Chapter 1: Linear Equations: Math 121:: Mathematical Applications

Chapter 1: Linear Equations
Math 121: : Mathematical Applications
Dr. Trevor Leach

tleach@lander.edu
Lander University
Chapter 1: Linear Equations 1 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Overview
1 1.1 Functions & Problem Intercepts

Solving Slope and Rate of Change
What is a function? Writing Equations of Lines
Evaluating a Function 4 1.4 Systems of Equations
Problem Solving Graphical Solutions
2 1.2 Solutions to Linear Solving By Substitution
Equations Solving By Elimination
Equations in 1 Variable 5 1.5 Applications
Solving linear equations in 1 Profit, Revenue, and Cost
Variable Supply, Demand, and
3 1.3 Graphs of Linear Functions Market Equilibrium

1.1 Functions & Problem Solving
1.1 Functions & Problem Solving

1.1 Functions & Problem Solving What is a function?
What is a function?

What is a function?
Definition (function)
A function f is a special relation between x and y such that each
input x results in exactly one y . The symbol f (x) is read “f of x”
and is called the value of f at x

What is a function?
You can think of a function as a machine: you give it input, and it

spits out exactly one output based on the input you give it.

1.1 Functions & Problem Solving Evaluating a Function
Evaluating a Function

Evaluating a Function
To evaluate a function, think of x as simply a place holder.
When we want to evaluate a function f at, say, the point x = 3, we

just replace x with 3.
For instance, if f (x) = 3x 2 + 4x − 7, then

f (3) = 3(3)2 + 4(3) − 7 = 32.
NOTE: When we substitute an equivalent expression ALWAYS

substitute using parentheses.
For example f (3a + 4) = 3(3a + 4)2 + 4(3a + 4) − 7

Example
Let f (x) = 2x 2 + 5x and evaluateeach function value.
(a) f (−2) (b) f (0) (c) f 12 (d) f (4)

1.1 Functions & Problem Solving Problem Solving
Problem Solving

Problem Solving: Polya’s Method

What is the most
important step?
I The First!
(But Why?)
I If you can’t
understand the
problem, can
you ever hope
to persevere in
solving it?
So how do we make sure we understand the problem?

I Look for the question mark!
Example (Depreciation)
A business is purchased for $122,880 and depreciated over a period of
10 years. It’s value y is related to the number of months of service x
by the equation
y = 122, 880 − 1, 024x
How much was the business worth at the beginning of the 10 year
period?

1.2 Solutions to Linear Equations
1.2 Solutions to Linear Equations

1.2 Solutions to Linear Equations Equations in 1 Variable
Equations in 1 Variable

Definition Definition
An expression is a meaningful An equation is a statement that
string of numbers, variable, & relates two expressions to be
operations. equal.
Example Example
3x − 2 3x − 2 = 7
Definition
A solution is a value for the variable(s) that make a statement to be
true.
Example
x = 3 is a solution to the statement 3x − 2 = 7. Since
3(3) − 2 = 7
9−2=7
7 = 7X
Equations in 1 Variable
Definition
A solution set is the set of ALL possible solutions. Equations that
are true for all possible values are called identities.
Example
2(x − 1) = 2x − 2 is true for all possible values for x.

1.2 Solutions to Linear Equations Solving linear equations in 1 Variable
Solving linear equations in 1 Variable

3 Tools For Solving
I Substitution Property:
The equation formed by substituting one expression for an
equivalent expression is equivalent to the original equation.
Example
Since 2(x + 1) = 2x + 2, then by the
substitution property the equation
2(x + 1) = 4
is equivalent to the equation

2x + 2 = 4.

3 Tools For Solving
I Addition Property:
The equation formed by adding the same quantity to both
sides of an equation is equivalent to the original equation.
Example
Using the addition property
2x + 2 = 4
is equivalent to the equation

2x + 2 + (−2) = 4 + (−2).

3 Tools For Solving
I Multiplication Property:
The equation formed by multiplying both sides of an equation by
the same nonzero quantity is equivalent to the original equation.
Example
Using the multiplication property
1
x =6
3
is equivalent
tothe equation
1
3 x = 3 (6)
3

Solving Linear Equations

The following procedure is based on three properties of equality and
with it we can solve any linear equation in one variable.
Procedure Example: 3x4 + 3 = x−13

1. Eliminate Fractions 12 3x4 + 3 = 12 x−1 3
2. Remove Parenthesis 9x + 36 = 4x − 4
3. Use addition property to isolate all 9x + 36−4x−36 = 4x − 4−4x−36
terms with a variable to one side. 5x = −40
4. Use multiplication property to isolate 5x
5
= −40
5
variable gives x = −8
3(−8)
5. Check the solution by substitutions 4
+ 3 = −3 = (−8)−1
3
X

Example (Solve the following linear equations)

2z 3x+1 x
(a.) 3
= −6 (b.) 2
= 3
−3

Example (Population)
Using data from 1980 and projected to 2050, the number of
pupper/doggos is given by
y = 0.876x + 6.084 million

Where x is the number of years after 1980. When will the number of
pupper/doggos equal 36.74 million?

Applications in Business
Definition
Profit is the amount of money earned (or lost) by producing x units.

Example (Applications in Business)

A company making fidget spinners has a profit function modeled by:
5x − 4P = 1200
Where P is the profit of making x amount of fidget spinners.
A) How many units must be sold to make a profit of $150?
B) Solve the equation for P in terms of x. Find the profit when 240
units are sold.

1.3 Graphs of Linear Functions

Linear Functions
Definition
A linear function is a function that can be written in the form
y = f (x) = ax + b
where a and b are constants.
Example
All of the following are linear
functions,
1. y = 3x + 4
2. 21 x − 2y = 9
3. y = 0
1.3 Graphs of Linear Functions Intercepts
Intercepts

Intercepts
The graph of a linear function is a line, only two distinct points are
necessary to determine its graph. It is frequently possible to use
intercepts to graph a linear function.
Definition
The point(s) where a graph intersects the x-axis are called the
x-intercept points, and the x-coordinates of these points are the
x-intercepts. The point(s) where a graph intersects the y-axis are
called the y-intercept points, and the y-coordinates of these points
are the y-intercepts.

Intercepts
To find intercepts:
1. To find the y -intercept(s) of the graph of an equation,
set x = 0 in the equation and solve for y .
Note: A linear function of x has exactly one y -intercept.
2. To find the x-intercept(s), set y = 0 and solve for x.
Note: A linear function of x has at most one x-intercept.

Intercepts
For the function x + y = 1.
1. To find the y -intercept(s) of the graph of an equation,
set x = 0 so (0) + y = 1 ⇒ y = 1 and our y -intercept is (0, 1)
2. To find the x-intercept(s), set y = 0 and solve for x. so
x + (0) = 1 ⇒ x = 1 and our y -intercept is (1, 0).
4
Note: When we found x = 1 and
y = 1; these two things
2
DO NOT go together. They are
separate things. The point(1,1) is
NOT on the line!
−1 1 2 3 4 5
−2
Example
Find the intercepts and graph the following.
(a.) 3x + 2y = 9 (b.) x = 4y

1.3 Graphs of Linear Functions Slope and Rate of Change
Slope and Rate of Change

Rate of Change
Definition
The rate of change of a linear function is
called the slope of the line.
For the graph of a linear function, the ratio

of the change in y to the corresponding
change in x measures the slope of the line.
Note:
I The slope of a vertical line is undefined.


The slope of any non-vertical line
passing through points (x1 , y1 ) &
(x2 , y2 ) is
∆y y2 − y1
m= =
∆x x2 − x1
Where ∆y (read as “delta y ”)
means “change in y ”.
And ∆x (read as “delta x”)

means “change in x”. Note:
I The slope of a vertical line is I The slope of a horizontal line
undefined. is m = 0.

To find the slope of the line passing through (−2, 1) & (4, 3) we
compute
3−1 2 1
m= = =
4 − (−2) 6 3
Observe that it is also,
1−3 −2 1
m= = =
−2 − 4 −6 3

Example
Find the slope of
(a) line `1 , passing through (3, 0) and (4, −3)
(b) line `2 , passing through (−2, 1) and (−2, 4)
(c) line `3 , passing through (1, 4) and (2, 4).

1.3 Graphs of Linear Functions Writing Equations of Lines
Writing Equations of Lines

Point-Slope Form
Definition
The equation of the line passing through the
point (x1 , y1 ) and with slope m can be
written in the point-slope form
y − y1 = m(x − x1 )

Point-Slope Form
To find the equation of the line passing through (−2, 1) & (4, 3) we
compute
3−1 2 1
m= = =
4 − (−2) 6 3
Then we use point-slope form
1
y −1= (x − (−2))
3
OR
1
y −3= (x − 4)
3

Example
Write an equation for each line that passes through (1, 2) and has
(a.) slope 32 (b.) undefined slope (c.) point (2, 3) also on the line.

In general, vertical lines have undefined slope and the equation form
x = a, where a is the x-coordinate of each point on the line.
Horizontal lines have m = 0 and the equation form y = b, where b

is the y -coordinate of each point on the line.
The point-slope form, with the y -intercept point (0, b), can be used
to derive a special form for the equation of a line.
y − b = m(x − 0)
⇒ y = mx + b

Slope Intercept Form
The slope-intercept form of the equation of a line with slope m and

y -intercept b is
y = mx + b
Note:
I If a linear equation has the form y = mx + b, then the coefficient
of x is the slope and the constant term is the y -intercept.

Example (Population)
The population of guinea pigs, (in thousands), projected from 2000
to 2060 can be modeled by:
y = 1125.9x + 142,690
Where x is the number of years after 2000.

A) Find the slope and y -intercept
B) What does the y-intercept tell us?
C) Interpret the slope

Forms of Linear Equations
General Form : ax + by + c = 0
Point-Slope Form : y − y1 = m(x − x1 )
Slope-Intercept Form : y = mx + b
Vertical Lines : x = a
Horizontal Lines : y = b

1.4 Systems of Equations

Definition
A system of equations is 2 (or more)
equations. A solution of a system of equations is
a point (x, y ) that are solutions to all equations.
When a system has two equations, a solution is

an ordered pair (x, y) that satisfies both
equations.
Note:
I It is possible for a system to have no
solution or infinitely many solutions.

1.4 Systems of Equations Graphical Solutions
Graphical Solutions

Graphical Solutions
We have graphed linear equations in two variables and observed that

the graphs are straight lines. Each point on the graph represents an
ordered pair of values (x, y ) that satisfies the equation, so a point of
intersection of two (or more) lines represents a solution to both (or
all) the equations of those lines.
We can use graphing to find the solution of a system of equations.

Three Special Cases
In order to discuss three special cases, we will use Desmos to solve the
systems of linear equations, and describe the graphs of each system.
a. (
2x + 3y = 12
4x + 6y = 30
b. (
8x + 6y = 24
4x + 3y = 12
c. (
2x + 3y = 4
x − 2y = 3

Three Special Cases
a. (
2x + 3y = 12
4x + 6y = 30
No Solution

Three Special Cases
b. (
8x + 6y = 24
4x + 3y = 12
Infinitely many solutions
They are the same line!

Three Special Cases
c. (
2x + 3y = 4
x − 2y = 3
One Solution

1.4 Systems of Equations Solving By Substitution
Solving By Substitution

The Substitution Method
To solve using the substitution method:

1. Solve one of the equations for one of the variables
(e.g., y = 100–x).
2. Substitute the resulting expression into the other equation.
3. Solve this “new” linear equation.
4. Substitute the solution into either of the original equations to
find the value of the other variable.
5. Check the solution in both of the original equations.

The Substitution Method

(
4x + 5y = 18 (1)
Solve the system
3x − 9y = −12 (2)

1.4 Systems of Equations Solving By Elimination
Solving By Elimination

The Elimination Method
1. Write the equations in such a way that the like terms are aligned.
2. Multiply all terms (i.e., both sides) of one equation by a
constant—and possibly all terms of the other equation by a
different constant—so that one of the sets of like terms has
opposite coefficients. (e.g., 4x & -4x)
3. Add the two equations and solve.
4. Substitute the solution into either of the original equations to
find the value of the other variable.
5. Check the solution in both of the
original equations.

The Elimination Method

(
4x + 5y = 18 (1)
Solve the system
3x − 9y = −12 (2)

Example (Concert Tickets)

A concert promoter needs to make $42,000 from the sale of 1,800
tickets. The promoter charges $20 for standard tickets and $30 for
premium tickets. How many tickets of each type must be sold to
yield the $42,000?

Example (Investments)
Suppose that your friend has $10,000 invested in two funds. Fund A
yields an annual return of 10%, and Fund B returns 15% per year on
the investment. The total annual return from the two investments is
$1,200. How much has your friend invested in each of the funds?

Example (Mixture Problem)

A nurse has two solutions that contain different concentrations of a
certain medicine. One is 20% the other is 5%. How many cubic
centimeters of each should they mix to obtain 10 cc of a 6.5%
solution?

1.5 Applications
1.5 Applications

1.5 Applications Profit, Revenue, and Cost
Profit, Revenue, and Cost

Profit, Revenue, and Cost
The profit a firm makes on its product is the difference between the
amount it receives from sales (its revenue) and its cost.
If x units are produced and sold, we can write
P(x) = R(x) − [ C (x) ]
Where
P(x) = profit from selling x units

R(x) = revenue from selling x units
C (x) = cost from selling x units

Revenue
In general, Revenue is found by using the equation
Revenue = (price per unit)(number of units)

Cost
The Cost is composed of two parts: fixed costs and variable costs.
Fixed Costs (FC), such as depreciation, rent, utilities, and so on,

remain constant regardless of the number of units produced.
Variable Costs (VC) are costs directly related to the production of

each unit produced such as materials. Thus
Cost = VC · (number of units) + FC

Example
Suppose a firm manufactures MP3 players and sells them for $50
each. The costs incurred in the production and sale of the MP3
players are $200,000 plus $10 for each player produced and sold.
Write the profit function for the production and sale of x players.

Marginals
Definition
The marginal profit (MP), is the amount of profit
each addition unit sold produces.
The marginal revenue (MR), is the amount of
revenue each addition unit sold produces.
The marginal cost (MC ), is the amount of cost each
addition unit sold produces.
Note:
I MP = Slope of P(X )
I MR = Slope of R(X )
I MC = Slope of C (X )
Example
Suppose that the cost (in dollars) for a product is C = 21.75x + 4890.
What is the marginal cost for this product, and what does it mean?

Break Even Analysis

Break Even Analysis
Definition
Break Even is when you don’t lose or gain money, that is P(x) = 0.
Note:
P(x) = 0 ⇐⇒ R(x) − C (x) = 0

⇐⇒ R(x) = C (x).
So another way to find the break even point is to set R(x) = C (x).

Example
A manufacturer sells a product for $10 per unit. The manufacturer’s
variable costs are $2.50 per unit and the cost of 100 units is $1,450.
How many units must the manufacturer produce each month to
break even?

Graphing the previous example we see that if we sell less than 160
units it results in a negative profit (losing money) and if we sell more
than 160 units it results in a positive profit (gaining money).

1.5 Applications Supply, Demand, and Market Equilibrium
Supply, Demand, and Market Equilibrium

Definition
Market equilibrium occurs when the quantity of a
commodity demanded is equal to the quantity supplied.
Demand by consumers for a commodity is related to the

price of the commodity. The law of demand states that
the quantity demanded will increase as price decreases and
that the quantity demanded will decrease as price increases.
The law of supply states that the quantity supplied for

sale will increase as the price of a product increases.

If the supply and demand curves for a commodity are graphed on the
same coordinate system, with the same units, market equilibrium
occurs at the point where the curves intersect.
The price at that point is the equilibrium price, and the quantity at
that point is the equilibrium quantity.

Example
Find the market equilibrium point for the following supply and
demand functions.
Demand: p = −3q + 36
Supply: p = 4q + 1

Example
A group of wholesalers will buy 50 Dryers per month if the price is
$200 and 30 per month if the price is $300. The manufacturer is
willing to supply 20 if the price is $210 and 30 if the price is $230.
Assuming both supply and demand are linear functions, find the
equilibrium point for the market.

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Chapter 1: Linear Equations

Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Dr. Trevor Leach

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 1 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

1 1.1 Functions & Problem Intercepts

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 2 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

1.1 Functions & Problem Solving

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 3 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 4 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 5 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

You can think of a function as a machine: you give it input, and it

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 6 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 7 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

When we want to evaluate a function f at, say, the point x = 3, we

For instance, if f (x) = 3x 2 + 4x − 7, then

NOTE: When we substitute an equivalent expression ALWAYS

For example f (3a + 4) = 3(3a + 4)2 + 4(3a + 4) − 7

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 8 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 9 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 10 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Problem Solving: Polya’s Method

So how do we make sure we understand the problem?

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 12 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

1.2 Solutions to Linear Equations

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 13 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 14 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 16 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Solving linear equations in 1 Variable

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 17 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

3 Tools For Solving

is equivalent to the equation

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 18 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

3 Tools For Solving

is equivalent to the equation

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 19 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

3 Tools For Solving

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 20 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Solving Linear Equations

Procedure Example: 3x4 + 3 = x−13

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 21 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Example (Solve the following linear equations)

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 22 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

y = 0.876x + 6.084 million

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 23 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 24 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Example (Applications in Business)

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 25 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

1.3 Graphs of Linear Functions

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 26 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

where a and b are constants.

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 28 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 29 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 30 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 32 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

Slope and Rate of Change

Chapter 1: Linear Equations 33 / 79 Math 121: : Mathematical Applications

For the graph of a linear function, the ratio