Introduction
Equations are one of the most important tools used in Algebra. Equations are mathematical statements where 2 expressions are separated by an equal sign (=).
ex. 4x - 7 = 8x - 5 Most equations contain at least one unknown value denoted by a variable. Variables are symbols, usually letters, used to represent an unknown value.
Types of Equations
We will study several different equations throughout our Algebra I and Algebra II classes.
1) Equations in 1 variable.
ex. 4x - 7 = 8x - 5 2) Proportions ex.
x 3 x 1 5
ex. x2 + 7x = -12
Do not try to solve these equations now! Well explore each topic individually.
Equations in 1 Variable
Ex. 4x - 7 = 8x - 5
Think about these equations like a balanced scale. Your job is to get the variable by itself without disrupting the balance of the scale. The way to do this is use INVERSE (OPPOSITE) OPERATIONS. 4x - 7 = 8x - 5 -8x -8x 1) We need to get the variable on 1 side. We have +8x on the right side. The opposite of positive is negative. Therefore, well subtract 8x from each side. 2) To eliminate -7, we need to add 7 to each side. 3) Remember: -4x means -4 times x. The opposite of multiplication is division. We are going to divide both sides by 4.
-4x - 7 = -5 +7 +7 -4x = 2
-4
-4
x = -
Once youve solved each equation, click the mouse again to check the solutions!
1) x 3 2) x 2 3) x 6 4) x 4
Proportions
A proportion is an equation that sets two ratios (fractions) equal to each other. The key to solving proportions is to rewrite it as an equation in 1 variable. We do this using a process called cross multiplying.
x 3 x 1 5
x 5 3( x 1) 5 x 3x 3 3x 3x
2x 3 2 2 3 1 x or 1 2 2
1) To cross multiply, multiply the top (numerator) of one fraction by the bottom (denominator) of the other. 2) Take the solutions and set them equal to each other.
Practice-- Proportions
Solve each of the following proportions by cross multiplying.
x 4 1) 20 5 100 4 x 2) 30 6 x4 7 3) 12 3
After solving each of the proportions, click your mouse again to see the solutions.
1) x 16 2) x 5 3) x 32
Fractional Equations
Fractional equations are exactly what the name implies equations that contain fractions. Fractions can be a difficult concept, especially when working with equations. Our goal is to eliminate the fractions from the equation.
x x 2 3 5
x x 15 15 15 2 3 5 5 x 3x 30
8 x 30 8 x 8 15 3 or 3 4 4
1) To eliminate the fractions we have to find a common denominator the number that can be divided evenly by all the denominators in the equation. (In this case, the denominators are 3 and 5!) ** The smallest number that can be divided by 3 and 5 is 15. A
quick way to find a common denominator is to multiply your denominators!
2) Multiply every term on both sides of the equation by the common denominator. Simplify each term. 3) Solve the Equation in 1 Variable.
Once you have solved the equations, click your mouse again to see the solutions.
1) x 3 2) x 8 1 3) x 2
3)
Quadratic EquationsMethod 1
x2 + 7x = -12 Quadratic Equations are distinguished from other equations because they contain an x2 term. There are 2 methods to solve quadratic equations. Both methods require the same initial step: THE EQUATION MUST EQUAL 0! We call this standard form. To write the above equation in standard form, add 12 to each side. x2 + 7x + 12 = 0
ax 2 bx c 0 b b 2 4ac x 2a
The key to quadratic formula is identifying a, b, and c. Then, plug the values into the formula!
7 49 48 2
7 1 7 1 2 2
x = -3 or -4
1) x 6, x 2
3)x 4 x 7 0
2
2) x 8, x 3 3) x 5.32, x 1.32
Summary
1 Variable
Linear equations
Unique variable Use inverse operations keep the scale balanced 2 fractions equal Cross multiply Contain at least 1 fraction Multiply all terms by common denominator
Proportions
Contain x and y Infinite number of solutions represented as ordered pairs Must be in y-form Graph solution (line) Contain x2 2 methods to solve: zero product property or quadratic formula Must be in standard form (= 0)
Quadratic equations
Fractional
Mixed Practice
We have seen many different types of equations. See if you can determine which type of equation is listed below, then solve the equation!
x 2x 1) 5 6 3 2) y 2 12 y 27 0 3)5 x 2 x 10 3x x 1 4) 4 6 5)2 x y 3
1) x 1
2) x 3, x 9 3) x 2 2 4) x 7 5) slope -2 y- int -3