INDICES AND LOGARITHMS

BASE AND INDEX

The lowest factors of 2000 are 2×2×2×2×5×5×5. These factors are written as 24 ×53, where 2 and 5
are called bases and the numbers 4 and 3 are called indices.

LAW OF INDICES
When simplifying calculations involving indices, certain
basic rules or laws can be applied, called the laws
of indices. These are given below.

(i) When multiplying two or more numbers having

the same base, the indices are added. Thus
32 ×34 =32+4 =36
(ii) When a number is divided by a number having the
same base, the indices are subtracted. Thus
35
32
=35−2 =33
(iii) When a number which is raised to a power is raised
to a further power, the indices are multiplied. Thus
(35)2 =35×2 =310
(iv) When a number has an index of 0, its value is 1.
Thus 30 =1

(v) A number raised to a negative power is the reciprocal

of that number raised to a positive power.
Thus 3−4 = 1/34

Similarly, 1/2−3 =23

(vi) When a number is raised to a fractional power

the denominator of the fraction is the root of the
number and the numerator is the power.

Thus 82/3 = 3√82 = (2)2 =4

and 251/2 = 2√251 =√251 = +5

TOPIC 3: ALGEBRA
An identity equation is an equation that is always true for any value
substituted into the variable.
For example, 2(x+1)=2x+22(x+1)=2x+2 is an identity equation. One way of checking
is by simplifying the equation:

\begin{aligned} 2(x+1)&=2x+2\\ 2x+2&=2x+2\\ 2&=2. \

end{aligned}2(x+1)2x+22=2x+2=2x+2=2.
2=22=2 is a true statement. Getting this kind of form is an indicator that the equation is
in fact an identity equation. If we check by substituting different numbers, we see that the
above assertion is indeed true. The following are identity equations:

\begin{aligned} a(x+b)&=ax+ab\\ { (x+1) }^{ 2 }&={ x }^{ 2 }+2x+1\\ { (x+y)

}^{ 2 }&={ x }^{ 2 }+2xy+{ y }^{ 2 }\\ { \sin }^{ 2 }\theta +{ \cos }^{ 2 }\
theta &=1. \end{aligned}a(x+b)(x+1)2(x+y)2sin2θ+cos2θ
=ax+ab=x2+2x+1=x2+2xy+y2=1.
The last equation is called a trigonometric identity.

Solving identity equations:

When given an identity equation in certain variables, start by collecting like terms (terms
of the same variable and degree) together. Doing this will usually pair terms one on one,
thus making it easier to solve. Let's see some examples:

Given that (5x+3)-(2x+1)=ax+b(5x+3)−(2x+1)=ax+b is an algebraic identity

in x,x, what are the values of aa and b?b?

First, let us simplify the identity as follows:

\begin{aligned} (5x+3)-(2x+1)&=ax+b\\ (5x-2x)+(3-1)&=ax+b\\

3x+2&=ax+b. \end{aligned}(5x+3)−(2x+1)(5x−2x)+(3−1)3x+2
=ax+b=ax+b=ax+b.
Collecting like terms, we have

\begin{aligned} 3x-ax+2-b&=0\\ x(3-a)+(2-b)&=0. \

end{aligned}3x−ax+2−bx(3−a)+(2−b)=0=0.
For the above identity to be true, both of the expressions on the left-hand side must be
equal to zero. Thus we have 3-a=03−a=0 and 2-b=02−b=0, implyinga=3, b=2. \ _\
squarea=3,b=2. □
Given that ax^{3}+5y-cz+16=16x^{3}+by-
3z+dax3+5y−cz+16=16x3+by−3z+d is an algebraic identity in x,
y,x,y, and z,z, what are the values of a, b, ca,b,c and d?d?
Since the identity is in terms of x, y,x,y, and zz, collect like terms with these variables:

\begin{aligned} ax^{3}+5y-cz+16&=16x^{3}+by-3z+d\\ x^{3}(a-16)+y(5-b)-

z(c-3)+(16-d)&=0. \end{aligned}ax3+5y−cz+16x3(a−16)+y(5−b)
−z(c−3)+(16−d)=16x3+by−3z+d=0.
For the above equation to always be a true statement, that is 0=00=0, all the terms in
the left side must be equal to 00. So we have

a-16=0,\ 5-b=0,\ c-3=0,\ 16-d=0,a−16=0, 5−b=0, c−3=0, 16−d=0,

implying a,b,c,da,b,c,d are equal to 16, 5, 3, 16,16,5,3,16, respectively. _\square□

Given that (2x+ay)^{2}=bx^{2}+cxy+16y^{2}(2x+ay)2=bx2+cxy+16y2 is an

algebraic identity in x, y,x,y, and z,z, what are the value of a, ba,b and c?c?

By the identity (x+y) ^{ 2 }={ x }^{ 2 }+2xy+y ^{ 2 }(x+y)2=x2+2xy+y2, the left

side of the given identity is

{ (2x+ay) }^{ 2 }={ (2x) }^{ 2 }+2(2x)(ay)+{ (ay) }^{ 2 }.

(2x+ay)2=(2x)2+2(2x)(ay)+(ay)2.
Equating this with the right side gives,

{ 4x }^{ 2 }+4axy+{ { a }^{ 2 }y }^{ 2 }=b{ x }^{ 2 }

+cxy+16{ y }^{ 2 }.4x2+4axy+a2y2=bx2+cxy+16y2.
Collecting like terms, we have

{ x }^{ 2 }(4-b)+xy(4a-c)+{ y }^{ 2 }({ a }^{ 2 }-16)=0.x2(4−b)+xy(4a−c)

+y2(a2−16)=0.
Making all the left terms zero to make the statement true, we have

4-b=0,\quad 4a-c=0,\quad { a }^{ 2 }-16=0,4−b=0,4a−c=0,a2−16=0,

which impliesb=4, a=\pm 4, c=\pm 16. \ _\squareb=4,a=±4,c=±16. □

Given that a{ \sin }^{ 2 }\theta +a \cos^{ 2 }\theta =13asin2θ+acos2θ=13 is an

algebraic identity in \theta,θ, what is the value of a?a?

Using the above trigonometric identity { \sin }^{ 2 }\theta +{ \cos }^{ 2 }\theta
=1,sin2θ+cos2θ=1, we have
\begin{aligned} a{ \sin }^{ 2 }\theta +a\cos^{ 2 }\theta &=13\\ a({ \sin }^{ 2 }\
theta +\cos^{ 2 }\theta) &=13\\ a\cdot 1&=13\\ a&=13. \ _\square \
end{aligned}asin2θ+acos2θa(sin2θ+cos2θ)a⋅1a=13=13=13=13. □
Condition for an identity in x:x:

If an equation in the form ax^2 + bx + cax2+bx+c has more than two values
of xx satisfying the equation, then the condition is\color{#333333} a = b = c =
0.a=b=c=0.
Find the value of rr in the equation (r^2
- 2r + 1)x^2 + (r^2 - 3r + 2)x - (r^2 + 2r -
3) = 0?(r2−2r+1)x2+(r2−3r+2)x−(r2+2r−3)=0?

We will now use the above condition to solve the problem:

 Given: a
= (r^2 - 2r + 1)x^2, b = (r^2 - 3r + 2), c = (r^2 + 2r -
3)a=(r2−2r+1)x2,b=(r2−3r+2),c=(r2+2r−3)
 Condition: a = b = c = 0a=b=c=0
r^2 - 2r + 1 = 0 \implies (r - 1)(r - 1) = 0 \implies r = 1, 1.r2−2r+1=0⟹(r−1)
(r−1)=0⟹r=1,1.
r^2 - 3r + 2 = 0 \implies (r - 2)(r - 1) = 0 \implies r = 2, 1.r2−3r+2=0⟹(r−2)
(r−1)=0⟹r=2,1.
r^2 + 2r - 3 = 0 \implies (r + 3)(r - 1) = 0 \implies r = -3, 1.r2+2r−3=0⟹(r+3)
(r−1)=0⟹r=−3,1.

Out of all the values, we must now find the common value for r,r, which is 1.

Therefore, r = 1.\ _\squarer=1. □

Cite as: Solving Identity Equations. Brilliant.org. Retrieved 05:43, November 1,
2021, from https://brilliant.org/wiki/solving-identity-equations/

SIMPLE EQUATIONS:

Example 11

Solve for x.

3x+2=x+4
Subtract 2 from both sides (which is the same as adding –2).

Subtract x from both sides.

Note that 3 x – x is the same as 3 x – 1 x.

Divide both sides by 2.

To check, replace x with 1:

Example 12

Solve for y.

5y+3=2y+9

Subtract 3 from both sides.

Subtract 2 y from both sides.

Divide both sides by 3.

Solving simple equations and checking the solution

The following example from last year should refresh your memory on how
to find the solution of a simple equation and then checking your solution.

WORKED EXAMPLE 7.1: SOLVING A SIMPLE EQUATION AND CHECKING

THE SOLUTION

Solve the following equation and check the solution.

2x+x−10=22x+x−10=2
1. Step 1: If either side of the equation can be simplified, do
that first.

We can add the like terms.

2x+x−103x−10=2=22x+x−10=23x−10=2
2. Step 2: If there is a constant term on the same side as the
variable, add its additive inverse. Remember to do this on both
sides of the equation.

2x+x−103x−10+103x=2=2+10=122x+x−10=23x−10+10=2
+103x=12

3. Step 3: If the variable has a coefficient, apply the

multiplicative inverse of the coefficient. Remember to do this on
both sides of the equation.

2x+x−103x−10+103x13×3x13x3∴x=2=2+10=12=13
×121=123=42x+x−10=23x−10+10=2+103x=1213×3x1=13×1213
x3=123∴x=4
4. Step 4: Check your solution. Substitute the solution into the
left-hand side (LHS) of the original equation with the solution.
Work out the value of the left-hand side.
Remember that to substitute means to replace the variable with the
solution. In this case, you replace the xx with 4.
LHS=2x+x−10=2(4)+4−10=8+4−10=2LHS=2x+x−10=2(4)
+4−10=8+4−10=2

Remember that 2(4)2(4) means 2×42×4.

5. Step 5: Repeat Step 4 for the right-hand side (RHS) of
the original equation.
RHS=2RHS=2
6. Step 6: Compare your answers from Steps 4 and 5. If they
are the same, your solution is correct. If not, you made a mistake
somewhere, and you need to solve the equation again.

LHS=RHSLHS=RHS
The solution is correct.
EXERCISE 7.1: SOLVE SIMPLE EQUATIONS AND
CHECK THE SOLUTIONS

Solve each of the following equations and check the solutions.

1. 4x+5=174x+5=17
2. 13=2x−313=2x−3
3. 12t+1=512t+1=5
4. 36+34y=4436+34y=44
5. 1−2x+11x=191−2x+11x=19
6. 39=21+5q−4q+2q39=21+5q−4q+2q
7. 8+4p=6p−128+4p=6p−12
8. 5a+7+a=4a+135a+7+a=4a+13
9. 6−3y=−2−2y6−3y=−2−2y
10. 10−6t+5=5t−30+t+3t10−6t+5=5t−30+t+3t

Solving simple equations that have brackets

In Chapter 6 you learnt how to simplify algebraic expressions with
brackets. You can apply this knowledge when you are solving algebraic
equations with brackets.

WORKED EXAMPLE 7.2: SOLVING A SIMPLE EQUATION WITH BRACKETS

AND CHECKING THE SOLUTION

Solve the following equation and check the solution:

 2(x+4)+x=−2(x+1)+202(x+4)+x=−2(x+1)+20
1. Step 1: Expand the brackets using the distributive law.
Then, if there are like terms on either side of the equation, collect
them.

2(x+4)+x2x+8+x3x+8=−2(x+1)+20=−2x−2+20=−2x
+182(x+4)+x=−2(x+1)+202x+8+x=−2x−2+203x+8=−2x+18
If necessary, go back to Chapter 6 and revise how to expand
brackets.

2. Step 2: Use additive inverses to arrange the equation so

that all the terms with variables are on the left-hand side and all
the constant terms are on the right-hand side.

Remember to do exactly the same on both sides of the equation.

2(x+4)+x2x+8+x3x+83x+8−8+2x=−2(x+1)+20=−2x
−2+20=−2x+18=−2x+2x+18−82(x+4)+x=−2(x+1)+202x+8
+x=−2x−2+203x+8=−2x+183x+8−8+2x=−2x+2x+18−8

3. Step 3: Simplify both sides of the equation.

2(x+4)+x2x+8+x3x+83x+8−8+2x3x+2x5x=−2(x+1)+
20=−2x−2+20=−2x+18=−2x+2x+18−8=10=102(x+4)
+x=−2(x+1)+202x+8+x=−2x−2+203x+8=−2x+183x+8−8+2x=−2x+2
x+18−83x+2x=105x=10

4. Step 4: If the variable has a coefficient, apply the

multiplicative inverse of the coefficient. Remember to do this on
both sides of the equation.

2(x+4)+x2x+8+x3x+83x+8−8+2x3x+2x5x15×5x1=−
2(x+1)+20=−2x−2+20=−2x+18=−2x+2x+18−8=10=
10=15×1012(x+4)+x=−2(x+1)+202x+8+x=−2x−2+203x+8=−2x+
183x+8−8+2x=−2x+2x+18−83x+2x=105x=1015×5x1=15×101

5. Step 5: Simplify both sides of the equation.

2(x+4)+x2x+8+x3x+83x+8−8+2x3x+2x5x15×5x15x5
∴x=−2(x+1)+20=−2x−2+20=−2x+18=−2x+2x+18−8
=10=10=15×101=105=22(x+4)+x=−2(x+1)+202x+8+x=−2x−
2+203x+8=−2x+183x+8−8+2x=−2x+2x+18−83x+2x=105x=1015×5x
1=15×1015x5=105∴x=2
6. Step 6: Check your solution. Replace the variable on the left-
hand side (LHS) of the original equation with the solution. Work
out the value of the left-hand side.
LHS=2(x+4)+x=2(2+4)+2=2(6)+2=12+2=14LHS=2(x+4)
+x=2(2+4)+2=2(6)+2=12+2=14

7. Step 7: Repeat Step 6 for the right-hand side (RHS) of

the original equation.
RHS=−2(x+1)+20=−2(2+1)+20=−2(3)+20=−6+20=1
4RHS=−2(x+1)+20=−2(2+1)+20=−2(3)+20=−6+20=14
8. Step 8: Compare your answers from Steps 6 and 7. If they
are the same, your solution is correct. If not, you made a mistake
somewhere. Solve the equation again.

LHS=RHSLHS=RHS
The solution is correct.

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