UNIT LINEAR

EQUATIONS AND
2
INEQUALITIES

Unit outcomes:
After completing this unit, you should be able to:
 solve linear equations using transformation rules.
 solve linear inequalities using transformation rules.

Introduction
Based on your knowledge of working with variables and solving one step of
linear equations and inequalities. You will learn more about solving linear
equations and inequalities involving more than one steps. When you do this you
will apply the rules of equivalent transformations of equations and inequalities
appropriately.

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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

2.1. Solving Linear Equations

Group Work 2.1
Discuss with your friends

1. Explain each of the following key terms, and give your own example.
a. Term, like terms or similar terms.
b. Coefficient of a term. d. Equation.
c. Algebraic expressions. e. Equivalent equation.
2. Give examples of your own for:
a. like terms or similar term c. equation
b. unlike terms d. algebraic expressions
3. What are the numerical coefficients of x and –y3?
3

Definition 2.1: A constant (a number), a variable or product of a number

and variable is called a term.

−3
Example 1: 2, , x, 3x, -4x2 are called terms.
2

Consider Group A and Group B

Group A Group B
5x and -20x
-10a2b2and 12c2d2
−1 2 2
-80a2b2and ab 20xy and abcd
2
6x2 and 70x2 5ab and 6xy

In general how do you see the differences between Group A and Group B?
? Discuss the differences with your teacher orally.

Definition 2.2: Like terms or similar terms are terms whose variables
and exponents of variables are exactly the same but differ
only in their numerical coefficients.

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2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

Note: Terms that are not like terms are called unlike terms.

Example 2: Terms like -10a2, 170a2 and a2 are like terms. Because they have
the same variables with equal exponents but differ only in their
numerical coefficients.
Example 3: Terms like -5ab and 7x2y2 are unlike terms. Because they do not
have the same variables.

Definition 2.3: In the product of a number and variable, the factor which is
a numerical constant of a term is called a numerical coefficient.

Example 4: In each of the following expression, determine the numerical

coefficient.
−5 2 2 −1
a. 56b b. a b c. xy d. –x2
2 4

Solution:
a. The numerical coefficient of 56b is 56.
−5 2 2 −5
b. The numerical coefficient of a b is .
2 2
c. The numerical coefficient of −1 xy is −1 .
4 4
d. The numerical coefficient of -x2 is -1.

Consider Group C and Group D

Group C Group D
2x - 3 2x – 3 = 10
5y 5y = 60
a + 2b + 3c a + 2b + 3c = 100
2(+w) P = 2(+w)

Do you observe the differences between Group A and group B? Discuss

? the differences with your teacher.

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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

Definition 2.4: An equation is a mathematical statement in which two algebraic

expressions are joined by equality sign. Therefore, an equation
must contain an equal sign,=.

Example 5. Some examples of equations are:

1 3
5 c. 3 x − 5 = 10
a. x − 10 = 40 2 2
2
1 1 2
b. 4x + 10 = 3 d. x + x − 10x = 50
2 2 5

Note: Algebraic expressions have only one side.

• Algebraic expressions are formed by using numbers, letters
(variables) and the basic operations of addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division.

Example 6. Some examples of algebraic expressions are:

a. 2x-4 c. e. 215

b. d. f. 3x

Exercise 2A
1. State whether each of the following is an equation or an algebraic
expression.
a. 2x+10=5x+60 c. 10+3.8= 14.78x-10
b. 2 x + 10 d. 9x + 10=5x

2. In each of the following expressions, determine the numerical coefficient.

a. 3 x 4 b. -3 1 x 2 c. −2 x 2 y 2 d. −2 x 5
2 2 3 7

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2 Linear Equations and Inequalities
3. Identify whether each pair of the following algebraic expressions are like
terms or unlike terms.
3 5 2 −5 2 5
a. a b and b a c. -80abc and abc
5 2
5 5
b. 3 xy and 3 x 2 y 2 d. a2b2c2d2 and a4b4c4d4
6 6
Challenge Problems
4. 0.0056x+26=100x+3 is a linear equation. Explain the main reason with
your partner.
5. a5b5c5d5and -2(a5b5c5d5) are like terms. State the reason with your teacher
orally.

2.1.1 Rules of Transformation for Equation

The following are basic rules of equality (=) that are used to get equivalent
equations in solving a given equation.

Rule 1: For all rational numbers a, b and c

a. If an equation a =b is true, then a + c = b + c is true for any
rational number c.
b. If an equation a =b is true, then a-c =b-c is true for any
rational number c.

Addition and subtraction properties of equality indicate that adding or

subtracting the same quantity to each side of an equation results in an equivalent
equation. This is true because if two quantities are increased or decreased by the
same amount, then the resulting quantities will also be equal see Figure 2.1
below.
a)
60kg = 60kg

52
 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

b)
30 kg 30 kg
=
60 kg 60 kg

Figure 2.1 Balance

Rule 2: For all rational numbers a, b and c where c ≠0, and

a. If an equation a=b is true, then ac = bc is true for any rational
number c.
a b
b. If an equation a=b is true, then = is true for any rational
c c
number c.

To understand the multiplication property of equality, consider the following

example. Suppose you start with a true equation such as 20=20. If both sides of
an equations are multiplied by a constant such as 2 the result is also a true
statement, see Figure 2.2 below.
a)
=
20kg 20kg

20 = 20
2×20 = 2×20
40 = 40
b) 2×20kg 2×20kg

20kg 20kg
= 20kg 20kg

Figure 2.2 balance

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2 Linear Equations and Inequalities
Similarly, if an equation is divided by a non zero real numbers such as 2, the
result is also a true statement, see Figure 2.3 below.
20 = 20 a)
20 20
= 20kg = 20kg
2 2
10 = 10

20 kg÷2 kg 20 kg÷2 kg

10 kg = 10 kg

b)

Figure 2.3 Balance

Example 7: To find X from X + 60 = 90 To find X you

need:

X+60 90 x ?

X=?
X + 60=90

X+60-60 90 - 60 x 30

X=30
X + 60 - 60=90-60
Taking 60 from each side
keeps the balance. Figure 2.4 Balance

54
 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

Example 8: Solve each of the following equations by using addition rules.

3 8
a. x + = b. x -6 = -20
5 5
Solution:
3 8
a. x+ = . . . . . Given equation
5 5
−3
x+ 3 +  − 3  = 8 +  − 3  .......... Adding on both sides.
5  5  5  5  5
x+0 = 1……..Simplifying
x = 1 ……. x is solved
 Check: When x = 1
3 8
x+ =
5 5
3 8
1+ ?
5 5
8 8
= ............ True
5 5
8 8
Since = is a true statement, x=1.
5 5
b. x - 6 =-20…….Given equation
x - 6 + 6=-20+6…….Adding 6 on both sides.
x + 0= -14……Simplifying
x = -14 …. x is solved
 Check: when x = -14
x-6 = -20
-14 – 6 ? -20
- 20 = -20 ….True
Since -20 = -20 is a true statement, x= -14

Example 9: Solve each of the following equations by using multiplication

rules.
−4
a. 8x = 72 b. x = 10
5
55
2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

Solution:
a. 8x = 72 …..Given equation
1 1 1
× 8x = × 72 ............. Multiplying by on both sides
8 8 8
1×x=9………Simplifying
x= 9 ……..x is solved
 Check: When x= 9
8x= 72
8×9 ? 72
72=72…….True
Since 72 = 72 is a true statement, x=9
−4
b. x = 40 …….Given equation
5
 −5  − 4   −5 − 5 on both sides.
 × x =   × 40 …..Multiplying by
 4   5   4  4
1 × x=-50……..Simplifying
x = -50 ……..x is solved
 Check: When x = -50
−4
x = 40
5
−4
  × −50 ? 40
 5 
40 = 40 ……True
Since 40 =40 is a true statement, x= -50.

2.1.2 Linear Equations in One Variable

Consider the equation 3x+5 = 0, etc are

?
examples of linear equations. Why? Discuss the reason with your teacher in
the class.

Definition 2.5: A linear equation in one variable x is an equation which

can be written in standard form ax + b= 0, where a and b are
constant numbers with a ≠ 0.

56
 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

From this definition, you can deduce that an equation of a single variable in
which the highest exponent of the variable involved is one is called a linear
equation.
Example 10: Which of the following equations are linear and which are not
linear.
5 2
a. 5x+3 = 10 c. 3x2 − 8 x + 10 = 0
6 2
−3 1
x + 20 = 10 − x
2
b. d. 2x +2x=10
2 2
Solution: a and b are linear equations. Because the highest exponent of the
variable is one, but c and d are not linear equations. Why?
Briefly, all equations have two sides; with respect to the equality sign called left
hand sides (L.H.S) and right hand sides (R.H.S) of the equality sign. These two
sides are equal to each other like that of a simple balance. Thus equation is just a
simple balance as shown in Figure 2.5 below.
L.H.S R.H.S

25g 25g

50g 50g

Figure 2.5 Simple balance

Note that the symbol '' = " is read as "equals" or is "equal to".

Example 11: Identify the L.H.S and R.H.S of the following linear equations.
5
a. x + 10 = 5 b. 3y-16=19-6y
6
Solution:
L.H.S R.H.S
5
x + 10 5
6
3y-16 19-6y

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2 Linear Equations and Inequalities
Solving an equation means, applying the appropriate transformation rules to get
a simplified equivalent equation in which the variable alone appears at one side
and a constant (number) on the other side of the equality sign “=”.
This constant number is called the solution of the given equation.

Note: Linear equations have exactly one solution. To see this, consider
the following steps.
ax + b = 0 ……Given equation
ax + b+(-b) = 0+(-b)……Adding –b on both sides.
ax = -b ….Simplifying
ax − b
= ...... Dividing both sides by a (since a ≠ 0).
a a
−b
x= ...... Simplifying
a
−b
Thus, the equation ax+b = 0 has exactly one solution, that is x = .
a

Activity 2.1
1. Solve each of the following equations and mention the rules of transformation
together.
a. 0.8 + 2x = 3.5 − 0.5x c. (2x + 8) − 20 = -(3x − 18)
b. 8x – (3x – 5)=40 d. 5x – 17 – 2x = 6x – 1 – x
2. ax2+bx+c=0 is not a linear equation. Discuss the reason with your teacher in
the class.

Example 12: Solve each of the following equations, in doing so indicate the
rules you used.
a. 12x-14= 4x+10
b. 3(7-2x)= 14 -8 (x-1)
c. 8x+6-2x= -12-4x+5
d. 7x-3(2x-5)= 6(2+3x)-31
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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

Solution:
a. 12x-14 =4x+10…..Given equation
12x-14+14= 4x+10+14…….Adding 14 to both sides.
12x=4x+24………Simplifying.
12x-4x= 4x-4x+24………Subtracting 4x from both sides.
8x= 24 …….Simplifying.
1 1 1
× 8x = × 24 …………Multiplying both sides by .
8 8 8
1×x =3 ……Simplifying
x= 3 …….x is solved.
 Check: When x= 3
12x -14= 4x + 10
12 ×3-14? 4×3 + 10
36-14? 12+10
22 = 22 …..True
Since 22 = 22 is a true statement, x=3
b. 3(7-2x) = 14-8(x-1)…….Given equation
21- 6x=14 - 8x + 8……..Removing parentheses by distributive property.
21- 6x= 22 - 8x…….Simplifying.
21 - 6x + 6x = 22 - 8x + 6x…….Adding 6x to both sides.
21 = 22 - 2x………Simplifying
21 – 22 = 22 – 22 - 2x…..Subtracting 22 from both sides
-1 = -2x ……Simplifying
-1×  − 1  = −2x  − 1  ........... Multiplying both sides by  −1 .
 
 2   2   2 
1
x=
2
1
 Check: When x =
2
3 (7 - 2x) = 14 – 8 (x - 1)
3 (7 - 2× )? 14 - 8  1 − 1
1
2 2 
−1
3 (7 - 1) = 14 - 8 ( )
2
3 (6) = 14 + 4
18 = 18 ……True
1
Since 18 = 18 is a true statement, x = is the solution of the given equation.
2
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2 Linear Equations and Inequalities
c. 8x + 6 - 2x= -12 - 4x + 5……..Given equation
8x - 2x + 6 + (-6) = -12 + 5 + (-6) -4x……. Adding -6 on both sides.
6x = -13 - 4x…..Simplifying
6x + 4x = -13 - 4x + 4x……Adding 4x to both sides.
10x = -13…….Simplifying
1 1 1
× 10x = × (−13)........ Multiplying by both sides.
10 10 10
− 13
1× x= …...Simplifying
10
− 13
x= ............... x is solved
10
− 13
 Check: When x =
10
8x + 6 - 2x = -12-4x+5
− 13   − 13   − 13 
8   + 6 − 2 ? − 12 − 4 +5
 10   10   10 
− 52 13 26
+ 6 + ? − 12 + + 5
5 5 5
− 39 26
+ 6? − 7 +
5 5
−9 −9
= ............ True
5 5

−9 −9 − 13 −13
Since = is true statement, x= . or simply is the solution
5 5 10 10
of the given equation.
d. 7x - 3(2x - 5) = 6(2 + 3x) -31…..Given equation
7x - 6x + 15 = 12 + 18x -31…..Distributive property.
x +15 = 18x - 19 ……..Simplifying
x + (-x) + 15 = 18x + (-x) -19…….Subtracting x from both sides.
15 = 17x - 19…….Simplifying
15 + 19 = 17x – 19 + 19…….Adding 19 from both sides.
34 = 17x……..Simplifying
34 17 x
= …….Dividing both sides by 17
17 17
x = 2…….. x is solved

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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

 Check: When x =2
7x - 3(2x - 5) = 6(2 + 3x) -31
7×2-3(2× 2 - 5)?6 (2 +3 × 2) -31
14 - 3(-1) ? 6 (8)- 31
14 + 3 ? 48 -31
17= 17 …..True
Since 17 = 17 is true statement, x = 2
The set that contains the solution of a given equation is called the solution set of
the equation.

Definition 2.6: Two equations are said to be equivalent if and only if they
have exactly the same solution set.

x
Example 13: show that 2[9 − (x − 3) + 4x] = 4x −5(x + 2) − 8 and = −3 are
2
equivalent equations.
Solution: 2 [9 - (x-3) + 4x] = 4x – 5 (x+2) - 8 .................. Given equation
2 [9 – x + 3 +4x] = 4x - 5x -10 - 8...................... Remove parentheses.
2 [12 + 3x]=-x-18……..Combine like terms
24+6x= -x-18………Remove parentheses
24+6x+x= -x+x-18….. Add x to both sides.
24+7x= -18…….Simplifying
24-24+7x= -18-24……Subtract 24 from both sides.
7x= -42…….Simplifying
7x −42
= .......... Dividing both sides by 7.
7 7
x = -6 ……. X is solved
x
And = −3 ............ Given equation
2
x= -6 ….. Multiplying both sides by 2
Therefore: 2 [9 - (x-3] +4x] = 4x-5 (x+2) -8 and
x
= −3 are equivalent equations.
2

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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

Exercise 2B
1. Which of the following pairs of equations are equivalent?
a. 2x+8= 18 and 2x=18-12 d. 2x+(-6)=14 and 2x=14+6
9 9 9 182
b. 9x − = and 9x = e. 3x=182 and x=
8 4 8 6
3 3
c. 21x = 38 and 3x=36 f. x − = 10 and 21x − 365 = 0
5 7
2. Show that 4(2x-1)=3(x+1)-2 and 8x=3x+5 are equivalent equations.
3. Solve the following linear equations and finally check your answers.
a. 3x – 9 = 4x + 5 d. 2(2x+1) = 3(x + 3) + x - 6
b. 2(3x + 4) = 6-(2x - 5) e. 270 ÷ x = 540; x ≠ 0
 x −3 3
c. 2  =x− f. 4 (2x-1) + 6 = 7x -3 (x+2)
 5  5

4. Show that 2 (x + 4) + 3 (2x + 1) = 0 and 4(x + 4) -3(2 - x) =17 are not equivalent
3 5
equation.

Challenge Problems
5. Solve for x
a. ax + b = cx + d; a ≠ c d. x+y = b(y-x); b ≠ -1
b. m(x-n) = 3(r-x); m ≠ 3 e. a 1 x + b 1 y =a 2 x +b 2 y; a 1 ≠a 2
c. ax + b = c; a ≠ 0

2.1.3 Some Word problems

Group Work 2.2
1. Translate the algebraic expression x+12 in five different word phrases.
2. Translate the algebraic expression x−7 in six different word phrases.
3. Translate the algebraic expression 4x in four different word phrases.
4. Translate the algebraic expression x in four different word phrases.
6
In this topic, you will apply the knowledge acquired on equations. The connection
between an unknown number and other numbers which are known (constant) often
arise out of practical life. To solve such problems verbal sentences needed to be
changed into mathematical sentences. Relationship between such numbers or
quantities given in word problem need to be expressed in the form of equation. You
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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

will now demonstrate how to solve a word problem by changing into mathematical
equation.

Example14: Translate the algebraic expression x+10 in different word phrases.

Solution:
Word phrases Algebraic expression (or symbols)
• A number plus ten.
• The sum of a number and ten.
• Ten added to a number. x + 10
• A number increased by ten.
• Ten more than a number.

x
Example15: Translate the algebraic expression in different word phrases.
7

Solution:
Word phrases Algebraic expression (or symbols)
• A number divide by seven.
x
• The quotient of a number and seven.
7
• The ratio of a number to seven.
• one-seventh of a number.
Example 16: (Relationship between temperature scales)

Celsius Fahrenheit
scale scale The Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales are
shown on thermometer in Figure2.6. The relation-
ship between the temperature readings C and F is
5
given by C= (F − 32). (Express F in terms of C).
9
Solution: To solve for F you must obtain a
formula that has F by itself on one side of the
equals sign. You may do this as follows:

Figure 2.6 Temperature scales

63
2 Linear Equations and Inequalities
5
C= (F − 32) ………Given equation
9
9 9
C = F − 32 ……….Multiply both sides by
5 5
9
C + 32 = F........... Adding 32 from both sides.
5
9
F = C + 32
5

Example 17: (Test average)

A student take a mathematics test scores of 64 and 78. What score on a third test
will give the student an average of 80?

Solution:
The unknown quantity is the score on the third test,
so you let x = score on the third test.
The average scores will be calculated on 64, 78 and x.
64 + 78 + x
Thus average score =
3
64 + 78 + x
= 80
3
64 + 78+x = 80 × 3 …………Multiplying both sides by 3
142+x= 240………Simplify
x = 98……… x is solved

 Check: If the three test scores are 64, 78 and 98, then the average is
64 + 78 + 98 240
= = 80.
3 3

Example 18: (Age problem)

The sum of the ages of a man and his wife is 96 years. The man is 6 years older
than his wife. How old is his wife?

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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

Solution: let m = man age and w = wife age, then

m+w = 96 …….Translated equation(1)
m = 6+w ……..Translated equation (2)
6+w+w = 96……..Substituting equation (2) into(1)
6+2w = 96-6……Combine like terms
2w+6-6 = 96-6………Subtracting 6 both sides.
2w = 90 ………Simplifying
2 w 90
= ……………Divides both sides by 2
2 2
w = 45 …….w is solved
Therefore, the age of his wife is 45 years old.

Exercise 2C
Solve each of the following word problems.
1. If three fourth of a number is one-tenths, what is the number?
2. The sum of two consecutive integers is three times their difference. What is
the larger number?
3. Can you find a number that satisfy the following property?
a. If you multiply the number by 2 and add 4, the result you get will be the
same as three times the number decreased by 7.
b. If you increase the number by 4 and double this sum, the result you get
will be the same as four times the number decreases by 6.
4. In a class there are 48 students. The number of girls is 3 times the number of
boys. How many boys and how many girls are there in the class?
5. A farmer has sheep and hen. The sheep and hens together have 100 heads
and 356 legs. How many sheep and hens does the farmer have?
6. 8 times a certain number is added to 5 times a second number to give 184.
The first number minus the second number is -3. Find these numbers.
7. The perimeter of a rectangular field is 628m. The length of the field exceeds
its width by 6m. Find the dimensions.

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2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

2.2. Solving Linear Inequalities

Activity 2.2
Discuss with your friends.
Solve each of the following linear Inequalities.
a. 2 (5-x) < 3 (1-2x) + 4 d. 0.5x + 0.5 > 0.2x + 2
b. 10(2x-4) ≥ 12x-(2x+2) e. 0.7(x+3) < 0.4 (x+3)
c. 8(2x-4)+6 ≤ 14(2x+2)-12
From grade six mathematics lesson you have learnt about linear inequalities.
Now in this sub topic you learn more about linear inequalities. The rules for
transforming linear inequalities will be discussed in detail so as to find their
solutions.

Definition 2.7: Mathematical sentence which contains one of the relation

signs(symbols) <, ≤, >, ≥ or ≠ are called inequalities.

Example 19: Some examples of inequalities are:

1 3
a. 10x< 23 b. -2x > 5 c. x≥4 d. x ≤ 10
2 2

Definition 2.8: A linear inequality in one variable “x” is an inequality that

can be written in the form of ax+ b < 0, ax + b ≤ 0 or
ax + b > 0, ax + b ≥0 where a and b are rational numbers and a ≠ 0.

Example 20: Some examples of linear inequalities are:

a. 2x+10 > 0 c. 2x+12 ≤ 0
b. 5x+20 < 0 d. 6x+17 ≥ 0
2.2.1.Rules of Transformation for Inequalities
Group work 2.3
1. Solve each of the following inequalities by using the addition rule.
a. x + 8 > 3 c. x − 0.35 ≤ 0.25
b. 9x + 2.7 > 8x - 9.7 d. x − 0.25 ≥ -0.66

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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

2. Solve each of the following inequalities by using the

multiplication rule.
a . 1 − 3x ≥ 6 c. 3x < 18
b. 81x ≤ 3 d. 5 − x ≤ 2x − 1

The following rules are used to transform a given inequality to an equivalent

inequality.

Rule 1: If the same number is added to or subtracted from both sides of an

inequality, the direction of the inequality is unchanged. That is for
any rational numbers a,b and c.
i. If a < b, then a + c < b+c.
ii. If a < b, then a - c < b – c.
Rule 2: If both sides of an inequality are multiplied or divide by the same
positive number, the direction of the inequality is unchanged. That is
for any rational numbers a,b and c.
i. If a < b and c > 0, then ac < bc.
ii. If a < b and c > 0, then a b
< (provided c ≠ 0).
c c
Rule 3: If both sides of an inequality are multiplied or divided by the same
negative number, the direction of the inequality is reversed. That is
for any rational numbers a, b and c.
i. If a < b and c < 0, then ac > bc.
ii. If a< b and c < 0, then, a b
> (provided c ≠ 0).
c c

Example 21: Solve each of the following inequalities by using the

transformation rules.
a. 10x – 4 ≤ 8x - 2 c. 4(x + 2) + 4 ≤ 6(x + 1)-5
3 3 x + 1 2x
b. x+ > d. ≥ −1
4 8 3 5
Solution: a. 10x-4≤8x-2……….Given inequality
10x-4+4≤8x-2+4…….Adding 4 both sides
10x≤8x+2………Simplifying

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2 Linear Equations and Inequalities
10x-8x≤8x-8x+2…….Subtracting 8x from both sides
2x≤2………………Simplifying
2x 2
≤ ……………Dividing both sides by 2
2 2
x≤ 1…………….Simplifying
3 3
b. x+ > ………..Given inequality.
4 8
3 3 3 3 3
x+ − > − ………. Subtracting from both sides
4 4 8 4 4
3 3
x > − ……… Simplifying
8 4
3 3 2 2
x> − × ……………… Multiplying by 1 =
8 4 2 2
3 6
x> − …………….. Simplifying
8 8
−3
x> ……………….. Solved
8
c. 4(x+2)+4 ≤ 6(x+1)-5……….Given inequality
4x + 8+4 ≤ 6x+6-5……………Remove parenthesis by distributive
property of “×” over “+”
4x+12≤6x+1…………….Combine like terms.
4x-6x+12 ≤ 6x-6x+1…….Subtracting 6x from both sides
-2x+12 ≤ 1……………Simplifying
-2x+12-12 ≤ 1-12………Subtracting 12 from both sides
-2x ≤ -11……… Simplifying
−2x 11
≥− …….Dividing both sides by -2
−2 −2
11
x ≥
2
x + 1 2x
d. ≥ − 1 …….Given inequality
3 5
 x + 1 2x
15   ≥ 15( − 1) …….Multiplying by 15 which is the LCM of the
 3  5
denominators 3 and 5
5x+5 ≥ 6x-15……………..Remove parenthesis
5x-6x+5 ≥ 6x-6x-15………….Subtracting 6x from both sides
-x+5 ≥ -15…………Simplifying
-x+5-5 ≥ -15-5…………Subtracting 5 from both sides
-x ≥ -20…………..Simplifying
x ≤ 20 …………. Solved
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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

Definition 2.9: Two inequalities are said to be equivalent if and only if they
have exactly the same solution set.

Example 22: Some examples of equivalent linear inequalities are:

x 10
a. 5x < 20 and x < 4 c. < and 6x < 20
2 6
b. x > 3 and x+8 > 3+8
Exercise 2D
1. Which of the following pairs of inequalities are equivalent?
− 21
a. 2x -6 > 4 and 2x -8 > 2 d. 3x + 8x + 21 ≥ 0 and x ≥
11
b. 6x + 22 < 4 and 6x < -14 e. 4x < 12 and x < 9
3
8 5
c. 3x + < and 36x + 8 < 5
12 12
2. Identify whether each of the following inequalities is a linear inequality or
not.
a. 6x + 6 > 3x + 8 d. 4(x - 2) + 4(x + 1) -6 ≤ 0
6x 2
b. 2x + 6 ≥ 0 e. 3x 2 +6 x ≥ + 10
3
−x 3
c. + ≤0 f. 13x2+16 ≤ 0
2 5
3. Solve each of the following inequalities by using the transformation rules.
2 − 3x
a. 32 - 14x ≥ 20x -8 f. > x+4
4
3 2 5 4
b. 5x + 5x + 2x ≤ -24 g. x + < x +
4 3 6 5
c. 7(x - 2) < 4x - 8 h. -5x + 7 ≤ 1.4x - 17
2 3 4 5
d. 5(x - 3) < 7(x + 6) i. x + < x +
3 4 5 6
3x + 4
e. ≥ 10
2
Challenge problems
Solve for x
4. x + 0.000894 ≤ -0.009764 6. x + 0.001096 ≥ -0.005792
5. 8x - 0.00962 ≤ 7x + 0.00843 7. 6x -0.000834 < 5x -0.000948
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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities
2.2.2 Solution Set of Linear Inequalities
Activity 2.3
Find the solution set of the following inequalities under the given
domain.
a. 10x+14 < 25; (domain is )
b. 5(2+x) > 18+6x; (domain is )
c. 2-3x ≥ 10; (domain is )
d. 10-2x ≤ 4x-2: (domain is .)

In this topic you will solve linear inequalities by applying the necessary rules of
transformation.
• To find the solutions of a given inequality, you will use the rules of
transformation for inequalities to get successive equivalent inequalities so
that the least simplified form is either x > a or x < a or x ≤ a or x ≥ a.
In solving a linear inequality of the form ax + b > 0, a ≠ 0, you have to consider
two cases. These are:
When a > 0 and when a < 0

Case 1: when a > 0

ax + b > 0……….Given inequality
ax + b – b > 0 - b ……Subtracting b from both sides.
ax > -b………….Simplifying
ax − b
> .......... Dividing both sides by a since a > 0
a a
x > −b ……….Simplifying
a

Therefore, the solution set is x : x > − b .

 a 
Case 2: When a < 0
ax + b > 0………..Given inequality
ax + b – b > 0 - b…………Subtracting b from both sides
ax > -b……Simplifying
ax − b
< ....... Dividing both sides by a since a < 0
a a
−b
x< …………. Simplifying
a
Therefore, the solution set is x : x < − b .
 a 
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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

Definition 2.10: The set of numbers from which value of the variable may be
chosen should be meaningful and it is called the domain of the
variable.

Example 23: Given the domain = {2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14}. Find the solution set
of the inequality x - 5 > 6.
Solution:

x – 5 +5 > 6+5
x > 11

Since 12 and 14 are the solution of the given inequality x - 5 > 6, these numbers
the set containing is called the solution set of x – 5 > 6
You can now define the term solution set or truth set.

Definition 2.11: The set containing all the solutions of an inequality is

called the solution set or truth set of the inequality and denoted by
S.S or T.S.

Example 24: Find the solution set of the following inequalities under the
given domain.
a. 2x + 10 < 10: x c. 2(x + 1) ≤ 8x- (4x - 10); x
b. -10x - (5 + 3x) ≥ 0; x 14(x - 4) < 8x - 16; x +

Solution:
a. 2x + 10 < 10; x……Original inequality
2x + 10 + (-10) < 10 + (-10)………..Subtracting 10 from both sides
2x < 0 …………….Simplifying
2x 0
< ………….. Dividing both sides by 2
2 2
x<0
Solution set = { }. Because there is no natural number less than zero.
b. -10x – (5 + 3x) ≥ 0; x ……..Original inequality.
-10x - 5 - 3x ≥ 0………….Remove parenthesis
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2 Linear Equations and Inequalities
-10x - 3x – 5 ≥ 0…………Collect like terms
-13x-5 ≥ 0……………..Simplifying
-13x – 5 + 5 ≥ 0 + 5………..Adding 5 from both sides
-13x ≥ 5…………….Simplifying
−5
x≤ …………Why?
13
Solution set= { }. Because there is no whole number less than or equal to −5 .
13
c. 2(x + 1) ≤ 8x- (4x - 10) ; x …….Original inequality
2x + 2 ≤ 8x - 4x + 10……….Remove parenthesis
2x + 4x + 2 ≤ 8x - 4x + 4x + 10…………Adding 4x from both sides
6x + 2 ≤ 8x + 10…………Simplifying
6x - 8x + 2 ≤ 8x - 8x + 10 ............ Subtracting 8x from both sides
-2x + 2 ≤ 10 ...... Simplifying
-2x + 2 – 2 ≤ 10 - 2…………Subtracting 2 from both sides
-2x ≤ 8………………..Simplifying
− 2x 8
≥ .................. Dividing both sides by 2
2 2
x ≥ -4………..Remember to reverse the sign of the inequality.

Solution set = {x∈ : x ≥ -4}

+
d. 14 (x - 4) < 8x-16; x ............. Original inequality
14x – 56 < 8x - 16………….Remove parenthesis
14x - 8x – 56 < 8x - 8x - 16………..Subtracting 8x from both sides
6x - 56 < -16………..Simplifying
6x – 56 + 56 < -16 + 56…………..Adding 56 from both sides
6x < 40 ………..Simplifying
6x 40
< .............. Dividing both sides by 6
6 6
20
x< ............ Simplifying
3
 20 
S.S = x ∈ : x < 
 3

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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

2.2.3. Applications of Linear Inequalities

Provides several commonly used statements to express inequalities.

Table 2.1.
English phrase Mathematical Inequality
 a is less than b a<b
 a is greater than b a>b
 a exceeds b
 a is less than or equal to b a≤b
 a is at most b
 a is no more than b
 a is greater than or equal to b a≥b
 a is at least b
 a is no less than b

Example 25: Translating Expressions Involving Inequalities.

a. The speed of a car, S, was at least 220 km/hr.
b. Aster's average test score ,t, exceeded 80.
c. The height of a cave, h, was no more than 20m.
d. The temperature on the tennis court, t, was no less than 200°F.
e. The depth, d, of a certain pool was at most 10m.
Solution:
a. s ≥ 220 c. h ≤ 20 e. d ≤ 10
b. t > 80 d. t ≥ 200°F
Example 26: To earn grade A in a maths class, Aisha must have average score
at least 90 on all of her tests. Suppose Aisha has scored 80, 86, 90,
94 and 96 on her first five maths tests. Determine the minimum
score she needs on her sixth test to get an A in the class.

Solution:
Let x represent the score on the sixth test……….Lable the variable
(Average of all tests) ≥ 90………Create a verbal model.
80 + 86 + 90 + 94 + 96 + x
≥ 90……..The average score is found by
6
taking the sum of the test scores and dividing by the numbers of scores.
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2 Linear Equations and Inequalities
446 + x
≥ 90 ……………Simplify
6
 446 + x 
6  ≥ 90 × (6) ………...Multiply both sides by 6 to eliminate the
 6 
denominator fractions.
446 + x ≥ 540……………….Solve the inequality
446 – 446 + x ≥ 540 - 446…….Subtracting 446 from both sides
x ≥ 94 …………..Simplifying
Aisha must score at least 94 on her sixth test to receive an A in the course.
Example 27: Eight times a natural number is increased by 4 times the number
is less than 36. What are the possible value of this number?
Solution: let n be the number
8n + 4n < 36………….Translated inequality.
12n < 36……………..Collect like terms.
12n 36
< ……….Dividing both sides by 12.
12 12
n < 3 ………..Simplifying.
Therefore, the required natural number is less than 3. Thus the number is either
1 or 2. 2x + 3
D C
Example 28: For the region on the right
figure. Find all values of x for which x x
the perimeter is less than 37cm (see
A B
Figure 2.7 to the right). 16 - x
Figure 2.7

Solution: Consider the following 2x + 3

D C
Figure 2.8
x
Let the perimeter = p x
AB + BC + CD + DA = P
16 – x + x + 2x + 3 + x = P…….Substitution A B
16 - x
Thus P = 19 + 3x, but we need P = 19 + 3x < 37 Figure 2.8
19 + 3x < 37
3x < 37 - 19
3x < 18
x < 6 and since x represents length, x > 0
Therefore, the values of x is x < 6 or {x∈ : x < 6} = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}…(Why)?
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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

Exercise 2E

Solve each of the following word problems.

1. Twice a number x exceed 5 by at least 4. Find all possible values of x.
2. A natural number is less than the sum of its opposite and 8. Find all such
numbers.
3. Find the two smallest consecutive even integers whose sum is at least 51.
4. The perimeter of a rectangle field is 118m. If the length of the rectangle is
7m less than twice the width, what is the length of the field?

Summary For Unit 2

1. A constant (a number), a variable or product of a number and variable
is called a term.
2. Like terms or similar terms are terms whose variables and exponents of
the variables are exactly the same but only differ in the numerical
coefficients.
3. In the product of a number and variable, the factor which is a numerical
constant of a term is called a numerical coefficient.
4. An equation is a mathematical statement in which two quantities or two
algebraic expressions are connected by the equality sign “=”.
5. A linear equation in one variable x is an equation which can be written
in standard form ax + b = 0, where a and b are constant numbers with
a ≠ 0.
6. Two equations are said to be equivalent, if and only if their solution
sets are equal.
7. An inequality is a mathematical statements which contains the
inequality symbols <, >, ≤ or ≥ to express that one quantity is greater
than (or less than) another quantity.
8. A linear inequality in one variable “x” is an inequality that can be written in the
form of ax + b < 0, ax + b ≤ 0 or
ax + b > 0, ax+ b ≥0 where a and b are rational numbers and a ≠ 0.

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2 Linear Equations and Inequalities
9. Rules of transformation for equation:
Let a, b and c be any rational numbers
a) If a =b, then a + c = b + c…………Addition property of equality.
b) If a = b, then a - c = b - c ……….Subtraction property of equality.
c) If a = b, then a × c = b × c………..Multiplication property of equality.
d) If a = b, then (provided c≠0). …..Division property of equality.
10. Rules of transformation for inequality:
Let a, b and c be any rational numbers
a) If a < b, then a + c < b + c………..Addition property of inequality.
b) If a < b, then a – c < b - c………….Subtraction property of inequality.
c) If c is positive and a < b, then ac < bc……Multiplication property of
inequality.
d) If c is positive and a < b, then …….Division property of
inequality.
e) If c is negative and a < b, then ac > bc ………Multiplication property
of inequality.
f) If c is negative and a < b, then ………Division property of
inequality.

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 2 Linear Equations and Inequalities

Miscellaneous Exercise 2
1. Solve each of the following equations by using the rules of
transformation.
a) – (-7x + 9) + (3x - 1) = 0 f) 5x – 3 - 4x = 13
b) 5(3y) + 5(3 + y) = 5 g) 16y – 8 - 9y = -16
1
c) 2x − =5 h) 6x-5-16x =-7
4
d) -1.8 + 2.4x = -6.6 i ) 3x− 1 = −4x− 5
7 4 7 4
6 1 5
e) = + y
7 7 3
2. Solve the equations using the steps as out lined in the text and finally
check the result.
a) 4(x + 15) = 20
b) 4(2y + 1) -1 = 5
c) 5(4 + x) =3 (3x - 1) -9
d) 6(3x - 4) + 10 = 5(x - 2) - (3x + 4)
e) -5y + 2(2y + 1) = 2(5y - 1) -7
f) -2(4p + 1) - (3p - 1)) = 5(3 - p) -9
g) 5 - (6y + 1) = 2 ((5y - 3) - (y - 2))
h) 7(0.4y-0.1)=5.2y+0.86
3. Explain the difference between simplifying an expression and solving
an equation.
4. Which properties of equality would you apply to solve the equation
4x + 12 = 20?
5. Which properties of equality would you apply to solve the equation
4x - 12 = 20?
6. The sum of two consecutive integers is -67. Find the integers?

7. The sum of the page numbers on two

integers facing pages in a book is 941.
What are the page numbers?

x x+1

Figure 2.9
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2 Linear Equations and Inequalities
8. If y represents the smallest of three consecutive odd integer, write an
expression to represent each of the next two consecutive odd integers.
9. Three consecutive odd integers are such that 3 times the smallest is 9
more than twice the largest. Find the three numbers.
10. a) Simplify the expression: 6(x + 2) – (4x - 14)
b) Simplify the expression: -(10x − 1) − 4(x + 8)
11. Solve each of the following inequalities by using the rules of
transformation.
a) -4x – 8 ≤ 22 d) 8 - 6(x - 3) > -4x + 12
b) -14y - 6 ≤ 6y e) 3 - 4(y - 2) > -5y + 6
c) 4x + 2 < 6x + 8 f) 7 x + 4 ≥ 11 x − 7
6 3 6 6
12. Find the solution set of each of the following inequalities under the
given domain.
a) 4x - 1 < 6x + 4 2 , x ∈
3 3
b) 9x – 4 < 13x – 7, x ∈
c) 0.7 (x + 3) < 0.4 (x + 3), x ∈
d) 3(x + 2) – (2x – 7) ≤ (5x – 1) -2(x + 6), x ∈
e) 6 – 8 (y + 3) + 5y > 5y – (2y – 5) + 13; x ∈ +
13. Find all values of X for which the
perimeter is at most 32.
x-6

Figure 2.10
x
14. A board with 86 cm in length must be cut so that one piece is 20 cm
longer than the other piece. Find the length of each piece.

x x + 20
Figure 2.11

1 1 x − 2
15. Solve for X: x + x − 2 ≥ 2(x − 1) + 3x.
2 3  4 

78