UNIT 4 A N S W E R K E Y   (pages 28–33)

1. Linear equations (pages 28–29) 6

a) x = 12 c) x = e) x = 3
1 Copy these equations in your notebook and then 7
simplify each one as much as possible. Which ones
are linear equations? 1 3
b) x = − d) x = − f) x = 7
a) 2x - 1 = 3(x + 5) - 2x 10 2
b) 6x - 2x3 - 3 = 5x + 7
4 Match the equivalent equations.
c) x5 + 12 - 3x = 4x + x5
4x - 5 = 2x + 3 12x = 3
d) (x - 2) × 3x + 7 = 2x2 + 1
-5x = 20 5x - 2 = 3 + 2x + 7
a) 2x - 1 = 3(x + 5) - 2x → 2x - 1 = 3x + 15 - 2x
→ x - 16 = 0  Linear equation 1 - x = 2x + 13 6x - 7 + 3x = -5 + x
b) 6x - 2x3 - 3 = 5x + 7 → -2x3 + x - 10 = 0  4x - 5 = 2x + 3 and 5x - 2 = 3 + 2x + 7 are equivalent
It isn’t a linear equation. because they both have the solution x = 4
c) x5 + 12 - 3x = 4x + x5 → -7x + 12 = 0  -5x = 20 and 1 - x = 2x + 13 are equivalent because
Linear equation they both have the solution x = -4
d) (x - 2) × 3x + 7 = 2x2 + 1 12x = 3 and 6x - 7 + 3x = -5 + x are equivalent
→ 3x2 - 6x + 7 = 2x2 + 1 → x2 - 6x + 6 = 0  1
It isn’t a linear equation. because they both have the solution x =
4
2 Which of the values below is the solution to this
5 Eduardo is organising returned library books.
5x x−4 x+6
equation? − 3x = − Some of the novels returned are detective
2 2 3 novels, some are adventure novels and some
a)
x = 3 b) x = 0 c) x = 6 d) x = -2 are historical novels. Look at the picture
and calculate how many novels in total have
5 ⋅3 3−4 3+6 been returned.
a) −3⋅3 = −
2 2 3 x = the number of novels returned today
3 7 x x
− ≠− → x = 3 isn’t the solution. x= + + 5 → 6x = 3x + 2x + 30 → x = 30
2 2 2 3
5 ⋅0 0−4 0+6 30 novels have been returned.
b) −3⋅0 = − → 0 ≠ -4
2 2 3 6 Solve each equation and analyse the result.
→ x = 0 isn’t the solution. a) x - 1 - 3x = -(2x + 1)
b) 2(x - 1) = 1 + 2x
5 ⋅6 6−4 6+6
c) −3⋅6 = − → -3 = -3 a) -2x - 1 = -2x - 1 → 0x = 0
2 2 3
The equation is true for any value of x.
→ x = 6 is the solution. The equation has infinite solutions; it’s
5 ⋅ (−2) −2 − 4 −2 + 6 an identity
d) − 3 ⋅ (−2) = − b) 2x - 2 = 2x + 1 → 0x = 3
2 2 3
The equation isn’t true for any value of x.
13 The equation has no solution.
→1≠ − → x = -2 isn’t the solution.
3 7 Classify the equations according to their
solutions.
3 Calculate the value of x in each equation.
a) 3x - 2 = 3(x + 1) - 5
2x
a)
8= d) 4x + 1 = -3 - 2 b) 5 - x = 2x - 3 - x
3 c) 5(x + 2) = 5x + 10
3 d) 1 + 2x - 7(1 - x) = 3(3x - 2)
b)
6x = − e) 3x + 7 = 2 + 8x - 10
5
c)
12 - 7x = 6 f) 9 - 4x + 2 = 4 + 2x - 5x

40 UNIT 4  Equations
 a) 
3x - 2 = 3(x + 1) - 5 → 3x - 2 = 3x + 3 - 5 3− x x+1 −5 x
→ 0x = 0 Infinite solutions c) − =
4 2 6
b) 
5 - x = 2x - 3 - x → 5 - x = x - 3
→ x = 4 is the only solution. 
→ 3(3 - x) - 6(x + 1) = -10x
c) 
5(x + 2) = 5x + 10 → 5x + 10 = 5x + 10 → 9 - 3x - 6x - 6 = -10x → x = -3
→ 0x = 0 Infinite solutions x x+2 x 1
d) 
1 + 2x - 7(1 - x) = 3(3x - 2) d) − = − → 2x - (x + 2) = x - 2
2 4 4 2
→ 1 + 2x - 7 + 7x = 9x - 6
→ 0x = 0 Infinite solutions → 2x - x - 2 = x - 2 → 0x = 0 Infinite solutions

8 Solve these equations for x. 10 Find the value of x, if possible.

a) 4 - (7x - 1) = 8 + 2x x − 3 1− x x
a) − = −2
b) 8 - (3x + 2) = x + 2(x - 3) 2 4 2
c) 3x - 5(-1 + 2x) = 6 - (4x - 3)
3x 2 x − 1
d) 5x + 2 = 3 - (6 - 5x) b) − =2
a) 4 - (7x - 1) = 8 + 2x → 4 - 7x + 1 = 8 + 2x 2 3

1 3 − x x + 1 −5 x
→ -3 = 9x → x = − c) − =
3 4 2 6
b) 8 - (3x + 2) = x + 2(x - 3) x x+2 x 1
d) − = −
→ 8 - 3x - 2 = x + 2x - 6 → 12 = 6x → x = 2
2 4 4 2
c) 3x - 5(-1 + 2x) = 6 - (4x - 3)
→ 3x + 5 - 10x = 6 - 4x + 3 → -4 = 3x x −3 1− x x
a) − = −2
4 2 4 2
→ x=−
3 
→ 2(x - 3) - (1 - x) = 2x - 8
→ 2x - 6 - 1 + x = 2x - 8 → x = -1
d) 5x + 2 = 3 - (6 - 5x) → 5x + 2 = 3 - 6 + 5x
→ 0x = -5 There’s no solution. 3x 2x − 1
b) − = 2 → 9x - 2(2x - 1) = 12
9 Find the value of x. 2 3
x x x 2x x x → 9x - 4x + 2 = 12 → 5x = 10 → x = 2
a) − = 3 + c) + −3 =
2 3 6 3 2 6 3− x x+1 −5 x
c) − =
x x x x x 1 4 2 6
b) + 5 = + − 1 d) 2 − − = 
→ 3(3 - x) - 6(x + 1) = -10x
4 2 8 2 3 6
→ 9 - 3x - 6x - 6 = -10x → x = -3
x −3 1− x x x x+2 x 1
a) − = −2 d) − = − → 2x - (x + 2) = x - 2
2 4 2 2 4 4 2

→ 2(x - 3) - (1 - x) = 2x - 8 → 2x - x - 2 = x - 2 → 0x = 0 Infinite solutions
→ 2x - 6 - 1 + x = 2x - 8 → x = -1
3x 2x − 1
b) − = 2 → 9x - 2(2x - 1) = 12
2 3
→ 9x - 4x + 2 = 12 → 5x = 10 → x = 2

UNIT 4  Equations 41
CLIL zone 2 & 3. Complete and incomplete
second–degree equations (pages 30–31)
11  Listen and write the information you need
12 In your notebook, write these equations and then
to calculate the original prices of the items in
simplify them. Are they complete or incomplete?
the picture.
a) x - 2 = x2 + x
Girl 1: Hey Yu, I love those trousers! And that shirt
looks great on you too. b) x(3x - 2) = 7 - 2x
Boy 1: Thanks Olivia! I went shopping in the sales c) 7 + (2x + 1)2 = 3x
last weekend. I got these trousers and another d) (x + 2)2 + (2x - 1)2 = 0
pair, so two pairs of trousers. And I also got this a) x - 2 = x2 + x → -x2 - 2 = 0  Incomplete
shirt, plus another two as well, so three shirts. b) x(3x - 2) = 7 - 2x → 3x2 - 2x = 7 - 2x
Girl 1: Cool! But you must be really skint after → 3x2 - 7 = 0  Incomplete
buying all that. c) 7 + (2x + 1)2 = 3x → 7 + 4x2 + 4x + 1 = 3x
Boy 1: Yeah. I spent 104 euros in total. → 4x2 + x + 8 = 0  Complete
Girl 1: Well did you at least get some bargains? d) (x + 2)2 + (2x - 1)2 = 0
What was the original price of the trousers and → x2 + 4x + 4 + 4x2 - 4x + 1 = 0
the shirt? → 5x2 + 5 = 0  Incomplete
Boy 1: You always do well in Maths, so let’s see if 13 Solve these incomplete second-degree equations.
you can work it out. I spent 104 euros in total, like
a) x2 - 9 = 0 d) 25x2 - 16 = 0
I said. And the original price of the trousers was
double the original price of the shirt. b) 4x2 - 1 = 0 e) -x2 - 64 = 0
Girl 1: Hang on, I’m just going to write that down: c) 5x2 + 20 = 0 f) -3x2 + 48 = 0
you spent 104 euros. And the original price of the a) x2 - 9 = 0 → x2 = 9 → x = ±3
trousers was double, so two times, the original 1 1
b) 4x2 - 1 = 0→ x = → x=±
2
price of the shirt. Okay, so first I have to…
4 2
Students should write that Yu spent 104 euros in
total. He bought two pairs of trousers and three c) 5x + 20 = 0 → x = -4 → There’s no solution.
2 2

shirts. The original price of the trousers was 16 4

double the original price of the shirt. d) 25x2 - 16 = 0 → x2 = → x=±
25 5
If t = trousers and s = shirts, Yu bought 2t and
3s. He got a 30% discount on the trousers, so he e) -x - 64 = 0 → x = -64
2 2

paid (0,7) × 2t euros for the trousers. He got a → There’s no solution.

20% discount on the shirts, so he paid (0,8) × 3s f) -3x2 + 48 = 0 → x2 = 16 → x = ±4
euros for the shirts. 14 Write an incomplete equation with no solutions.
These add up to 104 euros: What criteria must be met for this to happen?
(0,7 )2t + (0,8)3s = 104 Open answer
But we also know that a pair of trousers originally It can be any second-degree equation which when
cost twice as much as a shirt. Expressed simplified to the form ax2 + c = 0 has the same sign
mathematically, this is t = 2s on both coefficients.
So, we can substitute this into our equation: 15 Solve these incomplete second-degree equations.
(0.7 )2(2s) + (0.8)3s = 104 a) 5x2 - x = 0 d) 2x - 7x2 = 0
→ 2.8s + 2.4s = 104 b) 3x2 + 12x = 0 e) x2 - 2x = 0
→ 5.2s = 104 c) 6x2 + 3x = 0 f) 3x + 2x2 = 0
→ s = 20 1
a) 5x2 - x = 0 → x(5x - 1) = 0 → x = 0, x =
So, a shirt originally cost €20 and a pair of 5
trousers cost €40 b) 3x2 + 12x = 0 → 3x(x + 4) = 0 → x = 0, x = -4
1
c) 6x2 + 3x = 0 → 3x(2x + 1) = 0 → x = 0, x = −
2

42 UNIT 4  Equations
 2 −2 ± 36 −2 ± 6 ⎪⎧ 2
d) 2x - 7x2 = 0 → x(2 - 7x) = 0 → x = 0, x = a) x = = = ⎪⎨
7 2 2 ⎪⎪ −4
⎩
e) x - 2x = 0 → x(x - 2) = 0 → x = 0, x = 2
2

−4 ± 36 −2 ± 6 ⎧⎪ 1
3 b) x = = = ⎪⎨
f) 3x + 2x2 = 0 → x(3 + 2x) = 0 → x = 0, x = − 2 2 ⎪⎪ −5
2 ⎩

16 Solve the second-degree equations below −1 ± 25 −1 ± 5 ⎧⎪ −2

without expanding the product. In other words, c) x = = = ⎪⎨
−2 −2 ⎪⎪ 3
set each factor equal to 0 and solve them ⎩
separately. ⎪⎧⎪ 2
−5 ± 1 −5 ± 1 ⎪−
a) (x - 4)(5x + 6) = 0 d) x = = = ⎪⎨ 3
b) (3 + 4x)(3x + 2) = 0 6 6 ⎪⎪
⎪⎪ −1
⎩
c) (2x + 7)(5 - x) = 0
⎛ 19 Solve these second-degree equations, if possible.
⎜⎜ 1 ⎟⎟⎞⎛⎜ x ⎞⎟
⎟
d) ⎜⎜ x − ⎟⎟⎟⎜⎜⎜ + 1 ⎟⎟⎟ = 0 a) 3x - 10 + x2 = 0
⎝ 2 3⎠ ⎝ ⎠
b) -1 - 5x2 + 6x = 0
Open answer. For example: c) 4 - 2x + x2 = 0
a) (x - 3)(x - 1) = 0 → x2 - 4x + 3 = 0 d) 3 + 2x2 - 7x = 0
b) (x - 6)(x + 4) = 0 → x2 - 2x - 24 = 0 a) x2 + 3x - 10 = 0
c) (x + 2)(x - 5) = 0 → x2 - 3x - 10 = 0 ⎧⎪ 2
−3 ± 49 −3 ± 7
⎛ 1 ⎞⎟⎟ x= = = ⎪⎨
⎜⎜ 2 2 ⎪⎪ −5
d) ( x + 4)⎜⎜ x + ⎟⎟ = 0 → 2x2 + 9x + 4 = 0 ⎩
⎝ 2 ⎟⎠
b) -5x2 + 6x - 1 = 0
17 Write second-degree equations with the following
solutions. ⎪⎧⎪ 1
−6 ± 16 −6 ± 4 ⎪
a) x=3yx=1 x= = = ⎪⎨ 5
−10 −10 ⎪⎪
b) x = 6 y x = -4 ⎪⎪ 1
⎩
c) x = -2 y x = 5
c) x2 - 2x + 4 = 0
1
d)
x = -4 y x = −
2 2± −12
x =   There’s no solution.
Open answer. For example: 2
a) (x - 3)(x - 1) = 0 → x2 - 4x + 3 = 0 d) 2x2 - 7x + 3 = 0
b) (x - 6)(x + 4) = 0 → x2 - 2x - 24 = 0
⎧⎪ 3
c) (x + 2)(x - 5) = 0 → x2 - 3x - 10 = 0 7± 25 7±5 ⎪⎪
x= = = ⎪⎨ 1
⎛ 1 ⎞⎟⎟ 4 4 ⎪⎪
⎜⎜ ⎪⎪ 2
d) ( x + 4)⎜⎜ x + ⎟⎟ = 0 → 2x2 + 9x + 4 = 0 ⎩
⎝ 2 ⎟⎠
20 How many solutions do these equations have?
18 Solve these second-degree equations.
Is the discriminant positive or negative?
a) x2 + 2x - 8 = 0
a) x2 + 2x - 15 = 0 c) 3x2 - 5x + 3 = 0
b) x2 + 4x - 5 = 0
b) 4x2 - 4x + 1 = 0 d) 10x2 - 11x + 3 = 0
c) -x2 + x + 6 = 0
a) ∆ = 22 - 4 × 1 × (-15) = 64 > 0 → There are two
d) 3x2 + 5x + 2 = 0 solutions.
b) ∆ = (-4)2 - 4 × 4 × 1 = 0 → There’s one solution.
c) ∆ = (-5)2 - 4 × 3 × 3 = -11 < 0 → There’s no
solution.
d) ∆ = (-11)2 - 4 × 10 × 3 = 1 > 0 → There are two
solutions.

UNIT 4  Equations 43
21 Put the terms of these second-degree equations 23 Solve these equations, if possible.
in order and find the values of x.
x2 − 3 3x − 2
a) 12 = x2 -4x a) − = −1
b) 3 + x2 = -4x 2 4
c) 3x2 = 3x - 1 x ( 4 − 3x ) 6 x − 2
b) =
a) 12 = x2 -4x → x2 - 4x - 12 = 0 2 3
4± 64 4±8 ⎧⎪ 6
→ x= = = ⎪⎨ 2x + 3 ( x −2)
2

2 2 ⎪⎪ −2
⎩ c)
1+ =
9 3
b) 3 + x = -4x → x + 4x + 3 = 0
2 2

( x − 1)
2
−4 ± 4 −4 ± 2 ⎪⎧ −1
= ⎪⎨
→ x=
2
=
2 ⎪⎪ −3
⎩
d)
2
(
= x −4 x −3 )
c) 3x2 = 3x - 1 → 3x2 - 3x + 1 = 0
x2 − x 4 x2 − x 5
3± −3 e) − =−
→ x=   There’s no solution. 3 9 3
6
a) 
3x(x - 1) = 2(x + 1)(x - 1) + 12
22 Simplify and solve these equations. → 3x2 - 3x = 2x2 - 2 + 12 → x2 - 3x - 10 = 0
a) x(1 - 3x) + 2 = 0 3± 49 3±7 ⎪⎧ 5
b) (x + 4)(x - 4) = 2x - 1 x= = = ⎪⎨
2 2 ⎪⎪ −2
⎩
c) (2x + 1)(x + 5) = x(x + 8)
d) 2x(2x + 4) = -3(x + 2) b) 3x(4 - 3x) = 2(6x - 2) → -9x2 + 4 = 0
e) (x + 3)(x + 5) + 1 = 0 2
→x= ±
f) (2x + 3)2 = x(x + 2) + 1 3
a) x - 3x2 + 2 = 0 → -3x2 + x + 2 = 0
⎧⎪ 2 c) 9 + (2x + 3) = 3(x2 - 4x + 4) → 3x2 - 14x = 0
−1 ± 25 −1 ± 5 ⎪⎪⎪ − 14
→ x= = =⎨ 3 → x = 0, x =
−6 −6 ⎪⎪
⎪⎪ 1 3
⎩
d) 
6(1 - x) = 3(4 - x) - 2x(x - 4)
b) x2 - 16 = 2x - 1 → x2 - 2x - 15 = 0 → 6 - 6x = 12 - 3x - 2x2 + 8x
2± 64 2±8 ⎧⎪ 5 → 2x2 - 11x - 6 = 0
→ x= = = ⎪⎨
2 2 ⎪⎪ −3 ⎧⎪ 6
⎩ 11 ± 169 11 ± 13 ⎪⎪
c) 2x2 + 11x + 5 = x2 + 8x → x2 + 3x + 5 = 0 x= = = ⎪⎨ 1
4 4 ⎪⎪ −
−3 ± −11 ⎪⎪ 2
⎩
→ x=   There’s no solution.
2 3 ( x − x ) - ( 4 x − x ) = -15
e) 
2 2

d) 4x + 8x = -3x - 6 → 4x + 11x + 6 = 0
2 2
→ 3x2 - 3x - 4x2 + x = -15
⎧⎪ 3 → -x2 - 2x + 15 = 0
−11 ± 25 −11 ± 5 ⎪⎪⎪ −
→ x= = =⎨ 4 2± 64 2±8 ⎪⎧ −5
⎪⎪
8 8
⎪⎪ −2 x= = = ⎪⎨
⎩ −2 −2 ⎪⎪ 3
⎩
e) x2 + 8x + 15 + 1 = 0 → x2 + 8x + 16 = 0
−8 ± 0
→ x= = −4
2
f) 4x2 + 12x + 9 = x2 + 2x + 1 → 3x2 + 10x + 8 = 0
⎧⎪ 4
−10 ± 4 ⎪⎪⎪ −
→ x= =⎨ 3
6 ⎪⎪
⎪⎪ −2
⎩
44 UNIT 4  Equations
24 Teresa bought a rectangular plot of land with an 4 & 5. Solving higher order equations
area of 7 000 m2. How much will it cost to put up
(pages 32–33)
a fence if the plot is 30 m longer than it is wide,
and the fencing costs €5 per metre? 27 Use the change of variables technique to solve
x = width → x + 30 = length these fourth-degree equations. Write out your full
working in your notebook.
Area: x(x + 30) = 7 000 → x2 + 30x - 7 000 = 0
a) x4 - 625 =0 c) x2 = 4x4
−30 ± 28900 −30 ± 170 ⎪⎧ 70 b) x4 - 25x2 = 0 d) 48 - 3x4 = 0
x= = = ⎪⎨
2 2 ⎪⎪ −100 a) x4 - 625 = 0 → x4 = 625 → x = ±5
⎩
b) x4 - 25x2 = 0 → x ( x − 25 ) = 0
2 2
The only solution is x = 70  m for the width and
100 m for the length. ⎧⎪ x2 = 0 → x = 0
With these measurements the Price of the fence is: → ⎪⎨ 2
⎪⎪ x = 25 → x = ±5
5 × 2(70 + 100) = €1 700  ⎩
It will cost €1 700.
c) x2 = 4x4 → x ( 4 x − 1 ) = 0
2 2

25 Find two consecutive odd numbers whose product

is 143. ⎪⎧⎪ x2 = 0 → x = 0
⎪
First odd number: 2x - 1, second odd number: 2x + 1 → ⎪⎨ 1 1
⎪⎪ x2 = → x = ±
Their product is: ⎪⎪ 4 2
⎩
(2x - 1)(2x + 1) = 143 → 4x2 = 144 → x = ±12 d) 48 - 3x4 = 0 → 48 = 3x4 → x4 = 16 → x = ±2
To find the numbers, we substitute the solution: 28 Find all the solutions to these equations.
2 × 12 - 1 = 23 and 2 × 12 + 1 = 25 a) x4 - 10x2 + 9 = 0 c) 15x2 - 4 + 4x4 = 0
The numbers are 23 and 24 or, if they’re negative, b) 0 = x4 - 13x2 + 36 d) 16 + 9x4 = 145x2
-23 and -25.
a) p = x2 → p2 - 10p + 9 = 0
10 ± 8 ⎧⎪ 9 → x2 = 9 → x = ±3
CLIL zone → p= = ⎪⎨
2 ⎪⎪ 1 → x2 = 1 → x = ±1
⎩
26  Solve the problem. Then compare your b) p = x2 → p2 - 13p + 36 = 0
answer with a classmate. Use the phrases below
to explain your solution 13 ± 5 ⎪⎧ 9 → x2 = 9 → x = ±3
→ p= = ⎪⎨
Cristina has designed a banner to celebrate her 2 ⎪⎪ 4 → x2 = 4 → x = ±2
⎩
high school’s 40th anniversary. Calculate the
c) p = x2 → 4p2 + 15p - 4 = 0
perimeter and area of the banner. ⎪⎧ 1 1 1
We apply Pythagoras’ theorem: x2 + (x + 7)2 = 172 −15 ± 17 ⎪⎪⎪ → x2 = → x = ±
→ p= =⎨4 4 2
→ x2 + x2 + 14x + 49 = 289 8 ⎪⎪
⎪⎪ −4 → x2 = −4 There’s no soluti
→ 2x2 + 14x - 240 = 0 → x2 + 7x - 120 = 0 ⎩
⎧⎪ 1 1 1
−7 ± 529 −7 ± 23 ⎧⎪ −15 ± 17 ⎪⎪⎪ → x2 = → x = ±
→ x= = = ⎪⎨ 8 p = = ⎨ 4 4 2
2 2 ⎪⎪ −15 8 ⎪⎪
⎩ ⎪⎪ −4 → x2 = −4 There’s no solution.
⎩
As the measurements must be positive numbers,
the solution is x = 8 m. The length of the banner d) p = x2 → 9p2 - 145p + 16 = 0
is 15 m and the height of the banner is 7 m.
⎪⎧⎪ 16 → x2 = 16 → x = ±4
The perimeter measures 2 × (15 + 7) = 44 m, 145 ± 143 ⎪
→p= = ⎪⎨ 1 1 1
and the area measures 15 × 7 = 105 m2. 18 ⎪⎪ → x2 = → x = ±
⎪⎪ 9 9 3
⎩

UNIT 4  Equations 45
 29 Simplify these equations and find all their x 4 + 3x2 x 4 − 2 x2
solutions. c) − = −3
4 6
2 x2 ( 8 − 2 x2
a) ) - 4 + x2 = 0
x2 ( 3 + x2 ) x
2

( x − 3 )( x − 8 ) = 15x2 - 1
b) 2 2 a) = 9− → 3x2 + x4 = 36 - 2x2
2
4 2
x2 + ( x + 2 ) = 0
c)
2
→ x4 + 5x2 - 36 = 0
2
p = x2 → p2 + 5p - 36 = 0
8 - x2 = ( x − 2 )
d)
2

−5 ± 13 ⎪⎧ 4 → x2 = 4 → x = ±2
2 x2 ( 8 − 2 x2 ) - 4 + x2 = 0
a)  → p= = ⎪⎨
→ 16x2 - 4x4 - 4 + x2 = 0 2 ⎪⎪ −9 → x2 = −9 There’s no solutio
⎩
→ -4x4 + 17x2 - 4 = 0 −5 ± 13 ⎧⎪ 4 → x2 = 4 → x = ±2
p = x2 → -4p2 + 17p - 4 = 0 p = = ⎪
⎨
2 ⎪⎪ −9 → x2 = −9 There’s no solution.
⎩
⎧⎪ 1 1 1
−17 ± 15 ⎪⎪
⎪ → x2 = → x = ± 2 + 3x2 x
2
( 5x 2
−4)+ 1
→ p= =⎨4 4 2 b) =
−8 ⎪⎪
⎪⎪ 4 → x2 = 4 → x = ±2 5 2
⎩
 4 + 6x2 = 25x4 - 20x2 + 5
→
(
b) x 2
− 3 )( x
= 15x - 12
−8) 2
→ 25x4 - 26x2 + 1 = 0
→ x4 - 11x2 + 24 = 15x2 - 1 p = x2 → 25p2 - 26p + 1 = 0
→ x4 - 26x2 + 25 = 0
⎧⎪ 1 → x2 = 1 → x = ±1
p = x2 → p2 - 26p + 25 = 0 26 ± 24 ⎪⎪
→ p= = ⎪⎨ 1 1 1
26 ± 24 ⎪⎧ 25 → x2 = 25 → x = ±5 50 ⎪⎪ → x2 = →x=±
→ p= = ⎪⎨ ⎪⎪ 25
⎩ 25 5
2 ⎪⎪ 1 → x2 = 1 → x = ±1
⎩
x 4 + 3x2 x − 2x
4 2
2
x + ( x2 + 2 ) = 0 → x2 + x4 + 4x2 + 4 = 0
c) 2
c) − = −3
→ x4 + 5x2 + 4 = 0 4 6
p = x2 → p2 + 5p + 4 = 0  → 3x4 + 9x2 - 2x4 + 4x2 = -36
−5 ± 3 ⎪⎧⎪ −1 → x2 = −1 There’s no solution. → x4 + 13x2 + 36 = 0
→ p= =⎨ p = x2 → p2 + 13p + 36 = 0
2 ⎪⎪ −4 → x2 = −4 There’s no solution.
⎩
−13 ± 5 ⎪⎧⎪ −4 → x2 = −4 There’s no solutio
−5 ± 3 ⎪⎧⎪ −1 → x2 = −1 There’s no solution. → p= =⎨
p = = ⎨ 2 ⎪⎪ −9 → x2 = −9 There’s no solutio
⎩
2 ⎪⎪ −4 → x = −4 There’s no solution.
2
⎩ −13 ± 5 ⎪⎧ −4 → x = −4 There’s no solution.
2

p = = ⎪⎨
2
⎪⎪ −9 → x2 = −9 There’s no solution.
8 - x2 = ( x − 2 ) → 8 - x2 = x4 - 4x2 + 4
d)  2
2
⎩
→ -x4 + 3x2 + 4 = 0
31 Find all the solutions to these second and
p = x2 → -p2 + 3p + 4 = 0
fourth-degree equations.
−3 ± 5 ⎪⎧ −1 → x2 = −1 There’s no solution.
x4 - 29x2 + 100 = 0   x2 - 29x + 100 = 0
→ p= = ⎪⎨
−2 ⎪⎪ 4 → x2 = 4 → x = ±2 Analyse the results. What do you notice?
⎩
What’s the relationship between them?
−3 ± 5 ⎧⎪⎪ −1 → x2 = −1 There’s no solution.
p = = ⎨ p = x2 → p2 - 29p + 100 = 0
−2 ⎪⎪ 4 → x = 4 → x = ±2
2
⎩ 29 ± 21 ⎧⎪⎪ 25 → x2 = 25 → x = ±5
30 Multiply both sides by a number that will help to → p = =⎨
2 ⎪⎪ 4 → x2 = 4 → x = ±2
remove the denominators. Solve the equations. ⎩

x2 ( 3 + x2 ) x
2 29 ± 21 ⎪⎧⎪ 25
a) = 9− x 2
- 29x + 100 = 0 → x = =⎨
2 ⎪⎪ 4
4 2 ⎩
The solutions of the fourth-degree equation are
2 + 3x2 x ( 5x − 4 ) + 1
2 2

b) = the  square roots of the solutions of the second-

5 2 degree equation because the coefficients are
the same.

46 UNIT 4  Equations
 32 Solve these fourth-degree equations and answer 33 Look at these factorised equations. Write the
the questions. solution associated with each factor in your
a) x4 - 5x2 + 4 = 0 e) x4 + 3x2 - 4 = 0 notebook.
b) x4 - 4x2 + 4 = 0 f) x4 + 4x2 + 4 = 0 a) (x - 3)(x + 1)(x - 2) = 0
c) x4 - 4x2 = 0 g) x4 + 5x2 + 4 = 0 b) x(7 + x)(x - 9)(x + 11) = 0
d) x4 - 3x2 - 4 = 0 h) x4 + x2 + 1 = 0 c) (x + 1)2(4 - x)(x + 3) = 0
d) (x + 1)2(4 - x)(x + 3) = 0
How many solutions can a fourth-degree equation
have? How many distinct solutions can it have? e) x3(x - 12)(x + 2)(x - 7) = 0
What does this depend on? a) x = 3, x = -1, x = 2
a) p = x2 → p2 - 5p + 4 = 0 b) x = 0, x = -7, x = 9, x = -11
5±3 ⎪⎧ 4 → x2 = 4 → x = ±2 c) x = -1, x = 4, x = -3
→ p= = ⎪⎨ d) x = -1, x = 4, x = -3
2 ⎪⎪ 1 → x2 = 1 → x = ±1
⎩
e) x = 0, x = 12, x = -2, x = 7
b) p = x2 → p2 - 4p + 4 = 0 → p = 2 → x = ± 2 34 Factorise these equations to find all their
( x −4) = 0 solutions.
c) x4 - 4x2 = 0 → x
2 2

( x2 − 4 )( 4 x3 − 2 x2
a) ) =0
⎪⎧ x2 = 0 → x = 0
→ ⎪⎨ 2 ( x 4 − 1 ) (5x + 4) = 0
⎪⎪ x = 4 → x = ±2 b)
⎩
d) p = x2 → p2 - 3p - 4 = 0 ( x2 + 4 x + 4 )( 5 x2 + 15 x ) = 0
c)

a) ( x − 4 )( 4 x − 2 x ) = 0
2 3 2
3±5 ⎧⎪ 4 → x2 = 4 → x = ±2
→ p= = ⎪⎨
2 ⎪⎪ −1 → x2 = −1 There’s no solution. → (x + 2)(x - 2) × 2x2(2x - 1) = 0
⎩
1
⎧
3 ± 5 ⎪⎪ 4 → x = 4 → x = ±2
2 → x = -2, x = 2, x = 0, x =
p
= =⎨ 2
2 ⎪⎪ −1 → x2 = −1 There’s no solution.
⎩ b) ( x − 1 ) (5x + 4) = 0
4

e) p = x → p + 3p - 4 = 0
2 2
→ (x2 + 1)(x + 1)(x - 1)(5x + 4) = 0
−3 ± 5 ⎧⎪ 1 → x2 = 1 → x = ±1 4
→ p= = ⎪⎨ → x = -1, x = 1, x = −
2 ⎪⎪ −4 → x2 = −4 There’s no solution. 5
⎩
c) ( x + 4 x + 4 )( 5 x + 15 x ) = 0
2 2

−3 ± 5 ⎧⎪⎪ 1 → x2 = 1 → x = ±1
p = = ⎨ → (x + 2)2 × 5x(x + 3) = 0 → x = -2, x = 0, x = -3
2 ⎪
⎪⎩ −4 → x 2
= −4 There’s no solution.
35 Factorise, applying Ruffini’s rule, and solve the
f) p = x2 → p2 + 4p + 4 = 0 → p = -2  There’s no equations.
solution.
a) x3 + 2x2 - x - 2 = 0
g) p = x2 → p2 + 5p + 4 = 0
b) x3 - 2x2 - 5x + 6 = 0
−5 ± 3 ⎧⎪⎪ −1 → x2 = −1 There’s no solution. c) x3 + x2 - 4x - 4 = 0
→ p= =⎨
2 d)
⎪⎪ −4 → x2 = −4 There’s no solution. 2x3 - 7x2 - 14x - 5 = 0
⎩
a) x3 + 2x2 - x - 2 = 0 → (x - 1)(x + 1)(x + 2) = 0
−5 ± 3 ⎪⎧⎪ −1 → x2 = −1 There’s no solution. → x = 1, x = -1, x = -2
p = = ⎨
2 ⎪⎪ −4 → x = −4 There’s no solution.
2
b) x3 - 2x2 - 5x + 6 = 0 → (x - 3)(x - 1)(x + 2) = 0
⎩
→ x = 3, x = 1, x = -2
h) p = x2 → p2 + p + 1 = 0 There’s no solution.
c) x3 + x2 - 4x - 4 = 0 → (x - 2)(x + 1)(x + 2) = 0
A fourth-degree equation can have 0, 1, 2, 3 or
→ x = 2, x = -1, x = -2
4 solutions. These can be distinct, depending
on the solutions of the second-degree equation d) 2x3 - 7x2 - 14x - 5 = 0
that it’s related to. → (x - 5)(x + 1)(2x + 1) = 0
1
→ x = 5, x = -1, x = −
2

UNIT 4  Equations 47
36 Find the common factors and solve the equations. a) 
6x3 - 19x2 + 11x + 6 = 0
→ (x - 2)(6x2 - 7x - 3) = 0 → x = 2
a) 3x3 + 3x2 - 6x = 0
b) 5x5 - 35x3 - 30x2 = 0 ⎧3
⎪
⎪
⎪
c) 7x5 + 28x4 - 49x3 - 70x2 = 0 7 ± 121 7 ± 11 ⎪
⎪2
6x - 7x - 3 = 0 → x =
2
= =⎪
⎨
d) 50x4 + 130x3 + 40x2 - 40x = 0 12 12 ⎪
⎪ 1
⎪
⎪ −
a) 
3x3 + 3x2 - 6x = 0 → 3x(x - 1)(x + 2) = 0 ⎪
⎩ 3
⎪
→ x = 0, x = 1, x = -2
b) 
5x3 - 8x2 - 19x - 6 = 0
b) 
5x5 - 35x3 - 30x2 = 0 → (x + 1)(5x2 - 13x - 6) = 0 → x = -1
→ 5x2(x - 3)(x + 1)(x + 2) = 0 5x2 - 13x - 6 = 0
→ x = 0, x = 3, x = -1, x = -2
⎧⎪ 3
c) 
7x5 + 28x4 - 49x3 - 70x2 = 0 13 ± 289 13 ± 17 ⎪⎪
→ 7x2(x - 2)(x + 1)(x + 5) = 0 → x= = = ⎪⎨ 2
10 10 ⎪⎪ −
→ x = 0, x = 2, x = -1, x = -5 ⎪⎪ 5
⎩
d) 
50x4 + 130x3 + 40x2 - 40x = 0
→ 10x(x + 1)(x + 2)(5x - 2) = 0 c) 
3x3 + 5x2 - 4x - 4 = 0
2 → (x - 1)(3x2 + 8x + 4) = 0 → x = 1
→ x = 0, x = -1, x = -2, x = 3x2 + 8x + 4 = 0
5
⎧⎪ 2
−8 ± 16 −8 ± 4 ⎪⎪
−
37 Apply Ruffini’s rule and algebraic identities to find → x= = = ⎪⎨ 3
the solutions to these equations. 6 6 ⎪⎪
⎪⎪ −2
a) 4x3 + 6x2 - 2 = 0 ⎩
b) 4x3 - 8x2 - 3x + 9 = 0 d) 
7x3 + 31x2 + 33x + 9 = 0
c) 9x3 - 39x2 - 29x - 5 = 0 → (x + 1)(7x2 + 24x + 9) = 0 → x = -1
d) 4x4 - 4x3 - 17x2 + 9x + 18 = 0 ⎪⎧⎪ 3
−24 ± 324 −24 ± 18 ⎪−
a) 4x3 + 6x2 - 2 = 0 → 2(x + 1)2(2x - 1) = 0 x= = = ⎪⎨ 7
14 14 ⎪⎪
1 ⎪⎪ −3
→ x = -1, x = ⎩
2
b) 4x - 8x - 3x + 9 = 0 → (x + 1)(2x - 3)2 = 0
3 2
CLIL zone
3
→ x = -1, x =
2 39 Listen and write the information you need to
work out what Eric’s number is. Then solve
c) 9x3 - 39x2 - 29x - 5 = 0 → (x - 5)(3x + 1)2 = 0
the problem.
1 Eric picks a whole number from 1 to 20. Harriet
→ x = 5, x = −
3 squares this number and then adds two. Sandra
squares Eric’s number and subtracts four. Eric
d) 
4x4 - 4x3 - 17x2 + 9x + 18 = 0
multiplies Harriet’s number and Sandra’s number.
→ (x + 1)(x - 2)(2x - 3) (2x + 3) = 0
The result is zero. So what number did Eric pick?
3 3
→ x = -1, x = 2, x = , x=− Let x = Eric’s number
2 2 Harriet’s and Olivia’s numbers multiplied can be
38 Find all the solutions to these equations by written as:
applying Ruffini’s rule. Then solve the
( x2 + 1 )( x2 − 4 ) = x 4 − 3x2 − 4
second-degree equations.
Harriet’s and Olivia’s numbers multiplied
a) 6x3 - 19x2 + 11x + 6 = 0 together are zero. If two numbers multiplied
b) 5x3 - 8x2 - 19x - 6 = 0 give zero, then one or both of the numbers
c) 3x3 + 5x2 - 4x - 4 = 0 must be zero. Here, since x2 is always positive, it
d) 7x3 + 31x2 + 33x + 9 = 0 must be x2 - 4 that’s is zero.
If x2 - 4 = 0, then Eric’s number must be 2.

48 UNIT 4  Equations
 5 x + 2 3x − 5 −x
b) − = + 3 → 5x + 2 - 2(3x - 5) = -x + 12
4 2 4
→ 5x + 2 - 6x + 10 = -x + 12 → 0x = 0
Es una identidad porque es cierta para cualquier valor de x. Tiene infinitas
soluciones.
70   Simplifica y reduce las expresiones para resolver las siguientes ecuaciones.
3(2 − x ) 2( x − 3) 3
a) − =−
2 3 2
2 5( 1 − x ) 4( x + 1)
b) − =
3 6 3
2 x + 7 3(2 − x ) −3x
c) − =
10 5 2
x
d)
2(5x - 3) - 4x - 9 = - (2x + 5)
2
1 x
e)
x+2- (3 - x) = +1
2 3

3(2 − x ) 2( x − 3) 3
a)  − = − → 9(2 - x) - 4(x - 3) = -9
2 3 2
→ 18 - 9x - 4x + 12 = -9 → 39 = 13x → x = 3
2 5( 1 − x ) 4( x + 1)
b) − = → 4 - 5(1 - x) = 8(x + 1) → 4 - 5 + 5x = 8x + 8
3 6 3
→ -9 = 3x → x = -3

2 x + 7 3(2 − x ) −3x
c)  − = → 2x + 7 - 6(2 - x) = -15x
10 5 2
5
→ 2x + 7 - 12 + 6x = -15x → 23x = 5 → x =
23
x
d)
2(5x - 3) - 4x - 9 = - (2x + 5) → 4(5x - 3) - 8x - 18 = x - 2(2x + 5)
2

→ 20x - 12 - 8x - 18 = x - 4x - 10 → 15x = 20 → 4
x=
1 x 3
e) 
x+2- (3 - x) = + 1 → 6x + 12 - 3(3 - x) = 2x + 6
2 3
3
→ 6x + 12 - 9 + 3x = 2x + 6 → 7x = 3 → x =
7
Ecuaciones de 71   Copia y relaciona cada ecuación con sus soluciones.
segundo grado a) x2 - 9 = 0 I x = 2, x = 3

(páginas 87/88) 3
b) x2 - 5x + 6 = 0 II x = 0, x =
2
3
c)
-2x2 + x + 6 = 0 III x = 2, x = −
2
d)
2x - 3x = 0
2 IV x = 3, x = -3
138 Ecuaciones
 ( x2 − 16 )( x2 − 3x ) = 0 → (x + 4)(x - 4)(x - 3)x = 0
a)
→ x = -4, x = 4, x = 3, x = 0
( x2 + 6 x + 9 )( x + 6 ) = 0 → (x + 3)2(x + 6) = 0 → x = -3, x = -6
b)
( 5 x2 − 20x )( 25 x2 + 10x + 1 ) = 0 → 5x(x - 4)(5x + 1)2 = 0
c)
1
→ x = 0, x = 4, x = −
5
( 4 x − 9 )( x − x ) = 0 → (2x + 3)(2x - 3)(x - 1)x = 0
d)
2 2

3 3
→ x = − , x = , x = 1, x = 0
2 2
( 9x2 − 1 )( 3x2 + 27 ) = 0 → (3x + 1)(3x - 1)(x + 9) × 3x = 0
e)
1 1
→ x = − , x = , x = -9, x = 0
3 3
92   Resuelve estas ecuaciones.
a) x3 + 7x2 - x - 7 = 0 d) 3x4 - 16x3 - 37x2 + 14x = 0
b) x3 - 6x2 + 3x + 10 = 0 e) x4 + 5x3 + 5x2 - 5x - 6 = 0
c) x5 - 4x4 - 3x3 + 18x2 = 0
a) x3 + 7x2 - x - 7 = 0 → (x + 1)(x - 1)(x + 7) = 0 → x = -1, x = 1, x = -7
b) x3 - 6x2 + 3x + 10 = 0 → (x - 5)(x - 2)(x + 1) = 0 → x = 5, x = 2, x = -1
c) x5 - 4x4 - 3x3 + 18x2 = 0 → x2(x - 3)2(x + 2) = 0 → x = 0, x = 3, x = -2
d) 3x4 - 16x3 - 37x2 + 14x = 0 → x(x - 7)(x + 2)(3x - 1) = 0
1
→ x = 0, x = 7, x = -2, x =
3
e) x + 5x + 5x - 5x - 6 = 0 → (x - 1)(x + 1)(x + 2)(x + 3) = 0
4 3 2

→ x = 1, x = -1, x = -2, x = -3

93   Halla las soluciones de las ecuaciones.
3 x−4 x2 − 3 8 + 2 x − x2
a) = b) =
x2 − 5 x + 6 2 2x 5
3 x−4
a) = → 6 = x3 - 4x2 - 5x2 + 20x + 6x - 24
x − 5x + 6 2
2

→ x3 - 9x2 + 26x - 30 = 0 → (x - 5)(x2 - 4x + 6) = 0

x - 5 = 0 → x = 5
4 ± −8
x2 - 4x + 6 = 0 → x = No tiene solución.
2
x2 − 3 8 + 2 x − x2
b) = → 5x2 - 15 = 16x + 4x2 - 2x3 → 2x3 + x2 - 16x - 15 = 0
2x 5
5
→ (x + 1)(x - 3)(2x + 5) = 0 → x = -1, x = 3, x = −
2
Problemas con 94   Seis amigos han alquilado un apartamento en la playa para las vacaciones.
Cuando llegan las vacaciones uno de ellos no puede ir y los demás deberán
ecuaciones pagar 20 € más cada uno. ¿Cuánto les ha costado el apartamento?
(página 89)
x = cantidad que tiene que pagar cada uno cuando van los seis.
La cantidad total a pagar es la misma en los dos casos: 6x = 5(x + 20)
→ 6x = 5x + 100 → x = 100 → 6 × 100 = 600
El apartamento les ha costado 600 €.

146 Ecuaciones
 95   Roberto tiene 18 € en monedas de 20 céntimos y 50 céntimos. ¿Cuántas
monedas tiene si hay el doble de monedas de 20 céntimos que de 50 céntimos?
x = número de monedas de 50 céntimos
0,50x + 0,20 × 2x = 18 → 0,5x + 0,4x = 18 → 0,9x = 18 → x = 20
Tiene 20 monedas de 50 céntimos y 40 monedas de 20 céntimos.
96   Hace 4 años la edad de Manuel era la mitad de la edad que tendrá dentro de
7 años. ¿Qué edad tiene Manuel hoy?
x = edad de Manuel hoy
x+7
x - 4 = → 2x - 8 = x + 7 → x = 15
2
Manuel tiene 15 años.
97   Yu se ha comprado dos pantalones y tres camisas en las rebajas. El precio
original de un pantalón era el doble que el de una camisa, pero con el descuento
solo ha pagado 104 €.

¿Cuánto costaba cada artículo antes de las rebajas?

x = precio de una camisa sin descuento
3 × 0,8x + 2 × 0,7 × 2x = 104 → 2,4x + 2,8x = 104 → 5,2x = 104 → x = 20
Antes de las rebajas el precio de la camisa era de 20 € y el del pantalón, el doble,
40 €.
98   Una habitación de 13,5 m2 de superficie mide un metro y medio más de largo
que de ancho. ¿Cuáles son las dimensiones exactas de la habitación?
x = longitud del ancho (en metros)
x(x + 1,5) = 13,5 → x2 + 1,5x - 13,5 = 0

−1,5 ± 56,25 −1,5 ± 7,5 ⎪⎧ 3

→ x= = = ⎪⎨
2 2 ⎪⎪ −4,5
⎩
Como las dimensiones de una habitación son números positivos, la longitud del
ancho mide de 3 m, y por tanto, la del largo mide 3 + 1,5 = 4,5 m.
99  Un rectángulo de 20  cm de perímetro tiene una superficie de 21  cm2.
¿Cuánto miden los lados?
x = longitud de la base (en cm)
10 ± 16 10 ± 4 ⎧⎪ 7
x(10 - x) = 21 → x2 - 10x + 21 = 0 → x = = = ⎪⎨
2 2 ⎪⎪ 3
⎩
Ambas soluciones son válidas. Los lados del rectángulo miden 3 cm y 7 cm.

UNIDAD 4 147
 100  Cristina ha diseñado una pancarta para celebrar el 40.º aniversario del
instituto.
Calcula el perímetro y el área de la pancarta.

Aplicando el teorema de Pitágoras: x2 + (x + 7)2 = 172 → x2 + x2 + 14x + 49 = 289

−7 ± 529 ⎧⎪ 8
−7 ± 23
→ 2x2 + 14x - 240 = 0 → x2 + 7x - 120 = 0 → x = = = ⎪⎨
2 2 ⎪⎪ −15
⎩
Como las dimensiones de un rectángulo tienen que ser positivas, la solución
válida es x = 8 m. Luego el cartel mide 15 m de base y 7 m de altura.
El perímetro mide 2 × (15 + 7) = 44 m, y el área, 15 × 7 = 105 m2.
101   Laia quiere cercar una finca. Sabe que la razón entre sus lados es de 2 a 1 y su
superficie mide 450 m2. ¿Cuántos metros de valla necesita comprar?
x = longitud del lado menor (en metros)
2x × x = 450 → x2 = 225 → x = ±15
El lado menor de la finca mide 15 m y el lado mayor 30 m. Entonces el perímetro
de la finca mide 2 × (15 + 30) = 90 m. Necesita comprar 90 m de valla.
102   Encuentra un número tal que la suma del número más su cuadrado y su cubo
sea -105.
x = número buscado
x + x2 + x3 = -105 → x3 + x2 + x + 105 = 0 → (x + 5)( x2 − 4 x + 21 ) = 0
x + 5 = 0 → x = -5
4± −68
x2 - 4x + 21 = 0 → x = No tiene solución.
2
El número es -5.
103   Antonio ha comprado un recipiente de almacenaje de 12 L de capacidad que
tiene base cuadrada y cuya altura es 1 dm mayor que su arista básica. ¿Podrá
colocarlo en un espacio de 3 dm de alto por 2 dm de ancho?
x = longitud de la arista básica (en decímetros)
Si la capacidad es de 12 L, su volumen es 12 dm3 y, por tanto:
x2(x + 1) = 12 → x3 + x2 - 12 = 0 → (x - 2)( x + 3x + 6 ) = 0
2

x - 2 = 0 → x = 2
−3 ± −15
x2 + 3x + 6 = 0 → x = No tiene solución.
2
La única solución válida es que la arista básica mida 2 dm y entonces la altura
es de 3 dm y sí cabe en ese espacio.

148 Ecuaciones