Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3: LINEAR EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES

Chapter Objectives
By the end of this chapter, the student should be able to
 Solve linear equations (simple, dual-side variables, infinitely many solutions or no
solution, rational coefficients)
 Solve linear inequalities
 Solve literal equations with several variables for one of the variables

Contents
CHAPTER 3: LINEAR EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES ............................................................................. 111

SECTION 3.1: LINEAR EQUATIONS ........................................................................................................ 112

A. VERIFYING SOLUTIONS ............................................................................................................. 112

B. ONE-STEP EQUATIONS ............................................................................................................. 112

C. TWO-STEP EQUATIONS ............................................................................................................ 114

D. GENERAL EQUATIONS .............................................................................................................. 115

E. SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH FRACTIONS ................................................................................. 117

F. CONDITIONAL, IDENTITY AND CONTRADICTION EQUATIONS................................................ 119

EXERCISES ......................................................................................................................................... 121

SECTION 3.2: LINEAR INEQUALITIES ..................................................................................................... 122

A. GRAPHING LINEAR INEQUALITIES............................................................................................ 122

B. SOLVING LINEAR INEQUALITIES ............................................................................................... 124

C. TRIPARTITE INEQUALITIES........................................................................................................ 125

EXERCISES ......................................................................................................................................... 127

SECTION 3.3: LITERAL EQUATIONS ....................................................................................................... 128

EXERCISES ......................................................................................................................................... 133

CHAPTER REVIEW.................................................................................................................................. 134

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 Chapter 3
SECTION 3.1: LINEAR EQUATIONS
A. VERIFYING SOLUTIONS
A linear equation is made up of two expressions that are equal to each other. A linear equation may have
one or two variables in it, where each variable is raised to the power of 1. No variable in a linear equation
can have a power greater than 1.

Linear equation: 2𝑦𝑦 = 3𝑥𝑥 + 1

(Each variable in the equation is raised to the power of 1)
Not a linear equation: 𝑦𝑦 2 = 3𝑥𝑥 + 1
(y is raised to the power of 2, therefore this is not linear)
The solution to an equation is the value, or values, that make the equation true. Given a solution, we plug
the value(s) into the respective variable(s) and then simplify both sides. The equation is true if both sides
of the equation equal each other.

MEDIA LESSON
Is it a solution? (Duration 5:00)

View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

A solution to an equation is the _______________for the _______________ that makes the equation

_______________. To test a possible solution, _______________ the _______________ with the

_______________.

Example. Is 𝑎𝑎 = 3 the solution to 4𝑎𝑎 − 18 = 2𝑎𝑎? Explain your answer.

___________________________________________________________________________

YOU TRY

a) Verify that 𝑥𝑥 = −3 is a solution to the algebraic equation 5𝑥𝑥 − 2 = 8𝑥𝑥 + 7.

b) Is 𝑚𝑚 = −1 a solution to the algebraic equation 𝑚𝑚 + 9 = 3𝑚𝑚 + 5?

c) Is 𝑎𝑎 = 5 a solution to the algebraic equation −4(𝑎𝑎 + 1) = 6(1 − 𝑎𝑎)?

B. ONE-STEP EQUATIONS
The Addition Property of Equality
If 𝒂𝒂 = 𝒃𝒃, then for any number 𝒄𝒄,
𝒂𝒂 + 𝒄𝒄 = 𝒃𝒃 + 𝒄𝒄
That is, if we are given an equation, then we are allowed to add the same number to both sides of the
equation to get an equivalent statement.

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MEDIA LESSON
Addition Principle (Duration 5:00)

View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

To clear a negative we _______________ it to _______________.

Example (follow the structure in the video and fill in the diagram below)

𝑥𝑥 − 9 = 4

The Multiplication Property of Equality

If 𝒂𝒂 = 𝒃𝒃, then for any number 𝒄𝒄,

𝒂𝒂 ∙ 𝒄𝒄 = 𝒃𝒃 ∙ 𝒄𝒄
That is, if we are given an equation, then we are allowed to multiply by the same number on both
sides of the equation to get an equivalent statement.

We use these two properties to help us solve an equation. To solve an equation means to “undo” all the
operations of the equation, leaving the variable by itself on one side. This is known as isolating the
variable.

MEDIA LESSON
Multiplication (Division) Principle (Duration 5:00)

View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

To clear multiplication we _______________ both sides by the _______________.

Example (follow the structure in the video and fill in the diagram below)

−8𝑥𝑥 = 72

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 NOTE: When using the Multiplication Property of Equality on an equation like
−𝑥𝑥 = 4
It is easier to think of the negative in front of the variable as a −1 being multiplied by 𝑥𝑥, that is
−1 ∙ 𝑥𝑥 = 4
We then multiply both sides by −1 to isolate the variable.
(−1) ∙ −1 ∙ 𝑥𝑥 = 4 ∙ (−1)
⟹ 1 ∙ 𝑥𝑥 = −4
⟹ 𝑥𝑥 = −4
When using the Multiplication Property of Equality on an equation where the coefficient is a number
other than 1
3𝑥𝑥 = 3
we take the coefficient’s reciprocal then multiply both sides of the equation by that reciprocal. This
will isolate the variable, that is
1 1
� � ∙ 3 ∙ 𝑥𝑥 = 3 ∙ � �
3 3
3
⟹ 1 ∙ 𝑥𝑥 =
3
⟹ 𝑥𝑥 = 1

YOU TRY

Solve.

a) 𝑥𝑥 + 7 = 18 b) 𝑟𝑟 − 4 = 5

c) −4 + 𝑏𝑏 = 45 d) 3 = 19 + 𝑚𝑚

e) −3𝑦𝑦 = −42 f) −5 = −𝑥𝑥

C. TWO-STEP EQUATIONS
Steps to solve a linear two-step equation.

1. Apply the Addition Property of Equality.

2. Apply the Multiplication Property of Equality to isolate the variable.
3. Check by substituting your answer into the original equation.

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MEDIA LESSON
Basic Two Step (Duration 4:59)

View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

Simplifying we use order of operations and we _______________ before we _______________. Solving

we work in reverse so we will _______________ first and then _______________ second.

Example (follow the structure in the video and fill in the diagram below)

−9 = −5 − 2𝑥𝑥

YOU TRY

Solve for the variable in each of the following equations. Check your answers.

a) Solve: 2𝑏𝑏 − 4 = 12 Check:

b) Solve: 4 + 3𝑟𝑟 = 5 Check:

c) Solve: 3 = 19 − 2𝑚𝑚 Check:

d) Solve: 11 − 𝑦𝑦 = 32 Check:

D. GENERAL EQUATIONS
We will now look at some more general linear equations, that is, equations that require more than two
steps to solve. These equations may have more than one of the same variable on each side of the equal
sign

𝑥𝑥 − 5 = 4𝑥𝑥 + 7
and/or may contain parentheses

3(4𝑛𝑛 − 2) = 5(𝑛𝑛 + 3)

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MEDIA LESSON
General Equations (Duration 5:00)

View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

Move variables to one side by

______________________________________________________________.

Sometimes we may have to _______________ first. Simplify by _______________ and______________

_________________________________________________________________________ on each side.

Example (follow the structure in the video and fill in the diagram below)

2𝑥𝑥 + 7 = −5𝑥𝑥 − 3

Use the following steps to solve a general equation.

1. Simplify each side of the equation. Remove parentheses if necessary. Combine like terms.
2. Add terms on each side of the equation so that all terms containing the variable are on one side of
the equal sign and all constant terms are on the other side.
3. Simplify each side of the equation by combining like terms.
4. Apply the Multiplication Property of Equality to isolate the variable.
5. Check by substituting the solution into the original equation.

YOU TRY

Solve for the variable in each of the following equations. Check your answers.

a) Solve: 𝑥𝑥 − 5 = 4𝑥𝑥 + 7 Check:

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b) Solve: 3(4𝑛𝑛 − 2) = 5(𝑛𝑛 + 3) Check:

c) Solve: 4 − (2𝑦𝑦 − 1) = 2(5𝑦𝑦 + 9) + 𝑦𝑦 Check:

E. SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH FRACTIONS

When solving linear equations with fractions, it is vital to remember the Multiplication Property of
Equality. Previously, we’ve only dealt with coefficients that were integers. Now we will be looking at
coefficients that are rational numbers.
5𝑥𝑥
= −5
6
We can manipulate the left side of this equation as such
5
∙ 𝑥𝑥 = −5
6
Looking at it this way, we can then use the Multiplication Property of Equality and multiply both sides of
the equation by the coefficient’s reciprocal
6 5 6
� � ∙ ∙ 𝑥𝑥 = −5 ∙ � �
5 6 5
⟹ 1 ∙ 𝑥𝑥 = −6
⟹ 𝑥𝑥 = −6
Another way to solve this type of equation is to clear the fractions in the equation by multiplying by the
LCD.

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 Chapter 3
MEDIA LESSON
Distributing with Fractions (Duration 5:00)

View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

Important: Always _______________first and _________________________ second.

Solve the equation below by multiplying the equation by the LCD.

2 5 7
(𝑥𝑥 + 4) = 5 � 𝑥𝑥 − �
3 6 15

YOU TRY
𝑥𝑥
a) Solve: = −5 Check:
6

3 Check:
b) Solve: 4
𝑎𝑎 =8

5
c) Solve: 0 = − 4 �𝑥𝑥 − 5�
6 Check:

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F. CONDITIONAL, IDENTITY AND CONTRADICTION EQUATIONS

Types of Equations

There are three types of linear equations.

1. Conditional equation: An equation is a conditional equation when there is one unique

solution, i.e., x = number. This is the most popular type that you encounter more often.

2. Identity equation: An equation is an identity when there are infinitely many solutions
where the solution to the equation is all real numbers. Hence, we can choose any
number for the variable and this number will make the statement true.

3. Contradiction equation: An equation is a contradiction when the solution is no

solution. Hence, there is no number for the variable such that the statement is true.

MEDIA LESSON
Types of Linear Equations (3:44)
View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

A conditional equation is an equation that is only _____________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

2𝑥𝑥 − 1 = 5

An identity is an equation that is always ____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

2𝑥𝑥 − 6 = 2(𝑥𝑥 − 3)

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A contradiction is an equation that is always _________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
1 1
(𝑥𝑥 − 1) = 𝑥𝑥 + 2
2 2

YOU TRY

Solve. State whether the equation is conditional, identity or contradiction.

a) 3(2𝑦𝑦 − 5) = 6𝑦𝑦 − 15

b) 2(3𝑛𝑛 − 5) − 4𝑛𝑛 = 2𝑛𝑛 + 7

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EXERCISES
Solve for the variable in each of the following equations. Reduce, simplify, and check your answers.
Show all steps, and box your answer.

1) 8𝑥𝑥 − 2 = 30

2) 5 − 𝑥𝑥 = 3

1
3) − 𝑥𝑥 − 4 = 8
2

2
4) 𝑥𝑥 + 3 = 15
3

5) 4𝑥𝑥 − 8 = −𝑥𝑥 + 7

3 1 9 3
6) 𝑥𝑥 − = 𝑥𝑥 +
4 2 8 2

7) 6𝑥𝑥 − 4(−2𝑥𝑥 + 8) = 10

8) −2(4𝑥𝑥 − 2) = −2(𝑥𝑥 − 8)

9) (2𝑥𝑥 − 7) − (4𝑥𝑥 + 8) = 4(𝑥𝑥 + 6)

10) 2(4𝑥𝑥 + 3) = 8𝑥𝑥 + 1

11) 5(𝑥𝑥 + 6) − 𝑥𝑥 = 4(𝑥𝑥 + 7) + 2

3 5 113
12) − 𝑚𝑚 =
4 4 24

8 1 4 2 13
13) − − 𝑥𝑥 = − 𝑥𝑥 − �− 𝑥𝑥 + 1�
3 2 3 3 4

14) 5(𝑥𝑥 − 4) + 4 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 3(𝑥𝑥 + 2) − 22

15) 2(𝑥𝑥 − 1) + 3 = 3𝑥𝑥 − (𝑥𝑥 + 4)

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 Chapter 3
SECTION 3.2: LINEAR INEQUALITIES
A. GRAPHING LINEAR INEQUALITIES
An algebraic inequality is a mathematical sentence connecting an expression to a value, variable, or
another expression with an inequality sign. Below is a table of inequalities we will be using

Symbol In Words Examples

< less than 1 < 2 “1 is less than 2”
> greater than 4 > 3 “4 is greater than 3”
≤ less than or equal to 0 ≤ 5 “0 is less than 5”
≥ greater than or equal to −1 ≥ −1 “−1 is equal to −1”
≠ not equal 3 ≠ 4 “3 is not equal to 4”

A solution to an inequality is a value that makes the inequality true. For example, a solution to the
inequality

𝑥𝑥 < 1
may be 0 since 0 is indeed less than 1. However, 2 cannot possibly be a solution since 2 is not less than 1.

NOTE: The inequality symbols < and > can be quite easy to interpret, however, the inequalities
symbols ≤ and ≥ on the other hand, can be tricky. For example,
𝑥𝑥 ≤ 1
is read as “𝑥𝑥 is less than or equal to 1.” The keyword here is the word “or.” The word “or” tells us that
our solution can be less than 1 or equal to 1. So 0 is a solution to this inequality since 0 is less than 1.
As it turns out, 1 is also a solution to this inequality. The solution 1 is not less than 1 but it is
equivalent to 1, thus 1 is a solution.
Notice that this reasoning does not work with strict inequalities.

To graph an inequality, let us look at 𝑥𝑥 < 1. We first draw a number line and mark the number in our
inequality on the line.

1
We then draw an open circle or closed circle (depending on the inequality symbol) on the number line,
above the number we marked.

1
The final step is to draw a line in the direction of the solutions.

1
Remember: We use an open circle ∘ with the symbols < and >, and a closed circle ∙ with the symbols ≤
or ≥.

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 Chapter 3
MEDIA LESSON
Interval Notation (Duration 3:04)

View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

Interval notation is used to _____________________ a graph with _______________ numbers.

Interval notation will always be read _______________ to ______________.

( , )

We use _______________ parentheses for less/greater than, and _______________ for less/greater

than or equal to.

The symbols −∞ and ∞ will always use _______________ parentheses.

Example, graph the interval (−∞, −1) on the number line below.

YOU TRY

a) Determine whether the number 4 is a solution to the following inequalities.

𝑥𝑥 > 1 𝑥𝑥 < 1 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 9 𝑥𝑥 > 4 𝑥𝑥 ≥ 4
 Yes  No  Yes  No  Yes  No  Yes  No  Yes  No

b) Graph the following inequalities in the box below. Write the solution using interval notation.

Inequality Graph Interval Notation

𝑥𝑥 > 2

𝑥𝑥 ≥ 2

𝑥𝑥 < −2

𝑥𝑥 ≤ −2

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 Chapter 3
B. SOLVING LINEAR INEQUALITIES
A linear inequality has the form

𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 < 𝑐𝑐
where 𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏, and 𝑐𝑐 are real numbers. This definition is the same for ≤, ≥, or >.

To solve linear inequalities we use the following properties (in the following properties we use the <
symbol. Keep in mind that these properties work with the other inequality symbols too):

The Addition Property of Inequalities

For real numbers 𝒂𝒂, 𝒃𝒃, and 𝒄𝒄, if 𝒂𝒂 < 𝒃𝒃, then 𝒂𝒂 + 𝒄𝒄 < 𝒃𝒃 + 𝒄𝒄.

The Multiplication Property of Inequalities

For real numbers 𝒂𝒂, 𝒃𝒃, and 𝒄𝒄 > 𝟎𝟎, if 𝒂𝒂 < 𝒃𝒃, then 𝒂𝒂 ∙ 𝒄𝒄 < 𝒃𝒃 ∙ 𝒄𝒄
If 𝒄𝒄 < 𝟎𝟎, then 𝒂𝒂 ∙ 𝒄𝒄 > 𝒃𝒃 ∙ 𝒄𝒄
When we are multiplying or dividing by a negative number, we reverse the sign of the inequality.

Steps to solve a general equation.

1. Simplify each side of the inequality. Remove parentheses if necessary. Collect like terms.
2. Add terms on each side of the inequality so that all terms containing the variable are on one side
and all constant terms are on the other side.
3. Simplify each side of the inequality by combining like terms.
4. Apply the Multiplication Property of Inequalities to isolate the variable.
5. Check by substituting the solution (endpoint and a value from the solution set) into the original
inequality.

MEDIA LESSON
Solving (Duration 5:00)

View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

Solving inequalities is just like ______________________________.

The only exception is if you _______________ or _______________ by a _______________, you must

_______________.

Example. Solve the inequality below using the video as a guide. Write the solution in interval notation.

7 − 5𝑥𝑥 ≤ 17

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 Chapter 3
YOU TRY

Solve the inequality, check your answer, and graph the solution on a number line. Give the solution in
interval notation.

a) 3𝑥𝑥 > 𝑥𝑥 + 6

b) 3 − 5𝑎𝑎 ≤ 2(𝑎𝑎 + 5)

c) −5(𝑥𝑥 + 2) ≥ −3(𝑥𝑥 + 4)

C. TRIPARTITE INEQUALITIES
We have been dealing with inequalities where the variable (or expression containing the variable) is on
the left or the right side of a number. We will now look at a special type of inequality called a tripartite
inequality, where the expression containing the variable is between two numbers, for example

−1 < 𝑥𝑥 < 1
The solution for this inequality in interval notation is (−1, 1). Graphing the solution we get

-1 1
Below is another example.

−1 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 < 1
The solution for this inequality in interval notation is [−1, 1). Graphing the solution we get

-1 1

MEDIA LESSON
Tripartite inqualities (Duration 5:00)

View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

A tripartite inequality is a __________ part inequality. We use a tripartite inequality when our variable is

_______________ two numbers.

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 Chapter 3
When solving these type of inequalities we will

__________________________________________________.

When graphing, we will graph the inequality _______________________ the numbers.

Example. Solve in the inequality below. Write the solution in interval notation.

5 < 5 − 4𝑥𝑥 ≤ 13

YOU TRY

a) Which of the following values are in the solution set for −3 ≤ 𝑛𝑛 < 5?

𝑛𝑛 = −5 𝑛𝑛 = −3 𝑛𝑛 = 0 𝑛𝑛 = 4.9 𝑛𝑛 = 5 𝑛𝑛 = 12
b) Write a compound inequality to represent the following situation. Clearly indicate what the variable
represents.

A number is greater than or equal to 5 but less than 8

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 Chapter 3
EXERCISES
1) Which of the following values are in the solution set for 𝑥𝑥 < 3?
5
𝑥𝑥 = 0 𝑥𝑥 = −1 𝑥𝑥 = −5 𝑥𝑥 = 3 𝑥𝑥 = 5 𝑥𝑥 = −
3
2) Which of the following values are in the solution set for 𝑥𝑥 ≥ −1?
5
𝑥𝑥 = 0 𝑥𝑥 = −1 𝑥𝑥 = −5 𝑥𝑥 = 3 𝑥𝑥 = 5 𝑥𝑥 = −
3
3) Which of the following values are in the interval [−2, ∞)?
5
𝑥𝑥 = 0 𝑥𝑥 = −1 𝑥𝑥 = −5 𝑥𝑥 = 3 𝑥𝑥 = 5 𝑥𝑥 = −
3
4) Which of the following values are in the interval (−∞, −1)?
5
𝑥𝑥 = 0 𝑥𝑥 = −1 𝑥𝑥 = −5 𝑥𝑥 = 3 𝑥𝑥 = 5 𝑥𝑥 = −
3
5) Which of the following values are in the interval (−1, 5]?
5
𝑥𝑥 = 0 𝑥𝑥 = −1 𝑥𝑥 = −5 𝑥𝑥 = 3 𝑥𝑥 = 5 𝑥𝑥 = −
3
6) Which of the following values are in the interval −5 < 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 3?
5
𝑥𝑥 = 0 𝑥𝑥 = −1 𝑥𝑥 = −5 𝑥𝑥 = 3 𝑥𝑥 = 5 𝑥𝑥 = −
3

For questions 7-14, solve the inequality, check your answer, and graph the solution on a number line.
Give the solution in interval notation.

7) 7 − 4𝑥𝑥 ≥ −5

8) 4𝑥𝑥 ≤ 2𝑥𝑥 + 12

9) 14𝑚𝑚 + 8 > 6𝑚𝑚 − 8

10) 5(−2𝑎𝑎 − 8) ≤ −9𝑎𝑎 + 4

11) 6𝑥𝑥 + 13 < 5(2𝑥𝑥 − 3)

12) 3 ≤ 9 + 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 7
𝑥𝑥
13) 5 ≥ + 1
5

14) −4 < 8 − 3𝑚𝑚 ≤ 11

15) Translate the statement into a compound inequality.

A number 𝑛𝑛 is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 8

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 Chapter 3
SECTION 3.3: LITERAL EQUATIONS
A literal equation is synonymous with a formula and is similar to solving general linear equations
because we apply the same method. Hence, methods never change, just the problems. The only
difference is we have several variables in the equation and we will attempt to solve for one specific
variable of the formula.

MEDIA LESSON
Solving literal equations – part 1 (Duration 8:14)

View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

What are literal equations: _______________________________________________________________

____________________ __________________________ __________________________

What does it mean to “solve” a literal equation? _____________________________________________

Example 1: Solve for 𝑏𝑏 in each of the following equations.

2𝑏𝑏 = 8 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝑐𝑐

5 + 𝑏𝑏 = 9 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 = 𝑐𝑐

2𝑏𝑏 + 1 = 13 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑐𝑐 = 𝑑𝑑

Example 2: Solve the following equation for 𝑐𝑐: 4𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 32

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 Chapter 3
Example 3: Solve the following equation for 𝐵𝐵: 𝐴𝐴 = 𝐵𝐵 + 𝐶𝐶 + 𝐷𝐷

MEDIA LESSON
Solving literal equations – part 2 (Duration 8:21)

View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

Example 4: Solve the following equation for 𝑥𝑥: 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 𝑏𝑏

Example 5: Solve the following equation for 𝑦𝑦: 3𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑦𝑦 = 20

Example 4: Solve the following equation for 𝑦𝑦: 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦 = 5

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 Chapter 3
9
Example 5: Solve the following equation for 𝐶𝐶: 𝐹𝐹 = 𝐶𝐶 + 32
5

MEDIA LESSON
Solving literal equations – multi-steps (Duration 4:59)

View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

Example 1: 𝑎𝑎(3𝑥𝑥 + 𝑏𝑏) = 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 for 𝑥𝑥

Example 1: 3(𝑎𝑎 + 2𝑏𝑏) + 5𝑏𝑏 = −2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 for 𝑎𝑎

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 Chapter 3
MEDIA LESSON
Solving literal equations with fractions (Duration 4:58)

View the video lesson, take notes and complete the problems below.

Clear fractions by ______________________________________________________________________

May have to _____________________________________________ first!

5 𝑏𝑏
Example 1: + 4𝑎𝑎 = for 𝑥𝑥
𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥

1
Example 2: 𝐴𝐴 = ℎ(𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐) for 𝑏𝑏
2

YOU TRY

a) Solve the equation 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛 = 𝑝𝑝 for 𝑛𝑛.

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 Chapter 3
b) Solve the equation 𝑎𝑎(𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦) = 𝑏𝑏 for 𝑥𝑥.

2𝑚𝑚
c) Solve the equation ℎ = for 𝑚𝑚.
𝑛𝑛

𝑎𝑎 𝑐𝑐
d) Solve the equation + = 𝑒𝑒 for 𝑐𝑐.
𝑏𝑏 𝑏𝑏

𝐴𝐴
e) Solve the equation 𝑎𝑎 = for 𝑏𝑏.
2−𝑏𝑏

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 Chapter 3
EXERCISES
Solve each of the following equations for the indicated variable.

1) 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝑐𝑐 for 𝑏𝑏 𝑎𝑎 for 𝑥𝑥

2) 3𝑥𝑥 =
𝑏𝑏

3)
𝑓𝑓
𝑥𝑥 = 𝑏𝑏 for 𝑥𝑥 4) 𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚𝑐𝑐 2 for 𝑚𝑚
𝑔𝑔

5) 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑐𝑐 = 𝑏𝑏 for 𝑐𝑐 6) 𝑝𝑝 = 𝑛𝑛(𝑝𝑝 − 𝑐𝑐) for 𝑛𝑛

7) 𝑋𝑋 = 𝑃𝑃(𝑄𝑄 − 𝑋𝑋) for 𝑄𝑄 8) 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 = 𝑐𝑐 for 𝑎𝑎

9) 2𝑚𝑚 + 𝑝𝑝 = 4𝑚𝑚 + 𝑞𝑞 for 𝑚𝑚 10) 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙ℎ = 𝑉𝑉 for 𝑤𝑤

1 𝑐𝑐 for 𝑎𝑎 12) 𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑦𝑦 = 3 for 𝑦𝑦

11) + 𝑏𝑏 =
𝑎𝑎 𝑎𝑎

13) 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 5 for 𝑡𝑡 14) 𝑇𝑇 = 𝐷𝐷 − 𝑑𝑑 for 𝐷𝐷

15) 𝑝𝑝 = 𝑛𝑛(𝑝𝑝 − 𝑐𝑐) for 𝑛𝑛

Log on to Canvas to take the section quiz

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 Chapter 3
CHAPTER REVIEW
KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS
Look for the following terms and concepts as you work through the workbook. In the space below, explain
the meaning of each of these concepts and terms in your own words. Provide examples that are not identical
to those in the text or in the media lesson.

Linear Equation

Solution to
a Linear Equation

Addition Property
Of Equality

Multiplication Property of
Equality

Algebraic Inequality

<

>

Addition Property of
Inequalities

Multiplication Property of
Inequalities

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 Chapter 3

Identity equation

Conditional equation

Contradiction equation

Literal equation

Solve the equations.

• If your answer is a fraction, write it in fraction form and reduce it completely.

• If the equation has no solution, then write “No solution.”
• If the equation is true for all real numbers, then write “All real numbers.”

1) −7 = 𝑎𝑎 + 4 2)
1
=8
𝑎𝑎
2

3) 0 = −6𝑣𝑣 4) −12 + 3𝑧𝑧 = 0

𝑛𝑛 𝑥𝑥
5) −8 + = −7 6) − 8 = −8
12 1

7) −4𝑛𝑛 + 11 = 2(1 − 8𝑛𝑛) + 3𝑛𝑛 8) 8(−8𝑛𝑛 + 4) = 4(−7𝑛𝑛 + 8)

1 29 4 2 10) −3(−7𝑣𝑣 + 3) + 8𝑣𝑣 = 5𝑣𝑣 − 4(1 − 6𝑣𝑣)

9) 𝑛𝑛 + =2� 𝑛𝑛 + �
3 6 3 3

11) −6(8𝑘𝑘 + 4) = −8(6𝑘𝑘 + 3) − 2 12) 16𝑥𝑥 − 2 − 8𝑥𝑥 − 2 = 8𝑥𝑥 − 4

Graph the inequalities and rewrite the inequalities in interval notation.

13) 1 ≥ 𝑘𝑘 14) −5 < 𝑥𝑥 15) 𝑛𝑛 > −5

Solve the inequality. Graph the solution and write the solution in interval notation.
𝑥𝑥 17) −2(3 + 𝑘𝑘) < −44
16) ≥ 10
11

18) −5𝑣𝑣 − 5 < −5(4𝑣𝑣 + 1) 𝑚𝑚 6

19) ≤−
5 5

𝑥𝑥 21) 3(𝑛𝑛 + 3) + 7(8 − 8𝑛𝑛) < 5𝑛𝑛 + 5 + 2

20) 5 ≥ +1
5

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 Chapter 3
22) 3 ≤ 9 + 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 7 23) −3 < 𝑥𝑥 − 1 < 1

24) −4 < 8 − 3𝑚𝑚 ≤ 11 25) −11 ≤ 𝑛𝑛 − 9 ≤ −5

𝑥𝑥 𝑝𝑝
26) 0 ≥ ≥ −1 27) 1≤ ≤0
9 8

Solve each of the following equations for the indicated variable.

1 𝑐𝑐 𝑘𝑘−𝑚𝑚
28) + 𝑏𝑏 = for 𝑎𝑎 29) = 𝑞𝑞 for 𝑘𝑘
𝑎𝑎 𝑎𝑎 𝑟𝑟

4𝑦𝑦
30) 𝑐𝑐 = for 𝑦𝑦
𝑚𝑚+𝑛𝑛

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