7

NUMBER AND ALGEBRA

EQUATIONS
Equation-solving has been recorded as far back as 1500 BCE. It was first used in ancient
Babylon and Egypt and was brought to Europe from India by the Arabs during the 9th
century. The word ‘algebra’ comes from the Arabic word al-jabr, meaning restoration,
the process of performing the same operation on both sides of an equation to solve the
equation.

248 New Century Maths 9 Advanced 9780170453325

 Shutterstock.com/e.backlund
Chapter outline Wordbank
cubic equation An equation involving a variable cubed (power of 3),
Working mathematically such as 2x3 = 250.
7.01 Equations with variables on U F R equation A mathematical statement that 2 quantities are equal,
both sides involving algebraic expressions and an equals sign (=)
7.02 Equations with brackets U F R C formula A rule written as an algebraic equation, using variables.
inverse operation An opposite used in solving an equation, for
7.03 Equation problems U F PS R C example, the inverse operation of multiplying is dividing
7.04 Equations with algebraic U F R linear equation An equation involving a variable that is not
fractions raised to a power, such as 2x + 9 = 17.
7.05 Simple quadratic equations U F R C quadratic equation An equation involving a variable squared
ax2 = c (power of 2), such as 3x2 – 6 = 69.
solution The answer to an equation or problem, the correct
7.06 Simple cubic equations U F R C
value(s) of the variable that makes an equation true
ax3 = c*#
solve (an equation) To find the value of an unknown variable in
7.07 Equations and formulas U F PS R an equation
7.08 Changing the subject of a U F R C
formula*#
* STAGE 5.3
# NSW ONLY, NOT AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM

U = Understanding | F = Fluency | PS = Problem solving | R = Reasoning | C = Communication

9780170453325 Chapter 7 | Equations 249

 In this chapter you will:
• solve linear equations and problems involving equations
• solve linear equations involving simple algebraic fractions
• (STAGE 5.3) solve linear equations involving complex algebraic fractions
• solve simple quadratic equations of the form ax2 = c
• (STAGE 5.3) solve simple cubic equations of the form ax3 = c
• use formulas to solve problems
• (STAGE 5.3) change the subject of a formula
Solving
equations

SkillCheck ANSWERS ON P. 583

1 Solve each equation. Use substitution to check your solutions.
3x − 10 = 5 4 + 2y = 21 12y + 5 = 23 −6 =2
4
Backtracking
m
a b c d
x −5 5r −2 x
=7 = 10 =3 11 − 2 a = 17
4 3 5
e f g h

20 + 4 d = −6 +3= 4 −1 = 7 6− = 4
2 6 3
w a n
Solving
i j k l

Using n to represent ‘the number’, write an expression for each of these statements.
equations by
balancing

2
a The product of the number and 7.
b The square of the number.
5 times the sum of the number and 8.
Solving
equations by
backtracking
c
d The number decreased by 20.
e The product of 6 and the number, decreased by nine.
If the number is even, the next even number.
Solving
equations
using f
diagrams

7.01 Equations with variables on both sides

Equations with variables on both sides

For equations with variables on both sides, perform operations on both sides to move:
• all the variables onto one side of the equation
Equations
with
unknowns

• all the numbers onto the other side of the equation.

on both
sides

Equations
with
variables
Shutterstock.com/Olesia Bilkei

on both
sides

250 New Century Maths 9 Advanced 9780170453325

 Example 1
Solve each equation.
a 7x + 7 = 2x + 2 b 9 – 6y = 10 – 2y
Solution
7x + 7 = 2x + 2
7x – 2x + 7 = 2x – 2x + 2 Subtracting 2x from both sides
a

5x + 7 = 2
5x + 7 – 7 = 2 – 7 Subtracting 7 from both sides
7.01

5x = –5
5x −5 Dividing both sides by 5
5 5
=
x = –1
Check:
LHS   = 7 × (–1) + 7 = 0 LHS = left-hand side,
RHS = 2 × (–1) + 2 = 0 RHS = right-hand side.
LHS   = RHS.
9 – 6y = 10 – 2y
9 – 6y + 2y = 10 – 2y + 2y Adding 2y to both sides
b

9 – 4y = 10
9 – 4y – 9 = 10 – 9 Subtracting 9 from both sides
–4y = 1
−4 y 1 Dividing both sides by (–4)
−4 −4
=
1
y=−
4
Check:
1
LHS = 9 – 6 ×  −  = 10 21
 4
1
RHS = 10 – 2 ×  −  = 10 21
4
LHS = RHS.


EXERCISE 7.01 ANSWERS ON P. 583

Equations with variables on both sides UFR

1 Solve each equation and check your solutions.

5w + 3 = 2w + 21 2q – 10 = q – 4 13x + 1 = 8x + 26
R
EXAMPLE
1

12n + 3 = 5n – 11 8y – 10 = 10y – 30 3m – 2 = 10 – 3m
a b c

9 – 2a = a – 9 9 – 2x = 18 + 7x 12y + 6 = 6 + 9y
d e f

–12 – 10u = –20 – 18u 15 – 7x = 22 – 3x 10 – 6x = –15 – 11x

g h i
j k l

2 For each equation, select the correct solution A, B, C or D.

6x – 1 = 2x + 11
x = 12 x=3 x=0 x = 2.5
a
A B C D
b 11 – 4p = 2p + 2
A p = 6.5 B p=2 C p = 1.5 D p=3

Foundation Standard Complex

9780170453325 Chapter 7 | Equations 251

 3 Solve each equation.
7w + 15 = w + 3 10 – 3t = 16 + t 4a + 2 = 10 – 4a
R

a b c
d 50 + 7y = 20 – 3y e 8y – 2 = 10y + 1 f 9y + 3 = 9 – y
g 9 – t = 7t – 2 h 5y + 2 = 17 – y i 25 – 12k = 15 – 6k

4 Solve –3n – 8 = –7n – 12. Select A, B, C or D.

A n=5 B n=2 C n = –1 D n = –0.4

Did you know?

The outer planets
In 1781, British astronomer William Herschel
discovered the planet Uranus. At that time, it was the
farthest planet known in our solar system. However,
astronomers found that Uranus’ orbit around the Sun
did not follow the expected path.
Working separately, mathematicians John Couch
Adams of England and Urbain Leverrier of France both
predicted that this different orbit was caused by an
unknown planet. They calculated the position of this

Science Photo Library/Claus Lunau

undiscovered planet using a number of equations.
In 1846, a German astronomer called Johann Galle
located this planet and named it Neptune.
The dwarf planet, Pluto, was discovered in a similar
manner.
How long ago was Pluto discovered?

7.02 Equations with brackets

WS Equations with brackets

For equations with brackets (grouping symbols), expand the expressions and then solve
as usual.
Worksheet
Homework
Equations 2

WS

Worksheet
Homework
Checking
Example 2
Solve each equation.
solutions

a 3(a + 7) = 6
b 9(m – 5) = 7(m + 1)
10y – 3(2y – 5) = 6(8 – 3y)
Equations

Foundation Standard Complex

252 New Century Maths 9 Advanced 9780170453325

 Solution
a 3(a + 7) = 6 Can you think of another
3a + 21 = 6 way to solve this equation Expanding the expression to make it a
Equations

without expanding? 2-step equation

order
activity

3a + 21 – 21 = 6 – 21 Subtract 21 from both sides

3a = –15
3a −15
Equations

Divide both sides by 3

with

3 3
brackets
= 7.02

a = –5 Check: 3(–5 + 7) = 3 × 2 = 6
b 9(m – 5) = 7(m + 1)
9m – 45 = 7m + 7 Expanding brackets on both sides
Solving
equations

9m – 7m – 45 = 7m – 7m + 7 Subtracting 7m from both sides

2m – 45 = 7
2m – 45 + 45 = 7 + 45 Adding 45 to both sides
2m = 52
2m 52 Dividing both sides by 2
2 2
=

m = 26
Check:
LHS = 9 × (26 – 5) = 9 × 21 = 189
RHS = 7 × (26 + 1) = 7 × 27 = 189
LHS = RHS.
c 10y – 3(2y – 5) = 6(8 – 3y)
10y – 6y + 15 = 48 – 18y Expanding brackets on both sides
4y + 15 = 48 – 18y Collecting like terms
4y + 18y + 15 = 48 – 18y + 18y Adding 18y to both sides
22y + 15 = 48

22y + 15 – 15 = 48 – 15 Subtracting 15 from both sides

22y = 33
22 y 33 Dividing both sides by 22
22 22
=

y = 1 21

EXERCISE 7.02 ANSWERS ON P. 584

Equations with brackets UFRC

1 Solve each equation.

2(m + 3) = 8 3(x + 1) = 9 5(y – 2) = 15y
R
EXAMPLE
2
a b c
d 35 = 7(k + 1) e 4(3 – a) = 16 f 11 = 9(1 + 2p)
g 3h = 4(h + 6) h 6(m – 10) = –6 i 8u = 11(u – 3)
j 27 = 7(2y + 1) k 5(2 + 3p) = –8 l 22x = 9(4x – 3)

Foundation Standard Complex

9780170453325 Chapter 7 | Equations 253

 2 In which line has an error been made in solving 5(x – 3) = 25? Select A, B, C or D.
5(x – 3) = 25
5x – 8 = 25 Line 1
5x – 8 + 8 = 25 + 8 Line 2
5x = 33    Line 3
33
x= Line 4
5
3
=6
5
A Line 1 B Line 2 C Line 3 D Line 4

3 Show that k = 5 is the solution to 12(k – 1) = 48. R C

4 Show that a = 6 is the solution to 10 + a = 2(2 + a). R C

5 Solve each equation.

8(m + 2) = 5(m + 5) 2(y – 3) = 4(y – 5)
R

a b
c 3(2 + x) = 4(1 + x) d 5(p + 2) = 3(6 + p)
e 5n + 6 = 2(2n + 1) f 2(4 – 3x) = 4(7 – 3x)
g 4(3w – 1) = 5(4 + 3w) h –2(x + 1) = 16 – 5x
i –8y – 5 = 5(2y – 3)

6 Show that the solution to 5(2m – 2) = 6(m + 1) is m = 4. R C

7 Solve each equation.

5(m + 6) + 10 = 3(m + 2) + 20 3(y + 2) – 10 = 2(y – 1) + 5
R

a b
c 7y + 2(y + 5) = 4(y – 10) d 3x + 4(5 + x) = 6(2 + x) + 20
e 5y + 2(y – 3) = 4y + 2(2y + 10) f 11 – 2(5 + y) = 4(3 + y) – 1
g 8 – 3(1 – m) = 5(m + 3) + 4 h 12 – 7(2y – 5) = 6 – 15(2 – 5y)

7.03 Equation problems

WS Steps in solving word problems using equations

1 Read the problem carefully and determine what needs to be found: ‘What is the question?’
2 Use a variable to represent the unknown quantity.
Worksheet
Homework
Angle
problems
with

3 Write the problem as an equation.

algebra

4 Solve the equation.

5 Answer the problem.
Writing
and solving
equations

Foundation Standard Complex

254 New Century Maths 9 Advanced 9780170453325

 Example 3
When three-quarters of a number is decreased by 8, the result is 46. What is the number?

Solution
Let the number be x.
3x
− 8 = 46 Translating from words to algebra
4
3x
Adding 8 to both sides
7.03
− 8 + 8 = 46 + 8
4
3x
= 54
4
3x
× 4 = 54 × 4 Multiplying both sides by 4
4
3 x = 216

3 x 216 Dividing both sides by 3

3 3
=
3 × 72
x = 72 Check: − 8 = 54 − 8 = 46
4
The number is 72.

Example 4
A rectangle is 3 times as long as it is wide. If its perimeter is 60 cm,
find its dimensions.

Solution
Let the width of the rectangle be w cm. Then the length is 3w cm.
3w cm

w cm

The perimeter is w + 3w + w + 3w and this is given as 60.

w + 3w + w + 3w = 60
8w = 60
w = 7.5
∴ The width of the rectangle is 7.5 cm and the length is 3 × 7.5 = 22.5 cm.
Check: The perimeter of a rectangle with dimensions 7.5 cm and 22.5 cm is
7.5 + 22.5 + 7.5 + 22.5 = 60 cm.

9780170453325 Chapter 7 | Equations 255

 Example 5
The sum of 3 consecutive numbers is 150. Consecutive numbers follow
each other in order, such as 7, 8, 9.
Find the numbers.

Solution
Let the first number be x.
The next number is x + 1 and the third number is x + 2.
Their sum is x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) and this is given as 150.

x + x + 1 + x + 2 = 150
3x + 3 = 150
3x = 147
147
3
x=
= 49
∴ The consecutive numbers are 49, 50 and 51.
Check: 49 + 50 + 51 = 150.

Example 6
Ryan is 6 years older than his sister Kelsey. Their mother
is 3 times Ryan’s age.
Equation
problems

If the sum of the 3 ages is 59, write a simplified

equation to find Ryan’s age.
a

Shutterstock.com/Syda Productions
Solve the equation and find each person’s age.
Presentation
Applying
linear
equations b

Solution
a Let x = Ryan’s age.
Kelsey’s age is x – 6. Kelsey is 6 years younger than Ryan
The mother’s age is 3x.
x + (x – 6) + 3x = 59
5x – 6 = 59 Simplify the equation
5x – 6 = 59
5x = 65
b

x = 13
Ryan is 13 years old.
Kelsey is 13 – 6 = 7 years old.
Their mother is 3 × 13 = 39 years old.
Check: 13 + 7 + 39 = 59

256 New Century Maths 9 Advanced 9780170453325

 EXERCISE 7.03 ANSWERS ON P. 584
Equation problems U F PS R C

1 When 7 is subtracted from 4 times a certain number, the answer is 37.

What is the number? PS R C
EXAMPLE
3

2 If 15 more than a number is 3 more than double the number, what is the number?

3 Two-thirds of a number is 16. What is the number? 7.03

4 When two-fifths of a number is increased by 15, the result is 27. What is the number?

5 A rectangle is 4 times as long as it is wide. The perimeter of the rectangle is 100 cm.
Find the dimensions of the rectangle. PS R C
EXAMPLE
4

6 The length of a rectangle is 7 cm longer than its width.

Let w be the width of the rectangle. Write an equation for w if the perimeter of the
rectangle is 94 cm.
a

b Solve the equation and find the dimensions of the rectangle.

7 Find the value of x in this triangle. 88°

11)°
2(x +

8 a Find the value of y.

(7y + 19)°
b What is the size of each alternate angle?
5( y + 9)°

9 Calculate the size of each marked angle.

2(4x – 3)°

7(x + 3)°

10 The sum of 2 consecutive numbers is 87. Find the numbers. PS R C

11 The sum of 3 consecutive numbers is 87. Find the numbers.

EXAMPLE
5

12 The sum of 3 consecutive even integers is 168. What are the 3 integers?

13 The sum of 3 consecutive odd integers is 75. Find the integers.

14 Dean’s father, Franco, is 5 times Dean’s age. Dean is 8 years older than his sister,
Helen. The sum of all their ages is 62 years. How old is each person? (Hint: Let Dean’s
EXAMPLE

age be x.) PS R C
6

15 Bill is 3 times as old as his daughter, Rebekah, who is 6 years younger than her brother,
Tyrone. How old is Rebekah if the sum of their 3 ages is 76 years?

Foundation Standard Complex

9780170453325 Chapter 7 | Equations 257

 16 In my money box I have only $1 and $2 coins. I have 240 coins in total, worth $318.
How many $2 coins do I have in the money box?

17 Aerin bought 4 ice creams and received $2.80 change from his $20 note. How much did
each ice cream cost?

18 Ashvin is twice as tall as his little sister, Sureti, and 30 cm shorter than his father.
Their combined height is 3.8 m. Find the height of each person.

19 The length of a rectangle is 9.5 cm longer than its width. The perimeter of the rectangle
is 87 cm. Find the dimensions of the rectangle.

20 Janine is 6 years younger than her husband, Vila, who is 3 times the age of their son
Brett. Brett is 5 years older than his sister Amanda. The sum of all their ages is 125 years.
How old is each person?

21 A house is constructed in the shape shown below. If the house has a 2d – 5

floor area of 54m2, what is the value of d? PS R C
8

4
d

22 Ashleigh only collects 20-cent and 50-cent coins. Last week she counted 420 coins to the
value of $156. How many 50-cent coins did Ashleigh have?

Mental skills 7A: Maths without calculators ANSWERS ON P. 584

Fraction of a quantity
Learn these commonly-used fractions and their decimal equivalents.

1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2
Fraction
2 4 8 4 5 10 20 5
Decimal 0.5 0.25 0.125 0.75 0.2 0.1 0.05 0.4

Now we will use them to find a fraction or decimal of a quantity.

1 Study each example.
1 2 1
× 72 = 72 ÷ 4 × 40 = ( × 40) × 2
4 5 5
a b
= 18 =8×2
= 16
3 1 1
× 32 = ( × 32) × 3 0.5 × 66 = × 66
4 4 2
c d
=8×3 = 33
= 24
1 1
0.05 × 80 = × 80 0.125 × 56 = × 56
20 8
e f
=4 =7

Foundation Standard Complex

258 New Century Maths 9 Advanced 9780170453325

 Now simplify each expression.
1 1 1 1
2
× 28 × 36 × 70 × 64
2 4 10 8
a b c d

1 1 2 1
× 15 × 80 × 25 × 100
5 10 5 20
e f g h

3 1
× 44 × 40 0.25 × 60 0.4 × 45
4 8
i j k l
m 0.1 × 260 n 0.125 × 48 o 0.75 × 48 p 0.05 × 120
0.2 × 70 0.5 × 320 0.25 × 56 0.125 × 16
7.04
q r s t

Equations with algebraic fractions 7.04

Example 7
Solve each equation.
x + 11 a − 2 2a + 5
+ 9 = −3
4 4 3
a b =
WS
Solution
x + 11 a − 2 2a + 5
+ 9 = −3
Worksheet
Homework
Equations 3

a b
4 4 3
=

x + 11 For equations where all terms are

+9 −9 = −3−9 fractions, multiply both sides by a
4
common multiple of the denominators
Equations

x + 11
= −12
code

to remove the fractions.

puzzle

4
x + 11
× 4 = − 12 × 4 The lowest common multiple
4
x + 11 = − 48 (LCM) of 3 and 4 is 12, so multiply
x + 11 − 11 = − 48 − 11 both sides by 12.
Solving
equations

x = − 59
with
fractions

( a − 2) (2 a + 5)
12 × = 12 ×
4 3
( a − 2) (2 a + 5)
12 ×
3
= 12 ×
4

41 31
3(a – 2) = 4(2a + 5)
3a – 6 = 8a + 20
–5a – 6 = 20
–5a = 26
26
−5
a=
a = −5 51

9780170453325 Chapter 7 | Equations 259

 Example 8
Solve each equation.
2m m
+ =4 − =2
Equations
with

3 7 3 2
algebraic k k
fractions a b

Solution
Multiply both sides by 21, the LCM Multiply both sides by 6, the LCM of 3
of 3 and 7. and 2.
a b

2m m 
21  +  = 21 × 4 6  −  =6×2
3 7  3 2
k k

21 × + 21 × = 84 62 ×
2m 3 m
− 6 × = 12
3 7
k k
31 21
7
21 × + 213 × = 84 4m − 3m = 12
31 71
k k

m = 12
7k + 3k = 84
10k = 84
84
10
k=

k = 8 25

STAGE 5.3
Example 9
Solve each equation.
2n + 1 3n − 2 a + 5 3a
= −5 =5
3 2 6 4
a − b +
Equations
with
algebraic
Solution
Multiply both sides by 6, the LCM of Multiply both sides by 12, the LCM of
fractions

3 and 2. 6 and 4.
a b

2n + 1 3n − 2  a + 5 3a 
6   = 6 × (−5) 12  +  = 12 × 5
3 2   6 4
−

 2n + 1  3  3n − 2   a + 5  3  3a 
62  −6  = − 30 2
12  + 12   = 60
 31   21   61   41 
2 (2n + 1) − 3(3n − 2 ) = − 30 2 ( a + 5) + 3 (3a ) = 60
4n + 2 − 9n + 6 = − 30 2a + 10 + 9a = 60
−5n + 8 = − 30 11a + 10 = 60
−5n = − 38 11a = 50
−38 50
−5 11
n= a=
3 6
=7 =4
5 11

260 New Century Maths 9 Advanced 9780170453325

 EXERCISE 7.04 ANSWERS ON P. 584
Equations with algebraic fractions UFR

1 Solve each equation.

a +1 x+4
+ 5 = 15 − 10 = 2
R
EXAMPLE

4 5
7
a b

x −5 y −2
−1 = 4 −2 = 6
5 5
c d

p +1 4y +6
− 11 = 8 5+ = 15
7.04
3 9
e f

10 x − 2 3y + 5
1+ = − 10 + 9 = −1
2 4
g h

12 − x 15 − d
−1 = 6 + 10 = 0
3 7
i j

3 − 2w 6 − 4p
+4=5 − 10 = − 6
11 9
k l

2 Solve each equation.

x +5 x+4 y+8 y −2
= =
R

4 5 3 2
a b

2p − 1 p+5 2w + 5 3w + 1
= =
4 3 3 5
c d

8x − 4 4x + 5 m−6 2m − 3
= =
3 2 4 10
e f

2y + 4 5y −2 4x − 2 x +7
= =
3 5 6 4
g h

12 − 2 x 9+ x 8 − 3w 2w + 1
= =
4 3 5 4
i j

7 − 5x 1 − 9x 8− x 2x +1
= =
2 4 2 3
k l

3 Solve + = 1. Select the correct answer A, B, C or D. R

3 2
x x

x = 1 51 x = 1 21 x=1 x=2
EXAMPLE
8
A B C D

4 Solve each equation. R

+ = 14 − =3
4 3 2 3
d d k k
a b

+ = 10 + = 10
3 2 8 3
m m x x
c d

− =4 − =1
3 5 4 5
p p k k
e f

4k 3m
− = 34 + = 11
3 5 5 2
k m
g h

4a 2a
+ = 10
5 3
i

Foundation Standard Complex

9780170453325 Chapter 7 | Equations 261

 p −1 p + 3
5 What is the solution to = 4? Select A, B, C or D. R
5 2
STAGE 5.3
−
A p = −12 B p = −19 C p = 14 D p=3

6 Solve each equation.

EXAMPLE
9
R

x −1 2p p + 1
=0 =2
7 4 3 6
x
a + b −

m +2 m +1 c −2 c −3
= 12 =4
2 3 5 2
c + d −

2y −1 y +1 x −1 x − 4
=6 = −5
4 2 3 6
e + f +

7 + 2p 1 − p 6y −1 y +2
= −1 =8
5 2 4 3
g − h −

a+5 2a 3x − 1 5
+3= = 2x +
4 5 4 6
i j

12u + 3 u+4 m−6 3m − 1

= 2u − + 2m =
7 6 5 4
k l

Investigation
Solving x2 = c
1 x2 = 25 has 2 solutions. What are they?
2 What are the possible solutions for each of the following?
a x2 = 9 b x2 = 49 c x2 = 100
3 What is the inverse operation of ‘squaring’?
4 Study this example:
x2 = 81
x = ± 81 which means 81 or – 81
x = ±9 which means 9 or –9
Check: When x = 9, x2 = 92 = 81
When x = –9, x2 = (–9)2 = 81
Now use the same method to solve each equation and check your answers.
a m2 = 1 b k2 = 64
5 How many solutions does each quadratic equation have?
a m2 = 1 b k2 = 64 c x2 = 81
6 Do the following quadratic equations have solutions? (Give reasons for your answers.)
a w2 = –1 b y2 = –64 c h2 = –81
7 Write an example of a quadratic equation that has only one solution.

Foundation Standard Complex

262 New Century Maths 9 Advanced 9780170453325

 Simple quadratic equations ax2 = c 7.05
An equation in which the highest power of the variable is 2 is called a quadratic equation, for
example, x2 = 5, 3m2 + 7 = 10, d2 – 4 = 0 and 4t2 – 3t = 8.
Simple

The quadratic equation x = c 2 7.05

quadratic
equations

The quadratic equation x2 = c (where c is a positive number) has 2 solutions:

x = ± c (which means x = c and x = – c ).
WS

Worksheet
Homework
Equations
review

Example 10
Solve each quadratic equation.
a y2 = 16 b p2 = 65 c 5a2 = 245

Solution
a y2 = 16
y = ± 16 Finding the square root of both sides
= ±4
65 is not a square number,
b p2 = 65 so leave the answer as a surd.

p = ± 65 Finding the square root of both sides

c 5a2 = 245
a2 =
245 Dividing both sides by 5
5
a2 = 49
a = ± 49
= ±7

Example 11
Solve each quadratic equation, writing the solution correct to one decimal place.
3h 2
4x2 = 500 = 26
5
a b

Solution
3h 2
4x2 = 500 = 26
5
500
a b
x2 = 3h2 = 26 × 5
4
x2 = 125 3h2 = 130
130
x = ± 125 h2 =
3
= ±11.1803… h2 = 43 13
≈ ±11.2
h = ± 43 13
= ±6.5828…
≈ ±6.6

9780170453325 Chapter 7 | Equations 263

 EXERCISE 7.05 ANSWERS ON P. 584
Simple quadratic equations ax2 = c UFRC

1 Solve each quadratic equation, writing the solutions as surds if necessary.

m2 = 144 x2 = 400 y2 = 225 k2 = 59
EXAMPLE
10

y2 = 10 w2 = 36 8x2 = 200 9t2 = 81

a b c d
e f g h
=8 5k2 = 40 3w2 = 30 2d 2 = 288
a2
2
i j k l

=8 =7 4x2 = 1 = 27
2
w2 m2
2 10 3
k
m n o p

8y2 = 40 2p2 + 3 = 21 3k2 = 48 –2=9

y2
5
q r s t
u 6x = 42
2

2 Solve each equation, writing the solution correct to one decimal place.
m2 = 20 b2 = 17 v2 = 6 2p2 = 35
EXAMPLE
11

7 u2
a b c d
9k2 = 63 =8 =6 =2
x2 k2
5 16 10
e f g h
3w
6y2 = 84 = 20 a2 + 11 = 28 2y2 – 14 = 63
2

4
i j k l

3 Explain why the quadratic equation k2 + 25 = 0 has no solutions. R C

4 State which of these quadratic equations has no solutions. Give reasons.

x2 = –9 2k2 + 5 = 9 3m2 + 8 = 4
R C

a b c
9w 2 5 a2
–1=1 4+ =8 +3=2
d2
2 3 2
d e f

STAGE 5.3
Investigation
Solving x3 = c
1 x3 = 27 has only one solution. What is it?
2 What is the solution to each equation?
a x3 = 125 b x3 = 64 c x3 = −8
3 What is the inverse operation of ‘cubing’?
4 Study this example:
x3 = −27
x = 3 −27
x = −3
The cube root of a negative number is also negative.
Check: When x = −3, x3 = (−3)3 = −27
Now use the same method to solve each equation and check your answers.
a r3 = −1000 b u3 = 216
5 How many solutions does each cubic equation have?
a n3 = 1 b t3 = −343 c x3 = −1

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 Simple cubic equations ax3 = c# 7.06
#NSW ONLY, NOT AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM

An equation in which the highest power of the variable is 3 is called a cubic equation,
for example, x3 = 12, 2m3 + 1 = 25, d3 − 14 = 4 and x3 − 3x2 + 5x + 4 = 0.
STAGE 5.3

The cubic equation x3 = c 7.06

The cubic equation x3 = c has one solution:

x=3c

Example 12
Solve each cubic equation.
a n 3 = 729 b d3 = 40 c −3y3 = 1029

Solution
a n 3 = 729 Finding the cube root of both sides
n = 729
3

=9

d 3 = 40 Finding the cube root of both sides.

40 is not a cube number so leave the answer
b
d = 40
3

as a surd.
−3 y 3 = 1029 Dividing both sides by −3
1029
c

y3 =
−3
y 3 = −343
y = 3 −343
= −7

Example 13
Solve each cubic equation, writing the solution correct to one decimal place.
2h3 = −18 = 11
z3
7
a b

Solution
2 h 3 = −18 z3
= 11
−18 7
a b

h3 =
2 z 3 = 11 × 7
h = −9
3
z 3 = 77
h = 3 −9 z = 3 77
= −2.0800… = 4.2543…
≈ − 2.1 ≈ 4.3

9780170453325 Chapter 7 | Equations 265

STAGE 5.3 EXERCISE 7.06 ANSWERS ON P. 584
Simple cubic equations ax2 = c UFRC

1 Solve each cubic equation, writing the solutions as surds if necessary.

r3 = 1 k3 = 216
EXAMPLE
12
a b
c d 3 = −27 d x3 = −45
e w3 = 100 f f 3 = 64
g 4m3 = 32 h 2t3 = −250
= 108 −3k3 = 192
3

2
c
i j
2p 3
7a3 = 105
9
k l = −4

m 4q3 = 665.5
n3
5
n = −345.6

8s3 = 150
e3
8
o p = −1
q −6y3 = 40 r 2v3 − 10 = 1014
4b
= 12 + 4 = −8
3
z3
5 6
s t
u −4x3 = −144

2 Solve each equation, writing the solution correct to one decimal place.
a c3 = 47 b g3 = 151
EXAMPLE
c y3 = −450 d −8p3 = 728
3u3 = 245
13
x3
5
e f = −11

11a 3
= 25 = 80
h3
20 7
g − h

5v 3
−6d3 = 186
8
i j = −27
k a3 − 45 = 220 l 4j3 + 72 = −166
3 a Does a cubic equation of the form x3 = c always have a solution?
b When is the solution to x3 = c positive?
c When does x3 = c have 2 solutions? R C

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 Equations and formulas 7.07
A formula is an algebraic equation that shows a relationship between variables. For example,
the formula for the area of a circle is A = pr2, where A is the area and r is the radius of the circle
(p is a constant). Because the formula is for the area, A is called the subject of the formula and
it is the variable on its own on the left side of the ‘=’ sign. 7.07

Example 14
The formula for the perimeter (P) of a rectangle of length l and
width w is given by w

P = 2(l + w).
Use the formula to find:
l

a the perimeter of a rectangle with length 20 cm and width 9 cm

b the width of a rectangle if its length is 12 m and its perimeter is 70 m
c the length of a rectangle if its width is 42 cm and its perimeter is 1.8 m.

Solution
a l = 20, w = 9: b l = 12, P = 70:
P = 2(l + w) P = 2(l + w)
= 2(20 + 9) 70 = 2(12 + w)
= 2 × 29 70 = 24 + 2w
= 58 46 = 2w
46
∴ The perimeter is 58 cm.
2
= 23
w=

∴ The width is 23 cm.

c w = 42, P = 1.8 m = 180 cm   since w is given in cm

P = 2(l + w)
180 = 2(l + 42)
180 = 2l + 84
96 = 2l
96
2
= 48
l=

∴ The length is 48 cm.

9780170453325 Chapter 7 | Equations 267

 Example 15
The cost of hiring a sound system for a party is $250
plus $75 per hour. The cost can be represented by
the formula C = 250 + 75h, where C is the total
cost (in dollars), and h is the number of hours.
Find the cost of hiring the sound system

iStock.com/Bet_Noire
for 4 hours.
a

A family is willing to spend $750 for hiring the

sound system. What is the maximum number
b

of whole rental hours that the family can afford?

Solution
a h = 4: b C = 750:
C = 250 + 75h 750 = 250 + 75h
= 250 + 75 × 4 500 = 75h
500
= 550
75
h=
∴ The cost is $550. 2
=6
3
∴ The maximum number of whole
hours is 6.

EXERCISE 7.07 ANSWERS ON P. 584

Equations and formulas U F PS R

1 Given the formula y = 5x + b, find:

a y if x = 5 and b = 3 b y if x = –1 and b = 16
c b if y = 40 and x = 3 d b if y = –6 and x = –1
e x if y = 27 and b = 12 f x if y = 64 and b = –16

2 A temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) can be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F)

9C
using the formula F = + 32 . Convert each temperature to °F.
EXAMPLE

5
14

a 35°C b –10°C c 16°C

3 Use the formula in question 2 to convert each temperature to °C, correct to one decimal
place. PS R
a 100°F b –45°F c 78°F

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 1
4 The formula A = (a + b)h is used to find the
2
a
area of a trapezium, where A is the area, a and b
are the lengths of the parallel sides, and h is the
h

perpendicular height between them.

Use the formula to find:
b

a the area of a trapezium with height 6 cm and parallel sides of length 9 cm and 15 cm
the height of a trapezium if its area is 420 cm2 and it has parallel sides of length 22 7.07

cm and 20 cm
b

the length of one side of a trapezium if its parallel side is 20.5 m, its area is 318 m2
and its height is 12 m.
c

5 Find the value of S in the formula M = if M = 12.6 and k = 3.15. Select A, B, C or D.

5
kS

60 7.938 20 0.8
EXAMPLE
15
A B C D

6 The cost C (in dollars) of hiring a limousine is given by the formula C = 2500 + 150h,
where h is the number of hours of hire. Find: PS R
a the cost of hiring a limousine for 4 hours
b the cost of hiring a limousine for 2 days
c the number of hours for which you could hire a limousine for $4000
the maximum number of whole hours for which a limousine could be hired at a cost
of $5250
d

7 The profit, $P, made by an online store selling games is given by P = 35x – 750, where x
represents the number of games sold. Find: PS R
a the profit made when 230 games are sold
b the number of games sold if the profit is $18 010.

8 A catering company charges $C for a function with P people using the formula
C = 1500 + 75.5P. PS R
a How much does the company charge for a function with 10 guests?
b Find the cost of catering for a group of 60 people.
Diane has $10 000 to spend on catering for her wedding reception. What is the
maximum number of people she can invite?
c

9 The perimeter of a rectangle is given by the formula P = 2(l + w), where l is the
rectangle’s length and w is its width. What is the length of a rectangle with a width of 4
and a perimeter of 52? Select A, B, C or D.
A 9 B 12 C 18 D 22

10 The temperature T (in °C) of a hot liquid as it cools is given by the formula
T = 100 – 17.5h, where h is the number of hours it has been cooling. Find:
the temperature of the liquid after 2 hours
PS R

a
b the temperature of the liquid after 30 minutes
c the number of hours it takes for the temperature of the liquid to reach 30°C.

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 11 Archeologists use the formula H = 2.52t + 75.8 to estimate the height, H cm, of a man
when the tibia (shin bone) length, t cm, is measurable. PS R
A male tibia 42 cm long was found intact. Estimate the height of the male, correct to
the nearest centimetre.
a

Estimate, to the nearest centimetre, the length of the tibia of a male whose height is
174 cm.
b

Mental skills 7B: Maths without calculators ANSWERS ON P. 584

Percentage of a quantity
Learn these commonly-used percentages and their fraction equivalents.

Percentage 50% 25% 12.5% 75% 20% 10% 1 2

33 % 66 %
3 3

Fraction 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2
2 4 8 4 5 10 3 3

Now we will use them to find a percentage of a quantity.

1 Study each example.

1 1
20% × 25 = × 25 50% × 120 = × 120
5 2
a b

=5 = 60
1 3
12.5% × 32 = × 32 75% × 56 = × 60
8 4
c d
=4 1
= ( × 60) × 3
4
= 15 × 3
= 45
1 1 2 2
33 % × 27 = × 27 66 % × 60 = × 60
3 3 3 3
e f

=9 1
= ( × 60) × 2
3
= 20 × 2
= 40
Now simplify each expression.
1 2
2
25% × 44 33 % × 120 20% × 35 66 % × 36
3 3
a b c d

1
10% × 230 12 % × 48 50% × 86 20% × 400
2
e f g h

1
75% × 24 33 % × 45 25% × 160 10% × 650
3
i j k l

2
m 12.5% × 88 66 % × 21 20% × 60 75% × 180
3
n o p

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 Changing the subject of a formula# 7.08
#NSW ONLY, NOT AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM

In the formula v = u + at, v is the subject of the formula. When the formula is rearranged so
that one of the other variables becomes the subject, the process is called changing the subject
STAGE 5.3

of the formula. To change the subject of a formula, use the same rules as for solving an
equation. The answer is not a number but an algebraic expression (another formula). 7.08
Formulas
squaresaw

Example 16
For the formula v = u + at, change the subject to a
WS

a
Make b the subject of the formula x = b − 4 ac .
2
Worksheet
Homework
Changing

b
the subject

m −1
Given P = , change the subject of the formula to m.
of a
formula

m+1
c

Solution
To make a the subject of the formula, solve it like an equation for a.
Changing

v = u + at
a the subject
of a
formula

u + at = v Swapping sides so the new subject a appears

on the LHS
at = v – u Subtracting u from both sides
a=
v−u Dividing both sides by t
t

b x = b 2 − 4 ac

b 2 − 4 ac = x Swapping sides
b − 4 ac = x
2 2
Squaring both sides
b 2 = x 2 + 4 ac Adding 4ac to both sides

b = ± x 2 + 4 ac Taking the positive and negative square root

of both sides
m −1
m+1
c P=

m −1 Swapping sides
m+1
=P
m − 1 = P ( m + 1) Multiplying both sides by m + 1
= Pm + P Expanding
m − Pm = P + 1 Moving the m-terms to the LHS,
the 1 to the RHS
m(1 − P ) = P + 1 Factorise m from the LHS
P +1 Dividing both sides by 1 − P
1− P
m=

9780170453325 Chapter 7 | Equations 271

STAGE 5.3 EXERCISE 7.08 ANSWERS ON P. 585
Changing the subject of the formula UFRC

1 Change the subject of each formula to x.

d=x+c y = mx + c p = ax − y
R C
EXAMPLE
16
a b c
k = mrx
x m
d y= +p e f v=
m x
1
c = ax + by A = h( x + y )
2 2
x+ y
g A= h i

1
2 The volume of a pyramid has the formula V = Ah, where A is the area of the base
3
and h is the perpendicular height. Change the subject of the formula to A.
Select the correct answer A, B, C or D. R C

1 3 3V
A = 3Vh
3
A A = Vh B A= C D A=
Vh h

3 Make y the subject of each formula.

m = an + ay
R C

2 x
a b x=y c k=
x2 + y2 = r2 M = ny2
y
d Q=P+ y e f

b = c2 − 2ay
r
g m= h i t= y−x
y

4 Change the subject of each formula to the variable shown. R C

1
V = lbh; h = ? A = πr2; r = ? K = mv 2 ; v = ?
2
a b c
9C 1
F = 5 + 32; C = ? s = ut + at 2 ; a = ? A = ( x + y ); y = ?
2 2
h
d e f

5 What is the correct formula for p = m(n + x) if x is the subject?

Select A, B, C or D. R C
p p p
A x = p − mn B x= C x= −n D x = −m
mn m n

6 The cost ($C) of a hire car is given by C = 80 + 4.2d, where d is the distance travelled in
kilometres. R C
a Find the cost of hiring the car for a journey of 50 km.
b Make d the subject of the formula.
c Find the number of whole kilometres that can be travelled in the hire car for $402.

7 The angle sum of a shape with n sides is A°, where A = 180(n − 2).
Use the formula to find the angle sum of a shape with 7 sides.
R C

a
b Make n the subject of the formula.
c If the angle sum of a polygon is 1440°, how many sides does it have?

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272 New Century Maths 9 Advanced 9780170453325

 8 The body-mass index of an adult is given by the formula B = , where m is the adult’s
STAGE 5.3
m
h2
mass in kilograms and h is their height in metres.
Change the subject of the formula to h.
R C

a
Hence find, correct to 2 decimal places, the height of a person with a body mass
index of 25 and a mass of 60 kg.
b

1 1 1 R
9 Make r the subject of the formula = + . C
7.08
x r s

10 Solve each equation for a. R C

ar = 3( a + b ) Da = D − 2 a
5
a
a = ap + q b c

1− a
M (a + b) = N (a − b)
1+ a
ax
d p= e k= f
a+ y

Power plus ANSWERS ON P. 585

Solve each equation.
+

5 7 1 y2 +8 2
1
= 14 =4
2y r −3 12 3
a b = c
r
3 ( m + 5 ) 2 ( m − 1) m−6
4m2 − 3 = m2 + 72 = m − 10 +
4 3 2
d e −

Given W = , find:
X −Y
2
W when X = 15 and Y = 10 W when X = 6 and Y = –12
X +Y
a b
c X when W = 25 and Y = 6 d Y when W = 5 and X = 1
Karlie is a farmer who raises pigs and chickens. From a total of 42 animals, she can
count 116 legs. Write an equation and solve it to find how many chickens she has.
3

Joe is twice as old as his daughter, Wendi. 10 years ago, he was 3 times as old as her.
Write an equation and solve it to calculate how old Wendi is now.
4

5 Consider x 2 + y 2 = 4.
a Explain why the smallest value for x is −2 and the largest value for x is 2.
b Are there any restrictions on the values that y can take? Explain why.
c By making y the subject, show that y = ± 4 − x 2 .
6 Find the value of B in the balance scale below.

12
A
A
A
A A
B

7 Solve each cubic equation.

a x2 = x b x2 = x + 6 c x3 = x
d x3 = –x2 e x3 = 6x2 – 9x

Foundation Standard Complex

9780170453325 Chapter 7 | Equations 273

 CHAPTER 7 REVIEW
Language of maths
backtracking method balancing method brackets
consecutive cube root equation
expand flowchart formula
CHAPTER 7 REVIEW

inverse operation LHS lowest common multiple (LCM)

linear equation quadratic equation RHS
solution solve square root
subject substitute surd
undoing unknown variable
1 Which method of solving equations involves using inverse operations on both sides of the
equation?
1
2 What is the subject of the formula A = (a + b)h?
2
3 What name is given to numbers that follow each other in order, such as 9, 10, 11?
4 Write an example of:
a a quadratic equation b a linear equation
5 How many solutions does a linear equation have?
6 What does LHS stand for?

Topic summary
Print (or copy) and complete this mind map of the topic, adding detail to its branches and using
pictures, symbols and colour where needed. Ask your teacher to check your work.
WS

Worksheet
Homework
Mind map:
Equations
(Advanced) Equations and Equations with
formulas variables on both sides

Simple cubic
Equations with
equations EQUATIONS brackets
ax 3 = c

Simple quadratic
Equations with Equation problems
equations
algebraic fractions
ax 2 = c

274 New Century Maths 9 Advanced 9780170453325

 TEST YOURSELF 7 ANSWERS ON P. 585

1 Solve each equation. Check your solutions.

3x + 4 = 2x + 7 5n − 3 = 2n − 15 2d − 8 = −5d − 71
7.01
a b c
d 4t = 12 − 4t e 8j − 17 = 10j f 6 − 3q = 8 − q

2 Write an equation with x on both sides that has the solution x = 3.

7.01

TEST YOURSELF 7
3 Solve each equation.
2(w – 5) = 4 3(1 + 4n) = 15 5(1 – 3p) = 20
7.02

2(3 + x) = 5(x + 1) 3(1 – y) = 4(2 – y) 2(3 – 4x) = –(2x + 3)

a b c

18 – 3a = 5a – 2(a – 6) 11g + 2(g + 3) = 5(2g + 10)

d e f
g h

4 The length of a rectangle is 6 cm longer than it is wide. The perimeter of the rectangle is
76 cm. Find the dimensions of the rectangle.
7.03

5 Find the value of each variable.

(2a + 15)°
7.03
a b
4x°

107°
56°

6 If 6 more than a number equals 5 more than double the number, what is the number?
7.03

7 Solve each equation.

d−4 8n + 6 6n + 5 2p p
+9 = 4 = − =4
7.04

2 3 2 3 2
a b c

8 Solve each quadratic equation. 7.05

a d2 = 64 b 8p2 = 288 c 3z2 = 105

9 Solve each equation.
STAGE 5.3

x −1 x − 4 7 n + 3 5n + 4 2y −1 y +1
=6 =2 =6
5 2 5 3 4 2
7.04
a + b − c +

10 Solve each cubic equation.

x3 = 1331 −4h3 = 864 = 62.5
t3
7.06

2
a b c

11 The body mass index (BMI) of an adult is B = 2 , where M is the mass in kilograms and h is
M

the height in metres.

h 7.07

a Find the BMI of Ned who is 1.85 m tall and has a mass of 72 kg.
b Find the mass of a person with a BMI of 24, who is 2.1 m tall.

12 The cost, C, in dollars, of hiring a taxi is C = 5 + 2.4d, where d is the distance travelled in
kilometres. Find:
7.07

a the cost of a taxi trip if the distance travelled is 15 km

b the distance travelled if the cost of a taxi trip was $78.20. STAGE 5.3

13 Make w the subject of each formula.

1
a = kw + v p = m(t − w)
7.08
a b c x=w+y

Foundation Standard Complex

9780170453325 Chapter 7 | Equations 275