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D r Len Fisher at the University of Bristol,

England, recently came up with an equation
that helps us to avoid having a puddle of gravy
on our plates after a meal. It’s:
W – D-S
Percentage gravy uptake = ------------ × 100
D
where W is the uncooked weight of the food
D is the cooked weight of the food
S is shrinkage.
This equation gives some remarkable results.
If you want make sure you have no gravy left
after you’ve finished your roast dinner, you
should eat the meat and carrots first because
they have a 0% gravy uptake. You should then
eat green vegetables, like peas, which have a
moderate gravy uptake of 15%. After that you
should go on to the roast potatoes, with a mop-
up rating of 30%. If you have any gravy left
over, then you should bring in the high
absorbers—pre-sliced white bread has a
rating of 64%, while crusty Italian ciabatta
soaks an incredible 120%.
e hi.com.au
99
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Prepare for this chapter by attempting the following questions. If you have
difficulty with a question, click on the Replay Worksheet icon on your
eMaths Zone CD or ask your teacher for the Replay Worksheet.

e Worksheet R3.1 1 State which of these is an equation.

(a) 5 + 6 = 11 (b) m − 6 (c) p + 2 = 9
(d) 4t − 2 = t + 9 (e) 21 − (2t + 3) (f) 4r + 11 = 3(r − 2)

e Worksheet R3.2 2 Find the value of the pronumeral that makes each of these statements true.
(a) m + 6 = 11 (b) k − 3 = 5 (c) 5x = 35
w
(d) ---- = 2 (e) d + 3 = −5 (f) 3y = −21
4

e Worksheet R3.3 3 Substitute the value given in brackets into each of these expressions and
evaluate it.
c
(a) a + 9 (a = 7) (b) 3b − 7 (b = 4) (c) --- + 5 (c = 12)
4
d+6 2f + 3
(d) ------------ (d = −2) (e) 3(e + 7) (e = 9) (f) -------------- ( f = 6)
2 5

e Worksheet R3.4 4 Write the opposite of each of these operations.

(a) add 5 (b) multiply by 3 (c) divide by 5
(d) subtract 4 (e) add −2 (f) multiply by −5

e Worksheet R3.5 5 Expand and simplify each of the following expressions.

(a) 3(g + 2) (b) 5(h − 1) (c) 4(2i + 3)
(d) 2(5j − 4) (e) 6(1 + 4k) (f) 3(11 − 7l)

e Worksheet R3.6 6 Write TRUE or FALSE for each of the following statements.
(a) 6  1 (b) 5  2 (c) −3  −1
(d) −4  −2 (e) 4  2 (f) −3  3

backtrack flowchart operation solve

balance formula pronumeral substitute
equation inequality solution

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An equation always contains exactly one

equals sign. On each side of the equals sign is
a mathematical expression. If the value of the
expression on the left of the equals sign has the
same value as the expression on the right, then
the equation is true. If the values are different
then the equation is false. For example,
2 + 5 = 7 is a true equation but 5 − 4 = 2 is false.
When equations contain pronumerals in
the place of a number or numbers, we can
solve the equation by finding the value of the
pronumeral that makes it true. For example,
x + 6 = 11 is only true when we replace x by 5.
So x = 5 is known as the solution to the
equation x + 6 = 11.

worked example 1
Write each of these problems as an equation, then write the solution.
(a) Six is added to a number to give a result of nine. (Let the unknown number be n.)
(b) The sum of four and three times a number results in nineteen. (Let the unknown number
be x.)

Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Replace the words in the question with (a) n + 6 = 9
the numbers and pronumerals.
2. Write the solution. n=3
(b) 1. Replace the words in the question with (b) 3x + 4 = 19
the numbers and pronumerals.
Remember that ‘the sum of’ means
to add the two numbers together.
2. Write the solution. x=5

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worked example 2
a–3
Check whether the solution given in brackets is correct for the equation ------------ = 6 (a = 23).
4

Steps Solution
1. Substitute the value (23) for the pronumeral a–3
(a) into the left-hand side of the equation. LHS = ------------
4
when a = 23
23 – 3
LHS = ---------------
4
2. Simplify the expression. 20
= ------
4
=5
3. Check whether the left-hand side and the RHS = 6
right-hand side are equal. (In this question LHS ≠ RHS
they are not equal.) Hence the solution given in the question
is not correct.

exercise 3.1 The language of equations

Preparation: Prep Zone Q1 and 2

Core
1 Write an equation for each of the following. Use the pronumeral in
brackets to represent the unknown number.
(a) Seven is added to a number to give a result of ten. (a) e Hint
(b) Four is subtracted from a number to give a result of sixteen. (b)
(c) Nine times a number gives a result of sixty-three. (c)
(d) A number divided by seven is four. (d )
(e) The sum of a number and eleven is fifteen. (e)
(f) The sum of eleven and a number is zero. ( f )
2 Write the solution to each equation you found in Question 1. e Hint

3 Write an equation for each of the following. Use the pronumeral in e Worksheet C3.1
brackets to represent the unknown number.
(a) Seven is added to three times a number to give a result of ten. (u) e Hint
(b) A number is multiplied by two, then seven is added to give a result
of thirteen. (v)
(c) Three is added to a number, then this result is multiplied by eight to
give forty. (w)
(d) Nine is added to a number, then the result is divided by seven to
give six. (x)

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(e) The sum of a number and four is multiplied by three to give a result
of twenty-one. ( y)
(f) The sum of six and a number is multiplied by eight to give a result of
zero. (z)
4 (a) Which equation describes this sentence?
Five is added to a number to give a result of twelve.
A 5 + 12 = n B n + 12 = 5 C n + 5 = 12 D 5n = 12
(b) Which equation describes this sentence?
A number is subtracted from nineteen to give a result of eight.
A b − 19 = 8 B 19 − b = 8 C b − 8 = 19 D 8 − b = 19
(c) Which equation describes this sentence?
Six is subtracted from a number to give a result of seven.
A b−6=7 B 6−b=7 C b−7=6 D 7−b=6
5 (a) Which equation describes this sentence?
Five is added to a three times a number to give a result of twenty.
A 3p + 20 = 5 B 5 + 20 = 3p C 5p + 3 = 20 D 3p + 5 = 20
(b) Which equation describes this sentence?
A number is subtracted from six; this result is multiplied by four to
give eight.
A 4(w − 6) = 8 B 4(6 − w) = 8 C 4w − 6 = 8 D 8 − 4w = 6
(c) Which equation describes this sentence?
Three is subtracted from five times a number to give a result of
seven.
A (5 − 3)k = 7 B 5(k − 3) = 7 C 3 − 5k = 7 D 5k − 3 = 7
6 Write each of these equations in words.
(a) m + 2 = 9 (b) n − 6 = 3 (c) 10 − p = 4 e Hint
r
(d) 5q = 55 (e) --- = 9 (f) 6s − 7 = 23
8
(g) 4(t + 5) = 16 (h) 3(u − 8) = 6 (i) 4(5 − v) = 12
w+3 6–x y–8
(j) ------------- = 8 (k) ----------- = 4 (l) ----------- = 2
4 7 3
7 Check whether the value given in brackets is a solution for each of the e Hint
equations below (i.e. makes the equation true). Answer Yes or No.
(a) m + 2 = 9 (m = 7) (b) n − 6 = 3 (n = 9)
(c) 10 − p = 4 (p = 14) (d) 5q = 55 (q = 11)
r
(e) --- = 9 (r = 72) (f) 6s − 7 = 23 (s = 4)
8
(g) 4(t + 5) = 16 (t = 1) (h) 3(u − 8) = 6 (u = 6)
w+3
(i) 4(5 − v) = 12 (v = 8) (j) ------------- = 8 (w = 29)
4
6–x y–8
(k) ----------- = 4 (x = 34) (l) ----------- = 2 (y = 14)
7 3
88 Write three equations that have w = 3 as a solution.

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Extension
9 Write an equation for each of these sentences.
(a) Half a number plus six is eleven. (Let the number be t.) e Hint
(b) One third of a number minus four is five. (Let the number be k.)
(c) The sum of a number and a third of it is twelve. (Let the number
be d.)
(d) Four more than the product of a number and five is thirty-nine. (Let
the number be a.)
(e) One third of the product of five and a number is ten. (Let the
number be u.)
10 Write the solution for each part of Question 9.
11 Write an equation for each of these rules, using the given pronumerals for
each of the quantities described.
(a) The area (A) of a rectangle is equal to its length (l) multiplied by its e Hint
breadth (b).
(b) The area (A) of a triangle is equal to half its base (b) multiplied by its
perpendicular height (h).
(c) The speed (s) of a car is equal to the distance it travels (d) divided by
the time taken (t).

(d) The area of a trapezium (A) is equal to half the sum of the lengths
of the parallel sides (a and b) multiplied by the distance between
them (h).
(e) The cost in dollars (C) of a cruise is 200 times the number of nights
(n) plus 300.
(f) The tax-free price (F) of an item is 10
------ of its retail price (R).
11

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A beam balance is used to find the mass of an object

by placing known masses on one side and the
unknown mass on the other. When the beam is
horizontal, the masses on both sides must be equal.
Equations are like a beam balance with the
pronumerals being unknown masses. We can solve
equations by treating them like a beam balance.
This is known as the balance method.

exercise 3.2 Balancing scales

Preparation: Ex 3.1 Q1 and 2

Core
1 These scales are balanced. One side has ten
lollies; the other has three biscuits and four
lollies.

(a) If we take one lolly from the right-hand

side, the scales become unbalanced. Which
of the sides is heavier?
(b) How can I balance
the scales without e Hint
putting the lolly back?
(c) If I take all the lollies from the right-hand
side, what should be done to the left-hand
side to balance the scales?
(d) How many lollies are equivalent in mass to the three biscuits?
(e) How many lollies are equivalent in mass to one biscuit?
2 This set of scales is balanced with 3 grapes and
5 cherries on the left-hand side and 10 grapes on
the right. If three grapes are taken from the left-
hand side, the scales can be balanced by:
A adding three grapes to the right-hand side
B taking three grapes from the right-hand side
C adding three cherries to the right-hand side
D taking three cherries from the left-hand side

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3 This set of scales is balanced with one brick and

three tiles on the left-hand side and five tiles on
the right-hand side.
(a) If the three tiles are taken from the left, the
scales can be balanced by:
A taking the brick from the left-hand side
B adding a brick to the right-hand side
C adding three tiles to the right-hand side
D taking three tiles from the right-hand side
(b) What is the mass of the brick equivalent to in tiles?
4 A rock has a mass of r kg. These scales are
balanced with 3 kg and the rock on the left-hand
side and 10 kg on the right.
(a) To leave the rock by itself, what should be
taken from the left
side of the scales?
e Hint
(b) How can the scales now be balanced?
(c) What is the mass of the rock?
(d) The equation that represents the scales above is:
A r − 3 = 10 B r + 10 = 3 C r + 3 = 10 D r = 10 + 3
(e) Write the solution to the equation in part (d).
5 Two identical cartons each have a mass of b kg.
This set of scales is balanced.
(a) Write an equation that
represents the
set of scales.
e Hint
(b) Describe what has to be done to each side
of the scales to keep the scales balanced
with the two cartons by themselves on
the left.
(c) What is the total mass of the two cartons?
(d) What is the mass of each of the cartons?
(e) What is the solution to the equation in part (a)?
66 Write an equation of your own. Draw a set of balanced scales and create a
story to describe the scales. Find the solution of your equation.
Extension
7 A set of scales is balanced when three cans and four packets are on the
left-hand side and two cans and ten packets are on the right.
(a) Draw a picture of the balanced scales.
(b) Write an equation to show the balanced scales.
(c) What needs to be removed from the left-hand side to leave only
cans on that side?
(d) What needs to be done to balance the scales?
(e) How many packets are equivalent to one can?

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What number am I?
Find the number in each question from its description.
1 Six less than twice me is the same as ten more than me.
2 Seven more than three times me is fifteen less than five times me.
3 Nine more than half of me is three less than me.
4 Two thirds of me is eleven more than half of me.

To solve an equation such as 3m + 2 = 14 we can first show the operations

needed to make the expression 3m + 2 on a flowchart. We start with the
pronumeral m and find the operations, in turn, that change m into 3m + 2.
These can then be shown on a flowchart like the one below. In this example,
we first multiply m by 3, then add 2.
×3 +2
m 3m 3m + 2

When we make up an
If we first added 2 then multiplied by 3, what equation would this create?
expression, the order
Since 3m + 2 and 14 are equal, we can start with 14 and move backwards
of operations is
along the flowchart, using opposite operations to find the value of m that important.
makes the equation true. This process is called backtracking.
×3 +2
m 3m 3m + 2

? ? 14
? ?

When we backtrack along the flowchart, we need to ‘undo’ each operation

by using the opposite or inverse operation. Backtracking along this flowchart
gives us the solution m = 4.
×3 +2
m 3m 3m + 2

4 12 14
÷3 −2

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worked example 3
For the flowchart, write: ×4 −3
(a) the equation it represents w 4w 4w − 3
(b) the solution of that equation.
5 20 17
÷4 +3

Steps Solutions
(a) The end expression on the right and the (a) 4w − 3 = 17
number below it form the equation.
(b) The solution is the number under the (b) The solution is w = 5
pronumeral (w) on the left.

worked example 4
Solve each of the following equations by backtracking.
p–2
(a) 5k + 6 = 21 (b) ------------ = −3
4

Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Start with the pronumeral (k) and show (a) ×5 +6
using a flowchart how it becomes 5k + 6. k 5k 5k + 6

2. Put the backtracking operations on the ×5 +6

flowchart. k 5k 5k + 6

÷5 −6

3. Fill in the boxes to find the value of k. ×5 +6

k 5k 5k + 6

3 15 21
÷5 −6
k = 3 is the solution.

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(b) 1. Start with the pronumeral (p) and show (b) −2 ÷4

p−2
p–2 p p−2
using a flowchart how it becomes ------------ . 4
4
2. Put the backtracking operations on the −2 ÷4
p−2
flowchart. p p−2
4

+2 ×4

3. Fill in the boxes to find the value of p. −2 ÷4

p−2
p p−2
4

−10 −12 −3

+2 ×4
p = −10 is the solution.

exercise 3.3 Solving equations using

backtracking
Preparation: Prep Zone Q1, 2 and 4, Ex 3.1

Core
1 For each of the following flowcharts: e Interactive
(i) write the equation it represents, and
(ii) write the solution of that equation.
(a) ×2 +7 (b) ×5 −2 e Hint
a 2a 2a + 7 b 5b 5b − 2

3 6 13 6 30 28
÷2 −7 ÷5 +2

(c) ×9 + 11 (d) ÷3 +2
d d
c 9c 9c + 11 d +2
3 3

10 90 101 9 3 5
÷9 − 11 ×3 −2

(e) ÷5 −4 (f) ÷6 +1
e e f f
e −4 f +1
5 5 6 6

35 7 3 12 2 3
×5 +4 ×6 −1

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(g) +2 ×4 (h) −3 ×6
g g+2 4(g + 2) h h−3 6(h − 3)

7 9 36 13 10 60
−2 ÷4 +3 ÷6

(i) +1 ×4
i i+1 4(i + 1)

6 7 28
−1 ÷4

(j) +3 ÷2
j+3
j j+3
2

7 10 5
−3 ×2

(k) −6 ÷7
k k−6 k−6
7

27 21 3
+6 ×7

(l) +4 ÷9
l l+4 l+4
9

59 63 7
−4 ×9

2 Draw flowcharts and use backtracking to solve each of the following

equations.
(a) 3z + 2 = 17 (b) 4y + 5 = 37 (c) 7x + 11 = 25 e Hint
(d) 2w − 3 = 7 (e) 3v − 7 = 11 (f) 8u − 17 = 15
(g) 4t + 13 = 1 (h) 2s − 5 = 11
− (i) 5r + 9 = −21
(j) 3q − 3 = 0 (k) 6p + 3 = −21 (l) 5n + 7 = −8
3 Draw a flowchart and solve each of the following equations by
backtracking.
m l k j
(a) ---- + 3 = 8
2
(b) --- + 1 = 3
6
(c) --- + 2 = 5
7
(d) --- – 3 = 1
4
e Hint

i h g f
(e) --- – 2 = 8 (f) --- – 10 = 5 (g) --- + 1 = 1 (h) --- + 3 = 2
3 8 5 9
e d c b
(i) --- – 1 = −2 (j) --- + 5 = 0 (k) --- – 2 = 0 (l) ------ + 3 = 9
3 4 7 12

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4 Solve each of the following equations by backtracking.

(a) 3(a + 2) = 15 (b) 5(b + 3) = 45 (c) 2(c + 1) = 18 e Hint
(d) 4(d − 2) = 20 (e) 8(e − 5) = 24 (f) 6(f − 1) = 48
(g) 2(g − 3) = 0 (h) 4(h + 5) = 16 (i) 7(i + 1) = −21
(j) 4( j + 2) = 0 (k) 9(k − 3) = −36 (l) 8(l + 3) = −56
5 Solve each of the following equations.
m+3 n+7 p + 12 q–9
(a) ------------- = 5
2
(b) ------------ = 3
8
(c) --------------- = 6
5
(d) ----------- = 5
2
e Hint

r–7 s–1 t+2 u–4 −

(e) ----------- = 2 (f) ----------- = 6 (g) ----------- = 0 (h) ------------ = 1
5 3 5 6
v+3 w–6 x+8 − y + 11
(i) ------------ = −7 (j) ------------- = −2 (k) ----------- = 5 (l) --------------- = 2
4 9 3 3
6 (a) The equation that can be solved by ×5 +3
the following flowchart is: p 5p 5p + 3
A 3p + 23 = 5
B 5 + 23 = 3p ? ? 23
C 5p + 3 = 23 ? ?
D 3p + 5 = 23
(b) The equation that can be solved by −6 ×4
the following flowchart is: w w−6 4(w − 6)
A 4(w − 6) = 8
B 4(6 − w) = 8 ? ? 8
C 4w − 6 = 8 ? ?
D 8 − 4w = 6
(c) The equation that can be solved by −5 ÷3
the following flowchart is: k k−5 k−5
3
k k–3
A --- – 5 = 4 B ----------- = 4
3 5 ? ? 4
k–5 5 ? ?
C ----------- = 4 D k – --- = 4
3 3
77 Write an equation of your own that contains a fraction. Draw a flowchart
and find the solution of your equation.
Extension
8 Draw flowcharts and use backtracking to solve each of the e Worksheet C3.2
following equations.
(a) 4z − 2 = 16 (b) 3y + 5 = 27 e Hint

(c) 6x − 11 = 0 (d) 5w − 9 = 7
(e) 8v + 7 = 11 (f) 12u − 13 = 15
(g) 6t + 13 = 5 (h) 9s − 3 = −10
(i) 2r + 9 = −2 (j) 3q − 1 = 0
(k) 6p + 3 = 10 (l) 5n + 7 = 3
The answers are
not whole numbers.

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9 Write an equation for each of these word problems and use a flowchart
to find the number.
(a) A number is multiplied by 4 then 5 is subtracted to give a result of
23. (Let the number be n.)
(b) The sum of a number and seven is multiplied by three to give a
result of 45. (Let the number be m.)
(c) The sum of five and a number is divided by nine to give a result of
three. (Let the number be p.)
(d) A number is divided by four, then two is added to give a result of
negative one. (Let the number be q.)
(e) Five is added to a number which is then multiplied by three to give
a result of four. (Let the number be r.) e Homework 3.1

In some cases it is difficult to find a solution to an

equation using algebraic methods like backtracking.
We can use a method called guess, check and
improve to work out a solution. Sometimes the
solution will be exact. Other times the solution will be
found only to a certain degree of accuracy.
Guess, check and improve involves first guessing
a value for the pronumeral, then substituting the
guessed value into the equation and working out
both sides (check). The result of the check is used to
make a better guess (improve). If we follow these
three steps a number of times, we will either arrive at
the solution exactly, or we will get close to the
solution.

worked example 5
Solve the following equations using the method of guess, check and improve.
(a) 5t + 11 = 483 − 3t
(b) c2 = 90, where c is a positive number

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Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Guess a solution. Looking at the (a) t = 100
equation, the right-hand side is near
500, so I will try t = 100 so that 5t is 500.
2. Substitute the guess in both sides of the LHS = 5t + 11
equation. = 5 × 100 + 11
= 511
RHS = 483 − 3t
= 483 − 3 × 100
= 183
3. Check and improve the solution. t = 50
LHS  RHS so t = 100 was too big. I will
improve my guess to t = 50.
4. Substitute the new guess in both sides LHS = 5t + 11
of the equation. = 5 × 50 + 11
= 261
RHS = 483 − 3t
= 483 − 3 × 50
= 333
5. Check and improve the solution. t = 60
LHS  RHS so t = 50 was too small.
I will improve my guess to t = 60.
6. Substitute the new guess in both sides LHS = 5t + 11
of the equation. = 5 × 60 + 11
= 311
RHS = 483 − 3t
= 483 − 3 × 60
= 303
7. Check and improve the solution. t = 59
LHS  RHS so t = 60 was too big.
Since the values are very close, I will
improve my guess to t = 59.
8. Substitute the new guess in both sides LHS = 5t + 11
of the equation = 5 × 59 + 11
= 306
RHS = 483 − 3t
= 483 − 3 × 59
= 306
9. Check and improve the solution. LHS = RHS so t = 59 is the solution to
the equation 5t + 11 = 483 − 3t.

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(b) 1. Guess a solution. 90 is between 92 (81) (b) c = 9.5

and 102 (100), so c is between 9 and 10.
I will guess that c is 9.5.
2. Substitute the guess in both sides of the LHS = c2
equation. = 9.52
= 90.25
RHS = 90
3. Check and improve the solution. c = 9.4
LHS  RHS so c = 9.5 was too big.
Since the two values are close, I will
improve my guess to c = 9.4.
4. Substitute the new guess in both sides LHS = c2
of the equation. = 9.42
= 88.36
RHS = 90
5. Check and improve the solution. c = 9.5
LHS  RHS so c = 9.4 was too small.
Since the two values are closer when
c = 9.5, the value of c is closer to 9.5
than 9.4. So, correct to one decimal
place, c = 9.5 is a solution to c2 = 90. If
I want a greater accuracy, I would need
to guess a value between 9.4 and 9.5.

exercise 3.4 Solving equations using

guess, check and improve
Preparation: Prep Zone Q1–3, Ex 3.1

Core
1 Solve each of these equations using guess, check and improve. Use the
value in brackets for your first guess. If the solution is not a whole number,
answer correct to one decimal place.
(a) 7z + 27 = 118 (z = 10) (b) 8y − 7 = 241 (y = 30) e Hint
(c) 6x + 17 = 251 (x = 40) (d) 21w − 31 = 137 (w = 10)
(e) 3v − 7 = 21 − v (v = 5) (f) 8u − 17 = 2u + 25 (u = 5)
(g) t + 13 = 46 − 6t (t = 5) (h) 4s − 5 = s − 11 (s = −3)
(i) 5r + 9 = −21 − r (r = −6) (j) q2 − 12 = 0 (q = 4)
(k) p2 + 3 = 21 (p = 4) (l) n2 − 7 = 2n + 8 (n = 6) e Worksheet T3.1
2 Solve each of these equations using guess, check and improve. If the
solution is not a whole number, answer correct to one decimal place.
(a) 6m + 13 = 85 (b) 5l − 32 = 83 (c) 7k + 92 = 155 e Hint
(d) 4j − 7 = 121 (e) 11i + 32 = 188 (f) 15h − 310 = 125

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g 4f 2e
(g) --- + 15 = 12 (h) ----- – 3 = 2 (i) ----- – 1 = −2
8 9 3
d 5c 7b
(j) --- + 5 = −75 (k) ----- – 32 = 21 (l) ------ + 3 = 9
4 9 12
3 Solve each of these equations using guess, check and improve. If the
solution is not a whole number, answer correct to one decimal place.
(a) 11a + 54 = 15 − 2a (b) 6b − 21 = 45 − 2b (c) 8c − 14 = 28 − 2c e Hint
(d) 9d + 18 = 2d − 115 (e) 14e − 312 = 68 + 6e (f) 5f + 33 = 48 − 2f
(g) 9g − 37 = 180 − 5g (h) 351 − 8h = 2h + 11 (i) 77 + 13i = −7i − 21
(j) 11.5 + 3j = 16.7 − j (k) 4k − 3.6 = 2.7 − 5k (l) 2.8 + 3l = 5l − 5.6
4 (a) Which of the following values is closest to the solution of
5z − 76 = 32 − 2z?
A 10 B 12 C 14 D 16
(b) Which of the following values is closest to the solution of
z2 − 10 = 32 − z?
A 6 B 7 C 8 D 9
55 Write an equation of your own that could not be solved by backtracking.
Use guess, check and improve to find the solution of your equation. Your
equation should have the pronumeral on both sides of the equals sign.
Extension
6 Use guess, check and improve to solve each of the following equations.
(a) 3z − 5 = 18 (b) 7y + 5 = 23 e Hint
w
(c) 6x − 11 = 100 (d) ---- – 9 = 17
3
2v 4u
(e) ------ + 7 = 12 (f) ------ – 10 = 15
3 5
(g) 6(t + 3) = 15 (h) 9(s − 3) = −70
3(q – 1)
(i) 2(r + 9) = −11 (j) ------------------- = 10 The answers are not
5 all whole numbers.

6(p + 3) 5(n + 7)
(k) -------------------- = 9 (l) -------------------- = 13
7 2
m 2m l 3l 3k
(m) ---- + 3 = 10 – ------- (n) --- – 2 = ---- – 9 (o) ------ + 6 = 13 − k
7 7 5 5 2
2j j 4i – 3 i 15 – 2h
(p) ---- = 10 – ------ (q) -------------- = 9 + --- (r) ------------------ = 2h − 3
5 10 3 6 9
7 Solve each of these equations using guess, check and improve. If the solution
is not a whole number, answer correct to one decimal place. The questions
with squared terms have two answers—see if you can find them both.
(a) m2 = 30 (b) n2 = 110 (c) p2 = 94 e Hint
(d) q2 = 5q (e) r2 − 4r = 0 (f) s2 + 5s = 6
(g) t2 − 6t = 16 (h) u3 = 10 (i) v3 = 100
(j) w3 − w = 20 (k) x3 − 3x2 = 20 (l) y4 − y2 = 20

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Equivalent equations have the same

solution. For example, 3e = 9 and 3e + 4 = 13
are equivalent as they each have the solution
e = 3. You should substitute e = 3 into each of
the equations to check whether they are true
statements.
In Sections 3.2 and 3.3, we used two
methods that gave us equivalent equations.
When we balanced the scales in Exercise 3.2,
we created equivalent equations by doing the
same thing to both sides of the balance.
Backtracking also gives us equivalent ×3 +4
equations when we read a top box in a e 3e 3e + 4
flowchart with the one under it. 3 9 13
Notice that, in the flowchart, the ÷3 −4
statements 3e + 4 and 13 are in line, one above
the other; 3e and 9 are also in line, as are e and 3. This means that the equations
3e + 4 = 13, 3e = 9 and e = 3 are all equivalent equations.

worked example 6
For each of the following, create an equivalent equation by performing the operation given
in brackets.
d
(a) a − 4 = 11 (add 5) (b) 5c = 60 (divide by 5) (c) --- = 20 (multiply by 4)
4

Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Write the equation. (a) a − 4 = 11
2. Perform the same operation on both a − 4 + 5 = 11 + 5
sides, i.e. add 5.
3. Simplify. a + 1 = 16
(b) 1. Write the equation. (b) 5c = 60
2. Perform the same operation on both 5c 60
sides, i.e. divide by 5.
------ = ------ or 5c ÷ 5 = 60 ÷ 5
5 5
3. Simplify. c = 12
d
(c) 1. Write the equation. (c) --- = 20
4
2. Perform the same operation on both d
--- × 4 = 20 × 4
sides, i.e. multiply by 4. 4
3. Simplify. d = 80

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exercise 3.5 Equivalent equations

Preparation: Prep Zone Q4, Exs 3.2 and 3.3

Core
1 For each of the following, create an equivalent equation by performing the
operation given in brackets.
(a) z + 2 = 8 (add 3) (b) y − 7 = 4 (add 5) e Hint
(c) x + 5 = 13 (add 9) (d) w − 3 = 12 (add 10)
We can obtain equivalent
(e) v + 7 = 21 (subtract 4) (f) u − 7 = 5 (subtract 5) equations by performing
the same operation on
(g) t + 13 = 4 (subtract 20) (h) s − 5 = −11 (add 9) both sides of an equation.

(i) r + 9 = −21 (subtract 9) (j) 3q − 2 = 4 (add 8)

(k) 2p + 3 = 21 (subtract 5) (l) 6n − 7 = 8 (add 7)
(m) 2m − 6 = 9 (add 6) (n) 5l + 11 = 21 (subtract 11)
(o) 10k − 17 = 83 (add 17) (p) 3j + 12 = −4 (subtract 12)
(q) 2i + 14 = −21 (subtract 14) (r) 5h − 7 = −8 (add 7)
(s) 11g − 2 = 42 (add 2) (t) 13f + 5 = −34 (subtract 5)
(u) 15e − 6 = 38 (add 6) (v) 2.3d + 0.6 = 4.1 (subtract 0.6)
(w) 3.5c − 1.3 = 2.1 (add 1.3) (x) 0.5b − 0.9 = −0.8 (add 0.9)
2 For each of the following, create an equivalent equation by performing the
operation given in brackets.
(a) 6m = 48 (divide by 3) (b) 15l = 75 (divide by 5) e Hint
(c) 7k = 35 (divide by 7) (d) 4j = 12 (divide by 4)
(e) 11i = 88 (divide by 11) (f) 6h = −12 (divide by 6)
g f
(g) --- = 12 (multiply by 3) (h) --- = 2 (multiply by 9)
3 9
e − d
(i) --- = 2 (multiply by 3) (j) --- = −5 (multiply by 4)
3 4
c b
(k) --- = 8 (multiply by 5) (l) ------ = −1 (multiply by 12)
5 12
a+3 z–7
(m) ------------ = 1 (multiply by 2) (n) ----------- = 4 (multiply by 5)
2 5
y+6 − x–3 1
(o) ------------ = 3 (multiply by 4) (p) ----------- = --- (multiply by 2)
4 2 2
w+4 5 v + 5 −5
(q) ------------- = --- (multiply by 3) (r) ------------ = ----- (multiply by 6)
3 3 6 6
3 (a) Which of the following equations is equivalent to 5z − 10 = 20?
A 5z = 10 B 5z = 30 C 5z = −10 D 5z = −30
5p – 3
(b) Which of the following equations is equivalent to --------------- = 4?
2
A 5p − 3 = 6 B 5p − 3 = 2 C 5p − 3 = 7 D 5p − 3 = 8
44 Write at least three equations that are equivalent to 2x + 3 = 11.

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5 Match each of the equations in the left column with its equivalent from
the right.
Equation Equivalent equation
(a) 3x − 1 = 2 A x = −2
(b) 2x = 6 B x=4
x C 2x = 20
(c) --- = 3
5 D 3x = −3
(d) x + 6 = 4
E 3x = 3
(e) 3x = −12
F 3x = 7
(f) 4x + 2 = 10
G x = 15
2x
(g) ----- = 4 H 2x = 5
5
(h) 6x = 3 I x=3
(i) −3x = −12 J x = −4
(j) 2x − 5 = 0 K 2x = 1
(k) 3x + 1 = −2 L 4x = 8
(l) 3x − 2 = 5
Extension
6 Write, in order, the operations that change the first equation to the second.
There are two operations for each of the answers to this question.
(a) 2z − 4 = 18 ⇒ z = 11 (b) 3y + 5 = 23 ⇒ y = 6 e Hint
w
(c) 6x + 11 = 47 ⇒ x = 6 (d) ---- – 9 = 17 ⇒ w = 78
3
2v 4u
(e) ------ + 7 = 12 ⇒ 2v = 15 (f) ------ – 10 = 15 ⇒ 4u = 125
3 5
(g) 6(t + 3) = 18 ⇒ t = 0 (h) 9(s − 3) = −72 ⇒ s = −5
q+1
(i) 2(r + 9) = −10 ⇒ r = −14 (j) ------------ = 10 ⇒ q = 49
5
p+3
(k) ------------ = 9 ⇒ p = 60
7 Be careful—the order of
operations is important!
n+7
(l) ------------ = ⇒ n = 19
2

How much?
Ahmed, Barbara and Claude are going shopping. Ahmed and Barbara have $120 between
them, Ahmed and Claude have $160 between them, and Barbara and Claude have $180
between them. How much does each person have?

Use a computer spreadsheet.

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By performing the same operation on both sides, we can change an equation

into its simplest equivalent equation and so find the solution.
We can use backtracking to help us find both the correct operations and
their right order.

worked example 7
Solve each of the following equations by performing the same operations on both sides.
p
(a) m − 4 = 1 (b) --- = −3
4

Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Add 4 (the opposite of − 4) to both sides (a) m−4=1
of the equation, and simplify. m−4+4=1+4
m=5
2. Write the simplest equivalent equation m = 5 is the solution.
as the solution.
p −
(b) 1. Multiply by 4 (the opposite of ÷ 4) on (b) --- = 3
4
both sides of the equation, and simplify.
p
--- × 4 = −3 × 4
4
p = −12
2. Write the simplest equivalent equation p = −12 is the solution.
as the solution.

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exercise 3.6 Solving equations by performing

the same operation on both sides
Preparation: Prep Zone Q4, Ex 3.5

Core
1 Solve each of the following equations by performing the same operation e eTester
on both sides.
(a) z + 3 = 5 (b) y + 5 = 18 (c) 11 + x = 25 e Hint
(d) w − 2 = 7 (e) v − 7 = 11 (f) u − 17 = 15
(g) 4t = 32 (h) 2s = 36 (i) 5r = 65
q p n
(j) --- = 2 (k) --- = 11 (l) ------ = 8
4 9 12
2 Solve each of the following equations.
(a) m + 3 = 8 (b) l + 1 = 3 (c) 2+k=5 e Hint
(d) j − 3 = 1 (e) i − 2 = 8 (f) h − 10 = 5
(g) g + 1 = 1 (h) 3 + f = 2 (i) e − 1 = −2
(j) 5 + d = 0 (k) c − 2 = 0 (l) b + 3 = −9
(m) 2a = 18 (n) 5z = 45 (o) 10y = 130
(p) 3x = 0 (q) 2w = −20 (r) 5v = −25
u t s
(s) --- = 2 (t) --- = 12 (u) ------ = 3
7 9 13
r q p
(v) --- = 0 (w) --- = −7 (x) ------ = −8
5 8 12
3 Solve each of the following equations.
b
(a) 3a = 15 (b) --- = 5
5
(c) c − 7 = 18 e Hint

(d) d + 4 = 20 (e) e − 5 = 24 (f) 8f = 48

g
(g) --- = 10 (h) h + 5 = 16 (i) 7i = −21
6
k
(j) 4j = 60 (k) --- = −3 (l) l + 3 = −5
6
(m) m − 6 = 18 (n) 13 + n = 45 (o) 5p = −130
q −
(p) ------ = 2 (q) 2r = −20 (r) s + 11 = −25
11
v
(s) t + 0.6 = 1.2 (t) u − 1.7 = 1.2 (u) ------ = 0.3
10
x
(v) 4w = 3.2 (w) --- = −0.7 (x) 0.9 + y = −1.8
5
4 (a) The equation n + 9 = 45 can be solved by:
A adding 9 to both sides B subtracting 9 from both sides
C multiplying both sides by 9 D dividing both sides by 9
(b) The simplest equivalent equation to 7z = 42 is:
A z = 49 B z = 35 C z = 294 D z=6
(c) The simplest equivalent equation to y − 8 = 40 is:
A y = 48 B y = 32 C y = 320 D y=5

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55 Write four different equations where adding 4 to both sides will give the
simplest equivalent equation.
Extension
6 Solve each of the following equations. (The answers are not necessarily
whole numbers.)
(a) 4z = 18 (b) y + 5 = 27 (c) x − 11 = 0 e Hint
w
(d) ----- = 7 (e) 8v = 11 (f) −u = 15
−5

r
(g) 13 + t = 5 (h) 9s = −10 (i) --- = −2.4
2
p
(j) −3q = 6 (k) --- = 1.2 (l) 5n = 3
4
k
(m) 2m = 1.8 (n) 10l = −45 (o) --- = −1.3
4
(p) j + 2.6 = −2 (q) i − 5.7 = −20 (r) 7h = −23
f
(s) g + 0.6 = −1.2 (t) --- = 0.22 (u) 3e = 0.12 e Worksheet C3.3
9
d
(v) --- = 2 1--2-
4
(w) 3c = 2 1--4- (x) b − 3 1--2- = 6 e Homework 3.2

Many equations have combinations of

pronumerals and numbers on the left-hand side
of the equals sign. We have already seen how we
can find the solution to a simple equation by
performing the opposite operation. We can use a
flowchart to help us to find both the correct The order is
important!
operations to do and their order. You will find
that, after you’ve had some practice, you will not
need the flowchart.

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worked example 8
Use a flowchart to find the operations that will change each of the given equations into its
simplest equivalent equation.
c
(a) 4(b + 3) = 32 (b) --- − 5 = 3
4

Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Draw a flowchart showing how b (a) +3 ×4
changes to 4(b + 3). b b+3 4(b + 3)

2. Write the opposite operations below. +3 ×4

b b+3 4(b + 3)

−3 ÷4

3. Write the correct order of operations. divide by 4, then subtract 3

(b) 1. Draw a flowchart showing how c (b) ÷4 −5
c c
c c −5
changes to --- − 5. 4 4
4

2. Write the opposite operations below. ÷4 −5

c c
c −5
4 4

×4 +5

3. Write the correct order of operations. add 5, then multiply by 4

e eTutorial

worked example 9
Solve each of the following equations by finding its simplest equivalent equation.
x–1
(a) 2k + 7 = 15 (b) ----------- = 2
4

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Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Write the operations needed to give the (a) − 7, ÷ 2
simplest equivalent equation.
2. Perform the operations on both sides of 2k + 7 = 15
the equals sign. 2k + 7 − 7 = 15 − 7
2k = 8
2k 8
------ = ---
2 2
k=4
3. Write the simplest equivalent equation k = 4 is the solution.
as the solution.
(b) 1. Write the operations to give the simplest (b) × 4, + 1
equivalent equation.
2. Perform the operations on both sides of x–1
the equals sign.
----------- = 2
4
x–1
----------- × 4 = 2 × 4
4
x−1=8
x−1+1=8+1
x=9
3. Write the simplest equivalent equation x = 9 is the solution.
as the solution.

e eTutorial

exercise 3.7 Solving equations involving

two operations
Preparation: Prep Zone Q4, Exs 3.3, 3.6

Core e hi.com.au
1 Use a flowchart to find the operations that will change the given equation
into its simplest equivalent equation.
e eTester

(a) 3z + 2 = 8 (b) 2w − 3 = 11 (c) 7v − 7 = 21 e Hint

(d) 2(t + 1) = 4 (e) 4(s + 5) = 32 (f) 6(n − 7) = 18
m+3 l+1 k–7
e eQuestions
(g) ------------- = 5 (h) ---------- = 2 (i) ----------- = 8
2 5 4
g f b
(j) --- + 2 = 9 (k) --- + 5 = 8 (l) --- – 4 = 8
3 4 6
2 Solve each of the equations in Question 1 by finding its simplest e Hint
equivalent equation.

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3 Solve the following equations by performing opposite operations.

(a) 2m − 9 = 1 (b) 3l + 2 = 35 (c) 5k + 11 = 26 e Hint
(d) 4(j + 2) = 12 (e) 7(i − 3) = 14 (f) 6(h + 8) = 90
g f e
(g) --- + 2 = 12 (h) --- – 3 = 2 (i) --- – 6 = −2
3 9 3
d c b
(j) --- + 1 = 10 (k) --- – 2 = 8 (l) ------ + 4 = 7
4 5 12
a+3 z–7 y+6
(m) ------------ = 4 (n) ----------- = 4 (o) ------------ = 3
2 5 4
x–3 w+4 v+5
(p) ----------- = 1 (q) ------------- = 6 (r) ------------ = 3
2 3 6
s
(s) 3u − 5 = −14 (t) 2t + 11 = 9 (u) --- + 2 = −3 e eQuestions
4
r–7
(v) ----------- = 0
5
(w) 3(q − 7) = −27 (x) 5(p + 3) = −20 e Worksheet C3.4

4 (a) Which of the following pairs of operations can be used to turn

3z − 10 = 2 into its simplest equivalent equation?
A divide by 3 then add 10 B divide by 10 then add 3
C add 10 then divide by 3 D add 3 then divide by 10
(b) Which of the following pairs of operations can be used to find the
p–3
solution of ----------- = 4?
2
A multiply by 3 then add 2 B multiply by 2 then add 3
C multiply by 3 then subtract 2 D multiply by 2 then subtract 3
(c) Which of the following pairs of operations can be used to find the
solution of 2(p − 3) = 4?
A divide by 3 then subtract 2 B divide by 2 then subtract 3
C divide by 3 then add 2 D divide by 2 then add 3
55 Write at least three equations involving two operations that have the
solution a = 4.
Extension
6 Solve each of the following equations.
(a) 4z + 3 = 17 (b) 3y − 5 = 27 (c) 2x − 11 = 0 e Hint
w
(d) ---- – 3 = 7 (e) 8v + 3 = 11 (f) −u + 6 = 15 The answers are not
5 necessarily whole numbers.
r+2 −
(g) 13 − t = 5 (h) 9s + 3 = −10 (i) ----------- = 4
2
(j) 15 − 3q = 6 (k) 3(p − 2) = −4 (l) 5(n + 6) = 8
k
(m) 2m + 0.4 = 1.8 (n) 10l − 6 = −45 (o) --- – 1.3 = −1.3
4
i
(p) 2j + 26 = −2 (q) --- – 5.7 = −20 (r) 7h + 6 = −23
2
f–1
(s) 3(g + 0.6) = −1.2 (t) ---------- = −3 (u) 3(e + 0.1) = 0.6
9
d e Worksheet C3.5
(v) --- – 2 = 2 1--2- (w) 3(c + 1--2- ) = 2 1--4- (x) 4(b − 3 1--2- ) = 20
4 e Worksheet A3.1

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Now that we have solved equations with two operations,

it is a simple step to extend the idea to equations that need
three steps to find the solution. As long as we can identify
the correct operations in the right order, these equations
can also be easily solved.

Don’t forget that the

order of operations
is important.

worked example 10
Find the operations needed (and their order) to find the simplest equation equivalent to
these equations, and solve the equation.
3c
(a) 4(a + 2) − 1 = 17 (b) ------ − 2 = 10
4

Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Draw a flowchart to show how (a) +2 ×4 −1
a changes into 4(a + 2) − 1. Write a a+2 4(a + 2) 4(a + 2) − 1
the opposite operations below.
−2 ÷4 +1

2. Write the correct order of + 1, ÷ 4, − 2

operations.
3. Perform the operations on both 4(a + 2) − 1 = 17
sides of the equals sign. 4(a + 2) − 1 + 1 = 17 + 1
4(a + 2) = 18
4(a + 2) 18
------------------- = ------
4 4
a + 2 = 4 -2
1

a + 2 − 2 = 4 -2 − 2
1

a = 2 -2
1

a = 2 -2 is the solution.
1
4. Write the simplest equivalent
equation as the solution.

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(b) 1. Draw a flowchart to show how (b) ×3 ÷4 −2

3c 3c
3c c 3c −2
c changes into ------ − 2. Write the 4 4
4
opposite operations below. ÷3 ×4 +2

2. Write the correct order of + 2, × 4, ÷ 3

operations.
3c
3. Perform the operations on both ------ − 2 = 10
4
sides of the equals sign. 3c
------ − 2 + 2 = 10 + 2
4
3c
------ = 12
4
3c
------ × 4 = 12 × 4
4
3c = 48
3c 48
------ = ------
3 3
c = 16
4. Write the simplest equivalent c = 16 is the solution.
equation as the solution.

exercise 3.8 Solving equations involving

three operations
Preparation: Prep Zone Q4, Ex 3.5

Core
1 Draw a flowchart to find the operations needed (and their order) to find e hi.com.au
the simplest equation equivalent to these equations.
(a) 3(m + 1) − 1 = 8 (b) 2(l − 1) + 5 = 11 (c) 4(k + 2) + 3 = 39 e Hint
(d) 2(3d + 5) = 40 (e) 9(2c − 8) = 0 (f) 5(3b + 8) = 100
2a 5z 3y
(g) ------ – 5 = 7 (h) ----- + 4 = 9 (i) ------ – 2 = 4
3 7 11
3r – 4 7q + 1 6p + 1
(j) -------------- = 7 (k) --------------- = 11 (l) --------------- = 11
5 2 5
2 Use your answers to Question 1 to solve each of the equations in e Hint
Question 1.

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3 Solve each of the following equations.

(a) 2(m + 3) − 5 = 9 (b) 3(l + 1) + 5 = 11 (c) 4(k − 2) − 9 = 11 e Hint
(d) 2(j + 3) − 5 = 7 (e) 7(i − 2) − 6 = 8 (f) 5(h − 2) + 3 = 18
(g) 3(2g + 1) = 27 (h) 4(2f + 3) = 44 (i) 2(5e − 1) = 28
(j) 2(3d + 5) = 34 (k) 4(3c − 10) = 8 (l) 5(2b + 3) = 45
2a 2z 7y
(m) ------ – 1 = 7 (n) ----- + 2 = 8 (o) ------ – 3 = 11
3 3 9
3x 4w 5v
(p) ----- + 7 = 10 (q) ------- + 1 = 9 (r) ------ + 2 = 12
5 7 3
2u – 3 3t + 5 2s + 1
(s) --------------- = 5 (t) -------------- = 8 (u) -------------- = 3
7 7 5
5r – 7 3q – 5 9p + 4
(v) -------------- = 3
6
(w) --------------- = 8
8
(x) --------------- = 11
11
e Worksheet C3.6

4 (a) The equation 3(2n + 9) = 45 can be solved by:

A subtracting 9 from both sides, then dividing by 3, finally dividing
by 2
B dividing by 3 then dividing by 2, finally subtracting 9 from both
sides
C dividing by 3 then subtracting 9 from both sides, finally dividing
by 2
D dividing by 2 then subtracting 9 from both sides, finally dividing
by 3
2p + 9
(b) The equation --------------- = 5 can be solved by:
3
A subtracting 9 from both sides then multiplying by 3, finally
dividing by 2
B multiplying by 3 then dividing by 2, finally subtracting 9 from
both sides
C multiplying by 3 then subtracting 9 from both sides, finally
dividing by 2
D dividing by 2 then subtracting 9 from both sides, finally
multiplying by 3
2z
(c) The equation ----- – 9 = 5 can be solved by:
3
A adding 9 to both sides then multiplying by 3, finally dividing by 2
B multiplying by 3 then dividing by 2, finally adding 9 to both sides
C multiplying by 3 then adding 9 to both sides, finally dividing by 2
D dividing by 2 then adding 9 to both sides, finally multiplying by 3
55 Write four different equations where multiplying by 2, adding 3 to both
sides then dividing by 4 will give the simplest equivalent equation.

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Extension
6 Solve each of the following equations.
(a) 4(2z − 3) = 20 (b) 3(2y + 5) = 21 (c) 5(3x − 11) = 0 e Hint
2(w – 3) 8v – 7
(d) --------------------- = 7 (e) --------------- = 11 (f) 3(2 − u) = 15 The answers are
5 3 not necessarily
whole numbers.
13 + 2t 3(r + 7)
(g) ----------------- = 5 (h) 9(2s − 5) = 7 (i) ------------------- = 24
7 2
− 3q + 5 3p
(j) ------------------ = 8 (k) ------ + 1 = 7 (l) 5(n + 7) − 6 = 39
7 4
2k – 1
(m) 2(m − 3) + 6 = 11 (n) 10(2 − l) = −45 (o) --------------- = 1.3
4
3h + 4.6
(p) 3( j + 2.6) − 1.7 = 10 (q) 4(2i − 5.7) = 26.8 (r) -------------------- = 10
5
9g 4f – 1
(s) ------ + 32 = 40 (t) -------------- = 0.24 (u) 3(4e + 0.3) = 2.34
5 9
11d – 2
(v) ------------------ = 2 1--4- (w) 3(c + 1) − 2 = 4 3--4- (x) 2(b + 4) − 3 1--2- = 6
4

It is now time to practise solving equations. The following

exercises will give
you confidence.

Don’t forget to substitute the value you found back into the equation to check your
answer. If both sides of the equation give the same value, then your answer must be
correct.

worked example 11
Solve these equations and check your solution by substitution:
4d – 1
(a) 4(5b + 6) = 64 (b) ---------------- = 9
7

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Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Solve the equation by performing (a) 4(5b + 6) = 64
opposite operations on both sides. 4(5b + 6) 64
----------------------- = ------
4 4
5b + 6 = 16
5b + 6 − 6 = 16 − 6
5b = 10
5b 10
------ = ------
5 5
b=2
2. Check the solution in the original 4(5b + 6) = 64
equation. LHS = 4(5b + 6)
= 4(5 × 2 + 6)
= 4 × 16
= 64
RHS = 64
LHS = RHS, so b = 2 is a solution to
4(5b + 6) = 64.
4d – 1
(b) 1. Solve the equation by performing (b) ---------------- = 9
7
opposite operations on both sides.
4d – 1
---------------- × 7 = 9 × 7
7
4d − 1 = 63
4d − 1 + 1 = 63 + 1
4d = 64
4d 64
------ = ------
4 4
d = 16
4d – 1
2. Check the solution in the original ---------------- = 9
7
equation. 4d – 1
LHS = ----------------
7
4 × 16 – 1
= -------------------------
7
63
= ------
7
=9
RHS = 9
LHS = RHS, so d = 16 is a solution to
4d – 1
---------------- = 9.
7

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exercise 3.9 Mixed skills practice in

solving equations
Preparation: Exs 3.3–3.8

Core
1 Solve these equations and check your solution by substitution.
(a) z − 3 = 21 (b) y + 5 = 19 (c) 4x = 52 e Hint
w
(d) ---- = 3 (e) 3v − 2 = 16 (f) 2u + 5 = 9
5
r–4
(g) 3(t + 1) = 15 (h) 2(s − 3) = 20 (i) ----------- = 2
6
q+2 p n
(j) ------------ = 6 (k) --- + 3 = 5 (l) --- – 4 = 1
3 2 5
3m + 4 2l – 1 2(k – 7)
(m) ----------------- = 8 (n) ------------- = 9 (o) ------------------- = 4
2 3 3
3( j + 1)
(p) ------------------ = 9 (q) 3(i + 2) − 7 = 23 (r) 3(h − 1) + 4 = 22
5
2g 3f
(s) ------ + 5 = 7 (t) ----- – 5 = 7 (u) 4(3e − 7) = 20
3 4
(v) 3(5d + 8) = 54 (w) 5(2c − 1) = 45 (x) 7(3b + 4) = 70
2 Solve each of these equations and check your solution by substitution.
(a) z + 6 = 32 (b) 3y = 21 (c) 4x − 5 = −13 e Hint
2w 6u
(d) ------- + 3 = 11 (e) 7(2v − 7) = 7 (f) ------ – 1 = 5
3 5
3t 3r + 4
(g) ----- = 9 (h) 5s − 3 = 37 (i) -------------- = 17
5 2

(l) 6  --- – 7 = 18
2(p + 3) n
(j) 3(2q − 5) = 33 (k) -------------------- = 8
5 5 
3m – 1 4l + 1 k
(m) ---------------- = 7 (n) -------------- = 9 (o) --- + 5 = 8
2 5 4
i+5 − 2h – 7
(p) −2j + 3 = 15 (q) ----------- = 7 (r) --------------- = −1
3 5
−f e+1
(s) −3g + 2 = −1 (t) ---- + 5 = 3 (u) ----------- + 1 = 3
4 6
d 2c
(v) 3 – --- = 1
5
(w) ----- – 1 = −5
3
(x) 3(4 − b) = 18 e Worksheet C3.7

3 (a) Which of the following equations has z = 4 as a solution?

A 3z + 10 = 2 B 10 + 3z = 2 C 3z − 10 = 2 D 10 − 3z = 2
p–3
(b) Which of the following is the solution of ----------- = 4?
2
A p=5 B p = 11 C p = −5 D p=6
(c) Which of the following is a solution of 2(4m − 3) = 26?
A m = 13 B m = −4 C m = 16 D m=4
44 Write at least three equations that have a solution of w = 5.

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Extension
5 Solve each of the following equations. Check your answers by
substitution.
(a) 2z + 3 = 12 (b) 5y − 2 = 27 e Hint
3w
(c) 2x = −9 (d) ------- – 3 = 7
5
The answers are
7v + 3 − 3(u + 6)
(e) --------------- = 11 (f) ----------------------- = 15
not necessarily
whole numbers.
8 2
9s
(g) 13 − 4t = 15 (h) ----- + 2 = −10
4
3r + 7 −
(i) -------------- = 4 (j) 6 − 5q = 6
2
3(p – 2) 3n
(k) ------------------- = −4 (l) ------ – 7 = 2
5 4
l
(m) 3(2m + 0.4) = 1.8 (n) --- – 6 = −5
4
4k
(o) ------ + 1.3 = 5.7 (p) 5(2j + 2.6) = −5
5
5i
(q) ----- – 2.6 = 5.4 (r) 7(h + 6) + 5 = −23
3
g 3f – 1
(s) 4 – --- = −5 (t) -------------- = 3 1--2-
3 4
2e 3d
(u) ----- + 1 1--3- = 4 (v) ------ – 1 = 2 3--4- e Worksheet C3.8
3 4
(w) 3(2c − 1--4- ) = 5 1--4- (x) 5(2b − 2 1--3- ) = 25 e Homework 3.3

Do these in your head as quickly as you can Time target: 2 minutes

and write down the answers.
1 451 + 123+ 549 2 1
---
2
× 2--3- × 3--4- 3 Find 40% of $80.
4 $50 − $17.35 5 4.67 m = ____ mm 6 92
7 Two angles of a triangle 57° are and 69°. What is the size of the third angle?
8 If b =11 and d = −3, what is the value of −2bd?
9 What is the area of a triangle with a base length of 40 cm and a height of 15 cm?
10 What is the cost of 7 ice blocks if they are 25 cents each?

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Solve each equation to find the value that each letter represents, then write these letters in the
order shown by the numbers at the bottom of the page to find the cartoon caption.
B −
--- = 1; B = __ 2E + 9 = 5; E = __ 4G − 7 = 13; G = __
5
3M
9I = 72; I = __ -------- = 12; M = __ N − 15 = 21; N = __
4
5R – 3
3O − 8 = 10; O = __ ---------------- = 8; R = __ 7(T + 3) = 49; T = __
4
3(U + 5) 2Y + 11
--------------------- = 9; U = __ 2(7V − 12) = 102; V = __ ------------------- = 13; Y = __
2 5

‘ 8
’ 9 −2 5 6 4 27 6 1 7

’
!
36 1 16 −5 −2 7

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We can now solve written problems by putting everything together and using
our skills in creating equations and solving them.

The most important thing to remember is that we must answer the question, not just find
a value for the pronumeral.

worked example 12
Solve the following problem by first writing an equation, then solving it.
7 is subtracted from 5 times a number to leave a result of 38. Find the number.

Steps Solution
1. Define the unknown value. Let the number be x.
2. Write an equation to represent the 5x − 7 = 38
problem.
3. Solve the equation to find the value of the 5x − 7 = 38
pronumeral. 5x − 7 + 7 = 38 + 7
5x = 45
5x ÷ 5 = 45 ÷ 5
x=9
4. Answer the question with a sentence. The number is 9.

worked example 13
Solve the following problem by first writing an perimeter = 35 cm
equation, then solving it.
s s
An isosceles triangle has a perimeter of 35 cm.
If the base is 13 cm, what are the lengths of the
13 cm
equal sides?

Steps Solution
1. Define the unknown value. Let the side length be s.
2. Write an equation to represent the s + s + 13 = 35
problem. 2s + 13 = 35

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3. Solve the equation to find the value of the 2s + 13 = 35

pronumeral. 2s + 13 − 13 = 35 − 13
2s = 22
2s ÷ 2 = 22 ÷ 2
s = 11
4. Answer the question with a sentence. The two equal sides are both 11 cm.

exercise 3.10 Solving problems using

equations
Preparation: Exs 3.9 and 3.10

Core e hi.com.au
1 Solve the following problems by first writing an equation, then solving it.
(a) The sum of a number and 5 is 19. Find the number. e Hint
(b) The product of a number and 3 is 24. Find the number.
(c) The difference between a number and 17 is 7. Find the number.
(d) The quotient of a number and 4 is 3. Find the number.
(e) The product of a number and 8 is 64. Find the number.
(f) The sum of a number and 17 is 7. Find the number.
2 Solve the following problems by first writing an equation, then solving it.
(a) 9 is added to 4 times a number to leave a result of 21. Find the e Hint
number.
(b) The difference between 3 times a number and 7 is 23. Find the
number.
(c) 4 times a number divided by 5 results in 16. Find the number.
(d) The product of 3 and a number is reduced by 4 to give 68. Find the
number.
(e) The sum of half a number and 14 is 23. Find the number.
(f) Two thirds of a number is 10. Find the number.
3 Solve the following problems by first writing an equation, then solving it.
(a) An isosceles triangle has a perimeter = 47 cm e Hint
perimeter of 47 cm. If the base is
21 cm, what are the lengths of the x x
equal sides?

21 cm

(b) A square has a perimeter of 84 cm. perimeter = 84 cm

What are the lengths of each of the
sides?
(c) Four times Vasanta’s age is 72. How
old is Vasanta?

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(d) Twice James’ age in four years’

time is 32. How old is James
now?
(e) Marilyn bought 7 bananas for
$1.26. What is the cost of each
banana?
(f) Reino spent $5.65 from a $20
note. How much did he have
left?
(g) Georgette bought 10 identical
cans of cat food with a $20 note.
She received $6.40 change.
How much was each can?
(h) The length of a perimeter = 38 cm
rectangle is 7 cm more
than its breadth. If the b cm
perimeter of the
rectangle is 38 cm,
b + 7 cm
find its breadth.
(i) The shorter side of an perimeter = 41 cm
isosceles triangle is
7 cm less than the two
e cm
equal sides. If the
perimeter of the
triangle is 41 cm, find
the length of the
shorter side. e − 7 cm
(j) The sum of two numbers is 75. If the larger one is 19 more than the
smaller one, what is the smaller number?
4 (a) A number is doubled and results in 8. The number can be found by
writing and solving the equation:
n
A n=8×2 B --- = 8 C 2 = 8n D 2n = 8
2
Solve the equation to find the number.
(b) The sum of 4 times a number and 9 results in 65. The number can be
found by writing and solving the equation:
A m + 9 × 4 = 65 B 4m + 9 = 65
C m + 9 = 4 × 65 D 4(m + 9) = 65
Solve the equation to find the number.
(c) 3 times the sum of a number and 5 results in 81. The number can be
found by writing and solving the equation:
A p + 5 = 3 × 81 B 3(p + 5) = 81 C p + 3 × 5 = 81 D 3p + 5 = 81
Solve the equation to find the number.
55 Write a number problem in words that has an answer of 4. Write the
equation that goes with your problem, and solve it.

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Extension
6 Solve the following problems by first writing an equation, then solving it.
(a) One half of a number plus 11 is 9. Find the number. e Hint
(b) Three quarters of a number plus 5 is 37. Find the number.
(c) The difference between 19 and half a number is 11. Find the
number.
(d) 11 more than one quarter of a number is 25. Find the number.
(e) 3 more than a number is equal to 11 less than twice the number.
Find the number.
(f) The length of a rectangle is perimeter = 5b
12 cm shorter than double
the breadth. If the
b
perimeter is 5 times the
breadth, find the breadth of
the rectangle.
(g) 15 years ago, Monica’s age 2b − 12
was half her age in 10 years
time. How old is Monica now?
(h) In 7 years time my age will be twice what it was 5 years ago. How
old am I?
(i) Seven pears cost 45 cents more than four pears. What is the cost of
a pear?
(j) 1 metre more than Samar’s height is 45 cm less than double his
height. How tall is he?

Formulae are a mathematical way of showing the relationships between

quantities. For example, the formula for the area of a rectangle is A = lb.
This tells us that, for every rectangle, its area (A) can be found by multiplying
its length (l) by its breadth (b). We can use the formula to find the value of any
one of the quantities if we are given values of the others.

worked example 14
The formula A = lb gives the area (A) for any rectangle of length l and breadth b. Find:
(a) the area of a rectangle with length of 5 cm and breadth 3 cm
(b) the length of a rectangle with an area of 100 cm2 and a breadth of 5 cm.

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Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Substitute the given values for the (a) A = ?, l = 5, b = 3
pronumerals to form an equation. A = lb
A=5×3
2. Solve the equation. A = 15
3. Answer the question. The area of the rectangle is 15 cm2.
(b) 1. Substitute the given values for the (b) A = 100, l = ?, b = 5
pronumerals to form an equation. A = lb
100 = l × 5
100 = 5l
2. Solve the equation. 5l 100
---- = ---------
5 5
l = 20
3. Answer the question. The length of the rectangle is 20 cm.

worked example 15
The formula P = 2(l + b) gives the perimeter (P) for any rectangle of length l and breadth b.
Find:
(a) the perimeter of a rectangle with length of 5 cm and breadth 3 cm
(b) the length of a rectangle with a perimeter of 30 cm and a breadth of 5 cm.

Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Substitute the given values for the (a) P = ?, l = 5, b = 3
pronumerals to form an equation. P = 2(l + b)
P = 2(5 + 3)
2. Solve the equation. P = 2(5 + 3)
P=2×8
P = 16
3. Answer the question. The perimeter of the rectangle is 16 cm.
(b) 1. Substitute the given values for the (b) P = 30, l = ?, b = 5
pronumerals to form an equation. P = 2(l + b)
30 = 2(l + 5)
2. Solve the equation. or 2(l + 5) = 30
2(l + 5) ÷ 2 = 30 ÷ 2
l + 5 = 15
l + 5 − 5 = 15 − 5
l = 10
3. Answer the question. The length of the rectangle is 10 cm.

e eTutorial

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exercise 3.11 Solving equations arising

from formulae
Preparation: Exs 3.3–3.9

Core
1 The formula A = lb gives the area (A) for any rectangle of length l and
breadth b. Find:
(a) the area of a rectangle with length 12 cm and breadth 9 cm e Hint
(b) the length of a rectangle with an area of 52 cm2 and a breadth of
4 cm
(c) the breadth of a rectangle with a length of 19 cm that has an area of
228 cm2
(d) the length of a rectangle with an area of 75 cm2 and a breadth of
10 cm
(e) the breadth of a rectangle with an area of 85.2 cm2 and a length of
6 cm.
2 The formula P = 2(l + b) gives the perimeter (P) for any rectangle of length
l and breadth b. Find:
(a) the perimeter of a rectangle with length 18 cm and breadth 11 cm e Hint
(b) the length of a rectangle with perimeter 48 cm and breadth 9 cm
(c) the breadth of a rectangle with length 49 cm that has perimeter
186 cm
(d) the length of a rectangle with perimeter 95 cm and breadth 12 cm
(e) the breadth of a rectangle with perimeter 85.2 cm and length
7.6 cm.
bh
3 The formula A = ------ gives the area (A) for any triangle with base length b
2
and perpendicular height h. Find:
(a) the area of a triangle with base length 16 cm and perpendicular e Hint
height 19 cm
(b) the base length of a triangle with an area of 52 cm2 and a
perpendicular height of 8 cm
(c) the perpendicular height of a triangle with a base length of 24 cm
and an area of 228 cm2
(d) the base length of a triangle with an area of 112 cm2 and a
perpendicular height of 10 cm
(e) the perpendicular height of a triangle with an area of 91.2 cm2 and a
base length of 12 cm.
5(F – 32)
4 The formula C = ----------------------- gives the temperature in degrees Celsius (C)
9
equal to any temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (F).
(a) Find the Celsius equivalent for 122° Fahrenheit. e Hint
(b) Find the Fahrenheit equivalent for 85° Celsius.

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(c) Find the Celsius equivalent for 350°

Fahrenheit.
(d) Find the Fahrenheit equivalent for −40°
Celsius.
(e) Water freezes at 32°F. What temperature is
this in degrees Celsius?
(f) The temperature outside is 22°C. What
temperature is this in degrees Fahrenheit?
(g) An old recipe book tells me to cook a cake
at 275°F. What temperature should I set
my oven to if it is marked in degrees
Celsius?
(h) The temperature in New York is 75°F.
What temperature is this in degrees
Celsius?

Prt
5 The formula I = --------- gives the amount of simple interest paid (I) when $P
100
is invested at r% p.a. for a period of t years.
(a) Find the simple interest paid when $5000 is invested at 6% p.a. for e Hint
7 years.
(b) Find the number of years that $9000 should be invested for at
7% p.a. to earn $3150 simple interest.
(c) Find the rate of interest that is needed so that when $10 000 is
invested for 5 years, it earns $2500 simple interest.
(d) Find the amount that needs to be invested for 8 years at 4% p.a. to
earn a simple interest of $128.
(e) How long should I invest $2500 for at a rate of 5.5% p.a. to earn
simple interest of $1237.50?
(f) What rate of interest do I need to have for an investment of $6000 to
earn $1500 simple interest in 4 years?
(g) The highest interest rate I can find is 4.9% p.a. How much do I have
to invest to earn $1850 interest over 6 years? (Round this answer off
to the nearest dollar.)
(h) I would like to earn $250 simple interest in 6 months. How much do
I need to invest if the interest rate is 7.5% p.a.? (Round this answer
off to the nearest dollar.)
6 The formula c = 2.54i is used to convert i inches (in) to c centimetres.
(a) Find the number of centimetres in 36 inches. e Hint
(b) Find the number of inches in 100 cm. (Answer to one decimal
place.)
(c) Find the number of inches in 3600 cm. (Answer to one decimal
place.)
(d) Find the number of inches in 15.24 cm.
(e) I am 174 cm tall. What is my height in inches? (Answer to one
decimal place.) e Worksheet A3.2

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7 The formula C = 2.5 + 1.5d is used to calculate the cost, $C, of a taxi ride
for d kilometres.
(a) Find the cost of a 3-kilometre taxi ride. e Hint
(b) Find the distance I could travel for a cost of $10.
(c) It is 3.4 km from the station to my home. How much will it cost me
to take a taxi home from the station?
(d) Gina spent $5.60 on a taxi ride from the tennis court to her home.
How far did she travel?
(e) What distance can I travel for a cost of $20? Is it double the distance
I can travel for $10? Why?
8 (a) Which of the following equations would I solve to find the answer to
this question?
The formula for the volume, V, of a prism l units long, b units wide and
h units high is V = lbh. A prism has a height of 12 cm, width of 8 cm
and a volume of 960 cm3. Find its length.
l
A l = 960 × 12 × 8 B 960 = ---------------
12 × 8
12 × l
C 12 × 8 × l = 960 D ------------- = 960
8
(b) The cost, C, of a mobile phone call for t seconds is C = 25 + 1.25t
cents. The time of a $2.00 phone call is:
A 30 seconds B 5 seconds C 120 seconds D 140 seconds
a
h(a + b)
99 The formula A = -------------------- gives the area of a trapezium with two
2
h
parallel sides of lengths a and b and a perpendicular height of h. A
trapezium has an area of 240 cm2. Find three sets of whole-number
values for a, b and h for this trapezium. b

Extension e eQuestions

10 Find the value of the unknown pronumeral in each of these formulae. e Hint
(a) If a = 3b + 2, find b when a = 20.
(b) If c = 3(d − 2), find d when c = 96.
f–2
(c) If e = ----------, find f when e = 10.
3
22d
(d) If C = --------- , find d when C = 154.
7
(e) If F = ma, find a when F = 96 and m = 16.
(f) If F = ma, find m when F = 52 and a = 4.
(g) If v = u + at, find u when v = 100, a = 5 and t = 12.
(h) If v = u + at, find t when v = 104, u = 8 and a = 12.
at 2
(i) If s = ut + ------- , find u when s = 360, a = 10 and t = 6.
2
at 2
(j) If s = ut + ------- , find a when s = 360, u = 10 and t = 6
2

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Veterinary surgeon
Deborah Carter
Company: Gisborne Veterinary Clinic
Qualifications/Experience: Bachelor of Veterinary
Science, 3 years private practice
Related occupations: agricultural scientist, biological
scientist, medical practitioner, veterinary nurse
My job involves the surgery and treatment of sick animals
of all species. De-sexing and vaccinations are the two most
common procedures, and dogs are the most common
animals dealt with, but I also treat wombats, koalas, blue
tongue lizards, horses, cows, cats, sheep, birds, pigs and
rats. I regularly use mathematics to calculate drug doses and the rate of flow of intravenous
drips. Maths was a prerequisite for the veterinary science course.
Recently I had to calculate the rate of flow of the gravity-feed intravenous drip for a
dehydrated calf. This is measured in drops per second and depends on the weight of the
animal and how dehydrated it is. The formula that I use is:
Volume of fluid required by the animal per day in millilitres = Deficit (Percentage
dehydration × body weight in grams) + Maintenance (60 mL/kg × body weight in kilograms)
Maintenance is the amount of fluid that the animal needs just to maintain its fluids in a day.
Deficit is how much extra fluid is needed to make up for the dehydration. The calf was 35 kg,
and I estimated that it had 10% dehydration. This gave me the following calculation:
10
Volume of fluid required by the calf per day in millilitres = --------- × 35 000 + 60 × 35
100
= 3500 + 2100
= 4600 mL
This means that I had to give the calf 4600 mL per day. I know that 10 drops = 1 millilitre,
so I needed to give the calf 4600 × 10 = 46 000 drops per day.
46 000
46 000 drops per day = ------------------------------ drops per second (There are 24 h × 60 min × 60 s
24 × 60 × 60
in a day.)
= 0.5 drops per second (correct to one decimal place)
= 1 drop every 2 seconds (I can only give whole drops)
I adjusted the flow rate on the intravenous drip for the calf to give 1 drop every 2 seconds.

The veterinary surgeon’s problem

1 An 80 kg Great Dane was brought in, and Deborah judged it to be 5% dehydrated. What
drop rate does she have to adjust the intravenous drip to for the first day?
2 A kelpie weighing 12 kg was brought into the clinic, and Deborah judged it to be 10%
dehydrated. What drop rate does she have to adjust the intravenous drip to for the
first day?

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Equations are used to solve problems in which

there are exact values of an unknown quantity.
Sometimes, however, a range of values can
provide the solution to a problem.
For example, some fun rides have a minimum
height for people who can use them. If the
minimum height for a ride is 1.5 metres, people
who are 1.5 m tall, 1.7 m tall and 2.1 m tall can
all go on the ride. These are not the only heights
that allow people to ride. See if you can think of
some more heights of people who can ride.
In mathematics we call a relation like the
example above an inequality. An inequality
shows a relationship between two quantities
that are not equal. The solution to an inequality
is an infinite set of values.
The ride inequality described above can be
written mathematically as h  1.5, where h
represents the rider’s height in metres.

Remember that the

arrowhead always points
to the smaller number!

The symbols used to show On a number line we mark

inequality are: the end number with:
 is less than to show the end number
is not included.
 is greater than to show the end number
is not included.
 is less than or equal to to show the end number
is included.
 is greater than or equal to to show the end number
is included.

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worked example 16
Which one or more of the following values make the inequality 3q − 7
20 true:
q = 5, q = 12, q = −8 or q = 9?

Steps Solution
1. Substitute each of the values for the q=5 3 × 5 − 7
20
pronumeral in the inequality in turn and 8
20 True
state whether it makes the statement true q = 12 3 × 12 − 7
20
or false. 29
20 False
q = −8 3 × (−8) − 7
20
−31
20 True
q=9 3 × 9 − 7
20
20
20 True
2. List the values that make the inequality q = 5, q = 8 and q = 9 make the
−

true. inequality true.

worked example 17
Write the inequality shown on the number line, using the pronumeral m.

−4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4

Steps Solution
1. Look at the arrow and decide whether it is 
a ‘less than’ inequality with the arrow
pointing left or a ‘greater than’ inequality
with the arrow pointing right.
If the end-point has a filled circle, place the
line under the inequality sign to show that
the number is included.
The circle is open so don’t write a line
under the symbol.
2. Complete the inequality with the m3
pronumeral and the number.

Remember a closed circle means the end number is included and an open circle means
the end number is not included.

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worked example 18
Show the inequality t  4 on the number line.

Steps Solution
1. Draw a number line and label 0 and 4 at
0 4
least.
2. Put the circle on the end point, in this case 4.
0 4
Since 4 is included, fill in the circle.
3. Since the pronumeral is alone on the left,
0 4
draw an arrow on the number line in the
same direction as the inequality sign is
pointing.

exercise 3.12 Introduction to inequalities

Preparation: Prep Zone Q6

Core
1 For each of the following, choose, from the set of numbers
2, 8, 12, 0, −2, −5 and −10, those numbers that make the inequality true.
(a) z  12 (b) y  1 (c) x  8 e Hint
(d) w  2 (e) v  −3 (f) u  −2
(g) t  0 (h) s  15 (i) r  −10
p
(j) 2q  12 (k) ---  2 (l) n + 2  6
3
2 For each of the following, choose, from the set of numbers
1, 5, 14, 0, −3, −7 and −12, those numbers that make the inequality true.
(a) 3a − 2  10 (b) 2b + 3  11 (c) 3c − 7  8 e Hint
f
(d) 4d + 7  3 (e) 10 − 3e  5 (f) --- + 1  3
2
2g h
(g) -----
- 1 (h) --- – 1  2 − (i) 5 − i  −2
3 2
k–1 l+2
(j) −2j  6 (k) -----------  0 (l) ----------  2
3 5
3 Write the inequality shown on each of the following number lines.
(a) −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 e Hint

(b) −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4

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(c) −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4

(d) −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4

(e)
0 27

(f) −13 0

(g) −1 0 1

(h) −1 0 1

(i) −20 −10 0 10 20

(j) −100 −50 0 50 100

4 Show each of the following inequalities on a separate number line.

(a) z  12 (b) y  1 (c) x  8 e Hint
(d) w  2 (e) v  −3 (f) u  −2
(g) t  0 (h) s  15 (i) r  −10
(j) q  1 1--2- (k) p  − 2 1--2- (l) n  6.3
5 (a) Which of these inequalities is true when x = 3?
A x3 B 3x C x3 D x3
(b) Which of these inequalities is true when y = −5?
A y−50 B y+50 C y−50 D y+50
(c) −11 0
The inequality represented by this number line is:
A z  −11 B z  −11 C z  −11 D z  −11
66 Write three different numbers that make the inequality 5k − 7  40 true. e Hint

Extension
7 Describe in words the numbers that make each of these inequalities true.
(a) a − 2  10 (b) b + 3  11 (c) c − 7  8 e Hint
f
(d) d + 7  3 (e) 10 − e  5 (f) ---  3
2
h
(g) 2g  14 (h) ---  −2 (i) 5i  −20
3
k 2l
(j) -2j  6 (k) ---  0 (l) ----  2
3 5
e Homework 3.4

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Inequalities don’t look much different from equations, the main difference
being the inequality sign instead of the equals sign. We can use most of the
rules for solving equations when we solve inequalities as we are looking for the
simplest equivalent inequality.
w
For example, the inequalities w  5, w + 3  8, w − 4  1, 3w < 15 and ----  1
5
all have the same set of numbers that make them true. If we substitute any
number less than 5 in each of the inequalities, we end up with a true statement.
The inequality w  5 is the simplest inequality that has this set of numbers
as a solution. w  5 is therefore the solution to each of the inequalities
w
w + 3  8, w − 4  1, 3w  15 and ----  1.
5
We can perform the operations of adding the same number to and
subtracting the same number from both sides of an inequality to obtain an
equivalent inequality. We can also multiply or divide both sides by a positive
number only to also obtain an equivalent inequality.
Multiplication and division by negatives is also possible, but is not covered
here because the inequality sign needs to be changed. You will look at these
problems in later years.

worked example 19
Create an inequality equivalent to each of the following by performing the operation given in
brackets.
(a) a − 4  11 (add 5) (b) 5c  60 (divide by 5)

Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Write the inequality. (a) a − 4  11
2. Perform the same operation on both a − 4 + 5  11 + 5
sides, i.e. add 5.
3. Simplify. a + 1  16
(b) 1. Write the inequality. (b) 5c  60
2. Perform the same operation on both 5c 60
sides, i.e. divide by 5.
------  ------
5 5
3. Simplify. c  12

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worked example 20
Solve the following inequalities by performing the same operation on both sides.
q
(a) m − 6  5 (b) ---  2
4

Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Write the inequality. (a) m−65
Choose the operation to change the left-
hand expression into m. (+ 6 to undo the − 6)
2. Perform the same operation on both sides. m−6+65+6
3. Simplify to the simplest equivalent inequality. m  11
(b) 1. Write the inequality. q
(b) ---  2
Choose the operation to change the left- 4
hand expression into q. (× 4 to undo the ÷ 4)
q
2. Perform the same operation on both sides. --- × 4  2 × 4
4
3. Simplify to the simplest equivalent inequality. q8

worked example 21
Solve the following inequalities and graph each solution on a number line.
(a) s − 4  3 (b) 4t  7

Steps Solutions
(a) 1. Write the inequality. (a) s−43
Choose the operation to change
the left-hand expression into m.
(+ 4 to undo the − 4)
2. Solve the inequality. s−4+43+4
s7
3. Graph the solution on the
0 7
number line.
(b) 1. Write the inequality. (b) 4t  7
Choose the operation to change
the left-hand expression into t.
(÷ 4 to undo the × 4)

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4t 7
2. Solve the inequality. -----  ---
4 4
3
t 1 -4
3. Graph the solution on the
−1 0 1 134 2 3
number line.

exercise 3.13 Solving simple inequalities

Preparation: Prep Zone Q5, Exs 3.5 and 3.6

Core
1 Create an inequality equivalent to each of the following by performing the
operation given in brackets.
(a) z + 2  9 (add 4) (b) y − 3  5 (subtract 3) e Hint
w
(c) 5x  20 (divide by 5) (d) ----  -2 (multiply by 6)
3
(e) v − 6  −5 (add 6) (f) u + 7  2 (subtract 7)
(g) t − 9  0 (add 9) (h) s + 7  −10 (subtract 7)
r
(i) ---  7 (multiply by 3) (j) 9q  81 (divide by 9)
3
p
(k) ---  11 (multiply by 4)
4
(l) 8n  6 (divide by 8) e Worksheet C3.9

2 Solve the following inequalities by performing the same operation on

both sides.
(a) a − 2  5 (b) b + 6  9 (c) c − 3  12 e Hint
f
(d) d + 4  3 (e) 4e  24 (f) ---  2
3
h
(g) 7g  −14 (h) ---  −1 (i) i − 5  −20
5
k
(j) j + 13  6 (k) ---  0 (l) 3l  −27
6
3 Solve the following inequalities and graph each solution on a separate
number line.
b
(a) 3a  15 (b) ---  5 (c) c − 7  18
5
(d) d + 4  20 (e) e − 5  24 (f) 8f  48
g
(g) ---  10 (h) h + 5  16 (i) 7i  −21
6
k
(j) 4j  60 (k) ---  −3 (l) l + 3  −5
6
(m) m − 6  18 (n) n + 13  45 (o) 5p  −130
q
(p) ------  −2 (q) 2r  −20 (r) s + 11  −25
11

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v
(s) t + 0.6  1.2 (t) u − 1.7  1.2 (u) ------  0.3
10
x
(v) 4w  3.2 (w) ---  −0.7
5
(x) y + 0.9  −18 e Worksheet C3.10

4 (a) An inequality equivalent to p − 6  10 is:

A p  16 B p6 C p  10 D p  16
(b) The inequality shown on this number line is:
−10 0 10

A m5 B m5 C m5 D m5

(c) The solution to the inequality q − 11 > −2 is:
A q  −13 B q  −9 C q9 D q  13
55 Write three inequalities that are equivalent to k + 3  10.
Extension
6 Solve the following inequalities and graph each of them on a number line.
(a) 4z  18 (b) y + 5  27 (c) x − 11  0 e Hint
w
(d) ----  7 (e) 8v  11 (f) 4u  15
5
r
(g) 13 + t  5 (h) 9s  −10 (i) ---  −2.4
2
p
(j) 7q  6 (k) ---  1.2 (l) 5n  3
4
k
(m) 2m  1.8 (n) 10l  −45 (o) ---  −1.3
4
(p) j + 2.6  −2 (q) i − 5.7  −20 (r) 7h  −23
f
(s) g + 0.6  −1.2 (t) ---  0.22 (u) 3e  0.12
9
d
(v) ---  2 1--2- (w) 3c  2 1--4- (x) b – 3 1--2-  6
4
7 Describe in words the process of solving simple inequalities and justifying
solutions.

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Russian multiplication
Russian multiplication is a method of multiplication that involves halving one side of a list of
paired numbers until 1 is obtained, and doubling the other. Any remainder is ignored when
halving, which makes things easier! The pairs of numbers having an even number on the left
are crossed out and the remaining right-hand numbers are added.
Example: 21 × 31
Halving Doubling

21 × 31
10 × 62
1
(half of 21 is 10 --2- , but we ignore any fractional remainders
and write only the 10.)
5 × 124
cross out pairs that have an 2 × 248 (half of 5 is 2 --12- , but we ignore the --1-
2 and write the 2 only.)
even number on the left.
1 × 496
651
1 Use Russian multiplication to
calculate:
(a) 21 × 23 (b) 11 × 17
(c) 13 × 42 (d) 35 × 21
(e) 16 × 27 (f) 29 × 33
(g) 20 × 51 (h) 42 × 54
(i) 37 × 35 (j) 60 × 75
(k) 87 × 69 (l) 85 × 92
2 Can you explain why the Russian
method of multiplication works?
Discuss with a partner.

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Summary Key words

Copy and complete the following summary of this chapter using backtrack
the words and phrases from the list. A word or phrase may be balance
used more than once. equation
1 The _______ of an equation is the value of the pronumeral flowchart
that makes the equation true.
formula
2 One way of solving an equation is to draw a _________ to inequality
find the correct operations and their order.
operation
3 When we solve an equation we must always _________
pronumeral
both sides by doing the same thing to each.
solution
4 To check the solution to an equation, we _________ our
solve
solution for the pronumeral and evaluate the expression.
substitute
5 Lots of numbers will make an _________ true, so we often
show the solution on a number line.

Questions
1 Use a dictionary to find the non-mathematical meanings
of the words ‘balance’ and ‘operation’. Use each word in a
sentence.
2 What is the difference between an equation and a formula?
3 List the four inequality symbols and their meanings.
4 What are the two different ways of writing the plural of
formula?
5 A pronumeral is used in place of a numeral. What other
words starting with ‘pro’ mean ‘in place of something’?
6 Use the word solution in a non-mathematical way. How is
this related to the mathematical use of the word?
7 Unjumble these words:
AABCELN, AEINOQTU, ACFHLORTW, AFLMORU
8 Find as many words of at least four letters
as you can in the following. Each word C O L
must contain the middle letter, and one W A H
word uses all nine letters.
F T R

e Worksheet L3.1

e Worksheet L3.2

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FAQs
What is the difference between an expression and an equation?
An expression is a mathematical statement. An equation has two
mathematical expressions with an equals sign between them.
Do I always have to do the same thing to both sides of an equation?
Yes. If you do not do the same thing to both sides, then the equation will
become unbalanced. Equations must always be balanced on both sides so that
they have equal values.
Core
1 Write an equation for each of the following using the pronumerals in 3.1
brackets to represent the unknown number.
(a) Nine is added to a number to give a result of twenty-two. (p)
(b) Six is subtracted from a number to give a result of eight. (q)
(c) Seven times a number gives a result of thirty-five. (r)
2 These scales are balanced. One side has eight marbles; the other has three 3.2
pegs and four marbles.
(a) If we take three marbles from the right-hand side, the scales
become unbalanced. Which of the sides is heavier?
(b) How can I balance the scales without putting back marbles?
(c) If I take all the marbles from the right-hand side, what
should be done to the left-hand side to balance the scales?
(d) How many marbles are equivalent in mass to the three pegs?
(e) How many marbles are equivalent in mass to one peg?
3 Draw a flowchart and solve each of the following equations by 3.3
backtracking.
2l
(a) 4m + 3 = 19 (b) ---- = 3 (c) 4(k + 3) = 32
3
4 Solve each of these equations using guess, check and improve. 3.4
(a) 3a − 24 = 31 − 2a (b) 2b − 15 = 37 − 2b (c) 8c + 14 = 76 − 2c
5 Create an equation equivalent to each of the following by performing the 3.5
operation given in brackets.
(a) t + 15 = 24 (subtract 25) (b) s − 9 = 28 (add 12)
(c) 14r = 21 (divide by 7)
− (d) 5 − 7y = 42 (multiply by −3)
6 Perform opposite operations to find the simplest equation equivalent to: 3.6
h
(a) g − 6 = 12 (b) --- = 13 (c) 9i = 108
4

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7 Solve the following equations by performing opposite operations. 3.7

k
(a) 5m − 11 = 4 (b) 3(l + 2) = 33 (c) --- + 11 = 26
5
8 Solve each of the following equations. 3.8
2x 4w – 1
(a) ----- – 5 = 11 (b) ---------------- = 9 (c) 3(v + 2) − 11 = 85
3 7
9 Solve each of the following equations and check your solution by 3.9
substitution.
l+1 2k
(a) ---------- – 3 = 7 (b) ------ + 5 = −11 (c) −3(j + 3) = 15
5 3
10 Solve the following problems by first writing an equation, then solving it. 3.10
(a) A number divided by 9 is 16. Find the number.
(b) 7 is subtracted from twice a number to leave 47. Find the number.
(c) Marilyn bought 9 apples for $4.23. What is the cost of each apple?
xy
11 The formula A = ----- gives the area (A) for any kite with diagonals of length 3.11
2
x and y.
(a) Find the area of a kite with diagonals of 12 cm and 15 cm.
(b) If a kite has an area of 200 cm2 and one diagonal that is 25 cm long,
how long is the other diagonal?
(c) The length of one diagonal is 10 cm and the other is 3x − 2 cm.
If the area of the kite is 110 cm2, find the value of x.
12 For each question, choose, from the set of numbers 0, 4, 11, 14, −5, −9 and 3.12
−11, those numbers that make the given inequality true.

(a) 4a − 7  10 (b) 3b + 4  −11 (c) 5c − 11  9

13 Solve each of the following inequalities and graph each solution on a 3.13
number line.
q
(a) n − 6  2 (b) 3p  −24 (c) ---  −4
3
Extension
14 Write an equation for each of these rules, using the given pronumerals for 3.1
each of the quantities described.
(a) The number of US dollars (U) is equal to 0.54 times the number of
Australian dollars (A).
(b) The semi-perimeter of a triangle (s) is half the sum of the three sides
(a, b and c).
(c) The final speed (v) is the initial speed (u) plus the product of the
acceleration (a) and the time (t).

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15 Draw a flowchart and solve each of the following equations by 3.3

backtracking. (The solutions are not whole numbers.)
5l
(a) 8m − 11 = 27 (b) ---- = −8 (c) 6(k − 4) = 5
7
16 Solve each of these equations using guess, check and improve. 3.4
a–3
(a) ----------- = 2 − 3a (b) 3(2b − 15) = 27 − 2b (c) c2 = 4c + 5
2
17 Solve the following equations by performing opposite operations. (The 3.7
solutions are not whole numbers.)
k 1
(a) 3m − 11 = −9 (b) 7(l − 4) = 18 (c) --- – 11 = ---
5 2
18 Solve the following equations. (The solutions are not whole numbers.) 3.8

(c) 3  --------------- = ---

3(m + 11) 2k – 1 1
(a) ------------------------- = −10 (b) 7(l + 2) − 3 = 19
2  4  2
19 Solve the following problems by first writing an equation, then solving it. 3.10
(a) Two thirds of 9 more than a number is 16. Find the number.
(b) Jung spent $2 more than a quarter of his money. If he spent $19,
how much did he start with?
(c) In 5 years time, Maja’s age will be twice what it was 6 years ago.
How old is Maja now?
Ah
20 The formula V = ------- is used to find the volume (V) of a pyramid with base 3.11
3
area A and perpendicular height h. Find:
(a) the volume of a pyramid with base area 279 cm2 and perpendicular
height 43 cm
(b) the base area of a pyramid with height 1.2 m and volume 2.5 m3
(c) the height of a pyramid with volume 1500 mm3 and base area
250 mm2.
21 Solve each of the following inequalities and graph each solution on a 3.13
number line.
3q
(a) n + 0.3  1.8 (b) 0.3p  12.4 (c) ------ + 8  10
7

1 Arrange the following decimals in order from smallest to largest. e Worksheet R3.7
(a) 4.5, 4.005, 4.55, 4.545, 4.504 (b) 0.099, 0.109, 0.091, 0.0919, 0.0191

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2 Calculate: e Worksheet R3.8

(a) 2
---
3
× 15
------
26
(b) 2 2--5- × 3 2--3- (c) 1 1--2- × 2--5- × − 3 1--8-
3 Copy and complete the following conversions. e Worksheet R3.9
(a) 5.6 cm = ___ mm (b) 870 cm = ___ m (c) 21 m = ___ km
4 Find the area of the following shapes. (All angles are right angles.) e Worksheet R3.10

(a) 7m (b)
2m
7m
10 m
6m

15 m
8m

5 Measure the size of each of the following angles. e Worksheet R3.11

(a) (b) (c)

6 Convert each of the following percentages to fractions in simplest form. 1.2

(a) 23% (b) 2--5- % (c) 12.5% (d) 0.7%
7 Convert each of the following decimals to percentages. 1.5
(a) 0.14 (b) 0.03 (c) 0.286 (d) 1.9
8 Calculate the selling price if the following items are discounted by 15%. 1.12
(a) a pair of jeans marked at $80 (b) a stereo marked at $650
9 Evaluate each of the following expressions when g = 2 and h = 5. 2.2
16
(a) gh − ------ (b) 7h − 8g (c) 30gh + g(h + 4)
g
10 Simplify each of the following expressions. 2.5
(a) 7a2 − 5a2 (b) 5t2 + 7t − t + 2t2
(c) 12q + 7q − 3q + q
2 2 2 (d) 2xy − 15x2 + 7xy + 3x2
11 Simplify: 2.8
(a) 5j × 7k (b) 14pq ÷ 2q (c) 2a3 × a2
12 Factorise the following expressions. 2.10
(a) 5h − 45 (b) y2 + 7y (c) 12mn + 8m
e Assignment 3

3 ● linear equations and INEQUALITIES 155