BASIC MATHEMATICS ASSIGNMENT 1

BASIC MATHEMATICS

LEVEL – 1
IDENTITIES
1
1. If a + = 5 ,the find
a
1 1 1
(i ) a 2 + ( ii ) a 3 + ( iii ) a 5 +
a2 a3 a5
2. If a 2 + b2 + c2 = 10 and a + b + c = 4 , find ab + bc + ca.
3. If 4x + 3y = 4 & xy = 2 then find 64x 3 + 27y3 .

4. If a + b + c = 6 and ab + bc + ac = 12 find the value of a 3 + b3 + c3 − 3abc

(a − b2 ) + ( b2 − c2 ) + ( c2 − a 2 )
2 3 3 3

5. Simplify: .
(a − b) + ( b − c) + (c − a )
3 3 3

1 1 1 1 1 1
6. If + + = 3 , find the value of + +
a −b b−c c−a (a − b) ( b − c) (c − a )
2 2 2

5 13
7. Given x + y = , x 2 + y 2 = , find the value of x 5 + y5 .
2 4
8. The square root of (3a + 2b + 3c)2 – (2a + 3b + 2c)2 + 5b2 is

(a) 5 (a + b + c) (b) 5 (a + b)

(c) 5 (a + c) (d) 5 (a + c − b)

9. Find the square root of (x + 1) (x + 2) (x + 3) (x + 4) + 1.

(a) x2 + 5x + 5 (b) x2 + 3x + 2
(c) x2 + x + 5 (d) x2 + 4x + 1
10. If a + b + c = 0 , then what is the value of a 4 + b4 + c4 − 2a 2 b2 − 2b2c2 − 2c2a 2 ?
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) -1 (d) 2
1
11. If y = x + , then x 4 + x3 − 4x 2 + x + 1 = 0 Can be reduced to which one of the following ?
x
(a) y2 + y − 2 = 0 (b) y2 + y − 4 = 0
BASIC MATHEMATICS 2

(c) y2 + y − 6 = 0 (d) y2 + y + 6 = 0

2p 2 ( q + r ) + 2q 2 ( p + r ) + 2r 2 ( p + q )
12. If p + q + r = 0 then the value of
pqr
1
(a) 3pqr (b) (c) 6 (d) −6
pqr
1
13. If x = ( 5 ) 3 + 2 then the value of x3 − 6x 2 + 12x −10 is

(a) 1 (b) −2 (c) −1 (d) 3

14. If n+1=20002+20012 then (2n+1)1/2
15. If a, b, c, d > 0 and a 4 + b4 + c4 + d 4 = 4abcd, prove that a = b = c = d.
2 1
16. If x = 2 + 2 3 + 2 3 then x3 − 6x 2 + 6x = ?
(a) 3 (b) 2 (c) 1 (d) None
17. Suppose a, b are two number such that a 2 + b 2 + 8a −14b + 65 = 0 . Find the value of a 2 + ab + b 2
18. Given a – b = 2, b – c = 4, find the value of a 2 + b2 + c 2 − ab − bc − ca .
19. For integers a, b, c and d, rewrite the expression ( a 2 + b 2 )( c 2 + d 2 ) as a sum of squares of two

integers.
x x2
20. Given 2 = a ( a  0 ) , find the value of 4 .
x + 3x + 1 x + 3x 2 + 1
1 
21. Given x + = a , find the value of x 6 + 6 in terms of a.
x x
22. Given a + b + c + d = 0, prove that a3 + b3 + c3 + d3 = 3 (abc + bcd + cda + dab) .

FACTORIZATION
23. The factors of (x4 + 625) are
(a) (x2 – 25), (x2 + 25) (b) (x2 + 25), (x2 + 25)
(c) (x2 – 10x + 25), (x2 + 5x + 25) (d) does not exist
If a ( b − c ) + b ( c − a ) + c ( a − b ) = k ( a − b )( b − c )( c − a ) then which of the following is true?
2 2 2
24.

(a) k = 1 (b) k = −1 (c) k = 2 (d) k = −2

y 4 − x 4 y3
−
x ( x + y) x
25. The simplified form of the expression 2 is
y − xy + x 2
BASIC MATHEMATICS 3

(a) 1 (b) 0 (c) −1 (d) 2

26. Factorize (a + 1) (a + 2) (a + 3) (a + 4) – 120
27. One of the factors of 81a 4 + ( x − 2a )( x − 5a )( x − 8a )( x − 11a ) is

(a) x 2 − 13ax + 31a 2 (b) x 2 − 13a + 31a 2

(c) x 2 + 18a − 31a 2 (d) x 2 − 18a + 31a 2
28. The factors of x 9 − y9 will be

(a) ( x − y ) ( x 2 + y 2 + xy )( x 6 + y 6 + x 3 y3 ) (b) ( x + y ) ( x 2 + y 2 − xy )( x 6 + y 6 + x 3 y3 )

(c) ( x − y ) ( x 2 − y 2 + xy )( x 6 + y 6 − x 3 y3 ) (d) None of these

29. Factorize a 3 + b3 + 3ab − 1

(a) ( a + b − 1) ( a 2 + b 2 + a + b + 1 − ab ) (b) ( a + b − 1) ( a 2 + b 2 + a + b − 1 + ab )

(c) ( a + b − 1) ( a 2 + b 2 − a − b + 1 + ab ) (d) None of these

7x 2 + 2 14x + 2
30. Square root of
1 1
x2 − x +
2 16

(a)
7x + 2
(b)
4 ( 7x + 2 )
4x − 1 4x − 1
7x + 2
(c) (d) None of these
2x − 1
 17  3  4 11 
31. The square root of  2x 2 + x + 1 x 2 + 4x + 2  x 2 + x + 2 
 6  2  3 3 
1 1
(a) ( x + 2 )( x + 3)( x + 4 ) (b) ( 4x + 3)( 3x + 2 )( x + 1)
3 11
1 1
(c) ( 4x + 3)( 3x + 2 )( x + 2 ) (d) ( x + 1)( 2x + 1)( 3x + 1)
6 3

Given that ( a − 2 ) + ( b − 2 ) + ( c − 2 ) = 0, a 2 + b 2 + c 2 = 14, a + b + c = 6 , prove that at least one of a, b,

3 3 3
32.

c is 2.

Factorize ( d 2 − c 2 + a 2 − b 2 ) − 4 ( bc − da )
2 2
33.

34. Factorize 64x 6 − 729y12

BASIC MATHEMATICS 4

INEQUALITIES
35. Solve the inequality ( 2 + x )( x − 5 )( x + 1)  0

36. Solve the inequality x 2 ( x 2 − 4 )  0

37. Solve the inequality x3  6x − x 2

38. Solve the inequality x − 1  ( x − 1)( x + 2 )
2x − 4 x + 2
39. Solve the inequality 
x + 3 2x + 6
2x 1
40. Find the solution set of the inequality 
x +3 x
x ( 2x − 1)
2

41. Find the solution set of the inequality 0

( x + 1) ( x − 2 )
3

2x 2
42. Find the solution set of the inequality x
x +1
( 2 − x ) ( x − 21)
101 10

43. Solve for x : 0

( 2x − 3)
22

( x − 2 ) ( x + 1)  x −  ( x + 8)
10 3 1 2

44. Solve the inequliaty if f ( x ) =  2

0
x 24 ( x − 3) ( x + 2 )
3 5

4−x x +3 2 − 3x
45. Given m = ,n = ,p = , and m > n > p. Find the range of x.
3 4 5
x a
46. Given that x, y, a, b are all positive numbers and a  b, = If x + y = c, then the larger one of x and
y b
y is
ab ab ac bc
(a) (b) (c) (d)
a+b b+c a+b a+b
47. Given that the solution set of x for the inequality (2a – b) x + a – 5b > 0 is x >10/7 find the solution set
of x for the inequality ax> b
48. Given that a, b are two integers such that the integer solutions of the system of inequalities 9x – a ≥ 0,
and 8x – b < 0 Are 1,2,3. Find the number of the ordered paris (a, b)
5
49. Given that the solution set of the inequality (2a-b) x > a – 2b for x is x  , find the solution set of the
2
inequality ax + b < 0
BASIC MATHEMATICS 5

LEVEL - 2
1 1 1 9
1. If a, b, c Ꜫ R+ such that a + = 3 , b + = 4 and c + = . Find abc.
b c a 11
2. If x 2 + 4y2 − 3x + 9 = 6y + 2xy then the value of x + 2y
3. Factorize: x11 + x10 + ... + x 2 + x + 1
4. Find the minimum value of M = 3x 2 − 8xy + 9y2 − 4x − 2y + 7 (where x, y are real numbers).
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 15
5. Given a + b = c + d and a2 + b2 = c2 + d2. Prove that a 2009 + b2009 = c2009 + d 2009 .

If a + b + c = 0, prove that 2 ( a 4 + b 4 + c 4 ) = ( a 2 + b 2 + c 2 ) .
2
6.

7. If a + b = 1, a2 + b2 = 2, find the value of a7 + b7.

8. Given that the real number a, b satisfy a3 + b3 + 3ab = 1, find a +b.
9. Given that a3 + b3 + c3 = (a+ b + c)3, prove that for any natural number n
a 2n +1 + b 2n +1 + c 2n +1 = ( a + b + c )
2n +1
.

10. The polynomial: x6 + 18x3 + 125, admits

(a) No factor of degree between 2 and 5
(b) x2 – 3x + 5 as a factor
(c) x + 1 as a factor
(d) x – 125 as a factor
11. Given 14 (a2 + b2 +c2) = (a + 2b + 3c)2, find the ratio a : b : c.
x2 y2 z2 c b a
12. If = = = 2, then value of + + is
by + cz cz + ax ax + by 2c + z 2b + y 2a + x
1 1
(a) 2 (b) (c) 4 (d)
2 4
 1 1 1 
13. If xy + yz + zx = 0 , then the value of  2 + 2 + 2  is
 x − yz y − zx z − xy 
(a) 3 (b) 0 (c) 1 (d) x + y + z

14. Factorize (i) x 4 + 2x3 + 7x 2 + 6x − 7 (ii) x3 + 9x 2 + 23x + 15

c
15. Given a + b + c = 0, a > b > c. Find the range of .
a
16. Given 0  a − b  1,1  a + b  4 . Find the value of 8a + 2002b when the value of a – 2b is maximum.
BASIC MATHEMATICS 6

17. Find all the positive integer valued solutions (x, y, z) of the system of inequalities
3x + 2y − z =4

2x − y + 2z = 6,
x + y + z  7,

18. If x >z, y> z, then which is always true in the following inequalities ?
(a) x + y > 4z (b) x + y > 3z
(c) x + y > 2z, (d) x + y > z.
19. Given that the integer solutions of the inequality 0  ax + 5  4 for x are 1,2,3,4. Find the range of the
constant a.
a 8 a 9
20. a, b are positive integers. Find the fraction satisfying   and such that b is minimum.
b 9 b 10
c a b
21. If a, b, c> 0 and   , arrange a, b, c in ascending order
a+b b+c a+c
a b c
22. Given a < b < c < 0, arrange the size of , , in descending order.
b+c c+a a+b
23. Solve the inequality in x : ax + 4  x + b , where a, b are two constants.
BASIC MATHEMATICS 7

VIDEO SOLUTIONS
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19NJKtABDTPlGiiB_4tC_7BQ93aAs5hwGwJv94Ag

ANSWERS KEY
LEVEL - 1
1. 2525 2. x = 3 3. –224 4. 0
5. ( a + b )( b + c )( c + a ) 6. 9 7. 275/32 8. (c)

9. (a) 10. (a) 11.(c) 12. (d)

14. ( 4001)
2
13. (d) 15. 16. (b)

1
19. ( ac − bd ) + ( ad + bc )
2 2
17. (37) 18. 28 20. 2
1 
 − 3 +1
a 

= ( a 3 − 3a ) − 2
1 2
21. x 6 + 6
22. 23. (d) 24. (c)
x
25. (c) 26. ( a − 1)( a + 6 ) ( a 2 + 5a + 16 )
27. (a) 28. (c) 29. (a) 30. (b)
31. (c) 32. (0)
33. ( d + a − b − c )( d + a + b + c )( d + b − a − c )( d + c − a − b )
34. ( 2x + 3y )( 2x + 3y )( 4x
2 2 2
+ 6xy 2 + 9y 4 )( 4x 2 − 6xy 2 + 9y 4 )

35. x  ( −2, −1)  ( 5,  ) 36. ( x  ( −2, 2 ) − 0 ) 37. ( x  ( −, −3   0, 2

 10  3 
38. x  ( −1,1) 39. x  ( −, −3)   ,   40. x  ( −, −3)  [−1, 0)   ,  
 3  2 
 3 3 
41. x  ( −1, 0 )  ( 2,  ) 42. x  (−1,0] [1, ) 43. x   −,    , 2   21
 2 2 

 1  −7 
44. x  ( −, −8 )  ( −8, −2 )  ( −1, 0 )   0,   ( 3,  ) 45. x   ,1
 2  17 
ac 3
46. x = 47. x  48. 72 49. 72
a+b 5
BASIC MATHEMATICS 8

LEVEL - 2

1. (1) 2. (6) 3. ( x + 1) ( x 2 − x + 1)( x 2 + x + 1)( x 2 + 1) (x 4 − x 2 + 1)

(a + b 2 + c2 )
71
2 2
4. (c) 5. b=c 6. 7.
8
8. (2) 9. for all three cases. 10. (b)
11. a : b : c = a : 2a : 3a = 1: 2 : 3 12. (b) 13. (b)
14. (i) ( x 2 + x + 7 )( x 2 + x − 1) (ii) ( x + 1)( x + 3)( x + 5 )

c −1
15. −2   16. 8 17. x = 1, y = 2, z = 3
a 2
 −5 
18. (c) 19. a   , −1 20. 17/19
4 
a b c
21. c<a<b 22.  
b+c a+c a+b
 b−4 
a  1, x   a − 1 ,  
  
 b−4 
23. a  1, x   ,
  a −1 
a = 1& b  4, x 

a = &b  4, No sol.
BASIC MATHEMATICS 9

SOLUTIONS

LEVEL – 1
IDENTITIES
1
1. If a + = 5 ,the find
a
1 1 1
(i ) a 2 + ( ii ) a 3 + ( iii ) a 5 +
a2 a3 a5
1 1
Sol: a 2 + 2
= 23 & a 3 + 3 = 110
a a
1
a5 + = 23 10 − 5 = 2530 − 5 = 2525
a5
2. If a 2 + b2 + c2 = 10 and a + b + c = 4 , find ab + bc + ca.

(a + b + c) = a 2 + b 2 + c 2 + 2 ( ab + bc + ac )
2
Sol:

16 = 10 + 2x
x=3
3. If 4x + 3y = 4 & xy = 2 then find 64x 3 + 27y3 .

Sol: 64x 3 + 27y3 = ( 4x + 3y ) (16x 2 + 9y 2 − 12xy )

(
= 4  ( 4x + 3y ) − 36xy
2
)
= 4  (16 − 72 ) = −224

4. If a + b + c = 6 and ab + bc + ac = 12 find the value of a 3 + b3 + c3 − 3abc

(a + b + c) = a 2 + b 2 + c 2 + 2 ( ab + bc + ca )
2
Sol:

36 = a 2 + b2 + c2 + 24
a 2 + b2 + c 2 = 12
a 3 + b 3 + c3 − 3abc = ( a + b + c )(12 − 12 ) = 0

(a − b2 ) + ( b2 − c2 ) + ( c2 − a 2 )
2 3 3 3

5. Simplify: .
(a − b) + ( b − c) + (c − a )
3 3 3
BASIC MATHEMATICS 10

3 ( a 2 − b 2 )( b 2 − c2 )( c2 − a 2 )
Sol: = ( a + b )( b + c )( c + a )
3 ( a − b )( b − c )( c − a )

1 1 1 1 1 1
6. If + + = 3 , find the value of + +
a −b b−c c−a (a − b) ( b − c) (c − a )
2 2 2

2
 1 1 1  1 1 1
Sol:  + +  = + + +0=9
 a − b b − c c − a  (a − b) ( b − c) (c − a )
2 2 2

5 13
7. Given x + y = , x 2 + y 2 = , find the value of x 5 + y5 .
2 4

( x + y) − x 2 − y 2 = 2xy
2
Sol:

25 13 3
− = 2xy  xy =
4 4 2
3
5  3  5 
x + y =   − 3   
3 3

2  2  2 
125 45 35
− =
8 4 8
x 5 + y5 = ( x 3 + y3 )( x 2 + y 2 ) − x 2 y 2 ( x + y )
2
 35  13   3   5 
=    −    
 8  4   2   2 
455 − 45  4 455 − 180 275
= =
32 32 32
8. The square root of (3a + 2b + 3c)2 – (2a + 3b + 2c)2 + 5b2 is

(a) 5 (a + b + c) (b) 5 (a + b)

(c) 5 (a + c) (d) 5 (a + c − b)

Ans: (c)

( 3a + 2b + 3c ) − ( 2a + 3b + 2c ) + 5b 2
2 2
Sol:

= ( 3a + 2b + 3c + 2a + 3b + 2c )( 3a + 2b + 3c − 2a − 3b − 2c ) + 5b 2

= ( 5a + 5b + 5c )( a − b + c ) + 5b 2

= 5 ( a + c + b )( a + c − b ) + 5b 2
BASIC MATHEMATICS 11

= 5 ( a + c ) − b 2  + 5b 2 = 5 ( a + c )
2 2
 

5(a + c) = 5 (a + c)
2
 square root of given expression is

9. Find the square root of (x + 1) (x + 2) (x + 3) (x + 4) + 1.

(a) x2 + 5x + 5 (b) x2 + 3x + 2
(c) x2 + x + 5 (d) x2 + 4x + 1
Ans: (a)
Sol: (x + 1) (x + 2) (x + 3) (x + 4) + 1 = (x2 + 5x + 4)( x2 + 5x + 6) + 1
(x2 + 5x + 5 – 1)( x2 + 5x + 5 + 1) + 1
(x2 + 5x + 5)2
Therefore square root of (x + 1) (x + 2) (x + 3) (x + 4) + 1 = x2 + 5x + 5
10. If a + b + c = 0 , then what is the value of a 4 + b4 + c4 − 2a 2 b2 − 2b2c2 − 2c2a 2 ?
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) -1 (d) 2
Ans: (a)
Sol: a + b + c = 0

= ( a 2 + b 2 + c2 ) − 4a 2 b 2 − 4b 2c 2 − 4c 2a 2
2

2
= ( a + b + c ) − 2ab − 2bc − 2ca  − 4a 2 b 2 − 4b 2c 2 − 4c 2a 2
2
 
2
= 02 − 2ab − 2abc − 2ca  − 4a 2 b 2 − 4b 2c 2 − 4c 2a 2
= 4a 2 b 2 + 4b 2c 2 + 4c 2 a 2 + 8ab 2 c + 8abc 2 + 8a 2 bc − 4a 2 b 2 − 4b 2c 2 − 4c 2a 2
= 8ab 2c + 8abc 2 + 8a 2 bc = 8abc(b + c+ a)
= 8abc  0
=0
1
11. If y = x + , then x 4 + x3 − 4x 2 + x + 1 = 0 Can be reduced to which one of the following ?
x
(a) y2 + y − 2 = 0 (b) y2 + y − 4 = 0

(c) y2 + y − 6 = 0 (d) y2 + y + 6 = 0
Ans: (c)
Sol: x 4 + x3 − 4x 2 + x + 1 = 0
BASIC MATHEMATICS 12

1 1
 x2 + x − 4 ++ =0
x x2
1 1
 x2 + 2 + x + − 4 = 0
x x
2
 1  1
 x +  −2+x + −4 = 0
 x  x

 y2 + y − 6 = 0

1
where x + =y
x
2p 2 ( q + r ) + 2q 2 ( p + r ) + 2r 2 ( p + q )
12. If p + q + r = 0 then the value of
pqr
1
(a) 3pqr (b) (c) 6 (d) −6
pqr
Ans: (d)
2p 2 ( q + r ) + 2q 2 ( p + r ) + 2r 2 ( p + q )
Sol: We have,
pqr
2p 2 ( −p ) + 2q 2 ( −q ) + 2r 2 ( −r )
= ( p + q + r = 0 )
pqr
−2 ( p3 + q 3 + r 3 ) −2 ( 3pqr )
= = ( p+ q + r = 0  p3 + q 3 + r 3 = 3pqr)
pqr pqr
= −6
1
13. If x = ( 5 ) 3 + 2 then the value of x3 − 6x 2 + 12x −10 is

(a) 1 (b) −2 (c) −1 (d) 3

Ans: (d)
1
Sol: We have, x = ( 5 ) 3 + 2
1
 ( x − 2) = 5 3

Cubing both sides, we get

3
 13 
( x − 2 ) =  5   x 3 − 8 − 6x ( x − 2 ) = 5
3

 
 x3 − 8 − 6x 2 + 12x = 5
BASIC MATHEMATICS 13

 x3 − 6x 2 + 12x = 13 …(i)
Now, x3 − 6x 2 + 12x −10 = 13 −10 = 3
14. If n+1=20002+20012 then (2n+1)1/2
Sol: 2n + 1 = 2 ( 2000 2 + 20012 ) − 1

= 2  ( 2000 ) + 20012 + ( 2000 )( 2002 )

2

= 20012 + 20002 + 2 ( 2000 )( 2001)

= ( 4001)
2

15. If a, b, c, d > 0 and a 4 + b4 + c4 + d 4 = 4abcd, prove that a = b = c = d.

Sol: We rewrite the given equality in the form a 4 + b4 + c4 + d4 − 4abcd = 0 , and use the technique for
completing squares, then
0 = a 4 + b4 + c4 + d4 − 4abcd

= (a 4
− 2a 2 b 2 + b 4 ) + ( c 4 − 2c 2d 2 + d 4 ) + ( 2a 2 b 2 + 2c 2d 2 − 4abcd )

= ( a 2 − b 2 ) + ( c2 − d 2 ) + 2 ( ab − cd )
2 2 2

Therefore a 2 − b2 = 0,c2 − d 2 = 0 , ab − cd = 0. Since a, b, c, d > 0, so a = b, c = d, and

a 2 = c2 ,i.e. a = c. Thus a = b = c = d.
2 1
16. If x = 2 + 2 + 2 then x3 − 6x 2 + 6x = ?
3 3

(a) 3 (b) 2 (c) 1 (d) None

Sol: (b)
Cubing both sides
3 3 3
 2 1
  2  1 2  1  2 1

( x − 2) =  2 3 + 23  x − 8 − 6x ( x − 2 ) =  2 3  +  2 3  + 3 ( 2 ) 3  2 3  2 3 + 2 3 
3 3

        
x 3 − 8 − 6x 2 + 12x = 4 + 2 + 3 ( 2 )( x − 2 )

x3 − 6x 2 + 12x − 8 = 6 + 6x −12
x3 − 6x 2 + 6x = 8 + 6 −12
x3 − 6x 2 + 6x = 2
17. Suppose a, b are two number such that a 2 + b 2 + 8a −14b + 65 = 0 . Find the value of a 2 + ab + b 2

( a + 4) + ( b − 7 ) =0
2 2
Sol:
BASIC MATHEMATICS 14

a = -4, b = 7
a 2 + ab + b2 = 16 − 28 + 49 = 37
18. Given a – b = 2, b – c = 4, find the value of a 2 + b2 + c 2 − ab − bc − ca .
Sol: a − c = 2 + 4 = 6

a 2 + b 2 + c2 − ab − bc − ac =
1
2
(
(a − b) + (b − c) + (c − a )
2 2 2
)
1
= ( 4 + 16 + 36 ) = 28
2
19. For integers a, b, c and d, rewrite the expression ( a 2 + b 2 )( c 2 + d 2 ) as a sum of squares of two

integers.
Sol: a 2c2 + a 2d2 + b2c2 + b2d 2 − 2abcd + 2abcd

( ac − bd ) + ( ad + bc )
2 2

x x2
20. Given = a ( a  0 ) , find the value of .
x 2 + 3x + 1 x 4 + 3x 2 + 1
1 1
Sol: = x+ +3
a x
1 1 1
= 2
= 2
1  1 1 
x2 + 3 +
x2  x +  +1  − 3 +1
 x a 
1 
21. Given x + = a , find the value of x 6 + 6 in terms of a.
x x
1
Sol: x 3 + = a 3 − 3a
x3
1
( )
2
x6 + = a 3
− 3a −2
x6
22. Given a + b + c + d = 0, prove that a3 + b3 + c3 + d3 = 3 (abc + bcd + cda + dab) .

(a + b) = − (c + d)
3 3
Sol:

a 3 + b3 + c3 + d 3 = −3ab ( a + b ) − 3cd ( c + d )

= 3 ( ab ( c + d ) + cd ( a + b ) ) 

= 3 abc + abd + acd + bcd 

BASIC MATHEMATICS 15

FACTORIZATION
23. The factors of (x4 + 625) are
(a) (x2 – 25), (x2 + 25) (b) (x2 + 25), (x2 + 25)
(c) (x2 – 10x + 25), (x2 + 5x + 25) (d) does not exist
Ans: (d)
Sol: Put, x4 + 625 = 0
x4 = -625, which is not possible.
It does not have any root.
If a ( b − c ) + b ( c − a ) + c ( a − b ) = k ( a − b )( b − c )( c − a ) then which of the following is true?
2 2 2
24.

(a) k = 1 (b) k = −1 (c) k = 2 (d) k = −2

Ans: (c)
Sol: a ( b − c ) + b ( c − a ) + c ( a − b ) = k ( a − b )( b − c )( c − a )
2 2 2

a 2 ( b − c ) + b 2c − b 2a + c 2a − c 2 b = k ( a − b )( b − c )( c − a )

a 2 ( b − c ) + bc(b − c) + a(c 2 − b 2 ) = k ( a − b )( b − c )( c − a )

(b − c)(a 2 + bc − ac − ab) = k ( a − b )( b − c )( c − a )

(b − c)(a − b)(a − c) = k ( a − b )( b − c )( c − a )

k = −1
y 4 − x 4 y3
−
x ( x + y) x
25. The simplified form of the expression 2 is
y − xy + x 2
(a) 1 (b) 0 (c) −1 (d) 2
Ans: (c)
y 4 − x 4 y3
−
x ( x + y) x
Sol:
y 2 − xy + x 2

(y 2
+ x 2 ) ( y − x )( y + x )
−
y3 ( y − x ) ( y2 + x 2 ) y3
x ( x + y) x −
= = x x
y2 − xy + x 2 y − xy + x 2
2
BASIC MATHEMATICS 16

( y − x ) ( y 2 + x 2 ) − y3 − ( x 3 + xy 2 − yx 2 )
= = = −1
x ( y 2 − xy + x 2 ) (x 3
+ xy 2 − x 2 y )

26. Factorize (a + 1) (a + 2) (a + 3) (a + 4) – 120

Sol: ( a + 1)( a + 2 )( a + 3)( a + 4 ) − 120
= ( a + 1)( a + 4 )  ( a + 2 )( a − 3)  − 120

= ( a 2 + 5a + 4 )( a 2 + 5a + 6 ) − 120

= ( a 2 + 5a + 5 ) − 1 ( a 2 + 5a + 5 ) + 1 − 120

= ( a 2 + 5a + 5 ) − 121 = ( a 2 + 5a + 5 ) − 112
2 2

= ( a 2 + 5a − 6 )( a 2 + 5a + 16 ) = ( a − 1)( a + 6 ) ( a 2 + 5a + 16 )

One of the factors of 81a + ( x − 2a )( x − 5a )( x − 8a )( x − 11a ) is

4
27.

(a) x 2 − 13ax + 31a 2 (b) x 2 − 13a + 31a 2

(c) x 2 + 18a − 31a 2 (d) x 2 − 18a + 31a 2
Ans: (a)
Sol: 81a + ( x − 2a )( x − 5a )( x − 8a )( x − 11a )
4

= 81a 4 + ( x − 2a )( x − 11a )( x − 5a )( x − 8a )
= 81a 4 + ( x 2 − 13ax + 22a 2 )( x 2 − 13ax + 40a 2 )
= 81a 4 + ( x 2 − 13ax + 31a 2 − 9a 2 )( x 2 − 13ax + 31a 2 + 9a 2 )
= 81a 4 + ( y + 22a 2 )( y + 40a 2 )( where y = x 2 − 13ax)
= 81a 4 + y 2 + 62a 2 y + 880a 4
= 961a 4 + 62a 2 ( x 2 − 13ax ) + ( x 2 − 13ax )
2

= ( 31a 2 + x 2 − 13ax ) = ( 31a 2 + x 2 − 13ax ) ( 31a 2 + x 2 − 13ax )

2

28. The factors of x 9 − y9 will be

(a) ( x − y ) ( x 2 + y 2 + xy )( x 6 + y 6 + x 3 y3 ) (b) ( x + y ) ( x 2 + y 2 − xy )( x 6 + y 6 + x 3 y3 )

(c) ( x − y ) ( x 2 − y 2 + xy )( x 6 + y 6 − x 3 y3 ) (d) None of these

Ans: (a)
BASIC MATHEMATICS 17

Sol: We have, x 9 − y9 = ( x 3 ) − ( y3 )
3 3


= ( x 3 − y3 ) ( x 3 ) + ( y3 ) + ( x 3 )( y3 )
2 2

= ( x 3 − y3 )( x 6 + y 6 + x 3 y3 ) = ( x − y ) ( x 2 + y 2 + xy )( x 6 + y 6 + x 3 y3 )

 x 9 − y9 = ( x − y ) ( x 2 + y 2 + xy )( x 6 + y 6 + x 3 y3 )

29. Factorize a 3 + b3 + 3ab − 1

(a) ( a + b − 1) ( a 2 + b 2 + a + b + 1 − ab ) (b) ( a + b − 1) ( a 2 + b 2 + a + b − 1 + ab )

(c) ( a + b − 1) ( a 2 + b 2 − a − b + 1 + ab ) (d) None of these

Ans: (a)
Sol: a 3 + b3 + 3ab − 1

= a 3 + b3 + ( −1) − 3  a  b ( −1)
3

= ( a + b − 1) ( a 2 + b 2 + 1 − ab + b + a )

7x 2 + 2 14x + 2
30. Square root of
1 1
x2 − x +
2 16

(a)
7x + 2
(b)
4 ( 7x + 2 )
4x − 1 4x − 1
7x + 2
(c) (d) None of these
2x − 1
Ans: (b)

( )
2
7x 2 + 2 14x + 2 7x + 2
Sol: = 2
1 1  1
x − x+
2

2 16 x − 
 4


7x + 2 4 7x + 2
=
( )
4x − 1 4x − 1
4
BASIC MATHEMATICS 18

 17  3  4 11 
31. The square root of  2x 2 + x + 1 x 2 + 4x + 2  x 2 + x + 2 
 6  2  3 3 
1 1
(a) ( x + 2 )( x + 3)( x + 4 ) (b) ( 4x + 3)( 3x + 2 )( x + 1)
3 11
1 1
(c) ( 4x + 3)( 3x + 2 )( x + 2 ) (d) ( x + 1)( 2x + 1)( 3x + 1)
6 3
Ans: (c)
 2 17  3 2  4 2 11 
Sol:  2x + x + 1 x + 4x + 2  x + x + 2 
 6  2  3 3 
 12x 2 + 17x + 6  3x 2 + 8x + 4  4x 2 + 11x + 6 
=   
 6  2  3 
= (12x 2 + 17x + 6 )( 3x 2 + 8x + 4 )( 4x 2 + 11x + 6 )
1
36
1
= ( 4x + 3)( 3x + 2 )( 3x + 2 )( x + 2 )( x + 2 )( 4x + 3 )
36
1
 square root = ( 4x + 3)( 3x + 2 )( x + 2 )
6
Given that ( a − 2 ) + ( b − 2 ) + ( c − 2 ) = 0, a 2 + b 2 + c 2 = 14, a + b + c = 6 , prove that at least one of a, b,
3 3 3
32.
c is 2.
Sol: ( a − 2) + ( b − 2) + ( c − 2) = 0
( a − 2) + ( b − 2) + (c − 2) = 3 ( a − 2 )( b − 2 )( c − 2 ) = 0
3 3 3

Factorize ( d 2 − c 2 + a 2 − b 2 ) − 4 ( bc − da )
2 2
33.

(d − c + a − b ) 2 2
− 4 ( bc − da ) = ( d 2 − c 2 + a 2 − b 2 ) − ( 2bc − 2da )
2 2 2 2 2 2
Sol:

= (d − c + a − b
2 2 2 2
− 2bc + 2da )( d 2 − c 2 + a 2 + b 2 + 2bc − 2da )

= ( d + a ) − ( b + c )  ( d − a ) − ( b − c ) 
2 2 2 2
  
= ( d + a − b − c )( d + a + b + c )( d + b − a − c )( d + c − a − b )
34. Factorize 64x 6 − 729y12

Sol: 64x 6 − 729y12 = ( 2x ) − ( 3y 2 ) = ( 2x ) − ( 3y 2 )  ( 2x ) + ( 3y 2 ) 

6 6 3 3 3 3

  

= ( 2x − 3y 2 ) ( 2x 2 ) + ( 2x ) ( 3y 2 ) + ( 3y 2 )  ( 2x + 3y 2 ) ( 2x ) − ( 2x ) ( 3y 2 ) + ( 3y 2 ) 
2 2 2

   
= ( 2x + 3y 2 )( 2x + 3y 2 )( 4x 2 + 6xy 2 + 9y 4 )( 4x 2 − 6xy 2 + 9y 4 )
BASIC MATHEMATICS 19

INEQUALITIES
35. Solve the inequality ( 2 + x )( x − 5 )( x + 1)  0

Sol:
x  ( −2, −1)  ( 5,  )

36. Solve the inequality x 2 ( x 2 − 4 )  0

Sol:
x  ( −2, 2 ) − 0

37. Solve the inequality x3  6x − x 2

Sol: x3 + x 2 − 6x  0
x ( x + 3)( x − 2 )  0

x  ( −, −3   0, 2

38. Solve the inequality x − 1  ( x − 1)( x + 2 )

Sol: ( x − 1)( x + 2 ) − ( x − 1)  0
( x − 1)( x + 1)  0
x  ( −1,1)

2x − 4 x + 2
39. Solve the inequality 
x + 3 2x + 6
2x − 4 x+2
Sol: − 0
x + 3 2 ( x + 3)

3x − 10
0
2 ( x + 3)

 10 
x  ( −, −3)   ,  
 3 
BASIC MATHEMATICS 20

2x 1
40. Find the solution set of the inequality 
x +3 x
2x 1
Sol: − 0
x +3 x
2x 3 − x − 3
0
x ( x + 3)

( 2x − 3)( x + 1)  0
x ( x + 3)

3 
x  ( −, −3)  [−1, 0)   ,  
2 
x ( 2x − 1)
2

41. Find the solution set of the inequality 0

( x + 1) ( x − 2 )
3

Sol:
x  ( −1, 0 )  ( 2,  )

2x 2
42. Find the solution set of the inequality x
x +1
2x 2 − x 2 − x
Sol: 0
x +1
x ( x − 1)
0
x +1

x  (−1,0] [1, )

( 2 − x ) ( x − 21)
101 10

43. Solve for x : 0

( 2x − 3)
22

( x − 2 ) ( x − 21)
101 10

Sol: 0
( 2x − 3)
22

 3 3 
x   −,    , 2   21
 2 2 
BASIC MATHEMATICS 21

( x + 1)  x −  ( x + 8)
1
( x − 2)
10 3 2

44. Solve the inequliaty if f ( x ) =  2

0
x ( x − 3) ( x + 2 )
24 3 5

Sol:
 1
x  ( −, −8 )  ( −8, −2 )  ( −1, 0 )   0,   ( 3,  )
 2
4−x x +3 2 − 3x
45. Given m = ,n = ,p = , and m > n > p. Find the range of x.
3 4 5
4 − x x + 3 x + 3 2 − 3x
Sol:  & 
3 4 4 5
7x  7 &17x  −7
7
x 1 & x  −
17
 −7 
x   ,1
 17 
x a
46. Given that x, y, a, b are all positive numbers and a  b, = If x + y = c, then the larger one of x and
y b
y is
ab ab ac bc
(a) (b) (c) (d)
a+b b+c a+b a+b
a x
Sol: 1 1
b y
bx
x>y and y =
a
 bx 
x +  = c
 a 
ac
x=
a+b
47. Given that the solution set of x for the inequality (2a – b) x + a – 5b > 0 is x >10/7 find the solution set
of x for the inequality ax> b
Sol: ( 2a − b ) x  5b − a
5b − a
x if 2a − b  0
2b − 5
BASIC MATHEMATICS 22

10 5b − a
=
7 2a − b
27a = 45b
3a = 5b
2a − b = 0  b  0&a  0
ax > b
3a
ax 
5
3
x
5
48. Given that a, b are two integers such that the integer solutions of the system of inequalities 9x – a ≥ 0,
and 8x – b < 0 Are 1,2,3. Find the number of the ordered paris (a, b)
a b
Sol: x  & x 
9 8
a b 
x , 
9 8 
a b
0  1 & 3  4
9 8
0  a  9 &24  b  32
a = 1,2,3,……,9
b = 25,26,…..,32
No of pairs 9 x 8 = 72
5
49. Given that the solution set of the inequality (2a-b) x > a – 2b for x is x  , find the solution set of the
2
inequality ax + b < 0
a b a b 
Sol: x  & x  ; x   , 
9 8 9 8 
a b
0  1 & 3  4
9 8
0  a  9 &24  b  32
a = 1,2,3,……,9
b = 25,26,…..,32
No of pairs 9 x 8 = 72
BASIC MATHEMATICS 23

LEVEL - 2
1 1 1 9
a+ =3 b+ = 4 c+ =
1. If a, b, c Ꜫ R+ such that b , c and a 11 . Find abc.

 1  1  1 1 1 1 1
Sol:  a +  b +  c +  = abc + +a+b+c+ + +
 b  c  a abc a b c
108 1 86
= abc + +
11 abc 11
1
 abc + =2
abc
abc = 1
2. If x 2 + 4y2 − 3x + 9 = 6y + 2xy then the value of x + 2y

( x − 2y ) + ( 2y − 3) + ( x − 3) =0
2 2 2
Sol:

x = 2y = 3
x + 2y = 6

3. Factorize: x11 + x10 + ... + x 2 + x + 1

Sol: x11 + x10 + ... + x 2 + x + 1

x12 − 1 ( x − 1)( x + 1) ( x − 1)( x + 1)( x + 1)

6 6 3 3 6

= =
x −1 ( x − 1) x −1

( x − 1) ( x 2 + x + 1) ( x + 1) ( x 2 − x + 1)( x 6 + 1)
=
x −1
= ( x + 1) ( x 2 − x + 1)( x 2 + x + 1)( x 6 + 1)

= ( x + 1) ( x 2 − x + 1)( x 2 + x + 1)( x 2 + 1) (x 4 − x 2 + 1)

4. Find the minimum value of M = 3x 2 − 8xy + 9y2 − 4x − 2y + 7 (where x, y are real numbers).
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 15
Ans. (c)
Sol: M = 2 ( x 2 − 4xy + 4y 2 ) + x 2 − 4x + 4 + y 2 − 2y + 1 + 2

= 2 ( x − 2y ) + ( x − 2 ) + ( y − 1) + 2  0
2 2 2

5. Given a + b = c + d and a2 + b2 = c2 + d2. Prove that a 2009 + b2009 = c2009 + d 2009 .

Sol: a + b = c + d … (1)
BASIC MATHEMATICS 24

a 2 + b2 + 2ab = c2 + d2 + 2cd
ab = cd (2)
a 2 + b2 − 2ab = c2 + d 2 − 2cd
a − b =  (c − d) (3)

From 1 and 3
2a = 2c
a=c
b=d
or 2a = 2d
a=d
b=c

If a + b + c = 0, prove that 2 ( a 4 + b 4 + c 4 ) = ( a 2 + b 2 + c 2 ) .
2
6.

Sol: a + b = -c
a 2 + b2 + 2ab = c2
a 2 + b2 − c2 = 2ab
a 4 + b4 + c4 + 2a 2b2 − 2b2c2 − 2a 2c2 = 4a 2b2
a 4 + b4 + c2 = 2a 2b2 + 2b2c2 + 2a 2c2
2 ( a 4 + b 4 + c4 ) = a 4 + b 4 + c 4 + 2 ( a 2 b 2 + b 2c 2 + a 2c 2 )

= ( a 2 + b 2 + c2 )
2

7. If a + b = 1, a2 + b2 = 2, find the value of a7 + b7.

Sol: 2ab = 1 − 2 = −1

a 4 + b 4 = ( a 2 + b 2 ) − 2a 2 b 2
2

1 7
= 4 − 2 =
4 2
 1 5
a 3 + b 3 = 1 − 3  −  (1) =
 2 2

a 7 + b 7 = ( a 4 + b 4 )( a 3 + b3 ) − a 3 b3 ( a + b )
3
7 5 1 35 1 71
=  −   (1) = + =
2 2 2 4 8 8
BASIC MATHEMATICS 25

8. Given that the real number a, b satisfy a3 + b3 + 3ab = 1, find a +b.

(a + b) − 3ab ( a + b ) = a 3 + b3
3
Sol:

(a + b) − 3ab ( a + b ) = 1 − 3ab
3

x3 − 3abx = 1 − 3ab
x3 − 3abx + 3ab −1 = 0

(x 3
− 1) − 3ab ( x − 1) = 0

( x − 1) ( x 2 + x + 1 − 3ab ) = 0
x = +1  a + b = 1
OR x + x + 1 − 3ab = 0
2

a 2 + b2 − ab + a + b + 1 = 0

( a − 1) + ( b − 1) + ( a − b ) =0
2 2 2

a = b =1
a+b =2
9. Given that a3 + b3 + c3 = (a+ b + c)3, prove that for any natural number n

a 2n +1 + b 2n +1 + c 2n +1 = ( a + b + c )
2n +1
.

(a + b + c) − a 3 − b3 − c3 = 3 ( a + b )( b + c )( c + a ) = 0
3
Sol:

b = −a or b = −c or c = −a

 a 2n +1 + b 2n +1 + c2n +1 = ( a + b + c )
2n +1

for all three cases.

10. The polynomial: x6 + 18x3 + 125, admits
(a) No factor of degree between 2 and 5
(b) x2 – 3x + 5 as a factor
(c) x + 1 as a factor
(d) x – 125 as a factor
Ans: (b)
Sol: Putting,
x6 + 18x3 + 125 = x6 + 125 – 27x3 + 45x3
(x2)3 + 53 – (3x)3 – 3 × 5 × (- 3x) × x2
BASIC MATHEMATICS 26

Clearly (x2 + 5 – 3x) is one of the factor.

11. Given 14 (a2 + b2 +c2) = (a + 2b + 3c)2, find the ratio a : b : c.
Sol: 14 ( a 2 + b 2 + c 2 ) = ( a + 2b + 3c )
2

13a 2 + 10b2 + 5c2 − 4ab − 6ac −12bc = 0

( 2a − b ) + ( 3a − c ) + ( 3b − 2c ) =0
2 2 2

2a = b;3a = c;3b = 2c
a : b : c = a : 2a : 3a = 1: 2 : 3
x2 y2 z2 c b a
12. If = = = 2, then value of + + is
by + cz cz + ax ax + by 2c + z 2b + y 2a + x
1 1
(a) 2 (b) (c) 4 (d)
2 4
Ans: (b)
x2 y2 z2
Sol: we have, = = = 2,
by + cz cz + ax ax + by

x2 ax 2 ax 2a
Consider, =2 = 2a  = ,
by + cz by + cz by + cz x
by + cz x by + cz x
 =  +1 = + 1
ax 2a ax 2a
by + cz + ax x + 2a ax 2a
 =  =
ax 2a by + cz + ax x + 2a
ax
2 a
 = ...(i)
by + cz + ax x + 2a

by
2 b
similarly, = …(iv)
by + cz + ax x + 2b
cz
2 c
and , = …(iii)
by + cz + ax z + 2c
adding (i), (ii), and (iii) we get
a b c 1 ( ax + by + cz ) 1
+ + = =
x + 2a y + 2b z + 2c 2 ( ax + by + cz ) 2
BASIC MATHEMATICS 27

 1 1 1 
13. If xy + yz + zx = 0 , then the value of  2 + 2 + 2  is
 x − yz y − zx z − xy 
(a) 3 (b) 0 (c) 1 (d) x + y + z
Ans: (b)
Sol: We have, xy + yz + zx = 0

 x 2 − yz = x ( x + y + z )

Similarly, y − zx = y ( x + y + z ) and z − xy = z ( x + y + z )
2 2

1 1 1
 + 2 + 2
x − yz y − zx z − xy
2

1 1 1
= + +
x (x + y + z) y (x + y + z) z (x + y + z)
1  1 1 1   yz + zx + xy 
= + + = =0  xy + yz + zx = 0
( x + y + z )  x y z   xyz 
1 1 1
 + 2 + 2 =0
x − yz y − zx z − xy
2

14. Factorize (i) x 4 + 2x3 + 7x 2 + 6x − 7 (ii) x3 + 9x 2 + 23x + 15

Sol: Let y = x2 + x. Then
(i) x 4 + 2x 3 + 7x 2 + 6x − 7 = x 2 ( x 2 + x ) + x ( x 2 + x ) + 6 ( x 2 + x ) − 7

= ( x 2 + x + 6 )( x 2 + x ) − 7 = y 2 + 6y − 7 = ( y + 4 )( y − 1)

= ( x 2 + x + 7 )( x 2 + x − 1)

(ii) x 3 + 9x 2 + 23x + 15 = x 2 ( x + 1) + 8x ( x + 1) + 15 ( x + 1)

= ( x + 1) ( x 2 + 8x + 15 ) = ( x + 1)( x + 3)( x + 5 )

c
15. Given a + b + c = 0, a > b > c. Find the range of .
a
c b
Sol: = −1 −
a a
a  0 &c  0
a>b>c
b c
1 
a a
BASIC MATHEMATICS 28

− b −c
−1  
a a
b c
−2  −1 −  −1 −
a a
c c
−2   −1 −
a a
c c c
−2  &  −1 −
a a a
c −1
−2  
a 2
16. Given 0  a − b  1,1  a + b  4 . Find the value of 8a + 2002b when the value of a – 2b is maximum.
Sol: It is needed to represent a – 2b in terms of a – b and a + b. Since
1
a= [(a-b) + (a+b)], –2b = (a-b) – (a+b)
2
1 3
So a – 2b = (a+b) + (a-b), a – 2b will take its maximum value if a + b = 1, a – b = 1,
2 2
i.e a = 1, b = 0. Thus, 8a + 2002b = 8a = 8.
17. Find all the positive integer valued solutions (x, y, z) of the system of inequalities
3x + 2y − z =4

2x − y + 2z = 6,
x + y + z  7,

Sol: Label the equation
3x + 2y – z = 4 (1)
2x – y + 2z = 6 (2)
x+y+z<7 (3)
By (1)+2x(2),
7x+3z=16
x=1,z=3
From (2), y = 2x + 2z –6 = 2. Since x = 1, y = 2, z = 3 satisfy the inequality (3) the
solution is x = 1, y = 2, z = 3
18. If x >z, y> z, then which is always true in the following inequalities ?
(a) x + y > 4z (b) x + y > 3z
(c) x + y > 2z, (d) x + y > z.
BASIC MATHEMATICS 29

Sol: By adding up the given two inequalities (c) is obtained.

When x = y = 2, z= 1, then (A) is not true. When x = y = 1, z= 0.7
Then (B) is not true. When x = y = -1, z = -1. 5, then (D) is not true. Thus only (C) is always true.
19. Given that the integer solutions of the inequality 0  ax + 5  4 for x are 1,2,3,4. Find the range of the
constant a.
Sol: −5  ax  −1
a must be –ve
−1 −5
x
a a
1 −5
0  − 1 &4  5
a a
 −5 
a  −1 &  a  −1& a  
 4 

 −5 
a   , −1
4 
a 8 a 9
20. a, b are positive integers. Find the fraction satisfying   and such that b is minimum.
b 9 b 10
8 a 9
Sol:  
9 b 10
9a 10a
b &b 
8 9
 10a 9a 
b , 
 9 8 
 a a
b a + ,a + 
 9 8
As b is integer
a a
n & n
8 9
A < 8n & a < 9n
For n = 2  a > 16 & a < 18
a = 17
b = 19
BASIC MATHEMATICS 30

c a b
21. If a, b, c> 0 and   , arrange a, b, c in ascending order
a+b b+c a+c
c a b
Sol:  
a+b b+c a+c
a+b b+c a+c
   a, b, c  0
c a b
a+b b+c a+c
 +1  +1  +1
c a b
a+b+c b+c+a a +c+b 1 1 1
     
c a b c a b
c<a<b
a b c
22. Given a < b < c < 0, arrange the size of , , in descending order.
b+c c+a a+b
Sol: a < b < c<0
1 1 1
 
a b c
a+b+c a+b+c a+b+c
 
a b c
b+c a+c a+b
1+  1+  1+
a b c
b+c a+c a+b
 
a b c
a b c
 
b+c a+c a+b

23. Solve the inequality in x : ax + 4  x + b , where a, b are two constants.

Sol: ax – x < b –4
(a-1)x < b-4
Case I
a–1>0
b−4
x
a −1
 b−4
x   −, 
 a −1 
BASIC MATHEMATICS 31

Case II
a – 1 <0
b−4
x
a −1
b−4 
x  ,
 a −1 
Case III
a – 1 = 0 & b –4 >0
0<b–4
x
Case IV
a–1=0&b–4≤0
0<b–4
No solution