PREPARED BY: MR. NJOBVU A.

ST. MONICA’S SECONDARY SCHOOL.

Pass Mathematics with a Distinction. Prepared by Mr Njobvu A. M 1

LINEAR FUNCTIONS / OR LINEAR EQUATION

 The word LINEAR indicates the relationship arising from the condition and is represented by
straight lines.
 The relationships are in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
 PROGRAMMING - indicates that decisions are made systematically.
NB:
 The main function of linear programming is to either maximize or minimize a linear
function subject to a certain problem represented by linear equation.
 Linear programming is more applicable in the field like production planning, distribution
of goods, economics and construction.
 Linear functions are of the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐, for all real values of x, where m and c are
constants.
 The word linear is used because the graph of a linear function is a straight line.
 Expressed in terms of y, the equation of a linear function is written as 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
EQUATIONS
 TO FIND THE EQUATION FROM A GIVEN STRAIGHT LINE
 First find the gradient and y – intercept of the equation of the line.

Solution
Here the y-intercept is at (0,2) so 𝑐 =
2.To calculate m: take any two points on
the line i.e (4, 6) and (2, 4)
𝑦 −𝑦 6−4
𝑚 = 𝑥2 −𝑥1 , so, 𝑚 = 4−2 = 1
2 1

Hence the equation is 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 2

Alternatively, since y-intercept is at (0,2)
so c= 2and picking one point on the line
(4, 6).You can substitute in the standard
form of the equation of the straight line
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 to find m

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Take note of the gradient when the line slopes

INEQUALITIES OR INEQUATIONS

RELATED CONCEPTS (PRE-REQUISTES KNOWLEDGE)

 Linear inequation is a statement of inequality between one or more variables.

HINTS ON DRAWING GRAPHS OF INEQUALITIES

 The types of the lines drawn depend on the inequality sign used.
 Less than ‘<’ the line is broken or dotted
 Greater than ‘>’ the line is broken or dotted
 Less or equal ≤ the line is continuous or solid
 Greater or equal ≥ the line is continuous or solids.
 AT MOST means ‘Lessor Equal to’ (≤)
 ALL MOST means ‘Less than’ (<)
 AT LEAST means ‘greater or Equal to’ (≥)

NB:

 When the line is dotted or broken, then it means points along the line are NOT part of the
solution set.
 When the line is continuous or solid, then it means along the lines are part of the solution set.
 Shade the unwanted region
 Unshaded region is the wanted region

EXAMPLE

1. Solve the 3𝑥 − 1 < 2𝑥 + 5, 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅 and draw the graph of its solution set.
Solution
3𝑥 − 1 < 2𝑥 + 5
3𝑥 − 2𝑥 < 5 + 1
𝑥<6

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The line x = 6 is called the boundary line between the WANTED REGION (solution set) and the UN
WANTED REGION (shaded region).

For the inequality 𝑥 < 6 (the line will

be broken or dotted as shown on the
diagram) Since 𝑥 is less than 6, then
numbers greater than 6 belong to the
unwanted region and numbers less than
6 belong to the wanted region.

2. Illustrate the solution sets of the following systems of inequations on a Cartesian diagram. Where
x, yR; y  5x + 1, y ≥ 5 –2x and y ≤ 7

solution

Consider the first equation: 𝑦 ≥ 5𝑥 + 1, such that, 𝑦 = 5𝑥 + 1 is a boundary line. That is – [ Pick
any suitable values of 𝑥 to find y ]

When x = 0, y = 1 (0, 1)

x = 1, y = 6 (1, 6)

[Plot the pairs of coordinates on the plane and connect them with a straight line

Do the same to the remaining inequations and form pairs of coordinates as above.

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 NB: If the line does not pass through the origin
(0, 0), use the origin as the testing point to find
the Wanted and Un wanted regions. If the line
passes through the Origin, pick any point on
either sides of line and use it as the testing
point. The un shaded region R shows the
solution set

3. 𝑦 – 𝑥 ≤ 1, 2𝑥 < 5, 5𝑦 > −4𝑥 are simultaneous inequalities.

(a) Show on a graph the Region which contains the solution set of the inequalities.
(b) If the solution set contains integral values of x and y only, list its members.
SOLUTIONS.

a. The boundary lines of the regions are –

i. 𝑦 – 𝑥 = 1.
ii. 2𝑥 = 5.
iii. 5𝑦 = −4𝑥.

SOLUTION

For inequations

(i) 𝑦 –𝑥 = 1 (ii) 2x = 5 (iii) 5𝑦 = −4𝑥, gives 5𝑦 + 4𝑥 = 0

When 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 1(0, 1)
x = 2.5 when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 0 (0, 0)
x = 1, y = 2(1, 2
x = 5, y = -4 (5, -4
You can now plot the graphs of the inequalities.

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 NB

The UNSHADED region gives the solution set of all points (x, y) which satisfy the three
inequalities.

b. The solution sets lie in the unshaded region and that is where the integral points lie and these
points include.(0,1), (1,0), (1,1), (1,2), (2, -1), (2,0), (2,1), (2,2), (2,3).

NOTES:

 The boundary line 𝑦 – 𝑥 = 1 is drawn solid or continuous to show that the sets of points on
the line are included in the solution set in the unshaded region or the required region.
 The boundary lines 5𝑦 = −4𝑥 and 2𝑥 = 5 are drawn using broken lines to show that the
points on those lines are not included in the solution set in the unshaded region or the
required region.
 Regions outside the boundaries are shaded to show that they are not required or not part of
the solution set.

Example

By shading the un wanted regions, on the same graph, draw the graphs of 4y –x < 4, x –y < 3
and x ≥ -2 and write down the integral values of x and y only.

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NB: The integral values of x and y are the pairs of coordinates that lie in the unshaded region.
All possible points belonging to the solution set are called integral values.

FORMING INEQUALITIES FROM THE GRAPH.

HINTS:

 Label the points with different letters for convenience or to avoid mistakes.
 Pick any two points on each line. Find their respective gradients.
 Use the y –intercept form, y = mx + c to find the equations of the lines.
 Pick testing points for each line to identify the wanted and unwanted region.
EXAMPLE.
Write down the three inequalities which define the unshaded area labeled A.

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 SOLUTIONS.
 Label the lines say –k, m and n.

LINE k.

 K is the line x = 3.
 K is solid.
 Points to the right of k(shaded) are not required.
 Hence the corresponding inequality is x ≤ 3

LINE m.

 Find the gradient first, (0, 4) and (4, 0).

𝑦 −𝑦 4−0
𝑚 = 𝑥2 −𝑥1 , so, 𝑚 = 0−4
= −1
2 1
Using 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 and any pair of coordinates above, find c (the constant) Say,
( 0, 4), 𝑚 = −1
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
4 = −1(0) + 𝑐
4 = 0 + 𝑐
4 = 𝑐 (Substituting in 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 for m and c, we have),
y = -x + 4 (the equation of the line)
 Line m is a broken line; points below mare not required.
 The corresponding inequality is 𝑦 > 4 – 𝑥 OR 𝑦 > −𝑥 + 4.
 [Using (0, 0) as the testing point].

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 LINE n.
 As on line m, line n has gradient 2 and cuts the y-axis at (0, 1), then the value of c is
y = 1.
 Its equation is 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 1, n is solid.Points above n are not required.
 Hence the inequality is 𝑦 ≤ 2𝑥 + 1.

EXERCISE

Find,
a. The coordinates of the point P where the line 2𝑦 = 𝑥 + 8 crosses the y = axis.
b. The equation of the line which passes through the origin O and the point (-3, 6).
c. The three inequalities which define the triangular region R in the diagram

MATHEMATICAL MODELS.

A mathematical model is a system of inequations which are formed from the conditions in a problem.

EXAMPLES.1.

A hungry Mr. Chanda has a K 5, 000 to spend. He needs to buy two types of lolly pops, A and B. Type A
costs K 500 per unit and type B costs K 800 per unit. He intends to buy not more than three lolly pops of
type A and at least one of type B. Let the number of lolly pops of type A be x and the number of lolly
pops of type B be y. Write down the inequations arising from the given information or form four
mathematical models to illustrate this information.

SOLUTIONS.

HINTS:

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  Since the number of lolly pops of type A to be bought is x and for type B is y, it follows that x
and y must be positive whole numbers.
x lolly pops @ K 500 each → K 500x.
y lolly pops @ K 800 each → K 800y.
Therefore Mr. Chanda spends 𝐾500𝑥 + 𝐾 800𝑦 → 𝐾(500𝑥 + 800𝑦)
Since he has only K 5, 000, he can either spend less or equal to the amount of money he has, not
more.
Then we have; 𝐾(500𝑥 + 800𝑦) 𝐾 5, 000.
500𝑥 + 800𝑦 ≤ 5000 which reduces to 5𝑥 + 8𝑦 ≤ 50 after dividing throughout by 100.
Therefore, 5x + 8y ≤ 50 .............................................. (i).
Since he intends to buy;
a. A quantity of type A lolly pops, then,
𝑥 ≥ 1 ..................................................................... (ii).
b. Not more than 3 lolly pops of type A.
𝑥 ≤ 3 ................................................................... (iii).
c. At least one lolly pop of type B.
y ≥ 1 ....................................................................... (iv).

These four (4) mathematical models can now be solved to find how many lolly pops of each type Mr.
Chanda bought.

1. Mrs. Chilala wants to bake two types of cakes for the visiting Republican President of Zambia
using the available ingredients. One kind of cake requires 200g of flour and 25g of fat, and
another kind of cake requires100g of flour and 50g of fat. Suppose she wants to make as many
cakes as possible but has only 4kg of flour and 1.2kg of fat available, although there is shortage
of the various other ingredients. Form four mathematical models to illustrate this information.

SOLUTIONS.

HINTS.

 First translate the program into the language of mathematicsthis is called making the
mathematical model.

Flour Fat
First kind of cake (x) 200g 25g
Second kind of cake (y) 100g 50g
TOTAL AVAILABLE 4 kg 1.2kg
 Let 𝑥 be the first kind of cake.
 Let 𝑦 be the second kind of cake.
Since we shall need( 200x + 100y)g of flour, and we have 4000g (4kg into grams)
200x + 100y ≤ 4000, which reduces to;
2𝑥 + 𝑦 ≤ 40 .............................. (i).
since we shall need (25𝑥 + 50𝑦)𝑔 0f fat, we have 1200𝑔 ( 1.2 𝑘𝑔 into grams)
25𝑥 + 50𝑦 ≤ 1200
𝑥 + 2𝑦 ≤ 48 ....................... (ii).

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 Since x and y cannot be negative, and each kind of cake can either be baked or not, then,
𝑥 ≥ 0 ................................... (iii).
𝑦 ≥ 0 ................................... (iv).

EXERCISE.
At an Agricultural college, students must take both science and mathematics courses. Each
science course requires 4 contact hours and each mathematics course requires 3 contact hours. If
no student may take more than 72 hours in these areas, what are the possible combinations of
courses that can be taken? Let x be the number of mathematical courses and y be the number of
science courses taken.
a. Write down three inequalities which satisfy the given conditions.
b. If every student must take a minimum of 3 mathematics courses and a maximum of 12
science courses, write down two inequations which satisfy these conditions.

ANSWERS.

a. 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 ≤ 72, 𝑥 ≥ 1 and 𝑦 ≥ 1.
b. 𝑥 ≥ 3 and 𝑦 ≤ 12.

USING THE MATHEMATICAL MODEL.

 We shall now solve the problems by;

 Drawing the graphs of the formed mathematical models.
 The solution set of the system of inequations is the intersection of the solution sets and it is
represented by the unshaded region.
 All points belonging to the solution set of the system of inequations for which 𝑥𝑊 and yW are
called feasible solutions.
 The maximum value of the sum of each pair of the feasible solutions is called the optimal
solution i.e. 𝒙 + 𝒚.
 In Linear Programming, the linear function which is 𝒂𝒙 + 𝒃𝒚 which is to be maximized or
minimized is called the Objective function.
 The objective function is subjected to restrictions called constraints.
 Problems solved involving decision making in a situation are called restrictions.

EXAMPLES.

One cake requires 150g of flour and 50g of fat, and another requires 75g of flour and 75g of fat. Mrs.
Olivia Tembo wants to make as many cakes as possible of the two kinds when 2.25kg of flour and 1.5kg
of fat are available.

a. Let x be the number of cakes of the first kind, and y be the number of cakes of the second kind.
Write down the obvious inequations for x and y, and show that two further inequations reduce to
𝟐𝒙 + 𝒚 ≤ 𝟑𝟎 and 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 ≤ 𝟔𝟎.
b. Write down the maximum number of each kind of cake that will be baked.

SOLUTIONS.

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a. Data.
Flour Fat
First kind of cake (x) 150g 50g
Second type of cake(y) 75g 75g
TOTAL AVAILABLE 2250g 1500g

Flour 150𝑥 + 75𝑦 ≤ 2250 which reduces to –

2𝑥 + 𝑦 ≤ 30 ..................... hence shown................. (i).
Fats 50𝑥 + 75𝑦 ≤ 1500 which reduces to –
2𝑥 + 3𝑦 ≤ 60 .................. hence shown......... (ii)
Since x and y cannot be negative integers, we have;
𝑥 ≥ 0 ............................................................... (iii).
𝑦 ≥ 0 ............................................................... (iv).

We can now draw the graphs of the four (4) inequalities.

i. 2x + y = 30, ii. 2x + 3y = 60 iii. x = 0 iv. x = 0.

When 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 30. . . . . (0, 30). When 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 20 . . . . . (0, 20).

𝑥 = 10, 𝑦 = 10. . . . . (10, 10). 𝑥 = 1, 𝑦 = 10. . . . . . (15, 10).

b. The graph(The graph may contain no negative numbers because you cannot have negative
cakes)

The unshaded part in the diagram shows some of the

feasible points.

(0,0), (0,5), (0,10), (0,15), (0,20), (5,5), (5,10), (5, 15),

(5, 16), (7,15), (8, 14), (5, 0), ( 15, 0) etc. For the optimal
solution= x + y. Find the sum of each pair of coordinates

(0, 0) = 0+ 0 = 0. (5, 10) = 5 + 10 = 15.

(7, 15) = 7 + 15 = 22, (8, 14) = 8 + 14 = 22

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 The pairs (7, 15) and (8, 14) add up to 22 which gives the optimal solution or the highest number
of cakes baked.(7, 15)  7 cakes of the first kind(x) and 15 cakes of the second kind (y).(8, 14)
 8 cakes of the first kind(x) and 14 cakes of the second kind(y)

EXERCISE.
A Doctor advises an HIV/AIDS patient to take daily at least 10 units of ARVs vitamin A and at
least 15 units of ARVs vitamin B. The patient finds he can buy 2 tablets containing ARVs
vitamin A and 1 tablet containing ARVs vitamin B, or capsules containing 1 unit of ARVs
vitamin A and 3 units of ARVs vitamin B.
a. Suppose that the patient uses x tablets and y capsules daily. Write down a system of four
inequations in x and y which must be satisfied.
b. Taking a scale of 1cm to represent 1 unit on each axis, show the solution set of this system of
inequations.
c. Assuming that a tablet costs K 10, 000 and a capsule K 20, 000, write down the daily cost in
terms of x, y and hence find how many of each the patient should take to make the cost as
small as possible. State this daily cost

ANSWERS.
HINTS.
 Form mathematical models.
 Present them graphically and shade the unwanted region.
 The unshaded part contains the solution set or feasible points.
 Write down the coordinates of the possible feasible points.
 Find the sum of each pair of the points.
 The pair with the lowest sum is the required solution.
 If the pair is (p, q) p x 10, 000 + q x 20, 000 K (10, 000p + 20, 000q), this will
give you the total daily cost.

EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

All the questions in this topic are to be answered on the sheet of graph papers

1. 2016 Oct/ Nov Exams, question 11(a)

A Health Lobby group produced a guide to encourage healthy living among local community.
The group produced the guide in two formats: a short video and a printed book. The group needs
to decide the number of each format to produce for sale to maximize profit.
Let 𝑥 represent the number of videos produced and 𝑦 the number of printed books produced.
a. Write the inequalities which represent each of the following conditions
i. the total number of copies produced should not be more than 800,
ii. the number of video copies to be at least 100
iii. the number of printed books to be at least 100
b. Using a scale of 2cm to represent 100 copies on both axes, draw the 𝑥 and 𝑦 axes for 0 ≤
𝑥 ≤ 800 𝑎n𝑑 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 800 respectively and shade the unwanted region to indicate clearly
the region where the solution of the inequalities lie.

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 c. The profit on the sale of each video copy is K15.00 while the profit on each printed book is
K8.00. How many of each type were produced to make maximum profit.
2. 2017 July/Aug Exams, question 9(a)
Makwebo prepares two types of sausages, Hungarian and beef, daily for sale. She prepares at
least 40 Hungarian and at least 10 beef sausages. She prepares not more than 160 sausages
altogether. The number of beef sausages prepared is not more than the number of Hungarian
sausages.
(a) Given that x represents the number of Hungarian sausages and y the number of beef
sausages, write four inequalities which represent these conditions.
(b) Using a scale of 2cm to present 20cm sausages on both axes, draw the x and y axes for 0≤𝑥
≤160 and 0≤𝑦≤160 respectively and shade the unwanted region to show clearly the region
where the solution of the inequalities lie.
(c) The profit on the sale of each Hungarian sausage is K3.00 and on each beef sausage is K2.00.
How many of each type of sausages are required to make maximum profit?
(d) Calculate this maximum profit

3. 2017 Oct / Nov Exams, Question 10(a)

Himakwebo orders maize and groundnuts for sale. The order price for a bag of maize is K75.00
and that of a bag of groundnuts is K150.00. He is ready to spend up to K7 500.00 altogether. He
intends to order at least 5 bags of maize and at least 10 bags of groundnuts. He does not want to
order more than 70 bags altogether.
(a) If 𝑥 and 𝑦 are the number of bags of maize and groundnuts respectively, Write four
inequalities which represent these conditions.
(b) Using a scale of 2cm to represent 10 bags on each axis, draw the x and y axes for 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤
70 𝑎n𝑑 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 70 respectively and shade the unwanted region to show clearly the region
where the solution of the inequalities lie.
(c) Given that a profit on the bag of maize is K25.00 and on the bag of groundnuts is K50.00,
how many bags of each type should he order to have the maximum profit?
(d) What is this estimate of the maximum profit?
4. 2018 July/ Aug Exams, Question 12(a)
A tailor at a certain market intends to make dresses and suits for sale.
(a) Let 𝑥 represent the number of dresses and 𝑦 the number of suits. Write the inequalities which
represent each of the conditions below.
(i) The number of dresses should not exceed 50
(ii) The number of dresses should not be more than the number of suits.
(iii) The cost of making a dress is K140.00 and that o a suit is K210.00. The total should be at
least K10 500.00
(b) Using a scale of 2cm to represent 10 units on both axes, draw 𝑥𝑥 and 𝑦𝑦 axes for 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤
60 and 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 80. Shade the unwanted region to indicate clearly the region where (𝑥,) must
lie.
(c) (i) The profit on a dress is K160.00 and on a suit is K270.00. Find the number of
dresses and suits the tailor must make for maximum profit.
(ii) Calculate this maximum profit.
5. 2018 Oct/Nov Exams, Question 7(a)

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A hired bus is used to take learners and teachers on a trip. The number of learners and teachers
must be more than 60. There must be at least 35 people on the trip. There must be at least 6
teachers on the trip. The number of teachers on the trip should not be more than 14.
Let 𝑥 be the number of learners and 𝑦 be the number of teachers.
(a) Write four inequalities which present the information above.
(b) Using a scale of 2cm to represent 10 units on both axes, draw the x and y axes for 0≤ 𝑥 ≤
70 𝑎𝑛𝑑 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 70 respectively and shade the unwanted region to indicate clearly where the
solution of the inequalities lie.
(c) (i) If the group has 25 learners, what is the minimum number of teachers that
must accompany them?
(ii) If 8 teachers go on the trip, what is the maximum number of learners that
can be accommodated on the bus?
(d) If T is the amount in Kwacha paid by the whole group, what is the cost per learner if 𝑇 =
30𝑥 + 50𝑦

Solutions

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