m

Equations,Inequalities and graphs

This section wiii show you how to:

■ solve graphically or algebraically equations of the type|aa:+6|=\cx + d\

■ solve graphically or algebraically inequalities of the type \ ax-^b\>c (c^O),
|ax +Z»|^c (c>0) and |ax +6|=s|cx + d|
■ solve cubic inequalities in the form k{x -a){x- b){x — c)^ d graphically
■ sketch the graphs of cubic polynomials and their moduli, when given in factorised form
■ use substitution to form and solve quadratic equations.
Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

5.1 Solving equations of the type \ ax+ b\ = \cx+ d\

CLASS DISCUSSION

Using the fact that \p\ = and| =q^ you can say that:
p^-q^=\pf-\qf
Using the difference of two squares then gives:
p'-?'=(|p|-l?l)(l/'l+l?l)
Using the statement above, explain how these three important results can be obtained:
(The symbol O means 'is equivalent to'.)
m

• l/'hkl

• \p\<\q\ <q^, ifq*0

The next worked example shows you how to solve equations of the form
\ax + b\-\cx + d\ using algebra. To solve this type of equation you can use the
techniques that you learnt in Chapter 1 or you can use the rule:

|p|=|<?| P^ = q^

WORKED EXAMPLE 1

Solve the equation \ x-b\ =|x + 1| using an algebraic method.

Answers

Method 1
|x - 5| = I* + 1|
X -5 = X + l or x - 5 = -(x +1)
0=6 or 2x=4 0 - 6 is false
x=2
CHECK:|2 -5| =|2 + 1|/
The solution is x = 2

Method 2
|x - 5| = !*: ■+ 1| use \p\ ^1^1
(x-5)^ = (x + 1)^ expand
x^ - lOx + 25 = + 2x + 1 simplify
12x=24

x=2
 Chapter 5: Equations,inequalities and graphs

The equation |3c-5|=|3c+l| could also have been solved graphically.

_V=|.\-+ll j=|x-51

_8 -6 -4 -2 O 2 4 6 8 1;0 ^ 12^

The solution is the x-coordinate where the two graphs intersect.

WORKED EXAMPLE 2

Solve the equation 12x + 1| =|x - 3| using an algebraic method.

Answers

Method 1

|2x + l| =|x-3|
2x + 1 = X — 3 or 2x + 1 = —(x — 3)
x= -4 or 3x=2
2
X = —
3

2 2
CHECK:|2(-4)+ l| =|-4 -SK, 2x- +1 --3 /
3 3

Solution is X = — or x = -4
3

Method 2

|2x + l| -|x-3| use IpI =|<7| «

(2x + lf = (x-3)''^ expand
4x^ + 4x + 1 = x^ — 6x + 9 simplify
3x^ + lOx -8 = 0 factorise

(3x-2)(x + 4)= 0
2
X = — or X = -4
3
 Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

The equation 12x +1|=|x -3| could also be solved graphically.

y= \2x+ 1| >'=
W 1 i
'
;/
J
■

1 IX
I j / y

4—J -A. \ \ f\
1 XK /
1 x \ f' 1
^1 i \i \4- /! 1
\ \ / !

i
V"
1 i
/

! 1 \
: V 1■
1 i
1
Y
f 1
V^ 1
\/
r \ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
-6 I -4 -2 O 6 10 12 X

From the graph, one of the answers is clearly x = -4. The exact value of the other answer is not so
obvious and algebra is needed to find this exact value.
The graph of y =|x-3| can be written as:
y-x-3 if
y = —(x-3) if x<3

The graph of y =12x +1| can be written as:

y= 2x+1 if x^——

1
y = —{2x+1) if x<-

The second answer is found by finding the x value at the point where y = ~{x — 5) and y = 2x + 1
intersect.

2x + 1 = —X — 3

2x+ 1 = —x+ 3

3x= 2
2
X=—

Hence the solution is x =-4 or x = — .

3
 lities and graphs

WORKED EXAMPLE 3

Solve |x + 41 +|x - 5| = 11.

Answers

|x + 4|+|x - 5| = 11 subtract j x - 5| from both sides

|x + 4| = 11 —|x — 5| split the equation into two parts
x + 4 = ll-|x-5| -(1)
x + 4=|x-5|-ll -(2)

Using equation (1)

|x-5|= 7-x .split this e{[uaiion into two [)ar[s
x-5 = 7-x or x-5 = -(7-- x)
2x=12 or 0 =-2 0 = -2 is false
x= 6

Using equation (2)

1X - 5| = X + 15 split this equation into two parts
x-5 = x+i5 or x-5 = -(x+15)
0 = 20 is false

x =-5
CHECK:|6 + 4|+!6-5i = 11«^, 1-5+41+1-5-51 = 11/
The solution is x =6 or x= -5.
o
I

II

M(

Exercise 5.1
1 Solve.
U
O
a |2x-l|=|x| b |x +5|=|x-4| c |2x-3| = |4-x|
X
d |5xo+l|=|l-3x| e |l-4x|=|2-x| 1-- :|3x + 2|
1!

O
g |3x-2|=|2x +5| h |2x-l|= 2|3-x| 1 ,
i |2-x| = 5 —x + 1
2

2 Solve the simultaneous equations |x-5| and ))=18-x|.

3 Solve the equation 6|x +2|^ +7|x +2|-3= 0.

4 a Solve the equation x^-6|x|+8= 0.

b Use graphing software to draw the graph off(x)= x^-6|x|+8,
C Use your graph in part b to find the range of the function f.

CHALLENGEQ
5 SoI\ {■ the equation |x + l|+| 2x-3| = 8.
Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

CHALLENGEQ
6 Solve the simultaneous equations y =|x — 51 and 3;=13—2x
|+ 2.

CHALLENGEQ
7 Solve the equation 2[3x +4;;-21 +3^25-5x + 2:>^ = 0.

5.2 Solving modulus Inequalities

Two useful properties that can be used when solving modulus inequalities are:

-q^p^q and \p\^q p^-q or p^q I

The following examples illustrate the different methods that can be used when solving modulus inequalities.

WORKED EXAMPLE 4

Solve 12x - 1| <3.

Answers

Method 1 (using algebra)

12x-l|<3 use|p <q <=> -q < p < q
-3 < 2*- 1 < 3
-2 < 2x < 4

-1 < X < 2

Method 2 (using a graph)

The graphs of 31 = [ 2x - 1| and 31 = 3 intersect at the points A and B.

2x-l if X y= |2x- 1
|2x-ll =
-(2x- 1) if X<—
2

I At A, the line 3;= -(2x- 1) intersects the line 3= 3.

! -(2x-l)=3
I -2x+l=3
2x =-2
x = -l

At B, the line 3= 2x- 1 intersects the line 3=3.

2x-l =3
2x = 4

x=2
To solve the inequality 12x - 1| <3 you must find where the graph of the function
3 = 12x - 1| is below the graph of3= 3.
Hence, the solution is -1 < x< 2.
 Chapter 5: Fquations, inequalities and graphs

WORKED EXAMPLE 5

Solve 12x + 3| >4.

Answers

Method 1 (using algebra)

|2x + 3| > 4 use \p\> q p < -q or p>
2x+3<-4 or 2*:+ 3 > 4
2x<-7 or 2x >1
7 1
x< — or X >-
2

Method 2(using a graph)

y
The graphs of 31 = 12X + 3| and 31 = 4 intersect y= \2x+ 3|
at the points A and B. 3=4
/B

2x + 3 if

|2x + 3| =
i —(2*+ 3) if X < -1 4-

At 4,the line 31 =-(2x+3) intersects the line 3= 4. a

_p _] O X

-(2x+3)=4
-2x-3=4
2x=-7
7
X =—
2
At B, the line 3= 2x + 3 intersects the line 3=4.
2x+ 3 = 4

2x =1
1
X =—
2

To solve the inequality 12x + 3| > 4 you must find where the graph of the function
3 = 12x + 3| is above the graph of3= 4.

Hence, the solution isx<-— or x>—.

2 2
Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

WORKED EXAMPLE 6

Solve the inequality |2x + ll >\5- x\ ■

Answers

Method 1 (using algebra)

|2x + l| >|3-x| IpI \q\ ^
(2x + l)^
4:X^ + 4x + 1 > 9- 6x +
Sx^ + lOx -8^0 factorise
(3x-2)(x + 4)^0
Critical values are — and -4.
3

y=Sx^ + lOx — 8

Hence,x < -4 or x 3= — .
3

Method 2(using a graph)

The graphs of y = 12x + 1| and y = 13- x| intersect at the points A and B.
1.
2x+l if
2
1
-(2x+ 1) if X<—
2

X- 3 if X 3: 3
3 — x| =|x — 3| =
-(x- 3) if X <3

At A, the liney = -(2x+ 1) intersects the liney =-(x- 3).

2x+ 1 = X- 3

X = -4

At B, the line y = 2x+ 1 intersects the line y =-(x- 3).

2x+ 1 =-(x-3)
3x = 2
2
X =—
3
 Chapter 5: Fquations,inequalities and graphs

I2x + ll

-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 O 1 2 3 5 6

To solve the inequality|2^? + 1| ^ 13 - x| you mustfind where the graph of the

function y = \2x + 1\ is ahovethe graph of j; = 13 — x|.
2
Hence, x ^ -4 or x ^

Exercise 5.2

y= |x - 2|

1 2 3 4^ 67 8 9 Ip^

The graphs of y =|x-2| and 3)=12x -10| are shown on the grid.
Write down the set of values of x that satisfy the inequality |x-2|>|2x-10|.
2 a On the same axes sketch the graphs of y =13x-6| and y =14-x|.
b Solve the inequality 13x-6|^|4-x|.
3 Solve.

a |2x-3|>5 b |4-5x|^9 c |8-3x|<2

d |2x-7|>3 e |3x +ll>8 f |5-2x|^7
4 Solve.

a |2x-3|^x-l b |5+ x|>7-2x c |x-2|-3x^l

5 Solve.

a |2x-l|^|3x| b |x +l|>|x| c |x|>|3x-2|

d |4x + 3|>|x| e |x + 3|3=|2x| f 12x| < IX — 3|
Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

6 Solve,

a |x +l|>|x-4| b |a:-2|^|*+5| c |x +l| ^|3^i:+ 5|

d |2x +3l^l*-3| e |jc + 2| < —x-5 f |3x-2|^|x +4|

2
7 Solve.

a 2|x-3l>|3« +l| b 3|x-l|<|2x +ll c |2x-5l^3l2x+l|

8 Solve the inequality \ x +2k\^\x-3k\ where A is a positive constant.
9 Solve the inequality \x +Sk\<4\x-k\ where A is a positive constant.

CHALLENGEQ

10 Solve |3x+2|+|3x-2|^ 8.

5.3 Sketching graphs of cubic polynomials and their moduli

In this section you will leam how to sketch graphs offunctions of the form y = k(x-a)(x- b)(x-c) and
their moduli.

When sketching graphs of this form you should show the general shape of the curve and all of the axis
intercepts.
To help find the general shape of the curve you need to consider what happens to
• y as X tends to positive infinity (i.e. as x —> +0°)
• y as X tends to negative infinity (i.e. as x —> -0°)

WORKED EXAMPLE 7

a Sketch the graph of the function y =(2x -1)(2-x)(x +1).

b Hence sketch the graph of y =
| (2x -1)(2-x)(x +1)|

Answers

a When x=0,y = -l x2x 1 =-2.

.-. The curve intercepts the y-axis at (0,-2).

When y = 0,(2x- 1)(2 — x)(x+ 1)= 0

2x-l=0 2-x=0 x+l=0
1
x= — X =2 X = —1
2

.*. The curve intercepts the x-axis at (2, 0) and (-1,0).

 Chapter 5: Fquations, inequalities and graphs

Asx—>+00,y—
As X —> y —> +00
The graph of the function y = (2x-l)(2-x)(x+l)is:

\ ^ y=(2x- l)(2-x)(x+ 1)

-1\ 0 /l 2) X
/2 \

b To sketch the curve 3i =|(23c-l)(2-*:)(x + l)| you reflect in the x-axis the parts
of the curve y = {2x- 1)(2 - x)(x + 1) that are below the se-axis.

y= |(2x-l)(2-«)(x+ 1)1

WORKED EXAMPLE 8

a Sketch the graph of the function y = {x- if(x + 1).

b Hence sketch the graph of y =|(x-l)^{x + l)|.

Answers

When x= 0, y =(-1)^ x 1 = 1.
The curve intercepts the y-axis at (0,1).
Wheny = 0,(x- 1)(x- 1)(x+ 1)= 0
X—1=0 X—1=0 x+l=0
X = 1 (repeated root) x =-1
/. The curve intercepts the »-axis at (1,0) and (-1,0).
As x—> +00, y —> +00
As x—^ y —> —oo
 Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

The graph of the function y =(x - 1)^(* +1) is:

y =(x~ \)-{x+ 1)

b To sketch the curve y =|(a:-l)^(x + l)| you reflect in the se-axis the part of the
curve y = {x — 1)^(x + 1) that is below the x-axis.
y
jy=|(x- l)2(x+ 1)1

-1 0 1 a;

In worked examples 7 and 8, you considered the value of y as x —> + <» to determine the shape of the
cubic curve. It is often easier to remember that for a curve with equation y= k{x- a){x- b)(x- c) the
shape of the graph is:

if ft is positive if ft is negative

Exercise 5.3
Find the coordinates of the points A, B and C y =(x- 2)(x + 1)(x- 3)
where the curve intercepts the x-axis and the
point D where the curve intercepts the
positive y-axis.

Sketch each of these curves and indicate clearly the axis intercepts,
a y=(x-2)(x-4)(x+3) b y=(x+2)(x+l)(3-x)
c y=(2x+l)(x+2)(x-2) d y =(3-2x)(x-1)(x+2)
Find the coordinates of the point A and the point B, y= 2(x+ l)-(7 -2x)
where A is the point where the curve intercepts the
positive x-axis and B is the point where the curve
intercepts the positive y-axis.

A\ Jc
 Chapter 5: Fquations, inequalities and graphs

Sketch each of these curves and indicate clearly the axis intercepts.
a y-x^{^x +2^ b y = x^{5-2x)
C ))=(x +l)^(x:-2) d y =(x-2)'(10-3x)
Sketch each of these curves and indicate clearly the axis intercepts,
a y =|(x + l)(x-2)(jc-3)| b y = 12(5- 2x)(3c + l)(x + 2)|
C y =|x:(9-x^)| d y = 13( x - 1 )^(x + 1)|
Factorise each of these functions and then sketch the graph of each function indicating clearly the
axis intercepts.
a y = 9x b y = + 4x^ + X -6
c 2x^ +x^ - 25x +12 d y = 2x^ + 3x^ - 29x - 60

7 a On the same axes sketch the graphs of y = x(x-5)(x-7) and y = x(7-x),showing clearly the
points at which the curves meet the coordinate axes.
b Use algebra to find the coordinates of all the points where the graphs intersect.
a On the same axes sketch the graphs of y =(2x-l)(x + 2)(x +1) and y =(x +1)(4-x), showing
clearly the points at which the curves meet the coordinate axes,
b Use algebra to find the coordinates of all the points where the graphs intersect.

CHALLENGEQ
9 The diagram shows the graph
of y=k{x-aY(x-b).
Find the values of a, b and k.

X
-1

-4J

CHALLENGEQ
10 The diagram shows the
graph of
y =|A(x-a)(x-6)(x-c)|
where a< b< c.

Find the values of a, b,

c and k.
 Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

5.4 Solving cubic inequalities graphically

In this section you will learn how to use a graphical method to solve inequalities of the
form k{x - a){x - b){x - c) d.

WORKED EXAMPLE 9
y=-(x-3)(x-2)(x+2)
6
The diagram shows part of the
graph of y = —(x - 3)(x - 2)(x + 2).
6
Use the graph to solve the
inequality {x — 5){x - 2){x + 2)^ 6.

Answers

(x-3)(x-2)(x + 2) « 6 divide both sides by 6

-(x-3)(x-2)(x + 2) « 1
6 y=-(x- 3)(x- 2)(x+ 2)
6
You need to find where the

curve y = —(x - 3)(x - 2)(x + 2)

6
is below the line y = 1. aj'= 1
The red sections of the graph
represent where the

curve y = —(x - 3)(x - 2)(x + 2)

6
is the line y = 1.

The solution is x ^ -1.6 or 1 ^ x ^ 3.6 .

Exercise 5.4
1 The diagram shows part of the graph of y = x{x- 2)(ie +1). y= x(x- 2)(x+ 1)
Use the graph to solve each of the following inequalities
a x(x-2)(5c +1)^ 0,
b x(x —2)(x +l)^l,
c x(x-2)(x +1)^-2.
 Chapters: Fquations, inequalities and graphs
1

*aHf-1.H shows part of the graph of 3)=(»:+l)^(2-x).

0
li
II

2 The diagram
Use the graph to solve each of the following inequalities
a (jc+lf(2-a:)^0, 1)2(2-X)
b (jc +l)^(2-x)^4,
C (x +lf(2-a:)^3.

3 The diagram shows part of the graph

of 3)=(l-a:)(x-2)(x +l).
Use the graph to solve each of the following inequalities
(ffl^(x-2)(x+l)
a (l-x)(x-2)(x +1)^-3,
b (l-x)(x-2)(x +l)^0,
c (1 —x)(x-2)(x+l)>—1.

5.5 Solving more complex quadratic equations

You may be asked to solve an equation that is quadratic in some function of x

WORKED EXAMPLE 10

Solve the equation 4x'*-17*2+4= 0.

Answers

Method 1 (substitution method)

4x^-17x^ +4:= 0 use the substitution v=

4y^ —\7y+4:= 0 factorise

(43i-1)(>-4):=0 solve

or ^- 4 := 0

or y =4 substitute x~ for y

2=—
1 2
X or X ••= 4
4

x = ±- or X =
■ ±2
2
Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

Method 2(factorise directly)

4x:^-17x^+4 =0
(43c^-1)(x^-4)=:0
4x^ -1=0 or x^-4=0
1
or -4

1
x = ±— or x=±2
2

WORKED EXAMPLE 11

i 1 i
Use the substitution y = x^ to solve the equation 3x^-5x^+2 = 0.

Answers

2 1 1

3x3-5x3+2=0 let y = x3
3/-5y+2=0 factorise

(3y-2)(y-l)=0 solve

3y-2=0 or y- 1 = 0
1
2
or 7=1 substitute x3 for y
OC 1
I
I O
x3=- or II
II x3 =1 cube both sides
3 OC
+
\3
x= — or x= (1)3
u. uU
0
O

or x= 1
x>
l>
o
II

11
II

1>
H
1

WORKED EXAMPLE 12

So\\e the equation x-4>/x -21 = 0.

Answers

x-4^/x —21 =0 use the substitution v = ^/x

/-4y-21=0
(7-7)(7+3)=0

substitute Vx for y
1 \/x = -3 has no real solutions
 Chapter 5: Fquations,inequalities and graphs

WORKED EXAMPLE 13

Solve the equation 8^4* 33^2*^+4 = 0.

Answers

8(4^)-33(2*)+4 =0 4'-' can be written as (2^) ~ (^ ..\2)

8(2')^-33(2=')+4 =0 let v=2^

8y^ — 33y+4=0
(83)-1)(ji-4)=0
1 .
-v = — or v =4 substitute 2* for y
■^ 8
2" = - or 2' = 4 i = 2"® and 4 = 2^
8
x = -3 or x=2

Exercise 5.5
1 Find the real values of x satisfying the following equations.
a x^-5x'^+4 = 0 b x^+x^-6 = 0 c 20x^ + 64 = 0
d x' + 2x'-8 = 0 e x'-4x'-21 = 0 f 2x'-17x'-9 = 0

4x''+6 = llx' A 1 ' 6 3 ^

4
X X X X

2 Use the quadratic formula to solve these equations.

Write your answers correct to 3 significant figures.
a x"-8x^+1 = 0 b x^-5x^-2 = 0 c 2x^+x^-5 = 0
d 2x®-3x^-8 = 0 e 3x®-5x^-2 = 0 f 2x®-7x''-3 = 0

3 Solve.

a x-7\/x + 10 = 0 b x-y/x-12 = 0 c X + 5y/x — 24 = 0

d ^/^(2 + ^/^) = 35 8x-18>/x+9 = 0 f 6x + ll^/^-35 = 0

g 2x + 4 = 9^/x h Syfx H —16 2yfx H—j= = 9

■sjx Vx

4 Solve the equation 2x^ — 7x^ +6 = 0.

5 The curve y = \fx and the line 5y = x + 4 intersect at the points P and Q.
a Write down an equation satisfied by the x-coordinates of P and Q.
b Solve your equation in part a and hence find the coordinates of Pand Q.

6 Solve.

a 2^"-6(2") + 8 = 0 b 3^'^-10(3^) + 9 = 0 c 2(2^")-9(2") + 4 = 0

c 3^'^'-28(3'') + 9 = 0 d 2^'^^-33(2'') + 8 = 0 e 3^''^^+3(3'')-2 = 0
. Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

7 = and g(x)= +7x. Solve gf(x)= 2.

8 f(x)= x^-2 and g(x)= x"-5x. Solve gf(x)= 6.
9 f(x)= x'^+3x and g(x)= x^-4x. Solve gf(x)= 0.

Summary
Solving modulus equations
To solve modulus equations you can use the property:
i
\a\ =\b\ = b'^

Solving modulus inequalities

To solve modulus inequalities you can use the properties:
I a1^6 -b a b
\a\ '^ b a ^ —b or a ^ b
\a\ >\b\ <=i' > b'^
\a\ <\b\ < b'^, b Q
The graph of j;= ^(jc-a)(x-6)(A:-c)
The x-axis intercepts are (a, 0), {b, 0) and (c, 0).
The shape of the graph is

if ^ is positive ^ negative

The graph of >> =|A(ji:-a)(x:-A)(jc-c)|

To sketch the curve y =|/t(x-a)(x-i)(x-c)| you reflect in the x-axis the parts of
the curve y = k{x-a){x — b){x-c) that are below the x-axis.