l

Algebra

:',M6fi'a'f the wo,* in this chapter is presumed knowledge. It ca:n' be used as a revision chapter as necessary.
rres from the syllabus that are covered are: 1,,Offq! .,2iO:fhe solution of

ax2+bx*c:O,a*0
,,
;,,

Jhe Quadratic formula. Use of the discriminant

L:

b2

4ac.

1.1
_ _ -x

Linear equations

Simple linear equations

A linear equation can be expressed in the form ax + b Each of these equations is linear:

0.

xl 4: 3(x+2)-7:x*I :J I7 :4(x2)

.,

You can rearrange each of these equations into the form

ax

* b:0.

You solve an equation by finding the value of any unknowns. Whatever you do to the left-hand side (LHS) of an equation, you must also do to the right-hand side (RHS). For example, the

_ '

equation x - 4 - 7 can be manipulated so that x (the unknown) is the only term on the LHS.

x- 4:7
Add 4 to both sides to obtain

x-4+4:7*4 x*0:11
'. x:11
The solution is x

11.

Algebra

Solve the equation 3x

- 7: x*

3.

3x-7:x*3
AddT to both sides to obtain

3x-7+7:x-l .'. 3x: x*

3-17
10

To get all the :r terms on the LHS, subtract x from both sides.

3x-x:x+10-x .'. 2x: 10

Dividing both sides by 2 gives
tr ^-_ J x-

You can check that your

solution works:

3x-7:x*3
3(5)-7:8 and 5 * 3:8
So

The solution is x:

5-

x:

5 works.

Solve the equation 4(x

1)

3(x

5)

lZ.

- 3(x - 5) : tt 4x* 4 - 3x* 15: 17 x*19:17 x-f19-19:IT-19 .'. x: -2 The solution is x: -2.
4(x-t
1)
:

Expand the brackets and simplify.

Subtract 19 from both sides.

Linear equations may contain fractions. Remove any fractions before proceeding.

Solve the equation

x* 5 3x* ll 25
The lowest common multiple of

x* 5 3x* ll

25
/

.-.to(*+s)

\z

:tr("+)
:2(3x + l1)
22

2 and 5 is 10, so multiply throughout by 10.

Simplifr the fractions:

5(x + 5)
Expand the brackets:

5x* 25:6x*

Algebra

Rearrange to obtain all the x terms on the LHS:

5x-6x:22-25 -x:-3
Alternatively, you could use the technique of cross-

multiplication.

x* 5 3x* II
Remember:

Cross-multiplying grves 5(x + 5) :2(3x

+
22

To cross-multiply 11)

Expanding and simplifring gives

5x- 6x :22 .'. x :3

The solution is

5x* 25 :6xl

bd
multiply:

a:toa

25

aa:lx 1x bd
.'. ad -- bc

x:

3, as before.

Exercise 1A

In each of these questions, solve the given equations for x.

a)

3x* 2:20

b) 5x

7x:2 e) 6 - x:4 2 a)3x*2:x*8 c)3x* 5:7x-8 e)2-5x:8-3x 3 a)2(x- 3) + 5(x- 1):3 b)3(s - x) - 4(3x- 2):27 c) 2(4x - 1) - 3(x- 2) : I+ d)3(x- 8) + 2(4x- 1):3 e) 6(x+ 4) + 5(2x- l):7 f)3(2x+s)-4(x-3):0
c) t0 +

- 3:32
3x:
19

, d)+ +

f)Zx-3:8 b)2x- 3:6x* 5 d)6x+ 9:8 - 4x f) 2x+ 7 :3 - I}x

4 at-:'35
L'

x* 2 2x*

.3x*I '43

2-x

5x-3 4x-3 b)-: '43 2x*3 4-l3x d)_ '53

Algebra

Harder linear equations

Sometimes the unknown x may appear in the denominator. If you cross-multiply you will remove the fractions.

Solve the

equation -

2 :3 x*l 5

Cross-multiply and expand the bracket to obtain

10 .'. 10

:3(x* 1) : 3x'l 3

Rearranging gives

3x :7 . - _7 ,. ^ -3
The solution is x:
4.

The unknown may be in the denominator on both sides of the equation.

i',-) ,'! i4''; ': "';r'; rt; i J
,t iJ.

.-

,''"

;i

;1
"

.,

.li

,"t

a ,',t I

Solve the

equation -

2 : 7 x-ll 5x-4

V-ir/,r i Y + *l
t*\-'

Cross-multiply and expand the brackets to obtain

-t {utr !lt,l Rearranginggives

10x- 7x :7 * 3x :15 .'. .x :5
The solution is x: 5.
8

2(5x-4):7(x+l) .'. lurc-6 l0x-8 -7x-17 -/x+/ l-

,'"r0) Tr r lrtitlJ" "1

,o

,r

ptl

))

ilr{
You can use the lowest common multiple (LCM) to get rid of numerical fractions before you solve the equation.

Alsebra

Solve the equation

iQ + l)

- iQ* -

5)

1.

F**

Y+)
:-l LJ

|x-f*

*,

Since the lowest common multiple of 2 and 3 is 6,

multiply

throughout by 6: oxi?+ 3) Simplifring gives

- e x\Qx- 5):6 x t

3(x+ 3) - 2(2x

- 5) :6 3x*9-4x*10:6
-x.l-'19:6 .'. x: 13

The solution is

x:

13.

Exercise 1B
Solve the given equations for x.

24 1 a) 'x*3 5 -:-\ 6 -1 t) 2x-3- 3

?A " 2 u) 'x*l :' x
L, 'x*8

52 b)_:_ 'x-I 53 25 b)_ '3x-5 4

ur-:-

d)-:_ : 2x- 3

2x-13

6573
3x-l

x-I
b)

x*2
1

iQx- 1) + i1;-- D: q d lQx- r) - iG*- 4):0 d?Q-x) -|1: -sx; : x- 4

a)

-:-

i("- 1) - 1Q*- 3) : I iltrG- r) -*("- r):x*

4

f)

l("- t) -IG*- 5): zx*3

4 3(x- 2) - a(2x- 3) - 2(3x- r) : 2x*3 x-4 5 3x_L+-:_ 52 6 5x*7:2-3x

x*5 2-x ,- 34

x+

Algebra

8 ?ex- 3) -'ot(" - 4) : I 9 (x- 3)(x- 4) - 6: x(x* 10 3 :4 7-2x x

11
s(2

5)

- x) :3(6 - x) + z

12 8x-9-5*4x

1.2
less

Linear inequalities

An inequality is a comparison between two mathematical

expressions.

( less than or equal to is written as ( greater than is written as ) greater than or equal to is written as ) than
is written as

A linear inequality is a comparison between two linear expressions. For example,

3x*7)x-8

a<3b+Z

5x-7y<4

Inequalities can be solved using methods similar to those used for solving equations.

Simpli$' the inequality 3x + 7 > x

* 2.

You can illustrate inequalities

graphically. Just sketch the graphs of

3x*77x*2
Subtract 7 from both sides:

y:3x*

7 and

y:x+2andfindthe

3x'17-7>-x*2-7 .'. 3x2 x- 5

Subtract x from both sides:

x-coordinate where they meet.

3x-x2x-5-x
2x> -5 .'. x> -l
This result tells you that provided inequality will be satisfied.

xz -i, th. original

Algebra

Inequalities can contain brackets.

Simplifi' the inequality 4(3x

1)

- 3(x + 2) < 3x + r.

4(3x+

1)

3(x + 2)

<3x* I

Expand the brackets:

lZx* 4- 3x- 6<3x* I

Simplifring and rearranging gives

9x-213x*l
6x(
.'.
3

x<l
x<)
"
< ].
a negative

You can write this inequality u.

You need to take care when you

multiply or divide by

number.

/>5rstrue.
Multiply both
sides

by

1:

-7 > -5

is false.

However, now reverse the inequality:

-7 < -5 is true.
:

When you multiply or divide an inequaliry by a negative number you must reverse the inequality sign.

6
vl

r*)

Simplifr the inequality 3x + 7 > 5x

- 3.

You can illustrate this solution

Eraphically:

The x terms can be rearranged so that they are all on the RHS and therefore positive.

3x*775x-3 7 + 3>5x- 3x
2x Divide both sides by 2:

.'. r0>

57x
Reading from right to left gives

x(5

_t
Algebra

Alternatively, you can rearrange the on the LHS: 14 f l"f

,c

terms so that they are all

-|.x> -ro
Multiply both sides by inequality sign:

1,

but remember to reverse the

Remember inequality:

2x<

10

to

reverse the

Dividing both sides by 2 gives

x{5
You may be asked to find values of a variable that satisfr two

becomes

{.

different inequalities at the same time (simultaneously).

Find the set of integers which satisfr simultaneously both of the following inequalities:

2x- t> 4 and \x+ I<3

First, simpliff

tll
l2l
2x

[1]:

- |>4
2x7 5 .'. x>Z

Therefore the integers which satisfr [1] are 3, 4,5,6, .. . Next, simplify ]x + I < 3

lzl:

trr<2 .'. x16

Therefore the integers which satisfr [2] are 5,4,3,2, ... Here are both results shown on the number line.

234567
5,4,3,2,...

The set of integers which satisfr both inequalities is {3, 4, 5}.

Exercise 1C

In questions I to 3 simplifr the inequalities.

1

a)3x+5>x*13 c) 4x-7>2x*4 e) 2x- 1< x* 4

b)2x-3<5x*9

8) x-t 7 f) 7x-3>2x-l
d) 5x -

Algebra

a)

2(x+ 3) - 3(x- 2)>

c)
e)

5(x-3)<6@-a)
3(x-2) -2(4-3x)>5 lx+ 2 <7

b) 6(2x- 1) + s(x+ 1) < 33 d) 3(x + 4) > 6(x+ 2) f) 7(I - rc) + 3(4- 5x) <41
b)

3 a)
c)

*("-

r) >

lG- 4
:)

i@+z)=]("-s) x- 2 2x- 3 , ') qt s) i(6 - x) < IQ- z*) 4x*3>2x*5 b) 5x+ 3)3- x c) 5-2x{3-x d) 3x+ 2>2x- 1 e) 5r - 4> 4x- 3 illG+1)>1
a)

d) Lr(zx+ s) > *(x + 4- x 2- x

f)'23

il tex-

1)

> *(E - ,)

Find the integers which simultaneously satis$' each of the following pairs of inequalities.

x*4<7 3x*5< 2xt7 l-2x<11-4x

7x+3<5x*2

!x<I
5x* l<4(x+2)

Show that there are no real numbers which simultaneously

satisfr the two inequalities

2x*llx*1andj(x+5)<2.
6 Show that there
is just one number

satisfies these three inequalities and

which simultaneously find it.

le-r)>r
1.3

2-3x<.7-4x

1x<l

Straight-linegraphs

Consider the straight line with gradient rn, passing through the point A(0, c) on the y-axis. Let point P(n D be a general point on the line.

Gradient --

c m: vx-0

:. y- mx*

1O

Algebra

An alternative form for the equation of a straight line is

ax'fby*c:0
which is generally used when the gradient is a fraction.
To sketch the graph of a straight line you need only two points

through which the line passes.

The 7-intercept is normally one of these points, and you can find the second by substituting an x value.

Write down the gradient and y-intercept for each of these straight lines:

y:5x-2 b)2y:l-6x
a)

c) 3x+2y-

8:0 :
5x

a) Comparingy

- 2with7 : mx* cgives m:5 and c - -2.

-2.
cgives

Therefore the gradient is 5 and the 1-intercept is

b) Rearranging2y

- I - 6xinto the form y: 2Y:r-6x 2y : ,6x* | :. y - -3x+| Comparing with 7 : mx* c gives m: -3 and ,:).
-3
and the
0 into the form

mx

Therefore the gradient is

lintercept

is

j.

c) Rearranging 3x + 2y - 8 : 2Y : -3x+ 8

y:

mx

cgives

:.y--|x+a

Comparing with y

: mx* c gives m: -tr and c:4.

-J
and the y-intercept is 4.

Therefore the gradient is

Algebra
!

11

Sketch the graphs of these equations:

a)

b)3y+2x-3:0

Y:2x-

c)Zy-x*1:0
a)

Comparingy:2x- lwithl: mx*

cgives the gradient 1. as the of the line as 2 and 7-intercept Therefore one point that the line passes through is (0' - 1). I which gives To find a second point,let

x:

y :2(l) :. y : I

-r

Therefore a second point is (1, 1). The graph of y : 2x - 1is shown.

b) Rearranging3y'l 2x

- 3:

0 gives

a" ry -

ZxI3

:'Y--"*+I Comparing y : -?x* I with y : mx* cgives the gradient of the line as -f andthe y-intercept as 1. Therefore one point that the line passes through is (0, 1). To find a second point,let x: 3 which gives I ,:-21111 +t :.y:-l
)

3y+2x-3:0

Therefore a second point is (3, - 1). The graph of 3y + 2x - 3 : 0 is shown.

c) Rearranging2y- x* 1:0gives
2Y

: x- |

i*-i
Comparing y:ix- jwith y: rnx* cgivesthegradientof the line as j and the 7-intercept as -i. Therefore one point that the line passes through is (0, -j). To find a second point,let x: 2 which gives

v :+Q) :. y :z
I

-t

Therefore a second point is (2, ]). The graph of 2y - x * I : 0 is shown.

12

Algebra

Exercise 1D

1 Write down the gradient and 7-intercept

equation. a)y:Sx-Z/ d)6y:3x*I

g)

for the graph of each

2y:5- 3x/ i) a*-y:t I

a)y:2x-3

b)y:7x*3 t e)4y:Z-* /
h)

c) 3y:Sx-Z/

f) Zy:4x*

2x*3y- 4:o i) 3x-5y+6:g'/ k)6x*3y:4 l) 8x - 5y: P(

Sketch the graphs of each of these equations.

P)y:3x-t4, d) 3x+ 4y- 24: 0 | e) 6x- 5y: 30

a, b and c are integers.
a)

c)2y:4x-5 f) x+2y: I0 /

Write down the equations of each of these straight lines, expressing your answers in the form ax + by + c: 0 where
b)

> 'l LO D{

Algebra

13

Write down the equation of the straight line which through the points A(2,5) and 8(6, I7).

passes

1.4 Simultaneous linear equations

Consider the equation x -f

y:

9.

The diagram shows its graph.

Each point on the line is a solution of the equation.

Examples

are: x:

: 9 x:4,y:5 x: 0.25, y:
0,

8.75

You cannot solve the equation uniquely unless you are given

further information, or another equation.

Suppose the second equation is

2x* y:

13

The diagram shows both graphs on the same axes.

\:f):9
l3

x+

y:

9 and 2x

* y:

13 are

simultaneous linear equations.

You can check by substitution:

The point (4, 5) lies on both graphs. So x

: 4, /:5 is the solution of the simultaneous linear equations because it satisfies both equations.

4*5:9
2x4+ 5:8
+

5:

13

\There are two common algebraic methods for solving simultaneous linear equations.

o J{ t
-/

14

Algebra

Elimination
You can eliminate either the x terms or the y terms by adding or subtracting the two equations.

Solve the simultaneous equations

2x* Y :7 2x- Y :5

Number the equations:

2x* Y :7

tll
l2j
Alternatively you could add the

2x-Y:5
Subtract [2] from [1]:
)tt :
"l L

:. y :
Substitute 7

tll

- t2l

equations:

4x:

12.

: 1 into [l ] to obtain rc 2x* I :7 2x :6 . ^. _) .. * -J The solution is x : 3, /: l.

In some cases, the coefficients of the ,c terms or the ,/ terms may not be the same. You need to multiply the equations by a suitable constant to make the coefficients of either the x or y terms the same. This process is called balancing the coefficients.

Alternatively you could

substituteY:

1 into [2].

Solve the simultaneous equations

5x2x*

7Y 3Y

:27

:5
multiply equation

tll
t2)

To balance the coefficients of the r/terms,

by 3 and multiply equation lZlby 7. This gives

Il]
t3l t4l
To solve a pair of simultaneous equations you need to find Note that the y terms match up

l5x

- ZIy :91 I4xI2ly:35

29x

Adding [3] and [4] gives

116

x and y.

&i

:_

Algebra

15

Substituting x

into [2] to find the corresponding Tvalue

You can check the solution by

gives

2(4)+3Y:5

substituting into [1]:

8*3Y:5 3y:-3
v -_J
The solution is x

s(4)-

7(-1):20*7
:ll at

-3

_l
Note that x has been eliminated.

4,

/: -L

Alternatively, you can balance the coefficients of the x terms by multiplying equation It] by 2 and multiplying equation [2] by 5. This gives
10x * l5Y :25

10x- I4Y :54

-29Y :29

tsl
t6l

Subtracting [6] from [5] gives

:.y:-r
. ^_ i

Substituting y

- - 1 into [2] to find the corresponding xvalue gives 2x+ 3(- l) : 5

,. x -+
,c

The solution is

4,

/: - 1, as before.

Substitution
This method involves rearranging one of the equations so that you have either * 7 in terms of rc, in which case you then substitute this expression for 7 into the second equation, or

The choice usually depends on

which gives the simpler

expression after rearranging.

x in terms of y,in which case you substitute this expression for x into the second equation.

Solve the simultaneous equations

3x*4y-27:0 5x* y - 11 :0
Rearrangin g

tll
l2l

l2l for y gives

f:ll-5x
Substituting [3] into [1] gives 3x+ 4(11 - 5x) - 27 :O 3x1- 44 -

20x- 27 :0 -17x : -t7

.'.

x :1

16

Algebra

Substituting x

y: lr - 5(1) :. y:6 The solution is x: l, / :

Graphical solution

I into [3] to find

the corresponding Tvalue gives

6.

To draw the graphs of the linear equations, use the methods

described in section 1.3.

This method involves drawing graphs of the two linear equations and finding the coordinates of their point of intersection. The coordinates of the intersection point give the solution to the pair of equations.

Solve the simultaneous equations

x* y :9 2x* Y :13
Rearrangingx+ y: 9 gives /: -x* 9. One point the line passes through is (0, 9), the 7-intercept. Letting rc: 1 gives a second point as (1,8). Rearranging2x* y: 13 givesy: -2x* 13. One point the lines passes through is (0, 13), the 7-intercept. Letting x: 1 gives a second point as (1, 11).
If you plot these sets of points you get the two straight lines shown.
v

t4.
t2. r0
8

You can use the trace function on your GDC to check the intersection point.
Some GDCs enable you to solve

x'lY=9 2x+y:13

simultaneous equations by directly typing in the equations.

The coordinates of P, where the two lines intersect, satisfr both equations and are therefore the solution to both equations. The point P has coordinates (4, 5), therefore the solution is

X:4,y:5.

Exercise lE

Solve each pair of simultaneous equations. use the elimination method.

a)2x-3y:7,W3x-y:I 2x* 3y:1 5x* y:7 e) 5x*2y:7 yx-2y:5 2x*Y:2 3x*Y:g i) 3x + 5y: | rt'S* * 4y: I 2x* 3Y: g 7x1- 5Y:2

c)2x-7y:I BY3x-4y:5 2x*3Y:11 6S-4Y:2

3xik) 6x -

ilZ**3y:t rtSx-2y:5
y:5
5x-

4y:11

5y: 12 ,Vf3* * 2y:

Zx*

y:8

x-

6y:11

Algebra

17

Solve each pair of simultaneous equations. Use either the

elimination or the substitution method, but show your working clearlY. b) 5x - 4y* I:0 a) 2x* y - I0:0

3x-2y-8-0 c)4x-3y-tI:0 3x- 4y * 6:0 e) 7x-3y-8:0 5x* 7y * 8:0 d x- y- I:0 5x-2y-3-0

3

3x+y-13:0 d) 5x-7y*3:0 3x* 2y * 8:0 f) 2x- 5y* 4:0 3x- 5y * I :0 h) 3r+ 2y- 2:0 x-6y*I:0

Solve each pair of simultaneous equations. Use the substitution method, and in each case illustrate your solution graphically.

a)y:x*3 y:2x* I c)y:5-2x y:x+8 e) y:x-3

b)y:x-4 y:3xd)y:4-x

16

y:2x+10

y:6x*

g)

Z*- 5y:4
3x* 2Y: -13

y:trx h) 7x+ 3y:6

5x-l 4Y-8

f) y:2x-10

1.5

Factorisation
ofxand x *
3 is x2

The product

3x.

Conversely, the factors of x2

+ 3xare xand

3.

To factorise an expression, you must find quantities which, when multiplied together, give the original expression.

Factorise each of these expressions.

a)3x2*x

b) 4xy+ 2y

c) 2x2 - xy
You can check that you have factorised correctly by expanding the brackets. For
example,

a) One obvious factor is .rc

3x2

+ x: x(3x]- l)

b) Two obvious factors are 2 and y, 4ry + 2y: 2y(2x + l) c) There is an obvious factor of rc
Zxz

x(3x*1):3xzlx

- xY:

x(2x

Y)

18

Algebra

Trinomials
A trinomial is a three-termed expression such as ya + 2xy - 3. A special case of trinomials are quadratic expressions ax2 * bx * c, where a, b and c are non-zero constants. You may be able to factorise such expressions by trial and error.
An example of a quadratic trinomial
is x2

+ 2x

* 6.

Factorise xz

+ 5x+

6.

If this expression factorises then

xz+5x*6:(x+?)(x+?)
Therefore look for two numbers whose product is 6 and whose sum is 5. These are 2 and 3 and the factors are

(x+ 2) and
the factors.

(x + 3)

If the constant c is negative, there must be a minus sign in one of

Factorise x2

+ 4x- 21.

In this case look for two numbers whose product is -21 and whose sum is *4. These numbers are *7 and -3. The factors are

(x+7)

and

(x-

3)

The coefficient of xz may not be equal to

1.

Factorise 2x2

- x-

6.

The coefficient of x2 is 2, which can be obtained by multiplying x and 2x. If this expression factorises then Zxz

_ x_

6:

(2x+ ?)(x+ ?)

Therefore look for two numbers whose product is -6 and which fit this arrangement.If you try 3 and -2 and expand, you get the required expression. The factors are (2x

+ 3) and (x -

2)

The other combinations don't give the required result; for example:

(2x-2)(x+3):2x2*4x-6

Algebra
In Example 4 the coefficient of the x2 term is not equal to To factorise 6x2 - x - 2, first look at the quadratic term: 6x2 - x - 2 : (6x + ?)(x + ?) or (2x+ ?)(3x + ?)
1.

19

Now look at the constant term. The constant -2 must have been generated from -2 and I or 2 and - l. Trying the different combinations shows that the factors are: (2x + 1) and (3x - 2)

Difference of two squares

Expanding and simplifring(a
a2 :a2-F The identity a2 - F : (a + b)(a -

(a+ b)(a- b) :

+ b)(a - b) gives ab + ba* F

b) is called the difference

of

two squares.

Factorise x2

25.

Notice that the expression is the difference of the two squares xz and 52. Using the identity a2 F (a b)(a b) gives x2

_ 25:

(x

* 5)(x _ 5).

Factorise

9*t - y'

Notice that the expression is the difference of the two squares (3x)2 and72. Using the identity a2 - b2 : (a t b)(a - b) gives
9x2

- ,z : -

(3x+ y)(3x- y).

Factorise 3xz

l2y2

Notice that neither 3 nor 12 are square numbers. However, there is an obvious factor of 3. Factorising gives

3(x2

4y2)

Notice that the expression x' - 4y, is the difference of the two squares x2 and (2y)2. Using the identity a2 - bz : (a * b)(a - b) gives

x,

- Ayr: (x * zy)(xl2y2

2y). 2y).

Therefore the full factorisation is

3x2

:3(x + zy)(x-

20

Algebra

Exercise 1F

In questions I to 6 factorise each of the given expressions.

1 a) 2x+ 4y
d) 8y

I2x

b)6a+9b e) 2m*6n

c) 5p - t\q

f) 3a-9b
c) 6p2 f) 3d -

d2a*4b-6c 2 a)5f +x
Qa1?-7y g) zbc- 8ba

h)9x-3y*62 b)2*+3a e) a* * 6xy

h) 4d

5p
6ab

- 6ab * 8ac
b) d)
cx

- 2by- 3bx+ 6xy c)*+5x-6 b)*+4x+3 4a)f-3x*2 f)*-4x-12 e)f-x-12 d)f+6x*9 i) *-8x't7 d xz*9x*20 h)f +x-6 j) *-3x-10 l) *+7x*r0 k)f+4x-5 b)2f+3x+r c)3*-5x-2 5 a)2*r-x-6 d) 3*- 10x* 3 e) s* - rIx* 2 f) 5f * 23x-t 12 d z* - r7x* 30 h) 3f * 26x-t 35 i) 7f - t9x- 6 k)4f -5x-6 l) e*+nx+s D aS*4x-3 c) f-81 b)f-e 6 a) *-16 f) 25f -4 e)a*-9 d)f-r44 t) 4* - stf h) 4e - 64* s) 16-e* j) zsf - r6f t) 4* - 36f k) * - t6%/
h)
W

a) ax*ay'tbx+by c) px + py + 2qx* 2q1t e) a2 + ac* ba* bc g) f + sPy- 2px- rlxy

ax- ay+ bx-

by

* 2cy - 2dx - 4dy f) P+cd-bc-bd

1.6

Quadraticequations
with
a

An expression of the form

constants

af *

bx

-l c, where a, b and c are

means 'not equal to'.

0, is called a

quadratic expression.
bx

An equation of the form

a* *

-l

c:

O,where a, b and c are

constants with a # 0, is called a quadratic equation. A quadratic equation will have at most two real solutions. The solutions are generally called the roots of the quadratic. There are three types of quadratic equation:

* b:0,a*0,c*0thatisaf * c:0 * c: 0, a* 0,b * 0 thatis af + bx: 0 * a*o,b+o,c#}thatisa* + bx* c:o

Algebra

21

axz+c=0

tu
Solve the equation

x2

- 16: 0 using 16 and

a) algebraic methods b) a GDC to draw the graph of y: x2

Function of the GDC.

find its roots.

Remember:
GDC

Check your solutions by using the Equation Solving

graphic display

calculator

a) Rearrange the equation to obtain

x2

:16
You must include

.'.x:+4

v +- i1.6 ^ - -vr

-4

as a 16.

The solutions are

x:

solution, since (-4)z

+ 4.

This equation can also be solved by factorisation using 'the difference of two squares'. That is:

x'- f: (x- y)(x+ y)

The equation x2 - 16 :
0 can be written as the difference

tll
of

two squares:

x2-42:O
Using [1] gives

- 42: (x* a)@+ 4):0 Using the result 'if ab :0 then a: 0 or b : x-4:0 or xl4:0 .'. x :4 or x: -4 The solutions are x: !4,as before.
x2

0' glves I
I

, ., t .' [ / .tf

,.2:

b) Using aGDC/gives the graph of

y: x2 - l6as shown. The solutions of the equation x2 - 16: 0 are the x values of
the intersection points of the graph and the x-axis.

-t-.

From the GDC these are x:4 and with the solutions from a). solutions as ,c: 4 and

x:

-4,which

agree

Finally, the GDC Equation Solving Function gives the

x: -4.

You may need to leave the answer

in exact

form.

A1 J J, "*---l

-t
22
Algebra

a) Solve the equation 4xz - 24 -0. b) Sketch the graph of y: 4*z - 24, showing clearlywhere the
curve intersects the axes.

a) Rearranging gives 4x2 :24

b)

:6 : *\/6 The solutions are x: *G.

xz .'. x

axz+bx=O
This type of quadratic equation can be solved by simple factorisation, where x is a factor.

a) Solve the equation x2 - 7x:0. b) Sketch the graph of y : x2 - 7x, showing clearly where the
curve intersects the axes.

a) Factorising the LHS gives

x(x-7):0 x:0 or x-7:0 .'" x :0 or x:7 The solutions are x : 0 and x:

axz+bx+c=0

7.

Many quadratic equations of this form can be solved by factorisation methods. However, not all quadratics of this form will factorise. When a quadratic expression will not factorise, the quadratic is said to be irreducible. Other methods are required for solving irreducible quadratics, namely 'completing the square'and the formula method (see pages 26-36).

a) Solve the equation x2 + 5x * 6 : 0. b) Sketch the graph of y: x2 + 5x * 6, showing clearly where

the curve intersects the x-axis.

a) Factorising the LHS gives (x+ 2)(x * 3): g

y=l+5*+6

x*2:0 or x*3:0 .'.x:-2 or x:-3 The solutions are x: -2 and x - -3.

Algebra
^-'-l
Solve the equation

23

Zf -

tSx

- 24: 0.

Factorising the LHS gives

- 8) :0 2xl 3 :0 or x* 8:0 ... x : _; oruc: g The solutions are *: -l.and x : 8.

(2x+ 3)(x
3

You may need to simpli$, and rearrange an equation so that there

is a quadratic expression on the LHS and zero on the RHS.

::::::::::i:::::_: _:: : :1 //'1"''

Rearranging and factorising the LH$gives

f -zx-15:0 (x+3)(x-5) :0 x*3:0 or x-5:O .'. x : -3 or x:5 The solutions are x: -3 and x : 5.

Use your GDC

to draw the

x2 - x - 10 and y: x + 5 and confirm that they crossatx:-3andx:-5.

graphs of

y:

Solve the equation (3x

+ l)(2x -

1)

(x -f 2)2 :

5.

Expanding the LHS and simplif,.ing gives

6*-x-l-(f+4x*4):5 5f-5x-5:5 Sf - 5x- 10:0 5(* - x- 2): g 5(x+ 1)(x- 2):0 x*1:0 or x-2:0 .'. x: - I or x:2 The solutions are x: -l and x: 2.

::l

24

Algebra

Solving problems with quadratic equations

you can often apply quadratic equations to real-life situations.

A piece of wire of length 1 metre is cut into two Parts and each part is bent to form a square. If the total area of the two squares formed is 325 cm2, find the perimeter of each square. Let one of the pieces of wire be of length x cm. Then the other piece is of length (100 x) cm.

il { t i t":
I

t,'

'

(100

x) cm

The square formed from the piece AB has sides of length The area, 41, of this square is given by

t t-'

x1

o' :

/x\/x\ c, (,zJ(;):,ftu---'

The square formed from the piece BC has sides of length /100 - x\

l\4

lcm. ) The area, A2, of this square is given by /100 - x\/100 - x\ (100

(r%-,).*

or: (,

n ,)(, A2:
x)2

x)2

l
.

Since the total area of the two squares is 325 cm2,

(r%-)"-

A\ +

325

* So:+' 16
x2

(100

:325
16 gives

16

Multiplying throughout by

x2*(1oo-x)2:5200
+ lo ooo - Zoox* x2:5200 2x2 - 2oox* 48oo: o 2(x2-100x*2400):g

2(x- a0)(:c- 60): s x- 40:0 or r- 60:

If x :

.'.

x:40 or x:60
ln practical problems,
remember to check that the
answers make sense.

40 cm, the square formed from the piece of wire AB has perimeter 40 cm, and the square formed from the piece of wire

BC has perimeter 60 cm.

If rc:

60 cm, the square formed from the piece of wire AB has perimeter 60 cm, and the square formed from the piece of wire BC has perimeter 40 cm. The perimeters of the squares are 40 cm and 60 cm.

t-t:

l)

/'t-:

lr

t o " s 7 t i-':" 3 I t"" -*.-'---

,-2.u.."//

Algebra
Exercise 1G
In questions

25

I to 4, solve each of the given

quadratic equations for x.

1 a) f -5x* 6:0

-7x*I0:0 - 6x*8:0 :9 l) f :x*12 k) f:4x 2 a)2f -t5x*2:0( c) 2f -3x-5:0' e)af *5x*I:01 g)Z*:10x*F/ i) L6* :9 k) 5l * l3x:6 /
t

c) f e) f g) f

b)f-3x-4:o d)f+5x*6:o f) *-5x-6:o

h) tr +

2x:8

j) * + 20:9x l) f - 8:7x
b) 3tr

-7x*2:o d)5f'tl4x-3:o f)6*-5x*1:o h)2f *x: 15 )) 3P -x:10 l) St' * 3: I4x

- l) x*2 x b)-:' 4 4-x 5 2x- I d)-:'8-x x*2

,.

a) (x+1)(x c) (2x + 3)(x- l)

+r:8 I
:
I

f) 2(5x+ l{)

e+2)2:Zxl-12

d)(x-3)(x-4)+7:(2x* 2xi _ ^\ _

s)(x

o)*+l - 3-Zxl * 2-3x // -\ 'x-l 3-., 2 **

Hint: Cross-multiply to remove the fractions.

The perimeter of a rectangle is 34 cm. Given that the diagon{ is of length 13 cm, and that the width is xcm, derive equation tlx 60 0. Hence find the dimensions of'the rectangle.

the I

A garden is in the shape of a rectangle, 20 metres by 8 metres. Around the outside is a border of uniform width, and in the middle is a square pond. The width of the border is the same as the width of the pond. The size of the area which is not occupied by either border or pond is 124 m2. Letting the width of the borderbe xm, derive the equation 3* - 56x * 36 : 0. Solve this equation to find the value of x.
20m

'-n

26

Algebra

7 A metal sleeve of length 20 cmhas rectangular cross-section

10 cm by 8 cm. The metal has

the sleeve,
495 cm3.

uniform thickness, xcm, along and the total volume of metal in the sleeve is

Derive the equation 16* the value of x.

I44x

* 99 :0, and solve it to find

A strand of wire of length 32 cm is cut into two pieces. One piece is bent to form a rectangle of width xcm and length (x + 2) cm, and the other piece is bent to form a square.

a) Show that the square has sides of length (7 - x) cm.

b) Given that the total of the areas enclosed by both the

rectangle and the square is 31 cm2, form an equation for x and solve it to find the value of x.

1.7 Completing

the square

Some examples of perfect squares are

25: 52 t -- 1P\z f + tZx* 36: (x+ 6)2 (x+ y)u: [(x + y)tl'
+ Sxinto a perfect You can make the quadratic expression square by adding halfthe coefficient ofthe rterm squared.
That is:

f + 8x+ (;)' : * + 8x+ (4)z :*+8x*16

Now

+ Bx*

t6:

G+ a)G+

a)

: (21* 4)2
which is a perfect square.
This process of adding half the coefficient of the called completing the square"
,c

term squared is

-'laa
:

{-':. .
.

EgF:='-:

Algebra
to make In general, if you want t b\"
add

27

f *

bx into a perfect square,

l;; \"/

,h) : * + Ur+L f+bx+l4 \")

: ("* :)(..:)

:(t*!\ \ 2)
which is a Perfect square.
The process of completing the square is used to express a

quadratic expression

af + bx *

in the form

a(x+

P)z

where p and 4 are constants. First, we will look at those quadratic expressions in which In general,

a:

I.

*+bx+

c:(..:l -Gl ., :(*+!Y-L-, 21

\
4

Because you have aooeo

.\2

(9)'
)

to make
so

** :

bx into a perfect

square, you must also subtract it

In the examples which follow, you will see why it is useful to express a quadratic expression in this form.

that

LHS

RHS.

Express x2 + 6x l intheform a(x* Hence solve the equation xz + 6x | answers in exact form.

- :

p)'+

q.

0, leaving your

Completing the square gives

t-,

:(x*3)r_g_t : (x* 3)2 _ l0 Rewriting the equation f + 6x - I : (x+3)2-10:0

(x* 3)2:
19

x2+6x-t- (*+3)'-G)'-t
0 gives

x* 3: *Vl0 .'. x: -3 * Vl-o The two solutions are x: -3 + V10 and x - -3 -

Vlb.

r.:=;

2a

Algebra

x2

Use the method of completing the square to solve the equation - 3x + I : 0, leaving your answers in exact form.

lf the equation is changed

slightlytox2-3x+3:0,
something interestrng happens. Completing the square gives

Completing the square gives

f _ 3x*r:[-iY-/-lY *, \ 2/ \ 2l
: / :\' [x-;)
lx-- l--:0 \\/ 2l q

/ 3\' e lx--l--+t \ 21 4
s
n

(,

x2-3x+3:(x-l\'*l \ 2) / 3rz 3 ^ fx--l :0 50 +-

\ 21

\'0 gives

3\2

z)
3

-3
4

Rewriting the equation x2 - 3x

/ :\'

* I:

Y-.'?

v4

lJ

T_a

The square root of a negative

number is not a real number. s

n

t.-tl: \ -/
x--:=

/ .r\'

Theequationx2-3x+3:0
has no real roots.

2 '''l 4- .'. x::t: E ,: 1* )')))

z[iG

The solutions are

una

*:

-E

To use this technique when the coefficient of the x2 term is not I you must factorise the expression, as in the next two examples.

Express 2x2

8x

values of a, p and q.

in the form a(x + p), + 4 and state the

2x2+

8x*5:z(f+ax+])
:2lQ+z1z-4+,1

Now proceed as before with the expression xz + 4x + l. z(x2 + +x+]):211o.+ zSz (z)'+Zl

: z[@+ 4z - t1
:2(x+Z7z-,
Therefore, a

2,

2 and

q- -3.

m::'.
F: :'

Algebra
)t'

29

tt-

l5x 20 in the form Express + l5x Hen.. solve the equation

3f *

a(x+

3f

- 20 :

p)2

q.

0, giving

your

answers to one decimal Place'

tt-

Taking out a factor of 3 gives

3f + tsx- 2o: t(* + s"-T)

Completing the square gives

t(* + s*-t):3[(x

:3[(x +)'-E] :3(x+ :)' - T Rewriting the equation3* + I5x - 20 : 0 gives

- @'-+] : r[(" +Z)'-+ -+l

+Z)'

3(x+3)'-T:o
3(x + z)'

:+
,^1155

("+i)':#
,5 *l'*::-i-u+

or
x: 1.1 The solutions are x: 1.1 and x:
Exercise lH

,: -1-v+
-6.1

or x:
-6.1 to I d.p.

Express each ofthese in the

form (x+ p)2 +

q.

f +4x*6 c) f- 10x*40
a) e)

tr-5x*9

b)f-6x*13 d)f-x-s f) *-20x*3

Use the method of completing the square to express the solutions to each of these quadratic equations in the form a b{i,where aand.b are rational,and nis an integer.

* a)f-4x-1:0 c) f - 2x- l:0 e)t'+r-1:0 d *-5x-2:0 i) t'+5x*1:0

b)f+6x*2:0 d) f - 8x- 3:0 f)*+3x*1:0 h)f- x-3:0 j) **l2x*5:0

k)f-9x*10:0

l)f-i*-I:o

5-',:i
-.=]

30

Algebra

Complete the square for each of these quadratic expressions.

a) 2x2 *

8x- 13 c)5-4x-x2 e) 2x2 - 6xf- 5

4

b) 3xz

- 6x* 2
5x2

d)5+4x-2x2

f)

23

- llx-

Use the method of completing the square to solve each of these quadratic equations, expressing your solutions in the form a + bl n,where a, b and n are rational.

a) 2x2 -

3x- 3:0

c)

*4x-5:0 e) 5x2 *x-3:o g) zxz - x-2:0 1) 7x2-I4x*5:0 k) 5x2 - 20x* 17 :0

4x2

b)3x2-6x*1:0 d)3x2*5x-1:0 f)2x2-3x-1:0 h) 4x2 t 3x- 2:0

il e*' * 4x- 3:0

l)
2x2

18x

* 2l :0

+ 4x -f 7 in the form (x + p)2 + q. Hence show that the equation xz + 4x * 7 : 0 has no real root.
Express xz

Express 5x2 30x 47 in the form a(x+ p)2 + q. Hence show that the equation 5x2 30x 47 0 has no real

root.

7
8

Show that the equation

.x- 3 ! 2x* 3
* + ax:
b,

t+:

n^has

no real root.

where a and, bare real numbers, has a unique solution, prove that d -l 4b: 0.
Given that the equation

1.8

Quadratic formula
A root x is a solution of the
equation

The general quadratic equation has the form a* * bx * c: 0, where a, b andc are constants with a * 0.Solving this general equation in terms of a, b and c will give a formula for the roots of any quadratic equation ax2 + bx* c:0:

f(x):

g.

If axz * bx *
then

c:

0, where

a,b and c are constants with

a*

0,

This is called the quadratic

formula.

x: -5'r

tlSz

- a*

2a

&.-

ffi:, -:'
.:;,.
Algebra
formula like this: You can Prove the.
Factorising out a in axz
You will not need to learn this
31

bx

* c:

0 gives

proof for your exarnination.

o(*,

+ i\ : +!" a al

Completing the square gives

bt2 F cl : 'L('* ,,) - 4o'*;l tl

4(.. *1

.(r#')] :'
,(***f:n t.t-r-t-4ac

t bt2 4ac-F a(x+*) * 4o :o

4a

bl2 F-4ac
4a2

\" zo)
--r---+n'zo
.

b
-.:

l-

[F-+a,
4a2

--!

..

4-

2a 2a -btYF - 4*
2a

u tlw-+*

as

required.

You can use the quadratic formula to soive any quadratic equation.

Solve the equation 2xz

an exact form.

+ 2x -

l:

0, giving

your solutions in

In this case

a: 2, b : 2, c - - 1, which gives *- -2+lt2-4(2)(-D 2(2) !\E _ -2

4

_ -2 x.2{5
4

-l t \5
You could get the same

.'.

x:

22

or x: -

solutions by completing the square. Using the formula generally quicker.

is

These are the exact solutions and are left in this form.

Algebra quadratic equation $iscriminant of a

The quantttY

33

A is the Greek capital letter 'delta'.

of the quadratic equation axz + bx* c:0' iscalledthe discriminant typ"of roots that a quadratic equation has depends on the

L=F-4ac

6r a
* *

value of the discriminant' and the associated equation has two real In Example 2,

L:48

roots. In ExamPle 3, A real roots.

In ExamPle repeated root.

: - 184 and the associated equation has no 4, A : 0 and the associated equation has a

pider the general quadratic equation

#,.ibi* e':0
8-,!,4ac

0, the equation has two disliqct,real rootst 0, the equation has one repeatedroot.

1S';:,='4q6:10, the equation has no reatriroots.

8 t 4ac:

The discriminant of a quadratic equation tells you whether the associated graph of the quadratic expression cuts the x-axis at two different points, does not cut the x-axis at all or touches the x-axis 0. at one point. Each case is illustrated,for

a)

The equation has two roots.

The equation has no roots.

The equation has one repeated root.

,.--

Use the

discriminant to determine which of these quadratic equations has two distinct real roots, equal roots or no real roots.

a)3x2-x*2:o c)4x2-4x*l:o
a) In this
case

b) az -

3x- 28:

L,: F - 4ac : (_1)2 _ 4(3)(2)

aa

a:3,b - - l, c:2.The

discriminant is givenby

- -zJ Since A ( 0 the equation has no real roots.

w-l t,d
34
Algebra

f
::

b) In this case a:
given by

-3,

s:

-28. The discriminant

is

A: (-3)2 - 4(l)(-28) :9 * Il2 : l2I

> 0 the equation
case 4

A is a perfect square (112i :1 1), so the quadratic

function will factorise.

'1
{

Since A

c) In this

has two distinct real roots.

c

1 1
I
Use your GDC

a: (_4)2 _ 4(4)(1) -0 Since A : 0 the equation has equal roots. :

4, b

-4,

1.

The discriminant is given by

to draw the

I I I
I

graphs for a), b) and c),

illustrating the cases of O, 1 and

2 roots.

no real roots, this means that y is always positive or always negative. The curve never crosses the
chas

If the graph of y

axz

bx

-l

x-axis.

Z* + Zx *

Calculate the discriminant of the quadratic expression 7. Hence show that 2* + 7 is always positive.

lx+

Calculating the discriminant with L,: F - 4ac : (7)2 - 4(2)(7)

l

a:

2, b

7 andc

7 gives

The discriminant is
Since

0, the equation Zf + Zx 7 has no real roots. Therefore, y .: Z* 7x 7 is never zero and the graph of y 2* + 7 x -t 7 does not cut the x_axis.

- -7 (

-7.

* :0

Since the coefficient of the.f term is positive, you know that the curve is U-shaped. Therefore, the entire curve lies above the x-axis. Therefore 2f + 7x * 7 is always positive.

Find the values of the constant k given that the equation (5k + t)f - Bkx.+ 3k:0 has a iepeated root.
The equation (5k + r)f - gkrc + 3k : 0 has a repeated root the discriminant of the equation is zero.

if

Algebra
of the equation with Calculating the discriminant
6

35

t'
I

a: sk+ 1,

-9kand

c:3k

gives

t-

L:8-4ac : ?8k)2 -

641&

+ 1)(3k) lzk(sk + I)
4(sk

I
lF
J

.'.A-4lc-rzk Putting A : 0 and factorising gives 4l? * tzk:0 4k(k- 3):0 .'.k-0 or k-3:0 .'.k-0 or k:3
The required values of k ate 0 and 3.

Exercise 1l

Use the quadratic

formula to solve each of these equations, giving your answers correct to three significant figures.

f :, * 2x- r:0
y'
2 {*'-3x-5:0
*t
Use

b) x2 +

4x*2:o d)vz-7x*4:o
f) x2+ 8x-10:o

*3x-5:o

your GDC to solve each of these equations, giving your answers correct to three significant figures.

a)x2+x-1:0 c) xz + 5x* 3:0 e) x2- lox*15:o 3

Use the quadratic

b)P-6x-10:o
d)xez-6x*6:o f) x2 + r2x- 2o:
o

formula to solve each of these equations, giving your answers correct to three significant figures.

a)2x2r3x-4:o c) 4x2*5x-7:o e) 5x2 -l2x- l: o

Use

b)3x2*x-3:0 d) 2x2 * 7xt 4:0 f) 6x2 * 5x- 3:0

your GDC to solve each of these equations, giving your answers correct to three significant figures.

a)2x2*x-8:0
c) 3x2'l7x-13:0
e)

b)

6x2*9x-t2:0

* 3x- 1:0 d)2x2-3x-8:0 f) 5x2-l 4x- 3:o

6x2

35

Algebra

three significant figures.

Solve each of these equations, giving your answers correct to

2)(x-l) ,2x*5 x*3 c) -_-:x-2 x*6

a) (x+

:x

: 4 G) e+ 2)z * 5x: 6
t::,2-x )-: ' (dl ',j'3
4-3x
5

- x

* x
of

use the discriminant to determine the number of real roots each of these quadratic equations.

- 3xI 7 :0 c) 9x2 - l2x* 4:0 e) 4x2 * 25:20x

a) 5xz

l'-b,;6x2-5x-3:o

,'9);z*'*6x*3:o 1{|sxz:l-2x

7 8 9

calculate the discriminant of the quadratic 3x2 + 5x * g. Hence show that 3xz + 5x * g ) 0, for all values of r calculate the discriminant of the quadratic 5x2 + 2x * r. + 2x * I ) 0, for all values of x.
0

Hence show that 5x2

I
1

a) By completing the square, show that x2 + 3x* 5 ) all values of rc b) Illustrate your answer on your GDC.
show that 2x2

for

1
for

1O a) By completing the square,

all values of x.

4x

* 5)

(
I
-1

b) Illustrate your answer on your GDC.

11 12 13 14

Prove that the inequality 3xz

13

<

L2xhas no real solution.

I
1

Find the possible values of the constant a given that the equation ax2 +.(g - a)x* I : 0 has a repeated root.
Given that the equation x2 3bx + (4b+ l) repeated root, find the possible values of the

-l
1

0 has a
b.

constant

I
1

show that there is no real value of the constant c for which the equation
cx2

+ (4c+ l)x+ (c+

2):0 r

has a repeated root.

t :
0

-t

ff;$iQg{e
rndiffer
'--

ll=)-?

equation.

roots of the equation xz ax + (a + 2) by 2, fihd the possible values of the constant c. Hence"st6i"e the possible values of the roots of the

Y, : lua t

-)

."...;.....

ffirll.l

'

Algebra

37

7.g

Disguised quadratic equations

not appear to be quadratic, but in fact are.

do Some equations

Solve the equation x4

5x2

14

0.

This equation does not appear to be a quadratic, but writing in the form

it

(x')'+5(xz)-14:0 and letting Y: x2 gives y,+5y-14:0

quadratic equation in 7. which To solve the equationin y,factorise in the usual way giving
is a

You can say that the original equation is a 'quadratic equation in x'.

Now replacing Twith x2 gives x2 : -7 or x2 : 2. You can see that f : -7 gives no real solutions. However, xz :2gives x : *\,0..
An equation with no x2 in

(y+7)(y-2)=0 Solving gives I - -7 or y:

2.

A negative number has no real

square root.

it may still be quadratic.

Solve the equation

- 9{x*
as

20

0.

Rewrite the equation

({i, - s({r) * 20: o

The original equation is a quadratic in

G. Letting

y:

{*gru"t

y'-9y*20:o
Factorising and solving gives

:. y:4

U-q)(Y-5):o
or y:5
16 or

Replacing y with Vx gives Solving gives

{x :
25.

+ or

{x :

5.

x:

x:

Exercise 1J

Solve each of these equations for^x.

a) xa-I3x2+ 36:0
c) x6-28x3-t27:o e) x- slG+ 6: o

tb)

xn

-2x2 -3:0

d)x6+5x3-24:o

f)'x- e{x+ 5:0

-l 38
Algebra

Solve each of these equations for x.

a)xzll:;
c)

'r8 b)'x'*
d)

7:

x: n{-x- 35
\tx

x'- 6x* - -0

-10 * --=:7 e) ' Vx

3 Solve (x

f) x2+3:+ r
5(x+ 3) f + :
6.

Z1z

Solve

(3x-

l)2 +

6(3x- t) -

0.

5 a) Solvef

-ly*10:0. 7(x2

b) Hence find the solutions to (x2 + t;z

1)

l0 :
t+

0.

;
I

->6 \\ I \)

a)Solvef-sy-14:0.
b) Hence find the solutions to (x3 a) By using the substitution
1)2

5(x3

- l) -

0.

I
I

reducesto2f+p-10:0.
b) Hence solve2xa

p: x+ f, show that the equation x 2xa + x3 - 6xz * x* 2:0 * x3 6x2

I
I

+ x* 2 =

0.

1.1O Sketching the graph of a quadratic function

The simplest quadratic function is y: ,2. If y is plotted against x then the result is the graph shown here.
The shape of the graph of a

quadratic function is called

parabola.

Important features of the graph to note are: * It is U shaped * It has a line of symmetry, which is the y-axis * It has a vertex at (0,0).
You can produce variations in the graph of this simplest quadratic function by translations of the graph of y *2.

If you plot the graph of y: (x - l)(x - 3) you still get a U-shaped graph but the line of symmetry and vertex are different. It is easy to see that when x : 1 and x: 3,then y: 0 and hence the graph intersects the x-axis at x: I and x : 3. The line of symmetry will be x : 2: half-way between the x intercepts,
because the graph is symmetrical.

F,!==

Algebra
To

39

fin{

This lives the curve shown'

whet{

x:

the lowest point, the 7-coordinate of the vertex, find (2 r)(2 3) 2, which gives 7 - 1.

y:(x-l)("x-3)
You can check this using your GDC and plotting

y: (x (,,
-<D.
Given that

1Xx

3) directly.

y:

(x

* 2)(x 7.

6) write down:

a) the equation of the axis of symmetry b) the coordinates of the vertex

c) the minimum value of Hence sketch the curve.

a) You can see that when x: -2 and rc: 6 the curve intersects the x-axis. The equation of the axis of symmetry is therefore x- 2 (half way between -2 and 6).

Vx- ,:{
i"

t- :t

b) The 7-coordinate of the vertex is forurd_fu,sr:bstiIuEnJ=*2 into the equation of the curve, giving y: (2 + 2)(2 - 6) : -t0
Therefore the vertex has coordinates (2,
I

l,/,, 'J

li I ,'/-f :_-/l

16).

I
I-

c) The minimum value of

,/ occurs at the vertex and is therefore 16.

The sketch of the curve is shown.

You

will usually meet the quadratic function in the more general form y : ax2 * bx * q and be asked to sketch the graph of the function. It is useful to remember these facts: 'f' If a> 0 then the graph is U shaped and the vertex is where the function reaches a minimum value. * If a< 0 then the graph is fl shaped and the vertex is where the function reaches a maximum value.

If y :0 has roots then these will be the x-coordinates of the

points where the graph intersects the x-axis.
-,-.-:8 --

.Fr .' .-{

::l
,1

40

Algebra

-J

If you express the function in the form a(x + D, + q,you can

deduce details about the graph of

y:

axz

bx

c.

- 2x - L5, a) use the GDC to plot the graph of y: xz - 2x Given the quadratic function y x2

15

b)

inthe form (x + p), + q and write down: i) the equation of the axis of symmetry ii) the coordinates of the vertex iii) the minimum value of 7 c) find the coordinates of the x-intercepts.
express y

a) Using the GDC gives the graph shown. b) Completing the square gives

c) The x-intercepts occur when y:

The equation of the axis of symmetry is x : l. ii) The coordinates of the vertex are ( I , - 16) . iii) The graph is U shaped and hence 7 attains a minimum value at the vertex of - 16.

i)

- 2x- 15: (x- l)' - (-l)t : (x- I)2 - t6 Therefore, y: (x - l)' - rc.
x2

tS

Here, p

-1,
1

q: -16 :
(1,

0.

So: x2-2x-15:0
Factorising and solving gives

x: *p:

Axis of symmetry is

Vertex is (-p, q)

16)

(x+ 3)(x .'.

5)

:0
x-5

x: -3 or

Therefore the x-intercepts are (-3,0) and (5,0).

Express y

: f - 2x-

8 in the

form (x + p), +

4. Hence state:

a) the coordinates of the vertex b) whether / attains a maximum or minimum value, and state
its value

c) the equation of the axis of symmetry.

By solving the equation

x-intercepts.

*-

2x

- 8:
Zx

write down the

g.

Hence sketch the graph of y

:*-

Algebra
Completing the square gives

41

\
I

:(x_t)r_g g' Therefore, Y: (x- l)'I

I

f -2x-8- (x-r)' -(-t)'-s

r
T T

a) The coordinates of the vertex of the graph of y - f - Zx - 8 are (1, -9). b) Since the coefficient of * is positive the graph of 7 is U shaped and hence y attains a minimum value. The minimum value occurs at the vertex and from a) you can see its value is -9.

c) The equation of the axis of symmetry is x : l.

Using factorisation to solve the equation

*-

2x

- 8:

0 gives

r
T

f-zx-8:o (x+ 2)(x - 4) :0

x:*2orx:4
Therefore the x-intercepts are

(-2,0)

and (4,0).

I
I

Using this information gives the graph of y

:*-

Zx

g.

I
I

tt-

r
T

fI

Express hence:

/: - x2 *

10x

2l in the form a(x +

p)2

qand

a) state the coordinates ofthe vertex b) determine the maximum or minimum value of 7. Find the x-intercepts on the graph of y : - x2 + 10x - 2I and
hence sketch the graph.

Completing the square gives

-x2 +

lox- 2r : -(x'-1or+21) : - [(x - s)'z - (-s)z + ztl

-[(x-s)2-4) -(x- 5)2 + 4

Therefore,

/: -(x-

5)2

+ 4.

g:i.:r.:i{

42

Algebra

a) The coordinates of the vertex are (5, 4). b) The coefficient of the x2 term is negative, therefore the graph of y is O shaped and y attains a maximum value. This maximum value occurs at the vertex and its value is 4.
The x-intercepts are found by solving the equation - f + 10x - 2I : 0. Factorising and solving gives

-x2+lox-21 :o

x2-lox*2r:o (x-3)(x-7):0 x:3 or x:7

The x-intercepts are (3,0) and (7,0). The graph of y : - * + 10x - 21 is shown.

Maxima and minima

Many practical situations give rise to quadratic expressions. Sometimes these involve finding the maximum or minimum value of a quantity. The next example shows how to do this by the method of completing the square.

Find the maximum area of a rectangle which has a perimeter of

28 units.
Since the perimeter is 28 units, the sum the length and the width is 14 units. Let the rectangle have length x. Then its width is 14 x.

of

l---_-}o-'

The area, A, of the rectangle is given by

A: x(I4- x) : l4x- x2
Express A in the form a(x

+ p)t + q to determine the

maximum value of A: A: _x2 * I4x: _(xz

_ I4x)

:-[(x-7)2-49] :-(x-7)z+49
+
49.
Use your GDC

Therefore,

A: -(x-

7)2

The maximum value of A is 49 units2, which occurs when x: 7 units. Notice that when x: 7, y: 14 - 7 - 7. In other words, the rectangle is a square when it attains its maximum area.

to sketch the

graph of

y:

14x

x2 and
7.

confirm that a maximum of 49 takes place when

x:

Algebra 43
Exercise 1K

Sketch the graph of each of the following quadratic functions, and label all axis crossings. (x s)(x 9) b) 3)(x+ 3) a)

y: (xc) y: (2x- 3)(x+ 2) e) Y:25-* g)y:f+7x+t2 i) y:-zf -5x*7 2

Use the method

y: - d) y: * - + f) y:f -zx-+ h) y:2f - sx- 2

of completing the square to find the minimum value of 1 and the value of x at which it occurs. a)

c) y: * - tox+ qo e) Y:*+3x+g

Y: * + +x+ 6

b)y:*-6x*13 d)y:i+2x-5

f) y:i-lx+rs

r'i

"'

'!

of completing the square to sketch the graphs of these quadratics, marking the coordinates of the vertex and the x- and y-intercepts on your diagrams.
Use the method

y: f + zx- s c) y: * + 3x+ s
a) e)

Y:f -zx-6
y:2* + rox- 5
y:

b)y:f+gx+z d) y: * + tox+ zl f) y: * - sx+ +

b)

of completing the square to find the minimum value of y and the value of x at which it occurs.
Use the method

a)

c) Y:qf +x-7 e) ef + x+ s

y:3* + 6x+ 14 d)y:z*-zx+g f) y:s*-zx+g

b)

Use the method of completing the square to find the maximum value of 7 and the value of x at which it occurs.

Y:3 - 2x- * c) Y:8*2x-f e) y:7-3x-4*

a)

Y:5 * 4x- * d)Y:3*2x*2f f) y:6*5x-2*

Use the method of completing the square to sketch the graphs of these quadratics.

y:zf -qx-4 c) Y:8+2x-f e) y:2f -4x*5

a)

b)

y:3f + 6x- 15 d)y:4*8x-2* f) Y:6-6x-3*

a

A farmer has 40 m of fencing with which to enclose rectangular pen. Given the pen is xm wide, a) show that its area is (20x - f) m'

b) deduce the maximum

area that he can enclose.

44

Algebra

Another farmer also has 40 m of fencing, and he also wishes to enclose a rectangular pen of maximum area, but one side of his pen will consist of part of a wall which is already in place. Given that the two sides of his pen touching the wall each have length x m, find an expression, in terms of rg for the area that he can enclose. Deduce that the maximum area is 200 m2. A third farmer also has 40 m of fencing but he decides to use a right-angled corner of a building, as in the diagram.
Show that the area which he can enclose is given by the expression (40x 3*) m2, and deduce the maximum value

this area.

of

10 When

into the air with an initial s-r its height, h metres, above the point of projection, at a time f seconds after the instant of projection, can be approximated by the formula h: 30t - 5P. Find the maximum height reached by the stone, and the time at which this occurs.
speed of 30 m

a stone is projected vertically

\
ti
d

11 A strip of wire of length 28 cm is cut into two pieces. One piece is bent to form a square of side .r cm, and the other piece is bent to form a rectangle of width 3 cm.

.l
F
A

a) Show that the lengths of the other two b)

c)
12 It

sides of the rectangle are given by ( I 1 2x) cm. Deduce that the total combined area of the square and the rectangle is 6x 33) cm2. Prove that the minimum total area which can be enclosed

(l -

rl
J

inthiswayis 24cmz.
area inside a triangle, PQR, in which PR : 1 metre, RQ : 2 metres, and PRQ : 90'. The diagram shows an arbitrary rectangle, RSTU, in which TU : xmetres and ST : /metres. is required to

fit a rectangle of maximum

rV
I
I

*tu-a
a) Show that y:2 - 2x. b) Find an expression, in terms of a for the
area of the

I
I

rectangle, and deduce that the rectangle of maximum area which fits inside triangle PQR has area)m2.

13

Show that, in general, for any rectangle drawn inside any right-angled triangle, the area of the rectangle cannot exceed half the area of the triangle.

I
I
T

Algebra

45

7.11 Algebraic fractions

you can add and subtract algebraic fractions in the same way as To find the sum or udd and subffact numerical fractions.

"oo 'diff"r"n , of two numerical fractions, each fraction must be .*pr.rr.d in terms of the same denominator, called the lowest common denominator. For example, in calculating

-Lrl 3t6
thelowest common denominator is 6, since 3 is a factor of 6. Therefore,

2,l_ r ,l -L i+a: e r e - o3-

When the only common factor of the denominators is 1, you can find their product and use the product as the common denominator. For example, in calculating

i+i
the lowest common denominator is 3

x 7 :21'

since 3 and 7 have

no common factor other than 1. Therefore,

,+j:;:.-rzr:zl

7 , 3

l0

A numerical fraction whose numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator is called an improper fraction. For example,3 is un improper fraction which can be written as 11.

An algebraic fraction is called improper if the degree of the numerator is greater than or equal to the degree of the denominator. For example,

The degree of an algebraic expression is the highest power

*+zx-g
3x*
is an 7

of x that appears in it.

improper fraction because the degree of the numerator is 2 and the degree of the denominator is 1.

Express as a sinsle e fraction. x* 6 x-17

The lowest common denominator is (x

L)

+ 6)(x *
6)

7). Therefore:

4 2 x't6 x*7

4(x+ 7) - 2(x+
4x4- 28 2x

means 'is identical to'.

For example, x

* x:-2x

(x+6)(x+7)

2x-

12

(x+6)(x+7)
7)

-f 16 (x+ 6)(x+ 2(x+ 8)

x*6

x-t7 (x+6)(x+7)

46

Algebra

52 Express ' x*3 +-asasinglefraction. x- |

Hence solve the equation

52 r-x*3 x-I
|

1 -J

Expressing the LHS as one single algebraic fraction gives

5(x- l) + 2(x+ 3) (x+ 3)(x- 1) 7x* I (x+ 3)(x- 1)

7x* | (x+ 3)(x- 1)

_1 --t

Multiply throughout by (x + 3)(x

- 1) to give 7x*I:3(x+3)(x-l)
7x* I:3(x2 + 2x* 3) 7x* I:3xz * 6x- 9

.'.3x2-x-10:0
Factorising and solving gives

3x2- x- 10:0 (3x+ s)(x - 2) : 0

. -_ _! ..4: Of X:2

\t
Exercise 1L

1 Express each of these as a single fraction.

ot 'x-I
r.,

.32

-r-

x-f

'x-5 x*4 - 2xl G' ' x*2 x-2 .2x-tI 3x -\ _I_ 6) x-2 x*4 2
Showthat

.42

'x*4 ,x2 d)_ 'x-3 -.53 f) _ '2x-3 5x6 h)_ '*+3

7x- 17 (x- 2)(x- I)
x

2r

x-3 x*2
2x*5

2x-5

34 x- 2 x- I 347 -l---_ x-2 x-l

Hence solve the equation

I
LE

L:

Li
l'',

Algebra

47

a'
L.
a

21

Express

.-,

tx +

las

a single

fraction'

equation Hence solve the

l,'
t_

215 x-3'2x*l
4
Given

:-

2x-3

t_

qrb er-t 3x't I = (6x-1)(3x+

.where

1)

aand,b are both constants, find the values of aandb.

which Find the values of the constants A and B for

AB2x x-5'x*5

*-25

Summary

'exprsslon

-fi +- 1lP - 4*
2a

G"

48

Algebra
i'

Revision exercise 1

r; a.!

The quadratic equation 4f + 4kx + 9 : 0, k > 0, has exactly one solution for x. Find the value of k.
Show that the equation (k roots for all values of k

o /Bo[2000]

a:

2 3

- l)* * 2x :2f 8x

(k

3)

0 has real

Consider the functionflx)

5,

a) Express flx) in the form a(x * p)t + 4, where a, p, q e Z.

Z:

means 'belongs to'

lhe set of integers

t.
a:

b) Find the minimum value of flx).

The diagram shows part of the curve / : where

So x

means'x is an integer'.
@

lBOl2oo2l

tl

a(x

a,h,keZ.

h)2

k,

a) The vertex is at the point (3, 1).Write down the value of ft and of k.
b) The point P(5, 9) is on the graph. Show that
L) Hence show that the equation
as

a:

2.

Y: 2f -

I2x

of the curve can be written

19.

o 1BOl2003l

The diagram shows part of the graph with equation y -The graph cuts the x-axis at -2 and 3.

+ px +

q.

Find the value of

a)p

b)q

rBoI2001)

The diagram shows the graph with equation

y:

ix(6

x).

a) Write down

i)

the coordinates of Q ii) the equation of the line of symmetry of the graph.

b) Find the coordinates of V the maximum point.

o lBO[1ee8]

t*a

Algebra 49
Y
curve shown in the diagram has equation y

: 2 * x - *.

rr
:a

;; i.r=
v: 3

t' .l t,: a:

J-r

a-.'
.lt-.

.a

i:'
a

r:j
:i:

)'i'-. ,' a'

tI
t

r a. 'I
a

F. |,
;--i'

:a

t t' I
a

Find the coordinates of the Points

a)A f.x* (x- p)(x- q).

b)B

c)c

rBo[lee7)

lI-..',

:s
't a'
a a

The diagram represents the graph of the function

t t t

a
a

a
a a

a.
a a a
a a a
a

lJ

a
a

t I t t I

a) Write down the values of p and

q.

The function has a minimum value at the point C.

*,
U;

'a
a a

b) Find the x-coordinate of C.

rBo[leee]

.o
''; .;
3:

I 'L t

y:af-fbx*c.

The diagram shows part of the graph of the function

:.

aa
a

a' a.
a a

vi
al

a:
1

:.
a

a a
a

vl

I c I o I c I

State whether each

of the following expressions is positive,

negative or zero.

a)a

b)c

c)F- ac

d)b

o /Bol2ooo)

t.

U
E--