CHAPTER 2

Solving Linear Equations

2-1. Writing Equations

An equation is a mathematical sentence with an equal sign. To translate a word sentence into an equation,
choose a variable to represent one of the unspecified numbers or measures in the sentence. This is called
defining a variable. Then use the variable to write equations for the unspecified numbers.

Example 1 □ Translate each sentence into an equation.

a. Twice a number increased by fourteen is identical to fifty.
b. Half the sum of seven and a number is the same as the number decreased by two.
c. The quotient of m and n equals four more than one-third the sum of m and n .
d. The cube of x plus the square of y is equal to fifty two.

Solution □ a. Let c be the number. Define a variable.

2c +
 
14 =
 
50
Twice a number c increased by fourteen is identical to fifty.

b. Let n be the number. Define a variable.

1
(7 + n=
)  n −
 2


2 is the same as
the sum of 7 the number decreased by two.
Half and a number

m 1
c. =
 4 +
 ( m + n)


n 
3
The quotient equals four more than one-third the sum of mand n.
of m and n

d. x3
 +
 y2
 =
 
52
The cube of x plus the square of y is equal to fifty two.

Consecutive Numbers
Consecutive Integers . . . , − 3, − 2, − 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . n , n + 1 , n + 2 are three consecutive
integers if n is an integer.
Consecutive Even Integers . . . , − 6, − 4, − 2, 0, 2, 4, 6, . . . n , n + 2 , n + 4 are three consecutive
even integers if n is an even integer.
Consecutive Odd Integers . . . , − 5, − 3, − 1, 1, 3, 5, . . . n , n + 2 , n + 4 are three consecutive
odd integers if n is an odd integer.

Example 2 □ Write an equation to represent the given relationship between integers.

a. The sum of four consecutive integers is −54 .
b. The product of three consecutive odd integers is 693.

Solution □ a. Let n be the first integer. Define a variable.

n + (n + 1) + (n + 2) + (n + 3) =−
  
54
 
The sum of four consecutive integers is −54

b. Let n be the first odd integer. Define a variable.

n(n + 2)(n + 4) =
 693

 
The product of three consecutive odd integers is 693
20 Chapter 2

Exercise - Writing Equations

1 6
Eighteen more than the number n is 125. The sum of three fourths of the number a
What is the value of n ? and 24 is negative 9. What is the value of a ?

A) −44
B) −20
C) 20
2 D) 44
Twenty is 7 less than twice the number w .
What is the value of w ?
7

A number g is decreased by 23 and then

1
multiplied by . The result is 8 more than
2
twice the number g .

3
A) −13
Nine less than twice x is three more than x .
What is the value of x ? 34
B) −
3
29
C) −
3
D) −8

4
Eight less than four times the number c is twenty. 8
What is the value of c ?
The quotient of p and q is twelve less than
three times the sum of p and q .

Which of the following equations represents the

statement above?

p
5 A) = (3 p + q ) − 12
q
The sum of four consecutive odd integers is 296 .
What is the greatest of the four consecutive odd p
B) =12 − (3 p + q )
integers? q

p
C) = 3( p + q ) − 12
q

p
D) =12 − 3( p + q )
q
Solving Linear Equations 21

2-2. Solving Equations

To solve an equation means to find all values of the variable that make the equation a true statement.
One way to do this is to isolate the variable that has a coefficient of 1 onto one side of the equation.
You can do this using the rules of algebra called properties of equality.

Properties of Equality Symbols Examples

1. Addition Property If a = b , then a + c = b + c . If x − 3 =5 , then ( x − 3) + 3 = (5) + 3 .
2. Subtraction Property If a = b , then a − c = b − c . If x + 2 =6 , then ( x + 2) − 2 = (6) − 2 .
1 1
3. Multiplication Property If a = b , then ca = cb . If x = 3 , then 2 ⋅ x =⋅2 3.
2 2
a b 3 x 15
4. Division Property If a = b and c ≠ 0 , then = . If 3 x = 15 , then = .
c c 3 3

Example 1 □ Solve each equation.

a. a + (−11) =−25 b. −24 =
8y

Solution □ a. a + (−11) =−25

a + (−11) + 11 =−25 + 11 Add 11 to each side.
a = −14 −11 + 11 =
0 and −25 + 11 =−14

b. −24 =
8y
−24 8 y
= Divide each side by 8.
8 8
−24 8y
−3 =y = 3 and =y
8 8

Many equations require more than one operation to solve. Such equations are called multi-step equations.
To solve multi-step equations, first simplify each side of the equation, if needed, and then use inverse
operations to isolate the variable.

4 1
Example 2 □ Solve ( x − 5) − ( x − 10) =
21 .
5 5

4 1
Solution □ ( x − 5) − ( x − 10) =
19
5 5
4 1
x−4− x+2 = 19 Distributive Property
5 5
3
x−2 = 19 Simplify.
5
3
x − 2 + 2 = 19 + 2 Add 2 to each side.
5
3
x = 21 Simplify.
5
5 3 5 5
( x) = (21) Multiply each side by .
3 5 3 3
x = 35 Simplify.
22 Chapter 2

Exercise - Solving Equations

1 6
−11 + x =9 Two and three fifths of a number equals −26 .
What is the number?
Given the above equation, what is the value of
20 − (11 − x) ?
A) −15
B) −10
C) −5
D) 10

2
If 33 − a = a + 27 − 5a , what is the value of
33 + 3a ? 7
There are one hundred forty-two students in a high
school band. These students represent two ninth
of the total students in the high school. How many
students attend the school?

A) 587
3
B) 613
1 3
If x + 3 = − x , what is the value of x ? C) 639
2 4
D) 665

8
4
820c + 380r =
4,360
If x − (3 − 2 x) + (4 − 5 x) =−7 , what is the value
of x ? The above equation models the amount of calories
in a snack of c cups of cashews and r cups of
raisins. The amount of calories per cup of cashews
is 820 and the amount of calories per cup of raisins
is 380. According to the equation, how many cups
of raisins are used, if 3 cups of cashews are used to
make the snack?
5
A) 3
If three quarters of a number decreased by twenty
is equal to eighty two, what is that number? B) 4
C) 5
D) 6
Solving Linear Equations 23

2-3. Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides

Some equations have variables on both sides. To solve such equations, first use the Addition or Subtraction
Property of Equality to write an equivalent equation that has all of the variables on one side. Then use the
Multiplication or Division Property of Equality to simplify the equation if necessary. When solving equations
that contain grouping symbols, use the Distributive Property to remove the grouping symbols.

Example 1 □ Solve each equation.

7 1
a. x −8 = 6+ x b. 5 − 3(k + 1) =−k
3 3

7 1
Solution □ a. x −8 = 6+ x
3 3
7 1 1 1 1
x −8− x = 6+ x − x Subtract x from each side.
3 3 3 3 3
2x − 8 = 6 Simplify.
2x − 8 + 8 = 6 + 8 Add 8 to each side.
2 x = 14 Simplify.
2 x 14
= Divide each side by 2 .
2 2
x=7 Simplify.

b. 5 − 3(k + 1) =−k
5 − 3k − 3 =−k Distributive Property
2 − 3k =
−k Simplify.
2 − 3k + k =−k + k Add k to each side.
2 − 2k = 0 Simplify.
2 − 2k − 2 = 0 − 2 Subtract 2 from each side.
−2k = −2 Simplify.
−2k −2
= Divide each side by −2 .
−2 −2
k =1 Simplify.

Example 2 □ Four times the sum of three and a number equals nine less than the number.
a. Write an equation for the problem. b. Then solve the equation.

Solution □ a. 4(3 + n) =n − 9

b. 12 + 4n =n − 9 Distributive Property
12 + 4n − n = n − 9 − n Subtract n from each side.
12 + 3n = −9 Simplify.
12 + 3n − 12 =−9 − 12 Subtract 12 from each side.
3n = −21 Simplify.
3n −21
= Divide each side by 3 .
3 3
n = −7 Simplify.
24 Chapter 2

Exercise - Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides

1 5
If 7 n + 3 = 2n − 12 , what is the value of −n + 3 ? A $48 shirts costs $22 more than one half the cost
of a pair of pants. How much does the pair of pants
cost?

2 6

3 Twice a number n , increased by 11 is the same

If 7(h − 5) − 3h =h , what is the value as six times the number decreased by 9. What is
2
the value of n ?
1
of h ?
7

3 7
r s 39 One half of a number increased by 3 is five less
+ =
3 11 33 than two thirds of the number.

Given the above equation, if s = 2 , what is the

value of r ?

4 8

9 − 2k Four times the greatest of three consecutive odd

If = k − 2 , what is the value of k ? integers exceeds three times the least by 31.
3 What is the greatest of the three consecutive
odd integers?
Solving Linear Equations 25

2-4. Equation with No Solution and Identity

It is possible that an equation may have no solution. That is, there is no value of the variable that will result in
a true equation. It is also possible that an equation may be true for all values of the variable. Such an equation
is called an identity.

Example 1 □ Solve each equation. If the equation has no solution or it is an identity,

write no solution or identity.
a. 2(1 − x) + 5 x = 3( x + 1)

b. 5w − 3(1 − w) =
−2(3 − w)

1
c. (8 y − 6) = 5 y − ( y + 3)
2

Solution □ a. 2(1 − x) + 5 x = 3( x + 1)
2 − 2 x + 5 x = 3x + 3 Distributive property
2 + 3x = 3x + 3 Simplify.
2 + 3x − 3x = 3x + 3 − 3x Subtract 3x from each side.
2=3 Simplify.
The given equation is equivalent to the false statement 2 = 3.
Therefore the equation has no solution.

b. 5w − 3(1 − w) = −2(3 − w)
5w − 3 + 3w =−6 + 2 w Distributive property
8w − 3 =−6 + 2 w Simplify.
8w − 3 − 2 w =−6 + 2 w − 2 w Subtract 2w from each side.
6 w − 3 =−6 Simplify.
6 w − 3 + 3 =−6 + 3 Add 3 to each side.
6 w = −3 Simplify.
6 w −3
= Divide each side by 6.
6 6
1
w= − Simplify.
2

1
c. (8 y − 6) = 5 y − ( y + 3)
2
4y − 3 = 5y − y − 3 Distributive property
4y − 3= 4y − 3 Simplify.

The given equation is equivalent to 4 y − 3 = 4 y − 3, which is true for

all values of y.
This equation is an identity.
26 Chapter 2

Exercise - Equation with No Solution and Identity

1 5
1 What is the value of n
If (9 − 6 x) =−
5 2 x , what is the value of x ?
3 7 3
if − (2n − 3) + 4n= (5 + 2n) ?
2 2
A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) The equation has no solution.

2 6

If 5( x − 2) − 3 x = 2( x − 5) , which of the following What is the value of k

must be true? 13 − 7(k + 1)
if = 3k − 2 ?
3
A) x is 3 .
B) x is 4 .
C) x is 5 .
D) The equation is true for all values of x .

3 7

1 What is the value of x

(15 − 6 x) =−
5 ax if −2[3 − ( x − 4)] + 5 x =2 − x ?
3
If the linear equation above is an identity, what
is the value of a ?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

4 8
4 x + 13 = 7( x − 2) + bx What is the value of m
if 0.4(5m − 9) =−5m − 4(0.3 − m) ?
If the linear equation above has no solution,
which of the following could be the value of b ?

A) −1
B) −2
C) −3
D) −4
Solving Linear Equations 27

2-5. Solving for a Specific Variable

A formula is an equation that states the relationship between two or more variables. Formulas and some
equations contain more than one variable. It is often useful to solve formulas for one of the variables.

Example 1 □ Solve each equation or formula for the specified variable.

1
a. 3x − a = kx + b , for x b.=A (a + b)h , for h
2
5
c.=C ( F − 32) , for F
9

Solution □ a. 3x − a = kx + b
3x − a − kx = kx + b − kx Subtract kx from each side.
3x − a − kx = b Simplify.
3x − a − kx + a = b + a Add a to each side.
3x − kx =b + a Simplify.
x(3 − k ) =b + a Distributive property
x(3 − k ) b + a
= Divide each side by 3 − k .
3− k 3− k
b+a
x= Simplify.
3− k

1
b.=
A ( a + b) h
2
1
2 ⋅ A = 2 ⋅ ( a + b) h Multiply each side by 2 .
2
2A= ( a + b) h Simplify.
2A ( a + b)
= h Divide each side by a + b .
a+b a+b
2A
h= Simplify.
a+b

5
c.=
C ( F − 32)
9
9 9 5 9
⋅ C = ⋅ ( F − 32) Multiply each side by .
5 5 9 5
9
C= F − 32 Simplify.
5
9
C + 32 = F − 32 + 32 Add 32 to each side.
5
9
=
F C + 32 Simplify.
5
28 Chapter 2

Exercise - Solving for a Specific Variable

1 4
If 2 x + 3 y =
18 , which of the following gives y ab − 1
If = c , which of the following gives b
in terms of x ? 3
in terms of the other variables?
2
A) y= 6 + x
3 3c + 1
A) b =
a
2
B) y= 6 − x
3 3c − 1
B) b =
a
3
C) y= 6 + x
2 3c
C) =
b +1
a
3
D) y= 6 − x
2 3c
D) =
b −1
a

2 5
If P= 2l + 2 w , which of the following gives w If gh − f = g − h , which of the following gives g
in terms of P and l ? in terms of the other variables?

A) w= P − 2l f +h
A) g =
B) w= P − l h −1
f −h
C) w=
P
−l B) g =
2 h +1

l f +h
D) w= P − C) g =
2 h +1
f −h
D) g =
3 h −1

a
If c = , which of the following gives a 6
a+b
in terms of b and c ? If n =a + (k − 1)d , which of the following
gives k in terms of the other variables?
bc
A) a =
1− c n − a +1
A) k =
d
bc
B) a =
1+ c n + a −1
B) k =
d
bc
C) a =
b−c n−a−d
C) k =
d
bc
D) a =
b+c n−a+d
D) k =
d
Solving Linear Equations 29

Chapter 2 Practice Test

1 4
5 4 1
If x = , what is the value of x ? =P F ( v 2 + 1)
6 5 2

The above equation gives pressure P, which

3
A) is exerted by a fluid that is forced to stop
2 moving. The pressure depends on the initial
2 force, F , and the speed of the fluid, v . Which
B) of the following expresses the square of the
3
velocity in terms of the pressure and the force?
24
C)
25 A) v 2 = 2( P − F ) − 1
25
D) B) v 2 = 2( P − F − 1)
24
P
C)=
v 2 2( ) − 1
F
P−F
D) v 2 = 2( )
2 F

When one half of the number n is decreased

by 4, the result is −6 . What is three times n
added to 7?

A) −7 5
B) −5 One half of the number n increased by 10 is the
C) −3 same as four less than twice the number.

D) −1
Which of the following equations represents the
statement above?

1
A) (n + 10) = 2(n − 4)
2
3
1
B) n + 10 = 2(n − 4)
If 4 − 7x is 5 less than 23, what is the value 2
of 3x ?
1
C) n + 10 = 2n − 4
2
A) −12
1
B) −9 D) (n + 10) = 2n − 4
2
C) −6
D) −3
30 Chapter 2

6 9
If a is b less than one-half of c , what is b a
in terms of a and c ? If = 1 , what is the value of a − b ?
b

1
A) c−a
2
1
B) a − c
2
C) 2a − c
10
D) c − 2a
When an object is thrown from the ground into
the air with an initial upward speed of v0 meters
per second, the speed v , in meters per second,
is given by the equation = v v0 − 9.8t , where t
is the time in seconds. The speed of an object
7 becomes 0 when the object reaches its maximum
If x = 1 − y and 3 x= 8 − 5 y , what is the value height. If an object is thrown upward with an initial
speed of 14 m/sec , how many seconds does it
of x ?
taken an to reach its maximum height?
(Round your answer to the nearest hundredth of
A) −2 a second.)
3
B) −
2
1
C) −
2
5
D)
2

11
When an object is dropped from a height of s
feet above the ground, the height h of the
8 object is given by the equation h = −16t 2 + s ,
where t is the time in seconds after the object
The quotient of a number and five equals nine
has dropped. If an object is dropped from a height
less than one half of the number. What is the
of 144 feet above the ground, how many seconds
number?
will it take to hit the ground?

A) −20
B) −10
C) 20
D) 30
 CHAPTER 3
Functions and Linear Equations

3-1. Relations and Functions y

A coordinate plane is formed by the horizontal 4
line called the x - axis and the vertical line called Quadrant II 3 Quadrant I
the y - axis, which meet at the origin (0, 0) . 2
(−2, 2) (2,1)
The axes divide the plane into four parts called 1
quadrants. x
−4 −3 −2 −1 O 1 2 3 4
An ordered pair gives the coordinates and location −1
of a point. The ordered pairs (2,1) , (−2, 2) , (−4, −4) , −2 (3, −2)
and (3, −2) are located in Quadrant I, Quadrant II, Quadrant III −3 Quadrant IV
Quadrant III, and Quadrant IV respectively. (−4, −4) −4

A relation is a set of ordered pairs. A relation can

be represented by a graph, a table, or a mapping.
Table Mapping
The domain of a relation is the set of all x- coordinates
x y
and the range of a relation is the set of all y - coordinates x y
from the ordered pairs. −3 2
−3 2
A function is a special type of relation in which each
1 −1
element of the domain is paired with exactly one element 1 −1
of the range. 2 3
2 3

Example 1 □ Express each relation below as a set of ordered pairs and determine whether
it is a function.

a. b. c.
y
x y y
x
−3 7 1 −2
−1 −2 x 2 3
O
0 5 3 5

4 −9 4 −2

Solution □ a. {(−3, 7), (−1, −2), (0, −2), (4, −9)}

The mapping represents a function.

b. {(1,1), (−2,3), (−2, −1), (3, −4)}

The element −2 in the domain is paired with both 3 and −1 in the range.
This relation does not represent a function.

c. {(1, −2), (2,3), (3,5), (4, −2)}

The table represents a function.
38 Chapter 3

You can use the vertical line test to see if a graph represents a function. A relation is a function
if and only if no vertical line intersects its graph more than once.

Function Not a Function Function

y y y

x x x
O O O

No vertical line intersects A vertical line intersects No vertical line intersects

the graph more than once. the graph at two points. the graph more than once.

Function Values
Equations that are functions can be written in a form called function notation.
y 2 x + 3 is written as f ( x=
In function notation, the equation = ) 2x + 3 .
The function value of f at x = c is denoted as f (c) . For instance, if f ( x=
) 5 x − 3 , f (2) is the
value of f at x = 2 and f (2)= 5(2) − 3= 7 .

Example 2 □ If f ( x=
) 3 x + 2 , find each value.

a. f (−2) b. f (c − 2)
1
c. −2[ f (−1)] + f (−2) d. f (− x + 1)
2

Solution □ a. f (−2) = 3(−2) + 2 Substitute −2 for x .

=−6 + 2 =−4 Multiply and simplify.

b. f (c − 2) = 3(c − 2) + 2 Substitute c − 2 for x .

= 3c − 6 + 2 Multiply.
= 3c − 4 Simplify.

c. −2[ f (−1)] + f (−2)

=−2[3(−1) + 2] + [3(−2) + 2] Substitute −1 for x and −2 for x .
=−2[−3 + 2] + [−6 + 2] Multiply.
=−2[−1] + [−4] Simplify.
= 2−4 Simplify.
= −2 Simplify.

1 1 1
d. f (− x + 1) =3(− x + 1) + 2 Substitute − x + 1 for x .
2 2 2
3
=− x + 3 + 2 Multiply.
2
3
= − x+5 Simplify.
2
Functions and Linear Equations 39

Exercises - Relations and Functions

1 4
What is the domain of the function that contains 1
points at (−5, 2), (−2,1), (0, 2), and (4, −3) ? If f ( x) =−2 x + 7 , what is f ( x + 3) equal to?
2

A) − x + 1
A) {−3, 1, 2}
B) − x + 3
B) {−2, 1, 0} C) − x + 5
C) {−5, − 2, 1, 2} D) − x + 10

D) {−5, − 2, 0, 4}

g (=
x) kx3 + 3
2
For the function g defined above, k is a constant
x y
and g (−1) = 5 . What is the value of g (1) ?
−5 7
−2 −1
A) −3
2 4
5 8 B) −1
C) 1
Which of the following relation is a correct D) 3
representation of the mapping shown above?

A) {(−5, 7), (−2, −1), (2, 4), (5,8)}

6
B) {(−5,8), (−2, 7), (2, −1), (5,8)}
1
If f ( x + 1) =− x + 6 , what is the value of f (−3) ?
C) {(7, −5), (−1, −2), (4, 2), (8,5)} 2

D) {(8, −5), (7, −2), (−1, 2), (8,5)}

3
If point (7, b) is in Quadrant I and point (a, −3) 7
is in Quadrant III, in which Quadrant is the point
( a, b) ? f ( x=
) x2 − b

In the function above, b is a constant.

A) Quadrant I
If f (−2) = 7 , what is the value of f (b) ?
B) Quadrant II
C) Quadrant III
D) Quadrant IV
40 Chapter 3

3-2. Rate of Change and Slope

The average rate of change is a ratio that describes, on average, change in one quantity with respect
to change in another quantity. If x is the independent variable and y is the dependent variable, then
change in y
the average rate of change = .
change in x
Geometrically, the rate of change is the slope of the line through the points ( x1 , y1 ) and ( x2 , y2 ) .
y2 − y1 change in y rise
The slope m of a line through ( x1 , y1 ) and ( x2 , y2 )=
is m = = .
x2 − x1 change in x run

positive slope negative slope zero slope undefined slope

y y y y

line slopes down horizontal line vertical line

line slopes up from left to right
from left to right
x x x x
O O O O

The standard form of a linear equation of a line is Ax + By =

C , in which A , B , and C are integers.

The x- coordinate of the point at which the graph of an equation crosses the x- axis is called the x - intercept.
To find the x- intercept, let y = 0 and solve the equation for x .
The y - coordinate of the point at which the graph of an equation crosses the y - axis is called the y - intercept.
To find the y - intercept, let x = 0 and solve the equation for y .
The intercepts of a line provide a quick way to sketch the line.
Values of x for which f ( x) = 0 are called zeros of the function f . A function’s zero is its x- intercept.

Example 1 □ The table at the right shows Evan’s height from Age (years) 12 14 16 18
age 12 to 18. Find the average rate of change
in Evan’s height from age 12 to 18. Height (inches) 61 64 68 70

change in height
Solution □ Average rate of change =
change in years
70 − 61 9
= = = 1.5 inches per year
18 − 12 6

Example 2 □ Find the slope of the line that passes through (3, −2) and (−5, 4) .

y2 − y1 4 − (−2) 6 3
Solution □ m= = = = −
x2 − x1 −5 − 3 −8 4

Example 3□ Find the x- intercept and y - intercept of 2 x + 3 y =

6.

Solution □ To find the x- intercept, let y = 0 .

2 x + 3(0) =6 ⇒ x=3 The x- intercept is 3.

To find the y - intercept, let x = 0 .

6 ⇒ y=2
2(0) + 3 y = The y - intercept is 2.
Functions and Linear Equations 41

Exercises - Rate of Change and Slope

1 3
y The graph of the linear function f passes through
(−3,3) the points (a,1) and (1, b) in the xy - plane. If the
slope of the graph of f is 1, which of the
following is true?
x
O
(0, −1)
A) a − b =
1
B) a + b =
1
C) a − b =2
What is the rate of change shown in the graph
of the line above? D) a + b =2

4
A) − 4
3
What is the slope of the line that passes through
3
B) − (3, 2) and (−1, −8) ?
4
3
C)
4
4
D)
3 5
What is the value of r if the line that passes
through (4,3) and (−5, r ) has a slope of −1 ?
2

x −3 0 3 6
y −1 1 3 5

What is the average rate of change for the relation 6

shown in the table above?
What is the value of a if the line that passes
5
1 through (a, 7) and (1, a ) has a slope of − ?
A) 9
3
1
B)
2
2 7
C)
3 − x + 4 y =6
5
D) What is the slope of the line in the equation above?
6 .
42 Chapter 3

3-3. Slope-Intercept Form and Point-Slope Form

The slope-intercept form of the equation of a line is =
y mx + b , in which m is the slope and b is
the y - intercept.
The point-slope form of the equation of a line is y − y1= m ( x − x1 ) , in which ( x1 , y1 ) are the
coordinates of a point on the line and m is the slope of the line.

y
Example 1 □ The graph of a linear equation is shown on the
diagram at the right.
a. Find the slope of the line on the graph. (5, 2)
b. Write the equation of the line in point-slope form.
x
c. Write the equation of the line in slope-intercept O
form and find the y - intercept.
(−4, −4)
d. Write the equation of the line in standard form.
e. Find the x- intercept on the graph.

y2 − y1
Solution □ a. m =
x2 − x1
2 − (−4)
= ( x1 , y1 ) =(−4, −4) , ( x2 , y2 ) = (5, 2)
5 − (−4)
6 2
= = Simplify.
9 3

b. y − y1 = m( x − x1 ) Point-slope form
2 2
y − 2= ( x − 5) m= . Choose either point for ( x1 , y1 ) .
3 3

2 10
c. y − 2=x− Simplify point-slope form.
3 3
2 4
=
y x− Add 2 to each side.
3 3
4
The y - intercept is − .
3
2 4
d. =
y x− Slope-intercept form
3 3
2 4
=
3 y 3( x − ) Multiply each side by 3.
3 3
3=y 2x − 4 Simplify.
−2 x + 3 y = −4 or 2 x − 3 y =
4 Subtract 2x from each side.

e. −2 x + 3(0) =−4 To find the x- intercept, let y = 0 .

x=2
The x- intercept is 2.
Functions and Linear Equations 43

Exercises - Slope-Intercept Form and Point-Slope Form

3
Questions 1-3 refer to the following information. Which of the following is the equation of the line
in standard form?
y

A) 4 x − 3 y =
−4
(−4, 2)
B) 4 x + 3 y =
−4
x C) 3 x − 4 y =
−4
O
D) 3 x + 4 y =
−4
(4, −4)

The graph of a linear equation is shown in the

diagram above. 4
In 2005, 120 students at Lincoln High School
1 had smart phones. By 2010, 345 students in the
Which of the following is the equation of the line same school had smart phones. Which of the
in point-slope form? following best describes the annual rate of change
in the number of smart phones students had from
2005 to 2010 at Lincoln High School?
4
A) y + 4 =− ( x − 4)
3
A) The average increase in the number of smart
4 phones per year is 40.
B) y − 4 =− ( x + 4)
3 B) The average increase in the number of smart
3 phones per year is 45.
C) y − 2 =− ( x + 4)
4 C) The average increase in the number of smart
phones per year is 50.
3
D) y + 2 =− ( x − 4) D) The average increase in the number of smart
4
phones per year is 55.

2
Which of the following is the equation of the line 5
in slope-intercept form? Which of the following is the equation of the
line that passes through point (4, −1) and has
3 slope −2 ?
A) y =
− x +1
4
A) x + 2 y =
2
3
B) y =
− x −1 B) x − 2 y =
6
4
4 C) 2 x − y =
9
C) y =
− x +1
3 D) 2 x + y =7
4
D) y =
− x −1
3
44 Chapter 3

3-4. Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

Lines in the same plane that do not intersect are called parallel lines. Parallel lines have the same slope.
If two nonvertical lines have the same slope, then they are parallel.

Parallel Lines in a Coordinate Plane

y y y

x x x
O O O

Parallel lines have All vertical lines All horizontal lines

the same slope. are parallel. are parallel.

Lines that intersect at right angles are called perpendicular lines.

If the product of the slopes of two nonvertical lines is −1 , then the lines are perpendicular.

Perpendicular Lines in a Coordinate Plane

y y

x x
O O

The slopes of perpendicular lines are Vertical lines and horizontal

negative reciprocals of each other. lines are perpendicular.

Example 1 □ Write the equation in point-slope form of the lines through point (1, 2) that are
(a) parallel to (b) perpendicular to, 3 x − y =−2 .

Solution □ a. 3 x − y =−2 Original equation

3 x − y − 3 x =−2 − 3 x Subtract 3x from each side.
− y =−3 x − 2 Simplify.
(−1)(− y ) =−
( 1)(−3 x − 2) Multiply each side by −1 .
=
y 3x + 2 Simplify.

Parallel lines have the same slope. Replace m with 3 and ( x1 , y1 )

with (1, 2) in point-slope form.
y − y1 = m( x − x1 ) Point-slope form
y − 2= 3( x − 1) Substitution

1
y 3 x + 2 has a slope of − , which is the negative
b. The line perpendicular to =
3
1
reciprocal of 3. Replace m with − and ( x1 , y1 ) with (1, 2) in point-slope form.
3
1 1
y − 2 =− ( x − 1) m = − and ( x1 , y1 ) = (1, 2)
3 3
Functions and Linear Equations 45

Exercises - Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

1 4
Which of the following equations represents A line passes through the points (−1, 2) and (5, b),
a line that is parallel to the line with equation and is parallel to the graph of the equation
y=
1
− x + 5 and contains the point (−2, ) ?
1 4x − 2 y = 13 . What is the value of b ?
2 2

A) x − 2 y =
−3

B) x + 2 y =
−1
5
C) 2 x − y =−5
y
D) 2 x + y =−3

(0,3)
(−4, b)

(2,0)
x
2 O

Which of the following equations represents

a line that passes through (7, 6) and is parallel (−1, −3)

to the x- axis? m 

A) x = 6 In the xy - plane above, line  is parallel to line m .

What is the value of b ?
B) y = 7

C) y = 7

D) y = 6

3 (−1, 4) t
Which of the following equations represents
a line that passes through (−5,1) and is parallel (2,1)
to the y - axis? x
O
(a, −2)

A) y = −5 (−4, −3)

B) y = 1 

C) x = −5 In the xy - plane above, if line  is perpendicular

D) x = 1 to line t , what is the value of a ?
46 Chapter 3

3-5. Solving Systems of Linear Equations

A set of linear equations with the same two variables is called a system of linear equations.
A system of two linear equations can have no solution, one solution, or an infinite number of solutions.

Solving Linear Systems by Graphing

Three types of graphs of linear systems are illustrated below.

intersecting lines coinciding lines parallel lines

exactly one solution infinitely many solutions no solution
y y y

x x x
O O O

consistent and consistent and inconsistent

independent dependent

Example 1 □ Solve the system of equations by graphing.

a. y = 2 x b. −9 x + 6 y =12
x + 2y =5 3x − 2 y = −4

Solution □ a. y = 2 x has the y - intercept 0 and the y

slope 2. Graph (0, 0) . From (0, 0) ,
move right 1 unit and up 2 units. Draw
a dot. Draw a line through the points. y = 2x
x + 2y =
5
To find the x- intercept of x + 2 y =
5,
x
let y = 0 . x + 2(0) = 5 implies x = 5 . O
To find the y - intercept let x = 0 .
0 + 2y = 5 implies y = 2.5 .
Plot (5, 0) and (0, 2.5) . Then draw a
line through these two points.
The lines have different slopes and intersect at (1, 2) .
The solution of the system is (1, 2) .

b. The slope-intercept form of −9 x + 6 y =

12 y
3
is =
y x+2. −9 x + 6 y =
12
2
The slope-intercept form of 3 x − 2 y =
−4 3x − 2 y =
4
3
is =
y x+2. x
2 O
Since the equations are equivalent,
their graphs show the same line. Any
ordered pair representing a point on
that line will satisfy both equations.
So, there are infinitely many solutions
to this system.
Functions and Linear Equations 47

Solving Linear Systems by Substitution

The basic steps in the substitution method are as follows:
1. Solve one of the equations for one of its variables.
2. Substitute the resulting expression into the other equation and solve.
3. Substitute the resulting value into either of the original equations and solve for the other variable.

Example 2 □ Solve the linear system by substitution method.

y= x − 1
2x + y = 5

Solution □ 2x + y =
3 Second equation
2 x + ( x − 1) =
5 Since the first equation is y= x − 1 , substitute
x − 1 for y in the second equation.
3x − 1 =5 Combine like terms.
3x = 6 Add 1 to each side.
x=2 Divide each side by 3 and simplify.
=
y (2) − 1 Substitute 2 for x in the first equation.
=1 Simplify.
The solution is (2,1) .

Solving Linear Systems by Elimination

The basic steps in the elimination method are as follows:
1. Arrange the equations with the like terms in columns.
2. Multiply one or both equations to obtain new coefficients for x (or y ) that are opposites.
3. Add the equations and solve for the remaining variable.
4. Substitute this value into either of the original equations and solve for the other variable.

Example 3 □ Solve the linear system by elimination method.

2x − 3y =
13
−3 x + 2 y =−12

Solution □ 3(2 x − 3 y =13) Multiply the first equation by 3 .

2(−3 x + 2 y = −12) Multiply the second equation by 2 .
By multiplying the first equation by 3 and multiplying the second equation by 2,
we obtain coefficients of x that are opposites.
6x − 9 y =39 First equation modified.
−6 x + 4 y =−24 Second equation modified.
−5 y =15 Sum of equations
y = −3 Simplify.
2 x − 3(−3) =13 Substitute −3 for y in the first equation.
2x + 9 = 13 Simplify.
2x = 4 Subtract 9 from each side.
x=2 Divide each side by 2 and simplify.
The solution is (2, −3) .
48 Chapter 3

Systems of Equations with No Solution and Infinitely Many Solutions

1. A system of equations has no solution if the two equations have the same slope but different y - intercepts.
2. A system of equations has infinitely many solutions if the two equations are equivalent. Therefore the
two equations have the same slope and same y - intercepts.
When you are asked if a system of equations has no solution or infinitely many solutions, you
need to change the equations into slope-intercept form and check the slopes and y - intercepts.

Example 4 □ For what value of c will the system of equations below have no solution?
cx − 2 y =
6
3x + 4 y =
4

Solution □ Change the equations into slope-intercept form.

c
=y x−3 First equation in slope-intercept form
2
3
y= − x +1 Second equation in slope-intercept form
4
If two equations have the same slope and different y - intercepts, the system has
c 3 3
no solution. So, let = − . Solving this equation for c gives c = − .
2 4 2
Since the lines are parallel and the y - intercepts are −3 and 1, the two equations are
3
not identical. Therefore, when c = − , the system of equations has no solution.
2

Example 5 □ For what value of b will the system of equations below have infinitely many
−2 x + y = 4
solutions?
5 x − by = −10

Solution □ =
y 2x + 4 First equation in slope-intercept form
5 10
=
y x+ Second equation in slope-intercept form
b b
If two equations have infinitely many solutions, they are equivalent .
5 10 5
Therefore, 2 = or 4 = . Solving these equations for b gives b = .
b b 2

Example 6 □ Solve the linear system. 2x − 3y =

5
2
=
y x+2
3

Solution □ Substitute the expression for y from the second equation into the first equation.
2x − 3y = 5 First equation
2 2
2 x − 3( x + 2) =
5 Substitute x + 2 for y in the first equation.
3 3
2x − 2x − 6 = 5 Simplify.
−6 = 5 Simplify.
Since −6 =5 is false, the system has no solution.
Functions and Linear Equations 49

Exercises - Solving Systems of Linear Equations

1 4
Which of the following systems of equations
=
y 2x + 4
has infinitely many solutions?
x − y =−1

Which ordered pair ( x, y ) satisfies the system of A) x + y =

1
equations shown above?
x− y =
1

A) (−2, −3) B) −2 x + y =
1

B) (−3, −2) −2 x + y =
5

C) (−1, 2) 1 1
C) x− y =
1
2 3
D) (−2, 0)
3x − 2 y =
6

D) 2 x + 3 y =
1
3x − 2 y =
1
2

1
x+ y = 1
2
−2 x − y =
5 5

If ( x, y ) is a solution to the system of equations ax − y =0

above, what is the value of x + y ? x − by =
1

A) −2 In the system of equations above, a and b are

constants and x and y are variables. If the system
B) −1 of equations above has no solution, what is the
C) 1 value of a ⋅ b ?
D) 2

3 6

2 x − ky =
14 1
2x − y=
15
5x − 2 y =
5 2
1
ax − y =
10
In the system of equations above, k is a constant 3
and x and y are variables. For what values of k
In the system of equations above, a is a constant
will the system of equations have no solution?
and x and y are variables. For what values of a
will the system of equations have infinitely many
solution?
50 Chapter 3

3-6. Absolute Value Equations

The absolute value of a number is the distance on a number line between the graph of the number and
the origin.
−3 = 3, because the 3 = 3, because the
The distance between −3 and the origin is 3. Thus −3 =3. distance from the distance from the
origin to − 3 is 3. origin to 3 is 3.
The distance between 3 and the origin is 3. Thus 3 = 3 .
Therefore, if x = 3 , then x = 3 or x = −3 .
−3 0 3

An absolute value function is a function written as f ( x) = x , for all values of x .

− x if x < 0
An absolute function can be written using two or more expressions such as f ( x=
) x=  .
 x if x ≥ 0

Example 1 □ Solve each absolute value equation.

a. 3 x − 5 =
7 b. x + 3 =
0 c. x − 8 =−3

Solution □ a. 3 x − 5 =
7
3x − 5 =7 or 3 x − 5 =−7 If x = a , then x = a or x = − a .
3 x = 12 or 3 x = −2 Add 5 to each side.
−2
x=4 or x = Divide each side by 3.
3
b. x + 3 =
0
x+3= 0 If x = 0 , then x = 0 .
x = −3 Subtract 3 from each side.

c. x − 8 =−3
x −8 = −3 means that the distance between x and 8 is −3 . Since
distance cannot be negative, the equation has no solution.

To sketch the graph of y = a x + h + k , use the following steps.

1. Find the x- coordinate of the vertex by finding the value of x for which x + h = 0.
2. Make a table of values using the x- coordinate of the vertex. Find two x- values to its left and two to its right.
3. Plot the points from inside the table. If a > 0 , the vertex will be the minimum point and if a < 0 , the vertex
will be the maximum point.

The graph of y = x Table of values

y
x y= x

−2 2

−1 1

x 0 0 Vertex
O
1 1

2 2
Functions and Linear Equations 51

Exercises - Absolute Value Equations

1 4
Which of the following expressions is equal to −1 For what value of x is 3 x − 5 =−1 ?
for some values of x ?
A) −2
A) 1 − x + 6 B) −1

B) 1 − x + 4 C) 0
D) There is no such value of x .
C) 1 − x + 2

D) 1 − x − 2

5
y

y = f ( x)

2
1
If 2 x + 7 =
5 , which of the following could be x
O
the value of x ?

A) −6
B) −4
The graph of the function f is shown in the
C) −2 xy - plane above. For what value of x is the value
D) 0 of f ( x) at its maximum?

A) −3
B) −1
C) 1
3
D) 3
For what value of x is x − 1 − 1 equal to 1 ?

A) −1
6
B) 0
C) 1 For what value of n is 3 − 3 − n equal to 3?

D) 2
52 Chapter 3

Chapter 3 Practice Test

1 4
Line  in the xy - plane contains points from
x −4 0 6
each of the Quadrants I, III, and IV, but no points
f ( x) −4 −1 k from Quadrant II. Which of the following must
be true?

In the table above, if f ( x) is a linear function,

A) The slope of line  is zero.
what is the value of k ?
B) The slope of line  is undefined.

A) 2.5 C) The slope of line  is positive.

B) 3 D) The slope of line  is negative.

C) 3.5
D) 4
5

x −3 −1 1 5
2
f ( x) 9 5 1 −7
1
The graph of a line in the xy - plane has slope
3
The table above shows some values of the linear
and contains the point (9,1) . The graph of a second
function f . Which of the following defines f ?
line passes through the points (−2, 4) and (5, −3) .
If the two lines intersect at (a, b) , what is the value
A) f ( x=
) 2x − 3
of a + b ?
B) f ( x) =−2 x + 3
A) −2
C) f ( x=
) 2x −1
B) 2
D) f ( x) =−2 x + 1
C) 4
D) 6

6
3
1
Which of the following expressions is equal to 0 If f ( x) =−6 x + 1 , what is f ( x − 1) equal to?
2
for some value of x ?
A) −3 x + 7
A) 5+ x+5 B) −3 x − 5
B) 5+ x −5 C) −3 x + 1
D) −3 x − 1
C) −5 + x + 5

D) −5 − x − 5
Functions and Linear Equations 53

Questions 7 and 8 refer to the following A line in the xy - plane passes through the point
information. 1
(1, −2) and has a slope of .Which of the
Height of a Paraglider 3
H following points lies on the line?
3,000
A) (3, −2)
Height (feet)

4
2,000 B) (2, − )
3
C) (0, −2)
1,000
8
D) (−1, − )
m
3
0 5 10 15
Time (minutes)
10
The graph above shows the relationship between the f ( x=
) ax + 2
height of paraglider H , in feet, and time m , in
minutes. In the function above, a is a constant. If
1
f (−1) =4 , what is the value of f (− ) ?
7 2
Which of the following represents the relationship
between H and m ?

A) H =
−100m + 3000
11
B) H =
−150m + 3000
If the slope of the line in the xy - plane that passes
C) H =
−175m + 3000 3
through the points (2, −4) and (6, k ) is , what
D) H =
−225m + 3000 2
is the value of k ?

8
If the height of the paraglider is 1,350 feet, which 12
of the following best approximates the time the
paraglider has been flying? 1 3
x− y = −11
3 4
A) 10 minutes 1 1
x+ y = −1
B) 10 minutes and 30 seconds 2 6
If ( x, y ) is the solution to the system of equations
C) 11 minutes
above, what is the value of x + y ?
D) 11 minutes and 30 seconds