2.

3 Algebraic Equations

We just finished talking about expressions. In this lesson, we are going to

build up to equations. An equation is basically two expressions linked
together with and equal sign, “=.”

Solutions:

A solution of an equation is a value that makes the equation a true

statement. Some equations have one solution. Others have more than one.
Any equation with one or more solutions is called a conditional statement.

Normally, you only run into equations that have solutions, but there are
some “oddball” cases. Despite their rarity, it is still important to know what
they are.

An equation with an infinite number of solutions:

Let’s consider the equation x = x. How many solutions does it have? Notice
that no matter what value you substitute for x, the equation is true. This may
be a simple example, but it is an example nevertheless. And this type of
equation is so important, it has a special name: an identity. In later courses,
you will run into much more complicated identities. The formulas you use all
the time are all identities as well.

An equation with no solutions:

Now let’s look at the equation x +5 = x + 10. Suppose that you attacked this
equation with guess and check. After a while, you would notice that none of
your attempts works. This is because this equation has no solutions. This is
clearer if we subtract x on both sides of the equation. This results in the
statement 5 = 10. And of course, this isn’t true! Statements such as these
arrive often during later courses, when you are dealing with proofs. This type
of equation is also important enough to have a name: a contradiction.
Classify the following equations as conditional, identity
or contradiction. Provide justification for your answer.
If it is conditional, provide the solutions.

1. x 2  x ( x )

 x
2
2. x  8   4(2  x )  x
3. 3x  9  3x  10

Answers are on the following page

Solutions:
1. x 2  x( x)
x2  x2
00 identity

 x
2
2. x  8   4(2  x )  x
x  8  x  8  4x  x
x  8  4 x  8
5x  0
x0 conditional
3. 3 x  9  3 x  10
 9  10 false contradiction