LES SON Solving Multi-Step Absolute-Value

101 Inequalities

Warm Up 1. Vocabulary A(n)

(45)
is a mathematical statement comparing
quantities that are not equal.

Simplify.
2. ⎢-8 + 5 - 7 3. ⎢2 · -6 + 14
(7) (7)

Solve.
4. 3x - 7 > 17 5. -5x + 12 ≥ 37
(77) (77)

New Concepts Recall that an absolute-value inequality is solved by first isolating the
absolute-value expression. Then the inequality is written as a compound
inequality with no absolute-value symbols. The compound inequality uses
Caution AND when the absolute-value inequality is a “less than” inequality. The
The absolute-value compound inequality uses OR when the absolute-value inequality is a
expression must be “greater than” inequality.
isolated to apply the
rules:

AND “less than”

Example 1 Solving Multi-Step Absolute-Value Inequalities
OR “greater than” Solve and graph each inequality.

a. 2⎢x + 3 < 11
SOLUTION

Isolate ⎢x and then write the inequality as a compound inequality.

2⎢x + 3 < 11
-3
__ -3
__ Subtraction Property of Inequality
2⎢x < 8 Combine like terms.
2⎢x _
_ <8 Division Property of Inequality
2 2
⎢x < 4 Simplify.
x > -4 and x < 4 Write as a compound inequality.

The compound inequality can also be written as -4 < x < 4.

Online Connection
www.SaxonMathResources.com -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6

678 Saxon Algebra 1

 ⎢x
_
b. - 4 > -2
5
SOLUTION
⎢x
_ - 4 > -2
5
⎢x
_ >2 Add 4 to each side.
5
⎢x > 10 Multiply each side by 5.
x < -10 OR x > 10 Write as a compound inequality.

-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30

Hint c. -10⎢x + 54 ≥ -21

Reverse the direction of SOLUTION
the inequality symbol
when dividing each side -10⎢x + 54 ≥ -21
of an inequality by a
negative number. -10⎢x ≥ -75 Subtract 54 from each side.
⎢x ≤ 7.5 Divide each side by -10.
-7.5 ≤ x ≤ 7.5 Write as a compound inequality.

-10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10

Algebraic expressions within the absolute-value symbols may have one or

more operations on the variable. So, after the absolute-value expression is
isolated, solving the resulting compound inequality requires additional steps.

Example 2 Solving Inequalities with One Operation Inside

Absolute-Value Symbols
Solve and graph the inequality.
⎢x + 5 - 1 > 7
SOLUTION

Isolate the absolute-value expression ⎢x + 5. Then write it as a compound

inequality.
⎢x + 5 - 1 > 7
⎢x + 5 > 8 Add 1 to each side.
x + 5 < -8 OR x+5>8 Write as a compound inequality.

Solve each part of the compound inequality for x.

x < -13 OR x > 3 Subtract 5 from each side of the two
inequalities.

-20 -10 0 10 20

Lesson 101 679

 Example 3 Solving Inequalities with Two Operations Inside
Absolute-Value Symbols
Math Reasoning Solve and graph each inequality.

⎪_x3 - 2⎥ + 12 ≤ 19
Verify For Example
3a, choose an x-value a.
between -15 and 27.
Show that it is a solution SOLUTION
of the original inequality.
⎪_x3 - 2⎥ + 12 ≤ 19
⎪_x3 - 2⎥ ≤ 7 Subtract 12 from each side.
_
x
- 2 ≥ -7 AND _
x
- 2≤ 7 Write as a compound inequality.
3 3
_
x
≥ -5 AND _
x
≤9 Add 2 to each side of the two inequalities.
3 3
x ≥ -15 AND x ≤ 27 Multiply each side by 3 in both inequalities.
-15 ≤ x ≤ 27

-20 -10 0 10 20 30

b. ⎢2x + 1 + 5 ≥ 8
SOLUTION

⎢2x + 1 + 5 ≥ 8
⎢2x + 1 ≥ 3 Subtract 5 from each side.
2x + 1 ≤ -3 OR 2x + 1 ≥ 3 Write as a compound inequality.
2x ≤ -4 OR 2x ≥ 2 Subtract 1 from each side of both inequalities.
x ≤ -2 OR x≥1 Divide each side by 2 in both inequalities.

-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6

Example 4 Application: Basketball

NCAA rules require that the circumference c of a basketball used in
an NCAA men’s basketball game vary no more than 0.25 inch from
29.75 inches. Write and solve an absolute-value inequality that models the
acceptable circumferences. What is the least acceptable circumference?

Hint SOLUTION

Look for a value that The expression ⎢c - 29.75 represents the difference between the actual
varies by some amount. circumference and 29.75 inches. The absolute-value bars ensure that the
The absolute-value
expression will be difference is a positive number. The difference can be no more than 0.25
=, ≥, or ≤ the amount inches, so the acceptable circumference is modeled ⎢c - 29.75 ≤ 0.25.
by which the value varies.
⎢c - 29.75 ≤ 0.25
-0.25 ≤ c - 29.75 ≤ 0.25 Write a compound inequality.
29.5 ≤ c ≤ 30 Add 29.75 to each side.
The least acceptable circumference is 29.5 inches.

680 Saxon Algebra 1

 Lesson Practice
Solve and graph each inequality.
⎢x
_
a. 5⎢x + 6 < 31 b. -3≥1
(Ex 1) (Ex 1) 7
c. -4⎢x + 9 > -1 d. ⎢x - 9 + 3 ≤ 10
(Ex 1) (Ex 2)

e.
(Ex 3)
⎪_x2 + 5⎥ - 9 < -2 f. ⎢5x - 5 -12 > -2
(Ex 3)

g. Basketball NCAA rules require that the weight w of a basketball used

(Ex 4)
in an NCAA men’s basketball game vary no more than 1 ounce from
21 ounces. Write and solve an absolute-value inequality that models the
acceptable weights. What is the largest acceptable weight?

Practice Distributed and Integrated

*1. Solve and graph the inequality 7⎢x - 4 ≥ 3.

(101)

*2. Error Analysis Two students solve the inequality ⎢x - 4 + 2 ≤ 6. Which student is
(101)
correct? Explain the error.

Student A Student B
⎢x - 4 + 2 ≤ 6 ⎢x - 4 + 2 ≤ 6
⎢x - 4 ≤ 4 -6 ≤ x - 4 + 2 ≤ 6
-4 ≤ x - 4 ≤ 4 -6 ≤ x - 2 ≤ 6
0≤x≤8 -4 ≤ x ≤ 8
⎢x
*3. Write Describe the three steps needed to solve the inequality _
2
+ 11 ≤ 16.
(101)

(39)
(
pt -2 _
4. Simplify _
p -2wt
m3 4m -1
+ 6t4w -1 - _
w
m -3
.)
*5. Analyze Suppose that a, b, and c are all positive integers. Will the solution of
(101)
the inequality -a⎢x - b ≥ -c be a compound inequality that uses AND or a
compound inequality that uses OR?

*6. Oven Temperature Liam’s oven’s temperature t varies by no more than 9°F from the
(101)
set temperature. Liam sets his oven to 475°F. Write an absolute-value inequality
that models the possible actual temperatures inside the oven. What is the highest
possible temperature?

Lesson 101 681

 *7. Error Analysis Students were asked if a quadratic equation could have more than
(100)
one solution. Which student is correct? Explain the error.

Student A Student B
yes; A quadratic equation no; A quadratic equation
can have two solutions. When cannot cross the x-axis more
a parabola crosses the x-axis than once. So, there can only
twice, there are two solutions. be one solution.

*8. Multi-Step Shaw hits a tennis ball into the air. Its movement forms a parabola given
(100)
by the quadratic equation h = -16t2 + 2t + 9, where h is the height in feet and t is
the time in seconds.
a. Find the maximum height of the arc the ball makes in its flight. Round to the
nearest tenth.
b. Find the time t when the ball hits the ground. Round to the nearest hundredth.
c. Find the time t when the ball is at its maximum height. Round to the nearest
hundredth.

9. Find the LCM of (6w3 - 48w5) and (9w - 72w3).

(57)

*10. Geometry A boy spills a cup of juice on the sidewalk. As time increases, the
(100)
area of the spill changes. The area of the spill is given by the function
A = -2t2 + 5t + 125, where A is the area in square feet and t is the time in
seconds. Find the time when the area is 60 square feet. Round to the nearest
hundredth.

11. Solve x2 + 9 = -6x by graphing.

(100)

12. Solve the equation ⎢8x + 4 = 28.

(94)

13. Traveling Mia walked _

4
(95) r - 2 miles to her neighbors’ house on Monday and walked
_
r 2
miles on Tuesday to go see her grandmother. How many miles total did she
2-r
walk on Monday and Tuesday?

14. Subtract 5 -_
_ 2 .
(95) x-3 x-2
15. Soccer A soccer ball on the ground is passed with an initial velocity of 62 feet per
(96)
second. What is its height after 3 seconds? Use h = -16t2 + vt + s.
3 4
16. Measurement A girl is 24 years younger than her mother. The product of their
(96)
ages is 81. Find the mother’s age by finding the positive zero of the function
y = x2 - 24x - 81.

17. Determine if the ordered pair (-7, 2) is a solution of the inequality y ≤ 3.

(97)

18. Verify Show that _4 is a solution to (4x - 3)(5x + 7) = 0.

3
(98)

19. Multiple Choice What are the roots of the equation 0 = x2 - 10x - 39?
(98)
A 0, 39 B 10, 0 C 3, -13 D 13, -3

682 Saxon Algebra 1

 *20. Solve and check: _ _x6
(99) 11 = x - 5 .

21. Does the graph of -8x2 - 12 = 3 - y open upward or downward?

(84)

22. Office Management Maria can complete all the copies in 1 hour. It takes Lachelle
(99)
2 hours. How long will it take them if they use two identical copiers and work
together?

23. Error Analysis Two students solve _

x-8
x+2
=_x-6
3x + 6
. Which student is correct? Explain
(99)
the error.

Student A Student B
(x - 8)(3x + 6) = (x + 2)(x - 6) (x - 8)(3x + 6) = (x + 2)(x - 6)
3x2 - 18x - 48 = x2 - 4x - 12 3x2 - 18x - 48 = x2 - 4x - 12
2x2 - 14x - 36 = 0 2x2 - 14x - 36 = 0
2(x - 9)(x + 2) = 0 2(x - 9)(x + 2) = 0
{9} {-2, 9}

24. Do the side lengths 3, 3 √

3 , and 6 form a Pythagorean triple?
(85)

25. Let P = (-2, 1), Q = (0, 2), R = (1, -2), and S = (-1, -3). Use the distance
(86)
formula to determine whether PQRS is a rhombus.
5x2y2 9xy2
26. Multi-Step Find the product of _ · _ using two different methods.
(88) 3x3y3 25xy3
a. Solve the expression by multiplying first and then simplifying.
b. Solve the expression by simplifying each factor and then multiplying.
c. Explain which method you prefer.

27. Road Trip Carlos tracks the mileage for a road trip on his car’s odometer. The
(91)
total distance is 974.6 miles plus or minus 0.1 miles. Solve and graph the
inequality ⎢x - 974.6 ≤ 0.1.

28. Multi-Step Amy skipped for _ 3x - 6

9x
hours to get to her grandmother’s house that
(92)
was _ 2
2x - 4x
miles away.
7x3
a. Find her rate in miles per hour.
b. If the rate is divided by _
1
, what is the new rate?
x2

29. How do you write a remainder of 5 for a division problem that has a divisor of
(93)
(3x2 + 7x + 8)?

*30. What is the parent quadratic function defined to be? What is the shape of its
(Inv 10)
graph and where is it located on the coordinate system?

Lesson 101 683

 Solving Quadratic Equations
LES SON
Using Square Roots
102
Warm Up 1. Vocabulary The
(13)
of x is the number whose square is x.
Simplify.
2. √
81 3. - √
25
(13) (13)
_
4. √
(46)
24 5.
(46)
√
9
49

New Concepts Sometimes quadratic equations do not have linear terms. Quadratic equations
in the form x2 = a, can be solved by taking the square root of both sides.

Example 1 Solving x2 = a
Math Reasoning
Solve each equation.
Verify Show by factoring
that the equation x2 = 25 a. x2 = 25
has the solution ±5.
SOLUTION

Find the square root of both terms.

x2 = 25
2 = ± √25
√x  Take the square root of both sides.
x = 5 or x = -5
You can combine the solutions using the ± symbol.
x = ±5

Math Reasoning Check x2 = 25 x2 = 25

Analyze What is the

52  25 (-5)2  25
relationship between 25 = 25 ✓ 25 = 25 ✓
squaring a number and
taking the square root
of a number? b. x2 = -16
SOLUTION

Find the square root of both terms.

x2 = -16
2 = ± √-16
√x  Take the square root of both sides.
x ≠ ± √-16
 No real number squared can be negative.

There is no real-number solution.

Online Connection When the quadratic equation is in the form ax2 + c = 0, the square root can
www.SaxonMathResources.com be taken after the variable is isolated.

684 Saxon Algebra 1

 Example 2 Solving ax2 + c = 0
Solve each equation.

a. x2 + 3 = 52
SOLUTION

Caution Isolate the variable and solve.

When x2 equals a x2 + 3 = 52
number other than 0,
the equation has two -3
__ -3
__ Subtraction Property of Equality
solutions. Use the ± 2
x = 49 Simplify.
symbol after taking the
square root. 2 = ± √49
√x  Take the square root of both sides.
x = ±7 Simplify.

Check x2 + 3 = 52 x2 + 3 = 52
72 + 3  52 (-7)2 + 3  52
49 + 3 = 52 ✓ 49 + 3 = 52 ✓

b. 4x2 - 100 = 0
SOLUTION

Isolate the variable and solve.

4x2 - 100 = 0
+100 = ___
___ +100 Addition Property of Equality
2
4x = 100 Simplify.
_
4x = _
1002
Division Property of Equality
4 4
x2 = 25 Simplify.
2 = ± √2
√x 5 Take the square root of both sides.
x = ±5 Simplify.

Check

4x2 - 100 = 0 4x2 - 100 = 0

4(5)2 - 100  0 4(-5)2 - 100  0
4(25) - 100  0 4(25) - 100  0
Math Reasoning 100 - 100  0 100 - 100  0
Estimate How can √
10
0=0 ✓ 0=0 ✓
be estimated?

Numbers that are not perfect squares have irrational

roots. Irrational solutions can be expressed in square
root form: ± √x . An approximate answer can be
found using a calculator. To approximate √ 10 on a
graphing calculator, press , and then
press .

Lesson 102 685

 If no rounding instructions are given, round the approximation to the
thousandths place.

Example 3 Approximating Solutions

Solve each equation.

a. x2 = 40
SOLUTION

x2 = 40
2 = ± √4
√x 0 Take the square root of both sides.

Simplify the square root.

2 = ± √4
√x · 10 Find a factor that is a perfect square.
2 = ± √4 · √1
√x 0 Product Property of Radicals
x = ±2 √1
0 Simplify.

Caution Use a calculator to find the approximate value of √1

0.
Round after all x ≈ 2 · (3.16227766) Write the approximate value.
computations have
been made. x ≈ ±6.32455532 Multiply.
x ≈ ±6.325 Round to the nearest thousandth.

Check x2 = 40 x2 = 40
Q 40
(6.325)2 ≈ Q 40
(-6.325)2 ≈
40.006 ≈ 40 ✓ 40.006 ≈ 40 ✓

b. 8x2 - 24 = 100
SOLUTION

Begin by isolating x2.

8x2 - 24 = 100
+24
__ +24
__ Addition Property of Equality
2
8x = 124 Combine like terms.
_
8x2 = _
124 Division Property of Equality
8 8
x2 = 15.5 Simplify.
2 = ± √15.5
√x  Take the square root of both sides.
x ≈ ±3.937003937 Find the approximate square root.
x ≈ ±3.937 Round to the nearest thousandth.

Caution Check 8x2 - 24 = 100 8x2 - 24 = 100

Remember to check both

Q 100
8(3.937)2 - 24 ≈ Q 100
8(-3.937)2 - 24 ≈
solutions. Q 100
8(15.499969) - 24 ≈ Q 100
8(15.499969) - 24 ≈
Q 100
123.999752 - 24 ≈ Q 100
123.999752 - 24 ≈
99.999752 ≈ 100 ✓ 99.999752 ≈ 100 ✓

686 Saxon Algebra 1

 Example 4 Application: Crafts
Malik covered a cube with exactly 864 square inches of self-stick vinyl.
What is the side length of the cube?
SOLUTION

Math Reasoning Use the formula to find the surface area of a cube: S = 6s2.
Analyze Why is -12 S = 6s2
square inch not a possible
answer? 864 = 6s2 Substitute 864 for S.
_
864 _
= 6s
2
Division Property of Equality
6 6
144 = s2 Simplify.
 = √s2
± √144 Take the square root of both sides.
±12 = s Simplify.

The longest possible side length of the cube is 12 inches.

Check S = 6s2
864  6(12)2
864  6(144)
864 = 864 ✓

Lesson Practice
Solve each equation.
a. x2 = 81
(Ex 1)
b. x2 = -36
(Ex 1)
c. x2 + 5 = 54
(Ex 2)
d. 3x2 - 75 = 0
(Ex 2)
e. x2 = 72
(Ex 3)
f. 5x2 - 60 = 0
(Ex 3)
g. A golf ball is dropped from a height of 1600 feet. Use the equation
(Ex 4)
16t2 - 1600 = 0 to find how many seconds t it takes for the ball to hit
the ground.

Practice Distributed and Integrated

Simplify.
2
1. 4(2p -2q)2(3p3q)2 8)
2. (7 √
(40) (76)

Lesson 102 687

 *3. Error Analysis Two students want to find the length of the sides of a square with
(102)
an area that is 720 square meters less than 1161 square meters. Which student is
correct? Explain the error.

Student A Student B
x2 + 720 = 1161 x2 + 720 = 1161
-720 ___
___ -720 -720 ___
___ -720
x2 = 441 x2 = 441
√x2 = ± √441 √x2 = ± √441
x = ±21 x = ±21
The sides of the The sides of the
square are ±21 m. square are 21 m.

*4. Multi-Step Dominic wants to fence the perimeter of his property. The property is in
(102)
the shape of a square. The area of the yard is 12,600 ft2, and the area of the house
is 1800 ft2.
a. Write an equation to find the length of the sides of the property.
b. Solve the equation.
c. How many feet of fencing will Dominic need?

*5. Banking Serena places $1000 in an interest-earning account where the interest
(102)
compounds annually. After two years, there is $1123.60 in the account. Use the
formula $1000(1 + r)2 = $1123.60 to find the interest rate of the account.

*6. Verify True or False: If 8x2 - 72 = 0, then x = ±3. If the answer is false, provide the
(102)
correct answer.

*7. Estimate Find the length of the side of a square with an area of 680 square
(102)
kilometers. Round to the nearest thousandth.
⎢x ⎢
8. Solve and graph the inequality _
3 + 6 < 13.
(101)

*9. Coordinate Geometry One side of a rectangle drawn in the coordinate plane has
(101)
points whose y-coordinates are 7 and whose x-coordinates are the solutions of
the inequality ⎢x + 1⎢ - 8 ≤ -4. Another side has points whose x-coordinates
are -5 and whose y-coordinates are solutions of the inequality ⎢y - 4⎢ + 6 ≤ 9.
a. Solve the inequality ⎢x + 1⎢ - 8 ≤ -4.
b. Solve the inequality ⎢y - 4⎢ + 6 ≤ 9.
c. What are the coordinates of the four vertices of the rectangle?

10. Find the product of (x - 7)(-7x2 - x + 7) using the vertical method.

(58)

11. Graph the function y = 4x2 + 6.

(96)

12. Water Balloons A water balloon is dropped from a third-story window. Its height
(96)
in feet is represented by h = -16t2 + 30. How high is the balloon after 1 second?

688 Saxon Algebra 1

 *13. Multi-Step When the temperature t of the gas argon is within 1.65 degrees of
(101)
-187.65°C, it will be in a liquid form. This can be modeled by the absolute-value
inequality ⎢t -(-187.65)⎢ < 1.65.
a. Solve and graph the inequality ⎢t -(-187.65)⎢ < 1.65.
b. One endpoint of the graph represents the boiling point of argon—the
temperature at which argon changes from liquid to gas. The other endpoint
represents the melting point—the temperature at which argon turns from
solid to liquid. The higher temperature is the boiling point, and the lower
temperature is the melting point. What is the boiling point of argon? What is
the melting point?

14. Factor.
(Inv 9)
a. x2 + 10x + 25
b. x2 - 25
3 4
15. Measurement The sides of a triangle are labeled 5x inches, 4y inches, and
(97)
20 inches. Jonas wrote an inequality that satisfies the Triangle Inequality
Theorem: 5x + 4y > 20. Graph the inequality.

16. Art Supplies Tim plans to go shopping for new paper and paint for his students,
(97)
and he does not want to spend more than $40. Each pack of paper costs $2, and
each set of paints costs $10. Write an inequality that describes this situation,
and graph it on a graphing calculator.

17. Solve x(x + 12) = 0.

(98)

18. Verify Show that x = 1 is an extraneous solution to _1

x-1
=_ 3
2x - 2
.
(99)

19. Multiple Choice Solve _ = _

2 x.
(99) x-3 9
A {3, 6} B {-3, 6}
C {3, -6} D {6}

20. Add _
m
m2 - 4
+_ 2
3m + 6
.
(95)

*21. Error Analysis Students were asked to write a quadratic equation that had no
(100)
solution. Which student is correct? Explain the error.

Student A Student B
f (x) = x2 - 3x + 12 f (x) = x2 + 11x + 11

*22. Rocket Malachi shot a rocket for his science project. The path of the rocket’s
(100)
movement formed a parabola given by the quadratic equation h = -16t2 + 4t + 10,
where h is the height in feet and t is the time in seconds. Find the maximum height
of the path the rocket makes and the time t when the rocket hits the ground. Round
to the nearest hundredth.

Lesson 102 689

*23. Solve x2 + 12x + 40 = 0 by graphing.
(100)

24. Find the midpoint of the line segment with the endpoints (13, -3) and (-7, -3).
(86)

25. Factor -3y3 - 9yz + 5y2 + 15z.

(87)

26. Multi-Step Mr. Tranh’s lawn has an area of 144 square feet. The length of his yard
(89)
is 7 feet more than the width. What are the dimensions of his yard?
a. Write a formula to find the dimensions of the yard and describe how you will
solve it.
b. What are the dimensions of the yard?

27. Do the side lengths 3, 7, and 8 form a Pythagorean triple?

(85)

28. Running It took Wayne _ x

minutes to run to the gym that was
(92) 2x2 + x - 15
_+
9x _ 5x 2
miles away. Find his rate in miles per minute.
4x - 10 3x + 9

29. Multi-Step Raj is measuring the area of his rectangular living room. He determined
(93) (x2 - 64)
that the area is -64x + x3 - 2x2 + 128 square feet. The width is _ feet.
(x + 8)
a. Simplify the expression for the width of the living room.
b. Find the expression for the length.

30. Generalize What is the difference between solving an absolute-value equation with
(94)
operations on the outside and solving absolute-value equations with operations
on the inside?

690 Saxon Algebra 1

LESSON Dividing Radical Expressions
103
Warm Up 1. Vocabulary The number or expression under a radical symbol is called
(13)
the __________.

Simplify. All variables represent non-negative numbers.

2. √
150 3. 3 √
72
(61) (61)
3
4. √48x 5. √
12 · √
15
(61) (76)

New Concepts When dividing radical expressions, use the Quotient Property of Radicals.
n
_a = _
 √a
Math Language √n

b n
√b
, where b ≠ 0.
n _
a
In the expression 
√b , A radical expression in simplest form cannot have a fraction for a radicand
_a is the radicand and n or a radical in the denominator. To rationalize a denominator means to use
b
is the index number. a method which removes radicals from the denominator of a fraction. Using
this method, a fraction is multiplied by another fraction that is equivalent to
1 in order to remove the radical from the denominator.

Example 1 Rationalizing the Denominator

Simplify.
_7
√3
SOLUTION

Use the quotient property. Then rationalize the denominator.

Math Reasoning
√
Verify Multiply _
21
3
√_73
√
by _ to show that
3
√7

=_
√
3
the product equals the Quotient Property of Radicals
√
original expression _ .
7 √3

√
3
 √3
√7
=_·_ Multiply the expression by a factor of 1 that will make the
√3
 √3 radicand in the denominator a perfect square.
√7

=_
·3
Multiplication Property of Radicals
√3
·3
√21

=_ Multiply.
√9
√21

=_ Simplify the square root.
3

Lesson 103 691

 Example 2 Rationalizing a Variable Denominator

Simplify √_x5 . All variables represent non-negative numbers.

SOLUTION

Use the quotient property. Then rationalize the denominator.

√_x5 = _
√5

√x

Quotient Property of Radicals

 √x
=_·_
√5  Multiply the expression by a factor of 1 that will make
√x
 √x
 the radicand in the denominator a perfect square.
√5
·x
=_ Multiplication Property of Radicals
√x
·x
√5x

=_ Multiply.
2
√x
√5x

=_x Simplify the square root.

A radical expression is completely simplified when the radicand contains no

perfect square factors other than 1, and there are no fractions in the radicand.

Example 3 Simplifying Before Rationalizing the Denominator

4
√72x
Simplify _
3
. All variables represent non-negative numbers.
3 √20x
SOLUTION

Simplify the numerator and denominator.

_4
√72x 
√36 · 2 · x2 · x2
= __ Factor out perfect squares, if possible.
3
3 √20x 3 √4
· 5 · x2 · x
6x2 √2
= __ Simplify the radical expressions.
2 · 3 · x √5x

6x2 √2
=_ Simplify the denominator.
6x √5x

x √2
=_ Divide out common factors in the numerator
√5x
 and denominator.
x √2 √5x

=_·_ Rationalize the denominator.
 √5x
√5x 
x √10x

=_ Simplify.
5x
√10x

Online Connection =_ Divide out common factors in the numerator
5
www.SaxonMathResources.com and denominator.

692 Saxon Algebra 1

 The conjugate of an irrational number in the form a + √ b is a - √
b . The
conjugate is used to rationalize the denominator of a fraction when the
denominator is a binomial with at least one term containing a radical.

Example 4 Using Conjugates to Rationalize the Denominator

Simplify.

Math Reasoning a. _
3
4 + √
5
Analyze Why must
conjugates be used SOLUTION
when rationalizing
denominators with Find the conjugate of the denominator. Use the conjugate to write a factor
radicals containing
binomials?
equivalent to 1. Multiply the fraction by the factor.
_
3
4 + √5
_ (4 - √5)
·_
3
The conjugate of 4 + √5
 is 4 - √5
.
4 + √5 (4 - √5)
12 - 3 √5
= __
Use the Distributive Property and the FOIL
16 - 4 √5 + 4 √5 - 5 method to multiply numerators and
denominators.
12 - 3 √5
=_ Combine like terms and simplify.
11
3 √5
=_
12 - _ Write the solution as two fractions with the
11 11
same denominator.

b.
_
2
√
3+1
SOLUTION

_
2
√3
+1
_ ( √3 - 1)
·_
2
The conjugate of √3
 + 1 is √3
 - 1.
√3
+1 ( √3 - 1)
2 √3 - 2
= __
Use the Distributive Property and the FOIL
3 - √3 + √3 - 1 method to multiply numerators and
denominators.
2 √3 - 2
=_ Combine like terms and simplify.
2
2( √3 - 1)
=_ Factor the numerator. Divide.
2
= √3 - 1 Simplify.

Lesson 103 693

 Lesson Practice
Simplify. All variables represent non-negative numbers.

a.
(Ex 1)
√_53 b.
(Ex 2)
_
√
11
x
√
_6x6 _
3
c. d.
(Ex 3) √
27x (Ex 4) 5 - √
6

e. _
3
(Ex 4) √
7-1

Practice Distributed and Integrated

*1. Simplify _
35 .
(103) √
7

2. Solve _ = _
8 x.
(99) x-1 7
*3. Error Analysis Two students simplified the following expression. Which student is
(103)
correct? Explain the error.

Student A Student B
_
1 _
1
3 + √2 3 + √ 2
_·_1 3 - √
2 _·_1 √
2
3 + √2 3 - √
2 3 + √ 2 √
2
_
3 - √
2 _ √ 
2
7 3 √
2+2

*4. Skydiving A 150-pound skydiver reaches terminal velocity after free-falling for a
(103)
number of seconds. The formula for the terminal velocity V of a skydiver
_
(in feet per second) can be estimated by the formula V = 
2W
√ 0.0063
, where W equals
the weight of the skydiver in pounds. Write a rational expression for the terminal
velocity of the skydiver.

5. What is 400% of 40? Use a proportion to solve.

(42)
2 √
*6. Write Is _
3
√
in simplest form? Explain.
(103) 2

*7. Predict If 2 ÷ √
2 is √
2 , and 3 ÷ √
3 is √
3 , what is a good prediction of what the
(103)
quotient of 239 ÷ √239 might be?

8. Multi-Step The area of a square is 9x2. The length of one of its sides plus 32 is 47.
(102)
a. What is the length of one of its sides?
b. What is the area of the square?
c. What is x?

694 Saxon Algebra 1

 *9. Time and Distance A stone is dropped from a height of 450 feet. Use the equation
(102)
25t2 - 450 = 0 to find how many seconds it takes for the stone to hit the ground.

4x + 2y = 22
10. Solve by substitution.
(59) 6x - 5y = 9

*11. Verify True or False: 5x2 + 125 = 0; x = ±5. If the answer is false, provide the
(102)
correct answer.

Solve and graph the inequality.

12. -6⎢x⎢ + 20 ≥ 2
(101)

13. 14x + 2y > 6

(97)

*14. Error Analysis Two students solve the inequality -12⎢x⎢ - 15 > -39. Which student
(101)
is correct? Explain the error.

Student A Student B
-12⎢x⎢ - 15 > -39 -12⎢x⎢ - 15 > -39
-12⎢x⎢ > -24 12⎢x⎢ + 15 < 39
⎢x⎢ > 2 12⎢x⎢ < 24
x < -2 OR x > 2 ⎢x⎢ < 2
-2 < x < 2

*15. Geometry Find the length of the line segment that is the graph of the
inequality ⎢_7 + 6 - 5 ≤ 4.
(101) x

*16. Tennis The diameter d of a tennis ball should vary no more than _
1
16 inch
(101) _5
from 2 16 inches. Write and solve an absolute-value inequality that models the
acceptable diameters. What is the greatest acceptable diameter?

17. Graph the function y = 10x2 - 20.

(96)

18. Soccer The height h in meters of a kicked soccer ball is represented by the
(98)
function h = -5t2 + 20t, where t stands for the number of seconds after the ball
is kicked. When is the ball on the ground?

19. Data Analysis A teacher graphed the test grades. He found that the distribution
(98)
formed a parabola. Solve the equation 0 = x2 - 170x + 7000 to find its roots.

20. Write What are the other names for the x-intercepts of a function?
(100)

21. Multiple Choice What is the equation of the parabola that passes through the points
(100)
(0, 2), (-2, 6), and (6, 14)?
A y = x2 - x + 2 B y = -_ 1 x2 - x + 2
2
C y = _ x2 + x - 2 D y = _ x2 - x + 2
1 1
2 2

Lesson 103 695

 22. Factor 2x2y + 4xy - 7xyz - 14yz.
(87)

23. Multiply _ _
90 6a2b2
(88) 24a • 25b .

24. Do the side lengths 15, 36, and 39 form a Pythagorean triple?
(85)

25. Multi-Step A plane left the airport and traveled west, with a tailwind, at a cruising
(90)
speed of 230 miles per hour for 300 miles. After dropping passengers off, the plane
traveled east at the same cruising speed, but into a headwind, for 220 miles before
landing for fuel.
a. Justify Write an expression for the time going west and another expression for
the time going east. Explain how you came up with these expressions.
b. Add the expressions and simplify.
c. What does the simplified expression represent?

26. Gardening Jasmine has a rectangular garden with an area of (x2 - 14x + 45)
(93)
square feet and a length of (x - 5) feet. What is the width of her garden?

27. Multi-Step A bike rental company charges $8 for each bike rental plus $10 for each
(94)
hour it is rented. A couple has budgeted $66 for both of them to rent bikes. They
hope that the total cost is within $10 of their budget.
a. Write an absolute-value equation for the minimum and maximum number of
hours the couple can ride bikes.
b. What is the minimum and maximum number of hours the couple can ride
bikes?
4y - 5
28. Write How do you find _
6 as the difference of two rational expressions?
(95)

29. Can x2 + x + 1 be factored? Explain.

(Inv 9)

30. If a quadratic function has been vertically stretched, does that mean the parabola
(Inv 10)
is wider or narrower than the parent quadratic function, f(x) = x2?

696 Saxon Algebra 1

LESSON Solving Quadratic Equations by
104 Completing the Square

Warm Up 1. Vocabulary A
(60)
is a trinomial that is the square of a binomial.
Simplify.
2 2
2.
(3)
(_83 ) 3.
(4)
(_3)
12
-5

Solve.
4. x2 + 6x + 9 = 0 5. x2 - 18x + 81 = 0
(98) (98)

New Concepts The product of a binomial square is a perfect-square trinomial.

Binomial Square Perfect-Square Trinomial
(x - 7) 2 x2 - 14x + 49
(x + 3) 2 x2 + 6x + 9

Hint
Completing the square is a process used to form a perfect-square trinomial.

The last term of the Completing the Square

binomial is doubled to
2
Complete the square of x2 + bx by adding _2 ()
get the coefficient of b
to the expression.
the middle term of the
trinomial and squared to
get the last term of the x2 + bx + Example: x2 + 6x +
trinomial.

2 2
x2 + bx + _b2 () x2 + 6x + _62
()
x2 + bx + _
b2
( ) x2 + 6x + (3)2
22
2 x2 + 6x + 9
(x+_ )
b
2
(x + 3) 2

Example 1 Completing the Square

Complete the square.
x2 + 8x
SOLUTION

x2 + 8x +
2
x2 + 8x + _
8
() Add the square of 8 divided by 2.
2

Online Connection
x2 + 8x + (4)2 Simplify the fraction.
2
www.SaxonMathResources.com x + 8x + 16 Simplify.

Lesson 104 697

 Exploration Modeling Completing the Square
Algebra tiles are used to visualize the process of completing the square. Use
algebra tiles to model x2 + 4x.

+ + + + +

a. Can these tiles be used to form a square? Explain.

b. What type of tile could be added to form a square? How many are
needed? Make a drawing.

c. What is the value of the tiles in this square?

Math Reasoning d. What is the factored form of the trinomial? What is the length of a
side of the square?
Analyze How would the
drawing be different for
completing the square of
e. Write Does the sign of the coefficient of the x-term determine the sign
x2 - 4x? of the constant? Explain.

Completing the square is used to solve quadratic equations. Once the square
is completed, the equation is solved by finding the square root of both sides.

Example 2 Solving x2 + bx = c by Completing the Square

Solve by completing the square.

a. x2 + 10x = 11
SOLUTION

Complete the square.

x2 + 10x = 11
Math Reasoning x2 + 10x + = 11
2 2
Analyze Why is 25 added
to both sides of the
x2 + 10x + (_
2)
10
= 11 + (_)
10
2
Complete the square. Add the missing
equation? value to both sides of the equation.
x2 + 10x + (5)2 = 11 + (5)2 Simplify the fraction.
2
x + 10x + 25 = 11 + 25 Simplify.
(x + 5)2 = 36 Factor the left side. Simplify the right side.

Solve using square roots.

Hint 
√(x + 5) 2 = ± √36
 Take the square root of both sides of
The square root of a the equation.
number squared is that
x+5=±6 Simplify.
number. So, √
(x + 5)2

= √(x + 5)(x + 5) x + 5 = -6 or x + 5 = 6 Write as two equations.
= (x + 5).
-5 = __
__ -5 -5 = __
__ -5 Subtraction Property of Equality
x = -11 or x=1 Simplify.

698 Saxon Algebra 1

 Check x2 + 10x = 11
(-11)2 + 10(-11)  11 Substitute -11 for x.
121 - 110  11 Simplify using the order of operations.
11 = 11 ✓ Subtract.

x2 + 10x = 11
(1)2 + 10(1)  11 Substitute 1 for x.
1 + 10  11 Simplify using the order of operations.
11 = 11 ✓ Add.

b. x2 - 8x = 9
SOLUTION

x2 - 8x = 9
2 2
x2 - 8x + _
8
( ) = 9 + (_82 ) Complete the square. Add the missing
2
value to both sides of the equation.
x2 - 8x + (4)2 = 9 + (4)2 Simplify the fraction.
x2 - 8x + 16 = 9 + 16 Simplify.
2
(x - 4) = 25 Factor the left side. Simplify the right side.

√(x - 4)2 = ± √25
 Take the square root of both sides of
the equation.
x - 4 = ±5 Simplify.
x - 4 = -5 or x - 4 = 5 Write as two equations.
+4 = __
__ +4 +4 = __
__ +4 Addition Property of Equality
x = -1 or x=9 Simplify.

Check x2 - 8x = 9
(-1)2 - 8(-1)  9 Substitute -1 for x.
1+89 Simplify using the order of operations.
9=9 ✓ Add.

x2 - 8x = 9
(9)2 - 8(9)  9 Substitute 9 for x.
81 - 72  9 Simplify using the order of operations.
9=9 ✓ Add.

Math Language In Example 2 the coefficient of each quadratic term is 1. The coefficient
of the quadratic term must be 1 in order to use the completing-the-square
The quadratic term is
the x2 term. method for solving quadratic equations. However, the coefficient of the
quadratic term is often not 1. In which case, each term must be divided by
the coefficient a.

Lesson 104 699

 Example 3 Solving ax2 + bx = c by Completing the Square
Solve by completing the square.

a. 4x2 + 16x = 8
SOLUTION

Write the equation so that the coefficient of x2 is 1. Then complete

the square.
4x2 + 16x = 8
4x2 + 16x _
_ =8 Divide both sides by the coefficient of x2.
4 4
x2 + 4x = 2 Simplify.
2 2
x2 + 4x + (_42 ) = 2 + (_42 ) Complete the square. Add the missing
value to both sides of the equation.
x2 + 4x + (2)2 = 2 + (2)2 Simplify the fraction.
2
x + 4x + 4 = 2 + 4 Simplify.
(x + 2)2 = 6 Factor the left side. Simplify the
right side.

√(x + 2)2 = ± √6 Take the square root of both sides.
x + 2 = ± √6 Simplify.
x + 2 = - √6 or x + 2 = √6 Write as two equations.
-2 = __
__ -2 -2 = __
__ -2 Subtraction Property of Equality
x = -2 - √6 or x = -2 + √6 Simplify.
x ≈ -4.450 or x ≈ 0.450 Use a calculator to find
approximate values.

Check

4x2 + 16x = 8
Q8
4(-4.450)2 + 16(-4.450) ≈ Substitute -4.450 for x.
Q8
4(19.8025) + 16(-4.450) ≈ Square (-4.450).
Q8
79.21 - 71.2 ≈ Multiply.
8.01 ≈ 8 ✓ Subtract.
4x2 + 16x = 8
Q8
4(0.450)2 + 16(0.450) ≈ Substitute 0.450 for x.
Q8
4(0.2025) + 16(0.450) ≈ Square (0.450).
Q8
0.81 + 7.2 ≈ Multiply.
8.01 ≈ 8 ✓ Subtract.

700 Saxon Algebra 1

 b. 3x2 - 12x = -54
SOLUTION

3x2 - 12x = -54

_
3x2 - 12x = _
-54 Divide both sides by the coefficient
3 3
of x2.
x2 - 4x = -18 Simplify.
2 2
x2 - 4x + (_
2 )
-4
= -18 + (_)
-4
2
Complete the square. Add the missing
value to both sides of the equation.
x2 - 4x + 4 = -18 + 4 Simplify.
2
(x - 2) = -14 Factor the left side. Simplify the
right side.

√(x - 2)2 = ± √-14
 Take the square root of both sides of
the equation.

Reading Math x - 2 = ± √-14

 Simplify.

A symbol for no solution x = 2 ± √-14

 Ø; No real number is the square root
is Ø. of a negative value.

Example 4 Finding Dimensions of a Rectangle

The length of a rectangle is 12 feet more than its width. The total area of
the rectangle is 64 square feet. What are the dimensions of the rectangle?
SOLUTION

Write and solve an equation to find the dimensions.

x = width; x + 12 = length Assign values for the length and width.
w·l=A Use the area formula.
x(x + 12) = 64 Substitute the width, length, and area.
2
x + 12x = 64 Distribute.
2 2
x2 + 12x + (_
2)
12
= 64 + (_)
12
2
Complete the square. Add the missing
value to both sides.
x2 + 12x + 36 = 64 + 36 Simplify.
(x + 6)2 = 100 Factor and simplify.

√(x + 6)2 = ± √100
 Take the square root of both sides.
Math Reasoning
x + 6 = ±10 Simplify.
Verify Show that w =
4 feet and l = 16 feet are
x + 6 = -10 or x + 6 = 10 Write as two equations.
the correct dimensions. x = -16 or x=4 Subtract 6 from both sides.
A negative length is not possible, so 4 feet is the solution. This means that
the width of the rectangle is 4 feet and the length is 4 + 12, or 16 feet.

Lesson 104 701

 Lesson Practice
a. Complete the square: x2 + 24x.
(Ex 1)

Solve by completing the square.

b. x2 + 2x = 8
(Ex 2)
c. x2 - 14x = 15
(Ex 2)
d. 3x2 + 24x = -27
(Ex 3)
e. 2x2 + 6x = -6
(Ex 3)
f. The base of a parallelogram is 8 centimeters more than its height. If the
(Ex 4)
total area of the parallelogram is 20 square centimeters, what are the
dimensions of the parallelogram?

Practice Distributed and Integrated

*1. Find the missing term of the perfect-square trinomial: c2 + 100c + .

(104)

*2. Find the missing term of the perfect-square trinomial: y2 - 26y + .

(104)

*3. Multiple Choice What is the missing value for the perfect-square trinomial?
(104)

x2 - 30x +
A -225 B -15 C 15 D 225

*4. Justify Solve 6x2 - 12x - 18 = 0 by completing the square. Justify each step in
(104)
your solution. Then check the answer(s).

*5. Design The diagram shows the cutout for an open box. The height of 3
(104)
the box is 3 inches. The length is 5 inches greater than the width. The
area of the base of the box is 24 square inches. What are the dimensions 3 3
x
of the box?
x+5
3

√
6. Simplify _
3
√
.
(103) 11

7. A deck has 6 green cards and 2 yellow cards in it. What is the probability of
(33)
drawing a green card, keeping it, and then drawing a yellow card?

*8. Multi-Step A circle has an area of 6 square meters. Find the radius of the circle.
Use _
(103) 22 2
7 for π. (Hint: Area of a circle = πr )
a. Write the formula for finding the radius of the circle.
b. Write the equation for finding the radius after substituting in _ for π.
22
7
c. What is the radius of the circle?

(
√
*9. Coordinate Geometry A right triangle is plotted at points A _
(86) 3
5 _3 √
3
, 4 ,B _ ) (
√
3
5 _ √
3
, 4 , )
and C _ (2 √
5 _√
3
)
3 , 4 , and line segment AC forms the hypotenuse of the triangle. What
is the length of the hypotenuse of triangle ABC?

702 Saxon Algebra 1

 10. Printing A photographer has printing paper that is 8 inches by 10 inches with a
(102)
half-inch margin on the left and right side and a one-inch margin on the top and
bottom. He can print out six square images. What are the dimensions of the image?

*11. Geometry The volume of a cylindrical container is 339.12 cubic meters. The
(102)
formula representing the volume of the container is (18π)r2 = 339.12. Find r, the
radius of the container. Use 3.14 for π.

12. Error Analysis Two students were asked to find the LCD of
(95)
_ 4x2 +_7x + 1
. Which student is correct? Explain the error.
x2 + 15x + 56 -3x + 21

Student A Student B
__
4x2
+_
7x + 1 __
4x2
+_
7x + 1
x2 + 15x + 56 -3x + 21 x2 + 15x + 56 -3x + 21
__ 4x2
+_
7x + 1 __ 4x2
+_
7x + 1
(x + 7)(x + 8) -3(x - 7) (x + 7)(x + 8) -3(x + 7)
LCD = -3(x - 7)(x + 7)(x + 8) LCD = -3(x + 7)(x + 8)

13. For which values is the rational expression _

x-6
x undefined?
(43)

14. Find the roots of 32x - 3x = 24 - 4x2.

(98)

15. Solve x2 = 100.

(102)

16. Football The height of a punted ball at time t is represented by the function
(98)
-32t2 + 12t + 2 = h, where t stands for the number of seconds after the ball is
kicked. When does the ball land on the ground?

17. Masonry Pedro can build a brick fence in 10 hours. His partner can build the
(99)
same brick fence in 12 hours. How long would it take them to do the masonry
work together?

18. Solve x2 + 81 = 18x by graphing.

(100)

3 4
19. Measurement A student uses indirect measurement to find the height of a flagpole.
(99)
She writes a proportion relating the heights and lengths of the shadows. The
equation she must solve is _ _
x x - 20
10 = 2 ; where x is the height of the flagpole in feet.
Find the height of the flagpole.

*20. a. Solve the inequality -8⎪x + 7⎥ ≥ -24.

(101)
b. Verify Choose two x-values in the solution set you found in part a. Verify that
each x-value satisfies the original inequality.

*21. Multiple Choice Suppose a number n is a solution of the inequality ⎪5x - 2⎥ < 9.
(101)
Which of the following inequalities does not have n as a solution?
A 5x - 2 > -9 B 5x - 2 > 9 C -9 < 5x - 2 D 5x - 2 < 9

Lesson 104 703

 22. Find the zeros of the function shown.
(89)
y
8

4 y=_
1 x 2 + 2x - 6
2
O x
-8 4 8
-4

49x2 + 21xy
23. Find the quotient of _2
÷_
14x
2
.
(88) 5x 25xy

24. Find the product (6y - 3)(6y + 3).

(60)

25. Factor 4x4 - 64 completely.

(Inv 9)

26. Multi-Step When budgeting to purchase a new car, a student is willing to spend
(91)
$3000 plus or minus $200.
a. Write an absolute-value inequality to show the range of prices the student is
willing to consider.
b. Solve and find the range of the actual price the student might pay.

27. Find the midpoint of the line segment with the endpoints (-4, 3) and (2, 4).
(86)

28. Cell Phone A student budgets $25 for his cell phone each month. He pays $10 for
(94)
the service and $0.05 per minute. He knows that his budget can be off by $5 in
either direction. What is the maximum and minimum number of minutes he can
talk each month?

29. Justify _a + _a ≠ _
2a
(95) x b x+b

30. Generalize When does a quadratic function only have one zero?
(96)

704 Saxon Algebra 1

LESSON Recognizing and Extending Geometric
105 Sequences

Warm Up 1. Vocabulary A(n) __________ is a list of numbers that often follows

(34)
a rule.

Simplify
2. -25 3. (-3) 4
(3) (3)
4. 15(-0.4) 2 5. 3 -3
(4) (32)

New Concepts A geometric sequence is a sequence with a constant ratio between consecutive
terms. The ratio between consecutive terms is known as the common ratio. In
Math Language a geometric sequence, the ratio of any term divided by the previous term is
A sequence is a list of
the same for any two consecutive terms.
numbers that often geometric sequence: 3, 6, 12, 24, …
follows a rule.

ratios: _
6 =_
12 = _
24
3 6 12

Example 1 Finding Common Ratios

Find the common ratio for each geometric sequence.

a. 4, 12, 36, 108, …

SOLUTION

4 12 36 108
_
12
=3 _
36
=3 _
108
=3
4 12 36
The common ratio is 3.

b. 320, -80, 20, -5, …

SOLUTION
320 -80 20 -5
_
-80
= -_
1 _
20
= -_
1 _
-5
= -_
1
320 4 -80 4 20 4

The common ratio is - _ 1.

4
c. 0.4, 1, 2.5, 6.25, …
SOLUTION

0.4 1 2.5 6.25

_
1
= 2.5 _
2.5
= 2.5 _
6.25
= 2.5
Online Connection
0.4 1 2.5
www.SaxonMathResources.com The common ratio is 2.5.
Lesson 105 705
 Example 2 Extending Geometric Sequences
Find the next four terms in the geometric sequence.

a. 2, 8, 32, 128, …
SOLUTION

The common ratio is 4. Each term of the sequence is 4 times the previous
term. Use the common ratio to find the next 4 terms.
×4 ×4 ×4 ×4
128 512 2048 8192 32,768

Math Reasoning The next 4 terms of the sequence are 512, 2048, 8192, and 32,768.
Generalize When will
b. 250, -50, 10, -2, …
the common ratio be
negative? SOLUTION

The common ratio is -_15 . Use the common ratio to find the next 4 terms.

× -_
1
( ) ×(-_15 ) × -_
1
( ) × -_
1
( )
5 5 5

-2 _2 -_
2 _
2
-_2
5 25 125 625
Math Reasoning The next 4 terms of the sequence are _5 , -_
2 2 _
, 2 , and -_
25 125
2
625
.
Analyze Which
operation is equivalent Examine the terms of the sequence in Example 2a.
to multiplying by - _15 ?
Term 1: 2 = 2 · 1 = 2 · 40 Term 2: 8 = 2 · 4 = 2 · 41
Term 3: 32 = 2 · 4 · 4 = 2 · 42 Term 4: 128 = 2 · 4 · 4 · 4 = 2 · 43
The exponent on the common ratio 4 is 1 less than the number of the term.
n-1
In general, the nth term of the sequence is 2 · 4 .

Reading Math Finding the nth Term of a Geometric Sequence

In the expression 4n-1, n Let A(n) equal the nth term of a geometric sequence, then
represents the integers 1,
2, 3, 4, and so on. A(n) = ar n-1
where a is the first term of the sequence and r is the common ratio.

Example 3 Finding the nth Term of a Geometric Sequence

a. The first term of a geometric sequence is 7 and the common ratio
is -3. Find the 6th term in the sequence.
SOLUTION

A(n) = ar n-1 Use the formula.

A(6) = 7(-3) 6-1 Substitute 6 for n, 7 for a, and -3 for r.
5
= 7(-3) Simplify the exponent.
= 7(-243) Raise -3 to the 5th power.
= -1701 Multiply.

The 6th term in the sequence is -1701.

706 Saxon Algebra 1
 b. Find the 7th term of geometric sequence.
_1 , -_1 , _
1 , ...
3 9 27
SOLUTION

Find the common ratio: -_19 ÷ _13 = -_91 · _31 = -_13 .

A(n) = arn-1 Use the formula.
7-1
A(7) = _
1 -_
( )
1 Substitute 7 for n, _
1
3
for a, and - _
1
3
for r.
3 3
6
=_1 -_
3( 3)
1 Simplify the exponent.

= (_
1 _
3 )( 729 )
1 Raise - _
1
to the 6th power.
3

=_ 1 Multiply.
2187
The 7th term in the sequence is _ 1
2187
.

c. Find the 9th term in the geometric sequence.

17, 8_, 4_, 2_, …

1 1 1
2 4 8
Hint
SOLUTION
Choose the two terms
Find the common ratio: 8_2 ÷ 17 = _
1
that are the easiest for 17
2
÷ 17 = _
17 _
2
1
· 17 = _12 .
finding the common
ratio. Then use that A(n) = ar n-1 Use the formula.
ratio to check. 9-1
A(9) = 17 (_12 ) Substitute 9 for n, 17 for a, and _
1
2
for r.

8
= 17(_ )
1
Simplify the exponent.
2

= 17(_ )
1
Raise _
1
to the 8th power.
256 2

=_
17 Multiply.
256
The 9th term of the sequence is _
17
256 .

d. Find the 5th term of the geometric sequence.

1.2, 7.2, 43.2, …
SOLUTION
Find the common ratio: 7.2 ÷ 1.2 = 6.
A(n) = ar n-1 Use the formula.
5-1
A(5) = 1.2(6) Substitute 5 for n, 1.2 for a, and 6 for r.
= 1555.2 Simplify.

The 5th term of the sequence is 1555.2.

Lesson 105 707

 Example 4 Application: Bounce Height
A ball is dropped from a height of 2 yards. The height of each bounce is
85% of the previous height. What is the height of the ball after 10 bounces?
SOLUTION

Understand A ball is dropped from a height of 2 yards. The height of each

bounce is 85% of the height of the previous bounce. The common ratio is
85%, or 0.85.

Caution
The height of the first
bounce is 1.7 yards. The 2 yds.
first term of the sequence
is 1.7, not 2. The height of
the drop is 2 yards. ? yds.
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th
bounce

The heights of the bounces form a geometric sequence.

Plan Multiply the drop height of 2 yards by the common ratio 0.85 to find
the height of the first bounce. This product is the 1st term of the sequence.
n–1
Then use the formula A(n) = ar to find the height of the 10th bounce.
This is the 10th term in the sequence.

Solve Find the height of the 1st bounce: 2 · 0.85 = 1.7 yards.

So, the first term of the sequence is 1.7.

Use the formula A(n) = ar n-1 to find the height of the 10th bounce.

Math Reasoning A(n) = ar n-1

Analyze Why is 1.7 A(10) = 1.7(0.85)10-1 Substitute 1.7 for a, 10 for n, and 0.85 for r.
multiplied by 0.85 nine
times instead of ten
= 1.7(0.85) 9 Simplify the exponent.
times? ≈ 0.39 yards Simplify and round to the nearest hundredth.

The height of the 10th bounce is about 0.39 yards.

Check Multiply the height of the first bounce by 0.85 nine times.

1.7 × 0.85 × 0.85 × 0.85 × 0.85 × 0.85 × 0.85 × 0.85 × 0.85 × 0.85 ≈ 0.39 ✓

Lesson Practice
Find the common ratio for each geometric sequence.
(Ex 1)
a. 2, 16, 128, 1024, ...
b. -162, 54, -18, 6, ...
c. 0.7, 4.9, 34.3, 240.1, ...

Find the next four terms of each sequence.

(Ex 2)
d. 5, -15, 45, -135, ...
e. 336, 168, 84, 42, ...

708 Saxon Algebra 1

 f. The first term of a geometric sequence is -3 and the common ratio is 4.
(Ex 3)
Find the 6th term in the sequence.
g. Find the 7th term in the geometric sequence.
(Ex 3)
-_ 1, _
1 , -_1 ,_
1 , -_ 1 , ...
2 8 32 128 512
h. Find the 8th term in the geometric sequence.
(Ex 3)

4_ , -8 _, 17, -34, ...

1 1
4 2
i. Find the 6th term of the geometric sequence 40, 32, 25.6, ....
(Ex 2)
j. A fish tank is _9
10
full. Every minute, _13 of the water leaks out of the tank.
(Ex 3)
After 5 minutes, how full is the tank?

Practice Distributed and Integrated

*1. Find the common ratio of the geometric sequence -80, 20, -5, 1_, ....
1
(105) 4
*2. Multiple Choice Which rule can you use to find the nth term of the sequence
(105)
4, 6, 9, 13.5, …?
n n-1
A A(n) = 4(1.5) B A(n) = 4(1.5)
n
C A(n) = 4(2) n-1 D A(n) = 3(1.5)

*3. Depreciation Harper buys a car in 2007 for $20,000. Each year, the car decreases
(105)
in value by 18%. How much will the car be worth in 2012? Round to the
nearest cent.

*4. Write The third term of a sequence is 0. The first two terms are not 0. Can this
(105)
be a geometric sequence? Explain.

5. Write a recursive formula for the arithmetic sequence with a1 = _12 and common
(34)
difference d = _12 . Then find the first four terms of the sequence.

*6. Analyze Write two possible rules for the nth term of the geometric sequence with a
(105)
first term of 5 and a third term of 605.

7. Find the missing term of the perfect-square trinomial: x2 + 18x + ____.

(104)

8. Error Analysis Dominic stated that the missing value for completing the square of
(104)
g2 + 28g + is 14. Is this correct? Explain.

*9. Multi-Step A design for a rectangular flower bed is shown. 2

(104)
The total area of the flower bed is 880 square feet.
a. Write an equation to represent the problem. x
2 2x 2
b. Write the quadratic equation in the form x2 + bx = c.
2
c. What is the width of the interior of the flower bed?
d. What is the area of the border?

Lesson 105 709

 Simplify.
_
11x + 22 √
_63
10. 2
11.
(43) 22x + 44x (103) √
18

*12. Geometry The base of a right triangle is 14 units longer than its height. The
(104)
hypotenuse is 26 units. What are the base and height measurements of the triangle?

*13. Error Analysis Two students simplified the given expression. Which student is
(103)
correct? Explain the error.

Student A Student B
_
5 _
5
√8 √8
_ 5
·_
1 _ 5 √
·_
2
2 √2 √
2 2 √2 √2
_5 5 √2
_
4 4

*14. Architecture In the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands, architect Piet Blom designed
(103)
a group of cube-shaped houses that each sit upon its vertex. If the surface area of
each cube measures 337_2 square meters, write a rational expression representing
1

(
the edge length of the cube. Hint: edge length =  _
A
6√ )
15. Find the roots: 14x2 - 2x = 3 - 21x.
(98)

16. Construction It takes a woman 3 hours to build a doghouse. Her husband can
(99)
build it in 4 hours. How long will it take them if they build the doghouse
together?

17. Use mental math to find the product of 292.

(60)

18. Horseshoes Shannon plays a game of horseshoes. The horseshoe’s movement

(100)
forms a parabola given by the quadratic equation h = -16t2 + 6t + 6 where h is
the height in feet and t is the time in seconds. Find the maximum height of the
path the horseshoe makes and the time t when the horseshoe hits the ground.
Round to the nearest hundredth.
3 4
19. Measurement A puddle of water creates a shape on the ground. As time increases,
(100)
the area of the puddle changes. The area of the puddle is given by the function
A = 3t2 + 8t - 70, where A is the area in square feet and t is the time in seconds.
Find the time when the area is 55 square feet. Round to the nearest hundredth.

20. Solve and graph the inequality 2⎢x - 12 > -5.

(101)

21. Verify True or False: 4x2 - 64 = 0; x = 4. Verify that the answer is true. If the
(102)
answer is false, provide the correct answer.

710 Saxon Algebra 1

*22. Error Analysis Student A and Student B want to find the length of the sides of a
(102)
square with an area 460 square meters less than 685 square meters. Which student
is correct? Explain the error.

Student A Student B
x2 + 460 = 685 x2 + 460 = 685
-460 -460 +460 +460
x2 = 225 x2 = 1145
√x2 = √
225 √x2 = √1145
x = ±15 x ≈ ±3.838
The sides of the square are 15 m. The sides of the square are
about 3.838 m.

23. Give the coordinates of the parabola’s vertex. Then give the minimum or
(89)
maximum value.
y
8

y= _1 x 2 4
5
O x
-8 -4 4 8
-4

-8

24. Add _ d +_ 10 .
(90) d - 10 10 - d

25. Solve and check: _

18 - 4 = _
15 .
(99) 2x 3x

26. Multi-Step Louis walked for _

2
6x - 24x
6x
minutes to get to a grocery store that was
(92) 4x - 16
_ miles away.
x3
a. Find his rate in miles per minute.
b. If the rate is divided by _, what is the new rate?
1
x

27. Football The school football team is going to a camp that is _

8x2
x 2
- 11x + 18
miles
away. The team traveled _
(95) 2
8x - 72 miles on the first day. How many miles are left to
travel?

28. Find the midpoint of the line segment with the endpoints (-5, 0) and (1, 14).
(86)

29. Multi-Step A ball is thrown into the air from the top of a cliff at an initial velocity
(96)
of 32 feet per second. (Use h = -16t2 + vt + 0.)
a. How high is the ball after 2 seconds?
b. What does this height represent?
c. After 3 seconds, the ball is -48 feet. What does this height represent?

30. Justify List the inequality symbols that result in graphs with dashed boundary lines
(97)
and list the inequality symbols that result in graphs with solid boundary lines.

Lesson 105 711

LES SON Solving Radical Equations
106
Warm Up 1. Vocabulary Which of the following expressions is a radical expression?
(61)
A 2x + 4 B √
x+1+2 C x2 + 5 D 2x2 + 3x + 6

Simplify.
2 2
2. ( √
5) x + 2)
3. ( √
(76) (76)

Solve.
4. x2 + 5x + 6 = 0 5. x2 - 5x = 14
(98) (98)

New Concepts An equation containing a variable in a radicand is called a radical equation.

Inverse operations are used to solve radical equations. The inverse of finding
Math Language
the square root of a term is squaring the term.

Inverse operations are

operations that undo
Example 1 Solving Simple Radical Equations
each other.
Solve each equation.

a. x=7
√

SOLUTION

Use inverse operations.

√x
= 7
2 2
) = 7
( √x Square both sides.
x = 49 Simplify.

Check √x
=7
√49
7
7=7 ✓
Math Reasoning
b. √
4x = 12
Verify Show that
simplifying √4x before SOLUTION
squaring will result in the
same solution. Use inverse operations.
√4x
 = 12
2
) = 122
( √4x Square both sides.
4x = 144 Simplify.
_
4x = _
144 Division Property of Equality
4 4
x = 36 Simplify.

712 Saxon Algebra 1

 Check √4
x = 12
  12
√4(36)
√144
  12
12 = 12 ✓

c. √
x + 2 = 12
SOLUTION

Use inverse operations.


√x + 2 = 12
2
+ 2 ) = 122
( √x Square both sides.
x + 2 = 144 Simplify.
-2 = __
__ -2 Subtraction Property of Equality
x = 142 Simplify.


Check √x + 2 = 12

√142 + 2  12
√144
  12
12 = 12 ✓
_
x -6=8
d. √
2
SOLUTION

Use inverse operations.

_
x -6=8
√
2
2
_
( √
2 )
x -6 =8 2
Square both sides.

_
x - 6 = 64 Simplify.
2
+6
__ +6
__ Addition Property of Equality
_
x = 70 Simplify.
2

2·_
x = 70 · 2 Multiplication Property of Equality
2
x = 140 Simplify.

_
x -6=8
Check √
2
_
√
140
2
-68

√70
-68
√64
8
Online Connection
www.SaxonMathResources.com 8=8 ✓
Lesson 106 713
 Sometimes the radical is not isolated in a radical equation. In those cases,
inverse operations for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division can
be used to isolate the radical. Once the radical has been isolated, both sides
of the equation can be squared.

Example 2 Solving by Isolating the Square Root

Solve each equation.

a. x-5=8
√ b. x+5=8
√

SOLUTION SOLUTION
Math Reasoning
Analyze Is squaring first Use inverse operations. Use inverse operations.
helpful in solving the
√x
-5= 8 √x
+5= 8
equation √x - 5 = 8 ?
+5 = __
__ +5 Addition Property -5 = __
__ -5 Subtraction
of Equality Property of Equality
√x
= 13 Simplify. √x 3
= Simplify.
2 2
) = 13
( √x Square both sides. ) = 3
( √x 2 2
Square both sides.
x = 169 Simplify. x=9 Simplify.

Check √x
-5 =8 √x
+5 =8
√
169 - 5  8 √
9+58
13 - 5  8 3+58
8=8 ✓ 8=8 ✓
√x
_
c. 3 √x
 = 21 d. = 18
2
SOLUTION SOLUTION

Use inverse operations. √x

_
= 18
2
3 √x
 = 21
3 √x _ ·_
√x 2
= 18 · _
2 Multiplication
_ =_
21 Division Property
2 1 1 Property of Equality
3 3 of Equality
√x
= 36 Simplify.
√x
= 7 Simplify.
2 2
( √x 2 2 ) = 36
( √x Square both sides.
) = 7 Square both sides.
x = 49 x = 1296 Simplify.
Simplify.
√x
_ = 18
Check 3 √x
 = 21
2
√1296
_
3 √
49  21  18
2

3 · 7  21 _
36
 18
2
21 = 21 ✓ 18 = 18 ✓

714 Saxon Algebra 1

 Some equations contain more than one radical expression. If possible, it is
helpful to put the radical expressions on opposite sides of the equal sign.

Example 3 Solving With Square Roots on Both Sides

Solve each equation.

Hint a. √
x + 2 = √
2x + 4
When a single radical SOLUTION
is on each side, begin
by writing the equation Use inverse operations.
without radical symbols.

√x + 2 = √
2x + 4
2 2
x + 2 ) = ( √
( √ 2x + 4 ) Square both sides.
x + 2 = 2x + 4 Simplify.
-2 =
__ -2
__ Subtraction Property of Equality
x = 2x + 2 Simplify.
-2x = __
__ -2x Subtraction Property of Equality
-x = 2 Simplify.
x =-2 Multiply by -1.

Check √
x + 2 = √
2x + 4
-2 + 2  √
√ 2(-2) + 4
√
0  √
-4 + 4
√0
  √0
0 =0 ✓

x + 2 - √
b. √ 2x = 0
SOLUTION

Use inverse operations.

x + 2 - √
√ 2x = 0
+ √
___ 2x = + √
___ 2x Addition Property of Equality
√x + 2 = √
 2x Simplify.
2 2
x + 2)
( √ 2x )
= ( √ Square both sides.
x + 2 = 2x Simplify.
-x
__ = -x
__ Subtraction Property of Equality
2=x Simplify.

x + 2 - √
Check √ 2x = 0
√
2+2- √
2(2)  0
√
4 - √
40
0=0 ✓

Lesson 106 715

 Math Language When both sides of an equation are squared to solve an equation, the
The derived equation
resulting equation may have solutions that do not satisfy the original
is a new equation that equation. Recall that an extraneous solution is a solution of a derived
results from squaring the equation that does not satisfy the original equation.
original equation.

Example 4 Determining Extraneous Solutions

Solve each equation.

a. √
x-1=x-3
SOLUTION The radical expression is isolated. Use inverse operations.
√
x-1=x-3
2
x - 1 ) = (x - 3)2
( √ Square both sides.
x - 1 = x2 - 6x + 9 Simplify.
+1 =
__ +1
__ Addition Property of Equality
x = x2 - 6x + 10
-x = -x Subtraction Property of Equality
0 = x2 - 7x + 10 Simplify.
0 = (x - 2)(x - 5) Factor.
x-2=0 x-5=0 Write two equations.
x=2 x=5 Use inverse operations to simplify.

Check √
x - 1 = x - 3; x = 2 √
x - 1 = x - 3; x = 5
Hint
√
2-1 2-3 √
5-1 5-3
Remember that positive
numbers have two √
1  -1 √
4 2
square roots. By
convention, √ returns 1 ≠ -1 ✗ 2=2 ✓
the positive square root.
The solution x = 2 is extraneous, so x = 5 is the only solution.

b. x + 5 = -2
√

SOLUTION Use inverse operations to isolate the radical.

x+5
√ = -2
-5 = __
__ -5 Subtraction Property of Equality
x
√ = -7 Simplify.
2 2
( √x
) = (-7) Square both sides.
x = 49 Simplify.

Check x+5
√ = -2
√
49 + 5  -2
7 + 5  -2
12 ≠ -2 ✗

The solution x = 49 is extraneous. There is no solution.

716 Saxon Algebra 1

 Example 5 Application: Architecture
An architect is designing a performance center.
If the area of the center is 30 square decameters, √x Auditorium Gallery
what is the area of the gallery?
SOLUTION √x 6 √x

total area = area of auditorium + area of gallery

x)2 +
30 = ( √ x (6 - √
√ x)
30 = x + 6 √x
-x Simplify.

Math Reasoning x
30 = 6 √ Combine like terms.
5= √x
 Divide both sides by 6.
Analyze Is the answer
reasonable? x)2
52 = ( √ Square both sides.
25 = x Simplify.

The area of the auditorium is 25 square decameters.

To find the area of the gallery, subtract the area of the auditorium from
the total area.
30 - 25 = 5
The area of the gallery is 5 square decameters.

Lesson Practice
Solve each equation.
a. √x
=6 b. √
5x = 15
(Ex 1) (Ex 1)
c. √
x + 3 = 12 d. √
4x - 15 = 7
(Ex 1) (Ex 1)
e. √x
-8=5 f. √x
 + 8 = 15
(Ex 2) (Ex 2)

_x
√
x = 24
g. 6 √ h. = 15
(Ex 2) (Ex 2) 3
x + 4 = √
i. √ 2x - 1 x + 5 - √
j. √ 6x = 0
(Ex 3) (Ex 3)
k. √
x-2=x-4 l. √x
 + 8 = -3
(Ex 4) (Ex 4)
m. A breakfast nook has a planter along Planter
(Ex 5)
one side. The entire area of the nook
is 42 square yards. What is the area of
the planter? √x Breakfast Nook

√x (7 √x )

Practice Distributed and Integrated

1. Solve x2 = 64.
(102)

2. Factor x2 - 9x + 20.
(Inv 9)

Lesson 106 717

 3. Translate the inequality 3z + 4 < 10 into a sentence.
(45)

*4. Multiple Choice Which of the following radical equations will require the use of
(106)
division to isolate the radical?
A √ x - 12 = 2 B √ x + 12 = 13
_x
√
C =5 D 14 √x
 = 70
7
*5. Verify Solve √
x - 1 = √
3x + 2 . Check your answer.
(106)
√x
*6. Justify Solve _
4 = 32. Justify your answer.
(106)

*7. Find the common ratio of the geometric sequence 18, -9, 4_2 , -2 _4 , ....
1 1
(105)

*8. Find the 6th term in the geometric series that has a common ratio of 2 and an
(105)
initial term of 5.

9. Multi-Step Leila drops a ball from a height of 1 meter. The height of each bounce is
(105)
75% of the previous height.
a. What is the ball’s height after the first bounce?
b. What rule can be used to find the ball’s height after n bounces?
c. What is the height of the sixth bounce? Round your answer to the nearest
hundredth.

10. Geometry Each unit square in the figure represents 5 square feet. If the pattern
(105)
continues, what will the area of the ninth figure be?

*11. Botany The growth of an ivy plant in feet can be described by 2 √ x - 4 . How
(106)
many days x will it take for the ivy to reach a length of 20 feet?

-5x + 4y = -37
12. Solve .
(63) 3x - 6y = 33

*13. Fractals Fractals are geometric patterns that repeat themselves

(105)
at smaller scales. The pattern shows fractals of equilateral
triangles. How many unshaded triangles will be in the sixth
figure?

*14. Solve x2 + 9x = 4.75 by completing the square.

(104)

15. Error Analysis Two students started solving the equation 2x2 + 20x = -18 as shown
(104)
below. Which student is correct? Explain the error.

Student A Student B
2x2 + 20x = -18 2x2 + 20x = -18
x2 + 10x = -9 x2 + 10x = -18
2 2
x + 10x + 25 = -9 + 25 x + 10x + 25 = -18 + 25
(x + 5 )2 = 16 ( x + 5 )2 = 7

718 Saxon Algebra 1

 *16. Business The marketing group for a cosmetics company determined that the
(104)
expression u2 - 0.8u represents the profit for every 1000 units u of mascara sold.
How many units need to be sold to have a profit margin of $0.33?

Solve each equation. Check your answer.

17. _
60 _
+ 45 = 3 *18. x=9
√
(99) 4x 5x (106)

19. Egg Toss Tyrese and Jameka were playing an egg-toss game. The egg’s
(100)
movement through the air formed a parabola given by the quadratic equation
h = -16t2 + 9t + 4, where h is the height in feet and t is the time in seconds. Find
the maximum height of the path the egg makes and the time t when the egg hits
the ground. Round to the nearest hundredth.

20. Solve x2 - 16 = 0 by graphing.

(100)

21. Tennis The weight w of a tennis ball should vary no more than _ _
1 1
(101) 12 ounce from 2 12
ounces. Write an absolute-value inequality that models the acceptable weights.
What is the least acceptable weight?
18 √
22. Multiple Choice Which is the simplest form of _?
7
(103) 3 √
28
_3 6 √
_ 7 6 √
_ 7
A B 3 C D
2 √
28 7
√
23. Write Anton wants to estimate the quotient of _ . How should he do this?
145
(103) 2 √9

24. Subtract _2r - _ 6 .

(90) r-4 12 - 3r
25. Solve and graph ⎢x - 16⎢ ≤ 12.
(91)

26. Martha built a new playroom. She determined that the rectangular reading area
(93)
is (9x2 + 44x - 5) square feet. The width is (x + 5) feet. What is the length?

27. Volleyball A server’s hand is 3 feet above the floor when it hits the volleyball.
(96)
After the volleyball is hit, it has an initial velocity of 23 feet per second. What is
its height after 1 second? Use h = -16t2 + vt + s.

28. Multi-Step Tickets for the Valley High School production of Romeo and Juliet are
(97)
$5 for adults and $4 for students. In order to cover expenses, at least $2500 worth
of tickets must be sold.
a. Write an inequality that describes this situation.
b. Graph the inequality.
c. If 200 adult and 400 student tickets are sold, will the expenses be covered?

29. Generalize Consider the equation (x - 5)(x + 8) = 0. How can you quickly tell
(98)
what the roots are?

30. The graph of f(x) = x2 + bx + 3 has an axis of symmetry x = 4. What is the value
(Inv 10)
of b?

Lesson 106 719

LES SON Graphing Absolute-Value Functions
107
Warm Up 1. Vocabulary A
(Inv 6)
is the simplest function of a particular type, or
family.

Simplify.
2. 3 · 2 + 2⎪-5⎥ 3. 5 · 8 - 4⎪-6⎥
(5) (5)
4. 4⎪x - 2⎥ = 60 5. -3⎪x + 4⎥ = 36
(74) (74)

New Concepts A function whose rule has one or more absolute-value expressions is called
an absolute-value function. The absolute-value parent function is f(x) = ⎪x⎥.

Example 1 Graphing the Absolute-Value Parent Function

Graph the absolute-value parent function f(x) = ⎪x⎥.
SOLUTION

Use a table to graph the function.

y
x y 8
-2 2 4
-1 1 x
0 0 -8 -4 4 8
-4
1 1
2 2 -8

The absolute-value parent function forms the shape of a “V.” The equation
of the axis of symmetry of the absolute-value parent function is x = 0. The
point on the axis of symmetry of the absolute-value graph, or the “corner”
of the graph, is the vertex of an absolute-value graph.

Math Reasoning The absolute-value function has two slopes. If the graph opens upward, the
slope of the graph on the left of the axis of symmetry is -1. The slope of the
Write Why is “axis
of symmetry” an
graph on the right side of the axis of symmetry is 1.
appropriate name? axis of symmetry: x = 0
y
4

2
slope = -1 slope = 1
x
-4 -2 2 4
vertex: (0, 0)
-2

-4

720 Saxon Algebra 1

 Translations of Absolute-Value Graphs
The absolute-value parent function can be translated by adding or
subtracting constants.
Vertical Translation The graph of f (x) = ⎢x + k, where
If a constant k is added outside the k = 1, is shown.
absolute-value bars, the graph is y
8
translated up or down k units.
For f(x) = ⎢x + k: 4
x
• Graph translates up if k > 0.
-8 -4 4 8
• Graph translates down if -4
k < 0.
-8
• Coordinate of vertex is (0, k).
The graph of f(x) = ⎢x + k, where
k = -1, is shown.
y
8

4
x
-8 -4 4 8
-4

-8

Reading Math Horizontal Translation The graph of f(x) = ⎢x - h, where

If a constant h is subtracted inside h = 1, is shown.
For positive h values,
the graph moves right the absolute-value bars, the graph y
relative to the graph 8
of the parent function
is translated right or left h units.
and f(x) = ⎢x - h. For For f(x) = ⎢x - h: 4
negative h values, the x
graph moves left and • Graph translates right if h > 0.
-8 -4 4 8
f(x) = ⎢x + h.
• Graph translates left if h < 0. -4
• Coordinate of vertex is (h, 0). -8

The graph of f(x) = ⎢x - h, where

h = -1, is shown.
y
8

4
x
-8 -4 4 8
-4
Online Connection -8
www.SaxonMathResources.com

Lesson 107 721

 Example 2 Translating Absolute-Value Graphs
Graph the function and give the coordinates of the vertex.

a. f(x) = ⎢x - 2
SOLUTION y
8
Use a table to graph the function.
4

x O x
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
-8 -4 4 8
y 1 0 -1 -2 -1 0 1 -4

The graph of the parent function is translated down -8

2 units. The vertex is (0, -2).

b. f(x) = ⎢x + 3
SOLUTION y
8
Use a table to graph the function.
4

x O x
-6 -3 0 3 6
-8 -4 4 8
y 3 0 3 6 9
-4

The graph of the parent function is translated left -8

3 units. The vertex is (-3, 0).

Multiple Translations of Absolute-Value Graphs

Vertical and Horizontal Translation The graph of f(x) = ⎢x - h + k,
If a constant h is subtracted inside where h = 1 and k = 1, is shown.
the absolute-value bars and a y
8
constant k is added outside the
bars, as in f(x) = ⎢x - h + k. The 4
graph is translated both vertically O x
and horizontally. The vertex is -8 -4 4 8

at (h, k). -4

-8

Example 3 Graphing Multiple Translations

Graph the function and give the coordinates of the vertex.
Hint
f(x) = ⎢x - 4 + 1
Knowing how to
translate the graph of
SOLUTION y
y = ⎢x using h and k can 8
replace the use of a table
The graph of the function is determined by
of values to find points 4
on the graph. translating the parent function. Evaluate how the
O x
function is different from the parent function. -8 -4 4 8
The vertex is (4, 1). -4

-8

722 Saxon Algebra 1

Math Reasoning Reflections, Stretches, and Compressions of Absolute-Value Graphs
Formulate What values The absolute-value parent function can be reflected, stretched, and
are described by the compressed by multiplying by a constant a.
inequality
⎢a > 1? ⎢a < 1? If a < 0, then the graph is reflected across the x-axis.
If ⎢a > 1, then the graph is stretched vertically, or away from the x-axis.
If ⎢a < 1, then the graph is compressed vertically, or toward the x-axis.

Example 4 Reflecting, Stretching, and Compressing

Absolute-Value Graphs
Describe the graph of each function. y
8

a. f(x) = 3⎢x
x
SOLUTION
-8 -4 4 8
a = 3, so ⎢a = 3. -4

Since ⎢a > 1, the graph is stretched vertically. -8

b. f(x) = -4⎢x y
8

Hint SOLUTION 4
a = -4, so ⎢a = 4. O x
A function that is
reflected can also be -8 -4 4 8
stretched or compressed. Since a < 0, the graph is reflected across the x-axis.
Since ⎢a > 1, the graph is stretched vertically.

c. f(x) = -0.2⎢x
SOLUTION y
8

Math Reasoning a = -0.2, so ⎢a = 0.2.

4
Connect What other Since a < 0, the graph is reflected across the x-axis. O x
function is stretched or Since ⎢a < 1, the graph is compressed vertically.
compressed vertically by
-4
changing the a value?
-8

Example 5 Application: Travel

A helicopter pilot is flying from town A to town B at 60 miles per hour.
To make sure he is on course, he will fly over a landmark that he knows is
20 miles from town A. Write and graph the distance from the landmark
as a function of minutes of flight time.
SOLUTION y
80
Let a = rate = 60 mph = 1 mile per minute
Let h = time from landmark = _ = 20 minutes
20
1 O x
-80 -40 40 80
Let k = closest distance to landmark = 0 miles
-40
f(x) = 1⎢x - 20 + 0
-80
f(x) = 1⎢x - 20

Lesson 107 723

 Lesson Practice
Graph each function and give the coordinates of the vertex.
a. f(x) = ⎢x + 2.
(Ex 2)
b. f(x) = ⎢x + 2.
(Ex 2)
c. f(x) = ⎢x - 1 + 2
(Ex 3)

Describe the graph of each function.

(Ex 4)
d. f(x) = 4⎢x
e. f(x) = -2⎢x
f. f(x) = -0.5⎢x
g. The distance of a truck to a manhole cover is given by the function
(Ex 5)
f(t) = ⎢t + 25. Write the function representing the distance of a truck
starting at the same location, but traveling twice as fast.

Practice Distributed and Integrated

*1. Estimate Without graphing the function, which direction would the function
(107)
f(x) = ⎢x - 6 shift the parent function?

2. Solve √
2x = 14. Check your answer.
(106)

3. Write 5y - 29 = -14x in standard form.

(35)

*4. Multiple Choice What absolute-value function is shown by the graph? y

(107) 4
A f(x) = 2⎢x B f(x) = 0.5⎢x
2
C f(x) = -5⎢x D f(x) = -0.5⎢x
O x
-4 -2 2 4
5. Translate the inequality 3b + _25 ≥ 1_5 into a sentence.
3
(45)

*6. Boating The path of a sailboat is represented by the function

(107)

f(x) = _3 x - 30 + 30. At what point does the sailboat tack (turn)?

⎪ ⎥
5

*7. Write Why does the graph of an absolute-value function not extend past the vertex?
(107)

4y = -3x - 4
8. Solve the system of linear equations: .
(63) 4x + 6 = -5y

*9. Geometry The perimeter of the square is 20 centimeters. Solve for x.

(106)

√x

724 Saxon Algebra 1

*10. Error Analysis Two students found the solution for a radical equation. Which
(106)
student is correct? Explain the error.

Student A Student B
x
√ + 7 = 14 x
√ + 7 = 14
√x
=7 √x
 + 49 = 196
x = 49 √x = 147
x = 21,609

11. Jason built a new deck with an area of (-20x + 100 + x2) square feet. The width
(93)
is (x - 10) feet. What is the length?

*12. Multi-Step A triangular brace is constructed in the shape of a right triangle. The
(106)
two legs of the brace are √
x + 5 and √x units long.
a. What expression could be used to solve for the length, l, of the third side
of the brace?
b. Simplify the equation so it does not contain any radicals.
c. Find the value of x for which the length of the third side of the brace is equal
to 10.

13. Coordinate Geometry Find the coordinates of the point(s) at which the graphs of
(106)
y = x and y = √ x intersect.

14. Find the next 3 terms of the sequence 125, 25, 5, 1.

(105)

*15. Carbon Dating Scientists can use the ratio of radioactive carbon-14 to carbon-12 to
(105)
find the age of organic objects. Carbon-14 has a half-life of about 5730 years, which
means that after 5730 years, half the original amount remains. Carbon dating can date
objects to about 50,000 years ago, or about 9 half-lives. About what percent of the
original amount of carbon-14 remains in objects about 50,000 years old?

*16. Error Analysis Two students find the 5th term in a geometric series that has a common
ratio of _2 and a first term of 6. Which student is correct? Explain the error.
(105) 1

Student A Student B
A(n) = ar n-1 A(n) = ar n-1
4
=6· _ () =6·_ ·4
1 1
2 2
=_
3 = 12
8

17. Solve by graphing on a graphing calculator. Round to the nearest tenth.

(100)

-11x2 + x = -4

Solve and graph each inequality.

18. ⎢x - 4 + 15 ≥ 21 19. ⎢x + 45 ≤ 34
(101) (91)

Lesson 107 725

 20. Football NCAA rules require that the circumference c of a football, measured around
(101)
its widest part, 21 inches, to vary by no more than 0.25 inches. Write and solve an
absolute-value inequality that models the acceptable circumferences. What is the least
acceptable circumference?

21. Area of a Pool Maria wants to increase the radius of a pool by 3 meters.
(102)
The new area of the pool is 200.96 square meters. r 3
a. Write a formula to find the original radius of the pool.
b. Solve the formula.
c. What will the new diameter of the pool be?

*22. Graph the function f(x) = ⎢x + 3.

(107)

23. Multiple Choice Solve -3x2 + 24x = 36.

(104)
A x = -8 or 0 B x = -6 or 2 C x = 2 or 6 D x = 0 or 8

24. Analyze Determine what values of c would make the equation x2 - 50x = c have
(104)
no solution.

Simplify.

_ 4x
+_ x
2x
__ + 12 _
25.
(92) __ 8x2
3x + 18
26.
(103)
√
20
3
2
x + 8x + 12

27. Multi-Step A businessman makes $50 profit on each item sold. He would like to
(94)
make $950 plus or minus $100 total each week.
a. Write an absolute-value equation for the minimum and maximum profit he
desires.
b. What is the minimum and maximum number of items he needs to sell each
week?

28. School Dance Tickets for the school dance are $4 for middle school students and $6
(97)
for high school students. In order to cover expenses, at least $600 worth of tickets
must be sold. Write an inequality that models this situation and graph it.

29. Multi-Step A painting is 5 inches by 4 inches. The frame around it is x inches wide. x in.
(98)
a. Write expressions for the length and width of the picture with the frame. x in. 5 in.
4 in.
b. The total area of the picture and frame is 42 square inches. What is the x in.
width of the frame? x in.

30. Justify Explain how to transform _x

= _
4
to x2 = 4x - 12.
(99) x-3 x

726 Saxon Algebra 1

LESSON Identifying and Graphing Exponential
108 Functions

Warm Up 1. Vocabulary In the expression 35, 5 is the

(3)
.
Simplify.
2. 42 3. 6 -3
(3) (3)
4. 2 · 5 -2 5. 5 · 2 -1
(3) (3)

New Concepts In a geometric sequence, any term, except the first, can be found by multiplying
the previous term by the common ratio. In the geometric sequence 2, 6, 18, 54,
162, …, the common ratio is 3.
The sequence can also be written like this: 2, 2(3)1, 2(3)2, 2(3)3, 2(3)4, …. Or,
with a1 representing the first term and r representing the common ratio, it can
be written as a1, a1(r)1, a1(r)2, a1(r)3, a1(r)4, ….
Using n as the term number, observe that the nth term of a geometric
sequence can be found by using the rule an = a1rn-1.
Notice that the independent variable n occurs in the exponent of the function
rule. Any function for which the independent variable is an exponent is an
exponential function.

Exponential Function
Reading Math An exponential function is a function of the form f (x) = ab x, where a and
The value of b in an b are nonzero constants and b is a positive number not equal to 1.
exponential function
is comparable to r in a Example 1 Evaluating an Exponential Function
geometric sequence.
Evaluate each function for the given values.

a. f (x) = 5 x for x = -3, 0, and 4.

SOLUTION

Hint Use the order of operations.

a-n = _ f (-3) = 5 -3 = _
1 =_1 , f (0) = 50 = 1, f (4) = 54 = 625
1
an
53
125
x
b. f (x) = 2(4) for x = -1, 1, and 2.
SOLUTION

Use the order of operations. Evaluate exponents before multiplying.

f (-1) = 2(4) -1 = 2 · _
1 =_
2 =_
1
4 4 2

Online Connection
f (1) = 2(4)1 = 2(4) = 8
www.SaxonMathResources.com f (2) = 2(4)2 = 2(16) = 32

Lesson 108 727

 Reading Math The common ratio of a geometric sequence is comparable to the base of an
exponential function. For any exponential function, as the x-values change
In the expression f(x) =
x
4(2) , 2 is the base and by a constant amount, the y-values change by a constant factor. For f (x) =
x
x is the exponent. 4(2) , as each x-value increases by 1, each y-value increases by a factor of 2.
Change: +1

x -1 0 1 2 3
f (x) 2 4 8 16 32

Change: ×2
x
The base 2 of the exponential function f (x) = 4(2) is the common ratio of
the sequence 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, ….

Example 2 Identifying an Exponential Function

Determine if each set of ordered pairs satisfies an exponential function.
Explain your answer.
⎧ 1 , (1, -9), (-1, -1)⎫⎬
a. ⎨(0, -3), -2, -_
( )
⎩ 3 ⎭
SOLUTION

Arrange the ordered pairs so that the x-values are increasing.

⎧ 1 , (-1, -1), (0, -3), (1, -9)⎫⎬
⎨ -2, -_
( )
⎩ 3 ⎭
The x-values increase by the constant amount of 1.
Divide each y-value by the y-value before it.
-1 ÷ -_1 = -1 × -3 = 3
3
-3 ÷ -1 = 3
-9 ÷ -3 = 3
Because each ratio is the same, 3, the base b = 3. The set of ordered pairs
satisfies an exponential function.

b. {(6, 150), (4, 100), (8, 200), (2, 50)}

Math Reasoning SOLUTION

Analyze What type of Arrange the ordered pairs so that the x-values are increasing.
function do the ordered
pairs in Example 2b
{(2, 50), (4, 100), (6, 150), (8, 200)}
satisfy, and why? The x-values increase by the constant amount of 2.
Divide each y-value by the y-value before it.
100 ÷ 50 = 2
150 ÷ 100 = 1_
1
2
200 ÷ 150 = 1_3
1

Because the ratios are not the same, the ordered pairs do not satisfy an
exponential function.

728 Saxon Algebra 1

 To graph an exponential function, make a table of ordered pairs and plot
the points. The graph will always form a curve that comes close to, but never
touches, the x-axis.

Example 3 Graphing y = ab x
Graph each function by making a table of ordered pairs.
x
a. y = 5(2)
Caution SOLUTION
Due to limitations Choose both positive and negative x-values.
of scale, graphs of
exponential functions y
often appear to touch x y
the x-axis. The graph 24
will approach but never -2 1.25 (2, 20)
touch the x-axis. Since 16
a ≠ 0 and b ≠ 0, then -1 2.5 (1, 10)
(-1, 2.5) 8
y ≠ 0.
0 5 (-2, 1.25) (0, 5)
O x
1 10 -4 -2 2 4

2 20

x
b. y = -(3)
Math Reasoning SOLUTION
Generalize Compare y
the domains and ranges x y ( 1, _
1
3 )O x
of the functions in
-4 -2 2 4
Examples 3a and 3b. -1 -_13 (0, -1) (1, -3)
-8
(2, -9)
0 -1
-16
1 -3 -24
(3, -27)
2 -9
3 -27

x
c. y = 6 (_12 )
SOLUTION
y
x y
(-2, 24) 24
-2 24
16
-1 12 (-1, 12)

0 6 (0, 6) (1, 3)
O x
1 3 -4 -2 2 4
(2, 1.5)
2 1.5

Lesson 108 729

 A graphing calculator is helpful with comparing graphs of functions and
formulating rules based on the values of a and b.

Example 4 Comparing Graphs

Using a graphing calculator, graph each pair of functions on the same
screen. Tell how the graphs are alike and how they are different.
x x
a. y = 3(2) and y = -3(2)
SOLUTION
Hint Use to enter the equations. Use to graph the equations.
Use 6 to set the
intervals on the x-axis and
y-axis from -10 to 10.

Alike: Both graphs are symmetric about the x-axis. For any x-value, the
absolute values of the corresponding y-values are the same.
Different: When a = 3, the y-values increase from left to right. When
a = -3, the y-values decrease from left to right.
Math Reasoning x

Generalize For which

x
b. y = 3(2) and y = 3 (_1 )
2
values of b, 2 or _12 , do
the y-values approach SOLUTION
0 as x increases? As x
decreases?

Alike: Both graphs are above the x-axis and symmetric about the y-axis. For
any y-value, the absolute values of the corresponding x-values are the same.
Different: When b = 2, the y-values increase from left to right. When
b = _12 , the y-values decrease from left to right.

Example 5 Application: Population

x
The exponential function y = 12.28(1.00216) models the approximate
population of Pennsylvania from 2000 to 2006, where x is the number
of years after 2000 and y represents millions of people. Use a graphing
calculator to find the approximate population of Pennsylvania in 2005.
Assuming the model does not change, when will the population reach
13 million?

730 Saxon Algebra 1

 Caution SOLUTION Enter the function rule into the Y= editor. Access the Table

The variable y represents

function by pressing . Since 2005 is 5 years after 2000, find the
millions of people. The y-value for x = 5. The population was about 12,413,000. To find when the
table entry y1 = 12.413 population will reach 13 million, scroll down until y equals 13 or more. It
means 12.413 million.
occurs during the 27th year after 2000, or 2027.

Lesson Practice
Evaluate each function for the given values.
(Ex 1)
a. Evaluate f (x) = 2 x for x = -4, 0, and 5.
x
b. Evaluate f (x) = -3(3) for x = -3, 1, and 3.

Determine whether each set of ordered pairs satisfies an exponential function.

Explain your answer.
(Ex 2)
c. {(3, -12), (6, -24), (12, -48), (9, -36)}
d. {(3, 108), (1, 12), (2, 36), (4, 324)}

Graph each function by making a table of ordered pairs. x

(Ex 3)
e. y = 2(3)
x
f. y = -4(2)
x
g. y = 2 (_1 )
4

Using a graphing calculator, graph each pair of functions on the same screen.
Tell how the graphs are alike and how they are different.
x x
h. y = _
( ) and y = -(_13 )
1
(Ex 4) 3
x
_1
x
i. y = -2(3) and y = -2
(Ex 4)
(3)
x
j. The exponential function y = 8.05(1.01683) models the approximate
(Ex 5)
population of North Carolina from 2000 to 2006, where x is the number
of years after 2000 and y represents millions of people. Use a graphing
calculator to find the approximate population of North Carolina
in 2006. Assuming the model does not change, when will the population
reach 10 million?

Practice Distributed and Integrated

x
*1. Evaluate the function f (x) = 2(5) for x = -2, 0, and 2.
(108)

2. Graph the function f (x) = ⎢x - 2⎢.

(107)

Lesson 108 731

 x
*3. Justify Why is f (x) = 4(1) not an exponential function?
(108)

*4. Multiple Choice Which could be the function graphed?

(108) x x
A y=- _ ()
1 B y= _ 1
()
2 2
x
C y = -(2) D y = 2x
x
*5. Population The exponential function y = 20.85(1.0212) can model the
(108)
approximate population of Texas from 2000 to 2006, where x is the number
of years after 2000 and y represents millions of people. Assuming the model
does not change, what is the difference in expected populations for 2010 and 2020?

*6. Verify Show that the set {(3, -4), (2, -1), (5, -64), (4, -16)} is an exponential
(108)
function when b = 4.

7. Name the corresponding sides and angles if ΔRST ∼ ΔNVQ.

(36)

*8. Multi-Step Graph the parent function f (x) = ⎢x . Translate the function down
(107)
by 2. Then reflect the function across the x-axis. What is the new function?

9. Is the graph an absolute-value function? Explain.

(107)
y
4

O x
-4 -2 2 4
-2

-4

3
10. Evaluate x
√ when x = (-4) 3.
(46)

*11. Geometry Describe why the function f (x) = ⎢x is in the shape of a “V”.
(107)

12. Error Analysis Two students found the solution to a radical equation. Which student
(106)
is correct? Explain the error.

Student A Student B
√
x+3=6 √
x+3=6
x + 9 = 36 x + 3 = 36
x = 27 x = 33

13. Solve x - 2 = 8.
√ Check your answer.
(106)

732 Saxon Algebra 1

*14. Write the equation of the function graphed.
(107)
y
4

2
O x
-4 -2 2

-4

15. Assuming that y varies inversely as x, what is y when x = 8, if y = 55 when

(64)
x = 11.6?

16. Meteorology In the mountains snow will accumulate quickly in winter. If the
(106)
average accumulation can be described using the expression 12 √x
, find the
value of x when the accumulation is equal to 108 inches?
⎢x
17. Solve and graph the inequality _
8 - 10 < -9.
(101)

Solve.
18. x2 = -9 19. 12⎢x + 9⎢ - 11 = 1
(102) (94)

20. Building Tom’s house has two square rooms. He knocks down a wall separating
(102)
the rooms. The area of the new room is 338 square feet. What were the dimensions
of the original rooms?

_
24a2b
21. Simplify _ 7c2 .
(92) _8ab2
49c2

22. Find the missing term of the perfect-square trinomial: x2 + 7x + .

(104)

*23. Multiple Choice What is the common ratio of the geometric sequence -_58 , -_
5
16
,
(105)
_5 _5
- 32 , - 64 , …?
A -2 B -_ 1 C _ 1 D 2
2 2
*24. Landscaping Li is designing a triangular flower bed in one corner of her
rectangular yard. She plans on making one leg of the triangle 1_
(103) 11
12 meters long
and the other leg 2_
5
12 meters long. She wants to know how much edging material
she needs to buy to place along the hypotenuse of the triangle. Write a rational
expression to show how much material Li needs to buy.
2_5 m
12
1 11
_m
12 ?

Lesson 108 733

 25. Analyze Is the sequence -72, -57.6, 46.08, 36.864, … geometric? Explain.
(105)

26. Find the quotient of (36x + 12x2 + 15) ÷ (2x + 1).

(93)

27. Multi-Step Amber drove _ miles on Monday and _

2
7x x-1
4x + 28
miles on Tuesday
(95) x2 - 49
while delivering pizzas.
a. What is the total distance she drove?
b. If her rate was _ miles per hour, how much time did it take her to deliver
7
7x + 49
pizzas on Monday and Tuesday?

28. Construction A box needs to be built so that its rectangular top has a length that
(98)
is 3 more inches than the width, and so that its area is 88 square inches. Find the
length and the width.

29. Multi-Step Sherry can enter all weekly data into the computer in 16 hours. When
(99)
she works with Kim, they complete the data entry in 9 hours 36 minutes.
a. Convert 9 hours 36 minutes to hours.
b. Write an equation to find how long it would take Kim to enter the same
data.
c. How long would it take Kim to enter the data alone?

30. Analyze If the y-coordinate of the ordered pair represents the maximum
(100)
height of the path of a ball thrown into the air, what does the x-coordinate
represent?

734 Saxon Algebra 1

LESSON Graphing Systems of Linear Inequalities
109
Warm Up 1. Vocabulary A(n)
(45)
(inequality, equality) is a mathematical
statement comparing quantities that are not equal.
2. Graph y < 2x + 3.
(97)
3. Is the boundary of the graph of y ≤ 3x + 5 solid or dashed?
(97)
4. Is the shading above or below the boundary line on the graph
(97)
of y ≥ 2x - 6?

New Concepts Recall that a system of linear equations is a set of two or more equations
with the same variables.

The solution of the system below is (1, 2) because the ordered pair (1, 2)
makes both equations true.
y=x+1 y
4
y = 2x
2 (1, 2)
y=x+1 y = 2x x
2=1+1 2 = 2(1) -4 -2 2 4
y=x+1
2=2 2=2
y = 2x -4
The coordinates also identify the point of
intersection of the two lines.
Likewise, a system of linear inequalities is a set of linear inequalities with the
same variables.

Math Reasoning In the system shown below, all of the ordered pairs in the overlapping region
satisfy both inequalities. For example, (3, 2) lies in the overlapping region
Verify Show that
(-4, -4) is not a solution and makes both inequalities true.
of the system. y
y≤x+1 4
y ≤ 2x
2
y≤x+1 y ≤ 2x x
2≤3+1 2 ≤ 2(3) -4 -2 2 4
solution set
2≤4 2≤6
-4

A solution of a system of linear inequalities is an ordered pair or set of

Online Connection ordered pairs that satisfy all the inequalities in the system. Therefore, all the
www.SaxonMathResources.com ordered pairs in the overlapping region make up the solution of the system.

Lesson 109 735

 Example 1 Solving by Graphing
Graph each system.
a. y > _
1x - 3
4
y ≤ 3x + 4.
Caution SOLUTION
Do not forget to use Graph each inequality on the same plane. Every y
a dashed line for the 4
boundary line when the
point in the overlapping region is a solution.
inequality has < or >. 2
Check Substitute a point in the overlapping region to x
O
see that it satisfies both inequalities. The point (0, 0) -4 -2 2 4
is convenient to substitute. -2

y>_ 1x - 3 y ≤ 3x + 4 -4
4
0> _1 (0) - 3 0 ≤ 3(0) + 4
4
0 > -3 ✓ 0≤4 ✓

b. y < 4
2y + 2 > -6x.

SOLUTION

Write the second inequality in slope-intercept form.

2y + 2 > -6x y

2y > -6x - 2
2
y > -3x - 1 x
-4 -2 2 4
Check See if (0, 0) satisfies both inequalities.
-2
y<4 2y + 2 > -6x
-4
0<4 ✓ 2(0) + 2 > -6(0)
2>0 ✓

Example 2 Solving with a Graphing Calculator

Graphing Graph the system on a graphing calculator.

Calculator Tip y<_ 3x + 2
4
For help with graphing
inequalities, refer to y ≥ -_ 1x + 4
the graphing calculator 5
keystrokes in Graphing SOLUTION Enter both functions. Use the arrow keys to move to the symbol to
Calculator Lab 9 on p. 645.
the left of Y1 and press enter until the symbol shows the lower half of a plane
shaded. For Y2, select the symbol with the upper half shaded.
Note that for many graphing
calculators, the option to
choose between a strict and
non-strict inequality does not
exist.

736 Saxon Algebra 1

 Remember that a system of equations is inconsistent when there are no
solutions. This occurs when the slopes of the lines are the same and the
y-intercepts are different.
The system has no solutions because the lines are parallel.
y
4

y = -_
2x - 2
2
3
O x
-4 2 4

y = -_
2x + 3
3
-4

When the equal signs in these equations are replaced with inequality symbols,
the system may or may not have a solution set.

Example 3 Solving Systems of Inequalities with Parallel

Boundary Lines
Graph each system.

a. y ≤ - _
2x - 2
4
y
3

y ≥ -_
2x + 3 2
3 O x
-4 2 4
SOLUTION

The two solution sets do not intersect, so the -4

system has no solution.

b. y ≥ -_x - 2
2 y
4
3

y ≤ -_
2x + 3 2
3 O x
-4 2 4
SOLUTION

The solution set is the region between the -4

parallel lines.
y
Math Reasoning c. y ≥ - _
2x - 2 4
3
Generalize When the 2
boundary lines are
parallel, what must be
y ≥ -_
2x + 3
O x
3 -4 2 4
true about the inequality
symbols for one graph to SOLUTION
be a subset of the other?
The solutions of y ≥ -_23 x + 3 are a subset of -4

the solutions of y ≥ - _2 x - 2.
3
The solutions of the system are the same as the solutions of y ≥ -_23 x + 3.

Lesson 109 737

 Example 4 Application: Employment
Lena has to earn at least $210 per week from two part-time summer jobs.
She can work up to 15 hours per week at Job A, which pays $12 per hour,
and can work up to 35 hours per week at Job B, which pays $10 per hour.
She is not allowed to work more than 40 hours per week. Graph the
possible combinations of hours Lena can work per week.
SOLUTION

Write a system of inequalities where x is the number of hours worked per

week at Job A, and y is the number of hours worked per week at Job B.
x ≤ 15 no more than 15 hours at Job A
y ≤ 35 no more than 35 hours at Job B
12x + 10y ≥ 210 must earn at least $210 per week
x + y ≤ 40 cannot work more than 40 hours per week
Math Reasoning The region where all four solution sets intersect y
40
shows the possible combinations of hours at

Hours at Job B
Verify Verify that Lena
can make at least $210 each job. One possible combination is 9 hours at 30
working 9 hours at Job A
and 20 hours at Job B.
Job A and 20 hours at Job B. 20

10
x
0
10 20 30 40
Hours at Job A

Lesson Practice
Graph each system.
(Ex 1)
a. y > -2x - 1 b. 6y + 6 > -2x
y≤_ 1x + 4 y<2
5
c. Graph the system on a graphing calculator.
(Ex 2)
y ≥ x -6
y ≤ -x + 3

Graph each system.

(Ex 3)
d. y > _
1x - 4 e. y < _
1x - 4 f. y > _
1x - 4
2 2 2
y> x_
1 y> x_
1 y< x_
1
2 2 2

g. Brett has $30 with which to buy dried strawberries and dried pineapple
(Ex 4)
for a hiking trip. The dried strawberries cost $3 per pound and the
dried pineapple costs $2 per pound. Brett needs at least 2 pounds
of strawberries and 3.5 pounds of pineapple. Graph the possible
combinations of pounds of each dried fruit that Brett can buy.

738 Saxon Algebra 1

Practice Distributed and Integrated

*1. Multiple Choice Which system is represented in the graph?

(109)
y
4

2
O
-4 -2 2 4
-2

-4

y ≤ -0.5x + 3 y ≤ -0.5x + 3
A B
y ≥ -0.5x - 1 y ≤ -0.5x - 1
y ≥ -0.5x + 3 y ≥ -0.5x + 3
C D
y ≥ -0.5x - 1 y ≤ -0.5x - 1

*2. Sports The requirements for a major league baseball are shown in
(109)
the graph. Write the system of inequalities that matches the graph.
y
Weight in Ounces

4
x
0
8 9
Circumference in Inches

3. Graph the function f(x) = -3⎢x.

(107)

y ≤ -3x + 4
*4. Write Explain how to represent the solution set of .
(109) y < 2x - 1
y ≥ -x
*5. Verify Graph the solution set of to verify that (1, -2) is not a
(109) y ≤ 2x
solution of the system.
x
*6. Evaluate the function f(x) = 3 _3 ()
1
for x = -2, 0, and 2.
(108)

7. If the original price was increased 44% to a new price of $900, what was the
(47)
original price?

Simplify.

24y8
8. 10 √
(69)
8x2y3 - 5y √
98x2y 9.
(103)
√ _
6x3

Lesson 109 739

 10. Error Analysis Student A said that the following set satisfies an exponential function
(108)
because there is a common ratio of 3 among the y-values. Student B said that this
is not so. Which student is correct? Explain the error.
{(3, 1), (5, 3), (6, 9), (7, 27)}

*11. Multi-Step Niall has a baseball card whose value, in dollars, x years after he acquired
(108)
it, is represented by the function f(x) = 4.8(1.25)x. If Niall bought the card in the
year 2000, how much more is it worth in 2010 than it was in 2005?
1 x
*12. Geometry Mr. Flores gives the length of a rectangle, in inches, as f(x) = 16 _2 ,
()
(108)
where x is the number of times he cuts the length in half. What is the length of the
rectangle after Mr. Flores has cut it in half 4 times? 6 times?
0 times?

*13. Probability For the function f(x) = 7(5)x, what is the probability that for a
(108)
randomly chosen x-value from the domain of {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}, f(x) is a number
between 100 and 1000?

14. Is the graph an absolute-value function? Explain.

(107)
y

O x
-8 -4 4 8
-4

-8

y > _14 x + 3
*15. Graph the system .
(109)
y > -_14 x + 3

16. Baseball An outfielder catches a ball 120 feet from the pitcher’s mound and
(107)
throws it to home. If d = ⎢90t - 120 represents the ball’s distance from the
pitcher’s mound, how would the graph change if the outfielder caught the ball 100
feet from the pitcher’s mound?
17. Renovations Nadia is using 48 tiles to cover a floor. The tiles come in 6-inch,
(102)
12-inch, and 13-inch sizes. If the total area of the floor is 6912 square inches,
which tile size will fit best?

18. Projectile Motion The equation for the time in seconds (t) it takes an object to
(104)
strike the ground is -4.9t2 - 53.9t = -127.4. When will the object strike the
ground?

19. Find the next 3 terms of the sequence 5, 4.5, 4.05, 3.645, ….
(105)

*20. Multiple Choice Which of the following radical equations has no solution?
(106)
A √x

-3=x-9 C √ x + 7 = -2
x = 65
B 13 √ D √
x + 10 = √
2x + 8

21. Write Why is it important to isolate the radical in a radical equation?

(106)

740 Saxon Algebra 1

 22. Jim’s rectangular home gym has an area of (x2 - 144) square feet. The length
(93)
is (x - 12) feet. What is the width?

Solve.
23. 4|x + 2| - 9 = 19
(94)
24. x2 = -49
(102)
25. 2
(94)
⎪_x4 - 6⎥ = 8
26. Multi-Step A pitcher throws a softball. The height in feet is represented by the
(96)
function h = -16t2 + 47t + 5.
a. How high is the ball after 1 second?
b. How high is the ball when it is released?
c. What is the initial velocity of the ball?

27. Gardening It takes a boy 2 hours to pull all the weeds in the garden. It takes his sister
(99)
4 hours. How long will it take them if they pull weeds together?

28. Multi-Step Andrew hits a golf ball into the air. Its movement forms a parabola given by
(100)
the quadratic equation h = -16t2 + 31t + 7, where h is the height in feet and t is the time
in seconds.
a. Find the time t when the ball is at its maximum height. Round to the nearest
hundredth.
b. Find the time t when the ball hits the ground. Round to the nearest
hundredth.
c. Find the maximum height of the arc the ball makes in its flight. Round to the nearest
hundredth.

29. Write Describe the similarities and differences between solving the inequality
(101)
2⎢x + 1 < 7 and solving the inequality ⎢2x + 1 < 7.

30. If the area of a rectangle is represented by the expression 3x2 + 22x - 45 and
(Inv 9)
the width by the expression (x + 9), what would the length be?

Lesson 109 741

LES SON Using the Quadratic Formula
110
Warm Up 1. Vocabulary A
(84)
equation can be written in the form
2
ax + bx + c = 0, where a is not equal to 0.

Find the value of c to complete the square for each expression.

2. x2 + 8x + c 3. x2 + 9x + c
(104) (104)

4. Solve x2 + 10x = 24 by completing the square. Check your answer.

(104)

New Concepts Different methods are used to solve quadratic equations. One method
is applying the quadratic formula. The quadratic formula is derived by
completing the square of the standard form of the quadratic equation
ax2 + bx + c = 0.
ax2 + bx + c = 0

Math Language
_
ax2 + _
bx + _
c =0 Divide by the coefficient of x2.
a a a
A quadratic equation
is an equation whose x2 + _
bx = -_
a
c
a Subtract the constant _
c
a from both
graph is a parabola. sides.
2 2
x2 + _
bx + _
( ) = -_ac + ( _
2a )
b b Add _
2

a 2a
b
( )
2a
to complete the square.

x2 + _
bx + _
b2 = -_
2
c +_b2 Simplify.
a 4a a 4a2
2

(x + _
b =_ 2

2a )
b - 4ac Write the left side as a squared
2
4a
binomial and the other side with
the LCD.

b 2 
x+_ =± _
b2 - 4ac
√( 2a )
4a2 √ Take the square root.

√
x + _ = ±_
b b2 - 4ac
Simplify.
2a 2a
-b ± √
b2 - 4ac
x = __ Solve.
2a

Quadratic Formula

For the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0,

-b ± √
__ b2 - 4ac
x= when a ≠ 0.
2a
Online Connection
www.SaxonMathResources.com The quadratic formula can be used to solve any quadratic equation.

742 Saxon Algebra 1

 Example 1 Solving a Quadratic Equation in Standard Form
Use the quadratic formula to solve x2 - 9x + 20 = 0 for x.
SOLUTION

-b ± √b
2
x = __
- 4ac
Use the quadratic formula.
2a

-(-9) ± √(-9)2
- 4(1)(20)
= ___ Substitute 1 for a, -9 for b,
2(1)
and 20 for c.
9 ± √81

= __
- 80
2
9 ± √1
=_=_
9±1
Simplify.
2 2
x = 5 and 4

Check Verify that 5 and 4 make the original equation true.

x2 - 9x + 20 = 0 x2 - 9x + 20 = 0
(5)2 - 9(5) + 20  0 (4)2 - 9(4) + 20  0
25 - 45 + 20  0 16 - 36+ 20  0
0=0 ✓ 0=0 ✓

Example 2 Rearranging Quadratic Equations before Solving

Use the quadratic formula to solve -18x + x2 = -32 for x.

Hint SOLUTION Rearrange the equation into the standard form ax2 + bx + c = 0.

Rearrange terms and x2 - 18x + 32 = 0 Write the equation in

their corresponding signs standard form.
to match the form
-b ± √b
2
x = __
ax2 + bx + c = 0. - 4ac
Use the quadratic formula.
2a

-(-18) ± √(-18)2
- 4(1)(32)
= ___ Substitute 1 for a, -18 for b,
2(1)
and 32 for c.
18 ± √324

= __
- 128
2
18 ± √196

=_=_
18 ± 14
Simplify.
2 2
x = 16 and 2

Check Verify the solutions for x.

-18x + x2 = -32 -18x + x2 = -32

-18(16) + (16)2  -32 -18(2) + (2)2  -32
-288 + 256  -32 -36 + 4  -32
-32 = -32 ✓ -32 = -32 ✓

Lesson 110 743

 Example 3 Finding Approximate Solutions
Use the quadratic formula to solve for x. Then use a graphing calculator to
find approximate solutions and verify them.
5x2 - 3x - 1 = 0
SOLUTION

5x2 - 3x - 1 = 0
-b ± √b
2
x = __
- 4ac
Use the quadratic formula.
2a

-(-3) ± √(-3)2
- 4(5)(-1)
= ___ Substitute the values for a, b, and c.
2(5)
3 ± √9
+ 20 3 ± √29

x = __ = _
10 10
To find the approximate solutions, use a calculator with a square root key.
Round the solutions to the nearest ten thousandth.
√ √
The solutions are _
3 + 29
≈ 0.8385 and _
3 - 29
≈ -0.2385.
10 10

Check
On a graphing calculator, graph the related function y = 5x2 - 3x - 1 to
Graphing
check that the approximate solutions are the zeros of the graph.
Calculator Tip
For help with graphing
quadratic equations, see
the graphing calculator
keystrokes in Lab 8 on
p. 583.

Example 4 Recognizing a Quadratic Equation With No

Real Solutions
Use the quadratic formula to solve 2x2 + 3x + 4 = 0 for x.
SOLUTION
-b ± √b
2
x = __
- 4ac
2a

-(3) ± √(3)2
- 4(2)(4)
= ___ Substitute the values for a, b, and c.
2(2)
-3 ± √9 -3 ± √-23

x = __ = __
- 32
4 4
The square root of a negative number cannot be taken, so there are no
real solutions.

744 Saxon Algebra 1

 Example 5 Application: Object in Motion
From an initial height s of 70 meters in a stadium, Luis tosses a ball
up at an initial velocity v of 5 meters per second. Use the equation
-4.9t2 + vt + s = 0 to find the time t when the ball hits the ground.
SOLUTION

Substitute the values into the quadratic formula. Then solve.

-4.9t2 + 5t + 70 = 0
-b ± √b
__ 2
- 4ac
t=
2a

-(5) ± √(5)2
- 4(-4.9)(70)
= ___
2(-4.9)
__ 
-5 ± √25 + 1372
=
-9.8
-5 ± √1397
__ 
=
-9.8

≈ __
-5 ± 37.3765
-9.8
t ≈ -3.3037 and t ≈ 4.3241
Hint
When the solutions Check
deal with time, we only
consider positive values -4.9(4.3241)2 + 5(4.3241) + 70 ≈ -91.6194 + 21.6205 + 70 ≈ 0 ✓
for solutions.
The ball will land on the ground in approximately 4.3241 seconds.

Lesson Practice
a. Use the quadratic formula to solve for x.
(Ex 1)
x2 + 3x - 18 = 0
b. Use the quadratic formula to solve for x.
(Ex 2)
-72 - 14x + x2 = 0
c. Use the quadratic formula to solve for x.
(Ex 2)
x2 + 80 = 21x
d. Use the quadratic formula to solve for x. Then use a graphing calculator
(Ex 3)
to find approximate solutions and verify them. Round the solutions to the
nearest ten thousandth.
9x2 + 6x - 1 = 0
e. Use the quadratic formula to solve 4x2 + 5x + 3 = 0 for x.
(Ex 4)
f. From an initial height s of 50 meters on a cliff, Janet tosses a ball upward
(Ex 5)
at an initial velocity v of 6 meters/second. At what point does the ball fall
back to the ground? Round the solution to nearest ten thousandth.

Lesson 110 745

Practice Distributed and Integrated

Use the quadratic formula to solve for x. Check the solutions.

*1. x2 - 2x - 35 = 0 *2. x2 - 10x + 25 = 0
(110) (110)

*3. Multi-Step Determine why 16h2 + 25 = 40h has only 1 solution using the quadratic
(110)
formula.
a. Rearrange the equation into the ax2 + bx + c = 0 form.
b. What is different about b2 - 4ac?
c. Generalize When will the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 have only 1 solution?

4. Compare: 12,000 1.2 × 103.

(37)

5. Find the zeros of the function. y = x2 + 12x + 36

(96)

6. Describe the graph of an indirect variation when the constant of variation

(Inv 7)
is positive.

7. Identify the outlier or outliers in the data set.

(48)

number of cars for sixteen households: 3, 2, 2, 1, 2, 3, 6, 2, 1, 1, 3, 2, 2, 2, 1, 3

*8. Predict Use mental math to predict whether the quadratic formula is necessary to
(110)
solve 3b2 + 15b - 20 = 0. Solve.

*9. Soccer A 1.5-meter-tall soccer player bounces a soccer ball off his head at a velocity
(110)
of 7 meters per second upward. Use the formula h = -4.9t2 + v0t + h0 to estimate
how many seconds it will take the ball to hit the ground.

*10. Error Analysis For the system of inequalities graphed, Student A said that
(109)
(1, -4) is a solution of the system and Student B said that (4, 2) is a solution of
the system. Which student is correct? Explain the error.
y

2
O x
-4 -2 4
-2

-4

y≤2
11. Graph the system .
(109) x≥2
*12. Multi-Step A student group is planning on washing cars in an effort to raise at least
(109)
$300. They want to charge $5 for a basic wash, which will take about 10 minutes, and
$15 for a detailed wash, which will take about 30 minutes. They have the car-wash
lot rented for 8 hours. Write and graph a system of linear inequalities to describe this
situation. Explain your findings.

746 Saxon Algebra 1

 13. Geometry Suppose the perimeter of a rectangle must be less than 50 units and
(109)
the width must be greater than 5 units. Graph a system of linear inequalities to
describe this situation. Give one set of possible dimensions for the rectangle.
x
14. Evaluate the function f(x) = -3(6) for x = -2, 0, and 2.
(108)
x
15. Error Analysis Which student correctly evaluated f(x) = 2(3) for x = 2? Explain
(108)
the error.

Student A Student B
x x
f (x) = 2(3) f(x) = 2(3)
= 6x = 2(3)2
= 62 = 36 = 2(9) = 18
x
*16. Chemistry Amaro uses f(x) = 10 _2 to give the amount remaining from 10 grams
()
1
(108)
of a radioactive substance after x number of half-lives. Which graph represents
this function?
Graph A Graph B Graph C
y y y
O x
6
2 6
4 -4
8
2 -8
4 x
O x -6 -4 -2
2 4 6

√
15xy
17. Simplify _. 18. Subtract _ -_
5x2 2x - 5
.
(103)
3 √
10xy3 (95) 10x - 30 x2 - 9

19. Astronomy Astronomers can use the formula T = √d3 to find the time T it takes a
(103)
planet to orbit the Sun (in earth years), knowing the distance d of the planet from
the Sun (in astronomical units, AU). If Mars is about _2 AU from the Sun, about
3

how long does it take Mars to orbit the Sun in earth years? Give your answer as a
rational expression.

20. Multiple Choice What is the absolute-value function of the graph?

(107)
y
4

2
O x
-4 -2 2 4
-2

-4

A f(x) = |x + 2| B f(x) = |x - 2|
C f(x) = |x| + 2 D f(x) = |x| - 2

21. Solve p2 + 13p = -50 by completing the square.

(104)

Lesson 110 747

 *22. Compound Interest The formula for a fund that compounds interest is
(105)
A = P(1 + _ ) , where A is the balance, P is the initial amount deposited, r is
r nt
n n
the annual interest rate, t is the number of years, and n is the number of times the
interest is compounded per year. Gretchen deposits $1500 into an account that
pays 4.5% interest compounded annually. Write the first 4 terms of the sequence
representing Gretchen’s balance after t years. Round to the nearest cent.

23. Solve √

x + 11 = 16. Check your answer.
(106)

*24. Analyze Are the graphs for f(x) = 5|x| and f(x) = |5x| the same? Explain.
(107)

25. Solve the equation 9⎪_2 - 6⎥ = 27.

x
26. Factor x2 + 42 + 13x.
(94) (72)

27. Multi-Step Lisa plans to shop for books and magazines and she plans to spend no
(97)
more than $32. Each book costs $14 and each magazine costs $4.
a. Write an inequality that describes this situation.
b. Graph the inequality.
c. If Lisa wants to spend exactly $32, what is a possible number of each she can
spend her money on?

28. Volleyball Diego hits a volleyball into the air. The ball’s movement forms a
(100)
parabola given by the quadratic equation h = -16t2 + 3t + 14 where h is the
height in feet and t is the time in seconds. Find the maximum height of the path
the volleyball makes and the time when the volleyball hits the ground. Round to
the nearest hundredth.

29. Multi-Step When the temperature (t) of the gas neon is within 1.25° of -247.35°C
(101)
it will be in a liquid form. This can be modeled by the absolute-value inequality
|t - (-247.35)| < 1.25.
a. Solve and graph the inequality |t - (-247.35)| < 1.25.
b. One endpoint of the graph represents the boiling point of neon, the
temperature at which neon changes from liquid to gas. The other endpoint
represents the melting point, at which neon turns from solid to liquid. The
higher temperature is the boiling point and the lower temperature is the melting
point. What is the boiling point of neon? What is the melting point?
3 4
30. Measurement The following formula represents the area of circle A:
(102)
πr2 - 165.05 m2 = 0. What is the approximate measurement, in r
meters, of the radius r? Use 3.14 for π.
A

748 Saxon Algebra 1

 INVESTIGATION

11 Investigating Exponential Growth and Decay

Water Flow Rates

Water flows from a crack in the side of a swimming
pool, initially releasing one gallon of water. The crack continues to widen
as water continues to flow from the pool. For every second after that, the
amount flowing from the pool doubles. The table below shows the relationship
between time and the amount of water flowing.

Amount of
Time (s)
Water (gal)
0 1
1 2
2 4
3 8
Math Reasoning
Analyze What 1. Create a graph of the data.
characteristics of the data
and the graph indicate 2. Predict How many gallons of water flow from the pool in the fourth
that this data does not second?
model a linear function?
Near the origin the graph looks similar to a parabola, however it grows much
more quickly. The graph models exponential growth. Exponential growth is
a situation where a quantity always increases by the same percent for a given
time period.

Stock Exchange
The annual number of shares S in billions traded on the New York
Stock Exchange from 1990 to 2000 can be approximated by the model
x
S = 39(1.2) , where x is the number of years since 1990.
3. Create a table of values like the one below. Round each share to the
nearest billion.

x S
0 39
2 56
4
6
Math Reasoning
8
Analyze In the
10
exponential growth
equation f(x) = kb x what 4. Plot the coordinates. Connect the points with a smooth curve.
is the domain? Why?
5. Use the graph to estimate the number of shares traded in 1997.
Online Connection 6. Verify Use the equation to calculate the exact number of shares traded
www.SaxonMathResources.com in 1997 algebraically.

Investigation 11 749
 Exponential growth is modeled by the function f (x) = kb x, where k > 0.
The percent of growth b, expressed as a decimal number, is greater than 1.

Exploration Analyzing Different Values of k in the Exponential

Growth Function

Materials Step 1: Take one sheet of notebook paper. Fold it in half. Unfold the paper
and count the number of rectangular regions formed. Record the number
• several sheets of
notebook paper of folds and regions in a table like the one below.

Folds Regions
0 1
1 2
2
3
4

Refold the paper along the initial crease you made and fold it in half again.
Continue counting regions and folding in half at least four times.
Step 2: Take three sheets of notebook paper and stack them. Repeat Step 1.
Create and complete a table like the one below.

Folds Regions
0 3
1 6
2
3
4

Step 3: Take five sheets of notebook paper and stack them. Repeat Step 1.
Create and complete a table like the one below.

Folds Regions
0 5
1
2
3
Math Reasoning 4
Analyze Why are each
of the three functions 7. Plot the points on one coordinate plane. Let x = the number of folds. Let
named using function
y = the number of regions. Connect the point for each set of data with a
notation?
smooth curve.
The data in the Exploration are included in the graphs of the functions
x x
f (x) = 2 x, g(x) = 3(2) , and h(x) = 5(2) , respectively. All three functions
x
are of the form y = k(b) .
8. What is the y-intercept of each function? Compare the y-intercept of each
equation to y = kb x. Name the y-intercept of y = kb x.

750 Saxon Algebra 1

 9. Generalize How does changing the value of k affect the graph of the
function?
10. Formulate As the number of folds increase, what happens to the number
of regions on the folded paper? What is the b-value for each equation?
x
Write an equation in the form y = k(b) to model situations in which y
doubles as x increases.
x
11. For any function y = k(b) , what does k represent in any situation when
x = 0?
The period of time required for a quantity to double in size or value is
x
called doubling time. The equation will be of the form y = k(2) .
Just as data can grow exponentially, some data can model exponential decay.
Exponential decay is a situation where a quantity always decreases by the
same percent in a given time period.
Carbon-14 dating is used to find the approximate age of animal and plant
material after it has decomposed. The half-life of carbon-14 is 5730 years.
So, every 5730 years half of the carbon-14 in a substance decomposes.
Find the amount remaining from a sample containing 100 milligrams of
Caution
carbon-14 after four half lives.
Do not divide the original
amount of a substance by 12. How many years are there in four half-lives?
3 to calculate the amount
of a substance left after 13. Create and complete a table like the one below.
three half-lives.
Amount of Carbon-14
Number of Half-Lives Number of Years
Remaining (mg)
0 0 100
1 5730
2 11,460
Hint 3 17,190
Since x usually represents 4 22,920
time in decay equations,
x > 0.
14. How much of the sample remains after 22,920 years?
Math Reasoning Exponential decay is modeled by the function f(x) = kb x, where k > 0 and 0 <
Analyze Why does f(x) b < 1. Since the value of b is a positive number less than 1, as x increases, the
decrease as x increases? value of f(x) decreases by b.
An exponential decay function can model the amount of a substance in
the body over time. Many diabetes patients take insulin. The exponential
x
function f(x) = 100 _ describes the percent of insulin in the body after
(2)
1

x half-lives. The half-life of a substance is the time it takes for one-half of

the substance to decay into another substance.
15. About what percent of insulin would be left in the body after
8 half-lives?
16. Write Describe the effect that the b-value has on the amount of
substance remaining as the number of half-lives x increases.

Investigation 11 751
 x x
17. Predict Graph the functions f (x) = 100 _2 and g(x) = 50 _2 . How
() ()
1 1

does the value of k in each equation compare to the y-intercept?

How does the k-value affect the graph of the function?

Match the following exponential growth and decay equations to the graphs
shown. Explain your choices.
18. y = 2(0.5)x
19. y = 2(3)x
20. y = (0.25)x
21. y = 0.25(2)x
Graph A Graph B
y y
2 4

1 (0, 1) 2 (0, 2)

1
O x O x
1 2 1 2 3 4

Graph C Graph D
y y
4 1

2 (0, 2) 0.5
(0, 0.25)
1
O x O x
-2 -1 1 2 -2 -1 1 2

Investigation Practice

a. Formulate Alex invested $500 in an account that will double his balance every
8 years. How many times will the amount in the account double in 32 years?
Write an equation to model the account balance y after x doubling times.
What will his balance be in 32 years?

b. Formulate Radioactive glucose is used in cancer detection. It has a half-life of

100 minutes. How many half-lives are in 24 hours? Write an equation to model
the amount y remaining of a 100 milligram sample after x half-lives. How much of
a 100 milligram sample remains after 24 hours?
x
Use the equation f(x) = _12 () to answer each problem.
c. Does the equation model exponential growth or exponential decay?
Explain.
x x
d. How does the graph of f (x) = _12
() compare to the graph of g(x) = _13 ? ()
x
e. How does the graph of f (x) = (_12 ) compare to the graph of h(x) = 2 x ?

752 Saxon Algebra 1

Match the following exponential growth and decay equations to the graphs
shown. Explain your choices.
f. y = 3(0.5)x

g. y = 3(2)x

h. y = (4)x

i. y = 2(0.25)x

Graph A Graph B
y y
4 4

3 (0, 3) 3

2 2

1 1 (0, 1)
O x O x
-2 -1 1 2 -2 -1 1 2

Graph C Graph D
y y
4 4

3 (0, 3)

2 2 (0, 2)

1 1
O x O x
-2 -1 1 2 -2 -1 1 2

Investigation 11 753