9

Non-foundation
More about

Equations

l
al Lt na
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
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c
bl on rig

u
Pu g K opy

fo C
is g
on C

“ Olympic skeet was a men's game first started

in 1968. Until 1992, it was opened to both
ot
H

sexes. The 2016 Olympic Skeet was held in Rio

de Janeiro, Brazil.

In the game, the target clay will be flung into the air
at a variety of angles, and participants will use a
shotgun to break the target. You may imagine when a
beautiful parabolic path meets with a straight line, and it

”
collides with a colourful sparks.

MENU Mathematics Arts Scenery

9.1
Solving Simultaneous Equations
p. 9.1
by Graphical Method Ex. Drill 9A p. 9.2
Ex. 9A p. 9.3

9.2 Solving Simultaneous Equations

by Algebraic Method
p. 9.8 Ex. Drill 9B
Ex. 9B
p. 9.14
p. 9.15

A The Method of Substitution p. 9.8

B Number of Solutions when Solving p. 9.11

Simultaneous Equations

Equations Reducible to
9.3 p. 9.19

l
Quadratic Equations

al Lt na
y Ex. Drill 9C p. 9.26
Ex. 9C p. 9.27

r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
A Fractional Equations p. 9.19

e d
h
c
B Equations Reducible to Quadratic Equations p. 9.21
bl on rig

by Substitutions
Pu g K opy

fo C
is g

C Solving Equations Involving p. 9.25

on C

Various Techniques

9.4
ot

Practical Problems p. 9.29

H

Ex. Drill 9D p. 9.36

Ex. 9D p. 9.36
A Practical Problems Leading to Quadratic Equations p. 9.29

B Practical Problems Leading to Simultaneous p. 9.34

Equations

Revision Exercise 9 p. 9.39

HKDSE War Zone p. 9.48

Non-foundation

HKDSE Key Notes and Hot Tips p. 9.49

Answers p. 9.52
 More about Equations 9.1

9.1 Solving Simultaneous Equations by

Graphical Method
In Section 4.3 of Book 4A Chapter 4, we talked about solving quadratic
equations by adding horizontal lines to the graph of a quadratic function.
In fact, we can add any straight line to the graph of a quadratic function.
The coordinates of the points of intersection give us the solutions of
simultaneous equations in two unknowns, in which one is linear and the
other is quadratic.

9.1
The figure shows the graph of y = x2 − 2x. By adding suitable
straight lines to the figure, solve the following simultaneous
equations graphically. (Give the answers correct to 1 decimal

l
al Lt na
place.)
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
y = x2 2x
(a)

e d
h

y=1
c
bl on rig

y = x2 2x
Pu g K opy

(b)
y= x 1
fo C
is g
on C

REMARK: Recall that the shape of the graph of a quadratic

function is called a parabola.

SOLUTION
ot

(a) Adding the horizontal line y = 1 into the figure (refer

H

to Help Diagram), we see that the straight line and the

parabola intersect at two points: (2.4, 1) and (−0.4, 1).
∴ The required solutions are (2.4, 1) and (−0.4, 1).

(b) Now consider the equation y = x − 1:

Adding the line y = x − 1 into the figure (refer to Help
Diagram), we see that the straight line and the parabola
intersect at two points: (0.4, −0.6) and (2.6, 1.6).
∴ The required solutions are (0.4, −0.6) and (2.6, 1.6).

NOTE: We can also present the answers as follows:

y=x−1
x = 2.4 x = 0.4
The required solutions are and . x 0 1 2
y=1 y=1
y −1 0 1
 9.2 4B Chapter 9

9.1
The figure shows the graph of y = −x2 + 3x + 3. By adding
suitable straight lines to the figure, solve the following
simultaneous equations graphically. (Give the answers correct
to 1 decimal place.)
y= x 2 + 3x + 3
(a)
y=4
y= x 2 + 3x + 3
(b)
y= x+3
y= x 2 + 3x + 3
(c)
x + 2y = 4

l
al Lt na
9A Question 1
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

1 y = ax 2 + bx + c

e d
h
c
We solve simultaneous equations
bl on rig

y = mx + k
graphically by reading the coordinates of the point(s) of
Pu g K opy

intersection of the graphs of y = ax2 + bx + c and

fo C

Only solutions that are real numbers

is g

can be obtained by graphical

y = mx + k.
on C

method. Note that the solutions are

approximate values only.
ot

9A (Q1)
H

1. The figure shows the graph of y = x2 − 3x.

By adding suitable straight lines to the figure, solve the
following simultaneous equations. (Give the answers correct to
the nearest 0.2 if necessary.)
y = x2 3x
(a)
y= x 2
y = x2 3x
(b)
y= x 2
y = x2 3x
(c)
2x + y = 5
9.1
 More about Equations 9.3

9A
Level 1 (Q1 – Q6)

Hinted Questions
1. The figure below shows the graphs of y = x2 + 2x − 1, y = 1 and
y = x + 1.

l
al Lt na
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h
c
Solve the following simultaneous equations graphically. (Give the
bl on rig

answers correct to 1 decimal place if necessary.)

Pu g K opy

y = x 2 + 2x 1
fo C
is g

(a)
on C

y=1
g

y = x 2 + 2x 1
(b)
y = x +1
ot

The figure shows the graphs of y = 2x 2 − 5x + 1,

H

2.
y = −x + 1, y = −x − 1 and y = −x − 3.
Referring to the graphs given, find the number of
solutions for each of the following simultaneous
equations.
y = 2x 2 5x + 1
(a)
y= x 1
y = 2x 2 5x + 1
(b)
y= x +1
y = 2x 2 5x + 1
(c)
y= x 3
 9.4 4B Chapter 9

3. Solve the following simultaneous equations graphically.

(Give the answers correct to the nearest 0.5 if necessary.)
1 2
y= x +2
2
(a)
3
y=
2
1 2
y= x +2
2
(b)
5
y= x+
2
1 2
y= x +2
(c) 2
x+y= 3

4. The figure shows the graph of y = x2.

l
al Lt na
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h
c
bl on rig

u
Pu g K opy

fo C
is g
on C

ot g

By adding suitable straight lines to the figure, solve the following

H

simultaneous equations graphically. (Give the answers correct to the

nearest grid scale if necessary.)
y = x2
(a)
y=4
y = x2
(b)
y = 2x + 3
y = x2
(c)
y = 3x 2
9.1
 More about Equations 9.5

5. The figure shows the graph of y = x2 − 2x − 1.

l
al Lt na
By adding suitable straight lines to the figure, solve the following
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
simultaneous equations graphically. (Give the answers correct to the
nearest 0.1 if necessary.)

e d
h
c
bl on rig

y = x2 2x 1
(a)
Pu g K opy

y= x+2
fo C
is g

y = x2 2x 1
on C

(b)
y = 2x 3

6. The figure shows the graph of y = −x2 + 2x + 3. y

ot

By adding suitable straight lines to the figure, solve the

H

5
following simultaneous equations graphically. (Give the
answers correct to the nearest 0.2 if necessary.) y = –x2 + 2x + 3
4
y = 2x + 5
(a) 3
y= x 2 + 2x + 3
2x y+3= 0 2
(b) 2
y= x + 2x + 3
1

x
–1 0 1 2 3

–1

–2
 9.6 4B Chapter 9

Level 2 (Q7 – Q10)

7. The figure shows the graph of y = 2x2 − 5x + 2.

Solve the following simultaneous equations graphically. (Give
the answers correct to the nearest 0.1 if necessary.)
x + 2y 1= 0
(a)
y = 2x 2 5x + 2
2x 2y = 3
(b)
y = 2x 2 5x + 2

8. (a) Consider the function y = −x2 + 3.

Plot
(i) Complete the following table.
x −2 −1.4 −1 −0.6 0 0.6 1 1.4 2

l
y 1.04 2 3 2.64

al Lt na
y −1
(ii) Plot the graph of the function for −2 ≤ x ≤ 2 on the graph
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
paper below.

e d
h
c
bl on rig

u
Pu g K opy

fo C
is g
on C

ot g
H

(b) Solve the following simultaneous equations graphically. (Give

the answers correct to the nearest 0.2 if necessary.)
y= x2 + 3
(i)
y x 2=0
2x + y = 4
(ii)
y + x2 3=0
 More about Equations 9.7

9. (a) Consider the function y = 3x2 − x − 4.

Plot
(i) Complete the following table.
x −1.5 −1 −0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2
y 0 −2.75 1.25 6
(ii) Plot the graph of the function for
−1.5 ≤ x ≤ 2 on the graph paper given.
(b) Solve the following simultaneous equations
graphically. (Give the answers correct to the nearest
0.1 if necessary.)
y 2x + 3 = 0
(i)
y = 3x 2 x 4
5x + 2y + 9 = 0
(ii)
y = 3x 2 x 4

l
al Lt na
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h
c
bl on rig

u
Pu g K opy

fo C
is g
on C

ot g
H

10. The figure shows the graph of the function y = −2x2 − 5x − 3

and the straight line 2x − 2y + 3 = 0.
(a) Solve the simultaneous equations
y = 2x 2 5x 3
graphically. (Give the answers
2x 2y + 3 = 0
correct to the nearest grid scale.)
(b) Using the figure, if the following simultaneous
equations have more than 1 solution, what is the range
of values of k?
y = 2x 2 5x 3

2x 2y + k = 0
 9.8 4B Chapter 9

9.2 Solving Simultaneous Equations by

Algebraic Method

A The Method of Substitution

Simultaneous equations in two unknowns can also be solved by the
algebraic method.

2 Simultaneous equations in two unknowns (in which one is

linear and the other is quadratic) can be solved algebraically
by the method of substitution.

9.2

l
al Lt na
y
y= x 2 + 3x + 3
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
Solve the simultaneous equations algebraically. The equations are the same as in
y= x+3 Class Practice 9.1(b).

e d
h
c
bl on rig

SOLUTION
Pu g K opy

y= x 2 + 3x + 3 ....................(1)
fo C
is g

y = x + 3..................................(2)
on C

Substituting (2) into (1), we have

x + 3 = −x2 + 3x + 3
x2 − 2x = 0
ot

x(x − 2) = 0
H

∴ x = 0  or  2
Substituting these values of x into (2):
When x = 0, y = 0 + 3 = 3.
When x = 2, y = 2 + 3 = 5.
x=0 x=2
∴ The solutions are and . Compare these answers with those of Class Practice 9.1(b).
y=3 y=5

9.2
Solve the following simultaneous equations algebraically.
y= x 2 + 3x + 3 y = x2 4x + 2
(a) (b)
y= x+4 x+y=6

9B Question 1
 More about Equations 9.9

9.3

y= x 2 + 3x + 3
Solve the simultaneous equations algebraically. The equations are the same as in
x + 2y = 4 Class Practice 9.1(c).

(Leave the answers in surd form.)

SOLUTION
y= x 2 + 3x + 3...........................(1)
x + 2y = 4......................................(2)
From (2), x = 4 − 2y..........................(3) x = 4 − 2y is considered to be a better choice than
4−x
Substituting (3) into (1), we have y= to be used as a substitution to solve the
2
simultaneous equations although both of them can
y = − (4 − 2y)2 + 3(4 − 2y) + 3 be derived from (2).
y = −16 + 16y − 4y2 + 12 − 6y + 3

l
al Lt na
4y2 − 9y + 1 = 0 y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
− (−9) ± (−9)2 − 4 × 4 × 1
By the quadratic formula, y =

e d
2×4
h
c
bl on rig

9 ± 65
=
Pu g K opy

8
fo C

Substituting the values of y into (3):

is g
on C

9 + 65 9 + 65
When y = , x = 4−2×
8 8
9 65
= 4− −
ot

4 4
H

7 − 65 9 16 − 9 7
= 4− = =
4 4 4 4
9 − 65 9 − 65 7 + 65
When y = , x = 4−2× =
8 8 4
7 65 9 + 65
∴ The required solutions are , and
4 8

7 + 65 9 65
, .
4 8

REMARK: Using the calculator, the solutions of the above equations are
(−0.266, 2.13) and (3.77, 0.117) (cor. to 3 sig. fig.). These answers
agree with those of Class Practice 9.1(c) when they are rounded off
to 1 decimal place.
9.10 4B Chapter 9

9.3
Solve the following simultaneous equations algebraically. (Leave the
answers in surd form if necessary.)
y = x2 4x + 2
y = 2x 2

9B Question 2

9.4
Solve the equations x2 + xy − y2 = 5x + 10y = 5.

SOLUTION

l
al Lt na
x 2 + xy y 2 = 5...................(1)
The given equations can be written as
y
r S o atio
5x + 10y = 5..........................(2)
N hin Ed t b

From (2), x + 2y = 1 Divide every term by 5.

e d
h
c
x = 1 − 2y............(3)
bl on rig

Substituting (3) into (1), we have

Pu g K opy

(1 − 2y)2 + (1 − 2y)y − y2 = 5
fo C
is g
on C

1 − 4y + 4y2 + y − 2y2 − y2 = 5
y2 − 3y − 4 = 0
(y − 4)(y + 1) = 0
ot

∴ y = 4  or  −1
H

Substituting these values of y into (3):

When y = 4, x = 1 − 2 × 4 = −7
When y = −1, x = 1 − 2 × (−1) = 3
∴ The required solutions are (−7, 4) and (3, −1).

9.4
Solve the following simultaneous equations algebraically.
4x2 + y2 = 20x − 5y = 25

9B Question 3
 More about Equations 9.11

In solving simultaneous equations in two unknowns (x and y) 1

by substitution, students should determine which unknown,
x or y, is to be eliminated. As a good practice, students can
choose the one unknown which can be expressed in terms
of the other unknown without involving fractions whenever
possible.

B Number of Solutions when Solving Simultaneous Equations

9.2
The figure shows the graph of y = x2 + 2x.

1. On the graph, add the straight lines y = 2x + 2, y = 2x and y = 2x − 2.

l
al Lt na
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h
c
bl on rig

Pu g K opy

fo C
is g
on C

2. For each of the above straight lines, at how many points

ot

does the line intersect with the parabola?

H

3. In general, discuss what are the possible numbers of solutions for

simultaneous equations in two unknowns in which one is linear and the
other is quadratic.
9.12 4B Chapter 9

3 When solving simultaneous equations in two unknowns in which one is linear and the other
is quadratic, we use the method of substitution to eliminate one of the unknowns to obtain a
quadratic equation.

The number of solutions for the system can be determined by the value of the discriminant
(∆ = b2 − 4ac) of the quadratic equation. There are three possible cases:

Case 1: ∆ > 0 Case 2: ∆ = 0 Case 3: ∆ < 0

The straight line intersects The straight line touches the The straight line does not
the parabola at two points. parabola. Therefore, there intersect the parabola.
Therefore, there are two is only one solution for the Therefore, there are no real
solutions for the simultaneous simultaneous equations. solutions for the simultaneous
equations. equations.

l
al Lt na
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h
c
bl on rig

u
Pu g K opy

fo C

9.5
is g
on C

Find the number of solutions of the following simultaneous equations

without solving the equations.
y = x2 3x
ot

y = 3x 9
H

SOLUTION
Substituting the first equation into the second, we have
x2 − 3x = 3x − 9
x2 − 6x + 9 = 0
We have ∆ = (−6)2 − 4 × 1 × 9 a = 1, b = −6 and c = 9

=0
∴ The system has only one solution.
 More about Equations 9.13

9.5
For each of the following simultaneous equations, determine the number of
solutions without solving the equations.
y = x 2 + 2x 5
(a)
y = 3x 1
(b) x2 + y2 = 3x + 4y = 25

9B Question 4

9.6

y = x2 6x + 12
If the simultaneous equations have only one solution,

l
y = mx + 11

al Lt na
find all the possible values of m.
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

SOLUTION

e d
h
c
bl on rig

Substituting the first equation into the second, we have

u

x2 − 6x + 12 = mx + 11
Pu g K opy

fo C

x2 − 6x − mx + 1 = 0
is g
on C

x2 − (m + 6)x + 1 = 0
Since there is only one solution for the simultaneous equations,
we have ∆ = (m + 6)2 − 4 × 1 × 1 = 0 For the equation x2 − (m + 6)x + 1 = 0,
ot

a = 1, b = −(m + 6) and c = 1.
m2 + 12m + 32 = 0
H

(m + 4)(m + 8) = 0
∴ m = −4  or  −8

9.6

y = x2 + k
If the simultaneous equations have only one solution, find k.
y = 2x 5

9B Question 5
9.14 4B Chapter 9

9B (Q1 – Q5)

1. Solve the following simultaneous equations algebraically.

y = x2 + 2
(a)
y = 2x + 5
y = 4x 2 2x + 3
(b)
2x y+2= 0
9.2

2. Solve the following simultaneous equations algebraically. (Leave the

answers in surd form if necessary.)
y= x 2 + 3x + 3
(a)
2x + y = 4
y = x 2 + 2x 3
(b)
3x + 4y = 5

l
al Lt na
y 9.3
2
3. Solve the equations y − 8x = 2x + 2y = 36.
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
9.4

e d
h

4. Find the number of solutions of the following pair of simultaneous

c
bl on rig

equations without solving the equations.

Pu g K opy

y = x2 5x 2
fo C
is g

y= x 11
on C

9.5

5. Let k be a constant. If the simultaneous equations

y = x2 6x + k
ot

y = 2x + 1
H

have only one solution, find k.

9.6
 More about Equations 9.15

9B
Level 1 (Q1 – Q8)

Hinted Questions
1. Consider the following simultaneous equations.
y = 2x 2 2x 3................(1)
2
2x y 3 = 0....................(2)
(a) By substituting (1) into (2), obtain a quadratic equation in x.
(b) Solve the simultaneous equations.

2. The figure shows the graphs of y = x2 + 6x − 2, y = 2x − 6, y + 12 = 0

and y = 2x − 2.

l
al Lt na
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h
c
bl on rig

u
Pu g K opy

fo C
is g
on C

3
ot
H

Without solving each of the following simultaneous equations, write

down the number of solutions that they have from the graphs given.
y = x 2 + 6x 2
(a)
y = 2x 6
y = x 2 + 6x 2
(b)
y + 12 = 0
y = x 2 + 6x 2
(c)
y = 2x 2
 9.16 4B Chapter 9

3. Solve the following simultaneous equations algebraically.

y = x2 y = 4x 3
(a) (b)
y= x y = x2
9.2

4. Solve the following simultaneous equations algebraically.

y = 2x 2 x 1 y= x 2 + 4x + 3
(a) (b)
y = 3x 1 2x + y + 4 = 0

5. Find the number of solutions of the following pairs of simultaneous

equations without solving the equations.
y = x2 y = x2 2x 1
(a) (b)
y= x 1 y = 3x + 2
9.5

y = 3x 2 2x
6. Show that the simultaneous equations have no real

l
al Lt na
y= x+5 y
solution.
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h

x2 3x + 2y = 0
c
bl on rig

7. Show that the simultaneous equations have two

u

2x + 3y = 7
Pu g K opy

solutions.
fo C
is g
on C

8. How many solutions do the following simultaneous equations have?

Explain
y = 3x 5 2x 2
x+y+3= 0
ot

Explain your answer.

H

Level 2 (Q9 – Q21)

9. Solve the following simultaneous equations algebraically. (Leave the

answers in surd form if necessary.)
y= x2 4x + 3
(a)
y = 4x + 1
y= x 2 + 4x 3
(b)
2x + y = 4
9.3
 More about Equations 9.17

10. Solve the following simultaneous equations algebraically. (Leave the

answers in surd form if necessary.)
y = 3x 2 5x + 2
(a)
x + 2y 1= 0
2x 2 x + 5y = 0
(b)
x 2y 3=0

11. Solve the equations 2x(2x − y) − y = 2y − x = 1.

9.4

12. If p = q2 − 3 = 3q + 7, find all the possible values of p.

13. If x2 + 4xy = 0 and x + 2y = 3, find all the possible values of y.

14. If m + 2n = 9m − 2mn = 6, find all the possible values of n. (Leave the

answers in surd form.)

l
al Lt na
15. Solve the following simultaneous equations algebraically.
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
y2 3xy + 12 = 0
(a)

e d
h
c
y = 12(x 2)
bl on rig

(x + 3y)(2x y) = 1 + 6y
Pu g K opy

(b)
fo C

x + 4y + 1 = 0
is g
on C

16. Find the number of solutions of each of the following pairs of

simultaneous equations without solving the equations.
2x 3y = 4
ot

(a)
H

2x 2 3y 2 = 16
2x 2 3xy = 36
(b)
4x + 5y = 2
(c) 2x2 − 3xy + 5y2 = 3x − 2y = 2

17. Given that k is a non-zero constant, how many solutions do the

Explain
x 2 + y2 2kx k2 = 0
simultaneous equations have? Explain your
y = kx
answer.

18. Let a be a non-zero constant. If the simultaneous equations

y = ax 2 + 3x + 5
y=2 4x
have no real solutions, find the range of values of a.
9.18 4B Chapter 9

y = (x + 1)(x + 3)
19. Let k be a constant. If the simultaneous equations
y = kx 6
have only one solution, find all the possible values of k.
9.6

y = cx + 1
20. It is given that the simultaneous equations (where
y = 2x 2 + x + c
c is a constant) have only one solution.
(a) Find all the possible values of c.
(b) For each possible value of c, find the solutions of the
simultaneous equations.

21. It is given that the straight line 15x − 3y = 5m touches the graph of
y = 2x2 − mx + 3 at a point P, where m is a constant.
(a) Find all the possible values of m.
(b) If m is an integer, find the coordinates of P.

l
al Lt na
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h
c
bl on rig

u
Pu g K opy

fo C
is g
on C

Exam Duel
ot
H

Paper 1

y = x2 7x + 8
22. Consider the simultaneous equations .
y = 9x + k
(a) Find the value of k such that the simultaneous equations have only one solution. (1 mark)
(b) Solve the simultaneous equations for the value of k obtained in (a). (3 marks)

Paper 2

23. The line y = 3x − 1 cuts the parabola y = x2 − x + 1 at two points P and Q. Find the coordinates of the
mid-point of PQ.
A. (2, 3)
B. (2, 5)
C. (4, 11)
D. (4, 13)
(1 mark)

A Formative Assessment
 More about Equations 9.19

9.3 Equations Reducible to Quadratic

Equations
Many equations do not look like quadratic equations, but some of them can
be transformed into quadratic equations and solved by the techniques learnt In this section, we solve the
equations for real solutions.
in Book 4A Chapter 1.

A Fractional Equations
In solving fractional equations that can be reduced to quadratic equations,
we have to reject any roots that will give us a zero denominator in the given
equation.

9.7

l
al Lt na
3
Solve the equation 4 + (x 1) = 10.
y
x
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h

SOLUTION
c
bl on rig

3
4+ (x 1) = 10 x ≠ 0; otherwise, we have a zero denominator.
x
Pu g K opy

fo C

3
is g

4x 4+3 = 10 Expand the L.H.S.

on C

x
4x 2 4x + 3x 3 = 10x Multiply every term by x.

4x 2 11x 3=0 This is now a quadratic equation!

ot

(4x + 1)(x 3) = 0
H

1
∴ x = 3  or  − Both roots are accepted after
4 checking.

9.7
5
Solve the equation (2x + 3) 4 = 16.
x

9C Question 1
 9.20 4B Chapter 9

9.8
5 4
Solve the equation + = 2.
x 4 x+5
SOLUTION
5 4
∴ + =2 x ≠ 4 and x ≠ −5
x 4 x+5
5 4
∴ ( x − 4)( x + 5) + ( x − 4)( x + 5) = 2( x − 4)( x + 5) Multiply every term of the equation by the
x−4 x+5 L.C.M. of the denominators.
5( x + 5) + 4( x − 4) = 2( x − 4)( x + 5)
5 x + 25 + 4 x − 16 = 2 x 2 + 10 x − 8 x − 40
2 x 2 − 7 x − 49 = 0
( x − 7)(2 x + 7) = 0
7

l
x = 7  or  −

al Lt na
∴
2
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

9.8
e d
h
c
bl on rig

4 1
Solve the equation − = 1.
Pu g K opy

x+2 x +1
fo C
is g
on C

9C Question 2
ot

9.9
H

2 1
Solve the equation 2
+ = 1.
x + 8 x + 15 x+5
SOLUTION
We factorize x2 + 8x + 15 in order to find the L.C.M. of the denominators in
the equation.
2 1
i.e. + =1 x ≠ −3 and x ≠ −5
( x + 3)( x + 5) x + 5
2 1
( x + 3)( x + 5) + ( x + 3)( x + 5) = ( x + 3)( x + 5) Multiply every term of the equation
( x + 3)( x + 5) x+5 by the L.C.M. of the denominators.
2 + ( x + 3) = ( x + 3)( x + 5)
2 + x + 3 = x 2 + 5 x + 3x + 15
x 2 + 7 x + 10 = 0
( x + 2)( x + 5) = 0
∴ x = −2  or  −5 (rejected)
∴ x = −2
 More about Equations 9.21

9.9
4x 2
Solve the equation 2
− + 1 = 0.
x − 16 x−4

9C Question 3

B Equations Reducible to Quadratic Equations by Substitutions

9.10
Solve each of the following equations. (Leave the answers in surd form if necessary.)
(a) 4x4 + 5x2 − 6 = 0 (b) (x2 − 3x)2 − 8x2 + 24x − 20 = 0

l
al Lt na
SOLUTION
y
(a) Method 1:
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

Hint

e d
h
c
bl on rig

Note that x4 = (x2)2. If we let u = x2, the given equation will become
4u2 + 5u − 6 = 0, which is quadratic.
Pu g K opy

fo C
is g

Let u = x2. Then the given equation becomes

on C

4u2 + 5u − 6 = 0
(4u − 3)(u + 2) = 0
3
ot

∴ u=   or  −2
4
H

3
i.e. x2 =   or  x2 = −2 (rejected) x 2 = −2 implies that x is NOT a real
4 number. Hence, u = x2 = −2 is rejected.
3
∴ x2 =
4
3
x=±
2

Method 2:
4x4 + 5x2 − 6 = 0
4(x2)2 + 5(x2) − 6 = 0
(4x2 − 3)(x2 + 2) = 0
∴ 4x2 − 3 = 0 or x2 + 2 = 0
3
x2 = or x2 = −2 (rejected)
4
3
∴ x2 =
4
3
x=±
2
9.22 4B Chapter 9

(b) Hint
Note that −8x2 + 24x = −8(x2 − 3x). If we let u = x2 − 3x, the given
equation will become u2 − 8u − 20 = 0, which is also quadratic.

(x2 − 3x)2 − 8x2 + 24x − 20 = 0

(x2 − 3x)2 − 8(x2 − 3x) − 20 = 0
Let u = x2 − 3x. Then the given equation becomes
u2 − 8u − 20 = 0
(u − 10)(u + 2) = 0
i.e. (x − 3x − 10)(x2 − 3x + 2) = 0
2

(x − 5)(x + 2)(x − 1)(x − 2) = 0

∴ x = 5, −2, 1 or 2

9.10

l
al Lt na
Solve each of the following equations. (Leave the answers in surd form if
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
necessary.)
(a) 8x4 − 23x2 − 3 = 0

e d
h
c
bl on rig

(b) (2x2 − 5x)2 + 4x2 − 10x = 3

Pu g K opy

fo C
is g

9C Question 4
on C

9.11
ot

Solve the equation 2 x − 15 = x.

H

SOLUTION
Method 1: By substitution
Let u =
x . Then the given equation becomes
2u2 − 15 = u
2u2 − u − 15 = 0
(u − 3)(2u + 5) = 0
5
∴ u = 3  or  −
2
5
i.e. x = 3  or   x = − (rejected) x must be non-negative.
2 5
∴ x =3 Hence x = −
2
is rejected.

x=9
 More about Equations 9.23

Method 2: By squaring both sides of the equation

From 2 x − 15 = x
2
We have (2x − 15) = x Squaring both sides

4x2 − 60x + 225 = x

4x2 − 61x + 225 = 0
(x − 9)(4x − 25) = 0
25 25
∴ x = 9  or   (rejected) When x =
4
,
4
x=9 25 5
∴ L.H.S. = 2 15 =
4 2

REMARK: In solving an equation, if both sides of the equation are squared, 25 5

R.H.S. = =
extraneous solutions may sometimes exist. 4 2
i.e. L.H.S. ≠ R.H.S.
For example, 2 − x = x ................. (*)
25
2 − x = x2 Squaring both sides Hence, x = is rejected.
4
x2 + x − 2 = 0.................. (**)

l
al Lt na
(x − 1)(x + 2) = 0 y

r S o atio x=1 or −2
N hin Ed t b

It is obvious that x = −2 does not satisfy the equation (*) and is said

e d
h
c
to be an extraneous solution to the equation (*).
bl on rig

The term ‘extraneous solution’ is not

u

required in the curriculum.

In fact, the equation 2 − x = − x , when squaring both sides, leads
Pu g K opy

to the same equation (**) in the example above. Here x = 1 is an

fo C
is g

extraneous solution of 2 − x = − x but x = −2 is not.

on C

Note that when solving equations by squaring both sides, we should

check the roots to reject the extraneous roots.
ot

9.11
H

Solve the equation x − 12 = x.

9C Question 5
9.24 4B Chapter 9

9.12

Solve the equation x 2 − x + 1 = x2 − x + 3 .

SOLUTION
Hint

If we square both sides of the equation, we have

(x2 − x + 1)2 = x2 − x + 3.

Expanding the L.H.S., we shall get an equation in degree 4 which is very

difficult to solve. The equation would be easier to solve if we substitute
x 2 − x + 3 by u.

x2 − x + 3 .

l
Let u=

al Lt na
Then u2 = x2 − x + 3
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
x2 − x = u2 − 3.

e d
h
c
2
x2 − x + 3 ,
bl on rig

From the original equation, ( x − x ) + 1 =

u

we have (u2 − 3) + 1 = u x2 − x = u2 − 3 and u = x2 − x + 3

Pu g K opy

fo C

u2 − u − 2 = 0
is g
on C

(u − 2)(u + 1) = 0
∴ u = 2  or  −1
2
i.e. x 2 − x + 3 = 2  or   x − x + 3 = −1 (rejected) The square root of any number is
ot

2 non-negative.
x −x+3=4 Squaring both sides indicates that
H

2 checking of roots is necessary.

x −x−1=0

− (−1) ± (−1)2 − 4 × 1 × (−1)

∴ x= a = 1, b = −1 and c = −1
2 ×1
1± 5
= Use the calculator to confirm that these
2 2 roots satisfy the given equation.

9.12

Solve the equation 4 x 2 − 6 x − 2 x 2 − 3x + 2 = 2.

9C Question 6
 More about Equations 9.25

To summarize, we have a few rules of thumb when we need 2

to solve the following types of equations which are reducible
to quadratic equations:

1. Fractional Equations
3
e.g. Solve (i) 4+ (x 1) = 10,
x
5 4
(ii) + = 2.
x−4 x+5
To convert the equation into a quadratic equation,
we expand the L.H.S. of the equation (if necessary)
for (i) and multiply every term by the L.C.M. of the
denominators for (ii).

2. Equations Reducible to Quadratic Equations by

Substitutions

l
e.g. Solve (i) x4 + x2 − 1 = 0,

al Lt na
y
(ii) x+ x − 1 = 0.
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

It is suggested to let u = x2 for (i) and u = x for (ii).

e d
h
c
bl on rig

Then the given equations are transformed into the

u

quadratic equation u2 + u − 1 = 0.
Pu g K opy

fo C
is g
on C

C Solving Equations Involving Various Techniques

ot

9.13
H

x 2 − 15 28 x
Solve the equation + 2 = 16.
x x − 15

SOLUTION
Hint

If we multiply the whole equation by the L.C.M. of the denominators,

we will get an equation of degree 4 which is tedious to solve. Observe
28 x x 2 − 15
that is 28 times the reciprocal of . This hints us to let u
x 2 − 15 x
x 2 − 15
be .
x
9.26 4B Chapter 9

x 2 − 15 28 x
+ 2 = 16 x ≠ 0 and x ≠ ± 15
x x − 15
28 x 2 − 15
u+ = 16 where u =
u x

u 2 + 28 = 16u
u 2 − 16u + 28 = 0
(u − 2)(u − 14) = 0
∴ u = 2  or  14
x 2 − 15 x 2 − 15
i.e. =2 or = 14
x x
x2 − 15 = 2x or x2 − 15 = 14x
x2 − 2x − 15 = 0 or x2 − 14x − 15 = 0
(x − 5)(x + 3) = 0 or (x − 15)(x + 1) = 0
∴ x = 5, −3, 15 or −1

l
al Lt na
y
r S o atio
9.13
N hin Ed t b

3( x 2 − 3x )

e d
x+2 1
h
c
Solve the equation − 2 = .
bl on rig

x+2 x − 3x 2
Pu g K opy

fo C
is g

9C Question 7
on C

9C (Q1 – Q7)

12
1. Solve the equation 1 (x + 2) = 12.
ot

x
H

9.7
8 1
2. Solve the equation − = 4.
2x + 1 x − 2
9.8
10 2
3. Solve the equation 2
+ = 2.
x − 7x + 6 x −1
9.9
4. Solve each of the following equations. (Leave the answers in surd
form if necessary.)
(a) 2x4 − 7x2 − 15 = 0
(b) (x2 + 3x)2 − 2x2 − 6x − 8 = 0
9.10

5. Solve the equation 3x − 2 = x.

9.11

6. Solve the equation x 2 − 2 x + 10 + 10 = x 2 − 2 x.

9.12

x 2 + 3x + 1 5x 7
7. Solve the equation + 2 = .
2x x + 3x + 1 2
9.13
 More about Equations 9.27

9C

Level 2 (Q1 – Q14)

1. Solve the following equations.

4 1 3
(a) 3 +2 =0 (b) + 1 (x 3) = 0
x x x

2. Solve the following equations.

3 4
(a) + 1 (x 3) = 8 (b) + 1 (x + 2) = 12
x x
9.7

3. Solve the following equations. (Give the answers correct to 3

significant figures if necessary.)
5 1 3 2

l
(a) =2 (b) 2 3 =1

al Lt na
+
x 2
x y x x

r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
4. Solve the following equations. (Give the answers correct to 3

e d
h

significant figures if necessary.)

c
bl on rig

1 3 x 2
(a) + =1 (b) − =1
Pu g K opy

x+2 x+6 2x − 1 x + 3
fo C

1 x+4
is g

(c) −2=
x+3 x −1
on C

9.8

5. Solve the following equations. (Leave the answers in surd form if

necessary.)
ot

6 1 2 8x x
(a) − 2 =1 (b) + =
H

2
x+4 x − 16 4 − x 16 − x x+4
1 x 2x − 1
(c) + = 2
x +1 x − 3 x − 2x − 3
9.9

6. Solve the following equations. (Leave the answers in surd form if

necessary.)
(a) x4 + x2 − 2 = 0 (b) x4 − 12x2 + 32 = 0
(c) x6 − 7x3 − 8 = 0
9.10

7. Solve the equation (2x2 − x)2 + 6x2 = 3x + 4.

[Hint: let y = 2x2 − x]

8. Solve the following equations.

(a) x = 12 − x (b) x+3 +3= x
(c) x = 7 − 2 x +1
9.11
 9.28 4B Chapter 9

9. Solve the following equations. (Leave the answers in surd form if

necessary.)
2
(a) x 2 − 3x − 2 = x 2 − 3x (b) 2 x = x 2 − 3x + 6 x + 1

(c) 4 x 2 + 6 x + 5 = 2 x 2 + 3x + 1
9.12

10. Solve the following equations by using a suitable substitution. (Leave

the answers in surd form if necessary.)
x + 2 2( x − 3) 2x + 1 x−3
(a) − =1 (b) 5 =4 +8
x−3 x+2 x−3 2x + 1
3x 2−x
(c) + +2=0
2−x 4x
9.13

11. How many real roots does the equation

Explain
2x2 x x
+ = +1

l
2
x −9 x−3 x+3

al Lt na
have? Explain your answer.
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

1 6

e d
12. If the equation + m (where m is a constant) has only
h

=
c
2
x −4 x+2
bl on rig

one root, find m.

Pu g K opy

fo C

13. Solve the equation

is g
on C

1 1 2
g

2
− 2
= 2
2x + x 2x + x + 1 2x + x + 3
by using the substitution u = 2x2 + x.
ot

k
14. Let k be a constant. If the equation 2 x + = 3 has no real roots, find
H

x
the range of values of k.

Exam Duel

Paper 1
2 2 5
15. Solve the equation 2
+ 2
= 2
by using a suitable substitution.
2x + x + 2 2x + x − 4 2x + x
(3 marks)

Paper 2

5 3x 15
16. If + = , then x =
x − 3 2( x + 2) ( x − 3)( x + 2)
5 5 5
A. . B. 2. C. or −2. D. − or 2.
3 3 3
(1 mark)

A Formative Assessment
 More about Equations 9.29

9.4 Practical Problems

A Practical Problems Leading to Quadratic Equations

9.14
7
If the sum of the reciprocals of two consecutive even numbers is , find
24
the smaller number.

SOLUTION
Let x be the smaller number. Then the larger number is (x + 2). The difference between two consecutive
even numbers is 2.
1 1 7
Hence, + = x ≠ 0 and x ≠ −2
x x+2 24
24(x + 2) + 24x = 7x(x + 2) Multiply every term by 24x(x + 2).

l
al Lt na
2
24x + 48 + 24x = 7x + 14x
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
7x2 − 34x − 48 = 0

e d
h

(x − 6)(7x + 8) = 0
c
bl on rig

8
x = 6   or   −
Pu g K opy

7
fo C

8
is g

Since x is an integer, x = −is rejected.

on C

7
g

∴ The required number is 6.

9.14
ot
H

Consider two consecutive positive even numbers. If the difference between

1
the reciprocals of the two numbers is , find the larger number.
312

9D Question 1
9.30 4B Chapter 9

9.15
A group of youths agreed to share the rent of a party room $1680 equally.
On the day of the event, two youths did not come and did not pay. As a
result, every youth who joined the party had to pay $20 more. How many
youths originally planned to rent the party room?

SOLUTION
Method 1:
Hint

The unitary method is a technique for solving a problem by finding

the value of a single unit first. In this problem, we let x be the original
number of youths. Then we can find the value of a single unit (i.e. how
much each youth had to pay) by division, i.e. each youth had to pay

l
1680

al Lt na
$ originally. As two youths did not come and did not pay, the actual
y
x
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
1680 1680
amount each youth had to pay becomes $ . It is given that $
x−2 x−2

e d
h
c
1680
bl on rig

is $20 more than $

u

. Then an equation can be set up accordingly.

x
Pu g K opy

fo C

Let x be the original number of youths.

is g
on C

1680 1680
Then − = 20 x ≠ 0 and x ≠ 2
x−2 x
1680x − 1680(x − 2) = 20x(x − 2) Multiply every term by x(x − 2).

1680x − 1680x + 3360 = 20x2 − 40x

ot

20x2 − 40x − 3360 = 0

H

i.e. x2 − 2x − 168 = 0
(x − 14)(x + 12) = 0
x = 14  or  −12
Since the number of youths must be positive, x = −12 is rejected.
∴ The original number of youths is 14.
 More about Equations 9.31

Method 2:
Hint

Method 2 is also by the unitary method but we set up the equation from
a different approach. Again, we let x be the original number of youths.
1680
Then the original amount of money each youth planned to pay is $ .
x
According to the question, each youth had to pay $20 more at the end. So,
1680
each of them had to pay $ + 20 . We also know that there were
x
1680
(x − 2) youths actually joining the party. The product of $ + 20
x
and (x − 2) should be equal to the total amount $1680.

Let x be the original number of youths.

1680
Then + 20 (x 2) = 1680 x ≠ 0 according to the equation
x

l
al Lt na
3360
1680 − + 20 x − 40 = 1680
y
r S o atio
x
N hin Ed t b
1680x − 3360 + 20x2 − 40x = 1680x

e d
h

20x2 − 40x − 3360 = 0

c
bl on rig

x2 − 2x − 168 = 0
Pu g K opy

(x − 14)(x + 12) = 0
fo C
is g

x = 14  or  −12
on C

Since the number of youths must be positive, x = −12 is rejected.

∴ The original number of youths is 14.
ot
H

9.15
A hawker spent $1000 to buy a box of apples. He found 20 of the apples
rotten and threw them away. Then he sold each of the remaining apples at a
price $2 higher than its cost. If he finally made a profit of $260, how many
apples did the hawker buy originally?

9D Question 2
9.32 4B Chapter 9

9.16
Lorraine runs 10 km from A to B at a uniform speed. If she increases her
speed by 2 km/h, she will arrive at B 10 minutes earlier. Find Lorraine’s
original speed.

SOLUTION
Hint

distance
We know that speed = .
time
We are asked to find the original speed. So, we let x km/h be the
original speed. From the question, we know the distance = 10 km. So,
10
x= .
time in hours

l
al Lt na
10
Rearranging the terms, we have time = hours. In fact, this is the
y
r S o atio
x
N hin Ed t b
original time that Larraine needs to run 10 km. If she runs 2 km/h faster,

e d
h
c
10
bl on rig

the new time = hours.

u

x+2
Pu g K opy

From the question, the difference of these two time values is 10 minutes
fo C
is g

and we can set up an equation to solve the problem.

on C

Let x km/h be Lorraine’s original speed.

10 10 10 10
Then − = x ≠ 0 and x ≠ −2, and 10 minutes = hour
x x+2 60 60
ot

60(x + 2) − 60x = x(x + 2)

H

60x + 120 − 60x = x2 + 2x

x2 + 2x − 120 = 0
(x − 10)(x + 12) = 0
x = 10  or  −12
Since speed is positive, x = −12 is rejected.
∴ Lorraine’s original speed is 10 km/h.

9.16
Peter drives 45 km from A to B at a uniform speed. He then increases his
speed by 12 km/h and drives 18 km from B to C. If he spends 1 hour to go
from A to C, what is his speed from A to B?

9D Question 3
 More about Equations 9.33

9.17
It is given that the rates of finishing a job for Peter and Paul are constant.
If Peter and Paul work together, they need 6 days to finish the job. If they
work alone, Peter takes 5 days more than Paul to finish the same job. How
many days does Peter take when he works alone to finish the job?

SOLUTION
Hint

This kind of problem is also solved by the unitary method. Here, we

should try to find the portion of job that Peter and Paul can do in one
single day when they work together or alone. For example, when they
1
work together, they can finish of the job per day. If Peter works alone,
6

l
1

al Lt na
he can finish of the job, where x is the number of days Peter takes to
x
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
1
finish the whole job. As Paul takes 5 days less, he can finish of
x−5

e d
h
c
the job in one single day. It is easy to see that the sum of the last two
bl on rig

1
Pu g K opy

fractions equals .
6
fo C
is g
on C

Let x be the number of days Peter takes to finish the job.

1 1 1
Then + = x ≠ 0 and x ≠ 5
x x−5 6
6x − 30 + 6x = x2 − 5x
ot
H

x2 − 17x + 30 = 0
(x − 2)(x − 15) = 0
x = 2  or  15
According to the question, x > 5, x = 2 is rejected.
∴

∴ Peter takes 15 days to finish the job alone.

9.17
Two pipes, running together, can fill a tank in 12 minutes. If only one pipe
is turned on, the larger pipe would take 10 minutes less than the smaller
pipe to fill the tank. If the rates of the two pipes to fill the tank remain
constant, how long would it take the smaller pipe to fill the tank alone?

9D Question 4
9.34 4B Chapter 9

B Practical Problems Leading to Simultaneous Equations

9.18
A two-digit number is increased by 45 when the digits are reversed. If the
product of the digits is 24, find the original number.

SOLUTION
Let x be the tens digit and y be the units digit. Then the original number is
10x + y. When the digits are reversed, the new number is 10y + x.
We have (10y + x) − (10x + y) = 45 ...................(1)
and xy = 24 ...................(2)
From (1), 9y − 9x = 45
y−x=5

l
y = x + 5 ...............(3)

al Lt na
y
Substituting (3) into (2), x(x + 5) = 24
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
x2 + 5x − 24 = 0

e d
h
c
(x − 3)(x + 8) = 0
bl on rig

x = 3  or  −8
Pu g K opy

Since x is a digit of a number, it cannot be negative. Thus, x = −8 is

fo C
is g
on C

rejected.
∴ x=3
From (3), y=3+5=8
ot

∴ The original number is 38.

H

9.18
A two-digit number is greater than the product of its digits by 20. The units
digit is less than double of its tens digit by 4. Find the number.

9D Question 5
 More about Equations 9.35

9.19
The figure shows two squares adhered together along one of their sides. If
the perimeter (solid lines) and the area of this figure are 44 cm and 100 cm2
respectively, find the lengths of the sides of these two squares.

SOLUTION
Let x cm be the length of a side of the larger square and y cm be the length
of a side of the smaller square. From the given conditions, we have
3x + 3y + (x − y) = 44......................(1)
x2 + y2 = 100 ...................(2)
From (1), 4x + 2y = 44
2x + y = 22
y = 22 − 2x..............(3)

l
al Lt na
Substituting (3) into (2), we have y
r S o atio
x2 + (22 − 2x)2 = 100
N hin Ed t b

x2 + 484 − 88x + 4x2 = 100

e d
h
c
bl on rig

5x2 − 88x + 384 = 0

Pu g K opy

(x − 8)(5x − 48) = 0
fo C
is g

∴ x = 8   or   9.6

on C

From (3), when x = 8, y = 6

and when x = 9.6, y = 2.8
∴ The lengths of the sides of the two squares are ‘6 cm and 8 cm’ or
ot

‘2.8 cm and 9.6 cm’.

H

9.19
The figure shows a rectangle inscribed in the right-angled triangle ABC,
where ∠B = 90°. If AB = 5 cm, BC = 10 cm and the area of the rectangle
is 12 cm2, find the length and width of the rectangle.

9D Question 6
9.36 4B Chapter 9

9D (Q1 – Q6)

9
1. The sum of two numbers is 2 and the sum of their reciprocals is . Find the two numbers.
4
9.14

2. A group of students planned to equally share the cost $360 of a cake for a birthday party. 3 of the students
could not come to the party and did not pay for the cake. As a result each of the students attending the
party had to pay $4 more than planned. How much did each student pay finally?
9.15

3. The speed of the current in a river is 2 km/h. Mandy rowed a boat on the river upstream for 18 km and
then returned. The time for her to travel downstream is 45 minutes less than the time to travel upstream.
Find her average rowing speed in still water.
9.16

4. Worker A can clean the floor of a hall in 50 minutes less than worker B can. If they work together, the job
can be done in 1 hour. If the rates of cleaning the floor remain constant, how long will it take worker B to
clean the floor of the hall alone? 9.17

l
al Lt na
5. When the digits of a two-digit number are reversed, the number is decreased by 54. The sum of the
y
r S o atio
squares of the two digits is 90. Find the number.
N hin Ed t b
9.18

e d
h
c
6. Here is a rectangle. If its width was increased by 2 cm and its length was decreased by 2 cm, the
bl on rig

rectangle would become a square. If its width was decreased by 2 cm and its length was increased by
Pu g K opy

2 cm, its area would be 48 cm2. Find the original length and the original width of the rectangle.
fo C
is g

9.19
on C

9D
ot

Level 2 (Q1 – Q16)

H

7
1. A positive number is greater than twice its reciprocal by . Find the number.
2
9.14

2. A group of n people plans to organize a party and to share the total cost of $9000 equally. If 5 more
people join the party, then each one would pay $20 less.
(a) Express, in terms of n,
(i) the amount that each person has to pay initially,
(ii) the amount that each person has to pay if 5 more people join.
(b) Find the value of n by setting up an equation involving n.
9.15

3. Paul drove 120 km from his home to town P at an average speed of x km/h. For the return trip the
average speed was 20 km/h faster. The entire round trips took him 5 hours.
(a) Express, in terms of x,
(i) the time required for Paul to drive from his home to P,
(ii) the time required for Paul to return home from P.
(b) Find the value of x by setting up an equation involving x.
9.16
 More about Equations 9.37

4. Two pipes, X and Y, are used to fill water into a tank. If pipe X is used alone, it takes 6 minutes more to
fill up the tank than using pipe Y alone. Together, they can fill up the tank in 4 minutes. Suppose it takes
y minutes for pipe Y to fill up the tank alone and the rates of the two pipes to fill the tank remain constant.
(a) (i) What fraction of the tank is filled in 1 minute by using pipe Y alone?
(ii) What fraction of the tank is filled in 1 minute by using pipe X alone?
(Express the answers in terms of y.)
(b) Find the value of y by setting up an equation involving y.
9.17

5. A two-digit number is greater than twice the sum of its two digits by 40. The product of the two digits is
48. Let x be the tens digit and y be the units digit of the number.
(a) Express the two-digit number in terms of x and y.
(b) Find the number by setting up two equations involving x and y.
9.18

6. A piece of wire of length 136 cm is cut into two parts, each of which is then bent to form a square. It is
known that the sum of the areas of the two squares is 650 cm2. Let x cm and y cm be the sides of the two

l
al Lt na
squares. y
(a) Set up two equations involving x and y.
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

(b) Find the lengths of the sides of the two squares.

e d
h
c
bl on rig

7. In the figure, ΔABC ∼ ΔPQR. Find all the possible values of x.

Pu g K opy

fo C
is g
on C

8. In the figure, ΔABC ∼ ΔDEF. Find the value of x.

ot
H

9. Alfred bought a number of gold coins for $32 000. When each gold coin was sold at $300 more than its
cost, he sold all but 4 of the gold coins and got $21 000. How many gold coins did he buy initially?

10. A merchant bought several vases for $1800. 3 of the vases were broken accidentally and he sold each of
the rest at a price $50 higher than the cost price. As a result, his total loss was $300. How many vases did
he buy originally?

11. Every month a housewife spends $120 on bottles of milk. Since the selling price per bottle of milk is
increased by $0.2 this month, she has to buy 1 less bottle of milk this month. Find the selling price per
bottle of milk this month.

12. A path is 360 m long. Ida either walks or runs on the path. Her average running speed is 4 m/s faster than
her average walking speed. The total time for her to run the whole path is 2 minutes less than that for her
to walk. Find her average walking speed.
9.38 4B Chapter 9

13. Robot A can run 1 m/s faster than robot B. At a certain time, robot B started to run along a track.
8 seconds later, robot A began to run after robot B from the same starting point. After running 70 m, robot
A caught up robot B. Find the running speed of robot B.

14. The perimeter of a rectangular park is 410 m. If the width (the shorter side) of the park is increased by
20 m and the length (the longer side) is increased by 15 m, then the area of the park can be increased by
40%. What is the original area of the park?

15. The figure shows the floor plan of a flat which is in the form of two
squares adhered together. The perimeter and the area of the flat are 28 m
and 40 m2 respectively. Find the length of the sides of these two squares.
9.19

16. In the figure, ABC is a right-angled triangle. P, Q and R are points on

AB, AC and BC respectively such that PBRQ is a square. It is given that

l
the areas of PBRQ and ΔABC are 36 cm2 and 75 cm2 respectively. Let

al Lt na
y
AP = x cm and RC = y cm.
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
(a) Show that x + y = 13.

e d
h
c
(b) What is the value of xy?
bl on rig

(c) Find the possible value(s) of x.

Pu g K opy

fo C
is g

Exam Duel
on C

Paper 1

17. The price of a can of beans was $x and Tom could buy a certain number of cans for $100. Today he finds
ot

that the price of each can of beans is reduced by $5 so that he can buy 1 more can of beans than before
H

for $100.
(a) Express, in terms of x,
(i) the number of cans of beans he could buy before for $100,
(ii) the number of cans of beans he can buy today for $100. (2 marks)
(b) Find the value of x by setting up an equation involving x. (2 marks)

Paper 2

18. Peter cycled 30 km from A to B. When returning from B to A along the same route, he increased his
cycling speed by 1 km/h so that the time taken was shortened by 30 minutes. Let x km/h be his cycling
speed in the journey from A to B. Which of the following equations can be used to find x?
30 30 1 30 30 1
A. − = B. − =
x x +1 2 x −1 x 2
30 30 30 30
C. − = 30 D. − = 30
x x +1 x −1 x
(1 marks)

A Formative Assessment
 More about Equations 9.39

9
Part 1 : Conventional Questions

Basic (Q1 – Q20)

9.1 Solving Simultaneous Equations by Graphical Method

1.

l
al Lt na
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h
c
Solve the following simultaneous equations graphically. (Give the
bl on rig

answers correct to the nearest 0.5 if necessary.)

Pu g K opy

y= x 2 + 3x + 1 y= x 2 + 3x + 1
fo C
is g

(a) (b)
on C

x+y= 3
g

y= x
y= x+2
(c)
y= x 2 + 3x + 1
ot

1 2
H

2. The figure shows the graph of y = x − 2x − 2.

2
9.40 4B Chapter 9

(a) By adding suitable straight lines to the figure, solve the

following simultaneous equations graphically. (Give the answers
correct to the nearest 0.2 if necessary.)
1 2
y= x 2x 2
(i) 2
y= x
1 2
y= x 2x 2
2
(ii)
x y
=1
5 2
1
y = x 2 2x 2
(iii) 2
y = 3(x + 1)
(b) It is known that x = −2 and x = 4 satisfy the simultaneous
equations

l
al Lt na
1 2
y= x 2x 2
y

r S o atio
2 .
N hin Ed t b

y = ax + b

e d
h
c
bl on rig

Find the values of a and b.

u
Pu g K opy

3. The figure shows the graphs of y = ax − 3 and y = −x2 + bx + 3. P is

fo C
is g

one of the points of intersection of the two graphs.

on C

ot g
H

(a) From the figure, write down a solution of the simultaneous

equations
y = ax 3
.
y= x 2 + bx + 3
(b) Find the values of a and b.
(c) Find another solution of the simultaneous equations
y = ax 3
.
y= x 2 + bx + 3
 More about Equations 9.41

9.2 Solving Simultaneous Equations by Algebraic Method

4. Solve the following simultaneous equations algebraically.

y = x2 3x y = 2x 2 3x 4
(a) (b)
y= 5+x 2x + y + 1 = 0
2x + 3y = 7 x = (y + 1)(2y + 3)
(c) (d)
x 2 + 3x + y = 0 x 2y = 3

5. If m = 7 − 2n2 = n − m, find all the possible values of n.

y = ax 2 + 3x + 1
6. Let a be a constant. If the simultaneous equations
x + 2y = 3
have no real solutions, find the range of values of a.

y=k x

l
7. Let k be a constant. If the simultaneous equations

al Lt na
y = x 2 + 5x 2
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
have only one solution, find
(a) the value of k,

e d
h
c
bl on rig

(b) the solution of the equations.

Pu g K opy

8. The figure shows the graph of y = −x2 + 4x + 10 and the line x + 2y = 2.

fo C
is g

P and Q are their points of intersection. Find the coordinates of Q.

on C

ot g
H

9.3 Equations Reducible to Quadratic Equations

9. Solve the following equations.
2 3 1 1
(a) + 2 =5 (b) 2 3+ =5
x x 2x x

10. Solve the following equations. (Give the answers in fractions if

necessary.)
6 5 4 x 1
(a) + =2 (b) = +
x +1 x − 3 8−x 2x − 1 5
9.42 4B Chapter 9

11. Solve the following equations. (Leave the answers in surd form if
necessary.)
18
(a) x4 − 2x2 − 8 = 0 (b) 7 + = x2
x2

12. Solve the following equations. (Leave the answers in surd form if
necessary.)
(a) (b) 2x − 3x − 5 = 0
−1 −2 −3 −2 −1
x +x =x

13. Solve the following equations.

(a) 2x − 1 + x = 0 (b) 2 − x = 10 + x

1
14. If the equation mx − = m + 3 has only one root, find the possible
x
values of the constant m.

l
al Lt na
y
r S o atio
9.4 Practical Problems
N hin Ed t b

11
15. The sum of the reciprocal of a number and twice the number is .

e d
h
c
3
bl on rig

Find the number.

Pu g K opy

16.
fo C
is g
on C

ot g
H

In the figure, ΔABC ∼ ΔXYZ. Find x and y.

17. The product of the digits of a two-digit number is 12. When the digits
are reversed, the number is increased by 9. Let x and y be the tens and
the units digits of the number respectively.
(a) Set up two equations involving x and y.
(b) Find the two-digit number.

18. Mary walked 400 m and then ran 300 m from home to school. The
total time used was 5 minutes. It is known that her running speed was
200 m/min faster than her walking speed. Let x m/min be her walking
speed.
(a) Express, in terms of x,
(i) the time for which she walked,
(ii) the time for which she ran.
(b) Find x.
 More about Equations 9.43

19. Two pumps, A and B, can be used to drain water from a pool. If pump
A is used alone, it takes 1 hour more to drain the pool completely than
pump B is used alone. When using together, the two pumps can drain
1
the pool in 1 hours. If the rates of draining water from the pool by
5
the two pumps are constant, find the time required for pump B alone
to drain the pool completely.

20. As shown in the figure, the hexagon ABEFGD can be divided into a
rectangle ABCD and a square CEFG. The length of ABCD is twice
its width. The perimeter and the area of the hexagon are 40 cm and
76 cm2 respectively. Let AB = x cm and FE = y cm.

l
al Lt na
(a) Set up two equations involving x and y.
y
(b) Find x and y.
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h
c
bl on rig

Miscellaneous (Q21 – Q38)

u

21.
Pu g K opy

fo C
is g
on C

The figure above shows two rectangles, whose areas are both y cm2.
(a) Write down two equations involving x and y.
ot
H

(b) The figure below shows the graph of y = x2 + 3x.

By adding a suitable straight line on the figure, find the value of

x graphically, correct to the nearest 0.1.
 9.44 4B Chapter 9

22. Solve the following simultaneous equations. (Give the answers

correct to 3 significant figures if necessary.)

xy = 16 x + 2y = 1
(a) (b)
y = 3x + 2 3x 2 y2 = 6

23. Solve the following simultaneous equations. (Leave the answers in

surd form if necessary.)

(x 3)(y + 2) = 4 y = 2x + 4
(a) (b)
x = y+1 x2 xy = 4y

24. If (x + 1)(2x − y + 6) = x + 3 = y − 2x, find all the possible values of y.

25. Show that the simultaneous equations

2x + y + 2 = 0

l
al Lt na
4x 2 + y 2 = 2 y
have only one solution.
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h
c
26. How many solutions do the following simultaneous equations have?
bl on rig

ExplainExplain your answer.

Pu g K opy

2x + y = 3
fo C
is g

xy y2 = 5
on C

27. Let k be a constant. If the simultaneous equations

x2 2xy + ky 2 = 12
ot

x 2y = 3
H

have only one solution, find

(a) the value of k,
(b) the solution.

28. The line y = kx + 1 (where k is a constant) cuts the graph of

Explainy = x2 − 2x − 3 at two points A and B, where A is on the left side of B.
Let M be the mid-point of AB.
(a) Express the coordinates of M in terms of k.
(b) Someone claims that M must be above the x-axis. Do you agree?
Explain your answer.
(c) If M lies on the axis of symmetry of the graph of y = x2 − 2x − 3,
find
(i) the value of k,
(ii) the coordinates of M,
(iii) the coordinates of A.
 More about Equations 9.45

29. Solve the following equations.

2 2 x
(a) 2
= −
x −x−2 x−2 x +1
2−x 1 4
(b) + = 2
2 + 3x 2 − 3x 9x − 4

x n
30. Solve the equation 2
= 2 , where n is a non-zero constant.
x +1 n +1
31. Solve the following equations by using suitable substitutions.
(a) (x2 + 2x)2 − 3x2 − 6x = 40
(b) x2(2x − 1)2 + (2x2 − x + 2)2 = (2x2 − x + 4)2

32. Solve the following equations.

(a) x 2 − 3x = 3x − 10

l
(b) x 2 + 3x = x 2 + 3x − 2

al Lt na
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
33. When a fraction is in its lowest terms, the denominator of the

e d
h

fraction is larger than the numerator by 4. Both the numerator and the
c
bl on rig

denominator are positive. A new fraction is formed by adding 3 to the

Pu g K opy

11
numerator and the denominator. If the sum of the two fractions is ,
fo C

9
is g

find the original fraction.

on C

34. A worker can paint a wall alone in 1 hour 40 minutes less than his
assistant can. If they work together at the same rate, the wall can be
ot

painted in 2 hours. Find the time required for his assistant to paint the
H

wall alone.

35. An empty sink can be filled up from the tap in x minutes when the
drain is closed. If the sink is full of water and the tap is closed, it
takes (x + 2) minutes to empty the sink when the drain is open. If the
sink is empty and both the tap and the drain are open, it would take
7.5 minutes to fill up the sink. If the rates of water running in from the
tap and running out from the drain remain constant, find the value of x.

36. Mary usually bought a certain number of cans of soft drink for $150.
Today the selling price of each can of soft drink is reduced by $2 and
she finds that she can buy 3 more cans but pay $6 less. What is the
selling price of each can of soft drink today?
9.46 4B Chapter 9

37. In a morning, Johnny rode a bicycle from home for 18 km to a park.

When he returned home in the afternoon, he rode along another
route, which was 3 km shorter, and rode at a speed of 2 km/h faster
than in the morning. As a result, the time for his return journey was
45 minutes less than that of his morning journey. Find
(a) his riding speed in the morning,
(b) the total time for his two journeys.

38. A piece of wire, 2 m long, is cut into two parts. Each part is then bent
to form a square. If the area of the larger square is greater than twice
the area of the smaller square by 376 cm2, find the area of the larger
square.

l
al Lt na
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h
c
bl on rig

u
Pu g K opy

fo C
is g
on C

ot g
H
 More about Equations 9.47

Part 2 : MC Questions

1. Let a, b and c be constants. The figure shows 5. Find the range of values of k such that the
the graph of y = x2 + ax + b. How many sets of curve y = − 2x2 + 5x + k intersects the straight
real solutions do the simultaneous equations line y = x + 1 at two distinct points.
y = x 2 + ax + b A. k>1
have?
y = cx + 1 B. k≥1
C. k > −1
D. k ≥ −1

6. Lydia drove a car for 300 km from town A to

town B. When returning from B to A along
the same route, she increased the speed of the
car by 12 km/h, so that the time taken was
shortened by half an hour. Let x km/h be the
A. 0

l
speed of the car in the first journey. Which of

al Lt na
B. 1
the following equations can be used to find x?
y
C. 2
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
300 300 1
D. Cannot be determined A. − =
x x + 12 2

e d
h
c
300 300 1
bl on rig

xy 3y = k B. − =
x + 12 x 2
2. Let k be a constant. If have only
Pu g K opy

y = x +1 300 300
fo C

C. − = 30
is g

one set of real solutions, then k = x x + 12

on C

A. − 4. 300 300
D. − = 30
B. − 3. x + 12 x
C. 2.
7. There is a two-digit number with tens digit
ot

D. 3.
m and units digit n. When the number is
H

multiplied by its units digit, the product is 216.

3. How many real roots does the equation
Which of the following must be true?
6−x 2x
+ + 3 = 0 have? A. mn2 = 216
x 6−x
B. 10m + n2 = 216
A. 1
C. 10mn + n2 = 216
B. 2
D. mn + 10n2 = 216
C. 3
D. 4
8. When a fraction is in its lowest terms, the
denominator of the fraction is greater than
4. If the equation 2 x + k + 1 = x (where k is a
the numerator by 1. A new fraction is formed
constant) has only one real root, find the root.
by reducing both the numerator and the
A. − 3
denominator by 2. If the product of the two
B. − 2
3
C. 2 fractions is , find the denominator of the
8
D. 3 original fraction.
A. 3 B. 4
C. 5 D. 6
9.48 4B Chapter 9

Paper 1
1
2
= 7 +8
Let α and β be real numbers such that . Find α and β .
=9 56
HKDSE reference 2019

SOLUTION
2
= 7 + 8............(1)
=9 56....................(2)
Substituting (1) into (2),

l
al Lt na
α 2 − 7α + 8 = 9α − 56 y
α 2 − 16α + 64 = 0
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

(α − 8)2 = 0

e d
h
c
bl on rig

α =8
u
Pu g K opy

Putting α = 8 into (2), β = 9(8) − 56 = 16

fo C
is g
on C

Paper 1
ot

Canotta Mock Exam Questions

H

1. It is given the parabola P: y = x 2 − 4x + 2 and the straight line

L: y = k(x − 3), where k is a real constant.
(a) Prove that L and P intersect at two distinct points. (3 marks)
(b) The points of intersection of L and P are A and B. Let α and β be
the x-coordinates of A and B respectively.
(i) Express (α − 4)(β − 4) in terms of k.
(ii) It is given that A and B lie on the two different sides of the
line x = 4. Is it possible that the mid-point of A and B lies
below the x-axis? Explain your answer.  (5 marks)
2019

HKDSE Questions
=5 18
2. Let α and β be real numbers such that 2
.
= 13 + 63
Find α and β .
HKDSE 2019 Paper 1 Q16(modified)
 More about Equations 9.49

HKDSE Key Notes and Hot Tips

Key Note 1-3 1-2 Hot Tips
Key Note

1 y = ax 2 + bx + c
We solve simultaneous equations graphically by reading the coordinates of the
y = mx + k
point(s) of intersection of the graphs of y = ax2 + bx + c and y = mx + k.

2 Simultaneous equations in two unknowns (in which one is linear and the other is quadratic) can be
solved algebraically by the method of substitution.
y = x + 1 ............................... (1)
e.g. Solve 2
x + y 2 2x 1 = 0 ............ (2)
Substituting (1) into (2), we have

l
x2 + (x + 1)2 − 2x − 1 = 0

al Lt na
x2 + x2 + 2x + 1 − 2x − 1 = 0
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
2x2 = 0

e d
h
c
The required solutions are x = 0 and y = 1.
bl on rig

∴
u
Pu g K opy

3 When solving simultaneous equations in two unknowns in which one is linear and the other is
fo C
is g

quadratic, we use the method of substitution to eliminate one of the unknowns to obtain a quadratic
on C

equation.

The number of solutions for the system can be determined by the value of the discriminant
(∆ = b2 − 4ac) of the quadratic equation. There are three possible cases:
ot
H

Case 1: ∆ > 0 Case 2: ∆ = 0 Case 3: ∆ < 0

The straight line intersects The straight line touches the The straight line does not
the parabola at two points. parabola. Therefore, there intersect the parabola.
Therefore, there are two is only one solution for the Therefore, there are no real
solutions for the simultaneous simultaneous equations. solutions for the simultaneous
equations. equations.
9.50 4B Chapter 9

Hot Tips
In solving simultaneous equations in two unknowns (x and y) by substitution, students should
determine which unknown, x or y, is to be eliminated. As a good practice, students can choose the one
unknown which can be expressed in terms of the other unknown without involving fractions whenever
possible.
2x y + 1 = 0 ....................... (1)
e.g. Solve 2
x + y 2 2x 1 = 0 ............ (2)
Good practice:
From (1), y = 2x + 1........................... (3)
Substituting (3) into (2), we have
x2 + (2x + 1)2 − 2x − 1 = 0
x2 + 4x2 + 4x + 1 − 2x − 1 = 0
5x2 + 2x = 0
2
x=0 or x = −

l
5

al Lt na
Substituting the values of x into (3):
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
When x = 0, y = 1

e d
h

2 1
c
When x = − ,y=
bl on rig

5 5
2 1
Pu g K opy

The required solutions are (0, 1) and , .

fo C

5 5
is g

Bad practice:
on C

y −1
From (1), x = .......................... (3)
2
Substituting (3) into (1), we have
ot

2
y 1 y 1
H

+ y2 2 1= 0
2 2
……
 More about Equations 9.51

To summarize, we have a few rules of thumb when we need to solve the following types of equations
2
which are reducible to quadratic equations:

1. Fractional Equations
3
e.g. Solve (i) 4+ (x 1) = 10,
x
5 4
(ii) + = 2.
x−4 x+5
To convert the equation into a quadratic equation, we expand the L.H.S. of the equation (if
necessary) for (i) and multiply every term by the L.C.M. of the denominators for (ii).

2. Equations Reducible to Quadratic Equations by Substitutions

e.g. Solve (i) x4 + x2 − 1 = 0,
(ii) x+ x − 1 = 0.
It is suggested to let u = x2 for (i) and u = x for (ii).
Then the given equations are transformed into the quadratic equation u2 + u − 1 = 0.

l
al Lt na
y
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b

e d
h
c
bl on rig

u
Pu g K opy

fo C
is g
on C

ot g
H
9.52 4B Chapter 9

Answers
Class Practice Exercise Drill 9B (p. 9.14)
9.1 (a) (0.4, 4), (2.6, 4) (b) (0.0, 3.0), (2.0, 5.0) 1
1. (a) (−3, 11), (1, 3) (b) ,3
(c) (−0.3, 2.1), (3.8, 0.1) 2
9.2 (a) (1, 5) (b) (−1, 7), (4, 2) 5 21 5 + 21
2. (a) , 1 + 21 , , 1 21
9.3 (3 − 5 , 4 − 2 5 ), (3 + 5 , 4 + 2 5 ) 2 2
9.4 (0, −5), (2, 3) 11 393 73 + 3 393
(b) , ,
9.5 (a) 2 (b) 1 8 32
9.6 −4
11 + 393 73 3 393
3 5 ,
9.7 − , 8 32
4 2
3. (8, 10), (36, −18)
9.8 0
4. 1
9.9 −6
5. 17
3 5 ± 33
9.10 (a) ± 3 (b) 1, ,
2 4 Exercise 9B (p. 9.15)
9.11 16 1. (a) −2x2 + 4x = 0 (b) (0, −3), (2, 1)

l
1 2. (a) 1 (b) 0 (c) 2

al Lt na
9.12 − , 2
2 y 3. (a) (0, 0), (1, 1) (b) (1, 1), (3, 9)

r S o atio
1 1
N hin Ed t b
9.13 − , , 2, 4 4. (a) (0, −1), (2, 5) (b) (−1, −2), (7, −18)
3 2
5. (a) 0 (b) 2

e d
h

9.14 26
c
8. 1
bl on rig

9.15 200
9. (a) (−4 + 3 2 , −15 + 12 2 ), (−4 − 3 2 , −15 − 12 2 )
9.16 60 km/h
Pu g K opy

9.17 30 minutes (b) (3 + 2 , − 2 − 2 2 ), (3 − 2 , − 2 + 2 2 )

fo C
is g

9.18 20 or 68 1 1
,
on C

10. (a) , (1, 0)

g

9.19 Length = 6 cm and width = 2 cm or 2 4

length = 4 cm and width = 3 cm
3 249 27 249
(b) , ,
Exercise Drill 9A (p. 9.2) 8 16
1. (a) (0.6, −1.4), (3.4, 1.4) (b) No real solutions
ot

3 + 249 27 + 249
,
(c) (−1.8, 8.6), (2.8, −0.6) 8 16
H

Exercise 9A (p. 9.3) 1 1

11. , , (1, 1)
1. (a) (−2.7, 1), (0.7, 1) (b) (−2.0, −1.0), (1.0, 2.0) 2 4
2. (a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 0 12. 1, 22
3. (a) (−1.0, 1.5), (1.0, 1.5) (b) (−1.0, 1.5) 3
13. ±
(c) No real solutions 2
4. (a) (−2.0, 4), (2.0, 4) (b) (−1.0, 1.0), (3.0, 9.0) 15 ± 33
14.
(c) (−2.0, 4.0), (−1.0, 1.0) 4
5. (a) (−0.8, 1.2), (3.8, 5.8) (b) (0.6, −1.8), (3.4, 3.8) 7
15. (a) , 4 (b) No real solutions
3
6. (a) (0.6, 3.8), (3.4, −1.8) (b) (0.0, 3.0)
7. (a) (0.4, 0.3), (1.8, −0.4) (b) (0.8, −0.7), (2.2, 0.7) 16. (a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 2
17. 2
8. (a) (i) x −2 −1.4 −1 −0.6 0 0.6 1 1.4 2
y −1 1.04 2 2.64 3 2.64 2 1.04 −1 49
18. a >
12
(b) (i) (−1.6, 0.4), (0.6, 2.6) (ii) (1.0, 2.0)
19. −2, 10
9. (a) (i) x −1.5 −1 −0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 20. (a) −7, 1 (b) (2, −13), (0, 1)
y 4.25 0 −2.75 −4 −3.75 −2 1.25 6
1
(b) (i) (−0.3, −3.5), (1.3, −0.5) 21. (a) , 3 (b) (2, 5)
3
(ii) No real solutions 22. (a) −56 (b) (8, 16)
10. (a) (−1.5, 0.0) (b) k < 3 23. B
 More about Equations 9.53

Exercise Drill 9C (p. 9.26) 120 120 120

3. (a) (i) h (ii) h or 5 h
1. −6, 4 x x + 20 x
3 3 (b) 40
2. ,
4 2 1 1
3. 7 4. (a) (i) 1 (ii) 1 or
y y+6 4 y
4. (a) ± 5 (b) −4, −2, −1, 1 (b) 6
5. 1 5. (a) 10x + y (b) 68
6. −3, 5 6. (a) x + y = 34, x2 + y2 = 650
7. 1 (b) 11 cm, 23 cm
Exercise 9C (p. 9.27) 7. 5, 6
1 4 8. 12
1. (a) − , (b) −3, 3 9. 10
2 3
2. (a) −1, 9 (b) 2, 4 10. 9
3 11. $5
3. (a) −1.35, 1.85 (b) ,2
5 12. 2 m/s
7 13. 2.5 m/s
4. (a) −4, 0 (b) −6.74, 0.742 (c) −1, −
3 14. 10 000 m2
5. (a) 3 (b) −2 (c) ± 2 15. 6 m and 2 m or 5.2 m and 3.6 m

l
al Lt na
6. (a) ±1 (b) ±2, ±2 2 (c) −1, 2 y 16. (b) 36 (c) 4, 9
1 100 100 100

r S o atio
17. (a) (i) (ii) or +1
N hin Ed t b
7. − ,1 x
2 x x−5
8. (a) 9 (b) 6 (c) 3 (b) 25

e d
h
c
bl on rig

1 18. A
u
3 ± 13
9. (a) −1, 4 (b) (c) −2,
2 2
Pu g K opy

Revision Exercise 9 (p. 9.39)

1 13 −1 − 33 1
10. (a) , 8 (b) (c) ,−
fo C

Part 1: Conventional Questions

2 2 4
is g

8
1. (a) (−0.5, −0.5), (2.5, 2.5)
on C

11. 0
(b) (0.5, 2.5), (3.5, −0.5)
9
12. − or −1 (c) (1.0, 3.0)
4
1 2. (a) (i) (−1.2, 1.2), (3.2, −3.2)
13. −1, (ii) (0.0, −2.0), (4.8, 0.0)
2
ot

9 (iii) No real solutions

H

14. k >
8 (b) a = −1, b = 2
5 3. (a) (−2, 3) (b) a = −3, b = −2
15. − ,2
2 (c) (3, −12)
16. A 3
4. (a) (−1, 4), (5, 10) (b) (−1, 1), , 4
2
Exercise Drill 9D (p. 9.36)
2 4 3
1. , (c) No real solutions (d) 0, , (3, 0)
3 3 2
2. $24 7
5. −2,
3. 10 km/h 4
4. 2.5 hours 49
6. a < −
5. 93 8
6. Length = 10 cm, width = 6 cm 7. (a) −11 (b) (−3, −8)
8. (6, −2)
Exercise 9D (p. 9.36) 3 1
1. 4 9. (a) − , 1 (b) −1,
5 2
9000 9000 9000 1 4
2. (a) (i) $ (ii) $ or $ 20 10. (a) , 7 (b) − , 3
n n+5 n 2 7
(b) 45 11. (a) ±2 (b) ±3
 9.54 4B Chapter 9 T20230483

−1 ± 5 2 HKDSE War Zone (p. 9.48)

12. (a) (b) −1,
2 5 Paper 1 Exercise
13. (a) No real solutions (b) −7
1. (b) (i) 2 − k (ii) No
14. −1, −9
2. α = 9, β = 27
1 3
15. or
3 2
16. x = 10, y = 10.5
17. (a) xy = 12, y − x = 1 (b) 34
400
18. (a) (i) minutes
x
300 400
(ii) minutes or 5 minutes
x + 200 x
(b) 100
19. 2 hours
20. (a) 3x + y = 20, 2x2 + y2 = 76
(b) x = 6, y = 2
21. (a) y = x(x + 3), y = 3(x + 1)
(b) 1.7
8

l
22. (a) (2, 8), , 6

al Lt na
3 y
(b) (−1.60, 1.30), (1.42, −0.210)
r S o atio
N hin Ed t b
23. (a) (1 + 2 2 , 2 2 ), (1 − 2 2 , − 2 2 )

e d
h
c
(b) (−6 − 2 5 , − 8 − 4 5 ), ( − 6 + 2 5 , − 8 + 4 5)
bl on rig

24. 3, 6
Pu g K opy

26. 0
fo C

27. (a) −3 (b) (5, 1)

is g
on C

k + 2 k 2 + 2k + 2
28. (a) , (b) Yes
2 2

(c) (i) 0 (ii) (1, 1) (iii) (1 − 5 , 1)

29. (a) 0, 4 (b) No real solutions
ot

1
H

30. n,
n
3
31. (a) −4, 2 (b) − ,2
2
32. (a) 4 (b) 1, −4
5
33.
9
34. 5 hours
35. 3
36. $8
3
37. (a) 8 km/h (b) 3 hours
4
38. 1024 cm2

Part 2: MC Questions
1. C 2. A 3. B 4. C
5. C 6. A 7. C 8. B