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Algebra and Equations Notes Grade 11

Mathematics (Curro Academy Parkdene High School)

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Algebraic Expressions
Equations & Inequalities
−𝒃 ± √𝒃𝟐 − 𝟒𝒂𝒄 𝒂𝒙𝟐 = 𝒃𝒙
𝒙= 𝒂𝒙𝟐 − 𝒃𝒙 = 𝟎
𝟐𝒂
𝒙(𝒂𝒙 − 𝒃) = 𝟎
𝒂 𝒄 𝒂𝒅 ± 𝒃𝒄 𝒃
± =
𝒃 𝒅 𝒃𝒅 𝒙 = 𝟎 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 =
𝒂
𝑨𝟑 − 𝑩𝟑 = (𝑨 − 𝑩)(𝑨𝟐 + 𝑨𝑩 + 𝑩𝟐 )
𝒏
𝟑 𝟑 𝟐
𝑨 + 𝑩 = (𝑨 + 𝑩)(𝑨 − 𝑨𝑩 + 𝑩 ) 𝟐
𝒏−𝟏
𝒂(𝒓𝒏 − 𝟏)
∑ 𝒂𝒓 =
𝒓−𝟏
𝟏

GRADE 11
𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒂𝒙 + 𝒂𝒃 = 𝟎 𝒏
𝒏
(𝒙 + 𝒂)(𝒙 + 𝒃) = 𝟎 ∑(𝒂 + (𝒏 − 𝟏)𝒅) = [𝟐𝒂 + (𝒏 − 𝟏)𝒅]
𝒙 + 𝒂 = 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 + 𝒃 = 𝟎 𝟏 𝟐
𝒙 = −𝒂 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = −𝒃

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Exercise Removing brackets

1.1 If two brackets equate to zero, do not expand the brackets, instead equate each
brackets to zero to get the required solutions.
(𝑥 + 𝑎)(𝑥 + 𝑏) = 0 𝑎(𝑥 + 𝑏) = 0
𝑥 + 𝑎 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 + 𝑏 = 0 𝑎 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 + 𝑏 = 0
𝑥 = −𝑎 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −𝑏 𝑎 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −𝑏

Example 1 Example 2

Solve for x Solve for x

(𝑥 − 3)(2𝑥 + 1) = 0 𝑥(3𝑥 − 2) = 0
𝑥 − 3 = 0 𝑜𝑟 2𝑥 + 1 = 0 𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 3𝑥 − 2 = 0
1
𝑥 = 3 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = − 2
2  𝑥=3

Note: You can write the solutions only without showing the workout.

1.2 If brackets equate to any other value other than zero,

expand the brackets using the foil method, write the equation in standard form and
then solve the equation.

(𝑥 + 𝑎)(𝑥 + 𝑏) = 𝑐 (𝑥 + 𝑎)(𝑥 + 𝑏) + 𝑐 = 0

Example
Solve for x
Expand the brackets using the FOIL method
Express the equation in standard form
Factorise / use quadratic formula
Write down the solutions

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Exercise Square Roots

 To solve an equation that has a square root,

 Isolate the square root,
 Square both sides
 Simplify to standard form and solve
 Test your answers

Example: Solve for x * Isolate the square root means you make the square
root term, the subject of the formula.
* When you square, make sure you square both
sides DO NOT square individual terms.
2
(√5 − 𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1)2 
2
𝑁𝑂𝑇𝐸: (√5 − 𝑥) ≠ 𝑥 2 + 12 
* If there is number multiplying the bracket, that
number is also squared, for example:
2
(3√5 − 𝑥) = 9(5 − 𝑥)
= 45 – 9x
 After solving the equation, test your answers.
If you do not test your answers, you will loose
one mark

Example: Solve for x

Squaring both sides

Standard form
Factors / quadratic formula
Values of x
Rejecting the inapplicable value

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

► To simplify the square root, make the square root

Example 3
term the subject of the equation and square both
3.1 Solve for 𝑥 in the following:
sides of the equation.
√4𝑥 − 11 = 2 − 𝑥 √𝑎 − 𝑏 + 𝑐 = 0

√𝑎 − 𝑏 = −𝑐
√4𝑥 − 11 = 2 − 𝑥
4𝑥 − 11 = 4 − 4𝑥 + 𝑥 2 (√𝑎 − 𝑏)² = (−𝑐)²
𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 15 = 0
(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 − 3) = 0 𝑎 − 𝑏 = 𝑐²

𝑥 = 5 or 𝑥 = 3 ► After simplifying the square root, write the

Checking shows No Solution
equation in standard form
► This equation is an example of an equation that
ax² + bx + c = 0
has no solutions.

►After solving your equation, check the answers by

► the equation. If it’s not possible to

3.2 Given that f ( x)  x  1 , solve for x if f ( x)  2 x  2 .

2
► Make 𝑥=
the square root−𝑏±√𝑏 −4𝑎𝑐
term the subject of the
2𝑎
equation and square both sides of the equation.
x  1  2x  2
√𝑥 + 1 = 2𝑥 − 2
x  2x  3
√𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 3
x  4 x  12 x  9
2
(√𝑥)² = (2𝑥 − 3)²
4 x 2  13x  9  0 𝑥 = 4𝑥² − 12𝑥 + 9
(4 x  9)( x  1)  0 ► Remember the law of exponents,
(𝑥 𝑎 )𝑏 = 𝑥 𝑎𝑏
9
x or x 1 1
4
√𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 2
9 1
x  only 𝐼𝑓 𝑥 2 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑, 𝑖𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠
4
1 2 1
(𝑥 2 ) = 𝑥 2×2

=𝑥
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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Equations with fractions

Example
2
Solve for x: 𝑥−6+ =0 To solve an equation with fractions,
𝑥
multiply the equation with a common
denominator. That will remove the
fractions.
2
𝑥−6+ =0
𝑥
2
𝑥×𝑥−6×𝑥+ ×𝑥 =0×𝑥
𝑥
𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 2 = 0

Once the equation is standard form it can

be solved using any method applicable

Example: Solve for x In this equation if you multiply it by the

common denominator, the equation may
𝟖
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏 − =𝟕 become more complicated.
𝒙𝟐 −𝟏
The easier way to solve it is to let the
denominator be k.
8
𝑥2 − 1 − =7
𝑥 2 −1

𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑥 2 − 1 𝑏𝑒 𝑘
8
𝑘 − = 7𝑘
𝑘
When the equation is in terms of, the you
can multiply by a common denominator,
express in standard form and solve.

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Exponential Equations

The k – method

This is used to solve complex exponential equations or equations that have binomial
denominators.
𝑥
Example: Solve for x √2𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜 22
𝑥 To solve an equation using the k – method,
22 . 2𝑥 + 7.22 − 2 = 0
𝑥 Let the term that has a smaller exponent be
4. 2𝑥 + 7.22 − 2 = 0 𝑥
𝑥
Let 2 𝑏𝑒 𝑘
2
k. In this equation 22 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 2𝑥
𝑥
4𝑘 2 + 7𝑘 − 2 = 0 so we let 22 𝑏𝑒 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑘.
(4𝑘 − 1)(𝑘 + 2) = 0
The term that has the bigger exponent
4𝑘 − 1 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 + 2 = 0
1 becomes 𝑘 2
𝑘 = 4 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 = −2
1 Note: 3−𝑥+1 = 3−𝑥 . 31
∴ 2𝑥 = 𝑜𝑟 2𝑥 = −2 1
2 = 𝑥.3
2𝑥 = 2−1 NA 3
𝑥 = −1

Note: 3−𝑥+1 = 3−𝑥 . 31

1
Example: Solve for x = 𝑥.3
3

Using the k – method is not a requirement,

The equations can be solved in any other
way.

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Example: Solve for x

Express composite exponents as separate bases:
𝑥𝑎 + 𝑏 = 𝑥𝑎 × 𝑥𝑏
22𝑥 + 4 = 22𝑥 × 24

To solve an equation using the k – method,

Let the term that has a smaller exponent be k. In this
equation 2𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 22𝑥 so we let 𝑘 𝑏𝑒 2𝑥
The term that has the bigger exponent becomes 𝑘 2

1
𝑥 −𝑛 =
𝑥𝑛
1
therefore = 16−1
16
= (42 )−1
= 4−2

Example: Solve for x

2𝑥+2 + 2𝑥−2 + 2𝑥 = 42 ► Solving Exponential Equations

► Remember the law of exponents,
2𝑥+2 + 2𝑥−2 + 2𝑥 = 42
2𝑥 × 22 + 2𝑥 × 2−2 + 2𝑥 = 42 𝑥 𝑎 × 𝑥 𝑏 = 𝑥 𝑎+𝑏
2𝑥 (22 + 2−2 + 1) = 42
1
Using this exponential law, expressions with exponents can
2𝑥 (4 + + 1) = 42
4
2𝑥 (5,25) = 42 be separated: for example: 2𝑎+3 = 2𝑎 × 23
2𝑥 (5,25) 42
5,25
=
5,25
22𝑥−5 = 22𝑥 × 2−5
2𝑥 = 8 ► Using the above explained law;
2 𝑥 = 23
𝑥=3 ● separate all exponents in the equation.

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Inequalities

An inequality is almost the same as an equation, but the two are different.
To solve an inequality:
 Solve it as if it is an equation to determine the critical values of the inequality
 Investigate the critical values to determine the solutions to the inequality

Example: Solve for x

Note:
* If an inequality is divided by a negative
number, the sign changes.
𝑎 <𝑏
2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 ≤ 3𝑥 2 𝑎
<
𝑏

2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 ≤ 0 −1 −1
−𝑎 > −𝑏
−𝑥 2 − 𝑥 ≤ 0
𝑥2 + 𝑥 ≥ 0 * (𝑥 + 𝑎)( 𝑥 + 𝑏) < 0 does not mean that
𝑥 (𝑥 + 1) ≥ 0 𝑥 + 𝑎 < 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 + 𝑏 < 0
Critical values You need to investigate the key values to determine the
𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −1 solutions.
In (𝑥 + 𝑎)( 𝑥 + 𝑏) < 0, the values of x are values that can be
substituted into (𝑥 + 𝑎)( 𝑥 + 𝑏) to give a value less than zero
(that is a negative value)
𝑥 ≥ 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≤ −1
 It is not imperative to draw the diagram. You can check the
critical values on the calculator and just write the solutions

Example: Solve for x  In this case we have to use the foil method to
remove brackets and then simplify the inequality
to standard form. 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 5 > 0
 Remember that if an inequality is divided with a
negative number, the sign changes.

−2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 5 < 0

2𝑥 2 3𝑥 5
− + + <0
−1 −1 −1

2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 5 > 0


5
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𝑜𝑟 −| 81
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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Example

Solve the following inequality: Note:

𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 < 12 (𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 + 2) < 0 does not mean
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 12 < 0 𝑥 − 6 < 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 + 2 < 0
(𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 + 2) < 0 𝑥 < 6 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 < −2 This is wrong
𝑘𝑒𝑦 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠: 𝑥 = 6 𝑜𝑟 − 2
The brackets must give you key values that you must use to
determine what the solutions are.

The diagram earns no marks, it just assists in analysing the

inequality to determine the solutions.
−2 < 𝑥 < 6 If you draw the diagram but do not write the final solutions,
you will not be credited full marks.

Example
Note:
(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 4) < 6 does not mean
𝑥 − 1 ≥ 6 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 + 4 ≥ 6
𝑥 < 7 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 < 2 This is wrong

The inequality must be in standard form, therefore

use the foil method to remove the brackets, write in standard
form and then determine what the key values are.
𝐾𝑒𝑦 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠: 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − 5

When the inequality if is in this form:

(𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 2) ≥ 0, the values of x are all numbers that can
be substituted into the inequality to give a positive number

𝑥 ≤ −5 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≥ 2

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Solving Inequalities
Exercise 2

Solving an inequality

An inequality and an equation are almost the same.

 Write the inequality in standard form:

ax² + bx + c ≥ 0

 Solve the equation: ax² + bx + c = 0 to get the values of x. These values of x are called
critical values. They help us find the values of x that satisfy the equation.

*** Please note: The critical values are not the answers to the inequality, but they are the
ones that lead us to the answers.

Example 1
 Write the inequality in standard form: 𝑥² – 7𝑥 – 12 ˂ 0
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 < 3𝑥 − 12
𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 12 < 0
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 4) < 0  Solve the equation: x² – 7x – 12 = 0 to get key values
x = 3 or 4
Critical values: x = 3 or x = 4 These values divide the number line into three regions as
+ - + shown below:
3 4
Therefore 3 < 𝑥 < 4
0 1 2 3 4 5

Example 2  Now investigate to find out which one of the three regions
contains the values of x that satisfy the inequality.
x2  4  5 This is done by substituting numbers from each region into
x–9≥0 the inequality.
(x – 3)( + 3) ≥ 0
Critical values: x = 3 or x = – 3
+ – +
–4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4
+

x  3 or x  3

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Example 2
Solve for x (5  x)( x 2  x  6)  0
(5  x)( x 2  x  6)  0 + +
(5  x)( x  3)( x  2)  0
c.v. 5;  3; 2 3 2 5
x  3 or 2  x  5

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

4. Simultaneous Equations
Example:
1. Solve simultaneously for x and y:
* Make y or x the subject of the formula.
5 x  y  3 and 3 x 2  2 xy  y 2  105
Preferably choose one that has a
coefficient of 1.

In this equation:
5𝑥 + 𝑦 = 3
Making y the subject gives: 𝑦 = 3 – 5𝑥

** Be careful with negative numbers when

removing brackets
−2𝑥(3 − 5𝑥)
= −6𝑥 + 10𝑥 2

1 1 1
2. Solve for x and y simultaneously if:   3 and x y 
x y 2
1  1  3 ………………………… equation 1
x y
1
1  In the linear equation, 𝑥 − 𝑦 = 2, make x
x y  ………………………… equat
2 the subject of the formula to get
Substituting into equation 2 produces: 1
𝑥 = 𝑦+ .
2
1 1
 3
y1 y  Substitute the value of x from the linear
2 1 1 1
equation into the equation: 𝑥 + = to
1  1 𝑦 2
y  y   3 y y   1 1
2  2 get 1 + = 3
𝑦+ 𝑦
2
4 y  1  3 y (2 y  1)  6 y 2  3 y
 Solve the resulting equation to get two
6 y2  y  1  0
values for y.
(2 y  1)(3 y  1)  0
y1 or y   13  Substitute the two values of y into the
2 1
equation 𝑥 = 𝑦 + 2
to find the values of x.
x 1  1 or x 1  1
2 2 3 2
1 or 1
6
i.e. 12 ;1 or  13 ; 16 
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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Nature of Roots
The nature of roots of a quadratic equation, y = ax² + bx + c, are determined by b² – 4ac, the
discriminant of the equation.

 If b² – 4ac < 0 : The roots are non-real.

The graph of the function does not cross the x – axis.

 If b² – 4ac = 0, the equation has two equal, real and rational roots.
The graph touches the x – axis.

 If b² – 4ac > 0, there are two real roots which may be rational or irrational.

 If b² – 4ac is a perfect square, the roots are rational and if b² – 4ac is not a perfect square,
then the roots are irrational.

Example Always express the given equation in

standard form:
Calculate the values of k, for which the 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0
equation 3x2 + 2x – k + 1 = 0 has non real
roots This will allow you to determine the
values of a, b and c.

The equation 𝑘𝑥 2 + 𝑘𝑥 + 1 = 0 is
already in standard form.

𝑘𝑥 2 + 𝑘𝑥 + 1 = 0
𝑎 = 𝑘, 𝑏 = 𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 = 1

The values can now be substituted into

𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 to determine the nature of
roots

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Example: In these equations, you are given two

variables m and r.
Determine the values of m and r for which
the equations have equal roots The idea is that the roots of a quadratic
equation are determined by:
𝑏2 – 4𝑎𝑐

Write the equation in standard form to

determine the values of 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐.

We have two different variables in two

different equations. This will therefore
create simultaneous equations in m and r.

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Example

Always express the given equation in standard

form:𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0

This will allow you to determine the values

a, b and c.

The equation 6𝑥 2 + 2𝑝𝑥 − 3𝑥 − 𝑝 = 0 can be

expressed in standard form by factoring x

6𝑥 2 + (2𝑝 − 3)𝑥 − 𝑝 = 0
𝑎 = 6, 𝑏 = 2𝑝 − 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 = −𝑝

The valus can now be substituted into

𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 to determine the nature of roots

Example

Express the given equation in standard form:

𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, to determine the values
a, b and c.
1𝑥 2 + 𝑥(1 − 𝑘) + 𝑘 − 3 = 0 can be expressed in
standard form by factoring x

𝑎 = 6, 𝑏 = 1 − 𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 = 𝑘 − 3

The values are substituted into

𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 to determine the nature of roots.

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Exercise Word Problems

1 Victor and James depart at the same instant on a journey of 1100km and
travel towards each other. Victor travels at 100 km/h and James travels 20 km/h
faster. After how many hours will they meet each other?
2. A train is 500 m in length and travels at a speed of 20 metres per second.
How long will it take the train to go through the station, if the station is
1 kilometre in length?
3 The present price of petrol is x cents per litre. If this price rises by 5 cents per litre ,
one litre less of petrol can be bought for R 52,80.
What is the present price of petrol, i.e. x?

4. Refer to the figure. A rectangle has sides of √5 + 1 and √5 − 1.

5 1

5 1

Calculate the length of the diagonal, leaving your answer in simplest surd form.

5. The hypotenuse of a right angled triangle is 25 cm and the length of one other
side is x cm. The perimeter of the triangle is 60 cm.

5.1 Show that the third side of the triangle is 35  x  cm.
5.2 Calculate the lengths of the two shorter sides of the triangle.
6. ACDF is a rectangle with an area of x 2  2 x  8 cm2. B is a point on AC and E is
a point on FD such that ABEF is a square with sides of length  x  2  cm each.
A B C

F E D
Calculate the length of ED

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

7. The volume of a box with a rectangular base is 3 072 cm3. The lengths of the sides
are x, 2x, and 3x respectively. Calculate the length of the shortest side.

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Exercise 1

Question 2
2.1 Consider the equation:  x  2  3x  4   k
2.1.1 Solve for x if k 0 (2)
2.1.2 Solve for x if k 5 (4)

2.2 Solve for x:

2.2.1 2 x  x4 (5)

2.2.2 3x  x 2  0 (3)

y 1
2.3 Given log 2 x  y and 2  x  12 , solve simultaneously for x and y. (6)
k 1
2.4 For what set of real values of k is  real? (3)
1 k 2k

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Question 3

3.1 Solve for x in each of the following:

3.1.1  x  2  3x  4   0 (2)
3.1.2  x  2  3x  4   0 (2)
3.1.3 3x  13  x  1 (5)

23 x
3.2 Solve for x and y given that y  32 and 3  9  243
x y1
(7)
4
3.3 Given 4  x  3 and 5  y  4 , find
2
3.3.1 the largest possible value of x (1)

3.3.2 the smallest possible value of xy (2)

3.3.3 the value of y if y  25
2
(1)
3.4 In the quadratic equation ax  bx  c  0 , a, b and c are positive real numbers
2

which form a geometric sequence.

State the nature of the roots of the equation. (4)

Question 4

4.1 Solve for x in each of the following:

4.1.1 3x (2 x  1)  0 (2)
4.1.2 5 x  3x  1
2
(4)
2 x 2
4.1.3 3  8.3x  1  0 (4)

4.2 Solve for x and y if

x  2 y  3  0 and x 2  3xy  y 2  11 (6)

Given 2 x  6 x  8
2
4.3
4.3.1 Solve for x if 2 x  6 x  8  0
2
(4)
( x  1)
2
4.3.2 Determine for which values of x, will be undefined. (2)
x  3x  4
2

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

4.4 Three graphs with the formulae y  ax 2  bx  c are drawn below.

1. 2. 3.

4.4.1 Match the statements below to the graphs drawn. Write only the numbers
1, 2 or 3 next to each question number on your answer sheet.

i) b2  4ac  14 (1)
ii) b2  4ac (1)
iii) b2  4ac  7 (1)

4.4.2 Choose one of the elements A to D given below which is true of

i) Graph 1
(1)
ii) Graph 3
(1)
A) a < 0 and b < 0 B) a < 0 and b > 0

C) a > 0 and b < 0 D) a > 0 and b > 0

[27]

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Exercise 1 MEMO
Question 1

This equation is already in standard form, substitute into the

quadratic formula and use a calculator to determine the
solutions.

Be careful with negative numbers:

𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑥 2 , 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 = −3, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 2 = (−3)2 = 9

The inequality needs to be in standard form

Determine the critical values of by solving
𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 4 = 0

The critical values are not the solutions, they

are used for determining the solutions to the
inequality

Squaring both sides to remove the square root

Simplify to standard form
Factorise or use the quadratic formula
Values of x
Test your answers and indicate which
one is applicable

● In the linear equation, make x or y the subject of the

equation.
It is advisable to use the one that has a coefficient of 1
so that you may not have fractions.

●Substitute into the other equation and simplify to

standard form
●Factorise or use the quadratic formula

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

−𝑏± √𝑏2 −4𝑎𝑐

● Given: 𝑥 =
2𝑎
2
𝑏 − 4𝑎𝑐 determines the nature of roots.
If 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐 0, the roots are non - real
In this question, m, n and p form a
geometric series.
A geometric series has a constant common
ratio.
𝑛 𝑝
= giving 𝑛2 = 𝑚𝑝
𝑚 𝑛
−𝑛± √𝑛2 −4𝑚𝑝
But 𝑥 = 2𝑚

Question 2
 x  2  3x  4   0
2.1.1 4 (2)
x  2 OR x  
3
 x  2  3x  4   5
 3x 2  2 x  13  0
  2    2   4  3 13
2

2.1.2  x  2  3 (4)

2  4  156 2  160
x  
6 6
 x  2, 44 OR x  1,77
2 x  x4
 2  x  x 2  8 x  16
2.2.1  0  x 2  9 x  14 (5)
  x  7  x  2   0
 x  7 OR x  2
3x  x 2  0
 x 3  x   0
2.2.2  0  x  3 (3)

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

log 2 x  y log 2 x  y
2 y  x 2 y  x
 2 y 1  2 y  12  2 y.2  x  12
2.3  2 y  2  1  12 OR  2 x  x  12 (6)
2 y  4  3x  12
y 2 x  4
x  4 y  2
1 k  0 2k 0
 k 1 AND k  2
2.4 (3)
 k  1 AND k  0

0  k  2 AND k  1

Question 3
 x  2  3x  4   0
3.1.1 4 (2)
x  2 OR x  
3
 x  2  3x  4   0
3.1.2  x  2 4
OR x   (2)
3

3 x  13  x  1
 3 x  13  1  x
 3 x  13  1  2 x  x
2

3.1.3 (5)
 0  x  x  12
2

 0   x  4  x  3
x  4 OR x  3

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

y 1
3 9  243
3x x
2
y
 32
2 y 2
4 3  3 3
x 5
base 3
3x
2  x  2y  2  5
 2 y  2 base 2
5

2  x  7  2 y..........
3 x2 y
2 2
5

 3 x  2 y  5..........
3.2 (7)
Substitute into Substitute y  2 into
3 7  2 y   2 y  5 x  7  2 2
 21  6 y  2 y  5 x  7  4
16  8 y x  3
2  y
 4   16
2
3.3.1 (1) P
3.3.2  4  4   16 (2) P
 5  25  y  5
2
3.3.3 (1) P
b c
 
a b
 b  ac
2

Δ  b  4ac
2
3.4 (4) P
Δ  b  4 b
2
 
2

 Δ  3b
2

The roots will be non-real since Δ  0

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Algebraic equations and Inequalities Grade 11 – 12

Question 4
1
4.1.1 x OR x0 (2)
2
5 x 2  3x  1  0
3  9  4  5 1
x 
4.1.2 10 (4)
 x  0,24 or x  0,84

9.32 x 8.3x  1  0
(9.3x  1)(3x  1)  0
4.1.3 1 (4)
3x  or 3x  1
9
 x  2
x  2y  3
x 2  3xy  y 2  11  0
(2 y  3)2  3(2 y  3) y  y 2  11  0
4 y 2  12 y  9  6 y 2  9 y  y 2  11  0
4.2
y2  3y  2  0
( y  2)( y  1)  0
y  2 or y  1
(6)
(7;2) or (5;1)
2  x  4  ( x  1)  0
x  4 OR x 1
4.3.1
(4)

x = –4 or  x=1  (2)
4.3.2
i) 3  ii) 1  iii) 2 
4.4.1
(5)
i) C  ii) B 
4.4.2

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