 𝑎𝑎𝑛𝑛 = 𝑎𝑎𝑚𝑚−𝑛𝑛 57 ÷ 53 = 54

Power of a Power (𝑎𝑎𝑚𝑚 )𝑛𝑛 = 𝑎𝑎𝑚𝑚×𝑛𝑛 (23 )4 = 212
Zero Exponent 𝑎𝑎0 = 1 70 = 1
1 1 1
Negative Exponent 𝑎𝑎−𝑛𝑛 = 4−2 = =
𝑎𝑎𝑛𝑛 42 16

#2
Exponent Calculations

Steps for Calculating Exponents:

1. Identify the base and exponent.
2. Apply power rules (multiplication, division, power of a power, etc.).
3. Simplify step by step.
� Common Pitfalls:
• Forgetting that a negative exponent does not make the number negative but instead
represents its reciprocal.
• Applying rules where the base values are not the same.
• Forgetting that any nonzero number raised to the power of 0 equals 1.

� Exam Tips:

• Always check if exponents can be combined before multiplying or dividing.

• Memorise exponent rules using mnemonics:
o MAD (Multiply – Add powers)
o DIS (Divide – Subtract powers)
o POP (Power of a power – Multiply powers).
o ZAP – Zero Always Powers to 1! (Any nonzero number raised to the power of 0 is
always 1.)
o Negative Exponent: Flip It! – A negative exponent means to flip the base into a
fraction (reciprocal).

#3
Scientific Notation

• Scientific notation is a way of writing very large or very small numbers in a shorter
form using powers of 10.

The format is:

a × 10ⁿ

where:

• a is a number between 1 and 10

• n is an integer (can be positive or negative)

Examples:

Large number: 300 000 = 3 × 10⁵

Small number: 0.00042 = 4.2 × 10⁻⁴

How to write numbers in scientific notation:
1. Move the decimal point to make the number between 1 and 10.
2. Count how many places you moved the decimal — this becomes the exponent.
3. If the number is big, the exponent is positive.
If the number is small, the exponent is negative.

#4
Decimals
Fractions can also be written as decimal numbers. This is called decimal notation.

Converting Fractions to Decimals

• To write a decimal fraction as a common fraction: Write the decimal with a denominator
that is a power of ten (10, 100, 1 000, etc.) and then simplify it if possible.

• To write a common fraction as a decimal fraction: Change the common fraction to an

equivalent fraction with a power of ten as a denominator.

Terminating and Recurring Decimals

• A terminating decimal has a set number of digits.

Example: 1⁄4 = 0.25
 • A recurring decimal repeats a pattern forever.
Example: 1⁄3 = 0.333…
(We write it as 0.3̇ with a dot above the 3)

Converting Mixed Numbers to Decimals

Step 1: Keep the whole number

Step 2: Convert the fraction part to a decimal
Step 3: Add them together

Example:
2 ½ = 2 + 0.5 = 2.5

Why Use Decimal Notation?

• Decimals are easier to use in calculators and money calculations

• They help with measurement, percentages, and data work
• Decimals and fractions are equivalent — just different ways to write the same
value

Place Value Table

... Thousands Hundreds Tens Units • Tenths Hundredths Thousandths ...

𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏
... 1000 100 10 1 • ...
𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

… 1000 100 10 1 • 𝟎𝟎. 𝟏𝟏 𝟎𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎

Multiplying Decimals
• Use an equivalent calculation to make the problem simpler.
• Steps for Multiplying Decimals:
1. Ignore the decimals and multiply as whole numbers.
2. Count the total number of decimal places.
3. Place the decimal in the answer so it has the same number of decimal places.
Dividing Decimals
𝟓𝟓 ÷ 𝟎𝟎. 𝟐𝟐 = 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
dividend quotient

divisor

• Steps for Dividing Decimals:

1. Convert the divisor into a whole number by multiplying by 10, 100, etc.
2. Multiply the dividend by the same factor.
3. Perform normal division.
 #5
Percentages

The word percent means “per hundred”.

A percentage is a way of showing a number as a part of 100.

Example:
25% means 25 out of 100
50% = 50⁄100 = ½

Converting Between Percentages, Fractions, and Decimals

• Percentage to Fraction:
75% = 75⁄100 = 3⁄4

• Percentage to Decimal:
Divide by 100 → 75% = 0.75

• Fraction to Percentage:
Multiply by 100 → ¼ = 0.25 = 25%

• Decimal to Percentage:
Multiply by 100 → 0.2 = 20%
 5. Patterns

A number pattern is a sequence of numbers that follow a specific rule. You can identify,
extend, and describe patterns using this rule.

#1
Patterns with a constant
difference
• These are also called arithmetic patterns. You get the next number by adding or
subtracting the same number every time.

Example:
3, 6, 9, 12, 15 ...
Here, we add 3 each time.

• You can use this pattern to predict the next numbers or find a number that appears
later in the sequence.

#2
Patterns with a constant ratio
• These are also called geometric patterns. You get the next number by multiplying or
dividing by the same number each time.

Example:
2, 4, 8, 16, 32 ...
Here, we multiply by 2 each time.

• These patterns grow (or shrink) much faster than patterns with a constant difference.
 #3
Finding a Pattern from a Rule
• Sometimes you’re given a rule or a formula, and you need to use it to create the
pattern.

Example:
If the rule says "double the position number and add 1", then:

1st number: 2 × 1 + 1 = 3
2nd number: 2 × 2 + 1 = 5
3rd number: 2 × 3 + 1 = 7

So the pattern is: 3, 5, 7, 9, ...

#4
Other Types of Patterns

Not all patterns follow simple rules. Some change in different ways:

• Square number patterns:

1, 4, 9, 16, 25 ... (These are 1×1, 2×2, 3×3, etc.)
• Cube number patterns:
1, 8, 27, 64 ... (These are 1×1×1, 2×2×2, 3×3×3, etc.)
• Fibonacci pattern:
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 ... (Add the two previous numbers to get the next one)

Some patterns may also alternate or have a pattern within a pattern.

 Type Description Example Pattern

A sequence where the

�
difference between
Arithmetic (Linear) 2, 5, 8, 11, ... Common difference: +3
consecutive terms is
Sequence
constant.

✖ A sequence where
Common ratio:
Geometric each term is multiplied 2, 6, 18, 54, ...
×3
Sequence by a constant factor.

A sequence where the

Quadratic second difference is 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ... Follows the pattern: n²
Sequence constant.

A sequence where
�
each term is the sum of Rule:
Fibonacci 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, ...
the two previous 𝑻𝑻𝒏𝒏 = 𝑻𝑻𝒏𝒏−𝟏𝟏 + 𝑻𝑻𝒏𝒏−𝟐𝟐
Sequence
terms.

6. Functions and
Relationships

Understanding Functions
• A function describes a relationship between two variables.
• Functions can be written in words, as equations, or represented graphically.

Example:

Ali and Bella share R37. If Ali has 𝒂𝒂 rands and Bella has 𝒃𝒃 rands, their relationship can be
written as:

𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 = 37
If Ali has R25, then: 𝑏𝑏 = 37 – 25 = 12

Functions can describe real-world scenarios such as cost calculations, speed-distance-time

relationships, and financial transactions.

� Common Pitfall: Forgetting that functions always have an input (𝒙𝒙) and an output (𝒚𝒚).
Always define your variables!
 #1
Finding Output Numbers for
Given Input Numbers

• You are often given a rule or formula (like 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 3) and asked to find the
output value when you know the input.

Example:
If the rule is 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 3, and the input is 𝑥𝑥 = 4:
Then 𝑦𝑦 = 2 × 4 + 3 = 11
So the output is 11.

You can do this for many values to complete a table of inputs and outputs.

Understanding Function Machines

• A function machine takes an input, applies a mathematical rule, and produces an
output.

𝑥𝑥 ×2 +3 𝑦𝑦

• Function Machine Table

Input (𝒙𝒙) 1 2 3 4
Output (𝒚𝒚)
5 7 9 11
Rule: × 𝟐𝟐 + 𝟑𝟑

#2
Different Ways to Represent the
Same Relationships
The same relationship between numbers can be shown in different ways:
• Words: "Multiply by 2, then add 3"
• Equation or rule: y = 2x + 3
• Table: A list of x-values and their matching y-values
• Ordered pairs: (x, y), e.g. (1, 5), (2, 7)
• Graph: A picture of the relationship on a number plane

Each method shows the same relationship in a different form.

Writing Function Equations

• If a function follows the rule multiply by 2, then add 3, the equation is:

𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 3

• Worked Example

Find the function equation for this machine:

𝑥𝑥 ∎2 +1 𝑦𝑦

Steps:

1. Draw a table with values.

x 0 1 2 3
y 1 2 5 10

2. Look for the pattern and write down the equation:

𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 2 + 1
 #3
Plotting Graphs

Plotting Graphs
• Graphs provide a visual representation of relationships between variables. You can
use an equation to create a table of values, then plot these points on a coordinate
grid.

Steps for Plotting Graphs:

1. Choose values of 𝒙𝒙 and substitute them into the equation to calculate 𝒚𝒚.
2. Create a table of values.
3. Plot the points on a graph.
4. Draw a straight line through the points if the equation is linear.

• Worked Example

Graph the equation: 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 3

1. Table of values:

𝒙𝒙 -2 -1 0 1 2
𝑦𝑦 -1 1 3 5 7
2. Plot the points and draw a straight line through the points.

�Graphing Tip:

• If the equation is linear (e.g., 𝒚𝒚 = 𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 + 𝒄𝒄), the points should lie on a straight line.
 • If the equation is quadratic (e.g., 𝒚𝒚 = 𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 − 𝟑𝟑), the graph will be a curve.
�Common Pitfall: Not using enough points to plot the graph accurately. Always choose at
least five points!

7. Algebraic Expressions

• An algebraic expression is a combination of numbers, variables (letters), and

operations (like +, –, ×, ÷), but it does not have an equal sign.

Examples:
2𝑥𝑥 + 3
4𝑎𝑎 – 7
𝑥𝑥² + 5𝑥𝑥 + 6

It shows a mathematical relationship, but we do not solve it — we simplify, factor, or

substitute into it.

What is the Difference Between an Expression and an Equation?

• An expression has no equal sign and cannot be solved. We simplify it.

Example: 3𝑥𝑥 + 2

• An equation has an equal sign and shows that two sides are equal. We solve it
to find the value of the variable.
Example: 3𝑥𝑥 + 2 = 11

#1
Algebraic Language

• Variable: A letter that stands for an unknown number (e.g. x or y)

• Coefficient: The number in front of the variable (e.g. 5 in 5x)
 • Constant: A number with no variable (e.g. 7)
• Term: Each part of the expression (e.g. 3x, –2y, 5)
• Monomial: One term (e.g. 4x)
• Binomial: Two terms (e.g. x + 3)
• Trinomial: Three terms (e.g. x² + 5x + 6)

#2
Combining Like Terms

You can add or subtract terms that have the same variable and exponent.

Examples:

• 2x + 3x = 5x
• 6a² – 4a² = 2a²
• You cannot combine 2x and 3y (unlike terms)

#3
Multiplying Algebraic
Expressions
When multiplying algebraic expressions, multiply the coefficients (numbers) and then apply
the laws of exponents to the variables.

a) Monomial × Monomial

Multiply the numbers and then the variables.

Example 1:
2x × 3x = 6x²

Example 2:
–4a² × 5a³ = –20a⁵
(We added the exponents: 2 + 3 = 5)
b) Monomial × Binomial

Use the distributive property: multiply the monomial by each term in the binomial.

Example 1:
3x × (x + 2)
= 3x × x + 3x × 2
= 3x² + 6x

Example 2:
–2y × (5y – 4)
= –10y² + 8y

c) Binomial × Binomial

Use FOIL (First, Outer, Inner, Last) or a multiplication table.

Example 1:
(x + 3)(x + 5)
= x² + 5x + 3x + 15
= x² + 8x + 15

Example 2:
(2x – 1)(x + 4)
= 2x² + 8x – x – 4
= 2x² + 7x – 4

d) Trinomial × Binomial

Use distribution — multiply each term in the trinomial by each term in the binomial.

Example:
(x² + 2x + 3)(x – 1)

= x² × x + x² × (–1)

• 2x × x + 2x × (–1)
• 3 × x + 3 × (–1)
= x³ – x² + 2x² – 2x + 3x – 3
= x³ + x² + x – 3

#4
Dividing Polynomials by
Integers or Monomials

When dividing a polynomial (an expression with two or more terms) by an integer or a
monomial, divide each term in the polynomial separately.

a) Dividing a Polynomial by an Integer

Step: Divide each term in the expression by the integer.

Example 1:
(6x + 12) ÷ 3
= 6x ÷ 3 + 12 ÷ 3
= 2x + 4

Example 2:
(–9a² + 15a – 6) ÷ 3
= –3a² + 5a – 2

b) Dividing a Polynomial by a Monomial

Step: Divide each term in the polynomial by the monomial (which includes both numbers
and variables).

Example 1:
(12x² – 6x) ÷ 3x
= (12x² ÷ 3x) – (6x ÷ 3x)
= 4x – 2

Example 2:
(8a³b² + 4a²b) ÷ 2ab
= (8a³b² ÷ 2ab) + (4a²b ÷ 2ab)
= 4a²b + 2a
Break it down:

• 8÷2=4
• a³ ÷ a = a²
• b² ÷ b = b

Second term:

• 4÷2=2
• a² ÷ a = a
• b ÷ b = 1 (which is not written)

#5
Products and Squares of
Binomials

a) Multiply two binomials:

(x + 2)(x + 5)
= x² + 5x + 2x + 10
= x² + 7x + 10

b) Square a binomial:
(x – 3)² = (x – 3)(x – 3)
= x² – 6x + 9

Use FOIL or a table to help you organise the steps.

#6
Substitution into Algebraic
Expressions
Order of Operations (BIDMAS):
• Brackets
• Indices (Exponents)
• Division
• Multiplication
• Addition
• Subtraction

Steps for Substituting Values into an Expression

1. Identify the values of the variables.
2. Replace the variables in the expression with their given values.
3. Follow the BIDMAS rules to simplify.
4. Calculate the final answer.

Correct vs Incorrect Examples of Substitution

Expression Substitution Correct Calculation Incorrect Calculation

5(4) − 6(−3) 5(4) − 6(−3)
𝑎𝑎 = 4,
5𝑎𝑎 − 6𝑏𝑏 = 20 + 18 = 20 − 18
𝑏𝑏 = −3
= 38 = 2 (Sign mistake)
(−2)2 − 3 −22 − 3
𝑥𝑥 = −2,
𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑦𝑦 =4−3 = −4 − 3
𝑦𝑦 = 3
= 1 = −7 (Forgot brackets)
3(5) + (−4)2 3(5) ± 42
𝑥𝑥 = 5,
3𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 2 = 15 + 16 = 15 − 16
𝑦𝑦 = −4
= 31 = −1 (Incorrect exponent use)

#7
Factorisation of Algebraic
Expressions
Factorising is the opposite of multiplying out — it means writing an expression as a product
of its factors.
a) Common Factor (Taking out a common term)

Look for a number or variable that is common to all terms, and take it out.

Example 1:
6x + 12
= 6(x + 2)

Example 2:
4x² – 8x
= 4x(x – 2)

b) Difference of Two Squares

This is when two square terms are being subtracted.

Pattern:
a² – b² = (a + b)(a – b)

Example 1:
x² – 9 = (x + 3)(x – 3)

Example 2:
4a² – 25 = (2a + 5)(2a – 5)

Tip: This only works for two terms, both perfect squares, with a minus sign between
them.

c) Factorising Trinomials

These are expressions with three terms (a trinomial) in the form:

x² + bx + c

You need to find two numbers that:

• Multiply to give the last term (c)

• Add to give the middle term (b)

Example 1:
x² + 5x + 6
= (x + 2)(x + 3)
Because: 2 × 3 = 6 and 2 + 3 = 5
Example 2:
x² – x – 6
= (x – 3)(x + 2)
Because: –3 × 2 = –6 and –3 + 2 = –1

Tip: Always check by multiplying out to confirm your answer.

#8
Simplifying Algebraic
Fractions
Definition
• An algebraic fraction is a fraction in which the numerator and/or denominator
contain algebraic expressions.
• Simplifying algebraic fractions involves reducing them to their simplest form by
factoring and cancelling common terms.

Steps to Simplify Algebraic Fractions

1. Factorise the numerator and denominator, if possible.
2. Cancel common factors that appear in both the numerator and denominator.
3. Check for restrictions on the variable values to avoid division by zero.
4. Rewrite the simplified expression, ensuring it is in its simplest form.

Worked Example
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 𝒙𝒙
• Simplify: 𝟔𝟔
+ 𝟔𝟔

Solution:

1. Common denominator: 6
2𝑥𝑥+𝑥𝑥 3𝑥𝑥
2. Add numerators: 6
= 6

3𝑥𝑥 3 𝑥𝑥
3. Final Answer: 6
÷3= 2
 8. Algebraic Equations

#1
Solving Equations

Understanding Algebraic Equations

• An equation is a mathematical statement that shows two expressions are equal.
• To solve an equation, we find the value of the unknown variable that makes the
equation true.

1. Solving Equations by Inspection

Inspection means using your brain to spot the answer quickly, without formal steps.

Example:
x+3=7
You can see that x = 4 because 4 + 3 = 7.

This method works best for simple equations.

2. Solving Equations Using Additive and Multiplicative Inverses

To solve more complex equations, we "undo" the operations using inverses:

• The additive inverse of +3 is –3 (because 3 – 3 = 0)

• The multiplicative inverse of ×2 is ÷2 (because 2 ÷ 2 = 1)

We use these to get the variable alone.

Example:
5x – 3 = 12
Step 1: Add 3 to both sides → 5x = 15
Step 2: Divide both sides by 5 → x = 3
Always do the same thing to both sides to keep the equation balanced.

• Worked Example: Xavier thinks of a number, doubles it, adds 3, then doubles the
result. The answer is 70. What was his number?

1. Let the number be x.

2. Write the equation: 2(2x + 3) = 70
3. Expand: 4x + 6 = 70
4. Subtract 6: 4x = 64
5. Divide by 4: x = 16

#2
Setting Up Equations

Sometimes you need to create an equation from a word problem.

Example:
“John is 5 years older than Tim. Together they are 29 years old.”
Let Tim’s age = x
Then John’s age = x + 5
So: 𝑥𝑥 + (𝑥𝑥 + 5) = 29
Now solve: 2𝑥𝑥 + 5 = 29 → 2𝑥𝑥 = 24 → 𝑥𝑥 = 12

This skill is useful for solving real-world problems.

#3
Solving Equations Using the
Laws of Exponents
Sometimes equations contain exponents (powers). You must use exponent rules to simplify.

Example 1:
2x² = 50
Divide both sides by 2 → x² = 25
Then √𝑥𝑥 2 = ±5 → x = ±5
Example 2:
3ⁿ = 27
Write 27 as a power of 3 → 3ⁿ = 3³
So: n = 3

Tip: When bases are the same, you can compare the exponents directly.

#4
Linear Equations
A linear equation has the variable with no exponent (just x, not x² or x³). The graph of a
linear equation is a straight line.

Examples:

• 2x = 8 → x = 4
• 3x + 5 = 11 → x = 2
• x/4 – 1 = 3 → multiply and solve: x = 16

Linear equations have only one solution.

#5
Equations with Fractions
To make these easier, multiply the whole equation by the lowest common denominator
(LCD) to get rid of fractions.

Example:
(x/2) + (x/3) = 5
LCD = 6
Multiply everything by 6:
3x + 2x = 30
→ 5x = 30 → x = 6

Always simplify and check your solution!

 #6
Quadratic Fractions
A quadratic equation includes a variable squared (x²).
It usually looks like:
x² + bx + c = 0

You can solve it by:

• Factorisation (Grade 9 level)

• Using the difference of squares

Example:
x² – 9 = 0
→ (x + 3)(x – 3) = 0
→ x = –3 or x = 3

You may also get:

x² + 5x + 6 = 0
→ (x + 2)(x + 3) = 0
→ x = –2 or x = –3

Quadratic equations usually have two solutions.

Checking Whether the Solution is Correct

END OF TERM 1 STUDY NOTES