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Section

1.2

101

Linear Equations and Rational Equations

Objectives
Sense of Humor and
Depression

Solve linear equations in one

Group's Average Level of

Depression in Response to
Negative Life Events

variable.
Solve linear equations
containing fractions.
Solve rational equations
with variables in the
denominators.
Recognize identities,
conditional equations, and
inconsistent equations.
Solve applied problems using
mathematical models.

18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2

Low-Humor Group

High-Humor Group

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Low

Average

High

Intensity of Negative Life Event

Figure 1.13
Source: Stephen Davis and Joseph Palladino,
Psychology, 5th Edition, Prentice Hall, 2007

he belief that humor and laughter can have

positive benefits on our lives is not new. The
graphs in Figure 1.13 indicate that persons with a
low sense of humor have higher levels of depression
in response to negative life events than those with a high sense of humor. These
graphs can be modeled by the following formulas:

Low-Humor Group

D=

High-Humor Group

10
53
x+
9
9

D=

1
26
x+ .
9
9

In each formula, x represents the intensity of a negative life event (from 1, low, to 10,
high) and D is the average level of depression in response to that event.
Suppose that the low-humor group averages a level of depression of 10 in
response to a negative life event. We can determine the intensity of that event by
substituting 10 for D in the low-humor model:
10
53
x +
.
9
9
The two sides of an equation can be reversed. So, we can also express this equation as
10 =

10
53
x +
= 10.
9
9
Notice that the highest exponent on the variable is 1. Such an equation is called a
linear equation in one variable. In this section, we will study how to solve linear
equations.

Solve linear equations in one

variable.

Solving Linear Equations in One Variable

We begin with a general definition of a linear equation in one variable.

Definition of a Linear Equation

A linear equation in one variable x is an equation that can be written in the form
ax + b = 0,
where a and b are real numbers, and a Z 0.

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An example of a linear equation in one variable is
4x + 12 = 0.
Solving an equation in x involves determining all values of x that result in a true
statement when substituted into the equation. Such values are solutions, or roots, of
the equation. For example, substitute -3 for x in 4x + 12 = 0. We obtain
41-32 + 12 = 0, or

-12 + 12 = 0.

This simplifies to the true statement 0 = 0. Thus, -3 is a solution of the equation

4x + 12 = 0. We also say that -3 satisfies the equation 4x + 12 = 0, because when
we substitute - 3 for x, a true statement results. The set of all such solutions is called
the equations solution set. For example, the solution set of the equation
4x + 12 = 0 is 5- 36 because -3 is the equations only solution.
Two or more equations that have the same solution set are called equivalent
equations. For example, the equations
4x + 12 = 0 and 4x = - 12 and x = - 3
are equivalent equations because the solution set for each is 5 -36. To solve a linear
equation in x, we transform the equation into an equivalent equation one or more
times. Our final equivalent equation should be of the form
x = a number.
The solution set of this equation is the set consisting of the number.
To generate equivalent equations, we will use the following principles:

Generating Equivalent Equations

An equation can be transformed into an equivalent equation by one or more of
the following operations:
Example
1. Simplify an expression
by removing grouping
symbols and combining
like terms.

3(x-6)=6x-x
3x - 18 = 5x

2. Add (or subtract) the

same real number or
variable expression on
both sides of the
equation.

3. Multiply (or divide) by

the same nonzero
quantity on both sides of
the equation.

18=2x
2x
18
=
2
2
-9 = x

4. Interchange the two

sides of the equation.

-9 = x
x = -9

3x - 18 = 5x
3x-18-3x=5x-3x

Subtract 3x from
both sides of the
equation.

- 18 = 2x
Divide both sides
of the equation
by 2.

If you look closely at the equations in the box, you will notice that we have
solved the equation 31x - 62 = 6x - x. The final equation, x = - 9, with x
isolated on the left side, shows that 5- 96 is the solution set. The idea in solving a
linear equation is to get the variable by itself on one side of the equal sign and a
number by itself on the other side.

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103

Solving a Linear Equation

EXAMPLE 1
Solve and check:

2x + 3 = 17.

Solution Our goal is to obtain an equivalent equation with x isolated on one side
and a number on the other side.
2x + 3 = 17

This is the given equation.

2x + 3 - 3 = 17 - 3

Subtract 3 from both sides.

2x = 14

Simplify.

2x
14
=
2
2

Divide both sides by 2.

x = 7

Simplify.

Now we check the proposed solution, 7, by replacing x with 7 in the original equation.
2x + 3 = 17
2 # 7 + 3 17

14 + 3 17

This is the original equation.

Substitute 7 for x. The question mark
indicates that we do not yet know if the two
sides are equal.
Multiply: 2 # 7 = 14.

This statement is true.

17=17

Add: 14 + 3 = 17.

Because the check results in a true statement, we conclude that the solution set of
the given equation is 576.

Check Point

Solve and check:

4x + 5 = 29.

Study Tip
We simplify algebraic expressions. We solve algebraic equations. Notice the differences
between the procedures:
Simplifying an Algebraic Expression

Simplify: 3(x-7)-(5x-11).
This is not an equation.
There is no equal sign.

Solution 3(x-7)-(5x-11)
=3x-21-5x+11
=(3x-5x)+(21+11)
=2x+(10)
=2x-10
Stop! Further simplification is not
possible. Avoid the common error of
setting 2x 10 equal to 0.

Solving an Algebraic Equation

Solve: 3(x-7)-(5x-11)=14.
This is an equation.
There is an equal sign.

Solution 3(x-7)-(5x-11)=14
3x-21-5x+11=14
2x-10=14
Add 10 to
2x-10+10=14+10
both sides.
2x=24
24
2x
Divide both
=
2
2
sides by 2.
x=12
The solution set is {12}.

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104 Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

Here is a step-by-step procedure for solving a linear equation in one variable.
Not all of these steps are necessary to solve every equation.

Solving a Linear Equation

1. Simplify the algebraic expression on each side by removing grouping
symbols and combining like terms.
2. Collect all the variable terms on one side and all the numbers, or constant
terms, on the other side.
3. Isolate the variable and solve.
4. Check the proposed solution in the original equation.

EXAMPLE 2
Solve and check:

Solving a Linear Equation

21x - 32 - 17 = 13 - 31x + 22.

Solution
Step 1 Simplify the algebraic expression on each side.
Do not begin with 13 3. Multiplication
(the distributive property) is applied
before subtraction.

2(x-3)-17=13-3(x+2)
2x - 6 - 17 = 13 - 3x - 6
2x - 23 = - 3x + 7

This is the given equation.

Use the distributive property.
Combine like terms.

Step 2 Collect variable terms on one side and constant terms on the other
side. We will collect variable terms on the left by adding 3x to both sides. We will
collect the numbers on the right by adding 23 to both sides.
2x - 23 + 3x = - 3x + 7 + 3x
5x - 23 = 7
5x - 23 + 23 = 7 + 23
5x = 30

Add 3x to both sides.

Simplify: 2x + 3x = 5x.
Add 23 to both sides.
Simplify.

Step 3 Isolate the variable and solve. We isolate the variable, x, by dividing both
sides of 5x = 30 by 5.
5x
30
=
5
5
x = 6

Discovery
Solve the equation in Example 2 by
collecting terms with the variable on
the right and numerical terms on the
left. What do you observe?

Divide both sides by 5.

Simplify.

Step 4 Check the proposed solution in the original equation. Substitute 6 for x in
the original equation.
21x - 32 - 17 = 13 - 31x + 22

This is the original equation.

216 - 32 - 17 13 - 316 + 22

Substitute 6 for x.

2132 - 17 13 - 3182
6 - 17 13 - 24
-11 = - 11

Simplify inside parentheses.

Multiply.
Subtract.

The true statement -11 = - 11 verifies that the solution set is 566.

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105

Technology
Numeric and Graphic Connections
In many algebraic situations, technology provides numeric and visual insights into problem solving. For example, you can use a
graphing utility to check the solution of a linear equation, giving numeric and geometric meaning to the solution. Enter each side of the
equation separately under y1 and y2 . Then use the table or the graphs to locate the x-value for which the y-values are the same. This
x-value is the solution.
Lets verify our work in Example 2 and show that 6 is the solution of

2(x-3)-17=13-3(x+2).
Enter y1 = 2(x 3) 17
in the y = screen.

Numeric Check

Graphic Check
Display graphs for y1 and y2 and use the intersection feature.
The solution is the x-coordinate of the intersection point.

Display a table for y1 and y2 .

y1 = 2(x 3) 17

Enter y2 = 13 3(x + 2)
in the y = screen.

y1 = 2(x 3) 17

y2 = 13 3(x + 2)

y2 = 13 3(x + 2)

x-coordinate
of intersection
point is 6.

[2, 16, 1] by [14, 8, 1]

When x = 6, y1 and y2 have the same value,

namely 11. This verifies that 6 is the solution of
2(x 3) 17 = 13 3(x + 2).

Choose a large enough viewing rectangle

so that you can see the intersection point.

Check Point

Solve linear equations containing

fractions.

Solve and check:

412x + 12 = 29 + 312x - 52.

Linear Equations with Fractions

Equations are easier to solve when they do not contain fractions. How do we
remove fractions from an equation? We begin by multiplying both sides of the
equation by the least common denominator of any fractions in the equation. The
least common denominator is the smallest number that all denominators will divide
into. Multiplying every term on both sides of the equation by the least common
denominator will eliminate the fractions in the equation. Example 3 shows how we
clear an equation of fractions.

EXAMPLE 3
Solve and check:

Solving a Linear Equation Involving Fractions

x - 1
x + 2
= 2.
4
3

Solution The fractional terms have denominators of 4 and 3. The smallest

number that is divisible by 4 and 3 is 12. We begin by multiplying both sides of the
equation by 12, the least common denominator.

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106 Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

x + 2
x - 1
= 2
4
3

This is the given equation.

x+2
x-1
12 a
b =12 2
4
3
12a
3

12

Multiply both sides by 12.

x + 2
x - 1
b - 12a
b = 24
4
3

Use the distributive property and

multiply each term on the left by 12.

4
x + 2
x - 1
- 12
= 24
4
3

Divide out common factors in each

multiplication on the left.

31x + 22 - 41x - 12 = 24
3x + 6 - 4x + 4 = 24
-x + 10 = 24

The fractions are now cleared.

Use the distributive property.
Combine like terms: 3x - 4x = - x
and 6 + 4 = 10.

-x + 10 - 10 = 24 - 10

Subtract 10 from both sides.

Simplify.

x=14
Were not finished. A
negative sign should not
precede the variable.

Isolate x by multiplying or dividing both sides of this equation by - 1.

-x
14
=
Divide both sides by 1.
-1
-1
x = - 14

Simplify.

Check the proposed solution. Substitute -14 for x in the original equation. You
should obtain 2 = 2. This true statement verifies that the solution set is 5- 146.

Check Point

Solve rational equations with

variables in the denominators.

Solve and check:

x - 3
5
x + 5
=
.
4
14
7

Rational Equations
A rational equation is an equation containing one or more rational expressions. In
Example 3, we solved a rational equation with constants in the denominators. This
rational equation was a linear equation. Now, lets consider a rational equation such as
1
1
3
= +
.
x
5
2x
Can you see how this rational equation differs from the rational equation that we
solved earlier? The variable, x, appears in two of the denominators. Although this
rational equation is not a linear equation, the solution procedure still involves
multiplying each side by the least common denominator. However, we must avoid
any values of the variable that make a denominator zero. For example, examine the
denominators in the equation
1
1
3
= + .
x
5
2x
This denominator
would equal zero
if x = 0.

This denominator
would equal zero
if x = 0.

We see that x cannot equal zero. With this in mind, lets solve the equation.

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Section 1.2 Linear Equations and Rational Equations

Solving a Rational Equation

EXAMPLE 4
Solve:

107

1
1
3
= +
.
x
5
2x

Solution The denominators are x, 5, and 2x. The least common denominator is
10x. We begin by multiplying both sides of the equation by 10x. We will also write
the restriction that x cannot equal zero to the right of the equation.
1
1
3
= +
, x Z 0
x
5
2x

10x

This is the given equation.

1
1
3
=10x a + b
x
5
2x

10x #
10 x #

Multiply both sides by 10x.

1
1
3
= 10x # + 10x #
x
5
2x

Use the distributive property. Be sure to multiply

each term by 10x.

2
5
1
1
3
= 10 x # + 10 x #
x
5
2x

Divide out common factors in the multiplications.

10 = 2x + 15

Complete the multiplications.

Observe that the resulting equation,

10 = 2x + 15,
is now cleared of fractions. With the variable term, 2x, already on the right, we will
collect constant terms on the left by subtracting 15 from both sides.
10 - 15 = 2x + 15 - 15
- 5 = 2x

Subtract 15 from both sides.

Simplify.

Finally, we isolate the variable, x, in -5 = 2x by dividing both sides by 2.

-5
2x
=
2
2
5
- = x
2

Divide both sides by 2.

Simplify.

We check our solution by substituting - 52 into the original equation or by using a

calculator. With a calculator, evaluate each side of the equation for x = - 52 , or for
x = - 2.5. Note that the original restriction that x Z 0 is met. The solution set is
E - 52 F .

Check Point
EXAMPLE 5
Solve:

Solve:

5
17
1
=
.
2x
18
3x

Solving a Rational Equation

x
3
=
+ 9.
x - 3
x - 3

Solution We must avoid any values of the variable x that make a denominator
zero.
x
3
=
+9
x-3
x-3
These denominators are zero if x = 3.

We see that x cannot equal 3. With denominators of x - 3, x - 3, and 1, the

least common denominator is x - 3. We multiply both sides of the equation by

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108 Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

x - 3. We also write the restriction that x cannot equal 3 to the right of the
equation.
x
1x - 32 #

1x - 32 #

1x - 32 #

x
x
x
x
-

3
+ 9, x Z 3
3
x - 3
3
= 1x - 32a
+ 9b
3
x - 3
3
= 1x - 32 #
+ 1x - 32 # 9
3
x - 3
3
= 1x - 32 #
+ 91x - 32
3
x - 3
=

x = 3 + 91x - 32

This is the given equation.

Multiply both sides by x - 3.
Use the distributive property.
Divide out common factors in two
of the multiplications.
Simplify.

The resulting equation is cleared of fractions. We now solve for x.

x
x
x - 9x
-8x
-8x
-8
x

Study Tip
Reject any proposed solution that
causes any denominator in an
equation to equal 0.

3 + 9x - 27
9x - 24
9x - 24 - 9x
- 24
-24
=
-8
= 3

Use the distributive property.

=
=
=
=

Combine numerical terms.

Subtract 9x from both sides.
Simplify.
Divide both sides by 8.
Simplify.

The proposed solution, 3, is not a solution because of the restriction that x Z 3.

There is no solution to this equation. The solution set for this equation contains no
elements. The solution set is
, the empty set.

Check Point
EXAMPLE 6

Solve:

x
2
2
=
- .
x - 2
x - 2
3

Solving a Rational Equation to Determine

When Two Equations Are Equal

Consider the equations

y1 =

1
3
+
x + 6
x - 2

and y2 =

4
.
x2 + 4x - 12

Find all values of x for which y1 = y2 .

Solution Because we are interested in one or more values of x that cause y1 and
y2 to be equal, we set the expressions that define y1 and y2 equal to each other:
3
1
4
+
= 2
.
x + 6
x - 2
x + 4x - 12
To identify values of x that make denominators zero, lets factor x2 + 4x - 12, the
denominator on the right. This factorization is also necessary in identifying the least
common denominator.
1
4
3
+
=
x+6
x-2
(x+6)(x-2)
This denominator
is zero if x = 6.

This denominator
is zero if x = 2.

This denominator is zero

if x = 6 or x = 2.

We see that x cannot equal -6 or 2. The least common denominator is

1x + 621x - 22.

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Section 1.2 Linear Equations and Rational Equations

3
1
4
+
=
, x Z - 6, x Z 2
x + 6
x - 2
1x + 621x - 22
(x+6)(x-2) a
1x + 621x - 22 #

109

This is the given equation with a

denominator factored.

3
1
4
+
b =(x+6)(x-2)
x+6
x-2
(x+6)(x-2)

Multiply both sides by

1x + 621x - 22, the LCD.

3
1
4
+ 1x + 621x - 22 #
= 1x + 621x - 22 #
x + 6
x - 2
1x + 621x - 22

Use the distributive property

and divide out common factors.

31x - 22 + 11x + 62 = 4

Simplify. This equation is

cleared of fractions.

3x - 6 + x + 6 = 4

Use the distributive property.

4x = 4

Combine like terms.

4x
4
=
4
4

Divide both sides by 4.

x = 1

Simplify. This is not part of the

restriction that x 6 and
x 2.

The value of x for which y1 = y2 is 1.

Check
Is y1 = y2 when x = 1? We use the given equations
y1 =

3
1
+
x + 6
x - 2

and

y2 =

4
x + 4x - 12
2

to answer the question.

Checking by Hand

Checking with a Graphing Utility

Substitute 1 for x in y1 and y2 .

3
1
3
1
y1 =
+
= +
1 + 6
1 - 2
7
-1
3
3
7
4
= - 1 = - = 7
7
7
7
4
4
y2 = 2
=
1 + 4 - 12
1 + 4 # 1 - 12
4
4
=
= -7
7

Display a table showing values for y1 and y2 . Enter the

equations as y1 and y2 , and be careful with parentheses.
y1 = 3  (x + 6) + 1  (x 2)

4
When x = 1, y1 and y2 have the same value, namely, - .
7

Check Point

y2 = 4  (x2 + 4x 12)

No matter how far up

or down you scroll,
y1 = y2 only when
x = 1.

Consider the equations

y1 =

1
1
+
x + 4
x - 4

and

y2 =

Find all values of x for which y1 = y2 and check.

22
.
x2 - 16

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110 Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

Recognize identities, conditional

equations, and inconsistent
equations.

Types of Equations
Equations can be placed into categories that depend on their solution sets.
An equation that is true for all real numbers for which both sides are defined
is called an identity. An example of an identity is
x + 3 = x + 2 + 1.
Every number plus 3 is equal to that number plus 2 plus 1. Therefore, the solution set
to this equation is the set of all real numbers, expressed as 5x x is a real number6.
Another example of an identity is
2x
= 2.
x

Study Tip
If you are concerned by the vocabulary of equation types, keep in mind
that there are three possible situations. We can state these situations
informally as follows:

1. x=a real number

Because division by 0 is undefined, this equation is true for all real number values of
x except 0. The solution set is the set of nonzero real numbers, expressed as
5x x is a real number and x Z 06.
An equation that is not an identity, but that is true for at least one real number,
is called a conditional equation. The equation 2x + 3 = 17 is an example of a
conditional equation. The equation is not an identity and is true only if x is 7.
An inconsistent equation is an equation that is not true for even one real
number. An example of an inconsistent equation is

conditional equation

2. x=all real numbers

identity

3. x=no real numbers.

x = x + 7.
There is no number that is equal to itself plus 7. The equations solution set is
, the
empty set. Some inconsistent equations are less obvious than this. Consider the
equation in Example 5,
x
3
=
+ 9.
x - 3
x - 3

inconsistent equation

This equation is not true for any real number and has no solution. Thus, it is
inconsistent.

EXAMPLE 7

Categorizing an Equation

Solve and determine whether the equation

21x + 12 = 2x + 3
is an identity, a conditional equation, or an inconsistent equation.

Solution Begin by applying the distributive property on the left side. We obtain
2x + 2 = 2x + 3.
Does something look strange? Can doubling a number and increasing the product
by 2 give the same result as doubling the same number and increasing the product
by 3? No. Lets continue solving the equation by subtracting 2x from both sides.
2x - 2x + 2 = 2x - 2x + 3
Keep reading. 2 = 3
is not the solution.

2=3

The original equation, 21x + 12 = 2x + 3, is equivalent to the statement 2 = 3,

which is false for every value of x. The equation is inconsistent and has no solution.
The solution set is
, the empty set.

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Section 1.2 Linear Equations and Rational Equations

111

Technology
Graphic Connections
How can technology visually reinforce the fact that
the equation

y2 = 2x + 3

21x + 12 = 2x + 3
has no solution? Enter y1 = 21x + 12 and
y2 = 2x + 3. The graphs of y1 and y2 appear to be
parallel lines with no intersection point. This supports our conclusion that 21x + 12 = 2x + 3 is an
inconsistent equation with no solution.

Check Point

y1 = 2(x + 1)
[5, 2, 1] by [5, 5, 1]

Solve and determine whether the equation

4x - 7 = 41x - 12 + 3

is an identity, a conditional equation, or an inconsistent equation.

Applications

Solve applied problems using

mathematical models.

Our next example shows how the procedure for solving linear equations can be used
to find the value of a variable in a mathematical model.

EXAMPLE 8

In the section opener, we introduced line graphs, repeated in Figure 1.13, indicating
that persons with a low sense of humor have higher levels of depression in response
to negative life events than those with a high sense of humor. These graphs can be
modeled by the following formulas:

Group's Average Level of

Depression in Response to
Negative Life Events

Sense of Humor and

Depression

18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2

Low-Humor Group

Low-Humor Group
High-Humor Group

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Low

An Application: Responding to Negative Life Events

Average

High

Intensity of Negative Life Event

Figure 1.13 (repeated)

D=

High-Humor Group

10
53
x+
9
9

D=

1
26
x+ .
9
9

In each formula, x represents the intensity of a negative life event (from 1, low, to 10,
high) and D is the average level of depression in response to that event. If the highhumor group averages a level of depression of 3.5, or 72 , in response to a negative life
event, what is the intensity of that event? How is the solution shown on the red line
graph in Figure 1.13?

Solution We are interested in the intensity of a negative life event with an

average level of depression of 72 for the high-humor group. We substitute 72 for D in
the high-humor model and solve for x, the intensity of the negative life event.
1
26
x +
9
9
7
1
26
= x +
2
9
9

D =

18
18 #

7
1
26
=18 a x+ b
2
9
9

7
1
26
= 18 # x + 18 #
2
9
9

This is the given formula for the high-humor group.

7
Replace D with .
2

Multiply both sides by 18, the least common

denominator.
Use the distributive property.

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112 Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

9

18 #

2 1
2 26
7
= 18 # x + 18 #
2
9
9
1

63
63 - 52
11
11
2
11
2

Divide out common factors in the multiplications.

= 2x + 52
= 2x + 52 - 52
= 2x
2x
=
2

Complete the multiplications. The fractions are now cleared.

= x

Simplify.

Subtract 52 from both sides to get constants on the left.

Simplify.
Divide both sides by 2.

The formula indicates that if the highhumor group averages a level of

depression of 3.5 in response to a
negative life event, the intensity of that
event is 11
2 , or 5.5. This is illustrated on
the line graph for the high-humor
group in Figure 1.14.

Level of
depression: 3.5

High-Humor Group

8
6
4
2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Low

Intensity of negative
life event: 5.5

High

Figure 1.14

Check Point

Use the model for the low-humor group given in Example 8 to

solve this problem. If the low-humor group averages a level of depression of 10 in
response to a negative life event, what is the intensity of that event? How is the
solution shown on the blue line graph in Figure 1.13?

Exercise Set 1.2

Practice Exercises

25.

x + 3
3
x - 5
= +
6
8
4

26.

In Exercises 116, solve and check each linear equation.

1
2 - x
x + 1
= +
4
6
3

1. 7x - 5 = 72

2. 6x - 3 = 63

27.

x
x - 3
= 2 +
4
3

28. 5 +

5. 2x - 7 = 6 + x

6. 3x + 5 = 2x + 13

29.

x + 1
x + 2
= 5 3
7

30.

7. 7x + 4 = x + 16

8. 13x + 14 = 12x - 5

3. 11x - 16x - 52 = 40

4. 5x - 12x - 102 = 35

9. 31x - 22 + 7 = 21x + 52
10. 21x - 12 + 3 = x - 31x + 12

11. 31x - 42 - 41x - 32 = x + 3 - 1x - 22

12. 2 - 17x + 52 = 13 - 3x

13. 16 = 31x - 12 - 1x - 72

x - 2
x + 3
=
.
3
8

3x
x - 3
x + 2
=
5
2
3

Exercises 3150 contain rational equations with variables in

denominators. For each equation, a. Write the value or values of
the variable that make a denominator zero.These are the restrictions
on the variable. b. Keeping the restrictions in mind, solve the
equation.
31.

4
5
=
+ 3
x
2x

32.

5
10
=
+ 4
x
3x

33.

2
5
13
+ 3 =
+
x
2x
4

34.

7
5
22
=
2x
3x
3

16. 45 - 34 - 2y - 41y + 724 =

- 411 + 3y2 - 34 - 31y + 22 - 212y - 524

35.

2
1
11
1
+ =
3x
4
6x
3

36.

5
8
1
1
- =
2x
9
18
3x

Exercises 1730 contain linear equations with constants in

denominators. Solve each equation.

37.

x - 2
x + 1
+ 1 =
x
2x

38.

4
9
7x - 4
= x
5
5x

x
x
=
3
2

39.

1
11
+ 5 =
x - 1
x - 1

40.

3
-4
- 7 =
x + 4
x + 4

x
3x
=
+ 5
2
4

41.

8x
8
= 4 x + 1
x + 1

42.

2
x
=
- 2
x - 2
x - 2

2x
x
17
=
+
7
2
2

43.

1
2
3
+ =
2x - 2
2
x - 1

14. 5x - 12x + 22 = x + 13x - 52

15. 25 - 32 + 5y - 31y + 224 =

- 312y - 52 - 351y - 12 - 3y + 34

17.

x
x
=
- 2
3
2

18.

x
x
=
+ 1
5
6

19. 20 -

20.

x
1
x
- =
5
2
6

21.

3x
2x
=
+ 1
5
3

22.

23.

3x
x
5
- x =
5
10
2

24. 2x -

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Section 1.2 Linear Equations and Rational Equations

2
x
= 3 +
x - 2
x - 2

44.

3
5
1
=
+
x + 3
2x + 6
x - 2

71.

45.

3
2
8
+
=
x + 2
x - 2
1x + 221x - 22

74. 21x + 22 + 2x = 41x + 12

46.

3
12
5
+
=
x + 2
x - 2
1x + 221x - 22

72.

- 2x
6
+ 2 =
x + 3
x + 3

76.

1
1
3
- =
x
6
3

73. 8x - 13x + 22 + 10 = 3x
75.

1
2
3
+ =
x
2
4

47.

1
2x
2
= 2
x + 1
x - 1
x - 1

77.

48.

2
32
4
+
= 2
x + 5
x - 5
x - 25

4
3
7
+
=
x - 2
x + 5
1x + 521x - 22

78.

49.

5
6
1
= 2
x - 4
x + 2
x - 2x - 8

1
4
1
=
+
x - 1
12x + 321x - 12
2x + 3

79.

12
4x2 + 36
4x
=
x + 3
x - 3
x2 - 9

50.

5
- 20
6
= 2
x + 3
x - 2
x + x - 6

80.

1
3
4
- 2
= 2
x2 + 3x - 10
x + x - 6
x - x - 12

In Exercises 5156, find all values of x satisfying the given

conditions.
51. y1 = 512x - 82 - 2, y2 = 51x - 32 + 3, and y1 = y2 .

In Exercises 8184, use the Y =  screen to write the equation being

solved. Then use the table to solve the equation.
81.

52. y1 = 713x - 22 + 5, y2 = 612x - 12 + 24, and y1 = y2 .

53. y1 =

x - 3
x - 5
, y2 =
, and y1 - y2 = 1.
5
4

54. y1 =

x + 1
x - 2
, y2 =
, and y1 - y2 = - 4.
4
3

5
3
12x + 19
, and
,y =
,y = 2
x + 4 2
x + 3 3
x + 7x + 12
y1 + y2 = y3 .

55. y1 =

82.

2x - 1
2
1
, y2 =
,y =
, and
56. y1 = 2
x + 4 3
x - 2
x + 2x - 8
y1 + y2 = y3 .
In Exercises 5760, find all values of x such that y = 0.
57. y = 43x - 13 - x24 - 71x + 12

58. y = 233x - 14x - 624 - 51x - 62

59. y =

x + 6
5
2
3x - 12
x - 4
3

83.

3
7
1
+
60. y =
5x + 5
x + 1
5
In Exercises 6168, determine whether each equation is an identity,
a conditional equation, or an inconsistent equation.
61. 41x - 72 = 4x - 28

62. 41x - 72 = 4x + 28

63. 2x + 3 = 2x - 3

64.

65. 4x + 5x = 8x

66. 8x + 2x = 9x

67.

2x
6
=
+ 4
x - 3
x - 3

68.

7x
= 7
x
3
x
=
+ 3
x - 3
x - 3

The equations in Exercises 6980 combine the types of equations

we have discussed in this section. Solve each equation. Then state
whether the equation is an identity, a conditional equation, or an
inconsistent equation.
69.

x + 5
2x - 1
- 4 =
2
3

70.

x + 1
x + 2
= 5 7
3

113

84.

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114 Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

Practice Plus
2

85. Evaluate x - x for the value of x satisfying

41x - 22 + 2 = 4x - 212 - x2.
86. Evaluate x2 - x for the value of x satisfying
21x - 62 = 3x + 212x - 12.
31x + 32
= 2x + 6
87. Evaluate x2 - 1xy - y2 for x satisfying
5
and y satisfying -2y - 10 = 5y + 18.
88. Evaluate x2 - 1xy - y2 for x satisfying

13x - 6
= 5x + 2
4

and y satisfying 5 - y = 71y + 42 + 1.

In Exercises 8996, solve each equation.
89. 313 + 622 , 34 # 4 = - 54x

97. Use the formula to find a healthy weight for a person whose
height is 56. (Hint: H = 6 because this persons height is
6 inches over 5 feet.) How many pounds is this healthy weight
below the upper end of the range shown by the bar graph?
98. Use the formula to find a healthy weight for a person whose
height is 60. (Hint: H = 12 because this persons height is
12 inches over 5 feet.) How many pounds is this healthy
weight below the upper end of the range shown by the bar
graph?
The line graph shows the cost of inflation. What cost $10,000 in
1975 would cost the amount shown by the graph in subsequent
years. (The symbol
on the horizontal axis shows that there is a
break in values between 0 and 80. Thus, the first tick mark on the
horizontal axis represents 1980.)

91. 5 - 12x = 8 - 7x - 36 , 312 + 532 + 5x4

92. 215x + 582 = 10x + 4121 , 3.5 - 112
93. 0.7x + 0.41202 = 0.51x + 202
94. 0.51x + 22 = 0.1 + 310.1x + 0.32

95. 4x + 13 - 52x - 341x - 32 - 546 = 21x - 62

96. -257 - 34 - 211 - x2 + 346 = 10 - 34x - 21x - 324

Cost (thousands of dollars)

The Cost of Inflation

90. 2 3 - 3415 - 3234 = - 8x

40
35
30

The latest guidelines, which apply to both men and women, give
healthy weight ranges, rather than specific weights, for your height.
The further you are above the upper limit of your range, the
greater are the risks of developing weight-related health problems.
The bar graph shows these ranges for various heights for people
between the ages of 19 and 34, inclusive.
Healthy Weight Ranges for
Men and Women, Ages 19 to 34
Lower end of range

Upper end of range

220
200
Weight (pounds)

180
160
140
120

111

125

118

184

174

164

155

146

132

195

140

148

20
15
10
5

$15,316
80

85

90
Year

95

00

05

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Here are two mathematical models for the data shown in the
graph. In each formula, C represents the cost x years after 1980 of
what cost $10,000 in 1975.
Model 1

C=865x+15,316

Model 2

C=2x2 +900x+15,397

Use these models to solve Exercises 99102.

99. a. Use the graph to estimate the cost in 2000, to the
nearest thousand dollars, of what cost $10,000 in 1975.
b. Use model 1 to determine the cost in 2000 of what cost
$10,000 in 1975. By how much does this differ from
your estimate from part (a)?
c. Use model 2 to determine the cost in 2000 of what cost
$10,000 in 1975. By how much does this differ from
your estimate from part (a)?

100
80
60
54

$36,952

25

Application Exercises

What cost you $10,000 in

1975 would cost you this
much in subsequent years.

56

58
510
Height

60

62

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The mathematical model

W
- 3H = 53
2
describes a weight, W, in pounds, that lies within the healthy weight
range for a person whose height is H inches over 5 feet. Use this
information to solve Exercises 9798.

100. a. Use the graph to estimate the cost in 1990, to the

nearest thousand dollars, of what cost $10,000 in 1975.
b. Use model 1 to determine the cost in 1990 of what cost
$10,000 in 1975. By how much does this differ from
your estimate from part (a)?
c. Use model 2 to determine the cost in 1990 of what cost
$10,000 in 1975. By how much does this differ from
your estimate from part (a)?
101. Use model 1 to determine in which year the cost will be
$43,861 for what cost $10,000 in 1975.
102. Use model 1 to determine in which year the cost will be
$54,241 for what cost $10,000 in 1975.

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Section 1.2 Linear Equations and Rational Equations

115

Formulas with rational expressions are often used to model

learning. Many of these formulas model the proportion of correct
responses in terms of the number of trials of a particular task. One
such model, called a learning curve, is

109. Suppose you are an algebra teacher grading the following

solution on an examination:

0.9x - 0.4
,
P =
0.9x + 0.1

- 2x - 18 = 2

Proportion of Correct Responses

A Learning Curve

1.2
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1

-3x - 18 = 2 - x
-2x = - 16

where P is the proportion of correct responses after x trials. If

P = 0, there are no correct responses. If P = 1, all responses are
correct. The graph of the rational formula is shown. Use the
formula to solve Exercises 103104.
P

-31x - 62 = 2 - x

x = 8.

You should note that 8 checks, so the solution set is 586. The
student who worked the problem therefore wants full credit.
Can you find any errors in the solution? If full credit is 10
points, how many points should you give the student? Justify
your position.
110. Explain how to find restrictions on the variable in a rational
equation.
111. Why should restrictions on the variable in a rational
equation be listed before you begin solving the equation?

P = 0.9x 0.4
0.9x + 0.1

112. What is an identity? Give an example.

113. What is a conditional equation? Give an example.
114. What is an inconsistent equation? Give an example.

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Number of Learning Trials

115. Describe the trend shown by the graph in Exercises

103104 in terms of learning new tasks. What happens
initially and what happens as time increases?

Technology Exercises

103. How many learning trials are necessary for 0.95 of the
responses to be correct? Identify your solution as a point on
the graph.

In Exercises 116119, use your graphing utility to enter each side

of the equation separately under y1 and y2 . Then use the utilitys
TABLE  or GRAPH  feature to solve the equation.

104. How many learning trials are necessary for 0.5 of the
responses to be correct? Identify your solution as a point on
the graph.

116. 5x + 21x - 12 = 3x + 10

105. A company wants to increase the 10% peroxide content

of its product by adding pure peroxide (100% peroxide).
If x liters of pure peroxide are added to 500 liters of its
10% solution, the concentration, C, of the new mixture is
given by

118.

x - 3
x - 5
- 1 =
5
4

119.

x - 5
x - 3
2x - 1
=
3
6
4

C =

x + 0.115002

.
x + 500
How many liters of pure peroxide should be added to
produce a new product that is 28% peroxide?
106. Suppose that x liters of pure acid are added to 200 liters of a
35% acid solution.
a. Write a formula that gives the concentration, C, of the
new mixture. (Hint: See Exercise 105.)
b. How many liters of pure acid should be added to
produce a new mixture that is 74% acid?

Writing in Mathematics
107. What is a linear equation in one variable? Give an example
of this type of equation.
x
x
108. Suppose that you solve
= 1 by multiplying both
5
2
sides by 20, rather than the least common denominator of 5
and 2 (namely, 10). Describe what happens. If you get the
correct solution, why do you think we clear the equation of
fractions by multiplying by the least common denominator?

117. 2x + 31x - 42 = 4x - 7

Critical Thinking Exercises

Make Sense? In Exercises 120123, determine whether each
statement makes sense or does not make sense, and explain your
reasoning.
120. The model P = - 0.18n + 2.1 describes the number of pay
phones, P, in millions, n years after 2000, so I have to solve a
linear equation to determine the number of pay phones in
2006.
121. Although I can solve 3x + 15 = 14 by first subtracting 15 from
both sides, I find it easier to begin by multiplying both sides
by 20, the least common denominator.
122. Because I know how to clear an equation of fractions, I
decided to clear the equation 0.5x + 8.3 = 12.4 of decimals
by multiplying both sides by 10.
123. Because x = x + 5 is an inconsistent equation, the graphs
of y = x and y = x + 5 should not intersect.
In Exercises 124127, determine whether each statement is true or
false. If the statement is false, make the necessary change(s) to
produce a true statement.
124. The equation - 7x = x has no solution.

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116 Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

125. The equations

x
4
and x = 4 are equivalent.
=
x - 4
x - 4

Preview Exercises

126. The equations 3y - 1 = 11 and 3y - 7 = 5 are equivalent.

Exercises 131133 will help you prepare for the material covered
in the next section.

127. If a and b are any real numbers, then ax + b = 0 always has

one number in its solution set.

131. Janes salary exceeds Jims by $150 per week. If x represents

Jims weekly salary, write an algebraic expression that
models Janes weekly salary.

128. If x represents a number, write an English sentence about

the number that results in an inconsistent equation.
7x + 4
+ 13 = x has a solution set given
b

132. A long-distance telephone plan has a monthly fee of $20

with a charge of $0.05 per minute for all long-distance calls.
Write an algebraic expression that models the plans
monthly cost for x minutes of long-distance calls.

4x - b
= 3 has a solution set given by
.
130. Find b such that
x - 5

133. If the width of a rectangle is represented by x and the

length is represented by x + 200, write a simplified
algebraic expression that models the rectangles perimeter.

129. Find b such that

by 5- 66.

Section

1.3

Models and Applications

Objectives
Use linear equations to solve

How Long It Takes to Earn $1000

problems.

Solve a formula for a variable.

Howard Stern
Radio host
24 sec.

Dr. Phil McGraw

Television host
2 min. 24 sec.

Brad Pitt
Actor
4 min. 48 sec.

Kobe Bryant
Basketball player
5 min. 30 sec.

Chief executive
U.S. average
2 hr. 55 min.

Doctor, G.P.
U.S. average
13 hr. 5 min.

High school teacher

U.S. average
43 hours

Janitor
U.S. average
103 hours

Source: Time

n this section, youll see examples and exercises focused on how much money
Americans earn. These situations illustrate a step-by-step strategy for solving
problems. As you become familiar with this strategy, you will learn to solve a wide
variety of problems.

Use linear equations to solve

problems.

Problem Solving with Linear Equations

We have seen that a model is a mathematical representation of a real-world
situation. In this section, we will be solving problems that are presented in
English. This means that we must obtain models by translating from the ordinary
language of English into the language of algebraic equations. To translate,
however, we must understand the English prose and be familiar with the forms of
algebraic language. On the next page are some general steps we will follow in
solving word problems: