Chapter 1

Chapter 1
Reviewing linear equations
Objectives

To solve linear equations in one unknown.

To construct linear equations.
To use linear equations to solve problems.
To solve simultaneous linear equations by substitution and elimination methods.
To solve linear inequalities.
To use and transpose formulas.
Many problems may be solved by first translating them into mathematical equations and then
solving the equations using algebraic techniques. An equation is solved by finding the value
or values of the variables that would make the statement true.
Consider the equation 2x + 11 = 3 2x. If x = 2, then
LHS = 2(2) + 11 = 7
and
RHS = 3 2(2) = 7
The statement is true when x = 2. The solution to the equation is therefore x = 2. In this
case there is no other value of x that would give a true statement.
The equations that we deal with in this chapter are called linear equations since they are
related to the equation of a straight line.
Linear equations have either one solution (as shown in the example above), no solutions or
infinitely many solutions. The equation 2x + 3 = 2x + 4 has no solutions, since no value of x
makes the statement true. The equation 2(x + 3) = 2x + 6 has infinitely many solutions, since
it is true for all values of x.
We note that the equation x2 = 16 has exactly two solutions, x = 4 or x = 4, but this
equation is not linear.
Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE
Mathematical Methods 1&2
Cambridge University Press

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Chapter 1: Reviewing linear equations
1A Linear equations
A linear equation (in one unknown) is a particular type of polynomial equation in which the
variable is to the first power. The following are examples of linear equations:
3x 5 = 11,
z 3 2z 5
+
= 11
4
3
7 2t = 8t 11,
In each of these equations, the variable is to the first power.

The following are examples of non-linear polynomial equations:
x2 x 12 = 0
(quadratic),
2x3 x = 0
(cubic),
x4 = 16
(quartic)
In each of these equations, the highest power of the variable is not the first power. You have
met some of these in your previous study, and they are also in later chapters of this book.
I Solving linear equations

It is important when setting out the solution to an equation that each step is written under the
previous one with the equals signs aligned. This careful setting out makes the algebra easy to
check. Unsystematic methods, such as guess and check, will generally be of limited use for
more complicated equations.
It is often helpful to look at how the equation has been constructed so that the steps necessary
to undo the equation can be identified. It is most important that the steps taken to solve the
equation are done in the correct order.
Linear equations of the form ax + b = c

Many linear equations that arise in applications are of the form ax + b = c.
Example 1
Solve the equation 3x + 4 = 16 for x.
Explanation
Solution
3x + 4 = 16
3x = 12
Subtract 4 from both sides.
x=4
Divide both sides by 3.
Check:
LHS = 3(4) + 4 = 16
RHS = 16
the solution is correct.
Once a solution has been found it may be

checked by substituting the value back into
both sides of the original equation to ensure
that the left-hand side (LHS) equals the
right-hand side (RHS).
The first three equations in the above example are equivalent equations. Obtaining the second
two equations enables us to solve the first equation.


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1A Linear equations
Given an equation, an equivalent equation can be formed by:

adding or subtracting the same number on both sides of the equation
multiplying or dividing both sides of the equation by the same non-zero number.
Importantly, two equivalent equations have the same solution. By forming suitable equivalent
equations, we solve linear equations.
Equations with the unknown on both sides

Group all the terms containing the variable on one side of the equation and the remaining
terms on the other side.
Example 2
Solve 4x + 3 = 3x 5.
Explanation
Solution
4x + 3 = 3x 5
x + 3 = 5
Subtract 3x from both sides and then

subtract 3 from both sides.
x = 8
Check:
LHS = 4(8) + 3 = 29
The solution can be checked as previously

shown.
RHS = 3(8) 5 = 29
Equations containing brackets

A frequently used first step is to remove brackets and then to follow the procedure for solving
an equation without brackets.
Example 3
Solve 3(2x + 5) = 27.
Explanation
We note that since 27 is divisible by 3, the
following method is also possible:
Solution
3(2x + 5) = 27
6x + 15 = 27
3(2x + 5) = 27
6x = 12
2x + 5 = 9
x=2
2x = 4
Check:
LHS = 3(2 2 + 5) = 27
x=2
RHS = 27


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Equations containing fractions

A frequently used first step is to multiply both sides of the equation by the lowest common
multiple of the denominators of the fractions.
Example 4
Solve
x
x
2= .
5
3
Solution
x
x
2=
5
3
x
x
15 2 15 = 15
5
3
3x 30 = 5x
2x = 30
x = 15
Check:
LHS =
15
2 = 3 2 = 5
5
RHS =
15
= 5
3
Explanation
The denominators of the fractions are 3
and 5. The lowest common multiple of 3
and 5 is 15.
Multiply both sides of the equation by 15.
This means that each term of the LHS
and the RHS of the equation is multiplied
by 15.
Example 5
Solve
x 3 2x 4
= 5.
2
3
Solution
2x 4
x3
6
6=56
2
3
3(x 3) 2(2x 4) = 30
3x 9 4x + 8 = 30
x = 31
Explanation
Remember that the line separating the
numerator and the denominator (the
vinculum) acts as brackets.
Multiply both sides of the equation by 6,
the lowest common multiple of 2 and 3.
x = 31
Check:
31 3 2 (31) 4
2
3
34 66
=
= 17 + 22 = 5
2
3
LHS =
RHS = 5


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1A Linear equations
Using the TI-Nspire

To find the solution to the linear equation,
use a Calculator application.
Select
menu
> Algebra > Solve.
Enter the equation
x 3 2x 4
=5
2
3
Press enter to obtain the solution.
Note: A template for fractions may be obtained by pressing
.
For more details on the use of the calculator refer to the TI-Nspire appendix in the
Interactive Textbook.
ctrl
Using the Casio ClassPad

Go to the M screen and turn on the

keyboard.
Select the fraction icon N found in
the Math1 keyboard.
Enter the equation
x 3 2x 4
=5
2
3
Highlight the equation using the
stylus and select Interactive >
Equation/Inequality > solve.
Tap on OK to obtain the solution.
(Note that the default variable is x.)
Note: For more details on the use of the calculator refer to the Casio ClassPad appendix
in the Interactive Textbook.
Literal equations
An equation for the variable x in which all the coefficients of x, including the constants, are
pronumerals is known as a literal equation.
Example 6
Solve ax + b = cx + d for x.
Explanation
Solution
ax + b = cx + d
ax cx = d b
Collect terms in x on the left-hand side and

constants on the right-hand side.
(a c)x = d b
Factorise the left-hand side.
x=
db
ac
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Using the TI-Nspire

To solve the literal equation ax + b = cx + d,
use a Calculator application.
Select
> Algebra > Solve.

Enter ax + b = cx + d as shown.
Press enter to obtain the solution.
menu
Note: Ensure a multiplication sign is placed
between the letters of the expression,

otherwise the calculator will read them
as a single variable rather than a product.
That is, enter a x and not ax.

To solve the literal equation ax + b = cx + d, first go

to the M screen and turn on the keyboard.

Select the Var keyboard. This will bring up the
variables.
Enter the equation ax + b = cx + d and highlight it.
Select Interactive > Equation/Inequality > solve and
ensure that the variable selected is x.
If necessary, the answer may be simplified further
by copying the answer into the next line and then
selecting Interactive > Transformation > simplify.
Section summary
An equation is solved by finding the value or values of the variables that would make
the statement true.

A linear equation is one in which the variable is to the first power.
There are often several different ways to solve a linear equation. The following steps
provide some suggestions:
1 Expand brackets and, if the equation involves fractions, multiply through by the
lowest common denominator of the terms.
2 Group all of the terms containing a variable on one side of the equation and the
terms without the variable on the other side.


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1A
1A Linear equations
Exercise 1A
1
Solve each of the following equations for x:

a x+3=6
b x3=6
c 3x=2
d x + 6 = 2
e 2 x = 3
f 2x = 4
g 3x = 5
h 2x = 7
i 3x = 7
b x+b=a
Example 3
c 2y + 5 = 2
e 2a 4 = 7
f 3a + 6 = 14
x
+5=9
3
j 3 5y = 12
k 3x 7 = 14
5x
= 2
7
e
ax
=c
b
d 7x 9 = 5
y
11 = 6
8
t 1 1
+ =
3 6 2
l 14 3y = 8
Solve the following linear equations:

b x 5 = 4x + 10
c 3x 2 = 8 2x

a 2(y + 6) = 10
b 2y + 6 = 3(y 4)
d 5(y 3) = 2(2y + 4)
e x 6 = 2(x 3)
c 2(x + 4) = 7x + 2
y+2
=4
3
7x + 3 9x 8
i
=
2
4
4y 5 2y 1
k
=y
2
6
f
Solve the following literal equations for x:

a ax + b = 0
e
x
=b
a
b 3t + 2 = 17
3
x x
+ = 10
h x+4= x
2 3
2
2(1 2x)
2 4(2 3x)
j
2x = +
3
5
3
Example 5
Example 6
c ax = b
Example 4
a 2y 4 = 6
a 6x 4 = 3x
5
3x
=2
5
i
Example 2
Solve each of the following literal equations for x:

a xb=a
Example 1
3x
=5
4
b cx + d = e
x x
+ =1
a b
a b
+ =1
x x
c a(x + b) = c
d ax + b = cx
g ax b = cx d
ax + c
=d
b
Solve each of the following for x:

a 0.2x + 6 = 2.4
b 0.6(2.8 x) = 48.6
d 0.5x 4 = 10
1
(x 10) = 6
4
Solve
b cx a cx
+
+ 2 = 0 for x.
a
b
Solve
a
b
a+b
+
=
for x.
x+a xb x+c

2x + 12
= 6.5
7
f 6.4x + 2 = 3.2 4x

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1B Constructing linear equations

As stated earlier, many problems can be solved by translating them into mathematical
language and using an appropriate mathematical technique to find the solution. By
representing the unknown quantity in a problem with a symbol and constructing an equation
from the information, the value of the unknown can be found by solving the equation.
Before constructing the equation, each symbol and what it stands for (including the units)
should be stated. It is essential to remember that all the elements of the equation must be in
units of the same system.
Example 7
A chef uses the following rule for cooking a turkey:
Allow 30 minutes for each kilogram weight of turkey and then add an extra 15 minutes.
If the chef forgot to weigh a turkey before cooking it, but knew that it had taken 3 hours to
cook, calculate how much it weighed.
Solution
Let the weight of the turkey be x kilograms.
Then the time taken is (30x + 15) minutes.
30x + 15 = 180
30x = 165
x = 5.5
The turkey weighed 5.5 kilograms.
Explanation
Assign a variable to the quantity that is to
be found. In this example, the weight of
the turkey is x kilograms.
Find, in terms of x, the time to cook the
turkey. Then form the equation. Note that
3 hours is 180 minutes.
State the solution to the problem in words.
Example 8
Find the area of a rectangle whose perimeter is 1.08 m, if it is 8 cm longer than it is wide.
Solution
Let length = ` cm.
Then width = (` 8) cm.
Perimeter = 2 length + 2 width
= 2` + 2(` 8)
= 4` 16 cm
Perimeter = 108 cm
4` 16 = 108
Explanation
We know that
Perimeter = 2 length + 2 width
and that the width is 8 cm less than the
length. Let ` cm be the length. Then the
width is (` 8) cm.
Find the perimeter in terms of `. Find the
length and width, and hence find the area.
4` = 124
` = 31 cm
The length is 31 cm and the width is 23 cm.
Therefore the area is 31 23 = 713 cm2 .

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1B
1B Constructing linear equations
Example 9
Adam normally takes 5 hours to travel between Higett and Logett. One day he increases
his speed by 4 km/h and finds the journey from Higett to Logett takes half an hour less
than the normal time. Find his normal speed.
Solution
Let x km/h be his normal speed.
The distance from Higett to Logett is
x 5 = 5x kilometres.
Explanation
In problems such as this, the speed is the
average speed.
We note that
Adams new speed is (x + 4) km/h.

9
Hence (x + 4) = 5x
2
9(x + 4) = 10x
distance = speed time
9x + 36 = 10x
36 = x
His normal speed is 36 km/h.
Section summary
Steps for solving a word problem with a linear equation:
Read the question carefully and write down the known information clearly.
Identify the unknown quantity that is to be found.
Assign a variable to this quantity.
Form an expression in terms of x (or the variable being used) and use the other relevant
information to form the equation.

Solve the equation.
Write a sentence answering the initial question.
Exercise 1B
1
For each of the following, write an equation using the variable x, then solve the
equation for x:
a
b
c
d
e
A number plus two is equal to six.

A number multiplied by three is equal to ten.
Six is added to a number multiplied by three and the result is twenty-two.
Five is subtracted from a number multiplied by three and the result is fifteen.
Three is added to a number. If the result of this is multiplied by six, then fifty-six is
obtained.
f Five is added to a number and the result divided by four gives twenty-three.


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1B
$48 is divided among three students, A, B and C. If B receives three times as much
as A, and C receives twice as much as A, how much does each receive?
The sum of two numbers is 42, and one number is twice the other. Find the two
numbers.
Example 7
A chef uses the following rule for cooking food on a spit: Allow 20 minutes for each
kilogram weight and then add an extra 20 minutes. If the chef forgot to weigh the food
before cooking it but knew that it had taken 3 hours to cook, calculate how much it
weighed.
Example 8
Find the area of a rectangle whose perimeter is 4.8 m, if it is 0.5 m longer than it is
wide.
Find three consecutive whole numbers with a sum of 150.
Find four consecutive odd numbers with a sum of 80.
Two tanks contain equal amounts of water. They are connected by a pipe and
3000 litres of water is pumped from one tank to the other. One tank then contains
6 times as much water as the other. How many litres of water did each tank contain
originally?
A 120-page book has p lines to a page. If the number of lines were reduced by three
on each page, the number of pages would need to be increased by 20 to give the same
amount of writing space. How many lines were there on each page originally?
Example 9
Example 9
10
A rower travels upstream at 6 km/h and back to the starting place at 10 km/h. The total
journey takes 48 minutes. How far upstream did the rower go?
11
A shopkeeper buys a crate of eggs at $1.50 per dozen. He buys another crate,
containing 3 dozen more than the first crate, at $2.00 per dozen. He sells them all
for $2.50 a dozen and makes $15 profit. How many dozens were there in each of the
crates?
12
Jess walked for 45 minutes at 3 km/h and then ran for half an hour at x km/h. At the end
of that time she was 6 km from the starting point. Find the value of x.
13
A man travels from A to B at 4 km/h and from B to A at 6 km/h. The total journey takes
45 minutes. Find the distance travelled.
14
A boy is 24 years younger than his father. In two years time the sum of their ages will
be 40. Find the present ages of father and son.


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1C Simultaneous equations
A linear equation that contains two unknowns, e.g. 2y + 3x = 10, does not have a single
solution. Such an equation actually expresses a relationship between pairs of numbers,
x and y, that satisfy the equation. If all possible pairs of numbers (x, y) that satisfy
the equation are represented graphically, the result is a straight line; hence the name
linear relation.
y
If the graphs of two such equations are drawn on

the same set of axes, and they are non-parallel,
the lines will intersect at one point only. Hence
there is one pair of numbers that will satisfy both
equations simultaneously.
The intersection point of two straight lines can
be found graphically; however, the accuracy of
the solution will depend on the accuracy of the
graphs.
=4
4
3
3 2 1
2x
2
1
0
1
2
Alternatively, the intersection point may be found

algebraically by solving the pair of simultaneous
equations. We shall consider two techniques for
solving simultaneous equations.
3
4
x+
(1, 2)
2y
Example 10
Solve the equations 2x y = 4 and x + 2y = 3.
Explanation
Solution
Method 1: Substitution
2x y = 4
(1)
x + 2y = 3
(2)
Using one of the two equations, express

one variable in terms of the other variable.
From equation (2), we get x = 3 2y.

Substitute in equation (1):
2(3 2y) y = 4
6 4y y = 4
Then substitute this expression into the

other equation (reducing it to an equation
in one variable, y). Solve the equation for y.
5y = 10
y = 2
Substitute the value of y into (2):

x + 2(2) = 3
Substitute this value for y in one of the

equations to find the other variable, x.
x=1
Check in (1): LHS = 2(1) (2) = 4
RHS = 4
A check can be carried out with the other

equation.

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Method 2: Elimination
2x y = 4
(1)
x + 2y = 3
(2)
To eliminate x, multiply equation (2) by 2

and subtract the result from equation (1).
When we multiply equation (2) by 2, the
pair of equations becomes:
2x y = 4
(1)
2x + 4y = 6
(20 )
If one of the variables has the same

coefficient in the two equations, we can
eliminate that variable 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 in the two
equations.
Subtract (20 ) from (1):

5y = 10
y = 2
Now substitute for y in equation (2) to
find x, and check as in the substitution
method.
Note: This example shows that the point (1, 2) is the point of intersection of the graphs of
the two linear relations.
Using the TI-Nspire

Calculator application
Simultaneous equations can be solved in a

Calculator application.
Use menu > Algebra > Solve System of
Equations > Solve System of Equations.
Complete the pop-up screen.
Enter the equations as shown to give the
solution to the simultaneous equations

2x y = 4 and x + 2y = 3.
Note: The solution can also be found with
solve(2x y = 4 and x + 2y = 3, x, y).


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Graphs application
The simultaneous equations can also be solved graphically in a Graphs application.

Entering the equations:
The equations can be entered directly in
the form a x + b y = c using menu >

Graph Entry/Edit > Equation > Line >
a x + b y = c.
Enter the equations as shown.
Hint: Use H to enter the second equation.
Alternatively:
The equations can be rearranged to make y the subject. The equations in this form are
3 x
.
2
Enter these in the default function entry line.
f 1(x) = 2x 4 and f 2(x) =
Note: If the entry line is not visible, press

enter
tab
or double click in an open area. Pressing
will hide the entry line.
Finding the intersection point:

> Geometry > Points & Lines > Intersection Point(s).
Use the touchpad to move the cursor to select each of the two graphs.
Use
menu
The intersection points coordinates will
appear on the screen. Press

Intersection Point(s) tool.
esc
to exit the
Note: You can also find the intersection point using

Intersection.

menu
> Analyze Graph >

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To solve the simultaneous equations algebraically:
Go to the M screen and turn on the keyboard.
Open the
Math1 keyboard and select the simultaneous

equations icon ~.
Enter the two equations
2x y = 4
x + 2y = 3
into the two lines.

Type x, y in the bottom-right square to indicate the
variables.
Select EXE .
The simultaneous equations can also be solved graphically:
Tap on the graph icon $ to display the graph screen.
Using your stylus, highlight the first equation 2x y = 4
and drag it down into the graph screen. Lift the stylus off
the screen for the graph to appear.
Repeat by highlighting the second equation x + 2y = 3
and dragging it down into the graph screen. Lift the stylus
off the screen for the second graph to appear.
To find the solution, tap into the graph screen to select it,
and then select Analysis > G-Solve > Intersection.


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I The geometry of simultaneous equations

Two distinct straight lines are either parallel or meet at a point.
There are three cases for a system of two linear equations with two variables.
Case 1
Example
Solutions
Geometry
2x + y = 5
Unique solution:
x = 3, y = 1
Two lines meeting at a point
No solutions
Distinct parallel lines
Infinitely many solutions
Two copies of the same line
xy=4
2x + y = 5
Case 2
2x + y = 7
2x + y = 5
Case 3
4x + 2y = 10
This is further discussed in Chapter 2.
Section summary
We have two methods for solving simultaneous linear equations in two variables by hand.
1 Substitution
Make one of the variables the subject in one of the equations and substitute for that
variable in the other equation.
For example, for the equations:
3x + y = 6
(1)
5x + 3y = 2
(2)
From (1), we have y = 6 3x.

Substitute this into (2), and solve the resulting equation 5x + 3(6 3x) = 2 for x.
Substitute this value for x back into one of the original equations to find the value of
the other variable, y.

Check that your solution satisfies the original equations.


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1C
2 Elimination
In this method, one of the variables is eliminated. For example, with the same
equations considered above:
3x + y = 6
(1)
5x + 3y = 2
(2)
Decide which variable to eliminate. We will eliminate y.

If necessary, multiply both sides of one or both equations by a number to obtain the
same or opposite coefficient for the variable to be eliminated. With this example,
multiply (1) by 3:
9x + 3y = 18
(10 )
Add or subtract the equations to eliminate the chosen variable. In this example,
subtract (2) from (10 ).

Solve the resulting equation, and then proceed as with the substitution method.
Exercise 1C
1
Solve each of the following pairs of simultaneous equations by the substitution method:
a y = 2x + 1
b y = 5x 4
y = 3x + 2
y = 3x + 6
d y 4 = 3x
e y 4x = 3
y 5x + 6 = 0
2
2y 5x + 6 = 0
2y 3x = 4
c x 2y = 6
x+y=3
x + 6y = 10
Solve each of the following pairs of simultaneous linear equations by either the
substitution or the elimination method:
a 2x 3y = 7
b 2x 5y = 10
y = 5 3x
3x + 4y = 2
2n + m = 8
e 3s 1 = t
f 4x 3y = 1
5s + 2t = 20
g 15x 4y = 6
9x 2y = 5
c 2m 1 = n
4x + 3y = 7
d 7x 6y = 20
f y 4x = 6
b yx=5
x y = 10
3
y = 5x + 10
Solve each of the following pairs of simultaneous equations by the elimination method:
a x+y=6
Example 10
c y = 2 3x
4y 5x = 2
h 2p + 5q = 3
i 2x 4y = 12
7p 2q = 9
2y + 3x 2 = 0
For each of the following pairs of simultaneous linear equations, state whether there is
one, none or infinitely many solutions:
a 3x + y = 6
6x + 2y = 7

b 3x + y = 6
6x + 2y = 12
c 3x + y = 6
6x 2y = 7
d 3x y = 6
6x + 2y = 7

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1D Constructing simultaneous linear equations
17

Skillsheet
Problems involving two unknowns can often be solved by using simultaneous equations with
two variables. The following examples show how this may be done.
Example 11
The sum of two numbers is 24 and their difference is 96. Find the two numbers.
Explanation
The problem can also be solved by
eliminating x. This done by subtracting (2)
from (1), which gives 2y = 72 and hence
y = 36.
Solution
Let x and y be the two numbers. Then
x + y = 24
(1)
x y = 96
(2)
Add equations (1) and (2):
The problem can also be solved by

substitution. From (1), we have y = 24 x.
Substitute in (2).
2x = 120
x = 60
The values found for x and y have to make

each of the equations true. The equation
which has not been used in the final
substitution is the one to use for the check.
Substitute in equation (1):

60 + y = 24
y = 36
The two numbers are 60 and 36.
Check in (2):
60 (36) = 96
Example 12
3 kg of jam and 2 kg of butter cost $29, and 6 kg of jam and 3 kg of butter cost $54.
Find the cost per kilogram of jam and butter.
Solution
Let the cost of 1 kg of jam be x dollars and
the cost of 1 kg of butter be y dollars.
Then
3x + 2y = 29
(1)
and
6x + 3y = 54
(2)
Multiply (1) by 2:
6x + 4y = 58
(10 )
Subtract (1 ) from (2):
y = 4
y=4
Substitute in (2):
6x + 3(4) = 54
6x = 42
x=7
Jam costs $7 per kg and butter $4 per kg.

Explanation
The unknowns are the cost per kilogram of
jam and the cost per kilogram of butter.
Three kilograms of jam and two kilograms
of butter cost $29.
Six kilograms of jam and three kilograms
of butter cost $54.
Check in the original problem:
3 kg of jam = $21 and 2 kg of butter = $8
Total = $29
6 kg of jam = $42 and 3 kg of butter = $12
Total = $54

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18
1D
Section summary
Steps for solving a word problem with simultaneous linear equations:
Read the question carefully and write down the known information clearly.
Identify the two unknown quantities that are to be found.
Assign variables to these two quantities.
Form expressions in terms of x and y (or other suitable variables) and use the other
relevant information to form the two equations.

Solve the system of equations.
Write a sentence answering the initial question.
Exercise 1D
1
Find two numbers whose sum is 138 and whose difference is 88.
Find two numbers whose sum is 36 and whose difference is 9.
Six stools and four chairs cost $58, while five stools and two chairs cost $35.
a How much do ten stools and four chairs cost?
b How much do four stools cost?
c How much does one stool cost?
A belt and a wallet cost $42, while seven belts and four wallets cost $213.
a How much do four belts and four wallets cost?
b How much do three belts cost?
c How much does one belt cost?
Use simultaneous equations to solve the following.

Example 11
Find a pair of numbers whose sum is 45 and whose difference is 11.
In four years time a mother will be three times as old as her son. Four years ago she
was five times as old as her son. Find their present ages.
A party was organised for thirty people at which they could have either a hamburger or
a pizza. If there were five times as many hamburgers as pizzas, calculate the number
of each.
Two children had 110 marbles between them. After one child had lost half her marbles
and the other had lost 20 they had an equal number. How many marbles did each child
start with and how many did they finish with?


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Evans et al. 2016
1D
Example 12
19
One hundred and fifty tickets were sold for a basketball match and $560 was the total
amount collected. Adult tickets were sold at $4.00 each and child tickets were sold at
$1.50 each. How many adult tickets and how many child tickets were sold?
10
The sum of the numerator and denominator of a fraction expressed in simplest form
is 17. If 3 is added to the numerator, the value of the fraction will be 1. What is the
fraction?
11
Linda thinks of a two-digit number. The sum of the digits is 8. If she reverses the digits,
the new number is 36 greater than her original number. What was Lindas original
number?
12
Tickets to a musical cost $30 for adults and $12 for children. At one particular
performance 960 people attended and $19 080 was collected in ticket sales. Find the
number of adults and the number of children who attended the performance.
13
An investor received $1400 interest per annum from a sum of money, with part of it
invested at 10% and the remainder at 7% simple interest. This investor found that if
she interchanged the amounts she had invested she could increase her return by $90 per
annum. Calculate the total amount invested.
14
A shopkeeper sold his entire stock of shirts and ties in a sale for $10 000. The shirts
were priced at 3 for $100 and the ties $20 each. If he had sold only half the shirts and
two-thirds of the ties he would have received $6000. How many of each did he sell in
the sale?
15
A tent manufacturer produces two models, the Outback and the Bush Walker. From
earlier sales records it is known that 20 per cent more of the Outback model is sold than
the Bush Walker. A profit of $200 is made on each Outback sold, but $350 is made on
each Bush Walker. If during the next year a profit of $177 000 is planned, how many of
each model must be sold?
16
Oz Jeans has factories in Mydney and Selbourne. At the Mydney factory, fixed costs
are $28 000 per month and the cost of producing each pair of jeans is $30. At the
Selbourne factory, fixed costs are $35 200 per month and the cost of producing each
pair of jeans is $24. During the next month Oz Jeans must manufacture 6000 pairs of
jeans. Calculate the production order for each factory, if the total manufacturing costs
for each factory are to be the same.
17
A tea wholesaler blends together three types of tea that normally sell for $10, $11 and
$12 per kilogram so as to obtain 100 kilograms of tea worth $11.20 per kilogram. If the
same amounts of the two higher priced teas are used, calculate how much of each type
must be used in the blend.


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20
1E Solving linear inequalities

Skillsheet
An inequality is a mathematical statement that contains an inequality symbol rather than an

equals sign: for example, 2x + 1 < 4. When you solve the inequality 2x + 1 < 4, you answer
the question:
Which numbers x satisfy the property that 2x + 1 is less than 4?
You will find that your answers can be described using a number line. This is a good way to
represent the solution, as there are infinitely many numbers that satisfy an inequality such as
2x + 1 < 4. For example:
1
+ 1 = 2 < 4, 2(1) + 1 = 1 < 4
2(1) + 1 = 3 < 4, 2(0) + 1 = 1 < 4, 2
2
To solve linear inequalities, proceed exactly as for equations with the following exception:
When multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number, the direction of the
inequality symbol is reversed.
Example 13
Solve the inequality 2x + 1 < 4.
Explanation
Solution
2x + 1 < 4
2x < 3
3
x<
2

Divide both sides by 2.
The solution can be represented on a real number line.
3
2
Note: In a number-line diagram, the endpoint of an interval is indicated with a closed circle
if the point is included and with an open circle if it is not.
Example 14
Solve the inequality 3 2x 4.
Explanation
Solution
3 2x 4
2x 1
x
2 1 1 0
2


1
2
Divide both sides by 2. Note that the inequality

symbol is reversed.
1

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1E Solving linear inequalities
21
Example 15
Solve the inequality
2x + 3 3 4x
>
+ 2.
5
3
Explanation
Solution
2x + 3 3 4x
>
+2
5
3
Multiply both sides by 15, the lowest

common denominator of 5 and 3.
3(2x + 3) > 5(3 4x) + 30

3(2x + 3) 5(3 4x) > 30
Collect the terms containing x on the

left-hand side of the inequality.
6x + 9 15 + 20x > 30
26x 6 > 30
36
x>
26
x>
18
13
Using the TI-Nspire

The inequality can be solved in a Calculator
application.
Choose solve( ) from the Algebra menu to
give the solution to

2x + 3 3 4x
>
+2
5
3
Note: For the inequality signs template, press
ctrl =

To solve the inequality:
Math1
Enter the inequality
2x + 3 3 4x
>
+2
5
3
Note: The inequality sign can be found in
Math3
Highlight the inequality using the stylus.

ensure that the variable selected is x.

OK to obtain the solution.
Tap on


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22
1E
Section summary
We can add or subtract the same number on both sides of an inequality, and the
resulting inequality is equivalent to the original.

We can multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a positive number, and the
resulting inequality is equivalent to the original.
If we multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a negative number, then we must
reverse the inequality sign so that the resulting inequality is equivalent.
Exercise 1E
Example 13, 14
Solve each of the following inequalities for x:

a x+3<4
d
x
4
3
g 6 2x > 10
Example 14, 15
b x5>8
c 2x 6
e x 6
f 2x < 6
3x
6
4
i 4x 4 2
2 Solve for x in each of the following and show the solutions on a real number line:
1
c (x + 1) x > 1
a 4x + 3 < 11
b 3x + 5 < x + 3
2
1
(x + 3) 1
6
2
(2x 5) < 2
3
3x 1 2x + 3
< 2
4
2
4x 3 3x 3
<3
2
3
1 7x
10
2
5x 2 2 x
> 1
3
3
a For which real numbers x is 2x + 1 a positive number?

b For which real numbers x is 100 50x a positive number?
c For which real numbers x is 100 + 20x a positive number?
4 In a certain country it costs $1 to send a letter weighing less than 20 g. A sheet of paper
weighs 3 g. Write a suitable inequality and hence state the maximum number of pages
that can be sent for $1. (Ignore the weight of the envelope in this question.)
5
A student receives marks of 66 and 72 on two tests. What

is the lowest mark she can obtain on a third test to have an
average for the three tests greater than or equal to 75?
Cambridge
University Press
Cambridge Senior
AC/VCE
ISBN 978-1-107-52013-4
Evans
et al. 2016
Evans, Wallace, Lipson, Greenwood
2015
Cambridge University
Press
ISBNMaths
978-1-107-52013-4
Mathematical Methods
1&2 is restricted under law
Photocopying
is restricted
under
law and thistomaterial
Photocopying
and this material
must not
be transferred
anothermust
party.not be transferred to another party.
1F Using and transposing formulas
23

Skillsheet
An equation containing symbols that states a relationship between two or more quantities
is called a formula. An example of a formula is A = `w (area = length width). The value
of A, called the subject of the formula, can be found by substituting in given values of `
and w.
Example 16
Find the area of a rectangle with length (`) 10 cm and width (w) 4 cm.
Explanation
Solution
A = `w
A = 10 4
A = 40 cm
Substitute ` = 10 and w = 4.
Sometimes we wish to rewrite a formula to make a different symbol the subject of the
formula. This process is called transposing the formula. The techniques for transposing
formulas include those used for solving linear equations detailed in Section 1A.
Example 17
Transpose the formula v = u + at to make a the subject.
Explanation
Solution
v = u + at
v u = at
Subtract u from both sides.
vu
=a
t
Divide both sides by t.
If we wish to evaluate an unknown that is not the subject of the formula, we can either
substitute the given values for the other variables and then solve the resulting equation, or we
can first transpose the formula and then substitute the given values.
Example 18
Evaluate p if 2(p + q) r = z, and q = 2, r = 3 and z = 11.
Explanation
Solution
Method 1: Substituting then solving
2(p + 2) (3) = 11
2p + 4 + 3 = 11
First substitute q = 2, r = 3 and z = 11.

Then solve for p.
2p = 4
p=2


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24
Method 2: Transposing then substituting
2(p + q) r = z
First solve for p.
2(p + q) = z + r
p+q=
z+r
2
p=
z+r
q
2
p=
11 + (3)
2
2
Substitute q = 2, r = 3 and z = 11.
p=2
Example 19
A path x metres wide surrounds a rectangular lawn. The lawn is metres long and
b metres wide. The total area of the path is A m2 .
a Find A in terms of , b and x.
b Find b in terms of , A and x.
Solution
a
b + 2x m
bm
+ 2x m
The area of the path is

A = (b + 2x)( + 2x) b
= b + 2x + 2xb + 4x2 b
A = 2x + 2xb + 4x2
b A (2x + 4x2 ) = 2xb

Therefore
b=

A (2x + 4x2 )
2x

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Evans et al. 2016
25
Example 20
For each of the following, make c the subject of the formula:
a e=
3c 7a
Solution
a
e=
3c 7a
1 1
1
=
a b c2
1
1 1
=
a b c2
Square both sides of the equation:
Establish common denominator on the

left-hand side of the equation:
1
ba
=
ab
c2
e2 = 3c 7a
Therefore
3c = e2 + 7a
Take the reciprocal of both sides:

ab
=c2
ba
ab
Therefore c =
+2
ba
e2 + 7a
c=
3
Using the TI-Nspire

Literal equations can be solved for a given
variable in a Calculator application.
Use solve( ) from the Algebra menu to make
c the subject of the formula

1
1 1
=
a b c2

To solve a literal equation for a given variable:
Select the
Math1
keyboard.
Enter and highlight the equation
1
1 1
=
a b c2
Var
ensure that you change the selected variable to c.

If necessary, copy the solution and use Interactive >
Transformation > expand to produce a neater answer.


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26
1F
Section summary
A formula relates different quantities: for example, the formula A = r2 relates the
radius r with the area A of the circle.

The variable on the left is called the subject of the formula: for example, in the formula
A = r2 , the subject is A.
To calculate the value of a variable which is not the subject of a formula:
Method 1 Substitute the values for the known variables, then solve the resulting
equation for the unknown variable.
Method 2 Rearrange to make the required variable the subject, then substitute values.
Exercise 1F
1
For each of the following, find the value of the letter in parentheses:
a c = ab, a = 6, b = 3 (c)
c c = ab, a = 6, c = 18 (b)
e c = a, a = 9 (c)
u
g p = , u = 10, v = 2 (p)
v
For each of the following, construct a formula using the given symbols:
a
b
c
d
e
Example 16
b r = p + q, p = 12, q = 3 (r)
d r = p + q, p = 15, r = 3 (q)
f c = a, c = 9 (a)
u
h p = , p = 10, v = 2 (u)
v
S , the sum of three numbers a, b and c

P, the product of two numbers x and y
the cost, $C, of five CDs which each cost $p
the total cost, $T , of d chairs which cost $p each and c tables which cost $q each
the time, T , in minutes, of a train journey that takes a hours and b minutes
Find the values of the following:

a E = IR, when I = 5 and R = 3
b C = pd, when p = 3.14 and d = 10
RT
E
c P=
, when R = 60, T = 150 and V = 9 d I = , when E = 240 and R = 20
V
R
e A = r`, when = 3.14, r = 5 and ` = 20
f S = 90(2n 4), when n = 6
Example 17
Example 18
For each of the following, make the symbol indicated the subject of the formula:
a PV = c; V
b F = ma; a
c I = Prt; P
d w = H + Cr; r
e S = P(1 + rt); t
f V=
2R
; r
Rr
Find the value of the unknown symbol in each of the following:

T +2
a D=
, when D = 10, P = 5
P
b A = 12 bh, when A = 40, h = 10
c V = 13 r2 h, when = 3.14, V = 100, r = 5
d A = 12 h(a + b), when A = 50, h = 5, a = 10


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1F
27
The diagram represents the brick wall of a

dwelling with three windows. Each of the
windows is h m high and w m wide. Other
dimensions are as shown.
a
b
c
d
bm
am
bm
am
Find the length of the wall.

Find the height of the wall.
Find the total area of the three windows.
Find the total area of brickwork.
bm
bm
am
bm
am
bm
A lampshade has a metal frame consisting of two circular hoops of

radii p cm and q cm joined by four straight struts of length h cm.
The total length of metal is T cm.
a
i Find an expression for T in terms of p, q and h.

ii Find T when p = 20, q = 24 and h = 28.
b The area of the material covering the frame is A cm2 , where
A = h(p + q). Find an expression for p in terms of A, h, q and .
8
Example 19
Find the value of the unknown symbol in each of the following:

TM
a a
a P=
, P = 6, T = 8, M = 4
b H = + , H = 5 and a = 6
D
3 b
r r
90(2n 4)
c a=
,a=6
d R = + , a = 2 and R = 4
n
a 3
9 Right-angled triangles XYZ and ABC are

similar.
YZ
ZX
XY
=
=
=k
AB BC CA
B
c cm
A
Y
X
b cm
If AB = c cm and AC = b cm, find:

a the area, D cm2 , of the shaded region in terms of c, b and k
b k in terms of D, b and c
c the value of k if D = 2, b = 3 and c = 4.
10 Two rectangles each with dimensions
c cm b cm are used to form a cross as shown.
The arms of the cross are all of equal length.
a Find the perimeter, P cm, of the cross in

c
terms of b and c.
2
b Find the area, A cm , of the cross in terms of b and c.
c Find b in terms of A and c.
Example 20
11
b cm
b cm
c cm
For each of the following, make the symbol in brackets the subject of the formula:
a+x by
a a = a + 2b (b)
b
=
(x)
ax b+y

x
v2
2
c px = 3q r (r)
d
= 1 2 (v)
y
u


ISBN 978-1-107-52013-4
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Review
28
Chapter summary
A linear equation is one in which the variable is to the first power.
AS
It is often helpful to look at how the equation has been constructed so that the steps
Nrich

necessary to undo the equation can be identified. It is most important that the steps taken
to solve the equation are done in the correct order.
An equation for the variable x in which all the coefficients of x, including the constants,
are pronumerals is known as a literal equation: for example, ax + b = c.
The two methods for solving simultaneous linear equations are substitution and
elimination.
An inequality is a mathematical statement that contains an inequality symbol rather than
an equals sign: for example, 2x + 1 < 4.
To solve linear inequalities, proceed exactly as for equations except that, when multiplying
or dividing both sides by a negative number, the direction of the inequality symbol is
reversed.
An equation containing symbols that states a relationship between two or more quantities
is called a formula. An example of a formula is A = `w (area = length width). The
subject of this formula is A.
If we wish to evaluate an unknown that is not the subject of the formula, we can either
substitute the given values for the other variables and then solve the resulting equation, or
we can first transpose the formula and then substitute the given values.
Technology-free questions
1
Solve each of the following equations for x:

a 2x + 6 = 8
d
b 3 2x = 6
3x
=6
5
g 3(2x + 1) = 5(1 2x)

2
x
=4
3
3x + 2 3 x
+
=5
5
2
Solve each of the following for t:

at + b
a at =b
b
=d
c
at
at + b
d
=c
e
=1
bt
ct b
13x
1 = 10
4
c a(t c) = d
f
1
=d
at + c
Solve each of the following inequalities for x:

a 2 3x > 0
3 2x
60
5
3 2x x 7
d
2
5
6
b
c 3(58x 24) + 10 < 70

4
c 2x + 5 = 3 x
Make x the subject of the formula z = 12 x 3t. Find x when z = 4 and t = 3.


ISBN 978-1-107-52013-4
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Chapter 1 review
A number d is equal to the square of a number e plus twice a number f .

a Find a formula for d in terms of e and f .
b Make f the subject of the formula.
c Find f when d = 10 and e = 3.
The surface area of a sphere of radius r is given by the formula A = 4r2 . Calculate the
surface area of a sphere of radius 10 cm. Give your answer in terms of .
The volume of metal in a tube is given by the formula V = `[r2 (r t)2 ], where ` is
the length of the tube, r is the radius of the outside surface and t is the thickness of the
material. Find V when:
a ` = 100, r = 5 and t = 0.2
b ` = 50, r = 10 and t = 0.5
For each of the following, make the variable in brackets the subject of the formula:
a A = rs (r)
b T = P(1 + rw) (w)
r
n p
c v=
(r)
d ac = b2 + bx (x)
r
u + v
Let s =
t.
2
a Find the value of s if u = 10, v = 20 and t = 5.
b Find the value of t if u = 10, v = 20 and s = 120.
10
The volume, V cm3 , of a cylinder is given by V = r2 h, where r cm is the radius and

h cm is the height. Find the radius of the cylinder if the volume of the cylinder is
500 cm3 and the height is 10 cm.
11
A rope of length 205 m is cut into 10 pieces of one length and 5 pieces of another
length. The total length of three of the first 10 lengths exceeds that of two the second
length by 2 m. Find the lengths of the pieces.
12
1
m
If I add one to the numerator of a fraction it simplifies to . If I subtract one from
n
5
1
m
the denominator it simplifies to . Find the fraction .
7
n
13
Mr Adonis earns $7200 more than Mr Apollo, and Ms Aphrodite earns $4000 less
than Mr Apollo. If the total of the three incomes is $303 200, find the income of each
person.
14
Solve each of the following pairs of simultaneous equations for a and b:

a 4a b = 11
3a + 2b = 6
15
Review
29
b a = 2b + 11
4a 3b = 11
A motorist travelled a total distance of 424 km, and had an average speed of 80 km/h on
highways and 24 km/h while passing through towns. If the journey took six hours, find
how long the motorist spent travelling on highways.


ISBN 978-1-107-52013-4
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Review
30
Multiple-choice questions
1
The solution of the linear equation 3x 7 = 11 is

4
11
3
A
B
C
3
3
4
x 1
+ = 2 then x =
3 3
1
2
A
B
3
3
E 6
D 5
E 7
D x=2
E x = 2
If
7
3
The solution of the equation x 8 = 3x 16 is

8
11
A x=
B x=
C x=4
3
3
The statement that 7 is 11 times the result of subtracting 2 from x can be written as
A 7 = 11(x 2)
D
D 6
B 11x 2 = 7
11
=7
x2
C 7 = 11(x + 2)
7
2= x
11
The solution of the simultaneous equations 2x y = 10 and x + 2y = 0 is

A x = 2 and y = 3
D x = 6 and y = 2
B x = 2 and y = 3
E x = 1 and y = 8
C x = 4 and y = 2
I bought x CDs for $a and y DVDs for $b. The average price paid, in dollars, is
x+y
a+b
xa + yb
y+x
a b
A
B
C
D
E
+
a+b
y+x
y+x
xa + yb
x y
The solution of the equation

A x=
8
5
10
5
13
C x=1
D x=
1
5
72 + 15z
> 4 are
3
C z = 4
D z<4
E x = 1
The values of z that satisfy the inequality

A z>4
B x=
x + 1 2x 1
= x is
4
6
B z > 4
hw + k
then
w
k
A w=
Ah
3Ah
D w=
k
2
E z < 4
If A =
ht + k
A
2
E w = h(A + k)
3
B w=
C w=
A 2k
2h
Bronwyn walks one lap of an oval at 2.5 km/h and then jogs another eight laps of the
oval at 5 km/h. If it takes her 30 minutes in total, how long in metres is each lap?
A 200 m

B 250 m
C 300 m
D 350 m
E 400 m

ISBN 978-1-107-52013-4
Evans et al. 2016
Chapter 1 review
Which of the following equations has no solutions?

A 3x + 6 = 2x + 4
D 3x + 6 = 2x + 6
12
Review
11
31
B 2(x + 3) = 2x + 6
E 2x + 4 = 2x + 6
C 3x 4 = 5 x
Which of the following equations is true for all values of x?

A 4x 6 = 2x + 4
D 7x + 6 = 2x + 6
B 5(x + 3) = 5x + 15
E 2x + 4 = 2x + 6
C 3x 4 = 10 x
Extended-response questions
1
The formula for converting degrees Celsius, C, to degrees Fahrenheit, F, is

9
F = C + 32.
5
a Convert 30 F to Celsius.
b Convert 30 C to Fahrenheit.
c If x C = x F find x.
d If (x + 10) C = x F find x.
e If 2x C = x F find the value of x.
f If k F = (3k) C find k.
1 1 2
2 For a spherical mirror of radius r cm, + = , where u cm is the distance from
v u r
the mirror to the object and v cm is the distance from the mirror to the image. The
vr
.
magnification is given by m =
ru
a Find r in terms of v and u from the first formula.
b Find m in terms of v and u only.
3
The diagram shows a section of wire

mesh w metres in width and metres
in length.
wm
a Find an expression in terms of w

and for the total length of wire
required for the mesh.
b
i If w = 3, find an expression in terms of w for the total length of wire required.
ii If the length of wire used is 100 m, find the value of w and the value of .
c The total length of wire, L m, required for another type of rectangular mesh of
dimensions x m by y m, is given by the formula L = 6x + 8y.
i Find y in terms of x and L.
ii Find y if L = 200 and x = 4.
d A third type of mesh can also be used to cover a rectangular region of dimensions
x m by y m. In this case, the type of mesh introduced in part c requires 100 m of
wire and so 6x + 8y = 100. This third type of mesh requires 80 m and this gives the
equation 3x + 2y = 40. Find the values of x and y.

Cambridge
University Press
ISBN 978-1-107-52013-4
Evans et al. 2016
Cambridge University
Press
Review
32
Tom leaves town A and travels towards town B at a constant speed of u km/h. At the
same time, Julie leaves town B and travels towards town A at a constant speed of
v km/h. Town B is d km from town A.
a How far has each travelled after t hours?
b By considering that the sum of their distances travelled must be d km when they
meet, find:
i the time it takes for them to meet
ii their distance from town A when they meet.
c If u = 30, v = 50 and d = 100, find the time it takes for them to meet and their
distance from town A.
Xiu travels from town A to town B at u km/h and then returns at v km/h. Town A is
d km from town B.
a Find the average speed at which Xiu travels for the complete journey, in terms of u
and v. Remember that
total distance travelled
average speed =
total time taken
b If it takes T hours to travel from A to B, find the time taken:
i for the return trip from B to A, in terms of T , u and v
ii for the entire trip, in terms of T , u and v.
A man on a bicycle rides one-third of the way from town A to town B at a speed a km/h
and the remainder of the way at 2b km/h.
a If the distance between the two towns is 9 km, find the time taken to ride from
A to B.
If the man had travelled at a uniform rate of 3c km/h, he could have ridden from A to B
and back again in the same time.
2 1 1
b Show that = + .
c a b
c i Make c the subject of this formula.
ii Find c, when a = 10 and b = 20.
A man walks 70 km. He walks x km at 8 km/h and y km at 10 km/h.

a Find the length of time he was walking at 8 km/h in terms of x, and the length of
time he was walking at 10 km/h in terms of y.
b Find his average speed in terms of x and y.
c If the man walks at 10 km/h for the time he was walking at 8 km/h and at 8 km/h for
the time he was walking at 10 km/h, he walks 72 km. Find x and y.
Prove that the lines with equations 2y x = 2, y + x = 7 and y 2x = 5 meet at the

one point.


ISBN 978-1-107-52013-4
Evans et al. 2016

Chapter 1

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Chapter 1

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Chapter 1

Reviewing linear equations

To solve linear equations in one unknown.

Cambridge University Press

Chapter 1: Reviewing linear equations

In each of these equations, the variable is to the first power.

I Solving linear equations

Linear equations of the form ax + b = c

Subtract 4 from both sides.

Divide both sides by 3.

Once a solution has been found it may be

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE

Cambridge University Press

Given an equation, an equivalent equation can be formed by:

Equations with the unknown on both sides

Subtract 3x from both sides and then

The solution can be checked as previously

Equations containing brackets

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE

Cambridge University Press

Chapter 1: Reviewing linear equations

Equations containing fractions

the solution is correct.

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE

Cambridge University Press

Using the TI-Nspire

> Algebra > Solve.

Enter the equation

Using the Casio ClassPad

in the Interactive Textbook.

Collect terms in x on the left-hand side and

Factorise the left-hand side.

Chapter 1: Reviewing linear equations

Using the TI-Nspire

> Algebra > Solve.

Note: Ensure a multiplication sign is placed

between the letters of the expression,

Using the Casio ClassPad

to the M screen and turn on the keyboard.

the statement true.

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE

Cambridge University Press

Solve each of the following equations for x:

Solve the following linear equations:

Solve the following linear equations:

Solve the following literal equations for x:

Solve the following linear equations:

Solve each of the following literal equations for x:

Solve each of the following for x:

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE

Cambridge University Press

Chapter 1: Reviewing linear equations

1B Constructing linear equations

Cambridge University Press

1B Constructing linear equations

Adams new speed is (x + 4) km/h.

distance = speed time

information to form the equation.

A number plus two is equal to six.

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE

Cambridge University Press

Chapter 1: Reviewing linear equations

Find three consecutive whole numbers with a sum of 150.

Find four consecutive odd numbers with a sum of 80.

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE

Cambridge University Press

If the graphs of two such equations are drawn on

Alternatively, the intersection point may be found

Using one of the two equations, express

From equation (2), we get x = 3 2y.

Then substitute this expression into the

Substitute the value of y into (2):

Substitute this value for y in one of the

A check can be carried out with the other

Cambridge University Press

Chapter 1: Reviewing linear equations