Speyside High School

Additional Mathematics
Form 4

Solving Simultaneous Equations (one linear and one quadratic)

 Solutions to simultaneous equation really represent the x∧ y values where the two graphs
of these functions intersect.
 To solve a pair simultaneous equation where one equation is linear and the other is a
quadratic we can use a several strategies. However, we will focus on the method of
substitution.

Example 1: Solve
y=2 x 2−3 x+ 1
y +2=4 x
Solution:

y=2 x 2−3 x+ 1… .(1) =

y=4 x−2 …(2)
(1) – (2) 0=2 x 2−7 x +3

Using (2), make y the subject and substitute in (1) y=4 x−2
2
2 x −3 x +1=4 x−2
See page 65 for full solution.

For further practice try Exercise 2.10 page 67

2
5 x −13 x−6=0
Step 1 :a ×c=−30
Step 2 : Find pairs of factors of −30.
Select the one whose ∑ ¿−13∧ product=−30
Step 3 :replace bx with thosethe ∑ of those two factors (−13 x=−15 x +2 x)
Step 4 : Factorise∈pairs
2
5 x −13 x−6=0
5 x 2−15 x +2 x −6=0
5 x ( x−3 )+ 2(x−3)=0
( x−3)(5 x+ 2)=0
( x−3 ) =0∨5 x +2=0
−2
x=3∨x=
5

Using (1)
when x=3 , y=15 ( 3 ) +3=48
when x=
−2
5
, y=15 ( )
−2
5
+ 3=−3

−2
Solution: ( 3 , 48 ) ∧( ,−3)
5

EQUATIONS REDUCIBLE TO A QUADRACTIC ( See page 56)

Some equations may be difficult to solve in their original form in such cases in may be possible
to reduce them to a quadratic in one unknown variable by making a simple substitution. Once
this is done the quadratic can then be solved using an appropriate strategy.

Example:
Solve: 32 x+1−7 ( 3 x )−6=0

Solution: Let m=3 x

Now 32 x+1=32 x ∙3 1

If m=3 x then m2=32 x .

This means that 32 x+1=32 x ∙3 1=m 2 ∙ 3=3 m2

Now we reduce the equation to a quadratic my making the required substitutions. Now we have:
2
3 m −7 m−6=0
−2
Solve as we would quadratics to get m=3∧m=
3

Now substitute those results into your initial substitution to get:

x
m=3

x −2 x
3=3 ∨ =3
3
x
If 3=3
Then 31=3 x which means x=1.

−2 x
Also, =3 isinvalid
3

Now try #1(a), 2(a), 3(a), 4(a), 5(a) Ex.2.8 on page 57

x
4 =2
2x
2 =2
2 x=1
1
x=
2

Example 2: Solve x−3 √ x−4=0

1
92=√ 9
1
8 3 =√ 8=2
3

1
√ 13=13 2

Laws of indices
1
x a =√a x
2
( √ x) =x

1
√ x=x 2
Solution:

x−3 √ x−4=0

Let a=√ x .

Now ¿
This means a 2=x

Now we have:

a 2−3 a−4=0
a=4∨a=−1

Since a=√ x then :

4= √ x∨−1=√ x

4= √ x
x=16

For −1= √ x the solution is invalid

Try #1 (b), 2 (b), 3(b), 4(b), 5(b). Page 57 Ex.2.8