Solving Equations: Lessons and Exercises

ii
Contents

1 Solving Linear Equations in One Variable 1

1.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations 7

2.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3 Solving Quadratic Equations 17

3.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4 Solving Higher-Degree Polynomial Equations 25

4.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5 Solving Rational Equations 33

5.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

6 Solving Absolute Value Equations 41

6.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
6.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
6.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

iii
iv CONTENTS

7 Solving Radical Equations 47

7.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

8 Solving Exponential Equations 53

8.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
8.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
8.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

9 Solving Logarithmic Equations 59

9.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
9.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
9.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

10 Solving Trigonometric Equations 67

10.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
10.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
10.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

11 Solving Equations with Parameters 75

11.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
11.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
11.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

12 Advanced Equation-Solving Techniques 83

12.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
12.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
12.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

13 Solving Equations Involving Trigonometric Functions 91

13.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
13.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
13.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

14 Advanced Equation-Solving Techniques 99

14.1 Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
14.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
14.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
CONTENTS v

15 Advanced Equation-Solving Techniques 105

15.1 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
vi CONTENTS
Chapter 1

Solving Linear Equations

in One Variable
1.1 Lesson
A linear equation in one variable is an equation of the form

ax + b = 0,

where a ̸= 0. To solve, isolate x:

b
x=− .
a
Example: Solve 2x + 3 = 7.
Solution: Subtract 3: 2x = 4; then x = 2.

1.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

1. Solve x + 2 = 5.
Solution: x = 3.

2. Solve 2x − 3 = 7.
Solution: 2x = 10 so x = 5.

1
2 CHAPTER 1. SOLVING LINEAR EQUATIONS IN ONE VARIABLE

3. Solve 3x + 4 = 19.
Solution: 3x = 15 so x = 5.

4. Solve 4x − 5 = 11.
Solution: 4x = 16 so x = 4.

5. Solve 5x + 6 = 21.
Solution: 5x = 15 so x = 3.

6. Solve 6x − 4 = 14.
Solution: 6x = 18 so x = 3.

7. Solve 7x + 2 = 37.
Solution: 7x = 35 so x = 5.

8. Solve 8x − 3 = 29.
Solution: 8x = 32 so x = 4.

9. Solve 9x + 1 = 28.
Solution: 9x = 27 so x = 3.

10. Solve 10x − 6 = 34.

Solution: 10x = 40 so x = 4.

11. Solve 3x − 2 = 7.
Solution: 3x = 9 so x = 3.
1.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 3

12. Solve 5x + 10 = 35.

Solution: 5x = 25 so x = 5.

13. Solve 4x + 8 = 24.

Solution: 4x = 16 so x = 4.

14. Solve 2x − 1 = 7.
Solution: 2x = 8 so x = 4.

15. Solve 6x + 2 = 20.

Solution: 6x = 18 so x = 3.

1.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

1. Solve 3x + 5 = 20.

2. Solve 4x − 7 = 9.

3. Solve 5x + 3 = 28.

4. Solve 6x − 2 = 16.
4 CHAPTER 1. SOLVING LINEAR EQUATIONS IN ONE VARIABLE

5. Solve 7x + 4 = 32.

6. Solve 8x − 5 = 27.

7. Solve 2x + 6 = 18.

8. Solve 9x − 4 = 32.

9. Solve 10x + 5 = 45.

10. Solve 3x − 2 = 10.

11. Solve 4x + 3 = 19.

12. Solve 5x − 6 = 14.

13. Solve 6x + 7 = 31.

1.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 5

14. Solve 7x − 8 = 20.

15. Solve 8x + 2 = 50.

16. Solve 9x − 5 = 31.

17. Solve 10x + 3 = 53.

18. Solve 11x − 4 = 39.

19. Solve 2x + 1 = 7.

20. Solve 3x − 3 = 12.

21. Solve 4x + 4 = 28.

22. Solve 5x − 5 = 20.

6 CHAPTER 1. SOLVING LINEAR EQUATIONS IN ONE VARIABLE

23. Solve 6x + 6 = 42.

24. Solve 7x − 7 = 28.

25. Solve 8x + 8 = 56.

26. Solve 9x − 9 = 36.

27. Solve 10x + 10 = 70.

28. Solve 11x − 11 = 44.

29. Solve 12x + 12 = 84.

30. Solve 13x − 13 = 52.

31. Solve 14x + 14 = 98.

Chapter 2

Solving Systems of Linear

Equations
2.1 Lesson
A system of two linear equations in two variables can be solved using substi-
tution or elimination. For example, consider:
{
x + y = 5,
x − y = 1.

Adding the equations yields 2x = 6 so x = 3; substituting back gives y = 2.

2.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

1. Solve: {
x + y = 4,
x − y = 2.
Solution: x = 3, y = 1.

2. Solve: {
2x + y = 7,
x − y = 1.
Solution: x = 2, y = 3.

7
8 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

3. Solve: {
3x + 2y = 12,
x − y = 1.
Solution: x = 2, y = 1.

4. Solve: {
x + 2y = 8,
2x − y = 3.
Solution: x = 3, y = 2.5.

5. Solve: {
2x + 3y = 13,
x − y = 2.
Solution: x = 4, y = 3.

6. Solve: {
3x + 4y = 20,
2x − y = 1.
Solution: x = 3, y = 2.

7. Solve: {
x + y = 6,
2x − y = 3.
Solution: x = 3, y = 3.

8. Solve: {
4x + y = 9,
x − 2y = −1.
Solution: x = 2, y = 1.
2.2. SOLVED EXERCISES (15 PROBLEMS) 9

9. Solve: {
2x − y = 4,
x + y = 5.
Solution: x = 3, y = 2.

10. Solve: {
3x − 2y = 1,
2x + y = 8.
Solution: x = 2, y = 4.

11. Solve: {
x + 3y = 10,
2x − y = 1.
Solution: x = 2, y = 83 .

12. Solve: {
2x + 2y = 12,
x − y = 1.
Solution: x = 3, y = 3.

13. Solve: {
3x + y = 10,
x + 2y = 7.
Solution: x = 4, y = 1.5.

14. Solve: {
2x − 3y = 1,
4x + y = 11.
Solution: x = 3, y = 35 .
10 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

15. Solve: {
5x + 2y = 16,
3x − y = 4.
Solution: x = 2, y = 3.

2.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

{
x + y = 7,
1. Solve: .
x−y =3

{
2x + 3y = 13,
2. Solve: .
x−y =2

{
3x + 4y = 19,
3. Solve: .
2x − y = 1

{
x + 2y = 8,
4. Solve: .
3x − y = 5

{
4x + y = 10,
5. Solve: .
2x − 3y = 1
2.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 11
{
2x + y = 9,
6. Solve: .
x + 4y = 12

{
3x − y = 8,
7. Solve: .
2x + 3y = 7

{
x + y = 5,
8. Solve: .
2x + y = 8

{
2x − y = 3,
9. Solve: .
3x + 2y = 12

{
x − 2y = −1,
10. Solve: .
4x + y = 11

{
3x + y = 8,
11. Solve: .
x + 3y = 10
12 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS
{
2x + 2y = 14,
12. Solve: .
3x − y = 5

{
4x − y = 9,
13. Solve: .
x + 2y = 6

{
5x + 3y = 18,
14. Solve: .
2x − y = 3

{
3x + 2y = 11,
15. Solve: .
2x + 5y = 17

{
x + 4y = 14,
16. Solve: .
3x − 2y = 4

{
2x + 3y = 15,
17. Solve: .
4x − y = 9
2.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 13
{
3x + 5y = 21,
18. Solve: .
2x + 3y = 15

{
4x + y = 13,
19. Solve: .
3x − 2y = 5

{
2x − y = 4,
20. Solve: .
5x + 2y = 17

{
3x + 4y = 20,
21. Solve: .
2x + y = 9

{
x + 3y = 10,
22. Solve: .
4x − 2y = 8

{
2x + y = 8,
23. Solve: .
3x + 4y = 19
14 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS
{
3x − y = 7,
24. Solve: .
2x + 3y = 14

{
x + y = 6,
25. Solve: .
4x − y = 10

{
2x − y = 3,
26. Solve: .
x + 2y = 7

{
3x + y = 12,
27. Solve: .
2x − 3y = 1

{
4x + 5y = 23,
28. Solve: .
3x + 2y = 13

{
2x + 3y = 16,
29. Solve: .
3x − y = 5
2.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 15
{
5x + y = 17,
30. Solve: .
2x + 4y = 14

{
3x + 2y = 10,
31. Solve: .
4x − y = 7

{
2x − y = 1,
32. Solve: .
x + 3y = 11

{
4x + y = 15,
33. Solve: .
3x + 4y = 20

{
5x − 2y = 8,
34. Solve: .
2x + y = 7
16 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS
Chapter 3

Solving Quadratic
Equations
3.1 Lesson
A quadratic equation has the standard form

ax2 + bx + c = 0.

It can be solved by factoring, completing the square, or using the quadratic

formula: √
−b ± b2 − 4ac
x= .
2a
Example: Solve x2 − 5x + 6 = 0.
Solution: Factor as (x − 2)(x − 3) = 0; hence, x = 2 or x = 3.

3.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

1. Solve x2 − 3x + 2 = 0.
Solution: (x − 1)(x − 2) = 0; x = 1 or x = 2.

2. Solve x2 + x − 6 = 0.
Solution: (x + 3)(x − 2) = 0; x = −3 or x = 2.

17
18 CHAPTER 3. SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS

3. Solve 2x2 − 4x − 6√= 0.

Solution: x = 4± 16+48
4 = 4±8
4 ; x = 3 or x = −1.

4. Solve x2 − 9 = 0.
Solution: (x − 3)(x + 3) = 0; x = 3 or x = −3.

5. Solve x2 + 4x + 4 = 0.
Solution: (x + 2)2 = 0; x = −2.

6. Solve 3x2 − 6x + 2√= 0. √

Solution: x = 6± 36−24
6 = 6± 12
6 .

7. Solve x2 − 2x − 3 = 0.
Solution: (x − 3)(x + 1) = 0; x = 3 or x = −1.

8. Solve 2x2 + 3x − 2 √
= 0.
−3± 9+16
Solution: x = 4 .

9. Solve x2 − 4x + 4 = 0.
Solution: (x − 2)2 = 0; x = 2.

10. Solve x2 + 2x + 1 = 0.
Solution: (x + 1)2 = 0; x = −1.

11. Solve 4x2 − 12x + 9 = 0.

Solution: (2x − 3)2 = 0; x = 32 .
3.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 19

12. Solve x2 − 5x + 6 = 0.
Solution: (x − 2)(x − 3) = 0; x = 2 or x = 3.

13. Solve 2x2 + 5x + 2 √

= 0.
Solution: x = −5± 425−16 .

14. Solve 3x2 − 7x + 2√= 0.

Solution: x = 7± 49−24
6 .

15. Solve x2 + 6x + 9 = 0.
Solution: (x + 3)2 = 0; x = −3.

3.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

1. Solve x2 − 2x − 8 = 0.

2. Solve 2x2 − 3x − 2 = 0.

3. Solve x2 + 5x + 6 = 0.

4. Solve 3x2 + 2x − 1 = 0.
20 CHAPTER 3. SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS

5. Solve 4x2 − 4x + 1 = 0.

6. Solve x2 − 7x + 12 = 0.

7. Solve 2x2 + 4x − 6 = 0.

8. Solve x2 + 4x + 3 = 0.

9. Solve 3x2 − 5x + 2 = 0.

10. Solve 2x2 − 6x + 4 = 0.

11. Solve x2 − 3x − 10 = 0.

12. Solve 4x2 + 4x − 3 = 0.

13. Solve 5x2 − 7x + 2 = 0.

3.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 21

14. Solve 2x2 + 3x + 1 = 0.

15. Solve x2 + 3x − 4 = 0.

16. Solve 3x2 + 6x + 3 = 0.

17. Solve 4x2 − 8x + 3 = 0.

18. Solve 5x2 + 2x − 3 = 0.

19. Solve 2x2 − 5x + 2 = 0.

20. Solve 3x2 − 4x − 4 = 0.

21. Solve x2 + 8x + 15 = 0.

22. Solve 2x2 + 7x + 3 = 0.

22 CHAPTER 3. SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS

23. Solve 3x2 + 4x + 1 = 0.

24. Solve 4x2 − 9 = 0.

25. Solve x2 − 9 = 0.

26. Solve 2x2 − 3x + 1 = 0.

27. Solve 3x2 − 11x + 6 = 0.

28. Solve 4x2 + 5x + 1 = 0.

29. Solve 5x2 − 6x + 1 = 0.

30. Solve x2 + 2x − 8 = 0.

31. Solve 2x2 − 4x − 16 = 0.

3.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 23

32. Solve 3x2 + 3x − 18 = 0.

33. Solve 4x2 − 4x − 20 = 0.

24 CHAPTER 3. SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
Chapter 4

Solving Higher-Degree
Polynomial Equations
4.1 Lesson
Higher-degree polynomial equations (degree ≥ 3) can often be solved by
factoring, synthetic division, or applying the Rational Root Theorem. Ex-
ample: Solve x3 − 6x2 + 11x − 6 = 0.
Solution: Factor as (x − 1)(x − 2)(x − 3) = 0; hence, x = 1, 2, 3.

4.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

1. Solve x3 − 6x2 + 11x − 6 = 0.
Solution: x = 1, 2, 3.

2. Solve x3 + x2 − 4x − 4 = 0.
Solution: Factor as (x + 2)(x2 − x − 2) = 0; x = −2, x = 2, x = −1.

3. Solve x4 − 5x2 + 4 = 0.
Solution: Let y = x2 ; then y 2 − 5y + 4 = 0 so y = 1, 4; x = ±1, ±2.

4. Solve 2x3 − 3x2 − 8x + 12 = 0.

25
26CHAPTER 4. SOLVING HIGHER-DEGREE POLYNOMIAL EQUATIONS

Solution: Factor to obtain (x − 2)(2x2 + x − 6) = 0; solve further.

5. Solve x3 − 4x2 + 5x − 2 = 0.
Solution: x = 1 is a root; factor and solve the quadratic.

6. Solve x4 − 16 = 0.
Solution: (x2 −4)(x2 +4) = 0; x = ±2 and x2 = −4 (yielding x = ±2i).

7. Solve x3 + 2x2 − x − 2 = 0.
Solution: Factor by grouping; x = 1 or x = −2 or x = −1.

8. Solve x4 + x3 − 7x2 + x + 6 = 0.
Solution: Find one rational root and factor further.

9. Solve 2x3 + 3x2 − 11x − 6 = 0.

Solution: Factor to get (2x + 1)(x2 + x − 6) = 0; then solve.

10. Solve x3 − 2x2 − 5x + 6 = 0.

Solution: x = 1 is a root; factor and solve the quadratic.

11. Solve x4 − 3x3 − x2 + 3x = 0.

Solution: Factor x(x3 − 3x2 − x + 3) = 0 and solve.

12. Solve x3 − 7x + 6 = 0.
Solution: Factor as (x − 1)(x2 + x − 6) = 0.
4.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 27

13. Solve x4 − 5x2 + 4 = 0 (repeat).

14. Solve 3x3 − x2 − 8x + 4 = 0.

Solution: Factor (using Rational Root Theorem) and solve.

15. Solve x4 + 2x3 − x2 − 4x + 4 = 0.

Solution: Factor by grouping or substitution.

4.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

1. Solve x3 + 2x2 − 5x − 6 = 0.

2. Solve 2x3 − x2 − 7x + 6 = 0.

3. Solve x4 − 4x2 + 3 = 0.

4. Solve x3 − 3x2 + 3x − 1 = 0.

5. Solve x4 − 2x3 − x2 + 2x = 0.
28CHAPTER 4. SOLVING HIGHER-DEGREE POLYNOMIAL EQUATIONS

6. Solve 2x3 + 5x2 − 3x − 10 = 0.

7. Solve x4 + x2 − 6 = 0.

8. Solve 3x3 − 2x2 − 11x + 6 = 0.

9. Solve x4 − x3 − 7x2 + x + 6 = 0.

10. Solve 2x4 − 3x3 − 5x2 + 4x + 2 = 0.

11. Solve x5 − x4 − 4x3 + 4x2 = 0.

12. Solve x3 + x2 − 4x − 4 = 0.

13. Solve 2x3 − 5x2 + 2x + 1 = 0.

14. Solve x4 + 2x3 − 7x2 − 8x + 12 = 0.

4.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 29

15. Solve 3x3 + x2 − 8x − 4 = 0.

16. Solve x4 − 6x3 + 11x2 − 6x = 0.

17. Solve x4 + x3 − 3x2 − x + 2 = 0.

18. Solve 2x3 − 7x2 + 5x + 2 = 0.

19. Solve x5 − 2x4 − x3 + 2x2 = 0.

20. Solve x4 − 3x3 + 3x2 − x = 0.

21. Solve 2x4 − x3 − 9x2 + 4x + 4 = 0.

22. Solve x3 − 8 = 0.

23. Solve x4 − 16 = 0.
30CHAPTER 4. SOLVING HIGHER-DEGREE POLYNOMIAL EQUATIONS

24. Solve x3 + 4x2 + 5x + 2 = 0.

25. Solve 2x3 + x2 − 7x + 3 = 0.

26. Solve x4 + 3x3 − 4x2 − 12x + 9 = 0.

27. Solve 3x3 − x2 − 8x + 4 = 0.

28. Solve x5 − 5x4 + 8x3 − 4x2 = 0.

29. Solve x4 + 2x3 − x2 − 2x = 0.

30. Solve 2x4 − 3x3 − x2 + 4x − 2 = 0.

31. Solve x5 − 3x3 + 2x = 0.

32. Solve x4 − x3 − 6x2 + 4x + 8 = 0.

4.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 31

33. Solve 3x4 − 4x3 − x2 + 4x − 2 = 0.

32CHAPTER 4. SOLVING HIGHER-DEGREE POLYNOMIAL EQUATIONS
Chapter 5

Solving Rational
Equations
5.1 Lesson
A rational equation is one that contains rational expressions. To solve, first
clear the denominators (keeping in mind restrictions), then solve the resulting
equation and check for extraneous solutions. Example: Solve
x+2
= 3.
x−1
Multiply by x − 1 (with x ̸= 1) to get x + 2 = 3(x − 1). Then, x + 2 = 3x − 3
so 2x = 5 and x = 52 .

5.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

1. Solve x+1
x−2 = 2.
Solution: x + 1 = 2(x − 2) ⇒ x + 1 = 2x − 4 ⇒ x = 5 (with x ̸= 2).

2. Solve 2x−3
x+4 = 1.
Solution: 2x − 3 = x + 4 so x = 7.

x+2
3. Solve x−3 = 4.

33
34 CHAPTER 5. SOLVING RATIONAL EQUATIONS

Solution: x + 2 = 4(x − 3) ⇒ x + 2 = 4x − 12 ⇒ 3x = 14, x = 14

3.

3x+1
4. Solve 2x−5 = 2.
Solution: 3x + 1 = 2(2x − 5) ⇒ 3x + 1 = 4x − 10 ⇒ x = 11.

2x+3
5. Solve x−1 = 5.
Solution: 2x + 3 = 5(x − 1) ⇒ 2x + 3 = 5x − 5 ⇒ 3x = 8, x = 38 .

x−4
6. Solve 2x+1 = −1.
Solution: x − 4 = −1(2x + 1) ⇒ x − 4 = −2x − 1 ⇒ 3x = 3, x = 1.

7. Solve 3x−2
x+2 = 3.
Solution: 3x−2 = 3(x+2) ⇒ 3x−2 = 3x+6; no solution (extraneous).

x+3
8. Solve 2x−1 = 12 .
Solution: Cross multiply: 2(x + 3) = 1(2x − 1) ⇒ 2x + 6 = 2x − 1;
no solution.

9. Solve 2x−1 3x+2

x+3 = x−2 .
Solution: Cross multiply and solve (solution(s) must be checked).

−1 2
10. Solve xx−1 = 5.
Solution: Simplify x2 − 1 = (x − 1)(x + 1) and cancel (with x ̸= 1);
then x + 1 = 5 so x = 4.

2
11. Solve 2x x+2
+3x−2
= 4.
Solution: Multiply by x + 2 and solve the quadratic.
5.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 35

2
12. Solve x +2x+1
x−3 = 3.
Solution: Recognize numerator as (x + 1)2 and solve.

−5 2
13. Solve 3x
2x−1 = 7.
Solution: Multiply and solve the resulting quadratic.

14. Solve 4x+2 2x+8

x−2 = 3x−6 .
Solution: Simplify the right side and solve (watch for restrictions).

x+4
15. Solve 2x+3 = 3x−1
x−2 .
Solution: Cross multiply and solve the quadratic equation.

5.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

2x+5
1. Solve x−3 = 4.

x−1
2. Solve 2x+1 = 3.

3x+2
3. Solve x+4 = 2.

4x−3
4. Solve x−2 = 5.
36 CHAPTER 5. SOLVING RATIONAL EQUATIONS

5x+1
5. Solve 2x−3 = 3.

2x2 −3
6. Solve x+1 = 4.

x2 +2x
7. Solve x−1 = 6.

3x2 +4x−1
8. Solve x+2 = 5.

x2 −4
9. Solve x+2 = 3.

2x2 +3x−5
10. Solve x−2 = 4.

x2 +6x+9
11. Solve x+3 = 5.

3x−2
12. Solve x+5 = 2.
5.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 37

13. Solve 2x+3

x−4 = −1.

x−2
14. Solve 2x+1 = 13 .

4x+1
15. Solve x−1 = 3.

2x−5
16. Solve x+2 = 1.

x2 −1
17. Solve x−2 = 2.

3x2 +2
18. Solve x+3 = 4.

2x2 −4x+2
19. Solve x−1 = 3.

5x+2
20. Solve 2x−1 = 7.
38 CHAPTER 5. SOLVING RATIONAL EQUATIONS

x+3
21. Solve x−2 = 4.

22. Solve 2x−3

x+4 = −2.

3x+4
23. Solve 2x−1 = 3.

x2 +4
24. Solve x−3 = 5.

2x2 −3x+1
25. Solve x+2 = 2.

3x2 +5x+2
26. Solve x−1 = 4.

x2 −2x−8
27. Solve x+4 = 3.

2x2 +7x+3
28. Solve x−2 = 5.
5.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 39

3x2 −4x+1
29. Solve 2x+3 = 2.

x2 +3x+2
30. Solve x−3 = 6.

2x2 −5x+2
31. Solve x+1 = 3.

4x2 +2x−3
32. Solve 2x−1 = 4.

x2 −9
33. Solve x+3 = 2.

3x−5
34. Solve x−2 = 4.

2x+7
35. Solve x−1 = 5.
40 CHAPTER 5. SOLVING RATIONAL EQUATIONS
Chapter 6

Solving Absolute Value

Equations
6.1 Lesson
An equation involving the absolute value takes the form
|f (x)| = c.
To solve, split into two cases: f (x) = c and f (x) = −c (with c ≥ 0). Exam-
ple: Solve |x − 3| = 5.
Solution: x − 3 = 5 or x − 3 = −5; hence, x = 8 or x = −2.

6.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

1. Solve |x + 2| = 5.
Solution: x + 2 = 5 or x + 2 = −5; so x = 3 or x = −7.

2. Solve |2x − 1| = 3.
Solution: 2x − 1 = 3 or 2x − 1 = −3; x = 2 or x = −1.

3. Solve |x − 4| = 6.
Solution: x − 4 = 6 or x − 4 = −6; x = 10 or x = −2.

41
42 CHAPTER 6. SOLVING ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATIONS

4. Solve |3x + 2| = 8.
Solution: 3x + 2 = 8 or 3x + 2 = −8; x = 2 or x = − 10
3.

5. Solve |x| = 7.
Solution: x = 7 or x = −7.

6. Solve |2x + 1| = 0.
Solution: 2x + 1 = 0 so x = − 12 .

7. Solve |x − 5| = 3.
Solution: x − 5 = 3 or x − 5 = −3; x = 8 or x = 2.

8. Solve |4x + 2| = 10.

Solution: 4x + 2 = 10 or 4x + 2 = −10; x = 2 or x = −3.

9. Solve |3x − 4| = 5.
Solution: 3x − 4 = 5 or 3x − 4 = −5; x = 3 or x = − 31 .

10. Solve |x + 3| = |2x − 1|.

Solution: Consider cases; solution(s) follow from equating x + 3 =
2x − 1 or x + 3 = −(2x − 1).

11. Solve |2x − 3| = |x + 1|.

Solution: Split into cases and solve.

12. Solve |x − 2| = 7.
Solution: x = 9 or x = −5.
6.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 43

13. Solve |3x + 4| = |2x − 5|.

Solution: Set up two cases and solve.

14. Solve |x + 2| + |x − 1| = 7.
Solution: Consider intervals and solve.

15. Solve |2x + 3| = 2|x − 1|.

Solution: Split into cases and solve.

6.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

1. Solve |x − 5| = 9.

2. Solve |3x + 2| = 7.

3. Solve |2x − 1| = 4.

4. Solve |x + 4| = 6.

5. Solve |4x − 3| = 9.
44 CHAPTER 6. SOLVING ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATIONS

6. Solve |5x + 1| = 10.

7. Solve |x − 2| = 3.

8. Solve |2x + 5| = 8.

9. Solve |3x − 4| = 7.

10. Solve |x + 3| = 5.

11. Solve |2x − 3| = 6.

12. Solve |x − 1| = 2.

13. Solve |3x + 1| = 8.

14. Solve |x + 2| = |x − 4|.

6.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 45

15. Solve |2x + 1| = |3x − 2|.

16. Solve |x − 3| = 2|x + 1|.

17. Solve |3x − 5| = |2x + 4|.

18. Solve |x + 6| + |x − 2| = 10.

19. Solve |2x − 3| + |x + 1| = 9.

20. Solve |x − 4| = |2x − 7|.

21. Solve |3x + 2| = |x − 3|.

22. Solve |2x + 5| = |x + 7|.

23. Solve |x + 2| + |x − 3| = 8.
46 CHAPTER 6. SOLVING ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATIONS

24. Solve |2x − 1| = 2|x + 1|.

25. Solve |x + 4| = 2|x − 2|.

26. Solve |3x − 2| = |2x + 3|.

27. Solve |x − 5| + |x + 1| = 10.

28. Solve |2x + 3| + |x − 2| = 12.

29. Solve |x + 3| = |2x − 1|.

30. Solve |3x + 4| = |x + 2|.

31. Solve |x − 2| + |x + 2| = 8.

32. Solve |2x − 5| = |3x − 4|.

Chapter 7

Solving Radical Equations

7.1 Lesson
A radical equation contains a variable inside a radical. To solve, isolate the
radical and then raise both sides to the √
appropriate power. Always check for
extraneous solutions. Example: Solve x + 3 = x − 1.
Solution: Square both sides to get x + 3 = (x − 1)2 and solve the resulting
quadratic, then verify each solution.

7.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

√
1. Solve x + 1 = 3.
Solution: x + 1 = 9 so x = 8.

√
2. Solve 2x − 3 = 5.
Solution: 2x − 3 = 25 so x = 14.

√
3. Solve x − 2 = x − 4.
Solution: Square and solve, then check.

√
4. Solve 3x + 2 = x + 1.
Solution: Square, solve quadratic, and check extraneous roots.

47
48 CHAPTER 7. SOLVING RADICAL EQUATIONS
√
5. Solve x + 4 = 2x − 2.

√
6. Solve 2x + 3 = x − 1.

√
7. Solve x + 5 = x − 2.

√
8. Solve 3x − 1 = x.

√
9. Solve x + 6 = 2x − 3.

√
10. Solve 2x − 1 = x − 2.

√
11. Solve x + 2 + 1 = x.

√
12. Solve 2x + 4 = x.

√
13. Solve x − 1 = x2 .

√
14. Solve 3x + 5 = x − 1.

√
15. Solve x + 7 = x − 3.

7.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

√
1. Solve x + 2 = 4.
7.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 49
√
2. Solve 2x − 1 = 3.

√
3. Solve x − 4 = x − 6.

√
4. Solve 3x + 1 = x − 2.

√
5. Solve x + 3 = 2x − 5.

√
6. Solve 2x + 5 = x − 1.

√
7. Solve x + 8 = x − 4.

√
8. Solve 3x − 2 = x − 3.

√
9. Solve 2x + 1 = x − 2.

√
10. Solve x + 5 + 2 = x.
50 CHAPTER 7. SOLVING RADICAL EQUATIONS
√
11. Solve 3x + 4 = x − 1.

√
12. Solve 2x + 6 = x − 2.

√
13. Solve x + 10 = x − 4.

√
14. Solve 4x − 3 = x − 1.

√
15. Solve x − 3 = x3 .

√
16. Solve 2x − 2 = x − 3.

√
17. Solve x + 9 = 2x − 7.

√
18. Solve 3x + 2 = x − 4.

√
19. Solve x + 6 = x2 .
7.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 51
√
20. Solve 2x + 3 = x − 2.

√
21. Solve x + 7 + 1 = x.

√
22. Solve 3x + 5 = x − 3.

√
23. Solve 2x − 3 = x − 4.

√ x+2
24. Solve x+4= 2 .

√
25. Solve 3x − 1 = x2 .

√
26. Solve 2x + 7 = x − 1.

√ x−1
27. Solve x+3= 2 .
52 CHAPTER 7. SOLVING RADICAL EQUATIONS
√
28. Solve 2x − 5 = x+3
2 .

√
29. Solve x + 8 = x2 .

√
30. Solve 3x + 7 = x − 2.

√ x+1
31. Solve 2x + 1 = 3 .

√ √
32. Solve x+2+ x − 1 = 5.

√
33. Solve 2x + 3 + 1 = x.

√ √
34. Solve x + 4 = 2 x − 1.
Chapter 8

Solving Exponential
Equations
8.1 Lesson
Exponential equations contain the variable in the exponent. To solve, try to
rewrite both sides with the same base or take logarithms. Example: Solve
2x = 16.
Solution: 16 = 24 , so x = 4.

8.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

1. Solve 2x = 8.
Solution: 8 = 23 so x = 3.

2. Solve 3x = 27.
Solution: 27 = 33 so x = 3.

3. Solve 2x+1 = 16.

Solution: 16 = 24 so x + 1 = 4, x = 3.

4. Solve 4x = 64.

53
54 CHAPTER 8. SOLVING EXPONENTIAL EQUATIONS

Solution: 64 = 43 so x = 3.

5. Solve 5x = 125.
Solution: 125 = 53 so x = 3.

6. Solve 22x = 32.

Solution: 32 = 25 so 2x = 5, x = 52 .

7. Solve 3x−1 = 9.
Solution: 9 = 32 so x − 1 = 2, x = 3.

8. Solve 10x = 1000.

Solution: 1000 = 103 so x = 3.

9. Solve 2x = 81 .
Solution: 18 = 2−3 so x = −3.

10. Solve 32x = 81.

Solution: 81 = 34 so 2x = 4, x = 2.

11. Solve 5x+2 = 125.

Solution: 125 = 53 so x + 2 = 3, x = 1.

12. Solve 4x−1 = 16.

Solution: 16 = 42 so x − 1 = 2, x = 3.

13. Solve 23x = 64.

8.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 55

Solution: 64 = 26 so 3x = 6, x = 2.

14. Solve 10x−1 = 100.

Solution: 100 = 102 so x − 1 = 2, x = 3.

15. Solve 3x+1 = 81.

Solution: 81 = 34 so x + 1 = 4, x = 3.

8.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

1. Solve 2x = 32.

2. Solve 3x = 9.

3. Solve 5x−2 = 25.

4. Solve 4x+1 = 64.

5. Solve 22x−1 = 8.
56 CHAPTER 8. SOLVING EXPONENTIAL EQUATIONS

6. Solve 3x+2 = 243.

7. Solve 2x/2 = 16.

8. Solve 102x = 10000.

9. Solve 5x = 625.

10. Solve 42x = 256.

11. Solve 23x+1 = 128.

12. Solve 3x−3 = 27.

13. Solve 10x+1 = 10000.

14. Solve 52x−1 = 125.

8.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 57

15. Solve 2x+2 = 32.

16. Solve 32x+1 = 243.

17. Solve 4x−2 = 16.

18. Solve 23x−2 = 64.

19. Solve 10x = 100000.

20. Solve 5x+3 = 3125.

21. Solve 2x−1 = 1/2.

22. Solve 3x+1 = 81.

23. Solve 42x−3 = 64.

58 CHAPTER 8. SOLVING EXPONENTIAL EQUATIONS

24. Solve 2x/3 = 8.

25. Solve 10x−2 = 100.

26. Solve 5x−1 = 5.

27. Solve 22x+3 = 128.

28. Solve 3x/2 = 9.

29. Solve 4x+1 = 256.

30. Solve 23x−1 = 32.

31. Solve 10x+2 = 1000000.

Chapter 9

Solving Logarithmic
Equations
9.1 Lesson
Logarithmic equations involve logarithms of expressions. To solve, rewrite in
exponential form or use properties of logarithms. Example: Solve ln(x−1) =
2.
Solution: x − 1 = e2 so x = e2 + 1.

9.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

1. Solve ln x = 3.
Solution: x = e3 .

2. Solve log2 (x) = 4.

Solution: x = 24 = 16.

3. Solve ln(x + 2) = 0.
Solution: x + 2 = 1 so x = −1.

4. Solve log3 (x − 1) = 2.

59
60 CHAPTER 9. SOLVING LOGARITHMIC EQUATIONS

Solution: x − 1 = 9 so x = 10.

5. Solve ln(2x) = 3.
e3
Solution: 2x = e3 so x = 2.

6. Solve log10 (x) = 2.

Solution: x = 102 = 100.

7. Solve ln(x − 3) = 1.
Solution: x − 3 = e so x = e + 3.

8. Solve log2 (2x + 1) = 5.

31
Solution: 2x + 1 = 32 so x = 2.

9. Solve ln(3x + 2) = 2.
e2 −2
Solution: 3x + 2 = e2 so x = 3 .

10. Solve log3 (x + 4) = 3.

Solution: x + 4 = 27 so x = 23.

11. Solve ln(x2 ) = 4.

Solution: x2 = e4 so x = ±e2 (check domain).

12. Solve log5 (x) = 0.

Solution: x = 1.

13. Solve ln(2x − 1) = ln 3.

9.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 61

Solution: 2x − 1 = 3 so x = 2.

14. Solve log2 (4x) = 6.

Solution: 4x = 26 = 64 so x = 16.

15. Solve ln(x + 5) = ln 2.

Solution: x + 5 = 2 so x = −3.

9.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

1. Solve ln x = 2.

2. Solve log3 (x) = 3.

3. Solve ln(x − 2) = 1.

4. Solve log2 (x + 3) = 4.

5. Solve ln(3x) = 2.
62 CHAPTER 9. SOLVING LOGARITHMIC EQUATIONS

6. Solve log10 (2x − 1) = 1.

7. Solve ln(x + 4) = 3.

8. Solve log2 (3x + 2) = 5.

9. Solve ln(2x + 5) = 4.

10. Solve log3 (x − 1) = 2.

11. Solve ln(4x − 3) = 2.

12. Solve log2 (x + 6) = 3.

13. Solve ln(5x) = 3.

14. Solve log10 (x + 2) = 2.

9.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 63

15. Solve ln(x2 − 1) = 1.

16. Solve log3 (2x + 1) = 3.

17. Solve ln(3x + 7) = 2.

18. Solve log2 (4x + 1) = 5.

19. Solve ln(x + 8) = 3.

20. Solve log5 (2x − 3) = 2.

21. Solve ln(2x + 3) = ln(5x − 7).

22. Solve log2 (x − 1) = log2 (3x + 5).

23. Solve ln(3x − 2) = ln(2x + 4).

64 CHAPTER 9. SOLVING LOGARITHMIC EQUATIONS

24. Solve log10 (x + 1) = log10 (2x − 3).

25. Solve ln(2x2 + 1) = ln(3x + 2).

26. Solve log3 (4x − 1) = log3 (2x + 5).

27. Solve ln(x + 3) + ln(x − 1) = ln 6.

28. Solve log2 (x) + log2 (x − 2) = 3.

29. Solve ln(x − 4) − ln(x + 2) = 1.

30. Solve log5 (x + 1) − log5 (x − 1) = 1.

31. Solve ln(2x + 3) − ln(x) = 1.

32. Solve log3 (3x + 2) − log3 (x) = 2.

9.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 65

33. Solve ln(x2 − 4) = ln(3x − 5).

34. Solve log2 (x2 + 1) = 3.

35. Solve ln(4x + 1) = ln(2x + 7).

36. Solve log10 (2x + 3) = log10 (x − 1).

37. Solve ln(3x − 1) = ln(2x + 2).

38. Solve log3 (2x − 1) = log3 (4x − 5).

66 CHAPTER 9. SOLVING LOGARITHMIC EQUATIONS
Chapter 10

Solving Trigonometric
Equations
10.1 Lesson
Trigonometric equations involve sine, cosine, tangent, etc. Use identities and
inverse trigonometric functions to find general solutions. Example: Solve
sin x = 21 .
π 5π
Solution: x = 6 + 2πk or x = 6 + 2πk, for all integers k.

10.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

1. Solve sin x = 0.
Solution: x = kπ, k ∈ Z.

2. Solve cos x = 0.
Solution: x = π2 + πk, k ∈ Z.

3. Solve tan x = 1.
Solution: x = π4 + πk, k ∈ Z.

4. Solve sin x = 12 .

67
68 CHAPTER 10. SOLVING TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS

π 5π
Solution: x = 6 + 2πk or x = 6 + 2πk.

5. Solve cos x = 21 .
Solution: x = π3 + 2πk or x = 5π
3 + 2πk.

√
6. Solve tan x = 3.
Solution: x = π3 + πk.

7. Solve sin x = − 12 .
Solution: x = − π6 + 2πk or x = − 5π
6 + 2πk.

8. Solve cos x = − 12 .
Solution: x = 2π 3 + 2πk or x =
4π
3 + 2πk.

9. Solve tan x = −1.

Solution: x = − π4 + πk.

10. Solve sin 2x = 0.

kπ
Solution: 2x = kπ so x = 2 .

11. Solve cos 2x = 0.

Solution: 2x = π2 + πk so x = π
4 + πk
2 .

12. Solve tan 2x = 1.

Solution: 2x = π4 + πk so x = π
8 + πk
2 .
10.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 69

13. Solve sin x + cos x = 1.

π
Solution: Use identity to solve; one finds x = 0 and x = 2 (check
general solution).

√
14. Solve 2 sin x − 3 =
√
0.
Solution: sin x = 23 ; so x = π
3 + 2πk or x = 2π
3 + 2πk.

15. Solve cos 2x = 12 .

π 5π π
Solution: 2x = 3 + 2πk or 2x = 3 + 2πk; then x = 6 + πk or
x = 5π
6 + πk.

10.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

√
2
1. Solve sin x = 2 .

√
2. Solve cos x = − 2
2 .

3. Solve tan x = 0.

4. Solve sin 2x = 21 .

5. Solve cos 2x = − 21 .
70 CHAPTER 10. SOLVING TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS
√
6. Solve tan 2x = 3.

√
7. Solve sin x = − 2
2 .

8. Solve cos x = 21 .

√
9. Solve tan x = − 3.

10. Solve sin 3x = 0.

11. Solve cos 3x = 0.

12. Solve tan 3x = 1.

13. Solve sin x + cos x = 0.

14. Solve 2 sin x − cos x = 1.

10.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 71
√
15. Solve sin x − 3 cos x = 0.

16. Solve cos x + tan x = 0.

17. Solve sin x + cos x = 1.

√
18. Solve 2 sin 2x − 3 = 0.

19. Solve cos 2x − 1

2 = 0.

20. Solve tan x + 1 = 0.

21. Solve sin x = cos x.

22. Solve sin x − cos x = 0.

23. Solve tan x = cot x.

72 CHAPTER 10. SOLVING TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS

24. Solve sin 2x = cos 2x.

√
25. Solve 2 sin x + 3 cos x = 0.

26. Solve sin x = 13 .

27. Solve cos x = 32 .

28. Solve tan x = 12 .

√
3
29. Solve sin 2x = 2 .

√
2
30. Solve cos 2x = 2 .

31. Solve tan 2x = 1.

10.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 73
√
32. Solve sin x + cos x = 2.

33. Solve sin x = − 21 .

34. Solve cos x = − 12 .

35. Solve tan x = 2.

74 CHAPTER 10. SOLVING TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS
Chapter 11

Solving Equations with

Parameters
11.1 Lesson
Equations with parameters include coefficients that are not fixed numbers.
Solve them in terms of the parameter(s) and determine conditions for real
solutions. Example: Solve ax + b = 0 in terms of a and b.
Solution: Provided a ̸= 0, x = − ab .

11.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

1. Solve mx + 2 = 0.
Solution: x = − m2 (with m ̸= 0).

2. Solve 2x + n = 0.
Solution: x = − n2 .

3. Solve ax − 3 = 0.
Solution: x = a3 (with a ̸= 0).

4. Solve 3x + 2m = 0.

75
76 CHAPTER 11. SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH PARAMETERS

Solution: x = − 2m
3 .

5. Solve mx + n = 0.
Solution: x = − m
n
(with m ̸= 0).

6. Solve x2 + px + q = 0 using the quadratic formula.

√
−p± p2 −4q
Solution: x = 2 .

7. Solve x2 − (k + 1)x + k = 0.
√
(k+1)± (k+1)2 −4k
Solution: x = 2 .

8. Solve (a + 1)x2 + 2ax + a − 1 = 0.

Solution: Use the quadratic formula.

9. Solve x2 + (m − 2)x + m = 0.
√
2−m± (m−2)2 −4m
Solution: x = 2 .

10. Solve x2 − 2kx + k 2 − 1 = 0.

Solution: x = k ± 1.

11. Solve ax2 + bx + c = 0 in terms of a, b, c.

√
−b± b2 −4ac
Solution: x = 2a (with a ̸= 0).

12. Solve x2 + (2a − 3)x + a = 0.

Solution: Use quadratic formula in terms of a.
11.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 77

13. Solve (a − 1)x + 2a = 0.

Solution: x = − a−1
2a
(with a ̸= 1).

14. Solve x2 + ax + 1 =√0.

Solution: x = −a± 2 a −4 .
2

15. Solve 2x2 + (a − 3)x + a = 0.

Solution: Apply quadratic formula in terms of a.

11.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

1. Solve mx + 5 = 0.

2. Solve 3x + n = 0.

3. Solve ax − 4 = 0.

4. Solve 2x + 3m = 0.

5. Solve mx − n = 0.
78 CHAPTER 11. SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH PARAMETERS

6. Solve x2 + px + q = 0.

7. Solve x2 − (k − 2)x − k = 0.

8. Solve (a − 2)x2 + 3ax + a + 1 = 0.

9. Solve x2 + (m + 1)x + m − 2 = 0.

10. Solve x2 − (k + 2)x + k − 3 = 0.

11. Solve ax2 + 2(a − 1)x + 3 = 0.

12. Solve x2 + (2a + 1)x + a = 0.

13. Solve (a + 2)x + 3a − 4 = 0.

14. Solve x2 + ax + 2 = 0.
11.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 79

15. Solve 2x2 + (a − 2)x − 3 = 0.

16. Solve x2 + (3a − 1)x + a − 2 = 0.

17. Solve (a − 3)x2 + 4x − 2a = 0.

18. Solve x2 − (a + 3)x + a + 4 = 0.

19. Solve 2x2 + (a + 1)x + 3 = 0.

20. Solve x2 + (2a − 5)x + a + 1 = 0.

21. Solve (a − 1)x + 2 = 0.

22. Solve 3x + a = 0.

23. Solve 2x2 + 3x + a = 0.

80 CHAPTER 11. SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH PARAMETERS

24. Solve x2 − ax + 1 = 0.

25. Solve 2x2 − (a + 1)x + a = 0.

26. Solve x2 + (a − 2)x − 2 = 0.

27. Solve (a + 1)x2 + 2x − (a − 3) = 0.

28. Solve 3x2 − (a − 2)x + 4 = 0.

29. Solve x2 + 2x + a = 0.

30. Solve 2x2 + ax − 3 = 0.

31. Solve x2 − (a + 3)x + a = 0.

32. Solve 4x2 + 2ax + 1 = 0.

11.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 81

33. Solve x2 + 3ax + 2a = 0.

34. Solve 2x2 − (a − 1)x − 4 = 0.

35. Solve x2 + ax + 3 = 0.

36. Solve 3x2 + 2x + a = 0.

82 CHAPTER 11. SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH PARAMETERS
Chapter 12

Advanced
Equation-Solving
Techniques
12.1 Lesson
Advanced techniques include substitution methods, factoring by grouping,
and using symmetry. These techniques often simplify equations that at first
appear unsolvable. Example: Solve x4 − 5x2 + 4 = 0 by letting y = x2 .
Solution: y 2 − 5y + 4 = 0 factors as (y − 1)(y − 4) = 0; thus, x2 = 1 or x2 = 4
yielding x = ±1, ±2.

12.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

1. Solve x4 − 5x2 + 4 = 0.
Solution: x = ±1, ±2.

2. Solve x4 − 2x2 − 8 = 0.
Solution: Let y = x2 ; solve y 2 − 2y − 8 = 0.

3. Solve x4 + x2 − 6 = 0.

83
84 CHAPTER 12. ADVANCED EQUATION-SOLVING TECHNIQUES
√
Solution: x2 = −3 or x2 = 2; so x = ± 2 (complex roots for x2 =
−3).

4. Solve x4 − x3 − 7x2 + x + 6 = 0.
Solution: Factor by grouping and solve.

5. Solve x4 − 3x2 + 2 = 0.
√
Solution: Let y = x2 ; y 2 − 3y + 2 = 0 so y = 1, 2; x = ±1, ± 2.

6. Solve x4 + 2x3 − x2 − 2x = 0.
Solution: Factor x(x3 + 2x2 − x − 2) = 0 and solve.

7. Solve x4 − 4x3 + 4x2 = 0.

Solution: Factor x2 (x − 2)2 = 0; x = 0 or x = 2.

8. Solve x4 − 6x2 + 9 = 0.
√
Solution: (x2 − 3)2 = 0; x = ± 3.

9. Solve 2x4 − 3x3 − x2 + 4x − 2 = 0.

10. Solve x4 + 2x3 + x2 − 2x − 4 = 0.

11. Solve x4 − 2x3 − 3x2 + 4x = 0.

12. Solve 3x4 − x3 − 8x2 + 4x + 4 = 0.

12.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 85

13. Solve x4 − 7x2 + 12 = 0.

14. Solve x4 + x2 − 12 = 0.

15. Solve x4 − 4x2 − 5 = 0.

12.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

1. Solve x4 − 3x2 − 4 = 0.

2. Solve x4 + 2x2 − 8 = 0.

3. Solve x4 − 2x3 − x2 + 2x = 0.

4. Solve 2x4 − 5x3 + x2 + 3x − 2 = 0.

5. Solve x4 + x3 − 6x2 + x + 2 = 0.

6. Solve 3x4 − 2x3 − 11x2 + 4x + 4 = 0.

86 CHAPTER 12. ADVANCED EQUATION-SOLVING TECHNIQUES

7. Solve x4 − x2 − 8x + 12 = 0.

8. Solve 2x4 + 3x3 − 5x2 − 4x + 2 = 0.

9. Solve x4 − 4x3 + 5x2 − 4x + 1 = 0.

10. Solve x4 + x2 − 9 = 0.

11. Solve 2x4 − 3x3 − 3x2 + 4x − 2 = 0.

12. Solve x4 − 4x3 + 3x2 + 2x − 8 = 0.

13. Solve 3x4 − x3 − 6x2 + 4x + 4 = 0.

14. Solve x4 + 2x3 − 7x2 + 2x + 4 = 0.

15. Solve 2x4 − 3x3 + x2 − 5x + 2 = 0.

12.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 87

16. Solve x4 − 2x3 − x2 + 2x + 1 = 0.

17. Solve x4 + 3x3 − 4x2 − 3x + 2 = 0.

18. Solve 2x4 − x3 − 7x2 + 3x + 2 = 0.

19. Solve x4 − 5x2 + 6 = 0.

20. Solve x4 + 2x2 − 3x − 4 = 0.

21. Solve 3x4 − x3 − 8x2 + 2x + 4 = 0.

22. Solve x4 − 6x3 + 11x2 − 6x = 0.

23. Solve x4 + x3 − 2x2 − x + 2 = 0.

24. Solve 2x4 + x3 − 5x2 + 3x − 2 = 0.

88 CHAPTER 12. ADVANCED EQUATION-SOLVING TECHNIQUES

25. Solve x4 − 2x3 − 5x2 + 4x + 4 = 0.

26. Solve 3x4 − 4x3 − x2 + 2x − 1 = 0.

27. Solve x4 + x3 − 3x2 + 2 = 0.

28. Solve 2x4 − 3x3 − x2 + 4x − 2 = 0 (repeat).

29. Solve x4 + 2x3 − 3x2 − 4x + 4 = 0.

30. Solve 3x4 − 2x3 − x2 + 4x − 4 = 0.

31. Solve x4 − 3x3 + 2x2 + x − 2 = 0.

32. Solve 2x4 + x3 − 4x2 − 3x + 2 = 0.

33. Solve x4 − 2x3 + x2 − 2x + 1 = 0.

12.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 89

34. Solve 3x4 − x3 − 2x2 + x − 1 = 0.

35. Solve x4 + 2x3 + 2x2 + 2x + 1 = 0.

90 CHAPTER 12. ADVANCED EQUATION-SOLVING TECHNIQUES
Chapter 13

Solving Equations
Involving Trigonometric
Functions
13.1 Lesson
To solve equations with trigonometric functions, use identities and inverse
functions. Write the general solution when necessary. Example: Solve
sin x = 21 .
Solution: x = π
6 + 2πk or x = 5π
6 + 2πk, k ∈ Z.

13.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

1. Solve sin x = 0.
Solution: x = kπ, k ∈ Z.

2. Solve cos x = 0.
Solution: x = π2 + πk, k ∈ Z.

3. Solve tan x = 1.
Solution: x = π4 + πk.

91
92CHAPTER 13.

4. Solve sin x = 12 .
Solution: x = π6 + 2πk or x = 5π
6 + 2πk.

5. Solve cos x = 12 .
Solution: x = π3 + 2πk or x = 5π
3 + 2πk.

6. Solve tan x = −1.

Solution: x = − π4 + πk.

7. Solve sin 2x = 0.
kπ
Solution: 2x = kπ so x = 2 .

8. Solve cos 2x = 1.
Solution: 2x = 2πk so x = πk.

9. Solve tan 2x = 0.
πk
Solution: 2x = πk so x = 2 .

10. Solve sin x + cos x = 1.

π
Solution: Use the identity; one finds x = 0 or x = 2 (plus periodic
terms).

√
11. Solve 2 sin x − 3 =
√
0.
3 π 2π
Solution: sin x = 2 ; so x = 3 + 2πk or x = 3 + 2πk.

12. Solve cos 2x = 12 .

π 5π π
Solution: 2x = 3 + 2πk or 2x = 3 + 2πk; then x = 6 + πk or
x = 5π
6 + πk.
13.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 93

13. Solve sin x − cos x = 0.

π
Solution: sin x = cos x so x = 4 + πk.

14. Solve tan x = 2.

Solution: x = arctan 2 + πk.

15. Solve 2 sin x + cos x = 0.

Solution: Solve by rewriting or using the auxiliary angle method.

13.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

√
2
1. Solve sin x = 2 .

√
2. Solve cos x = − 2
2 .

3. Solve tan x = 2.

4. Solve sin 2x = 21 .

5. Solve cos 2x = − 21 .
94CHAPTER 13.

6. Solve tan 2x = 1.

7. Solve sin x = − 21 .

8. Solve cos x = 31 .

9. Solve tan x = − 21 .

10. Solve sin 3x = 0.

11. Solve cos 3x = 0.

√
12. Solve tan 3x = 3.

√
13. Solve sin x + cos x = 2.

14. Solve 2 sin x − cos x = 1.

13.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 95

15. Solve sin x − tan x = 0.

16. Solve cos x + tan x = 0.

17. Solve sin 2x − cos 2x = 0.

18. Solve sin x = 41 .

19. Solve cos x = 32 .

20. Solve tan x = 34 .

21. Solve sin x + cos x = 0.

22. Solve tan x + 1 = 0.

23. Solve sin 2x = cos 2x.

96CHAPTER 13.
√
24. Solve 2 sin x + 3 cos x = 0.

√
2
25. Solve cos 2x = 2 .

26. Solve tan 2x = 2.

27. Solve sin x = cos x.

28. Solve sin x − cos x = 0.

29. Solve tan x = 0.

30. Solve cos x = 0.

31. Solve sin x = − cos x.

32. Solve sin 3x = cos 3x.

13.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 97
√
33. Solve 2 sin x − 3 = 0.

34. Solve tan x = −1.

35. Solve sin 2x + cos 2x = 0.

36. Solve sin x + cos x = 1.

37. Solve tan x = 1.

98CHAPTER 13.
Chapter 14

Advanced
Equation-Solving
Techniques
14.1 Lesson
Advanced techniques include substitution, factoring by grouping, and using
symmetry. These methods often reduce complex equations to simpler forms.
Example: Solve x4 − 5x2 + 4 = 0 by letting y = x2 .
Solution: y 2 − 5y + 4 = 0 factors as (y − 1)(y − 4) = 0; hence, x2 = 1 or
x2 = 4, so x = ±1, ±2.

14.2 Solved Exercises (15 Problems)

1. Solve x4 − 5x2 + 4 = 0.
Solution: x = ±1, ±2.

2. Solve x4 − 2x3 − x2 + 2x = 0.
Solution: Factor x(x3 − 2x2 − x + 2) = 0 and solve.

3. Solve x4 + 2x3 − x2 − 2x = 0.
Solution: Factor x(x + 1)(x2 + x − 2) = 0.

99
100 CHAPTER 14. ADVANCED EQUATION-SOLVING TECHNIQUES

4. Solve x4 − 3x2 + 2 = 0.
√
Solution: Let y = x2 ; then (y − 1)(y − 2) = 0 so x = ±1, ± 2.

5. Solve x4 − x3 − 7x2 + x + 6 = 0.

6. Solve 2x4 − 3x3 − x2 + 4x − 2 = 0.

7. Solve x4 + 2x3 − 7x2 − 8x + 12 = 0.

8. Solve x4 − 6x3 + 11x2 − 6x = 0.

Solution: Factor x(x − 1)(x − 2)(x − 3) = 0.

9. Solve x4 + x3 − 2x2 − x + 2 = 0.

10. Solve x4 − 2x3 + x2 − 2x + 1 = 0.

11. Solve 2x4 − x3 − 4x2 + 3x − 2 = 0.

12. Solve x4 + 2x3 − 3x2 − 4x + 4 = 0.

13. Solve 3x4 − 4x3 − x2 + 4x − 2 = 0.

14. Solve x4 − 3x3 + 2x2 + x − 2 = 0.

15. Solve 2x4 + x3 − 4x2 − 3x + 2 = 0.

14.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 101

14.3 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)

1. Solve x4 − 2x3 − 5x2 + 4x + 4 = 0.

2. Solve 3x4 − x3 − 8x2 + 4x + 4 = 0.

3. Solve x4 + 2x3 − 3x2 − 4x + 2 = 0.

4. Solve 2x4 − 3x3 + x2 − 5x + 2 = 0.

5. Solve x4 + x3 − 6x2 + 4x + 3 = 0.

6. Solve x4 − x3 − 2x2 + x + 1 = 0.

7. Solve 2x4 + 3x3 − 7x2 + 2x + 1 = 0.

8. Solve x4 − 3x3 + 3x2 − x = 0.

102 CHAPTER 14. ADVANCED EQUATION-SOLVING TECHNIQUES

9. Solve x4 + 4x3 − 5x2 − 4x + 4 = 0.

10. Solve 3x4 − 2x3 − x2 + 2x − 1 = 0.

11. Solve x4 + 2x3 + 2x2 + 2x + 1 = 0.

12. Solve 2x4 − x3 − 3x2 + 4x − 2 = 0.

13. Solve x4 − 2x3 + 5x2 − 4x + 1 = 0.

14. Solve 2x4 + x3 − 6x2 + 3x + 2 = 0.

15. Solve x4 − 3x3 + 2x2 + 2x − 4 = 0.

16. Solve 3x4 − x3 − 2x2 + x − 1 = 0.

17. Solve x4 + 3x3 − 4x2 − x + 2 = 0.

14.3. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 103

18. Solve 2x4 − 3x3 − x2 + 4x − 2 = 0 (repeat).

19. Solve x4 + 2x3 − 3x2 − 4x + 4 = 0 (repeat).

20. Solve 3x4 − 4x3 + x2 − 2x + 1 = 0.

21. Solve x4 − 4x3 + 5x2 − 2x + 1 = 0.

22. Solve 2x4 + x3 − 3x2 − 2x + 1 = 0.

23. Solve x4 − 3x3 + 2x2 − x = 0 (repeat).

24. Solve 2x4 − x3 − 4x2 + 3x − 1 = 0 (repeat).

25. Solve x4 + x3 − 2x2 − x + 2 = 0 (repeat).

26. Solve 3x4 − 2x3 + x2 − x + 1 = 0.

104 CHAPTER 14. ADVANCED EQUATION-SOLVING TECHNIQUES

27. Solve x4 + 2x3 + x2 + 2x + 1 = 0.

28. Solve 2x4 − 3x3 + 2x2 − x + 1 = 0.

29. Solve x4 − 3x3 + 3x2 − x + 1 = 0.

30. Solve 2x4 + x3 − x2 − 2x + 1 = 0.

31. Solve x4 − 2x3 + 2x2 − 2x + 1 = 0.

32. Solve 3x4 − x3 − x2 + 2x − 1 = 0 (repeat).

Chapter 15

Advanced
Equation-Solving
Techniques
15.1 Unsolved Exercises (30 Problems)
1. Solve x4 + 2x2 − 8 = 0 by substitution.

2. Solve x4 − 2x2 − 3 = 0 by letting y = x2 .

3. Solve x4 − 5x2 + 4 = 0.

4. Solve x4 + x3 − 7x2 + x + 6 = 0.

5. Solve 2x4 − 3x3 − 8x2 + 4x + 4 = 0.

105
106 CHAPTER 15. ADVANCED EQUATION-SOLVING TECHNIQUES

6. Solve x4 − 6x3 + 11x2 − 6x = 0.

7. Solve x4 + 2x3 − 3x2 − 4x + 4 = 0.

8. Solve 2x4 − x3 − 4x2 + 2x + 1 = 0.

9. Solve x4 − 3x3 + 3x2 − x = 0.

10. Solve x4 + x3 − 2x2 − x + 2 = 0.

11. Solve 3x4 − 2x3 − x2 + 4x − 2 = 0.

12. Solve 2x4 + 3x3 − 7x2 + 2x − 1 = 0.

13. Solve x4 − 4x3 + 5x2 − 2x + 1 = 0.

14. Solve 2x4 − x3 − 3x2 + 2x − 1 = 0.

15.1. UNSOLVED EXERCISES (30 PROBLEMS) 107

15. Solve x4 + 2x3 + 2x2 + 2x + 1 = 0.

16. Solve x4 − 2x3 + x2 − 2x + 1 = 0.

17. Solve 3x4 − 4x3 + x2 − 2x + 1 = 0.

18. Solve x4 + 3x3 − 4x2 − 3x + 2 = 0.

19. Solve 2x4 + x3 − 6x2 + 3x − 2 = 0.

108 CHAPTER 15. ADVANCED EQUATION-SOLVING TECHNIQUES