CHAPTER

Number Sense and Algebra

2

Solve rst-degree equations using

a variety of tools and strategies.

Rearrange formulas involving

variables in the rst degree.

Solve problems that can be

modelled with rst-degree
equations, and compare algebraic
methods to other solution
methods.

Relate understanding of inverse

operations to squaring and taking
the square root, and apply inverse
operations to simplify expressions
and solve equations.

Vocabulary
equation
solution
root
constant term
formula

182

Equations
Organizing an event, such as a party for a few friends or a
dance for the entire school, can involve algebra. You might
use algebraic expressions and equations to determine
how much money you can spend on food, decorations,
and entertainment. If the event involves ticket sales, your
knowledge of algebra can help you determine what the
price of a ticket should be.
In this chapter, you will solve a variety of equations,
rearrange formulas, and solve problems using algebraic
modelling.

Chapter Problem
Suppose that you are the producer of a new reality show called
Canadian Superstar. In each episode, talented Canadian teens
compete in various singing and dancing events. First prize is a
recording contract and a national concert tour. As the shows
producer, you are required to plan a number of important details,
such as theatre rentals, hotel accommodations, meals, and travel.
Your sponsors give you a budget. How can you use mathematics
to make smart decisions? In this chapter, you will learn to build
equation models that will allow you to solve some of these
problems.

183

Collect Like Terms

To collect like terms, add the numerical coefficients.
The variable part of the terms does not change.
4x
2x  5x
x

5y  3y
y
 3y

4k
2  k  8
 3k  6

1. Simplify.

2. Simplify.

a) 6x
5x  3x

b) 2y  5y
7y

a) 5v
2  4  v

b) 6  2x  3
9x

c) 8m  5m
m

d) 3n
10n  2n

c) 7y
6
4y  2

d) 3k  8  5k
5

Distributive Property
To multiply a binomial by a constant, use the distributive property.
Multiply each term inside the brackets by the constant.
2(3f  5)
 6f
10

3(u  2)  4(2u  7)
 3u  6  8u
28 Collect like terms.
 5u
22

3. Simplify.

4. Simplify.

a) 4(2k  9)

a) 2(2x  5)
3(x
9)

b) 2(5m
6)

b) 4(y
1)
6(5y  2)

c) 3(6x
1)

c) 3(7n  1)  (2n  3)

d) 7(y  2)

d) 5(k
2)  3(2k  3)

Geometric Relationships
In earlier grades, you studied the following geometric relationships.
a
a
b

c
a + b + c = 180

a + b = 180
a

b
a + b = 90

184 MHR Chapter 4

5. Find the measure of each unknown angle.

a)

b)

6. Find the measure of each unknown angle.

a)

b)
40

25
35

85
70

120

m
m

Lowest Common Denominator

The lowest common denominator (LCD) is the lowest common multiple of the denominators
of two or more fractions. You can find the LCD using multiples or prime factors.
Find the LCD for

1
1
and .
6
8

Method 1: Use Multiples

List the multiples of 6 and 8 until you reach a common value.

6, 12, 18, 24
8, 16, 24
The LCD for

1
1
and
is 24.
6
8

Method 2: Use Prime Factors

623
8222
The LCD will have all the prime factors of each number.
Start with the factors of the first number. Add any missing factors from the next number.
LCD  2  3  2  2
 24

I need both factors of 6: 2  3

The LCD is 24.

For the factors of 8, I need to

include two more factors of 2.

7. Find the LCD for each pair of fractions.

a)

1 1
,
5 8

b)

1 1
,
6 9

8. Find the LCD for each set of fractions.

a)

1 1 1
, ,
2 3 4

b)

1 1 1
, ,
4 9 12

9. Evaluate.
a)

3
7


4
12

b)

1
7

8
2

b)

11
1

12
10

10. Evaluate.
a)

5
2


8
3

Get Ready MHR 185

4.1

Solve Simple
Equations
Pep rallies are a great way to
build school spirit by cheering on
your favourite school teams and
clubs. Suppose your student
council raises $500 in a school
spirit fundraising drive to buy
school T-shirts to give away at
a pep rally and puts you in
charge of purchasing. How can
your understanding of equations
help you determine how many
shirts you can buy?

Investigate
How can you use a simple equation to solve a problem?
1. Byron spent a total of $11 on two magazines. The cost of one

equation

a mathematical statement
that says two expressions
are equal
3x
3  2x  1 is an
equation

magazine is $5. You can use an equation to find the cost of

the other magazine.
a) Choose a variable to represent the unknown.
b) Write an equation to represent this situation.
c) What value of the variable makes the equation true? Describe

the math operation(s) you used to find the value.

2. Kelly spent a total of $10 on a pen and two mechanical pencils.

The pen cost $4 and the pencils each cost the same amount.
a) Choose a variable to represent the unknown.
b) Write an equation to represent this situation.
c) What value of the variable makes the equation true? Describe

the math operation(s) you used to find the value.

3. Reflect
a) How can you use mathematical operations to solve equations?
b) Explain how you can verify your answers.

186 MHR Chapter 4

Example 1 Solve Equations Involving Adding and Subtracting

Solve each equation.
a) x
4  13
b) x  8  2
c) 4
x  1

To solve an equation means to find the value of

the variable that makes the statement true.

Solution
a) Method 1: Inspection

Sometimes you can solve an equation by inspection, which

means just looking at it and applying number sense.
x
4  13
x9

A number plus 4 gives 13.

The number must be 9.

The solution is x  9.

solution

Method 2: Balance Method

Think of an equation as being like a balance, with the equal sign

representing the centre. You can use algebra tiles to represent the
quantity on each side.

the value of the variable

that makes an equation
true

Go to
www.mcgrawhill.ca/
links/principles9 and follow
the links to find a Web site
that provides an interactive
model of the balance method
for solving equations.

To find what x equals, remove 4 unit tiles. You must do this

to both sides to keep the equation balanced.

The solution is x  9.
Method 3: Use the Opposite Operation

An equation is still true if you apply identical operations to

both sides.
x
4  13
x
4  4  13  4
x9
The solution is x  9.

If I subtract 4 on the left, Ill be left with just

x, because
4  4 makes zero. That means
Ill need to subtract 4 on the right, too.

Literac

onnections

Follow these guidelines to

communicate your solution
effectively:
Show all steps clearly.
Use one equal sign per line.

4.1 Solve Simple Equations MHR 187

b) Method 1: Inspection

x82
x  10

A number minus 8 gives 2.

The number must be 10.

The solution is x  10.

Method 2: Balance Method

There are eight negative

unit tiles on the left that
need to be removed. You
cannot do this immediately
because there are none on
the right side.

Add eight zero pairs to the

right side first.

Now remove eight negative

unit tiles from each side to
solve for the unknown.

The solution is x  10.

Method 3: Use the Opposite Operation

Literac

onnections

To isolate the variable means

to express an equation so that
the variable appears alone on
one side of the equation. For
example,
4
x  1
4
4
x  1
4
x3
The variable x has been
isolated on the left side of the
equation.

188 MHR Chapter 4

x82
x8
82
8
x  10

I need to add 8 to
both sides.

The solution is x  10.

c) Solving equations by inspection is efficient if the numbers are easy

to work with. Otherwise, it is better to apply opposite operations.

When applying opposite operations, you are isolating the variable.
4
x  1
4
4
x  1
4
x3
The solution is x  3.

I need to add 4 to both

sides to get x by itself.

Example 2 Solve Equations Involving Multiplying and Dividing

Solve each equation.
a) 3y  18

b)

n
 4
3

c) v  9

Solution
a) Method 1: Balance Method

Divide both sides into three equal groups.

The solution is y  6.
Method 2: Use the Opposite Operation

3y  18
3y
18

3
3
y6

3 times a number gives 18. I can

divide both sides of the equation
by 3 to find the unknown.

b) Use the Opposite Operation

n
 4
3
1
n
 3  (4)
3
3
1

n divided by 3 gives 4. To find the

number, I need to undo the division. The
opposite of dividing is multiplying. I
need to multiply both sides by 3.

n  12
c) Use the Opposite Operation

v  9
9
v

1
1
v  9

v means the same as 1v.

To undo multiplication by 1,
I need to divide by 1.

4.1 Solve Simple Equations MHR 189

Example 3 Solve a Two-Step Equation

root (of an equation)

the value of the variable

that makes an equation
true

the same as the solution of

an equation

Find the root of the equation and check the solution.

5x
25  500

Solution
Method 1: Use Opposite Operations, Pencil and Paper

Isolate the variable term first.

Literac

onnections

Finding the root of an

equation means the same
thing as solving an equation.
For example:
9x2
The root of this equation is 7
because it makes the
statement true: 9  7  2.

5x
25 
5x
25  25 
5x 
5x

5
x

500
500  25
475
475
5
95

Subtract 25 from both sides.

Divide both sides by 5.

The root of the equation is x  95.

Check if this answer is correct by substituting x  95. Evaluate the left
side (L.S.) and the right side (R.S.) of the equation. Both sides of the
equation must have the same value.
L.S. 




5x
25
R.S.  500
5(95)
25
475
25
500
L.S.  R.S.

Therefore, x  95 is correct.

The root is 95.

When x  95, L.S.  500 and R.S.  500.
To check a solution, I must make sure that
the left side and the right side have the
same value.

Method 2: Use Opposite Operations, Computer Algebra System (TI-89)

In the Home screen, type the

equation 5x
25  500.
Then, press e.
Notice that the equation has been
repeated in the command line.

Isolate the variable term first.

Press the left cursor key.
Insert a bracket before the 5.
Cursor right, and place another
bracket after the 500.
Then, subtract 25.
Press e.
I am subtracting, so I
use the subtract key,
not the negative key.

190 MHR Chapter 4

Copy and paste the new equation

onto the command line:
Use the up cursor key to
highlight the new equation.

Press
for [COPY].
Use the down cursor key to
return to the command line.
ESC for [PASTE].

Press

Instead of copying and

pasting, I could retype
the equation in the
command line.

Put brackets around the equation

and divide by 5. The brackets are
needed for a Computer Algebra
System (CAS) to understand
where the equation begins and
ends.
Press e.

Technology Tip
When you use a CAS to solve
an equation step by step,
the equation should look
simpler after each step. If it
does not, check that you
have performed the correct
step. You may need to
backtrack and correct your
error. A CAS makes this easy,
using the COPY and PASTE
commands.

The solution is x  95.

Check if this solution is correct
by substituting x  95 into the
equation. The CAS result will be
either true or false. Press the
following:
x +25 = 500
( 5 *
x = 95 )e

The true result verifies that

x  95 is a correct solution.

Example 4 Modelling With Equations

A student council has raised $500 in a school spirit fundraising drive.
The council decides to use the funds to buy school T-shirts to give
away at a pep rally. If the T-shirts cost $6 each, how many can the
student council buy?

Solution
Use n to represent the number of T-shirts the student council can buy.
6n  500
6n
500

6
6

Divide both sides by 6.

$6 times the number of T-shirts,

n, must give $500. I can solve
this equation for n.

n  83.3
Since you cannot buy part of a T-shirt, round to 83. The student
council can buy 83 T-shirts.

4.1 Solve Simple Equations MHR 191

Key Concepts

To solve an equation means to find the value of the variable that

makes the statement true. This is also called finding the root of the
equation.

To solve a one-step equation, isolate the variable by performing the

opposite operation.

In a two-step equation, there is more than one term on one side, so

isolate the variable term first by adding or subtracting. Then, divide
by the coefficient of the variable term.
For example:
2x  7 
2x  7
7 
2x 
2x

2
x

This is like applying

BEDMAS in reverse.

9
9
7
16
16
2
8

Add or subtract to isolate the variable term. BEDMAS

Multiply or divide to solve for the variable. BEDMAS

Check a solution to an equation by substituting the root into the left

side and the right side of the equation. Both sides must be equal.
For the example above:
Substitute x  8.
L.S.  2(8)  7
 16  7
9

R.S.  9

L.S.  R.S.

Communicate Your Understanding

C1

Describe the first step you would take to solve each equation.
a) k  5  11
c)

C2

x
 4
5

B x8

C x9

A high school football team has raised $1000 to spend on team

jackets. The cost is $50 per jacket. Which equation can be used to
solve for the number of jackets the team can buy? Explain.
A 50  1000n

192 MHR Chapter 4

d) 5n
75  225

Which is the correct solution to 2x
5  21? Explain how you can

tell without solving the equation.
A x7

C3

b) 3m  18

B 50n  1000

C 1000n  50n

Practise
For help with questions 1 to 3, see Example 1.
1. Solve by inspection.
a) x  5  4

b) m
8  11

c) y  3  0

d) h
2  6

2. Solve using the balance method.

a) x
5  12

b) x  6  7

c) y
3  10

d) y  4  2

3. Solve using opposite operations.

a) x
7  12

b) n  8  11

c) 5
y  2

d) 9
h  6

For help with questions 4 and 5, see Example 2.

4. Solve using the balance method.
a) 3x  12

b) 5y  20
n
c)
8
d) 2k  16
3
5. Solve using opposite operations.
h
a) 4z  24
b)
 6
5
c) 6c  42
d) 9u  45

For help with questions 6 and 7, see Example 3.

6. Find the root of each equation using paper and pencil. Apply

opposite operations. Check each root.

a) 7x  4  10
b) 7k
2  16
c) p
7  0

d) 12g  33  0

7. Use a CAS to solve. Apply opposite operations. Check each solution.

a) k  4  9

2
7
e) 3w  1  14
c)

b) 6x  30
d) 2y  7  9
f) 2q  9  13

8. Solve using the method of your choice. Check your answers.

a) p
9  2

u
c)
 8
4
e) 10c  6  16

b) 5x  35
d) 6r
3  33
f) 3v
6  9

For help with questions 9 and 10, see Example 4.

9. At a bake sale, pies cost $7 each. One customer buys $84 worth of pies.
a) Write an equation to model the number of pies the customer bought.
b) Solve the equation.

4.1 Solve Simple Equations MHR 193

10. A hockey team has $700 to buy new jerseys. Ice-wear, a jersey

supplier, charges $50 per jersey. How many new jerseys can the
team buy?
a) Write an equation that models the number of jerseys the team

can afford.
b) Solve the equation. Write a conclusion to the problem.

Connect and Apply

11. Copy the following solution. Write a short explanation beside each

step. The first step has been done for you.

Step

Explanation

3x  8
3x  8
8
3x
3x
3
x

7
7
8
 15
15

3
5

Add 8 to both sides.

12. Solve each equation. Express fraction answers in lowest terms.

Check each solution.

a) 2k  7  8

b) 3x
8  2

c) 4m  6  12

d) 9u
8  23

13. Solve each equation. Express fraction answers in lowest terms.

a) 8r 

3
 15
2

b) 10h  6  

2
5

14. Chapter Problem Your first task as producer of Canadian Superstar is

to rent a theatre for the first event, a singing competition. Rental

includes lunch and snacks for the competitors. Details for the two
best choices are shown:
Royal James Hall
$50 per person

Broadway Nights
$1000 plus $30 per person

You have $2000 in your budget for this event. You would like to
begin the competition with as many contestants as you can afford.
a) Write an equation to model the cost for renting Royal James Hall.

Solve the equation.

b) The cost for renting Broadway Nights can be modelled by the

equation C  1000
30n.

Explain why this equation correctly gives the cost, C, in dollars,
for n contestants.
c) Use the total amount budgeted (C  2000) to solve this equation

for n.
d) Which hall should you rent? Explain.

194 MHR Chapter 4

15. A hockey team has $700 to buy new jerseys. In question 10, you

found how many jerseys the team could buy from Ice-wear. Another
jersey supplier, Rink Rat, sells jerseys for $40 each plus a $75 logo
design fee.
a) Write an equation that models the number of jerseys the team

can afford.
b) Solve the equation.
c) From which supplier should the team buy their jerseys? Explain.
d) What other factors might influence this decision?
16. Marcel has $40 to spend on amusement park rides. Tickets cost $1.50

without a special membership pass, or $1.25 with a membership pass.

A membership pass costs $5.00. Should Marcel buy a membership
pass? Use mathematical reasoning to justify your answer.
Achievement Check
17. In an isosceles triangle, the equation a
2b  180 relates the two

equal angles and the third angle.

a) Use this equation to find the value of a when

b  25

b  100

b) Use this equation to find the value of b when

a  40

a  100

c) What is the maximum possible whole-number value of a? Justify

your answer.
d) What is the maximum possible whole-number value of b? Justify

your answer.

Extend
18. Justines mother is building an ultralight airplane. The

fuel tank is made of plastic and has a mass of 5000 g.

Each litre of gasoline has a mass of 840 g. The total
mass of the fuel plus the tank cannot exceed 21 800 g.
a) Write an equation that models the number of litres

of gasoline that the tank may hold.

b) Solve the equation to determine the number of litres of fuel in a

full tank.
19. Refer to question 14.
a) Would you change your decision if your budget were doubled for

this event? Explain.

b) Is there a budget value for which it does not matter which hall

you rent? If so, find the value.

20. Math Contest If m and n are positive integers and m
n  6, which

is a possible value for 3m  2n?

A 4

B 4

C 0

D 2

E 2

4.1 Solve Simple Equations MHR 195

4.2

Solve Multi-Step Equations

Look at the shapes in the bridge. The beams that form the triangular
structures are called trusses. These are very useful in engineering and
architecture, because they add strength and stability
to structures such as bridges and buildings.
Where else are you likely to find triangles in common settings?
How can equations be used to describe geometric relationships
and to solve problems?

Investigate
How can you use equations to model and solve problems?
These two triangles have the
same perimeter.

2x

3
x

Makin

onnections

Perimeter is the distance

around the outside of a shape.
Think how each side of this
equation was found.

x+3

You can use the equation

x+4
3x
5x
3  3x
7 to model
the situation and find the side lengths of the two triangles.
1. Solve the equation by isolating the variable on the left side of the

equation. Explain your steps in words and algebraic symbols.

2. Solve the equation by isolating the variable on the right side of the

equation. Explain your steps in words and algebraic symbols.

3. Reflect
a) Compare your results from steps 1 and 2.
b) Explain how you can collect like terms to solve equations with

the variable on both sides.

4. Describe how you would use the solution to the equation to find

the side lengths of each triangle.

196 MHR Chapter 4

Example 1 Solve Equations by Collecting Like Terms

Solve.
a) 3x
2  2x  4

b) 7  2k  8  5k

c) 5  3m  2  2m

To solve an equation involving several terms, collect variable terms on

one side of the equation and constant terms on the other.
3x
2
3x
2  2x
x
2
x
22
x

onnections

You learned how to collect like

terms in Chapter 3.

Solution

a)

Makin







2x  4
The variable terms are 3x and 2x.
2x  4  2x
Ill collect these on the left side by
4
subtracting 2x from each side.
4  2
6
The constant terms are 2 and 4. Ill collect these
on the right side by subtracting 2 from each side.

b) You can collect variable terms and constant terms in one step.

constant term

a term that does not

include a variable

in 2x
5, the constant
term is 5

Literac

onnections

A constant term is called

constant because its value
does not change.

Method 1: Pencil and Paper

7  2k 
7  2k
5k  7 
2k
5k 
3k 
3k

3

8  5k
8  5k
5k  7
87
1
1
Divide both sides by 3.
3
1
k
3

Ill collect variable terms

on the left side by
adding 5k to both sides.
Ill collect constant
terms on the right side
by subtracting 7 from
both sides.

Method 2: Computer Algebra System (CAS)

In the Home screen, type the

equation
7  2k  8  5k.
Press e.

Technology Tip
Use the ALPHA key to enter
variables other than X, Y, Z,
or T. For example, to enter
the variable k, press a
EE

for [K].

To collect variable terms on

the left side and constant
terms on the right, add 5k
and subtract 7:
Put brackets around the
equation.
Type
5k  7.
Press e.

4.2 Solve Multi-Step Equations MHR 197

COPY and PASTE the

resulting equation in the
command line.
Put brackets around the
equation.
Divide by 3 to find the solution.
1
k
3
c) When you solve an equation, it does not matter which side you

isolate the variable on.

Method 1: Isolate m on the Left Side

5  3m  2  2m
5  3m
2m  5  2  2m
2m  5
3m
2m  2  5
m  7
7
m

1
1

Add 2m to both sides and

subtract 5 from both sides.

Divide both sides by 1.


m

Method 2: Isolate m on the Right Side

5  3m  2  2m
Add 3m and add 2 to both
5  3m
3m
2  2  2m
3m
2
5
2  2m
3m
sides.
7m
Both methods give the solution, m  7. In this case, isolating the
variable on the right side saves a step.

Example 2 Solve Equations With Brackets

a) Solve. 5(y  3)  (y  2)  19
b) Solve and check. 2(x  3)  3(x
5)  6

Solution
a) Expand to remove the brackets. Then, collect like terms.

5(y  3)  (y  2)  19
5(y  3)  1(y  2) 
5y  15  y
2 
4y  13 
4y  13
13 
4y 
4y

4
y
198 MHR Chapter 4

19
19
19
19
13
32
32
4
8

Apply the distributive property to

remove brackets.
Add 13 to both sides.

Divide both sides by 4.

b)

2(x  3) 
2x  6 
2x  6 
2x  6
6 
2x 
2x
3x 
5x 
5x

5
x

3(x
5)  6
3x  15  6
3x  21
3x  21
6
3x  15
3x  15
3x
15
15
5
3

Apply the distributive property to remove

brackets.
Add 6 to both sides.
Add 3x to both sides.

Divide both sides by 5.

Literac

Check by substituting x  3 into each side of the equation. Both

sides must have the same value for this solution to be correct.
L.S. 




2(x  3)
2[(3)  3]
2(6)
12

R.S. 




L.S.  R.S.

3(x
5)  6
3[(3)
5]  6
3(2)  6
6  6
12

Since L.S.  R.S., x  3 is the solution, or root, of the equation.

onnections

Follow these guidelines when

checking a solution (root):
Use nested brackets when
substituting, where
necessary. For example:
2(x  3) when x  3
 2[(3)  3]
Follow the correct order of
operations. Use BEDMAS to
help you remember the
order.
Remember the rules for
integer operations.

Example 3 Use an Equation to Model a Geometric Relationship

A triangle has angle measures that are related as follows:
the largest angle is triple the smallest angle
the middle angle is double the smallest angle
Find the measures of the angles.

Solution
Let x represent the smallest angle. The other angles are double and
triple this value: 2x and 3x.

3x
2x

The sum of the three interior angles of a triangle is 180.

x
2x
3x  180
6x  180
6x 180

6
6
x  30
2x
 2(30)
 60

Divide both sides by 6.

3x
 3(30)
 90

Have I answered the question?

I have only found x, which is the
smallest angle. I still need to find
the other two angles.

90
60

30

The three angles are 30, 60, and 90.

4.2 Solve Multi-Step Equations MHR 199

Key Concepts

To solve an equation involving multiple terms, collect variable

terms on one side of the equation and constant terms on the other.

To solve an equation involving brackets, you may need to expand

the brackets first.

Check a solution by substituting the root into the left side and right
side of the original equation. Both sides must have the same value.

Communicate Your Understanding

C1

Describe the first step you would take to solve each equation.
a) 2x
7  4x  9
b) 13  8
3m
c) 3(k  2)  2(k
8)

C2

p  2 is the correct solution to which equation? Explain how you

can tell without solving the equations.
A 6p  5  8p  9
B 4(p  1)  7(p
4)
C 3(p  1)  6  (p
5)

Practise
For help with questions 1 to 3, see Example 1.
1. Solve using pencil and paper.
a) 3
4m
5m  21

b) 16y  8  9y  27

c) 46  2  8w  3w

d) 3d
4  9d
12  0

2. Solve using pencil and paper.

a) 5x
9  3x
7

b) 2u  8  5u  1

c) 4y  13  6y
7

d) 7  5m  2  2m

3. Solve using a CAS. Use at least two steps.

a) 0  14  x
6x  9

b) 11  n
3  3n
3n

c) 4t  5  2t
5

d) 6k  3  2k  k  3

For help with questions 4 and 5, see Example 2.

4. Find the root of each equation using pencil and paper.

200 MHR Chapter 4

a) 2(x  2)  4x  2

b) 4c
3  3(c  4)

c) 6p
4(8  p)  22

d) k  2(11  k)
14

5. Find the root of each equation using pencil and paper.

Check each solution.

a) 2(x  3)
3(x  2)  18

b) 4(y  1)  (y  5)  10

c) 2(c
2)  5(c
1)  7

d) 3(t  4)  2(t
3)
14

For help with questions 6 and 7, see Example 3.

6. Two or more angles are supplementary if their

Makin

sum is 180.
Set up and solve an equation to find the
measures of the two angles.

a) An angle is twice the size of its supplement.

x + y = 180

b) An angle is five times the value of its

onnections

You will study geometric

relationships in more depth in
Chapter 7: Geometric
Relations.

supplement. Find the measures of the

two angles.
7. Two or more angles are complementary if their

sum is 90.
Three angles are complementary. One angle is
double the smallest angle. The largest angle is
triple the smallest angle. Find the measures of
the three angles.

b
c

a + b + c = 90

Connect and Apply

8. The following shows that x  3 is the correct solution to the

equation 2(x
4)
5  6  (x
2). Copy this check and explain

each step. The first step has been done for you.
Step

Explanation

L.S. 




2[(3)
4]
5
2(1)
5
2
5
7

R.S. 




6  [(3)
2]
6  (1)
6
1
7

Substitute the root into the left side.

L.S.  R.S.
Therefore, x  3 is correct.
9. Solve each equation. Express fraction answers in lowest terms.

Check each solution.

a) 3x  8  7x
10

b) 3
10i  4i  18

c) 4(u
6)  2(3u  4)

d) 4(k  3)  2  (2k  6)

e) 3(p
7)  (4p  1)  5(2p  3)
1

f) 8  (3w  2)  5(w  3)  (4w  3)

4.2 Solve Multi-Step Equations MHR 201

10. Find the root, to one decimal place. Check each answer.
a) 3.2x  7.4  2.1x
1.5
b) 3(2.5d  1.1)  2(5.2  3.3d)
11. How does a Computer Algebra System handle complicated

equations? Refer to Example 2, part a):

5(y  3)  (y  2)  19
a) Enter this equation into the Home screen and press e.
b) Write down the screen output.
c) Explain what the CAS did to the equation.
d) Use the CAS to finish solving the equation.
12. Use a CAS to find the root of each equation.
a) (5q  2)
(3  4q)  4
b) 17  (6u
7)  (3u  10)
Reasoning and Proving
Representing

Selecting Tools

Problem Solving
Connecting

13. One type of truss design commonly used to build bridges is known

as the Warren truss pattern. This features a series of equilateral or

isosceles triangles.

Reflecting
Communicating

An isosceles triangle and an equilateral triangle have the same

perimeter. Find the side lengths of each triangle.

2x + 1

3x + 2

Literac

onnections

An isosceles triangle has two

equal sides and two equal
angles.

202 MHR Chapter 4

14. A family of isosceles triangles has the property that the two equal

angles are each half the value of the third angle. Find the measures
of the angles.

Extend
15. A family of right isosceles triangles has

side lengths in the approximate ratio 1:1:1.4.

A triangle belonging to this family has a
perimeter of 50 cm.

1.4x

1x

a) Find the length of each side, to the nearest

tenth of a centimetre.

1x

b) Explain how you solved this.

16. A family of right triangles has side lengths in the approximate ratio

1:1.7:2. One triangle belonging to this family has a perimeter of

100 cm. Find its area, to the nearest square centimetre.
17. Solve each equation. Express fraction answers in lowest terms.
a)

1
(x
6)  4(x  2)
2

b)

1
1
1
k
 k
3
2
4

18. Math Contest Solve. Check your solutions.

a) x(x  12)  30
x(x
3)
b) 14  x(x
3)  2x  x(x  6)
8
19. Math Contest If x  4 and y  3 satisfy the equation

3x2
ky2  24, then which is the value of k?

A

1
2

1
2

C 8

8
3

8
3

20. Math Contest How many possible values of x

make the triangle isosceles?

A 0
B 1

5x 8
3x 4

C 2
D 3

x+6

E more than 3
21. Math Contest Is there a value of x that makes

this triangle equilateral? Explain your decision.

3x 4
2x + 7

5x 8

4.2 Solve Multi-Step Equations MHR 203

4.3

Solve Equations Involving

Fractions
Rock gardens are a fascinating tradition of the Japanese culture. Their
beauty is a result of a careful combination of natural landscape and
artistic design. The peaceful atmosphere of a Japanese rock garden can
provide moments of quiet reflection, contemplation, and appreciation of
the simple beauties in life. How can mathematics be used in the design
of a rock garden?

Investigate
What techniques can you use to solve equations involving fractions?
Kumiko is designing a rock garden in
the shape of a trapezoid. She decides
that the garden should have a front
width of 8 m and a depth of 5 m. The
area must be 50 m2 to fit her design.
How wide should Kumikos garden be
at the back?
1. The formula for the area of a trapezoid is A 

b=?

A = 50 m2

h=5m

a=8m

(a
b)h
2

. Substitute

the known values into this formula.

2. Find the value of the unknown, b.
3. Reflect Describe any difficulties you encountered in solving this

equation. What can you do to make it easier to solve equations

involving fractions?
204 MHR Chapter 4

Example 1 Solve Equations Involving One Fraction

Solve.
a) 6 

1
(8
x)
3

b)

3(y  5)
4

7

Solution
When solving an equation involving fractions, it is helpful to multiply
both sides by the same value to eliminate the fractions.
6

a)

36
18 
18  8 
10 

1
(8
x)
3
1
3  (8
x)
3
8
x
8
x8
x

Instead of distributing a fraction to remove

brackets, multiply both sides of the equation
by 3 to eliminate the fraction on the right
side.

Subtract 8 from both sides.

b) Method 1: Pencil and Paper

3(y  5)
4

4
3(y  5)

7

47
4
3(y  5)  28
3y  15  28
3y  15
15  28
15
3y  43
3y
43

3
3
43
y
3

Multiply both sides of the equation by 4 to

eliminate the fraction.
Apply the distributive property to remove
brackets.
Add 15 to both sides.

Divide both sides by 3.

Method 2: Computer Algebra System (CAS)

In the Home screen, enter the equation

3(y  5)
4

 7.

Multiply by 4 to eliminate the fraction.

4.3 Solve Equations Involving Fractions MHR 205

You can distribute the 3, or

you can simply divide both
sides by 3 to remove the
brackets.

This produces an unpleasant

fraction on the right side.
However, a CAS has no
difficulty working with
fractions. Finish the solution
by adding 5 to both sides.
The solution is y 

43
.
3

Example 2 Solve Equations With More Than One Fraction

a) Solve

k
2
k4

.
3
5

b) Solve and check

1
3
(2x  5)  (x  2).
3
4

Solution

15 

3
k
2
k4
 15 
3
5
1

5(k
2) 
5k
10 
5k
10  3k  10 
2k 
2k

2
k

206 MHR Chapter 4

3
6 9
12
5 10 15
The LCD is 15.

k4
k
2

3
5

a)

1
1
To find the LCD for and ,
3
5
Ill count by 3s and 5s.

3(k  4)
3k  12
3k  12  3k  10
22
22
2
11

15

Multiply both sides by the

lowest common denominator
to eliminate both fractions.
Apply the distributive
property to remove brackets.
Subtract 3k and 10 from
both sides.
Divide both sides by 2.

1
3
(2x  5)  (x  2)
3
4
1
3
12  (2x  5)  12  (x  2)
3
4

b)

Ill use prime factors to find

the LCD.
Multiply both sides by the
lowest common denominator
to eliminate both fractions.

33

422

The LCD is 3  2  2, or 12.

12
12
1
3
 (2x  5) 
 (x  2)
1
3
1
4
1

4(2x  5) 
8x  20 
8x  20  8x
18 
2 

9(x  2)
9x  18
9x  18  8x
18
x

Apply the distributive

property to remove brackets.
Subtract 8x from both sides
and add 18 to both sides.

Check:
L.S. 





1
3
(2x  5)
R.S.  (x  2)
3
4
1
3
[2(2)  5]
 [(2)  2]
3
4
3
1
(4  5)
 (4)
3
4
1
 3
(9)
3
3
L.S.  R.S.

Substitute x  2 into
the left side and right
side of the original
equation.

Since L.S.  R.S., x  2 is the root of this equation.

Key Concepts

You can simplify equations involving one fraction by multiplying

both sides by the denominator of the fraction.

When eliminating more than one fraction, find the lowest common
denominator and multiply all terms on both sides of the equation by
this value.

Communicate Your Understanding

C1

Explain the first step you would take to solve each equation.
a)

C2

b) 5  k 

2
3

Without solving, identify which of these equations has the solution

k  2.
A

C3

1
(x  3)  5
4

2
(5  k)  2
3

B k 1

3
4

C 3 

k  17
5

By what value should you multiply both sides of each equation to

eliminate all fractions? Explain.
y
2
y3
x
1
x
a)

b)

5
6
9
3
4.3 Solve Equations Involving Fractions MHR 207

Practise
For help with questions 1 and 2, see Example 1.
1. Solve using pencil and paper.
a)

1
(x  2) 5
3

b)

4

2
(p  2)
3

c)

m
4
7
3

d)

14 

2(h  3)
5

2. Solve using a CAS. Use at least two steps.

a)

y4
5

c) 3 

 6

b)

1
(u  5)  2
4

2
(n
7)
5

d)

16 

3(v
7)
2

For help with questions 3 and 4, see Example 2.

3. Find the root of each equation. Check your answers.

m
1
m3

4
3
w1
w
2
b)

4
3
1
1
c)
(x  3)  (x  2)
4
3
1
1
d)
(y  3)  (y
4)
5
6
a)

4. Find the root of each equation. Use a CAS to check your answers.

3
2
(5n  1)   (n
2)
3
5
3
4
b)  (d
3) 
(3d  2)
4
5
2c  1
3c  2
c)

5
3
6a
5  2a
d)

4
5
a)

Connect and Apply

5. A trapezoidal backyard has an area of 100 m2.

b = 12 m

The front and back widths are 8 m and 12 m,

as shown.
What is the length of the yard from front
to back?

A = 100 m2

h=?

a=8m

208 MHR Chapter 4

6. Each of the following solutions contains an error. Identify the error

and describe how to correct it.

a)

b)

x3

5
5(x  3) 
5x  15 
5x  15  4x
15 
x
1
(3y  2) 
3
1
12  (3y  2) 
3
3y  2 
3y  2  y
2 
2y 
2y

2
y

x
1
4
4(x
1)
4x
4
4x
4  4x
15
19

1
(y
3)
4
1
12  (y
3)
4
y
3
y
3y
2
5
5
2

Did You Know ?

5
2

5
(F  32) allows you to convert between
9
Celsius and Fahrenheit temperatures. C is the temperature in degrees
Celsius (C) and F is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (F).

7. The equation C 

a) A U.S. weather station predicts that the overnight low

temperature will reach 25F. What is this in degrees Celsius?

b) Room temperature is approximately 20C. What is this equivalent

to in degrees Fahrenheit?
8. Find the height of a triangle with base 10 cm and area 50 cm2.

The Celsius scale is

based on two key
properties of water.
Under normal
conditions, water
freezes at 0C and
boils at 100C.
Splitting the
temperature
difference between
these two points
into 100 equal
intervals produces
the Celsius scale.

9. A garden is in the shape of a right triangle. The base of the triangle is

12 m, and the garden covers an area of 30 m2. What length of fence is

needed to surround the garden?
Achievement Check
10. A backyard has a perimeter of 144 m.
a) If the backyard is square, what are the dimensions?
b) If the backyard is rectangular, and the length is three times the
x

width, what are the dimensions?

c) If the backyard is a triangle, as shown, write an algebraic

expression for the perimeter and find its dimensions.

d) Which of the three backyard designs has the greatest area? Which

has the least?

x2

4.3 Solve Equations Involving Fractions MHR 209

Extend
11. Solve.
a)

3p
4

p5
3

1
2

b)

3u
u3
2u
1
2 


4
2
5

12. Fahad called Sara over. Im stuck on this question about equations,

he said.
Where did you get it from? asked Sara.
From my older brothers book, Fahad told her. It asks you to find
the roots of x(x  5)  0. I know how to solve equations, but this
one is different.
Sara said I know! The answer is x  0! If I substitute 0, it works!
Great! said Fahad. But the book says there are two roots.
Well, said Sara, if a  b  0, then either a  0 or b  0.
Ive got it! said Fahad.
The other solution is
x  5, because it makes
the value of the second
bracket zero.
Excellent! said Sara.
Solve these questions
from Fahads brothers
book.
a) (x  3)(x  7)  0

(2 roots)
b) x(x  4)(x
2)  0

(3 roots)

13. Math Contest Diophantus of Alexandria was born around the year

200. He is known as the Father of Arithmetic. A puzzle about

Diophantus is as follows:
His boyhood lasted one sixth of his life. He married after one
seventh more. His beard grew after one twelfth more and his son was
born 5 years later. The son lived to half his fathers final age, and the
father died 4 years after the son.
How old was Diophantus when he died?
210 MHR Chapter 4

4.4

Modelling With Formulas

The CN Tower, in downtown Toronto, is the

worlds tallest freestanding structure. It was
built in the 1970s as a giant radio antenna.
Every year, thousands of tourists enjoy a
thrilling ride to the top and a breathtaking
view. Have you ever been up the CN Tower?
How far can you see?

Investigate
How can you use formulas to solve problems?

formula

describes an algebraic
relationship between two
or more variables

Have you ever seen a ship disappear over the horizon?

This happens because of the curvature of Earth.
The higher you are above the surface of Earth, the
farther away the horizon appears. The relationship
between how high you are and how far you can see
is given by the formula
d  223.2h
where h is your height, in metres, above ground
and d is the distance, in kilometres, to the horizon.
Use this relationship to answer the following.

Sky Pod
360
Restaurant

1. How far can you see from each? Round your

answers to the nearest kilometre.

a) the 360 Restaurant
b) the Sky Pod observation deck

351 m

447 m

2. a) How high would you have to go for the

horizon to appear to be 100 km away?

Round your answer to the nearest metre.
b) Explain how you found your answer.
3. Reflect Explain how you can use formulas in

different ways to solve problems. Think of

other formulas that you have used before. Use
one of them to illustrate your explanation.

4.4 Modelling With Formulas MHR 211

Example 1 Rearrange a Formula in One Step

Makin

a) In geometry, an exterior angle of a triangle

onnections

is equal to the sum of the two opposite

interior angles:
da
b

You will explore geometric

relationships in greater depth
in Chapter 7: Geometric
Relations.

a
b

Rearrange this formula to express a in terms of b and d.

b) The circumference of a circle, in terms of its radius, is given by the

formula C  2r. Rearrange this formula to isolate r.

c) The area, A, of a square is related to its side length, l, by the

formula A  l2. Find the length, to the nearest tenth of a

centimetre, of a side of a square with area 32 cm2.

Solution
a) d  a
b

This formula expresses d in terms of a and b. To express a in terms

of b and d, subtract b from both sides of the equation.
dba
bb
dba
or a  d  b
b)

C  2r
2pr
C

2p
2p
C
r
2p
C
or r 
2p

This formula has C isolated. To

isolate r, I need to divide both
sides of the equation by 2.

c) A  l2

The formula gives A in terms of l. You can also use it to find l if

you are given A.
Method 1: Substitute, Then Rearrange

Technology Tip
Calculators vary. The key
sequence may be different
on your calculator. Check
using a value you know, such
as 225  5.

212 MHR Chapter 4

Substitute A  32.
32  l2
232  l
 l
5.66 

The square of a number gives 32. To find the number,

I need to take the square root. Ill use a calculator.
32 =

The side length of the square is 5.7 cm,

to the nearest tenth of a centimetre.

Method 2: Rearrange, Then Substitute

Rearrange the formula to express l in terms of A.

A  l2
2A  l

Take the square root of both sides.

or l  2A
Substitute A  32.
l  232
 5.66

The side length is 5.7 cm, to the nearest tenth of a centimetre.
These two methods each take about the same amount of time and
effort. However, by rearranging the formula before substituting,
you get a new formula, l  2A , that you can use again, if needed.

Example 2 Rearrange a Formula in More Than One Step

The equation of a line relates y to x, m, and b: y  mx
b
Rearrange this equation to express x in terms of y, m, and b.

Makin

onnections

In Chapter 6: Analyse Linear

Relations you will learn the
significance of m and b in the
y = mx + b form of a linear
equation.

Solution
To rearrange a formula in terms of an unknown variable,
isolate the term that contains the unknown variable
isolate the unknown variable
Method 1: Use Opposite Operations, Pencil and Paper

y  mx
b
y  b  mx
b  b
y  b  mx
yb
mx

m
m
yb
x
m
yb
or x 
m

Subtract b from both sides to isolate the term

containing x.
Divide both sides by m to isolate x.

Method 2: Use Opposite Operations, Computer Algebra System (CAS)

In the Home screen, type the

formula y  mx
b. Make sure
that you use a multiplication sign
between m and x, or the CAS will
consider mx as a single variable.

4.4 Modelling With Formulas MHR 213

Subtract b to isolate the term

containing x.

Divide by m to isolate x.
yb
x
m
or x 

yb
m

Key Concepts

Formulas can be rearranged to isolate different variables.

To rearrange a formula in terms of a variable,

isolate the term that contains the variable

isolate the variable

Communicate Your Understanding

C1

Describe the first step you would take to isolate the variable
indicated for each equation.
a) v 

d
t

b) y  mx
b
c) A 

214 MHR Chapter 4

r2

for d

(speed)

for m

(linear relations)

for r

(area of a circle)

C2

Describe any advantages to rearranging a formula before

substituting values.

C3

The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle can be expressed in

more than one way. One way is P  2(l
w). Discuss how you
could manipulate this equation to isolate l. Write down the steps
and include an explanation of each step. Is there more than one
way to do this? Explain.

Practise
For help with question 1, see Example 1.
1. Rearrange each formula to isolate the variable indicated using pencil

and paper.
a) P  4s

for s

(perimeter of a square)

b) A  P
I

for P

(investments)

c) C  2r

for r

(circumference of a circle)

d) y  mx
b

for b

(linear relations)

For help with question 2, see Example 2.

2. Rearrange each formula to isolate the variable indicated.
a) d  mt
b

for m

(distance-time relationships)

b) P  2l
2w

for w

(perimeter of a rectangle)

for v

(acceleration)

for t

(speed)

e) A  r 2

for r

(area of a circle)

f) P  I 2R

for I

(electrical power)

v
c) a 
t
d
d) v 
t

Connect and Apply

3. You can use the formula C  2.5I to obtain an

approximate value for converting a length, I,

in inches to a length, C, in centimetres.
a) Use the formula to find the number of

centimetres in
6 inches
3 feet (1 foot  12 inches)
b) Rearrange the formula to express I in

terms of C.
c) How many inches are in

75 cm?

1 m?

4. Refer to question 3.
a) Plot a graph of C  2.5I, either by hand or using technology

such as a graphing calculator or graphing software.

Makin

onnections

You learned about linear and

non-linear relations in
Chapter 2: Relations.

b) Is the graph linear or non-linear? Explain.

c) Use the graph to find

the number of centimetres in 8 inches

the number of inches in 35 cm
5. Refer to questions 3 and 4. Describe one advantage and one

disadvantage of using
a) the equation model

b) the graphical model

4.4 Modelling With Formulas MHR 215

6. Kwok is a hotel manager. His responsibilities include renting rooms

for conferences. The hotel charges $250 per day plus $15 per person
for the grand ballroom.
a) Create a formula that relates the cost, C, in dollars, of renting the

ballroom to the number of people, n.

b) How much should Kwok charge to rent the hall for

50 people?
100 people?
c) Rearrange your formula to express n in terms of C.
d) How many people could attend a wedding reception if the

wedding planners have a budget of

$4000?
$2000?
e) In part d), is it better to substitute into the original equation or the

rearranged equation? Explain.

f) Is the relationship between cost and number of guests linear or

non-linear? Explain how you can tell.

7. Chapter Problem As Canadian Superstar nears its finale, the judges

have narrowed the competition down to two finalists, Jodie and

Quentin. They have one final performance, and the judges will
award a score out of 10 for each of the following criteria:
vocal performance, v
movement, m
stage presence, p
The formula S  7v
5m
3p will be used to determine each
competitors overall score, S.
a) After Jodies performance, the judges awarded her scores of 9 for

vocal performance, 7 for movement, and 7 for stage presence.

What is Jodies overall score?
b) It is Quentins turn. Quentin thinks he can match Jodie on vocal

performance, but will likely score only a 6 on movement. Can

Quentin win the competition? If so, what is the minimum score
he must obtain for stage presence?
8. The area, A, of a square is related to its perimeter, P, by the formula

A

P2
16

a) Rearrange this formula to express P in terms of A.

b) Find the perimeter of a square with area

25 cm2

216 MHR Chapter 4

50 cm2

9. Refer to question 8.

Reasoning and Proving

Representing

Selecting Tools

a) Solve this problem using a graphing calculator or graphing

Problem Solving

software, by entering the equation shown.

Connecting

Reflecting
Communicating

b) Is this a linear or non-linear relation? Explain how you know.

c) Describe two advantages of using an algebraic model to solve this

problem.
d) Describe two advantages of using a graphical model to solve this

problem.
10. The kinetic energy (energy due to motion) of an object depends on

its mass and how fast it is moving:

1
mv 2
2

E

In this formula,
E is the kinetic energy, in joules
m is the mass, in kilograms
v is the speed, in metres per second
The following steps show how the formula can be rearranged to
express v in terms of E and m. Copy these steps into your notebook
and write a short explanation beside each one. Some hints are
provided for you.
Step

Explanation
E

1
mv 2
2

2E  mv 2

Start with the original formula.

________________ both sides of the equation by _______.

Did You Know ?

The formula in question 10
will remind you of Albert
Einsteins famous equation
E  mc2. In 1905, while he
was studying for his Ph.D.
at the University of Zurich
in Switzerland, Einstein
published several papers which
revolutionized scientific ideas.
Included in these publications
was his discovery that
Energy  mass  (speed of light)2.
This property has had huge
implications in many fields. In
medicine, it is the basis on
which modern diagnostic
imaging scanners work.

2E
mv 2

m
m

2E
 v2
m
2E
 2v 2
Bm

Take the ___________ ___________ of both sides.

2E
v
Bm

4.4 Modelling With Formulas MHR 217

11. Use the formula in question 10 to solve this problem.

Two koala bears, Rocco and Biff, are wrestling in a meadow, when
suddenly they notice a nice clump of eucalyptus fall to the ground.
Both bears bolt for the tasty treat at the same time. Roccos mass is
5 kg and he has 4.2 J of kinetic energy. Biff is half a kilogram heavier
than Rocco, but has 1 J more of kinetic energy.
a) Who will reach the eucalyptus first? Explain how you know.
b) How much more kinetic energy would the slower bear have to

exert for the two bears to reach the eucalyptus at the same time?
12. Sometimes the same formula can have many different forms.

PV  nRT is a useful formula in chemistry. It relates the

characteristics of a gas:
Variable

Characteristic

pressure

volume

universal gas constant

number of moles, or how much gas there is

temperature

a) Rearrange this formula to isolate each variable. The first one is

done for you as an example:

PV  nRT
PV
nRT

V
V
P

nRT
V

The formula is rearranged to isolate pressure, P.

b) Explain when these forms may be more useful than the form

PV  nRT.

Extend
Makin

13. The area, A, of a square is related to its side length, l, by the formula

onnections

You will explore measurement

relationships in greater depth
in Chapter 8: Measurement
and Chapter 9: Optimization.

A  l 2.
a) Express l in terms of A.
b) Graph both formulas using a graphing calculator or graphing

software.
c) How are the graphs similar?
d) How are they different?
14. The volume, V, of a cube is related to its side length, l, by the

formula V  l 3.
a) Rearrange the formula to express l in terms of V.
b) Graph both formulas and comment on any similarities or

differences you see.

218 MHR Chapter 4

15. The distance an accelerating object travels is related to its initial

speed, v, its rate of acceleration, a, and time, t:

1
d  vt
at2
2
a) Rearrange this formula to isolate v.
b) An object travels 30 m while accelerating at a rate of 6 m/s2

for 3 s. What was its initial speed?

16. Refer to the formula in question 15.
a) Rearrange the formula to isolate a.
b) What acceleration would be required for the object in question 15

part b) to have travelled twice the distance in the same time interval?
w  10e
,
t
where e is the number of errors, w is the number of words typed, and
t is the time, in minutes. Solve the formula for e and find the number
of errors made by Saher, who typed 400 words in 5 min, and had a
keyboarding speed of 70 words per minute.

17. Math Contest The formula for keyboarding speed (s) is s 

18. Math Contest The period (time for one complete swing back and

forth) p, in seconds, of a pendulum is related to its length, L, in

metres, by the formula p  2

L
, where g  9.8 m/s2 is a constant.
Bg

Solve this formula for L, and find the length needed for the
pendulum to have a period of 1 s.
19. Math Contest The escape velocity (speed needed to escape a planets

gravitational field), in metres per second, is given by v 

2GM
.
B r

M  5.98  1024 kg is the mass of the Earth,

G  0.000 000 000 066 73 (a constant), and r is the radius
of the orbit. The average radius of Earth is 6.38  106 m.
a) Find the escape velocity for an Earth satellite in kilometres

per second.
b) Solve the formula for M.
c) Find the mass of the planet Mars. Mars has a diameter of

6794 km. A Martian satellite requires an escape velocity of

5 km/s.

4.4 Modelling With Formulas MHR 219

4.5

Modelling With
Algebra
Algebra is an efficient way to express
mathematical ideas. Algebraic modelling is
one of many ways to solve a problem. The
best method often depends on the type of
problem and the preference of the problem
solver.

Investigate
How can you use algebraic modelling to solve problems?
1. Work with a partner or in a small group. One person will be the

magician, and the others will be the audience. Have all students
close their textbooks except the magician.
Magicians Instructions to the Audience
2. Tell the audience to pick a number from 1 to 10 and write it down

so everyone but the magician can see it. Instruct the audience to
carry out the following arithmetic steps, out of view of the
magician.
a) Take the number and double it.
b) Add 50.
c) Triple the result.
d) Subtract 100.
e) Divide this value in half.
f) Write down the final result and show it to the magician. Show

only the final result.

Magicians Secret Steps to Find the Number
3. Look at the result. Announce the following: I will now use the

magic of algebra to determine your number! Add a magic word or

phrase if you like. Try not to let the audience know that you are
doing the following calculations mentally.
a) Subtract 25 from the number you see.
b) Divide by 3. The result is the number the audience picked.
c) Announce the number to the amazement of your audience. Take

a bow!
4. Repeat the magic trick with a different number.

220 MHR Chapter 4

Time to Reveal the Secret

5. Everyone in the group should now open their books and look at all

of the instructions. As a group, discuss how you think this magic

trick works.
6. Reflect
a) Is this trick really magic? Explain.
b) Will this trick work for numbers greater than 10? What about

negative numbers? Explain.

c) How can you use algebra to create a magic trick of your own?

Example 1 Apply Algebraic Modelling to a Payroll Problem

Mr. Skyvington operates a variety store with his two sons, Jerry
and Koko.
Jerry makes twice as much as Koko, who only works part-time.
Mr. Skyvington makes $200 per week more than Jerry.
The total weekly payroll is $1450.
How much does each family member earn per week?

Solution
Use algebra to model and solve the problem.
Write an expression that describes each persons earnings. Let k
represent Kokos earnings.
Worker

Expression

Koko

Jerry

2k

Mr. Skyvington
Total

Explanation
Kokos earnings are unknown.
Jerry makes twice as much as Koko.

2k + 200

Mr. Skyvington earns $200 more than Jerry.

Use a table to
organize your
thinking.

$1450

Write an equation that relates these expressions to the total payroll.

k


2k
Kokos
Jerrys
earnings
earnings

2k
200

Mr. Skyvingtons
earnings

Solve the equation for k.

k
2k
2k
200  1450
5k
200  1450
5k
200  200  1450  200
5k  1250
1250
5k

5
5
k  250

1450
Total payroll

Subtract 200 from both sides.

Divide both sides by 5.

4.5 Modelling With Algebra MHR 221

I can check to see if

these answers add to
give the correct total:
Koko:
Jerry:
Mr. Skyvington:
Total

$250
$500
$700
$1450

The solution k  250 means that Koko earns $250 per week. Substitute into
the other expressions to find how much Jerry and Mr. Skyvington earn.
Jerry:
2k
 2(250)
 500
Jerry earns $500 per week.

Mr. Skyvington:
2k
200
 2(250)
200
 500
200
 700
Mr. Skyvington earns $700 per week.

The three wages add to

the correct total.

Example 2 Apply Algebraic Modelling to an Earnings Problem

Uma works at a ballpark, selling peanuts. She is paid $6/h plus a 50
commission for every bag of peanuts she sells.
a) Find Umas earnings if she sells 42 bags of peanuts during a

4-h shift.
b) How many bags of peanuts must she sell to earn $100 in 7 h?

Solution
Literac

onnections

A wage is a payment that

depends on the length of time
worked. A commission is a
payment based on the number
of items sold or a percent of
total sales.

a) Uma is paid in two ways:

for the length of time she works (hourly wage)

for the number of bags of peanuts she sells (commission)
Write an expression for each. Then, write a formula that models
Umas total earnings.
Earnings

Variable

Expression

Hourly Wage

6h

Commission

0.5p

Total Earnings

6h + 0.5p

Explanation
Uma makes $6/h.
Uma earns 50 per bag of peanuts.
Add wage and commission to get total
earnings.

The following formula describes Umas earnings:

E  6h
0.5p
Substitute h  4 and p  42 to find Umas total earnings.
E  6(4)
0.5(42)
 24
21
 45
Uma earns $45 if she sells 42 bags of peanuts in 4 h.
b) To find the number of bags of peanuts Uma must sell to make $100

in 7 h, rearrange the formula to express p in terms of E and h.

E  6h
0.5p
E  6h  6h
0.5p  6h
E  6h  0.5p
222 MHR Chapter 4

Subtract 6h from both sides.

Method 1: Divide by 0.5

E  6h  0.5p
0.5p
E  6h

0.5
0.5
E  6h
p
0.5
E  6h
or p 
0.5
Substitute E  100 and h  7.
100  6(7)
p
0.5
100  42

0.5
58

0.5
 116

Method 2: Multiply by 2

E  6h
2(E  6h)
2(E  6h)
or p






0.5p
2(0.5)p
p
2(E  6h)

I can also solve for p

by multiplying by 2,
1
because 0.5 is .
2
2  0.5p  p

Substitute E  100 and h  7.

p  2[(100)  6(7)]
 2(100  42)
 2(58)
 116

Uma must sell 116 bags of peanuts to earn $100 in a 7-h shift.
Compare these two equations: p 

E  6h
and p  2(E  6h).
0.5

These are equivalent equations. Why do you think the second

equation may be a little easier to use?

Example 3 Compare Algebraic Modelling With Other Strategies

Tan is designing a Japanese rock garden in the shape of a right triangle
so that the second-shortest side is twice the length of the shortest side.
The area of the garden must be 30 m2. What are the three side lengths
of Tans garden, to the nearest tenth?

Solution
Method 1: Algebraic Model

The garden is in the shape of a right triangle. The second-shortest side

is twice the length of the shortest side.
Let x represent the shortest side and 2x the second-shortest side.

H
x

2x

Let H represent the hypotenuse.

4.5 Modelling With Algebra MHR 223

Apply the formula for the area of a triangle.

1
bh
2
1
30  (2x)(x)
2
1
30  (2x2)
2
30  x2
A

H
x

2x

230  2x2

Substitute b  2x and h  x.

Take the square root of both sides.

 x
5.48 
The length of the shortest side is 5.5 m, to the nearest tenth. Double
this to find the length of the second-shortest side.
2x
 2(5.5)
 11
The two shorter sides are 5.5 m and 11 m. Apply the Pythagorean
theorem to find the hypotenuse.
The algebraic model
shows how measurement,
algebra, and the
Pythagorean Theorem are
all connected. Thats cool!

H 2  5.52
112
H 2  30.25
121
H 2  151.25
2H 2  2151.25
 12.3
H

Take the square root of both sides.

The three side lengths of Tans garden are 5.5 m, 11 m, and 12.3 m.
Method 2: Construct a Graphical Model With The Geometers Sketchpad

Open a new sketch and construct a right triangle that meets the
requirements.
Technology Tip

Construct a horizontal line segment AB.

Hold the Shift key down

while you drag to make
vertical and horizontal line
segments.
Remember to deselect
before making new
selections. You can deselect
by clicking anywhere in the
white space with the
Selection Arrow Tool.

Select point A. From the Transform menu, choose Mark Center.

Select line segment AB and point B. From the Transform menu,
choose Dilate. Dilate the segment in the ratio 1:2. Click on Dilate.

224 MHR Chapter 4

 Select AB. From the Transform menu, choose Rotate. Rotate the
segment and point by 90. Click on Rotate.
Construct a segment that connects B and B.

Measure the lengths of the three sides and verify that the two shorter
sides are in the ratio 1:2.
Select the three sides and, from the Measure menu, choose Length.
From the Measure menu, choose Calculate. Divide the longer
measure by the shorter measure.
Next, measure the area of the triangle.
Select the three vertices, and from the Construct menu, choose
Triangle Interior.
From the Measure menu, choose Area.

Once I set up a
geometric model with
The Geometers Sketchpad,
I can explore all kinds of
relationships. I wonder how
perimeter and area are
related in this type of
triangle.

Adjust the size of the triangle so that its area is as close to 30 cm2 as
possible. Select and drag any of the vertices. Verify that the triangle
has the following properties:
it is a right triangle
the second-shortest side is twice the length of the shortest side
The lengths of the three sides give the dimensions of Tans garden. The
measures are in centimetres in the sketch, but Tans garden is
measured in metres. The lengths of the three sides of Tans garden are
5.5 m, 11 m, and 12 m.

4.5 Modelling With Algebra MHR 225

Key Concepts

Algebraic modelling is one method that can be used to describe

mathematical situations and solve problems.

Many problems can be solved using more than one method.

Communicate Your Understanding

C1

C2

C3

Rufio is 5 years older than his sister, Hanna. The sum of their ages
is 37. Which equation can you use to find their ages? Explain why.
A 5h  37

B h
5h  37

C h
5  37

D h
(h
5)  37

One summer, Brittany had a paper route and a babysitting job. She
made twice as much money babysitting as she did delivering
papers. Altogether she made $800 that summer. Which equation
can you use to find how much Brittany earned delivering papers?
Explain.
A 2p  800

B p
2p  800

C p
2  800

D p
(p
2)  800

Asraf sells computers. He is paid $12/h, plus a 10% commission on

sales. Which expression describes Asrafs total earnings? Explain.
A 12h
0.1

B 12
0.1s

C 12h
0.1s

D 12h
10s

Practise
For help with questions 1 to 5, see Examples 1 and 2.
1. Write an algebraic expression to represent each description.
a) triple a number
b) four more than a number
c) half a number
d) five less than double a number
2. Write an equation to represent each sentence. Explain your choice of

Literac

onnections

Consecutive means one after

the other. For example:
3, 4, and 5 are consecutive
integers
q, r, and s are consecutive
letters

226 MHR Chapter 4

variable and what it represents in each case.

a) four times a number is 112
b) a perimeter increased by 12 is 56
c) five more than triple a number is 29
d) the sum of two consecutive integers is 63

3. Solve each equation in question 2, and explain what the answer

means.
4. Estaban is 6 years older than his brother Raoul. The sum of their ages

is 38. How old are the brothers?

5. Two friends enter a trivia challenge as a team. Fayth scored 200 more

points than Jamal. As a team, they collected a total of 2250 points.

How many points did each friend earn?

Connect and Apply

6. Natalie, Chantal, and Samara play together as a forward line on a

hockey team. At the end of the season, Chantal had scored eight
more goals than Natalie, while Samara had scored twice as many
goals as Natalie. The three girls scored a total of 52 goals. How many
goals did each girl score?
7. Kyle sells used cars. He is paid $14/hour plus an 8% commission on

sales. What dollar amount of car sales must Kyle make to earn $1200
in a 38-h work week?
8. Chapter Problem At the season finale, you present the winner of

Canadian Superstar with a recording-and-tour contract. The contract

states that the winner will be paid $5000 per month while on tour
plus $2 per CD sold.
a) Write an equation that relates total earnings in terms of the

number of months, m, on tour and the number, n, of CDs sold.

Did You Know ?

In March 2003, Dark Side of
the Moon, by Pink Floyd,
achieved double diamond
status in Canada for selling
over 2 000 000 units.

b) How much will the winner earn after the first month if 500 CDs

are sold?
c) Suppose after the third month on tour the new recording artist

has earned a total of $74 000. How many CDs were sold?
d) In Canada, a record album or CD achieves gold status once it sells

50 000 units. How much will the artist make if the CD goes gold
after 6 months of touring?
9. The sum of three consecutive integers is 54. Find the numbers.
10. The sum of two consecutive even integers is 134. Find the numbers.
11. A circular garden has a diameter of 12 m. By how much should the

diameter be increased to triple the area of the garden?

12. Refer to question 11.
a) Solve the problem using a different method.
b) Compare the two methods. Identify at least one advantage and

one disadvantage of each approach.

4.5 Modelling With Algebra MHR 227

13. The length of Lauries rectangular swimming pool is triple its width.

The pool covers an area of 192 m2.

a) If Laurie swims across the diagonal and back, how far does she

travel?
b) At the same time Laurie starts swimming, her cat walks one lap

3
as fast as her cat
4
can walk. Who will return to the starting point first? Justify your
answer.
around the edge of the pool. Laurie can swim

14. Refer to the magic trick in the Investigate. Create a magic trick of

your own. Try your trick out on a friend or family member.

Achievement Check
15. Paloma works part-time, 4 h per day, selling fitness club

memberships. She is paid $9/h, plus a $12 commission for

each 1-year membership she sells.
a) Write an algebraic expression that describes Palomas total

earnings.
b) Find the amount Paloma makes in 8 h when she sells seven

memberships.
c) How many memberships does Paloma need to sell to earn $600 in

a 24-h workweek?
d) Paloma notices that her sales have a pattern: for the first 12 h of

the week she sells an average of two memberships per hour and
for the last 12 h of the week she sells an average of three
memberships per hour. Use an organized method (e.g., chart,
graph, equations) to determine when Paloma will reach a special
$900 earnings goal.

Extend
16. A checkerboard has 64 congruent squares.

Suppose a checkerboard has a diagonal

length of 40 cm. Find the area of each
square on the board.

228 MHR Chapter 4

17. Johnny is directly in front of Dougie, who is playing

goalie, as shown.
Johnny is 2.8 m from both goal posts. He is also three
times as far from Dougie as Dougie is from either post.
a) How wide is the net?
b) Describe how you solved this problem.
c) Discuss any assumptions you had to make.
18. Johannes Kepler (15711630) was a German astronomer who

noticed a pattern in the orbits of planets. The table shows data for
the planets known when Kepler was alive.
Planet

Radius of Orbit (AU)*

Period of Orbit (Earth Days)

Mercury

0.389

87.77

Venus

0.724

224.70

Earth

1.0

365.25

Mars

1.524

686.98

Jupiter

5.200

4332.62

Saturn

9.150

10759.20

*AU, or astronomical unit, is the mean distance from Earth to the Sun, 1.49  108 km.

a) Kepler conjectured that the square of the period divided by the

cube of the radius is a constant. Copy the table. Add another

column and compute the value of the square of the period
divided by the cube of the radius for each planet. Then, find the
mean of these values to find Keplers constant.
b) Write a formula for the relationship that Kepler found. This is

called Keplers Third Law.

c) In 1781, William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus, which

has a period of 30 588.70 days. Use Keplers Third Law to

determine the radius of Uranuss orbit.
d) In 1846, the planet Neptune was discovered. Neptunes orbital

radius is 30 AU. Use Keplers Third Law to find the orbital period
of Neptune.
e) The planet Pluto has an orbital radius of 39.5 AU and a period of

90 588 days. Does Pluto satisfy Keplers Third Law? Explain.

f) Investigate Keplers other two laws of planetary motion. Write a

brief report of your findings.

19. Math Contest The mass of a banana plus its peel is 360 g. The mass

of the banana is four times the mass of the peel. What is the mass of
the peel?
20. Math Contest Given that y  4x
1 and z  5x  3, and the value

of z is 7, what is the value of y?

A 2

B 9

D 9

E 29

4.5 Modelling With Algebra MHR 229

Chapter 4 Review
4.1 Solve Simple Equations, pages 186195
1. Solve using pencil and paper.
a) 8
m  2
b) k  7  11
c) 3x  18
d)

h
 4
5

2. Find the root of each equation using pencil

and paper. Check each answer.

a) 2y  7  13
b) 4
5v  21
c) 9  2x  1
d) 3s  6  9
3. Find the root of each equation using a

Computer Algebra System. Check each

answer.

6. Solve using a Computer Algebra System.

a) 5
4y  2y
9
b) 7
3k  2  4k
c) 2w  9
5w
2  0
d) 5
7n  9n
11
7. Find the root of each equation using pencil

and paper. Check each solution.

a) 4  (3p  2)  p  10
b) 3
(h  2)  5
3h
c) 2(n  8)  4(2n  1)
d) 3(2k  5)  k  4  (3k
7)
8. A triangle has angle measures that are

related as follows:
the largest angle is eight times the smallest
angle
the middle angle is triple the smallest
angle

a) 3n
8  20

3x

b) 9  4r  27
c) 5x  2  18
d) 7y  6  20

8x

Find the measures of the angles.

4. Cindy has $2.50 to spend on milk and

candy. The milk costs $0.70. Her favourite

candies cost $0.12 each.
a) Write an equation that models the

number of candies that Cindy can afford.

b) Solve the equation.

4.2 Solve Multi-Step Equations, pages 196203

5. Solve using pencil and paper.
a) 3
2m
6m  19
b) 7w  4
w
12  0
c) 3x
7  2x  3
d) 5w  6  4w
3

230 MHR Chapter 4

4.3 Solve Equations Involving Fractions,

pages 204210
9. Find the root of each equation using pencil

and paper. Check each solution.

a)

1
(x  1) 4
3

b)

b4
 5
3

c) 3 

3
(p  1)
4

d) 3 

5x
4
7

10. Find the root of each equation using a

Computer Algebra System. Check each root.

a) 7 
b)

6q
8

1
(u  5)  2u
5
2

y8
3

14. The total of three sisters ages is 39. Dina is

half as old as Michelle and 3 years younger

than Juliette. How old are the sisters?

15. Sven sells hamburgers at a ballpark. He

11. Find the solution to each equation.

a)

4.5 Modelling With Algebra, pages 220229

earns $7.50/h, plus $0.40 for each

hamburger he sells.
a) How much will Sven earn in a 3-h shift

y
4

if he sells 24 hamburgers?

b) How many hamburgers must Sven sell

2
3
b)
(w  5)  (w
2)
3
4
c)

c
3
c5

4
6

d)

2
1
(x
3)  (x  5)
5
2

to earn $100 in a 6.5-h shift?

16. Hitoris rock garden is in the shape of a

trapezoid. The garden has an area of 60 m2

and a depth of 8 m. The front width is
double the back width.

4.4 Modelling With Formulas, pages 211219

h=8m

12. Rearrange each formula to isolate the

A = 60 m2

variable indicated.
a) P  a
b
c

for a (perimeter of a
triangle)

b) C  d

for d (circumference of
a circle)

c) a 

F
m

d) d  mt
b

for F (force)
for t

(distance-time
relationships)

13. The power, P, in an electric circuit is related

to the current, I, and resistance, R, by the

formula P  I 2R.
a) Find the power, in watts (W), when the

current is 0.5 A (amperes) and the

resistance is 600  (ohms).

Without changing the front or back widths,

by how much must Hitori increase the
depth of his garden to double its area?
17. Refer to question 16.
a) Solve this problem using a different

method.
b) Compare the methods. Describe at least

one advantage and one disadvantage of

each approach.

b) What is the resistance of a circuit that uses

500 W of power with a current of 2 A?

c) The resistance in a circuit is 4 . The

same circuit uses 100 W of power. Find

the current in the circuit.

Chapter 4 Review MHR 231

Chapter 4 Practice Test

Multiple Choice

Short Response

For questions 1 to 4, select the best answer.

Show all steps to your solutions.

1. Which is the correct solution for

5. Solve. Express any fractional answers in

x  2  4?

lowest terms.

A x  6

a) y  11  2

B x  2
C x2
D x6
2. k  3 is the correct solution for which

equation?
A 2k  5  1
B k36
C 3k  3  6
D 4k
1  11
3. The speed-distance-time relationship for an

object moving at a constant speed is

d
described by the formula s  . Which of
t
the following correctly describes d in terms
of s and t?
A d

t
s

B d

s
t

C d  st

b)

h
 3
7

c) 3k
5  14
d) 5x  7  8
2x
e) 7r  3(r  2)
f) 2y
(y  3)  4(y  5)
6. Find the root of each equation.

1
(2w  6)  8
3
4a
5
3a  7
b)

4
3
3k
k
3
k
2
c)

8
2
3
4
a)

7. The perimeter of an isosceles triangle is

given by the formula P  2a
b, where

a is the length of each of the equal sides
and b is the length of the third side.

D dst
4. Anthony is 4 years older than his brother
b

Felix. The sum of their ages is 42. Which

equation can you use to find their ages?

a) Rearrange the formula to isolate b.

A 4f  42

b) Rearrange the formula to isolate a.

B 4f
f  42

c) An isosceles triangle has a perimeter of

C f
f
4  42
D 4f
f
4  42

232 MHR Chapter 4

43 cm. The length of the two equal sides

is unknown, but the third side length is
18 cm. What is the length of each of the
equal sides?

Extended Response

10. Murray works at a cell phone service kiosk

in a shopping mall. He earns $8.50/h, plus a

$15 commission for each 1-year service
contract he sells.

Provide complete solutions.

8. Charlene earns $150 more per week than her

roommate Kristi and $100 less than her

other roommate, Sacha. Together the three
friends earn $2050 per week. How much
does each girl earn per week?

a) Find the amount Murray makes in 8 h

when he sells seven service contracts.

b) How many service contracts does Murray

need to sell to earn $790 in a 40-h work

week?

9. Solve and check.

8  2(2p  3)  6  (p
3)

Chapter Problem Wrap-Up

The first season of Canadian Superstar is a wrap! Will

there be a second season? The sponsors use a weighted
rating system that factors in the audience demographic
(who watches the show). Their research suggests that the
viewing audience is made up of 50% girls, 30% boys, and
20% adult viewers. The formula for the shows weighted
rating score, R, is
R

5g
3b
2a
10

g represents the girls average rating of the show, out

of 10.
b represents the boys average rating of the show, out
of 10.
a represents the adults average rating of the show, out
of 10.
The sponsors agree to pick up the show for a second
season if the first season earns a weighted rating of 8 or
better. Part of the ratings have been recorded in a table:
Viewers

Girls

Boys

Adults

Average Rating

not available

7.4

8.1

The girls ratings have not yet been recorded, but early feedback suggests
that the show was significantly more popular with girls than with boys
and adults. Do you think that there will be a second season? Justify your
reasoning. What minimum girls average rating is necessary to ensure a
second season?

Chapter 4 Practice Test MHR 233