TOPIC 10

Linear equations [Stage 5.2]

10.1 Overview
Numerous videos and interactivities are embedded
just where you need them, at the point of learning, in
your learnON title at www.jacplus.com.au. They will
help you to learn the concepts covered in this topic.

10.1.1 Why learn this?

Looking for patterns in numbers, relationships and
measurements helps us to understand the world around
us. A mathematical model is a mathematical represen-
tation of a situation. If we can see a pattern in a table
of values or a graph that shows ordered pairs following
an approximately straight line, the model is called a
linear model.

DISCUSSION
The Romans used mathematics to determine the numbers of men and equipment as well as strategic
­formations to build a formidable army. Are there any other ways in which the Romans used mathematics to
build the dominant empire of their time?

LEARNING SEQUENCE
10.1 Overview
10.2 [Stage 5.2] Solving linear equations
10.3 [Stage 5.2] Solving linear equations with brackets
10.4 [Stage 5.2] Solving linear equations with pronumerals on both sides
10.5 [Stage 5.2] Solving problems with linear equations
10.6 [Stage 5.2] Substituting values into formulas
10.7 Review

LEARNING OUTCOMES
A student:
• selects appropriate notations and conventions to communicate mathematical ideas and solutions MA5.2-1WM
• interprets mathematical or real-life situations, systematically applying appropriate strategies to solve problems MA5.2-2WM
• constructs arguments to prove and justify results MA5.2-3WM
• solves linear equations MA5.2-8NA

CONTENT DESCRIPTIONS
Students:
Solve linear equations (ACMNA215)
Solve linear equations involving simple algebraic fractions (ACMNA240)
Substitute values into formulas to determine an unknown (ACMNA234)
Solve problems involving linear equations, including those derived from formulas (ACMNA235)
Source: NSW Syllabus for the Australian curriculum

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 471

 RESOURCES — ONLINE ONLY

eLesson: The story of mathematics — The mighty Roman armies (eles-1691)

Note: Your teacher may now set you a pre-test to determine how familiar you are with the content in
this topic.

10.2 Solving linear equations  [Stage 5.2]

10.2.1 What is a linear equation?
•• An equation is a mathematical statement that contains an equals sign (=).
•• For an equation, the expression on the left-hand side of the equals sign has the same value as the
expression on the right-hand side.
•• Solving a linear equation means finding a value for the pronumeral that makes the statement true.
•• ‘Doing the same thing’ to both sides of the equation ensures that the two expressions remain equal.

WORKED EXAMPLE 1

For each of the following equations, determine whether x = 10 is a solution.

x+2
a =6 b 2x + 3 = 3x − 7 c x2 − 2x = 9x − 10
3
THINK WRITE
x+2
a 1 Substitute 10 for x in the left-hand side of the a LHS =
3
equation. 10 + 2
=
3
12
=
3
=4
2 Write the right-hand side. RHS = 6
3 Is the equation true? That is, does the left-hand LHS ≠ RHS
side equal the right-hand side?
4 State whether x = 10 is a solution. x = 10 is not a solution.
b 1 Substitute 10 for x in the left-hand side. b LHS = 2x + 3
= 2(10) + 3
= 23

2 Substitute 10 for x in the right-hand side. RHS = 3x − 7

= 3(10) − 7
= 23
3 Is the equation true? LHS = RHS
4 State whether x = 10 is a solution. x = 10 is a solution.
c 1 Substitute 10 for x in the left-hand side. c LHS = x2 − 2x
= 102 − 2 (10)
= 100 − 20
= 80

472 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

 2 Substitute 10 for x in the right-hand side. RHS = 9x − 10
= 9(10) − 10
= 90 − 10
= 80
3 Is the equation true? LHS = RHS
4 State whether x = 10 is a solution. x = 10 is a solution.

10.2.2 Solving one-step equations

•• If only one operation has been performed on a pronumeral, it is known as a one-step equation.
•• Simple equations can be solved by performing the inverse operation.
•• The inverse operation has the effect of undoing the original operation.
Operation Inverse operation
+ −
− +
× ÷
÷ ×

WORKED EXAMPLE 2

Solve each of the following linear equations.

x
a x − 7 = 153 b x + 46 = 82 c 6x = 100 d = 19
7
THINK WRITE
a 1 7 is subtracted from x to give 153. a x − 7 = 153
2 Apply the inverse operation by adding 7 to both x = 153 + 7
sides of the equation.
3 Write the value of x. x = 160
b 1 46 is added to x to give 82. b x + 46 = 82
2 Apply the inverse operation by subtracting 46
x = 82 − 46
from both sides of the equation.
3 Write the value of x. x = 36
c 1 6 is multiplied by x to give 100. c 6x = 100
2 Perform the inverse operation by dividing 100
x=
both sides of the equation by 6. 6
3 Write the value of x. x = 16 23
x
d 1 x is divided by 7 to give 19. d 7 = 19
2 Perform the inverse operation by multiplying x = 19 × 7
both sides of the equation by 7.
3 Write the value of x. = 133
Note: In each case the result can be checked by substituting the value obtained for x into the original
equation and confirming that it will make the equation a true statement.

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 473

10.2.3 Solving two-step equations
•• If two operations have been performed on the pronumeral, it is known as a two-step equation.
•• To solve two-step equations, determine the order in which the operations were performed.
•• Perform inverse operations in the reverse order to both sides of the equation.
•• Each inverse operation must be performed one step at a time.
•• This principle will apply to any equation with two or more steps, as shown in the examples
that ­follow.

WORKED EXAMPLE 3

Solve the following linear equations.

x 3x
a 2y + 4 = 12 b 6−x=8 c −4=2 d =6
3 5

THINK WRITE
a 1 First subtract 4 from both sides. a 2y + 4 = 12
2y + 4 − 4 = 12 − 4

2 Divide both sides by 2. 2y = 8

2y 8
=
2 2
3 Write the value of y. y=4
b 1 6 − x is the same as −x + 6. Rewrite the b 6−x=8
equation. −x + 6 = 8
2 Subtract 6 from both sides. −x + 6 − 6 = 8 − 6
3 Divide both sides by −1. −x = 2
−x 2
=
−1 −1
4 Write the value of x. x = −2
c 1 Add 4 to both sides. c x
−4=2
3
x
−4+4 =2+4
3
x
=6
3
2 Multiply both sides by 3. x
×3=6×3
3
3 Write the value of x. x = 18
d 1 Multiply both sides by 5. d 3x
=6
5
3x
×5=6×5
5
3x = 30

2 Divide both sides by 3. 3x 30

=
3 3

3 Write the value of x. x = 10

474 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

 DISCUSSION
What happens if you perform the inverse operations in the wrong order? Use an example to explain your response.

WORKED EXAMPLE 4

Solve the following linear equations.

x+1 7−x
a = 11 b = −6.3
2 5
THINK WRITE
a 1 All of x + 1 has been divided by 2. a x+1
= 11
2
2 Multiply both sides by 2. x+1
× 2 = 11 × 2
2
x + 1 = 22
3 Subtract 1 from both sides. x = 21
b 1 All of 7 − x has been divided by 5. b 7−x
= −6.3
5
2 Multiply both sides by 5. 7−x
× 5 = −6.3 × 5
5
3 7 − x is the same as −x + 7. 7 − x = −31.5
4 Subtract 7 from both sides. 7 − x − 7 = −31.5 − 7
−x = −38.5

5 Divide both sides by −1. x = 38.5

10.2.4 Algebraic fractions with the pronumeral in the denominator

•• If a pronumeral is in the denominator, there is an extra step involved in finding the solution.
Consider the following example:
4 3
=
x 2
•• In order to solve this equation, we first multiply both sides of the equation by x.
4 3
×x= ×x
x 2
3x
4=
2
3x
or =4
2
•• The pronumeral is now in the numerator, and the equation is easy to solve.
3x
=4
2
3x = 8
8
x=
3

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 475

 WORKED EXAMPLE 5

Solve each of the following linear equations.

3 4 5
a = b = −2
a 5 b
THINK WRITE
a 1 Multiply both sides by a. a 3 4
=
a 5
4a
3=
5
2 Multiply both sides by 5. 15 = 4a
3 Divide both sides by 4. 15
a=
4
or a = 3 34
b 1 Write the equation. b 5
= −2
b
2 Multiply both sides by b. 5 = −2b
3 Divide both sides of the equation by −2. 5
=b
−2
b = −2 12

RESOURCES — ONLINE ONLY

Interactivity: Using algebra to solve problems (int-3805)

eLesson: Solving linear equations (eles-1895)
Digital doc: SkillSHEET Solving one-step equations (doc-6150)
Digital doc: SkillSHEET Checking solutions to equations (doc-6151)
Digital doc: SkillSHEET Solving equations (doc-6152)
Digital doc: SkillSHEET Writing equations from worded statements (doc-10826)
Digital doc: WorkSHEET Solving linear equations (doc-6156)

Exercise 10.2 Solving linear equations

Individual pathways

UU PRACTISE UU CONSOLIDATE UU MASTER

Questions: Questions: Questions:
1a–f, 2a–l, 3a–h, 4, 5, 6a–f, 7a–f, 1d–i, 2g–r, 3d–i, 4, 5, 6d–i, 7d–i, 1g–l, 2i–u, 3g–l, 4, 5, 6g–l, 7g–l,
8a–f, 9a–f, 10–12, 17 8d–i, 9d–l, 10–13, 17–19 8g–l, 9g–l, 10–12, 14–22

To answer questions online and to receive immediate feedback and fully worked solutions for every
­question, go to your learnON title at www.jacplus.com.au. Note: Question numbers may vary slightly.

476 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

Understanding and fluency
1. WE1 For each of the following equations, determine whether x = 6 is a solution.
a. x + 3 = 7 b. 2x − 5 = 7 c. x2 − 2 = 38
6 2(x + 1)
d. + x = 7 e. =2 f. 3 − x = 9
x 7
g. x2 + 3x = 39 h. 3(x + 2) = 5(x − 4) i. x2 + 2x = 9x − 6
j. x2 = (x + 1) 2 − 14 k. (x − 1) 2 = 4x + 1 l. 5x + 2 = x2 + 4
2. WE2 Solve each of the following linear equations. Check your answers by substitution.
a. x − 43 = 167 b. x − 17 = 35 c. x + 286 = 516
d. 58 + x = 81 e. x − 78 = 64 f. 209 − x = 305
g. 5x = 185 h. 60x = 1200 i. 5x = 250
x x x
j. =6 k. = 26 l. = 27
23 17 9
m. y − 16 = −31 n. 5.5 + y = 7.3 o. y − 7.3 = 5.5
p. 6y = 14 q. 0.2y = 4.8 r. 0.9y = −0.05
y y y
s. = 4.3 t. = 23 u. = 21.04
5 7.5 8
3. WE3a Solve each of the following linear equations.
a. 2y − 3 = 7 b. 2y + 7 = 3 c. 5y − 1 = 0
d. 6y + 2 = 8 e. 7 + 3y = 10 f. 8 + 2y = 12
g. 15 = 3y − 1 h. −6 = 3y − 1 i. 6y − 7 = 140
j. 4.5y + 2.3 = 7.7 k. 0.4y − 2.7 = 6.2 l. 600y − 240 = 143
4. WE3b Solve each of the following linear equations.
a. 3 − 2x = 1 b. 3x − 1 = 5 c. −4x − 7 = −19
d. 1 − 3x = 19 e. −5 − 7x = 2 f. −8 − 2x = −9
g. 9 − 6x = −1 h. −5x − 4.2 = 7.4 i. 2 = 11 − 3x
j. −3 = −6x − 8 k. −1 = 4 − 4x l. 35 − 13x = −5
5. Solve each of the following linear equations.
a. 7 − x = 8 b. 8 − x = 7 c. 5 − x = 5
d. 5 − x = 0 e. 15.3 = 6.7 − x f. 5.1 = 4.2 − x
g. 9 − x = 0.1 h. 140 − x = 121 i. −30 − x = −4
j. −5 = −6 − x k. −x + 1 = 2 l. −2x − 1 = 0
6. WE3c,d Solve each of the following linear equations.
x x x 1
a. + 1 = 3 b. − 2 = −1 c. =
4 3 8 2
x x x
d. − = 5 e. 5 − = −8 f. 4 − = 11
3 2 6
2x 5x 3x
g. =6 h. = −3 i. − = −7
3 2 4
8x 2x 3x 1
j. − =6 k. = −2 l. − = −
3 7 10 5
7. WE4 Solve each of the following linear equations.
z−1 z+1 z−4
a. =5 b. =8 c. = −4
3 4 2
6−z 3−z −z − 50
d. =0 e. =6 f. = −2
7 2 22
z − 4.4 z+2 140 − z
g. = −3 h. = 1.2 i. =0
2.1 7.4 150
−z − 0.4 z−6 z + 65
j. = −0.5 k. = −4.6 l. =1
2 9 73

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 477

 8. Solve each of the following linear equations.
5x + 1 2x − 5 3x + 4
a. =2 b. =3 c. = −1
3 7 2
4x − 13 4 − 3x 1 − 2x
d. = −5 e. =8 f. = −10
9 2 6
−5x − 3 −10x − 4 4x + 2.6
g. =3 h. =1 i. = 8.8
9 3 5
5x − 0.7 1 − 0.5x −3x − 8 1
j. = −3.1 k. = −2.5 l. =
−0.3 4 14 2
9. WE5 Solve each of the following linear equations.
2 1 3 −4 7
a. = b. = 7 c. =
x 2 x x 2
5 −3 0.4 9 8
d. = e. = f. = 1
x 4 x 2 x
−4 2 −6 −4 1.7 1
g. = h. = i. =
x 3 x 5 x 3
6 4 −15 50 −35
j. = −1 k. = l. =
x x 22 x 43
10. MC a. The solution to the equation 82 − x = 44 is:
a. x = 126 b. x = −126 c. x = 122 d. x = 38 e. x = 44
b. What is the solution to the equation 5x − 12 = −62?
a. x = −14.8 b. x = 14.8 c. x = 10 d. x = −10 e. x = –50
x−1
c. What is the solution to the equation = 5.3?
2
a. x = 2 b. x = 3.65 c. x = 9.6 d. x = 10.6 e. x = 11.6
11. Solve each of the following linear equations.
a. 3a + 7 = 4 b. 5 − b = −5 c. 4c − 4.4 = 44
d−4 2f
d. =0 e. 5 − 3e = −10 f. = 8
67 3
h+2
g. 100 = 6g + 4.2 h. = 5.5 i. 452i − 124 = −98
6
6j − 1 12 − k l − 5.2
j. =0 k. =4 l. = 1.5
17 5 3.4
12. Write each of the following worded statements as a mathematical sentence and then solve for
the unknown.
a. Seven is added to the product of x and 3, which gives the result of 4.
b. Four is divided by x and this result is equivalent to 23.
c. Three is subtracted from x and this result is divided by 12 to give 25.
13. Driving lessons are usually quite expensive, but a discount of $15 per lesson is given if a family
member belongs to the automobile club. If 10 lessons cost $760 (after the discount), find the cost of
each lesson before the discount.
14. Anton lives in Australia and his pen pal, Utan, lives in the USA. Anton’s home town of Horsham
experienced one of the hottest days on record with a temperature of 46.7°C. Utan said that his home
town had experienced a day hotter than that, with the temperature reaching 113°F. The formula for
converting Celsius to Fahrenheit is F = 95 C + 32. Was Utan correct?
Communicating, reasoning and problem solving
15. Santo solved the linear equation 9 = 5 − x. His second step was to divide both sides by −1. Trudy, his
mathematics buddy, said that she multiplied both sides by −1. Explain why they are both correct.

478 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

16. Find the mistake in the following working and explain what is wrong.
x
−1=2
5
x − 1 = 10
x = 11
17. Sweet-tooth Sammy goes to the corner store and buys an equal number of 25-cent and 30-cent lollies
for a total of $16.50. How many lollies did he buy?
18. In a cannery, cans are filled by two machines that together produce
16 000 cans during an 8-hour shift. If the newer machine produces
340 more cans per hour than the older machine, how many cans
does each machine produce in an 8-hour shift?
19. Tickets to an exhibition cost $55 for an adult, $27 for a child and
$130 for a family of two adults and two children.
a. How much is saved by buying a family ticket instead of buying
two adult and two child tickets?
b. Is it worthwhile buying a family ticket if the family has only one
child?
20. A teacher comes across a clue shown below in a cryptic ­mathematics
cross-number. What is the value of n that the teacher is looking for?

3n – 6

5n + 2
18
150

21. How are linear equations defined?

12
22. The value of the expression is an integer. What are the possible values for x; given that x is also
x−4
an integer?

10.3 Solving linear equations with

brackets [Stage 5.2]
10.3.1 Linear equations with brackets
Consider the equation 3(x + 5) = 18.
There are two appropriate methods for solving this equation.
Method 1: Method 2:
First divide both sides by 3. First expand the brackets.
3(x + 5) 18
= 3(x + 5) = 18
3 3
x+5=6 3x + 15 = 18
x=1 3x = 3
x= 1

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 479

In this case, method 1 works well because 3 divides exactly into 18.
Now try the equation 7(x + 2) = 10.
Method 1: Method 2:
First divide both sides by 7. First expand the brackets.
7(x + 2) 10
= 7(x + 2) = 10
7 7
10 7x + 14 = 10
x+2=
7 7x = −4
4 −4
x=− x=
7 7
In this case, method 2 works well because it avoids fraction addition or subtraction.
Try both methods and choose the one that works best for each question.

DISCUSSION
There are different algebraic techniques for solving linear equations. Explain and justify your choice of technique
x x
for solving + = 5.
3 2

WORKED EXAMPLE 6

Solve each of the following linear equations.

a 7(x − 5) = 28 b 6(x + 3) = 7
THINK WRITE
a 1 7 is a factor of 28, so divide both sides by 7. a 7(x − 5) = 28
7(x − 5) 28
=
7 7
2 Add 5 to both sides. x− 5= 4
3 Write the value of x. x= 9
b 1 6 is not a factor of 7, so it will be easier to b 6(x + 3) = 7
expand the brackets first. 6x + 18 = 7
2 Subtract 18 from both sides. 6x + 18 = 7 − 18
6x = −11

6 (
3 Divide both sides by 6. x = −11 or −1 56 )

RESOURCES — ONLINE ONLY

Interactivity: Linear equations with brackets (int-6039)

480 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

Exercise 10.3 Solving linear equations with brackets
Individual pathways

UU PRACTISE UU CONSOLIDATE UU MASTER

Questions: Questions: Questions:
1a–f, 2a–h, 3a–f, 4a–f, 5, 6, 8, 10 1d–i, 2d–i, 3d–i, 4d–i, 5, 7–11 1g–l, 2g–l, 3g–l, 4g–l, 5, 7–13

To answer questions online and to receive immediate feedback and fully worked solutions for every
­question, go to your learnON title at www.jacplus.com.au. Note: Question numbers may vary slightly.
Understanding and fluency
1. WE6 Solve each of the following linear equations.
a. 5(x − 2) = 20 b. 4(x + 5) = 8 c. 6(x + 3) = 18
d. 5(x − 41) = 75 e. 8(x + 2) = 24 f. 3(x + 5) = 15
g. 5(x + 4) = 15 h. 3(x − 2) = − 12 i. 7(x − 6) = 0
j. − 6(x − 2) = 12 k. 4(x + 2) = 4.8 l. 16(x − 3) = 48
2. WE6 Solve each of the following equations.
a. 6(b − 1) = 1 b. 2(m − 3) = 3 c. 2(a + 5) = 7
d. 3(m + 2) = 2 e. 5(p − 2) = − 7 f. 6(m − 4) = − 8
g. − 10(a + 1) = 5 h. − 12(p − 2) = 6 i. − 9(a − 3) = − 3
j. − 2(m + 3) = − 1 k. 3(2a + 1) = 2 l. 4(3m + 2) = 5
3. Solve each of the following equations.
a. 9(x − 7) = 82 b. 2(x + 5) = 14 c. 7(a − 1) = 28
d. 4(b − 6) = 4 e. 3(y − 7) = 0 f. − 3(x + 1) = 7
g. −6(m + 1) = −30 h. −4(y + 2) = −12 i. − 3(a − 6) = 3
j. −2(p + 9) = −14 k. 3(2m − 7) = −3 l. 2(4p + 5) = 18
4. Solve the following linear equations. Round the answers to 3 decimal places where appropriate.
a. 2(y + 4) = − 7 b. 0.3(y + 8) = 1 c. 4(y + 19) = − 29
d. 7(y − 5) = 25 e. 6(y + 3.4) = 3 f. 7(y − 2) = 8.7
g. 1.5(y + 3) = 10 h. 2.4(y − 2) = 1.8 i. 1.7(y + 2.2) = 7.1
j. − 7(y + 2) = 0 k. − 6(y + 5) = − 11 l. − 5(y − 2.3) = 1.6
5. MC a. The best first step in solving the equation 7(x − 6) = 23 would be to:
a. add 6 to both sides b. subtract 7 from both sides
c. divide both sides by 23 d. divide both sides by 7
e. expand the brackets
b. The solution to the equation 84(x − 21) = 782 is closest to:
a. x = 9.06 b. x = 9.31 c. x = 9.56 d. x = 30.31 e. x = − 11.69
6. In 1974 a mother was 6 times as old as her daughter. If the mother turned 50 in the year 2000, in what
year was the mother double her daughter’s age?
7. New edging is to be placed around a rectangular children’s playground. The width of the playground
is x m and the length is 7 metres longer than the width.
a. Write down an expression for the perimeter of the playground. Write your answer in factorised form.
b. If the amount of edging required is 54 m, determine the dimensions of the playground.
Communicating, reasoning and problem solving
8. Juanita is solving the following equation: 2(x − 8) = 10. She performs the following operations to
both sides of the equation in order: +8, ÷2. Explain why Juanita will not find the correct value of x
using her order of inverse operations, then solve the equation.

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 481

 9. As your first step to solve the equation 3(2x − 7) = 18, you are given three options:
• Expand the brackets on the left-hand side.
• Add 7 to both sides.
• Divide both sides by 3.
Which of the options is your least preferred and why?
10. Five times the sum of 4 and a number is equal to 35. What is the number?
11. Kyle earns $55 more than Noah each week, but Callum earns three times as much as Kyle. If Callum
earns $270 a week, how much do Kyle and Noah earn each week?
12. A school wishes to hire a bus to travel to a football game. The bus will take 28 passengers, and the
school will contribute $48 towards the cost of the trip. The price of each ticket is $10. If the hiring of
the bus is $300 + 10% of the cost of all the tickets, what should be the cost per person?

13. Explain the two possible methods for solving equations in factorised form.

10.4 Solving linear equations with

pronumerals on both sides [Stage 5.2]
10.4.1 Linear equations with pronumerals on both sides
•• When we solve equations, it is important to remember that whatever we do to one side of an equation
we must do to the other.
•• If the pronumeral occurs on both sides of the equation, first remove it from one side, as shown in the
example below.

WORKED EXAMPLE 7

Solve each of the following linear equations.

a 5y = 3y + 3 b 7x + 5 = 2 − 4x c 3(x + 1) = 14 − 2x d 2(x + 3) = 3(x + 7)
THINK WRITE
a 1 3y is smaller than 5y. Subtract 3y from both sides. a 5y = 3y + 3
5y − 3y = 3y + 3 − 3y
2y = 3
3
2 Divide both sides by 2. y= 2
(or 112)

482 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

b 1 − 4x is smaller than 7x. Add 4x to both sides. b 7x + 5 = 2 − 4x
7x + 5 + 4x = 2 − 4x + 4x
11x + 5 = 2
2 Subtract 5 from both sides. 11x + 5 − 5 = 2 − 5
11x = −3
3
3 Divide both sides by 11. x = −11

c 1 Expand the bracket. c 3(x + 1) = 14 − 2x

3x + 3 = 14 − 2x
2 −2x is smaller than 3x. Add 2x to both sides. 3x + 3 + 2x = 14 − 2x + 2x
5x + 3 = 14
3 Subtract 3 from both sides. 5x + 3 − 3 = 14 − 3
5x = 11
11
4 Divide both sides by 5. x= 5

d 1 Expand the brackets. d 2(x + 3) = 3(x + 7)

2x + 6 = 3x + 21
2 2x is smaller than 3x. 2x + 6 − 2x = 3x + 21 − 2x
Subtract 2x from both sides. 6 = x + 21
3 Subtract 21 from both sides. 6 − 21 = x + 21 − 21
−15 = x

4 Write the answer with the pronumeral written on x = − 15

the left-hand side.

ACTIVITY: DICE TRICKS

Equipment: pair of dice
1. Roll a pair of dice and follow the instructions listed below.
• Multiply the number on top of one die by 2.
• Add 3 to this.
• Multiply by 5.
• To this result, add the number on the second die.
• Multiply this sum by 10.
• Finally, subtract 150 from your answer.
• Note your answer and repeat this experiment several times.
2. Discuss your results and show algebraically what you have discovered.
3. Use the idea of inverse operations to write a list of instructions for the result of the die roll which will give a
predetermined result. For example, write a set of instructions that will always result in an answer of 2.

RESOURCES — ONLINE ONLY

Interactivity: Solving equations (int-2764)

eLesson: Solving linear equations with pronumerals on both sides (eles-1901)
Digital doc: SkillSHEET Simplifying like terms (doc-10828)
Digital doc: WorkSHEET Solving equations with the pronumerals on both sides (doc-6159)

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 483

Exercise 10.4 Solving linear equations with pronumerals on
both sides
Individual pathways

UU PRACTISE UU CONSOLIDATE UU MASTER

Questions: Questions: Questions:
1a–f, 2, 3a–f, 4, 5, 6a–f, 7, 8, 11 1d–i, 2, 3d–i, 4, 5, 6d–i, 7–12 1g–l, 2, 3g–l, 4, 5, 6g–l, 7–15

To answer questions online and to receive immediate feedback and fully worked solutions for every
­question, go to your learnON title at www.jacplus.com.au. Note: Question numbers may vary slightly.
Understanding and fluency
1. WE7a Solve each of the following linear equations.
a. 5y = 3y − 2 b. 6y = − y + 7 c. 10y = 5y − 15
d. 25 + 2y = − 3y e. 8y = 7y − 45 f. 15y − 8 = − 12y
g. 7y = − 3y − 20 h. 23y = 13y + 200 i. 5y − 3 = 2y
j. 6 − 2y = − 7y k. 24 − y = 5y l. 6y = 5y − 2
2. MC a. To solve the equation 3x + 5 = − 4 − 2x, the first step is to:
a. add 3x to both sides b. add 5 to both sides
c. add 2x to both sides d. subtract 2x from both sides
e. divide both sides by 3
b. To solve the equation 6x − 4 = 4x + 5, the first step is to:
a. subtract 4x from both sides b. add 4x to both sides
c. subtract 4 from both sides d. add 5 to both sides
e. divide both sides by 4
3. WE7b Solve each of the following linear equations.
a. 2x + 3 = 8 − 3x b. 4x + 11 = 1 − x c. x − 3 = 6 − 2x
d. 4x − 5 = 2x + 3 e. 3x − 2 = 2x + 7 f. 7x + 1 = 4x + 10
g. 5x + 3 = x − 5 h. 6x + 2 = 3x + 14 i. 2x − 5 = x − 9
j. 10x − 1 = − 2x + 5 k. 7x + 2 = − 5x + 2 l. 15x + 3 = 7x − 3
4. Solve each of the following linear equations.
a. x − 4 = 3x + 8 b. 3x + 12 = 4x + 5 c. 2x + 9 = 7x − 1
d. − 2x + 7 = 4x + 19 e. − 3x + 2 = − 2x − 11 f. 11 − 6x = 18 − 5x
g. 6 − 9x = 4 + 3x h. x − 3 = 18x − 1 i. 5x + 13 = 15x + 3
5. MC a. The solution to 5x + 2 = 2x + 23 is:
1
a. x = 3 b. x = − 3 c. x = 5 d. x = 7 e. x = 8
3

b. The solution to 3x − 4 = 11 − 2x is:

a. x = 15 b. x = 7 c. x = 3 d. x = 5 e. x = 1.4
6. WE7c,d Solve each of the following.
a. 5(x − 2) = 2x + 5 b. 7(x + 1) = x − 11 c. 2(x − 8) = 4x
d. 3(x + 5) = x e. 6(x − 3) = 14 − 2x f. 9x − 4 = 2(3 − x)
g. 4(x + 3) = 3(x − 2) h. 5(x − 1) = 2(x + 3) i. 8(x − 4) = 5(x − 6)
j. 3(x + 6) = 4(2 − x) k. 2(x − 12) = 3(x − 8) l. 4(x + 11) = 2(x + 7)
7. Aamir’s teacher gave him an algebra problem and told him to solve it.
3x + 7 = x2 + k = 7x + 15
Can you help him find the value of k?

484 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

 8. A classroom contained an equal number of boys and girls. Six girls left to play hockey, leaving twice
as many boys as girls in the classroom. What was the original number of students present?
Communicating, reasoning and problem solving
9. Express the following information as an equation, then show that n = 29 is the solution.

3n – 6

5n + 2
18
150

10. Explain the difficulty of trying to solve the equation 4(3x − 5) = 6(4x + 2) without ­expanding the
brackets first.
11. This year Tom is 4 times as old as his daughter. In 5 years’ time he will be only 3 times as old as his
daughter. Find the ages of Tom and his daughter now.
12. If you multiply an unknown number by 6 and then add 5, the result is 7 less than the unknown
­number plus 1 multiplied by 3. Find the unknown number.
13. You are investigating having business cards printed for your new game store. A local printing
­company charges $250 for the cardboard used and an hourly rate for labour of $40.

Address: 123 The Street

Melbourne
VIC 3000
Phone no: 03 1234 5678

a. If h is the number of hours of labour required to print the cards, construct an equation for the cost of
the cards, C.
b. You have budgeted $1000 for the printing job. How many hours of labour can you afford? Give your
answer to the nearest minute.
c. The company estimates that it can print 1000 cards per hour of labour. How many cards will you get
printed with your current budget?
d. An alternative to printing is photocopying. The company charges 15 cents per side for the first 10 000
cards and then 10 cents per side for the remaining cards. Which is the cheaper option for 18 750
­single-sided cards and by how much?
14. A local pinball arcade offers its regular customers the following deal. For a monthly fee of $40 ­players
get 25 $2 pinball games. Additional games cost $2 each. After a player has played 50 games in a
month, all further games are $1.
a. If Tom has $105 to spend in a month, how many games can he play if he takes up the special deal?
b. How much did Tom save by taking up the special deal, compared to playing the same number of
games at $2 a game?
15. Draw a diagram that could represent 2x + 4 = 3x + 1.

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 485

10.5 Solving problems with linear
equations [Stage 5.2]
10.5.1 Converting worded sentences to algebraic equations
•• An important skill in mathematics is the ability to translate written problems into algebraic equations
in order to solve problems.

WORKED EXAMPLE 8

Write linear equations for each of the following statements, using x to represent the unknown.
(Do not attempt to solve the equations.)
a When 6 is subtracted from a certain number, the result is 15.
b Three more than seven times a certain number is zero.
c When 2 is divided by a certain number, the answer is 4 more than the number.
THINK WRITE
a 1 Let x be the number. a x = unknown number
2 Write x and subtract 6. This expression equals 15. x − 6 = 15
b 1 Let x be the number. b x = unknown number
2 7 times the number is 7x. Three more than 7x 7x + 3 = 0
equals 7x + 3. This expression equals 0.
c 1 Let x be the number. c x = unknown number
2
2 Write the term for 2 divided by a certain number.
x
Write the expression for 4 more than the number. x+ 4
2
3 Write the equation. =x+4
x

WORKED EXAMPLE 9

In a basketball game, Hao scored 5 more points than Seve. If they scored a total of 27 points
between them, how many points did each of them score?

486 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

THINK WRITE
1 Define a pronumeral. Let Seve’s score be x.
2 Hao scored 5 more than Seve. Hao’s score is x + 5.
3 Between them they scored a total of 27 x + (x + 5) = 27
points.
4 Solve the equation. 2x + 5 = 27
2x = 22
x = 11
5 Since x = 11, this is Seve’s score. Hao’s score = x + 5
Write Hao’s score. = 11 + 5
= 16
6 Write the answer in words. Seve scored 11 points and Hao scored 16 points.

WORKED EXAMPLE 10

Taxi charges are $3.60 plus $1.38 per kilometre for any trip in Sydney. If Elena’s taxi fare was
$38.10, how far did she travel?

THINK WRITE
1 The distance travelled by Elena has to be found. Define Let x = distance travelled
the pronumeral. (in kilometres).
2 It costs 1.38 to travel 1 kilometre, so the cost to travel Total cost = 3.60 + 1.38x
x kilometres = 1.38x. The fixed cost is $3.60. Write an
expression for the total cost.
3 Let the total cost = 38.10. 3.60 + 1.38x = 38.10
4 Solve the equation. 3.60 + 1.38x = 38.10
1.38x = 34.50
34.50
x=
1.38
= 25
5 State the solution in words. Elena travelled 25 kilometres.

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 487

Exercise 10.5 Solving problems with linear equations
Individual pathways

UU PRACTISE UU CONSOLIDATE UU MASTER

Questions: Questions: Questions:
1–4, 7, 9, 11–14 1–5, 7–10, 12–15 1–15

To answer questions online and to receive immediate feedback and fully worked solutions for every
­question, go to your learnON title at www.jacplus.com.au. Note: Question numbers may vary slightly.
Understanding and fluency
1. WE8 Write linear equations for each of the following statements, using x to represent the unknown.
(Do not attempt to solve the equations.)
a. When 3 is added to a certain number, the answer is 5.
b. Subtracting 9 from a certain number gives a result of 7.
c. Seven times a certain number is 24.
d. A certain number divided by 5 gives a result of 11.
e. Dividing a certain number by 2 equals −9.
f. Three subtracted from five times a certain number gives a result of −7.
g. When a certain number is subtracted from 14 and this result is then multiplied by 2, the result is −3.
h. When 5 is added to three times a certain number, the answer is 8.
i. When 12 is subtracted from two times a certain number, the result is 15.
j. The sum of 3 times a certain number and 4 is divided by 2, which gives a result of 5.
2. MC Which equation matches each of the following statements?
a. A certain number, when divided by 2, gives a result of −12.
− 12 x
a. x = b. 2x = −12 c. = − 12
2 2
x x
d. = −2 e. = 12
12 2
b. Dividing 7 times a certain number by − 4 equals 9.
x − 4x 7+ x
a. = 9 b. = 9 c. = 9
−4 7 −4
7x 7
d. = 9 e. = 9
−4 − 4x
c. Subtracting twice a certain number from 8 gives 12.
a. 2x − 8 = 12 b. 8 − 2x = 12 c. 2 − 8x = 12
d. 8 − (x + 2) = 12 e. 12 − 2x = 8
d. When 15 is added to a quarter of a number, the answer is 10.
a. 15 + 4x = 10
x
b. 10 = + 15
x + 15
c. = 10
4 4
4 15 + x
d. 15 + = 10 e. = 10
x 4x
3. When a certain number is added to 3 and the result is multiplied by 4, the answer is the same as when
the same number is added to 4 and the result is multiplied by 3. Find the number.
4. WE9 John is three times as old as his son Jack, and the sum of their ages is 48. How old is John?
5. In one afternoon’s shopping Seedevi spent half as much money as Georgia, but $6 more than Amy. If
the three of them spent a total of $258, how much did Seedevi spend?

488 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

 6. These rectangular blocks of land have the same area. Find the dimensions of each block, and the area.
x

x+5

30

20

Communicating, reasoning and problem solving

7. A square pool is surrounded by a paved area that is 2 metres wide. If the area of the paving is 72 m2,
what is the length of the pool?

2m

8. Maria is paid $11.50 per hour plus $7 for each jacket that she sews. If she earned $176 for one 8-hour
shift, how many jackets did she sew?
9. Mai hired a car for a fee of $120 plus $30 per day. Casey’s rate for his car hire was $180 plus $26 per
day. If their final cost and rental period were the same, how long was the rental period?
10. WE10 The cost of producing music CDs is quoted as $1200 plus $0.95 per disk. If Maya’s recording
studio has a budget of $2100, how many CDs can she have made?

11. Joseph wishes to have some flyers delivered for his grocery business. Post Quick quotes a price of
$200 plus 50 cents per flyer, while Fast Box quotes $100 plus 80 cents per flyer.
a. If Joseph needs to order 1000 flyers, which distributor would be cheaper to use?
b. For what number of fliers will the cost be the same for either distributor?
c. Why is the solution to the linear equation generated in part b not a solution to the problem?

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 489

12. A number is multiplied by 8, then 16 is subtracted. The
result is the same as 4 times the original number minus 8.
What is the number?
13. Carmel sells three different types of healthy drinks:
herbal, vegetable and citrus fizz. One hour she sells 4
herbal, 3 vegetable and 6 citrus fizz for $60.50. The next
hour she sells 2 herbal, 4 vegetable and 3 citrus fizz. The
third hour she sells 1 herbal, 2 vegetable and 4 citrus fizz.
The total amount in cash sales for the three hours is
$136.50. Carmel made $7 less in the third hour than she
did in the second hour of sales.
Determine Carmel’s sales in the fourth hour if she sells 2 herbal, 3 vegetable and 4 citrus
fizz drinks.
14. A rectangular swimming pool is surrounded by a path which is enclosed Fence
by a pool fence. All measurements are in metres and are not to scale in x+2
the diagram shown.
2 5
a. Write an expression for the area of the entire fenced-off section.
b. Write an expression for the area of the path surrounding the pool.
c. If the area of the path surrounding the pool is 34 m2, find the x+4
­dimensions of the swimming pool.
d. What fraction of the fenced-off area is taken up by the pool?
15. Why is it important to define the pronumeral used when forming a linear equation to solve a problem?

10.6 Substituting values into formulas [Stage 5.2]

10.6.1 Rearranging (transposing) formulas
•• Formulas are generally written in terms of two or more pronumerals or variables.
•• One pronumeral is usually written on one side of the equal sign.
•• When rearranging formulas, use the same methods as for solving linear equations (use inverse opera-
tions in reverse order).
•• The difference between rearranging formulas and solving linear equations is that rearranging formulas
does not require a value for the pronumeral(s) to be found.
•• The subject of the formula is the pronumeral or variable that is written by itself. It is usually written
on the left-hand side of the equation.
•• A formula is simply an equation that is used for some specific purpose. By now you will be familiar
with many mathematical or scientific formulas.
•• For example, C = 2πr relates the circumference of a circle to its radius. When the formula is shown in
this order, C is called the subject of the formula. The formula can be transposed (rearranged) to make
r the subject.
C = 2πr Divide both sides by 2π.
C 2πr
=
2π 2π
C
=r
2π
C
or r = Now r is the subject.
2π

490 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

WORKED EXAMPLE 11

Rearrange each formula to make x the subject.

a y = kx + m b 6(y + 1) = 7(x − 2)
THINK WRITE
a 1 Subtract m from both sides. a y = kx + m
y − m = kx

2 Divide both sides by k. y− m kx

=
k k
y− m
= x
k
3 Rewrite the equation so that x is on the y− m
x=
­left-hand side. k

b 1 Expand the brackets. b 6 (y + 1) = 7(x − 2)

6y + 6 = 7x − 14
2 Add 14 to both sides. 6y + 20 = 7x
3 Divide both sides by 7. 6y + 20
= x
7
4 Rewrite the equation so that x is on the 6y + 20
x=
­left-hand side. 7

WORKED EXAMPLE 12

For each of the following, make the variable shown in brackets the subject of the formula.
v − u
a g = 6d − 3 (d) b a= (v)
t
THINK WRITE
a 1 Add 3 to both sides. a g = 6d − 3
g + 3 = 6d

2 Divide both sides by 6. g+ 3

= d
6
3 Rewrite the equation so that d is on the left-hand side. g+ 3
d=
6
b 1 Multiply both sides by t. b v− u
a =
t
at = v − u
2 Add u to both sides. at + u = v
3 Rewrite the equation so that v is on the left-hand side. v = at + u

RESOURCES — ONLINE ONLY

Interactivity: Rearranging formulas (int-6040)

eLesson: Formulas in the real world (eles-0113)
Digital doc: SkillSHEET Transposing and substituting into a formula (doc-10829)

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 491

Exercise 10.6 Substituting values into formulas
Individual pathways

UU PRACTISE UU CONSOLIDATE UU MASTER

Questions: Questions: Questions:
1a–f, 2a–f, 3, 6 1e–h, 2e–h, 3–6, 8 1g–l, 2g–n, 3–13

To answer questions online and to receive immediate feedback and fully worked solutions for every
­question, go to your learnON title at www.jacplus.com.au. Note: Question numbers may vary slightly.
Understanding and fluency
1. WE11 Rearrange each formula to make x the subject.
a. y = ax b. y = ax + b
c. y = 2ax − b d. y + 4 = 2x − 3
e. 6(y + 2) = 5 (4 − x) f. x(y − 2) = 1
g. x(y − 2) = y + 1 h. 5x − 4y = 1
i. 6(x + 2) = 5(x − y) j. 7(x − a) = 6x + 5a
k. 5(a − 2x) = 9(x + 1) l. 8(9x − 2) + 3 = 7(2a − 3x)
2. WE12 For each of the following, make the variable shown in brackets the subject of the formula.
9c
a. g = 4P − 3 (P) b. f = (c)
5
9c
c. f = + 32 (c) d. V = IR (I)
5
e. v = u + at (t) f. d = b2 − 4ac (c)
y− k y− a
g. m = (y) h. m = (y)
h x− b
y− a y− a
i. m = (a) j. m = (x)
x− b x− b
2π
k. C = (r) l. f = ax + by (x)
r
GMm
m. s = ut + 12at2 (a) n. F = (G)
r2
3. The cost to rent a car is given by the formula C = 50d + 0.2k, where d = the number of days rented
and k = the number of kilometres driven. Lin has $300 to spend on car rental for her 4-day holiday.
How far can she travel on this holiday?

492 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

 4. The formula for perimeter of a rectangle is P = 2l + 2b, where P is the perimeter, l is the length and
b is the base. If the perimeter of a rectangle is 20 cm and its length is 6 cm, what is the base?
5
5. The formula connecting degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit is C = (F − 32). If, on a particular
9
day the maximum temperature recorded is 35°C, what is the equivalent temperature in degrees Fahr-
enheit?
6. A cyclist pumps up a bike tyre that has a slow leak. The volume of air (in cm3) after t minutes is given
by the formula V = 24 000 − 300t.

a. What is the volume of air in the tyre when it is first filled?

b. Write an equation and solve it to work out how long it takes the tyre to go completely flat.
Communicating, reasoning and problem solving
7. The total surface area of a cylinder is given by the formula T = 2πr2 + 2πrh, where r = radius and
h = height. A car manufacturer wants the engine’s cylinders to have a radius of 4 cm and a total
surface area of 400 cm2. Show that the height of the cylinder is approximately 11.92 cm, correct to
2 decimal places. (Hint: Express h in terms of T and r.)
8. If B = 3x − 6xy, write x as the subject. Explain the process by showing all working.
1 1 1 fv
9. Use algebra to show that = − can also be written as u = .
v u f v+ f
10. Consider the formula d = √b2 − 4ac. Rearrange the formula to make a the subject.
11. Find values for a and b such that:
4 3 ax + b
− =
x + 1 x + 2 (x + 1)(x + 2)
12. How does rearranging formulas differ to solving linear equations?
13. The volume, V, of a sphere can be calculated using the formula V = 43πr3, where r is the radius of the
sphere. What is the radius of a spherical ball that has the capacity to hold 5 litres of water?

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 493

10.7 Review
Investigation | Rich task
Forensic science

Studies have been conducted on the relationship between the height of a human and measurements
of a variety of body parts. One such study relates the height of a person to the length of the upper
arm bone (humerus). The relationships are different for males and females, and for different races.
Let us consider the relationships for white adult Australians.
For males, h = 3.08l + 70.45, and for females, h = 3.36l + 57.97, where h represents the body
height in centimetres and l the length of the humerus in centimetres.
Imagine the following situation.
A decomposed body was found in the bushland. A team of forensic scientists suspects that the body
could be the remains of either Alice Brown or James King; they have been missing for several years.
From the description provided by their Missing Persons file, Alice’s height is recorded as 162 cm,
and James’s height is recorded as 172 cm. The forensic scientists hope to identify the body based on
the length of the body’s humerus.

494 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

 1. Use the equations above to complete the following tables. Calculate body heights to the
nearest centimetre.
Table for males
Length of humerus l (cm) 20 25 30 35 40
Body height h (cm)
Table for females
Length of humerus l (cm) 20 25 30 35 40
Body height h (cm)
2. On a piece of graph paper, draw the first quadrant of a Cartesian plane. Since the length of the
humerus is the independent variable, place it on the x-axis. Place the dependent variable, body
height, on the y-axis.

3. Plot the points from the two tables from question 1 onto the set of axes drawn in question 2.
Join the points with straight lines, using different colours to represent males and females.
4. Describe the shape of the two graphs.
5. Measure the length of your humerus. Use your graph to predict your height. How accurate is the
measurement?
6. The two lines of your graph will intersect if extended. At what point does this occur? Comment
on this value.
7. The forensic scientists measured the length of the humerus of the bone remains and found it to
be 33 cm. Using methods covered in this activity, identify the body, justifying your decision with
mathematical evidence.

RESOURCES — ONLINE ONLY

Digital doc: Investigation — Forensic science (doc-15892)

Digital doc: Code puzzle — The driest place (doc-15893)
Digital doc: Summary Topic 10 (doc-22892)
Interactivity: Crossword Topic 10 (int-0700)
Interactivity: Word search Topic 10 (int-0686)
Interactivity: Sudoku Topic 10 (int-3204)

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 495

Exercise 10.7 Review questions
To answer questions online and to receive immediate feedback and fully worked solutions for every
­question, go to your learnON title at www.jacplus.com.au. Note: Question numbers may vary slightly.
Understanding and fluency
1. MC The linear equation represented by the sentence ‘When a certain number is multiplied by 3, the
result is 5 times the certain number plus 7’ is:
a. 3x + 7 = 5x b. 5(x + 7) = 3x c. 5x + 7 = 3x
d. 5x = 3x + 7 e. 3x = 5 + 7x
x
2. MC The solution to the equation = 5 is:
3
2
a. x = –15 b. x = 15 c. x = 1
3
d. x = 3 e. x = 2
3. MC What is the solution to the equation 7 = 21 + x?
a. x = 28 b. x = –28 c. x = –14
d. x = 14 e. x = 3
4. MC What is the solution to the equation 5x + 3 = 37?
a. x = 8 b. x = –8 c. x = 6.8
d. x = 106 e. x = 200
5. MC The solution to the equation 8 − 2x = 22 is:
a. x = 11 b. x = 15 c. x = –15
d. x = 7 e. x = –7
6. MC The solution to the equation 4x + 3 = 7x − 33 is:
36
a. x = –12 b. x = 12 c. x =
11
30 36
d. x = e. x = −
11 11
7. MCThe solution to the equation 7(x − 15) = 28 is:
a. x = 11 b. x = 19 c. x = 20
d. x = 6.14 e. x = –19
8. MC When rearranging y = ax + b in terms of x, we obtain:
y− a y− b b− y
a. x = b. x = c. x =
b a a
y+ b y
d. x = e. x = − b
a a
9. Which of the following are linear equations?
x
a. 5x + y2 = 0 b. 2x + 3 = x − 2 c. = 3
2
1
d. x2 = 1 e.+ 1 = 3x f. 8 = 5x − 2
x
g. 5(x + 2) = 0 h. x + y = –9
2
i. r = 7 − 5(4 − r)
10. Solve each of the following linear equations.
b
a. 3a = 8.4 b. a + 2.3 = 1.7 c. = − 0.12
21
d. b − 1.45 = 1.65 e. b + 3.45 = 0 f. 7.53b = 5.64
11. Solve each of the following linear equations.
2x − 3 5− x − 3x − 4
a. = 5 b. = −4 c. = 3
7 2 5
6 4 3 x + 1.7
d. = 5 e. = f. = − 4.1
x x 5 2.3

496 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

12. Solve each of the following linear equations.
a. 5(x − 2) = 6 b. 7(x + 3) = 40 c. 4(5 − x) = 15
d. 6(2x + 3) = 1 e. 4(x + 5) = 2x − 5 f. 3(x − 2) = 7(x + 4)
13. Liz has a packet of 45 Easter eggs. She saves 21 to eat tomorrow but rations the remainder so that she
can eat 8 eggs each hour.
a. Write a linear equation in terms of the number of hours, h, to represent this situation.
b. Work out how many hours it will take to eat today’s share.
14. Solve each of the following linear equations.
a. 11x = 15x − 2 b. 3x + 4 = 16 − x c. 5x + 2 = 3x + 8
d. 8x − 9 = 7x − 4 e. 2x + 5 = 8x − 7 f. 3 − 4x = 6 − x
15. Translate these sentences into algebraic equations. Use x for the certain number.
a. Twice a certain number is equal to 3 minus that certain number.
b. When 8 is added to 3 times a certain number, the result is 19.
c. Multiplying a certain number by 6 equals 4.
d. Dividing 10 by a certain number is one more than dividing that number by 6.
e. Multiply a certain number by 2, then add 5. Multiply this result by 7. This expression equals 0.
f. Twice the distance travelled is 100 metres more than the distance travelled plus 50 metres.
16. Samuel decides to go on a holiday. He travels a certain distance on the first day, twice that distance on
the second day, three times that distance on the third day and four times that distance on the fourth
day. If his total journey is 2000 km, how far did he travel on the third day?
17. For each of the following, make the variable shown in brackets the subject of the formula.
a. y = 6x − 4 (x)
b. y = mx + c (x)
c. q = 2(P − 1) + 2r (P)
d. P = 2l + 2w (w)
e. v = u + at (a)

( 2 )
u+v
f. s = t (t)

g. v2 = u2 + 2as (a)
h. 2A = h(a + b) (b)
Communicating, reasoning and problem solving
18. John is comparing two car rental companies, Golden Ace Rental Company and Silver Diamond Rental
Company. Golden Ace Rental Company charges a flat rate of $38 per day and $0.20 per kilometre.
The Silver Diamond Rental Company charges a flat rate of $30 per day plus $0.32 per kilometre.
John plans to rent a car for three days.
a. Write an algebraic equation for the cost of renting a car for three days from the Golden Ace Rental
Company in terms of the number of kilometres travelled, k.
b. Write an algebraic equation for the cost of renting a car for three days from the Silver Diamond
Rental Company in terms of the number of kilometres travelled, k.
c. How many kilometres would John have to travel so that the cost of hiring from each company is the
same?
19. Frederika has $24 000 saved for a holiday and a new stereo. Her travel expenses are $5400 and her
daily expenses are $260.
a. Write an equation for the cost of her holiday if she stays for d days.
b. Upon her return from holidays, Frederika wants to purchase a new stereo system that will cost her
$2500. How many days can she spend on her holiday if she wishes to purchase a new stereo upon
her return?

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 497

20. A maker of an orange drink purchases her raw materials from two sources. The first source provides
liquid with 6% orange juice, while the second source provides liquid with 3% orange juice. She
wishes to make 1 litre of drink with 5% orange juice. Let x = amount of liquid (in litres) purchased
from the first source.
a. Write an expression for the amount of orange juice from the first supplier, given that x is the amount
of liquid.
b. Write an expression for the amount of liquid from the second supplier, given that x is the amount of
liquid used from the first supplier.
c. Write an expression for the amount of orange juice from the second supplier.
d. Write an equation for the total amount of orange juice in the mixture of the 2 supplies, given that
1 litre of drink is mixed to contain 5% orange juice.
e. How much of the first supplier’s liquid should she use?
21. Rachel, a bushwalker, goes on a 4-day journey. She travels a certain distance on the first day, half that
distance on the second day, a third that distance on the third day and a fourth of that distance on the
fourth day. If the total journey is 50 km, how far did she walk on the first day?
22. Svetlana, another bushwalker, goes on a 5-day journey using the same pattern as Rachel in the
­previous question (a certain amount, then half that amount, then one third, one fourth and one fifth). If
her journey is also 50 km, how far did she travel on the first day?
23. Nile.com, the internet bookstore, advertises its shipping cost to Australia as a flat rate of $20 for up to
10 books; while Sheds & Meager, their competitor, offers a rate of $12 plus $1.60 per book. For how
many books (6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) is Nile.com’s cost a better deal?

498 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

Answers
Topic 10 Linear equations
Exercise 10.2 Solving linear equations
1. a. No b. Yes c. No d. Yes
e. Yes f. No g. No h. No
i. Yes j. No k. Yes l. No
2. a. x = 210 b. x = 52 c. x = 230 d. x = 23
e. x = 142 f. x = − 96 g. x = 37 h. x = 20
i. x = 50 j. x = 138 k. x = 442 l. x = 243
m. y = −15 n. y = 1.8 o. y = 12.8 p. y = 2 13
1
q. y = 24 r. y = − 18 s. y = 21.5 t. y = 172.5
u. y = 168.32
3. a. y = 5 b. y = − 2 c. y = 0.2 d. y = 1
e. y = 1 f. y = 2 g. y = 5 13 h. y = − 1 23
383
i. y = 24.5 j. y = 1.2 k. y = 22.25 l. y = 600
4. a. x = 1 b. x = 2 c. x = 3 d. x = − 6
1 2
e. x = − 1 f. x = 2
g. x = 1 3
h. x = − 2.32
i. x = 3 j. x = −56 k. x = 1 1
4
1
l. x = 3 13
5. a. x = −1 b. x = 1 c. x = 0 d. x = 5
e. x = − 8.6 f. x = − 0.9 g. x = 8.9 h. x = 19
i. x = − 26 j. x = −1 k. x = − 1 l. x = − 12
6. a. x = 8 b. x = 3 c. x = 4 d. x = − 15
e. x = 26 f. x = − 42 g. x = 9 h. x = −115
i. x = 9 13 j. x = − 2 14 k. x = − 7 l. x = 2
3
7. a. z = 16 b. z = 31 c. z = − 4 d. z = 6
e. z = − 9 f. z = − 6 g. z = − 1.9 h. z = 6.88
i. z = 140 j. z = 0.6 k. z = − 35.4 l. z = 8
8. a. x = 1 b. x = 13 c. x = − 2 d. x = − 8
e. x = − 4 f. x = 30 12 g. x = − 6 7
h. x = − 10
i. x = 10.35 j. x = 0.326 k. x = 22 l. x = − 5
3
9. a. x = 4 b. x = 7
c. x = − 1 17 d. x = − 6 23
4
e. x = 45
f. x = 8 g. x = − 6 h. x = 7.5
i. x = 5.1 j. x = − 6 k. x = − 5 13
15
l. x = − 61 37
10. a. D b. D c. E
11. a. a = − 1 b. b = 10 c. c = 12.1
d. d = 4 e. e = 5 f. f = 12
g. g = 15 29
30
h. h = 31 i. i = 13
226
1
j. j = 6
k. k = − 8 l. l = 10.3
12. a. − 1 b. 6 c. 303
13. $91
14. No. 46.7°C ≈ 116.1°F.
15. Answers will vary.
16. The mistake is in the second line: the − 1 should have been multiplied by 5.
17. 60 lollies
18. Old machine: 6640 cans; new machine: 9360 cans
19. a. $34 b. Yes, a saving of $7

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 499

20. 17
21. Linear equations are equations that contain a pronumeral to the power of 1. Solving a linear equation means finding the value
of this pronumeral to make the equation true.
22. x = −8, −2, 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 16

Exercise 10.3 Solving linear equations with brackets

1. a. x = 6 b. x = −3 c. x = 0 d. x = 56
e. x = 1 f. x = 0 g. x = −1 h. x = −2
i. x = 6 j. x = 0 k. x = −0.8 l. x = 6
2. a. b = 1 16 b. m = 4 12 c. a = −1 12 d. m = −1 13
e. p = 35 f. m = 2 23 g. a = −1 12 h. p = 1 12
i. a = 3 13 j. m = −2 12 k. a = −16 l. m = −14
3. a. x = 16 19 b. x = 2 c. a = 5 d. b = 7
e. y = 7 f. x = −3 13 g. m = 4 h. y = 1
i. a = 5 j. p = −2 k. m = 3 l. p = 1
4. a. y = −7.5 b. y = −4.667 c. y = −26.25 d. y = 8.571
e. y = −2.9 f. y = 3.243 g. y = 3.667 h. y = 2.75
i. y = 1.976 j. y = −2 k. y = −3.167 l. y = 1.98
5. a. E b. D
6. 1990
7. a. [2(2x + 7) ] m
b. Width 10 m, length 17 m
8. Answers will vary; x = 3.
9. Adding 7 to both sides is the least preferred option, as it does not resolve the subtraction of 7 within the brackets.
10. 3
11. Kyle: $90, Noah: $35
12. $20
13. The first method is to divide both sides of the equation by the factor outside the brackets, and then solving for the pronumeral.
The second method is to expand the brackets by multiplying the bracket side by the factor, and then solving for the
­pronumeral.

Exercise 10.4 Solving linear equations with pronumerals on both sides

1. a. y = −1 b. y = 1 c. y = −3 d. y = −5
8
e. y = −45 f. y = 27 g. y = −2 h. y = 20
i. y = 1 j. y = −1 15 k. y = 4 l. y = −2
2. a. C b. A
3. a. x = 1 b. x = −2 c. x = 3 d. x = 4
e. x = 9 f. x = 3 g. x = −2 h. x = 4
1
i. x = −4 j. x = 2
k. x = 0 l. x = −34
4. a. x = −6 b. x = 7 c. x = 2 d. x = −2
1 2
e. x = 13 f. x = −7 g. x = 6
h. x = −17
i. x = 1
5. a. D b. C
6. a. x = 5 b. x = −3 c. x = −8 d. x = −7 12
e. x = 4 f. x = 10
11
g. x = −18 h. x = 3 23
2
i. x = 3
j. x = −1 37 k. x = 0 l. x = −15
7. −3
8. 24
9. 3(n − 36) − 98 = −11n + 200
10. You cannot easily divide the left-hand side by 6 or the right-hand side by 4.
11. Daughter = 10 years, Tom = 40 years

500 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

12. The unknown number is −3.
13. a. C = 40h + 250 b. 18 hours, 45 minutes
c. 18 750 d. The printing is cheaper by $1375.
14. a. 65 games b. $25
15. Check with your teacher.

Exercise 10.5 Solving problems with linear equations

x x
1. a. x + 3 = 5 b. x − 9 = 7 c. 7x = 24 d. 5
= 11 e. 2
= −9
3x + 4
f. 5x − 3 = −7 g. 2(14 − x) = −3 h. 3x + 5 = 8 i. 2x − 12 = 15 j. 2
= 5
2. a. C b. D c. B d. B
3. 0 4. 36 years 5. $66
6. 20 × 15; 30 × 10; Area = 300
7. 7 m 8. 12 jackets 9. 15 days 10. 947 CDs
11. a. Post Quick (cost = $700)
b. The cost is nearly the same for 333 flyers ($366.50 and $366.40).
c. The solution to the equation in part b is not a solution to the problem, because the answer is a fraction and the problem
refers to the number of flyers.
12. 2
13. $42.50
14. a. Afenced = (5x + 20) m2 b. Apath = (3x + 16) m2
8
c. l = 8 m, w = 2 m d. 25
15. It is important to define the pronumeral by translating written problems into algebraic problems so they can be solved.

Exercise 10.6 Substituting values into formulas

y y−b y+b y+7
1. a. x = b. x = c. x = d. x =
a a 2a 2
8 − 6y 1 y+1 4y + 1
e. x = f. x = g. x = h. x =
5 y−2 y−2 5
5a − 9 14a + 13
i. x = −5y − 12 j. x = 12a k. x = l. x =
19 93
g+3 5f 5(f − 32) V
2. a. P = b. c = c. c = d. I =
4 9 9 R
v−u b2 − d
e. t = f. c = g. y = hm + k h. y = m(x − b) + a
a 4a
y − a + mb 2π f − by
i. a = y − m(x − b) j. x = k. r = l. x =
m C a
2(s − ut) Fr2
m. a = n. G =
t2 Mm
3. 500 km 4. b = 4 cm 5. 95°F
6. a. 24 000 cm3
b. t = 80 min = 1 h 20 min
T − 2πr2 (400 − 2 × π × 42)
7. h = = = 11.9155 cm
2πr (2 × π × 4)
B
8. =x
3(1 − 2y)
9. Answers will vary.
b2 − d2
10. a =
4c
11. a = 1 and b = 5
12. Linear equations contain only one pronumeral, which can be found by solving the equation. As a formula contains more
than 1 pronumeral, rearranging a formula does not require the value of the pronumerals to be found.
13. r = 10.608 cm

TOPIC 10 Linear equations 501

Investigation | Rich task
1. Table for males

Length of humerus l (cm) 20 25 30 35 40

Body height h (cm) 132 147 163 178 194
Table for females
Length of humerus l (cm) 20 25 30 35 40
Body height h (cm) 125 142 159 176 192

  2, 3
210
h = 3.08l + 70.45 (males)
200
190
180
Body height (cm)

170
160
150
140
130
120
110 h = 3.36l + 57.97 (females)
100
90

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Length of humerus (cm)

4. Linear 5. Answers will vary. 6. (44.6, 207.8) 7. James King

Exercise 10.7 Review questions

1. C 2. B 3. C 4. C
5. E 6. B 7. B 8. B
9. b, c, f, g, i
10. a. a = 2.8 b. a = –0.6 c. b = –2.52
d. b = 3.1 e. b = –3.45 f. b = 0.749
11. a. x = 19 b. x = 13 c. x = −613
d. x = 115 e. x = 623 f. x = –11.13
12. a. x = 315 b. x = 257 c. x = 114
5
d. x = −112 e. x = −1212 f. x = −812
13. a. 8h + 21 = 45 b. 3 hours
1
14. a. x = 2
b. x = 3 c. x = 3
d. x = 5 e. x = 2 f. x = −1
15. a. 2x = 3 − x b. 3x + 8 = 19 c. 6x = 4
10 x
d. −1= e. 7(2x + 5) = 0 f. 2x − 100 = x + 50
x 6
16. 600 km
y+4 y−c q − 2r P − 2l
17. a. x = b. x = c. P = +1 d. w =
6 m 2 2
v−u 2s v2 − u2 2A − ah
e. a = f. t = g. a = h. b =
t u+v 2s h
18. a. CG = 114 + 0.20k b. CS = 90 + 0.32k c. 200 km
19. a. 5400 + 260d = CH b. 61 days
20. a. 0.06x b. (1 − x) c. 0.03(1 − x)
d. 0.06x + 0.03(1 − x) = 0.05 e. 0.667 or 66.7%

21. 24 km 22. 21 123

137
≈ 21.9 km 23. 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 books

502 Maths Quest 9 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum