Chapter 6

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C H A P T E R
6
Algebra II
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Objectives
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To understand equality of polynomials
To use equating coefficients to solve problems
To solve quadratic equations by various methods
To use rates to solve problems
To resolve a rational algebraic expression into partial fractions
To find the coordinates of the points of intersection of linear graphs with
r parabolas
r rectangular hyperbolae
r circles
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6.1 Polynomial identities
Polynomials are introduced in Chapter 3 of Essential Mathematical Methods 1 & 2. A
polynomial function has a rule of the type
y = an x n + an−1 x n−1 + . . . a1 x + a0 , n ∈ N
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where a0 , a1 , . . . an are numbers called coefficients.

The degree of a polynomial is given by the value of n, the highest power of x with non-zero
coefficient.
Two polynomials are equal if they give the same value for all x. If two polynomials are
equal then they are of the same degree, and corresponding coefficients are equal.
For example, if ax + b = cx 2 + d x + e, then c = 0, d = a and e = b

if x 2 − x − 12 = x 2 + (a + b)x + ab then ab = −12 and a + b = −1
This process is called equating coefficients.
Example 1
If the expressions (a + 2b)x 2 − (a − b)x + 8 and 3x 2 − 6x + 8 are equal for all x, find the
values of a and b.
151
Cambridge University Press • Uncorrected Sample Pages • 978-0-521-61252-4
2008 © Evans, Lipson, Jones, Avery, TI-Nspire & Casio ClassPad material prepared in collaboration with Jan Honnens & David Hibbard
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152 Essential Advanced General Mathematics
Solution
If (a + 2b)x 2 − (a − b)x + 8 = 3x 2 − 6x + 8 for all x,
then a + 2b = 3 and −(a − b) = −6
Solve as simultaneous equations
a + 2b = 3 ... 1
−a + b = −6 . . . 2
Add 1 and 2
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3b = −3
∴ b = −1
Substitute into 2
∴ a=5
Example 2
If
then
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Express x 2 in the form c(x − 3)2 + a(x − 3) + d.
Solution
x 2 = c(x − 3)2 + a(x − 3) + d,

x 2 = c(x 2 − 6x + 9) + a(x − 3) + d
= cx 2 + (a − 6c)x + 9c − 3a + d
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which implies c=1 ... 1
a − 6c = 0 ... 2
9c − 3a + d = 0 ... 3
From 2 a=6
and from 3 9 − 18 + d = 0
i.e. d=9
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∴ x 2 = (x − 3)2 + 6(x − 3) + 9
Example 3
Find the values of a, b, c and d such that
x 3 = a(x + 2)3 + b(x + 1)2 + cx + d for all x.
Solution
Expand the right hand side.
a(x 3 + 6x 2 + 12x + 8) + b(x 2 + 2x + 1) + cx + d
Collect like terms.
ax 3 + (6a + b)x 2 + (12a + 2b + c)x + (8a + b + d)
If x 3 = ax 3 + (6a + b)x 2 + (12a + 2b + c)x + (8a + b + d)

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Chapter 6 — Algebra II 153
then a =1 ... 1
6a + b =0 ... 2
12a + 2b + c =0 ... 3
8a + b + d =0 ... 4
Substituting a = 1 into 2 gives

b = −6a
= −6
Substituting a = 1 and b = −6 into 3 gives
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12 − 12 + c = 0
∴ c=0
Substituting a = 1 and b = −6 into 4 gives
8−6+d =0
∴
Example 4
PL d = −2
x 3 = (x + 2)3 − 6(x + 1)2 − 2
Show that 2x 3 − 5x 2 + 4x + 1 cannot be expressed in the form a(x + b)3 + c.
Solution
Assume that 2x 3 − 5x 2 + 4x + 1 can be expressed in the form a(x + b)3 + c
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i.e., 2x 3 − 5x 2 + 4x + 1 = a(x + b)3 + c
Expanding the right hand side
2x 3 − 5x 2 + 4x + 1 = a(x 3 + 3bx 2 + 3b2 x + b3 )c

= ax 3 + 3abx 2 + 3ab2 x + ac
Equating coefficients a=2 1 ...

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3ab = −5 2 ...
3ab2 = 4 3 ...
and ab3 + c = 1 4 ...
√
5 2 6
From 2 b = − , but from 3 b = =
6 3 3
We have a contradiction and therefore have shown that 2x 3 − 5x 2 + 4x + 1 cannot be
expressed in the form a(x + b)3 + c.
Exercise 6A
Example 1
1 If ax 2 + bx + c = 10x 2 − 7, find the values of a, b and c.
2 If (2a − b)x 2 + (a + 2b)x + 8 = 4x 2 − 3x + 8, find the values of a and b.

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3 If (2a − 3b)x 2 + (3a + b)x + c = 7x 2 + 5x + 7, find the values of a, b and c.
4 If 2x 2 + 4x + 5 = a(x + b)2 + c, find the values of a, b and c.

Example 2 5 Express x 2 in the form c(x + 2)2 + a(x + 2) + d.
6 Express x 3 in the form (x + 1)3 + a(x + 1)2 + b(x + 1) + c.

Example 3 7 Find the values of a, b and c such that x 2 = a(x + 1)2 + bx + c.
Example 4 8 a Show that 3x 3 − 9x 2 + 8x + 2 cannot be expressed in the form a(x + b)3 + c.
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b If 3x 3 − 9x 2 + 9x + 2 can be expressed in the form a(x + b)3 + c, then find the
values of a, b and c.
9 Show that constants a, b, c and d can be found such that
n 3 = a(n + 1)(n + 2)(n + 3) + b(n + 1)(n + 2) + c(n + 1) + d
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10 a Show that no constants can be found such that
n 2 = a(n + 1)(n + 2) + b(n + 2)(n + 3)
b Express n 2 in the form a(n + 1)(n + 2) + b(n + 1) + c
11 a Express a(x + b)2 + c in expanded form.

b Express ax 2 + bx + c in completed square form.
12 Prove that, if ax 3 + bx 2 + cx + d = (x − 1)2 ( px + q), then

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b = d − 2a and c = a − 2d
13 If 3x 2 + 10x + 3 = c(x − a)(x − b) for all values of x, find the values of a, b and c.
14 If n is any number, show that n 2 can be expressed in the form

a(n − 1)2 + b(n − 2)2 + c(n − 3)2 , and find the values of a, b and c.
15 If x 3 + 3x 2 − 9x + c is of the form (x − a)2 (x − b), show that c = 5 or c = −27 and

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find a and b for each of these cases.
6.2 Quadratics and rates

Quadratics
The general expression of a quadratic function is y = ax 2 + bx + c, x ∈ R, a = 0
The number of solutions to the quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 can be determined by the
discriminant, , where = b2 − 4ac
i If b2 − 4ac > 0, the quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 has two real solutions
ii If b2 − 4ac = 0, the quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 has one real solution
iii If b2 − 4ac < 0, the quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 has no real solutions
A quadratic equation may be solved by factorising, completing the square or using the general
√
−b ± b2 − 4ac
quadratic formula x = . The following example demonstrates each method.
2a
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Example 5
Solve the following quadratic equations for x.

a x 2 + 3x = 4 b 3x 2 + 4x = 2 c 9x 2 + 6x + 1 = 0
Solution
a Rearranging the quadratic equation x 2 + 3x − 4 = 0
Factorising (x + 4)(x − 1) = 0
x + 4 = 0 or x − 1 = 1
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Applying the null factor law
Therefore x = −4 or 1
Note: = 32 − 4 × 1 × (−4) = 25, so there are two real solutions.
Using the TI-Nspire
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Use Solve( ) from the Algebra menu (b
1) as shown.
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Using the Casio ClassPad
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Enter and highlight the equation

2x 2 + 5x − 12 = 0, tap Interactive,
Equation/inequality, solve and ensure
the variable is set to x.

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3x + 4x
−2=0
2
b Rearranging the quadratic equation
4
3 x2 + x − 2 = 0
2 3
b
Add and subtract to ‘complete the square’
2
2 2
4 2 2
3 x + x+
2
− −2=0
3 3 3

2 2 4
3 x+ − −2=0
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3 9

2 2 4
3 x+ − −2=0
3 3
2 2 10
3 x+ =
3 3
2 2 10
Note:
Therefore
PL x+
3
x+ =±
2
3
x=
=
9√
x=− ±
2
3
10
3 √
−2 + 10
3
√
10
3
= 42 − 4 × 3 × (−2) = 40, so there are two real solutions.

or
3
√
−2 − 10
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c Consider 9x 2 + 6x + 1 = 0
√
−b ± b2 − 4ac
Using the general quadratic formula x =
2a
√
62 − 4 × 9 × 1
−6 ±
x=
2×9
√
−6 ± 0
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=
18
1
Therefore x = −
3
More simply 9x 2 + 6x + 1 = (3x + 1)2
Note: = 62 − 4 × 9 × 1 = 0, so there is one real solution.
Example 6
Consider the quadratic equation x 2 − 4x = t. Make x the subject and give the values of t for
which real solution(s) to the equation can be found.

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Solution
x 2 − 4x = t
Completing the square x 2 − 4x + 4 = t + 4
(x − 2)2 = t + 4
√
x −2=± t +4
√
x =2± t +4
For real solutions to exist, t + 4 ≥ 0, i.e., t ≥ −4
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Using the TI-Nspire
4 1) as shown.
PL
M
Enter and highlight the equation x 2 − 4x = t,
tap Interactive, Equation/inequality, solve and
ensure the variable is set to x.
SA
Variable t is found in the

Note: menu in the
keyboard screen.

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Example 7
A rectangle has an area of 288 cm2 . If the width is decreased by 1 cm, and the length increased
by 1 cm, the area would be decreased by 3 cm2 . Find the original dimensions of the rectangle.
Solution
Let w and l be the width and length, in centimetres, of the original rectangle.
wl = 288 ... 1
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Therefore
The dimensions of the new rectangle are w − 1 and l + 1, and the area is 285 cm2
Therefore (w − 1)(l + 1) = 285 ... 2
Rearranging 1 to make l the subject, and substituting in 2 gives
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(w − 1)
288 −

288
w
w−
288
w
288
w

+ 1 = 285
+ w − 1 = 285
+2=0
w 2 + 2w − 288 = 0
Using the general quadratic formula x =

√
−b ± b2 − 4ac
2a
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√
−2 ± 22 − 4 × 1 × −288
w=
2×1
= −18 or 16
But w > 0, so w = 16. The original dimensions of the rectangle are 16 cm by 18 cm.
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Rates
A rate describes how a certain quantity changes with respect to the change in another quantity
(often time). An example of a rate is ‘speed’. A speed of 60 km/h gives us a measure of how
fast an object is travelling. A further example is ‘flow’, where a rate of 20 L/min is going to fill
an empty swimming pool faster than, say, a rate of 6 L/min.
Many problems are solved using rates, which can be expressed as fractions. For example, a
60(km)
speed of 60 km/h can be expressed in fraction form as .
1(h)
It is often first necessary to add two or more fractions with different denominators, as shown
in the following examples.

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Example 8
6 6
a Express + as a single fraction.
x x +8
6 6
b Solve the equation + = 2 for x.
x x +8
Solution
a 6 + 6 = 6(x + 8) + 6x
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x x +8 x(x + 8) x(x + 8)
6x + 48 + 6x
=
x(x + 8)
12(x + 4)
=
x(x + 8)
b Since
then
6
x
+
PL
6
x +8
12(x + 4)
x(x + 8)
=
=2
12(x + 4)
x(x + 8)
12(x + 4) = 2x(x + 8)
6(x + 4) = x(x + 8)
6x + 24 = x 2 + 8x
0 = x 2 + 2x − 24
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0 = (x + 6)(x − 4)
x +6= 0 or x − 4 = 0
x = −6 or x=4
Example 9
A tank is filled by two pipes. The smaller pipe alone will take 24 minutes longer than the larger
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pipe alone, and 32 minutes longer than when both pipes are used. How long will each pipe take
to fill the tank alone? How long will it take for both pipes used together to fill the tank?
Solution
Let C cubic units be the capacity of the tank, and x minutes the time it takes for the
larger pipe alone to fill the tank. Therefore the average rate of flow for the larger pipe
C
is cubic units per minute.
x
Since the smaller pipe alone takes (x + 24) minutes to fill the tank, the average rate
C
of flow for the smaller pipe is cubic units per minute.
x + 24

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The average rate of flow when both pipes are used together is the sum of these two
C C
rates, + cubic units per minute.
x x + 24
C C C(x + 24) + C x
Expressed as a single fraction, + =
x x + 24 x(x + 24)
2C(x + 12)
=
x(x + 24)
The time taken to fill the tank using both pipes is
2C(x + 12) x(x + 24)
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C÷ =C×
x(x + 24) 2C(x + 12)
x(x + 24)
=
2(x + 12)
The time taken for the smaller pipe to fill the tank can be also be expressed as
x(x + 24)
2(x + 12)
i.e.
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+ 32
x(x + 24)
2(x + 12)
+ 32 = x + 24
x(x + 24)
2(x + 12)
= x −8
x(x + 24) = 2(x + 12)(x − 8)

x 2 + 24x = 2x 2 + 8x − 192
0 = x 2 − 16x − 192
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0 = (x − 24)(x + 8)
x − 24 = 0 or x +8=0
x = 24 or x = −8 (but x > 0)
It takes 24 minutes for the larger pipe alone to fill the tank, and 48 minutes for the
smaller pipe alone to fill the tank, and 16 minutes to fill the tank using both pipes.
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Exercise 6B
Example 5 1 Solve the following quadratic equations for x.
a −x 2 + 2x = 1 b x 2 − 6x + 9 = 0 c 5x 2 − 10x = 1
d −2x 2 + 4x = 1 e 2x 2 + 4x = 7 f 6x 2 + 13x + 1 = 0
Example 6
2 Make x the subject in each of the following and give the values of t for which real
solution(s) to the equation can be found.
a 2x 2 − 4t = x b 4x 2 + 4x − 4 = t − 2
c 5x 2 + 4x + 10 = t d t x 2 + 4t x + 10 = t

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3 a Solve the quadratic equation x 2 + 3x − 9 = 0 for x, giving exact solutions.

b i Solve the quadratic equation x 2 + px − 16 = 0 in terms of p.
ii Find the value(s) of p, where 0 ≤ p ≤ 10 and p is a natural number, for which the
quadratic equation in i has a natural number solution.
4 A pole 10 m long leans against a wall. The bottom

of the pole is 6 m from the wall. If the bottom of the xm
pole is pulled away x m so that the top slides down
by the same amount, find x.
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10 m
8m
Example
Example
8
9
5 a Express −
6
x
6
x +3
6
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as a single fraction.
b Solve the equation −

x
6
x +3
= 1 for x.
6 The sum of the reciprocals of two consecutive odd numbers is

equation and hence determine the two numbers.
36
323
. Form a quadratic
6m
7 A car travels from town A to town B, a distance of 600 km, in x hours. A plane, travelling
220 km/h faster than the car, takes five and a half hours less to cover the same distance.
xm
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a Express, in terms of x, the average speed of the car and the average speed of the plane.
b Find the actual average speed of each of them.
8 A car covers a distance of 200 km at a speed of x km/h. A train covers the same distance at
a speed of (x + 5) km/h. If the time taken by the car is 2 hours more than that taken by the
train, find x.
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1
9 A man travels 108 km, and finds that he could have made the journey in 4 hours less had
2
he travelled at an average speed 2 km/h faster. What was the man’s average speed when he
made the trip?
10 A bus is due to reach its destination 75 km away at a certain time. The bus usually travels
with an average speed of x km/h. Its start is delayed by 18 minutes but, by increasing its
average speed by 12.5 km/h, the driver arrives on time.
a Find x. b How long did the journey actually take?
11 Ten minutes after the departure of an express train, a slow train starts, travelling at an
average speed of 20 km/h less. The slow train reaches a station 250 km away 3.5 hours
after the arrival of the express. Find the average speed of each of the trains.
12 When the average speed of a car is increased by 10 km/h the time taken for the car to
make a journey of 105 km is reduced by 15 minutes. Find the original average speed.

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1
13 A tank can be filled with water by two pipes running together in 11 minutes. If the larger
9
pipe alone takes 5 minutes less to fill the tank than the smaller pipe, find the time that each
pipe will take to fill the tank.
20
14 At first two different pipes running together will fill a tank in minutes. The rate that
3
water runs through each of the pipes is then adjusted. If one pipe, running alone, takes
1 minute less to fill the tank at its new rate, and the other pipe, running alone, takes
2 minutes more to fill the tank at its new rate, then the two running together will fill the
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tank in 7 minutes. Find in what time the tank will be filled by each pipe running alone at
the new rates.
15 The journey between two towns by one route consists of 233 km by rail followed by
126 km by sea. By a second route the journey consists of 405 km by rail followed by
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39 km by sea. If the time taken for the first route is 50 minutes longer than for the second
route, and travelling by rail is 25 km/h faster than travelling by sea, find the average speed
by rail and the average speed by sea.
16 A freighter sailing due north at 12 km/h sights a cruiser straight ahead at an unknown
distance and speeding due east at unknown speed. After 15 minutes the vessels are 10 km
apart and then, 15 minutes later, they are 13 km apart. (Assume both travel at constant
speeds.) How far apart are the vessels when the cruiser is due east of the freighter?
17 A cask A, of capacity 20 litres, is filled with wine. A certain quantity of wine from A is
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poured into a cask B which also has a capacity of 20 litres. Cask B is then filled with
20
water. After this cask A is filled with some of the mixture from cask B. A further litres
3
of the mixture now in A is poured back into B, and the two casks now have the same
amount of wine. How much wine was first taken out of cask A?
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6.3 Partial fractions

A rational function is the quotient of two polynomials. If g(x) and h(x) are polynomials,
g(x)
f (x) = is a rational function,
h(x)
x2 + 1
e.g., f (x) =
x2 − 1
g(x)
If the degree of g(x) < the degree of h(x), then is a proper fraction.
h(x)
g(x)
If the degree of g(x) ≥ the degree of h(x), then is an improper fraction.
h(x)
It is convention to consider rational functions for their maximal domain. For example,
x2 + 1
is only considered for R\{−1, 1}.
x2 − 1

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A rational algebraic function may be expressed as a sum of separate functions by resolving

it into what are called partial fractions. This can help in the sketching of graphs of these
functions or performing other mathematical procedures such as integration.
Proper fractions
For proper fractions, the technique used for obtaining partial fractions depends on the type of
factors in the denominator of the original algebraic fraction. Only examples where the
denominators have factors that are either 1st degree (linear) or 2nd degree (quadratic) will be
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considered.
For every linear factor (ax + b) in the denominator, there will be a partial fraction of the
A
form
ax + b
For every repeated linear factor (cx + d)2 in the denominator, there will be partial
B C
fractions of the form
PLcx + d
partial fraction of the form 2

and
(cx + d)2
For every irreducible quadratic factor (ax 2 + bx + c) in the denominator, there will be a
Dx + E
ax + bx + c
To resolve an algebraic fraction into its partial fractions, firstly write a statement of identity
between the original fraction and a sum of the appropriate number of partial fractions. Then
express the sum of the partial fractions as a single fraction and note that the numerators of both
sides are equivalent. By choosing an appropriate value(s) for x and/or equating coefficients, the
values of the introduced constants A, B, C, etc. can be found.
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Example 10
3x + 5
Resolve into partial fractions.
(x − 1)(x + 3)
Solution
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Since the denominator has two linear factors, there will be two partial fractions of the
A B
form and
x −1 x +3
3x + 5 A B
Let = + (x ∈ R\{1, −3})
(x − 1)(x + 3) x −1 x +3
Express the right hand side as a single fraction.
3x + 5 A(x + 3) + B(x − 1)
=
(x − 1)(x + 3) (x − 1)(x + 3)
3x + 5 (A + B)x + 3A − B
∴ =
(x − 1)(x + 3) (x − 1)(x + 3)
∴ 3x + 5 = (A + B)x + 3A − B

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Equate the coefficients,
i.e., A+B =3
3A − B = 5
Solving these equations simultaneously,
4A = 8
i.e., A=2
and B=1
3x + 5 2 1
= +
E
Therefore
(x − 1)(x + 3) x −1 x +3
Using the TI-Nspire

Use Expand( ) from the Algebra menu (b
) as shown.
PL
Notice that you can access the fraction
template by typing / .
M
Tap Interactive, Transformation, expand and the Partial Fraction button. Enter the
expression and the variable.
SA

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Example 11
2x + 10
(x + 1)(x − 1)2
Solution
Since there is a repeated linear factor and a single linear factor, there are three partial
fractions such that
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2x + 10 A B C
= + +
(x + 1)(x − 1)2 x + 1 x − 1 (x − 1)2
2x + 10 A(x − 1)2 + B(x + 1)(x − 1) + C(x + 1)
∴ =
(x + 1)(x − 1)2 (x + 1)(x − 1)2
2x + 10 = A(x − 1)2 + B(x + 1)(x − 1) + C(x + 1)
Therefore
First let
∴
∴
∴
Let
∴
PL
To find A, B and C, a combination of methods will be used.
x=1
2(1) + 10 = C(1 + 1)
12 = 2C
C=6
x = −1
2(−1) + 10 = A(−1 − 1)2
∴ 8 = 4A
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∴ A=2
Substitute these values for A and C.
∴ 2x + 10 = 2(x − 1)2 + B(x + 1)(x − 1) + 6(x + 1) . . . 1

= 2(x 2 − 2x + 1) + B(x 2 − 1) + 6(x + 1)
= (2 + B)x 2 + 2x + 8 − B
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Now by equating coefficients,
2+ B =0
and 8− B = 10
∴ B = −2
2x + 10 2 2 6
So = − +
(x + 1)(x − 1)2 x + 1 x − 1 (x − 1)2
The value of B may also be found by substituting x = 0 into equation 1 .

In the exercises for this section, the following result is established: that it is impossible
to find A and C such that
2x + 10 A C
= +
(x + 1)(x − 1) 2 (x + 1) (x − 1)2

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Example 12
x 2 + 6x + 5
(x − 2)(x 2 + x + 1)
Solution
The denominator contains a quadratic factor, which cannot be reduced to linear
factors (an irreducible quadratic), as well as a single linear factor.
x 2 + 6x + 5 A Bx + C
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∴ = + 2
(x − 2)(x + x + 1)
2 x −2 x +x +1
x + 6x + 5
2
A(x 2 + x + 1) + (Bx + C)(x − 2)
∴ =
(x − 2)(x 2 + x + 1) (x − 2)(x 2 + x + 1)
∴ x + 6x + 5 = A(x + x + 1) + (Bx + C)(x − 2)
2 2
x=2
Let
Also
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Since A = 3, then
2 + 6(2) + 5 = A(4 + 2 + 1)
2
21 = 7A
A=3
x + 6x + 5 = A(x 2 + x + 1) + (Bx + C)(x − 2) . . . 1
2
= A(x 2 + x + 1) + Bx 2 − 2Bx + C x − 2C
= (A + B)x 2 + (A − 2B + C)x + A − 2C
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x 2 + 6x + 5 = (3 + B)x 2 + (3 − 2B + C)x + 3 − 2C
Equating coefficients
3+ B =1
∴ B = −2
and 3 − 2C =5
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∴ C = −1
[checking : 3 − 2B + C = 3 − 2(−2) + (−1) = 6]
x 2 + 6x + 5 3 −2x − 1
Therefore = + 2
(x − 2)(x 2 + x + 1) x −2 x +x +1
x 2 + 6x + 5 3 2x + 1
or = − 2
(x − 2)(x 2 + x + 1) x −2 x +x +1
Note:The values of B and C can also be found by substituting x = 0 and x = 1

respectively in equation 1 .
Improper fractions
Improper algebraic fractions can be expressed as a sum of partial fractions by first dividing the
denominator into the numerator to produce a quotient and a proper fraction. The resulting
proper fraction can then be resolved into its partial fractions using the techniques outlined
above.

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Example 13
x5 + 2
Express in partial fractions.
x2 − 1
Solution
Dividing through
x3 + x

x2 − 1 x5 + 2
x5 − x3
E
x3 + 2
x3 − x
x +2
x5 + 2 x +2
∴ = x3 + x + 2
x −1 x −1
Expressing
Using the TI-Nspire

PL
x +2
x −1
2
x5 + 2
x2 − 1
=
x +2
= x3 + x −
Use Expand( ) from the Algebra menu (b

2
(x − 1)(x + 1)
1
as partial fractions,
+
3
2 (x + 1) 2 (x − 1)
) as shown.
M
Notice that you can access the fraction
template by typing / .
SA

Tap Interactive, Transformation, expand and the
Partial Fraction button. Enter the expression and
the variable.

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Partial fractions are summarised through examples, as follows.

Linear factors
3x − 4 A B
= +
(2x − 3)(x + 5) 2x − 3 x + 5
Repeated linear factors
3x − 4 A B C
= + +
(2x − 3)(x + 5) 2 2x − 3 x + 5 (x + 5)2
Irreducible quadratic factors
E
3x − 4 A Bx + C
= + 2
(2x − 3)(x + 5)
2 2x − 3 x +5
g(x)
If f (x) = and the degree of g(x) is greater than or equal to the degree of h(x) then
h(x)
division must be performed first.
Example 10
Exercise 6C
d
(x − 1)(x + 2)
4x + 7
PL
1 Resolve the following rational expressions into partial fractions.
a
5x + 1
b
e
−1
(x + 1)(2x + 1)
7−x
c
3x − 2
x2 − 4
M
x +x −6
2 (x − 4)(x + 1)
Example 11 2 Resolve the following rational expressions into partial fractions.
2x + 3 9 2x − 2
a b c
(x − 3) 2 (1 + 2x)(1 − x) 2 (x + 1)(x − 2)2
Example 12 3 Resolve the following rational expressions into partial fractions.
3x + 1 3x 2 + 2x + 5 x 2 + 2x − 13
SA
a b c
(x + 1)(x 2 + x + 1) (x 2 + 2)(x + 1) 2x 3 + 6x 2 + 2x + 6
Example 13
3x 2 − 4x − 2
4 Resolve into partial fractions.
(x − 1)(x − 2)
5 Find values of A and C such that
2x + 10 A C
= +
(x + 1)(x − 1) 2 x + 1 (x − 1)2

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6 Express each of the following in partial fractions.

1 x 3x + 1
a b c
(x − 1)(x + 1) (x − 2)(x + 3) (x − 2)(x + 5)
1 3x + 5 2
d e f
(2x − 1)(x + 2) (3x − 2)(2x + 1) x −x
2
3x + 1 3x 2 + 8 1
g h i
x3 + x x(x 2 + 4) x − 4x
2
x +3 x3 − x2 − 1 x3 − x2 − 6
j k l
x 2 − 4x x2 − x 2x − x 2
E
x2 − x x2 + 2 2x 2 + x + 8
m n o
(x + 1)(x 2 + 2) x 3 − 3x − 2 x(x 2 + 4)
1 − 2x 3x 2 − 6x + 2 4
p q r
2x 2 + 7x + 6 (x − 1)2 (x + 2) (x − 1) (2x + 1)
2
x 3 − 2x 2 − 3x + 9 x3 + 3 2x − 1
6.4
s
x2 − 4
Simultaneous equations PL t
(x + 1)(x − 1)
u
(x + 1)(3x + 2)
In this section, methods for finding the coordinates of the points of intersection of a linear
graph with different non-linear graphs are discussed. The non-linear graphs are parabolas,
circles and rectangular hyperbolae. The associated relations have been discussed in Essential
Mathematical Methods 1 and 2.
M
Example 14
Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the parabola with equation
y = x 2 − 2x − 2 with the straight line with equation y = x + 4.
SA
Solution
y
Consider x + 4 = x 2 − 2x − 2
y = x 2 – 2x – 2
Then 0 = x 2 − 3x − 6
√ y=x+4
3 ± 9 − 4 × −6 × 1 B
∴ x=
√ 2 A
4
3 ± 33 x
= –4 0
2 –2
The points of intersection
have
√ √
3 − 33 11 − 33
coordinates A , and
2 2
√ √
3 + 33 11 + 33
B ,
2 2

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Using the TI-Nspire

1) as shown.
The and can either be typed or found in
the catalog ( 1 ).
Use the NavPad to move the cursor up to
the solution and see all the solutions.
E
PL
The CAS calculator will give exact values for the
points of intersection.
Turn on the screen keyboard, tap 2D and select
the simultaneous equations symbol .
Enter the equations in the spaces provided and
the variables x, y as shown.
M
Example 15
Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the circle with equation
(x − 4)2 + y 2 = 16 and the line with equation x − y = 0.
SA
Solution
Rearrange x − y = 0 to make y the subject. y
Substitute y = x into the equation of the circle.
i.e., (x − 4)2 + x 2 = 16 (4, 4)

∴ x 2 − 8x + 16 + x 2 = 16
i.e., 2x 2 − 8x = 0 x
0 (4, 0)
2x(x − 4) = 0
x = 0 or x = 4
The points of intersection are (0, 0) and (4, 4)
Example 16
1 2
Find the point of contact of the line with equation x + y = and the curve with equation
9 3
x y = 1.

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Solution
1 2 1
Rewrite the equations as y = − x + and y =
9 3 x
1 2 1 y
Consider − x+ =
9 3 x 1
9 y=
∴ −x + 6 = x
x 1 2
and −x 2 + 6x = 9 y=– x+
9 3 x
Therefore x 2 − 6x + 9 = 0 0
E
and (x − 3)2 = 0, i.e. x = 3

1
The point of intersection is 3,
3
Using the TI-Nspire
PL
1) as shown.
The and can either be typed or found in
the catalog ( 1 ).
The multiplication sign between x and y
is required because the calculator will
consider x y a variable.
M
Turn on the screen keyboard, tap 2D and
SA
select the simultaneous equations symbol

.
Enter the equations in the spaces
provided and the variables x, y as shown.

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Exercise 6D
Example 14 1 Find the coordinates of the points of intersection for each of the following.
a y = x2 b y − 2x 2 = 0 c y = x2 − x
y=x y−x =0 y = 2x + 1
Example 15 2 Find the coordinates of the points of intersection for each of the following.
E
a x 2 + y 2 = 178 b x 2 + y 2 = 125 c x 2 + y 2 = 185
x + y = 16 x + y = 15 x−y=3
d x 2 + y 2 = 97 e x 2 + y 2 = 106
x + y = 13 x−y=4
Example 16
a
x y = 187
PL
3 Find the coordinates of the points of intersection for each of the following.
x + y = 28 b x + y = 51
x y = 518
c
5 Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the curves with equation
y=
1
x −2
+ 3 and y = x.
x−y=5
x y = 126
4 Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the straight line with equation y = 2x
and the circle with equation (x − 5)2 + y 2 = 25.
M
6 Find the coordinates of the points A and B for which the line with equation x − 3y = 0
meets the circle with equation x 2 + y 2 − 10x − 5y + 25 = 0.
y x
7 Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the line with equation − = 1 and
4 5
the circle with equation x 2 + 4x + y 2 = 12.
SA
8 Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the curve with equation
1
y= − 3 and the line with equation y = −x.
x +2
9 Find the coordinates of the point where the line 4y = 9x + 4 touches the parabola with
equation y 2 = 9x.
√
10 Find the coordinates of the point where the line with equation y = 2x + 3 5 touches the
circle x 2 + y 2 = 9.
1
11 Find the coordinates of the point where the straight line with equation y = x + 1
4
1
touches the curve with equation y = − .
x
2
12 Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the curve with equation y =
x −2
and the line y = x − 1.

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Review
Chapter summary
The general expression of a quadratic function is y = ax 2 + bx + c, x ∈ R

A quadratic equation may be solved by
r Factorising
e.g., 2x 2 + 5x − 12 = 0
3
(2x − 3)(x + 4) = 0 ∴ x = or −4
2
E
r Completing the square
e.g.,x 2 + 2x − 4 = 0
2
b
Add and subtract to ‘complete the square’.
2
PL
x 2 + 2x + 1 − 1 − 4 = 0
∴ (x + 1)2 − 5 = 0
∴ (x + 1)2 = 5
√ √
∴ x + 1 = ± 5 ∴ x = −1 + 5
r Using the general quadratic formula x =
e.g., −3x 2 − 12x − 7= 0

−(−12) ± (−12)2 − 4(−3)(−7)
√
−b ± b2 − 4ac
2a
M
x=
√ 2(−3)
6 ± 15
=
−3
The number of solutions to the quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 can be determined by
the discriminant, , where = b2 − 4ac
r If b2 − 4ac > 0, the quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 has two real solutions
SA
r If b2 − 4ac = 0, the quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 has one real solution

r If b2 − 4ac < 0, the quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 has no real solutions
g(x)
A function of the form f (x) = , where g(x) and h(x) are polynomials in x, is called a
h(x)
x +1
rational algebraic function, e.g. f (x) = 2
x −1
Some rational algebraic functions may be expressed as a sum of partial fractions. For every
A
linear factor (ax + b) in the denominator there will be a partial fraction of the form
ax + b
For every repeated linear factor (cx + d)2 in the denominator there will be two partial
B C
fractions of the form and
(cx + d) (cx + d)2

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Review 174 Essential Advanced General Mathematics
For every irreducible quadratic factor (ex 2 + f x + g) in the denominator there will be a
Dx + E
partial fraction of the form
(ex + f x + g)
2
2x + 10
e.g. may be expressed as partial fractions in the form
(x + 1) (x − 1)2
A B C
+ +
(x + 1) (x − 1) (x − 1)2
where A = 2, B = −2 and C = 6
E
Multiple-choice questions
1 If x 2 is written in the form (x + 1)2 + b(x + 1) + c, then the values of b and c are
A b = 0, c = 0 B b = −2, c = 0 C b = −2, c = 1
D b = 1, c = 2
PL
E a = 1, b = −8, c = 12, d = −6
A two real solutions, x = ±1

C no real solutions
E b = 1, c = −2
2 If x 3 = a(x + 2)3 + b(x + 2)2 + c(x + 2) + d, then the values of a, b, c and d are
A a = 0, b = −8, c = 10, d = −6
C a = 1, b = −8, c = 10, d = −6
B a = 0, b = −6, c = 10, d = −8
D a = 1, b = −6, c = 12, d = −8
3 The quadratic equation 3x 2 − 6x + 3 = 0 has

B one real solution, x = −1
D one real solution, x = 1
M
E two real solutions, x = 1 and x = 2
4 The quadratic equation whose solutions are 4 and −6 is
A (x + 4)(x − 6) = 0 B x 2 − 2x − 24 = 0 C 2x 2 + 4x = 48
D −x 2 + 2x − 24 = 0 E x 2 + 2x + 24 = 0
3 5
5 − is equal to
x +4 x −2
−2 2(x + 1) −2(x − 7)
SA
A B C
(x + 4)(x − 2) (x + 4)(x − 2) (x + 4)(x − 2)
2(4x + 13) −2(x + 13)
D E
(x + 4)(x − 2) (x + 4)(x − 2)
4 2x
6 + is equal to
(x + 3)2 x +1
8x 2(3x 2 + x + 18) 3x 2 + 13x + 18
A B C
(x + 3)2 (x + 1) (x + 3)2 (x + 1) (x + 3)2 (x + 1)
2(3x + 13x + 18)
2
2(x + 6x + 11x + 2)
3 2
D E
(x + 3) (x + 1)
2 (x + 3)2 (x + 1)
7x 2 + 13 a bx + c
7 If is expressed in the form + , then the values of a,
(x − 1)(x 2 + x + 2) x − 1 x2 + x + 2
b and c are
A a = 5, b = 0, c = −13 B a = 5, b = 0, c = −10 C a = 5, b = 2, c = −3
D a = 7, b = 2, c = 3 E a = 7, b = 3, c = 13

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Review
4x − 3
8 is equal to
(x − 3)2
3 1 4x 3 9 4
A + B − C +
x −3 x −3 x −3 x −3 x − 3 (x − 3)2
4 9 4 15
D + E −
x − 3 (x − 3)2 x − 3 (x − 3)2
8x + 7
9 is equal to
2x + 5x + 2
2
2 3 2 3 −4 1
A − B + C −
E
2x + 1 x + 2 2x + 1 x + 2 2x + 2 x + 1
−4 1 4 1
D + E −
2x + 2 x + 1 2x + 2 x + 1
−3x 2 + 2x − 1
10 is equal to
(x 2 + 1)(x + 1)
A
D
2
3
+
x +1 x +1
2
−
x +1 x +1
2
3
2
PLB
Short-answer questions (technology-free)

x2
2
3
−
+
3
+1 x +1
2
x +1 x +1
2
C
1 If (3a + b)x 2 + (a − 2b)x + b + 2c = 11x 2 − x + 4, find the values of a, b and c.

2 Express x 3 in the form (x − 1)3 + a(x − 1)2 + b(x − 1) + c.
x2
5
+
2
+1 x +1
M
3 Prove that, if ax 3 + bx 2 + cx + d = (x + 1)2 ( px + q), then b = 2a + d and c = a + 2d.
1
4 Prove that, if ax 3 + bx 2 + cx + d = (x − 2)2 ( px + q), then b = −4a + d and
4
c = 4a − d.
5 Solve the following quadratic equations for x.
a x 2 + x = 12 b x2 − 2 = x c −x 2 + 3x + 11 = 1
SA
d 2x 2 − 4x + 1 = 0 e 3x 2 − 2x + 5 = t f t x2 + 4 = t x
2 3 1
6 Solve the equation − = for x.
x −1 x +2 2
7 Express the following as partial fractions.
−3x + 4 7x + 2 7−x 3x − 9
a b 2−4
c 2 + 2x − 15
d
(x − 3)(x + 2) x x x 2 − 4x − 5
3x − 4 6x 2 − 5x − 16 x 2 − 6x − 4
e f g
(x + 3)(x + 2)2 (x − 1)2 (x + 4) (x 2 + 2)(x + 1)
−4x + 5 −2x + 8
−x + 4 i j
h (x + 4)(x − 3) (x + 4)(x − 3)
(x − 1)(x 2 + x + 1)
8 Express each of the following in partial fractions.
14(x − 2) 1 3x 3
a b c
(x − 3)(x 2 + x + 2) (x + 1)(x 2 − x + 2) x 2 − 5x + 4

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Review 176 Essential Advanced General Mathematics
9 Find the coordinates of the points of intersection for each of the following.
a y = x2 b x 2 + y 2 = 16 c x+y=5
y = −x x+y=4 xy = 4
10 Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the line with equation 3y − x = 1 and
the circle with equation x 2 + 2x + y 2 = 9.
E
Extended-response questions
1 A train completes a journey of 240 km at a constant speed.

a If it had travelled 4 km/h slower, it would have taken two hours more for the journey.
Find the actual speed of the train.
PL
b If it had travelled a km/h slower, and still taken two hours more for the journey of
240 km, what would have been the actual speed? (Answer in terms of a.) Discuss the
practical possible values of a and also the possible values for the speed of the train.
c If the train had travelled a km/h slower, and taken a hours more for the journey of
240 km, and if a is an integer and the speed is an integer, find the possible values for a
and the speed of the train.
2 An upholsterer purchased some fabric for $a. If he had bought the fabric from another
supplier who charged $b per metre more he would have received b metres less for the same
M
amount of money.
a How many metres did he purchase, in terms of a and b?
b If a and b, and the number of metres purchased, are natural numbers, find the possible
values of a given a < 100.
3 Two trains are travelling at uniform speeds. The slower train takes a hours longer to cover
b km. It travels 1 km less than the faster one in c hours.
SA
a What is the speed of the faster train, in terms of a, b and c?

b If a, b and c, and the speeds of the trains, are rational numbers, find five sets of values for
a, b and c. Choose and discuss two sensible sets of values.
4 A tank can be filled using two pipes. The smaller pipe alone will take a minutes longer than
the larger pipe alone to fill the tank. Also the smaller pipe will take b minutes longer to fill
the tank than when both pipes are used.
a Find, in terms of a and b, how long it will take each of the pipes to fill the tank.
b If a = 24 and b = 32, find how long it takes for each of the pipes to fill the tank.
c If a and b are consecutive positive integers, find five pairs of values of a and b such that
b2 − ab is a perfect square. Interpret these results in the context of this tank problem.


Chapter 6

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9780521740494c06.xml CUAU033-EVANS September 9, 2008 8:36

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where a0 , a1 , . . . an are numbers called coefficients.

For example, if ax + b = cx 2 + d x + e, then c = 0, d = a and e = b

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x 2 = c(x − 3)2 + a(x − 3) + d,

Find the values of a, b, c and d such that

x 3 = a(x + 2)3 + b(x + 1)2 + cx + d for all x.

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Substituting a = 1 into 2 gives

Show that 2x 3 − 5x 2 + 4x + 1 cannot be expressed in the form a(x + b)3 + c.

Expanding the right hand side

2x 3 − 5x 2 + 4x + 1 = a(x 3 + 3bx 2 + 3b2 x + b3 )c

Equating coefficients a=2 1 ...

2 If (2a − b)x 2 + (a + 2b)x + 8 = 4x 2 − 3x + 8, find the values of a and b.

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3 If (2a − 3b)x 2 + (3a + b)x + c = 7x 2 + 5x + 7, find the values of a, b and c.

4 If 2x 2 + 4x + 5 = a(x + b)2 + c, find the values of a, b and c.

6 Express x 3 in the form (x + 1)3 + a(x + 1)2 + b(x + 1) + c.

9 Show that constants a, b, c and d can be found such that

n 3 = a(n + 1)(n + 2)(n + 3) + b(n + 1)(n + 2) + c(n + 1) + d

11 a Express a(x + b)2 + c in expanded form.

12 Prove that, if ax 3 + bx 2 + cx + d = (x − 1)2 ( px + q), then

14 If n is any number, show that n 2 can be expressed in the form

15 If x 3 + 3x 2 − 9x + c is of the form (x − a)2 (x − b), show that c = 5 or c = −27 and

find a and b for each of these cases.

6.2 Quadratics and rates

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Solve the following quadratic equations for x.

Using the TI-Nspire

Enter and highlight the equation

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= 42 − 4 × 3 × (−2) = 40, so there are two real solutions.

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Variable t is found in the

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Therefore (w − 1)(l + 1) = 285 ... 2

Rearranging 1 to make l the subject, and substituting in 2 gives

Using the general quadratic formula x =

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x(x + 24) = 2(x + 12)(x − 8)

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3 a Solve the quadratic equation x 2 + 3x − 9 = 0 for x, giving exact solutions.

4 A pole 10 m long leans against a wall. The bottom

b Solve the equation −

6 The sum of the reciprocals of two consecutive odd numbers is

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6.3 Partial fractions

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A rational algebraic function may be expressed as a sum of separate functions by resolving

e.g., −3x 2 − 12x − 7= 0