Certificate Mathematics in Action Full Solutions 4A

4 More about Equations

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Follow-up Exercise Checking:

When x = –2, x 2 −4 x −8 =
p. 162 ( −2) 2 −4 ×( −2) −8 = 2
1. By substituting x2 = u into the equation x4 – 10x2 + 9 = 0, When x = 6, x 2 −4 x −8 = 6 2 −4 ×6 −8 = 2
we have ∴ The real roots of the equation are –2 and 6.
u2 – 10u + 9 = 0
(u – 1)(u – 9) = 0
u = 1 or u = 9 2. x+3 x =4
∵ x2 = u x–4=–3 x
∴ x2 = 1 or x2 = 9
x = ± 1 or x = ± 3
2
(
(x – 4) = −3 x 2
2
)
∴ The real roots of the equation are –3, –1, 1 and 3. x – 8x + 16 = 9x
x2 – 17x + 16 = 0
2. By substituting x2 = u into the equation x4 + 3x2 – 4 = 0, (x – 1)(x – 16) = 0
we have x = 1 or x = 16
u2 + 3u – 4 = 0
(u – 1)(u + 4) = 0 Checking: When x = 1, x + 3 x =1+3 1 =4
u = 1 or u = – 4
∵ x2 = u When x = 16, x + 3 x = 16 + 3 16 =
∴ x2 = 1 or x2 = –4 (rejected) 28 ≠ 4
x=±1 ∴ The real root of the equation is 1.
∴ The real roots of the equation are –1 and 1.
Alternative Solution
3. 2 4 2
By substituting x = u into the equation 4x – 17x + 4 = 0, By substituting x = u into the equation x + 3 x = 4,
we have we have
4u2 – 17u + 4 = 0 u2 + 3u = 4
(4u – 1)(u – 4) = 0 u2 + 3u – 4 = 0
1 (u – 1)(u + 4) = 0
u= or u=4 u = 1 or u = –4
4
∵ x = u
∵ x2 = u
1 ∴ x = 1or x = –4 (rejected)
∴ x2 = or x2 = 4 x=1
4 ∴ The real root of the equation is 1.
1
x=± or x = ± 2
2 3. x – 3 x −2 = 0
1 1 x = 3 x −2
∴ The real roots of the equation are –2, − , and
2 2 (
x2 = 3 x −2 2 )
2. x2 = 9x – 18
2
x – 9x + 18 = 0
4. By substituting x3 = u into the equation x6 + 2x3 + 1 = 0, (x – 3)(x – 6) = 0
we have x = 3 or x = 6
u2 + 2u + 1 = 0
(u + 1)2 = 0 Checking:
u = –1 When x = 3, x – 3 x −2 = 3 – 3 3 −2 = 0
∵ x3 = u
When x = 6, x – 3 x −2 = 6 – 3 6 −2 = 0
∴ x3 = –1
x = –1 ∴ The real roots of the equation are 3 and 6.
∴ The real root of the equation is –1.
4. x+2 x −2 = 10
2 x −2 = 10 – x
p. 163
(2x −2
2
)
= (10 – x)2
1. x −4 x −8 = 2
2 4x – 8 = 100 – 20x + x2
2 x2 – 24x + 108 = 0
 
2
 x −4 x −8  = 22 (x – 6)(x – 18) = 0
 
x=6 or x = 18
x2 – 4x – 8 = 4
x2 – 4x – 12 = 0 Checking:
(x + 2)(x – 6) = 0 When x = 6, x + 2 x −2 = 6 + 2 6 −2 = 10
x = –2 or x=6

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When x = 18, x + 2 x −2 = 18 + 2 18 −2 = 26 ≠ y = 4x.

10
∴ The real root of the equation is 6. (b) ∵ x2 + 3x – 2 = 0
x2 = –3x + 2
∴ The equation of the required straight line is
y = –3x + 2.
p.168
(c) ∵ 3x2 + 6x – 1 = 0
For questions 1 to 4, refer to the graph below: 3x2 = –6x + 1
1
x2 = –2x +
3
∴ The equation of the required straight line is
1
y = –2x + .
3

2. (a) ∵ y = x2
y=x–3
∴ x2 = x – 3
x2 – x + 3 = 0
∴ The quadratic equation that can be solved is
x2 – x + 3 = 0.

(b) ∵ y = 3x2
y = 4x + 1
∴ 3x2 = 4x + 1
1. y = 3x – 5
3x2 – 4x – 1 = 0
∴ The quadratic equation that can be solved is
x 1 2 3
3x2 – 4x – 1 = 0.
y –2 1 4
(c) y = –2x2 + x ……(1)
∵ The two graphs intersect at only one point (2, 1). 2x + y = 1 ……(2)
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is (2, 1). By substituting (1) into (2), we have
2x + (–2x2 + x) = 1
2. y = –2x – 2 2x2 – 3x + 1 = 0
∴ The quadratic equation that can be solved is
x –2 –1 0 2x2 – 3x + 1 = 0.
y 2 0 –2
3.
∵ The two graphs do not intersect.
∴ The simultaneous equations have no real solutions.

3. –x + y = 2

x –1 0 1
y 1 2 3

∵ The two graphs intersect at (–1, 1) and (3, 5).

∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are
(–1, 1) and (3, 5).

4. x–y–4=0

x 1 2 3
y –3 –2 –1

∵ The two graphs do not intersect.

∴ The simultaneous equations have no real solutions.

(a) ∵ x2 – 2x – 3 = 0
x2 – 2x = 3
p. 175 ∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are
y = x 2 − 2 x
1. (a) ∵ 2
x – 4x = 0  .
x2 = 4x y = 3
∴ The equation of the required straight line is Draw the straight line y = 3 on the graph of

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 Certificate Mathematics in Action Full Solutions 4A

y = x2 – 2x.
From the graphs, the roots of x2 – 2x – 3 = 0 are –1 2 x 2 + 4 x + y +1 = 0  (1)
and 3. 3. 
4 x − y + 7 = 0  ( 2)
(b) ∵ x2 + 2x + 1 = 0 From (2), we have y = 4x + 7……(3)
x2 – 2x + 4x +1 = 0 By substituting (3) into (1), we have
x2 – 2x = –4x –1 2x2 + 4x + 4x + 7 + 1 = 0
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are 2x2 + 8x + 8 = 0
y = x 2 − 2 x x2 + 4x + 4 = 0
 . (x + 2) 2 = 0
y = −4 x −1 x = –2
Draw the straight line y = –4x –1 on the graph of By substituting x = –2 into (3), we have y = 4(–2) +7 = –1
y = x2 – 2x. ∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is
From the graphs, the root of x2 + 2x + 1 = 0 is –1. (–2, –1).

(c) ∵ 2x2 + x – 6 = 0 x 2 + y 2 =1  (1)

2
2x + x – 5x – 6 = – 5x 4. 
2x2 – 4x – 6 = – 5x 2 x − y + 7 = 0  ( 2)
5 From (2), we have y = 2x + 7……(3)
x2 – 2x – 3 = − x By substituting (3) into (1), we have
2 x2 + (2x + 7) 2 = 1
5 x + 4x2 + 28x + 49 = 1
2
x2 – 2x = − x + 3
2 5x2 + 28x + 48 = 0
Consider the discriminant of 5x2 + 28x + 48 = 0.
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are
∆ = 282 – 4(5)(48) = –176 < 0
 y = x 2 − 2x ∴ 5x2 + 28x + 48 = 0 has no real roots.
 ∴ The simultaneous equations have no real solutions.
 5 .
 y = − x + 3
 2 y = 2 x 2 + x +1  (1)
5. 
5 5 x + y −1 = 0  ( 2)
Draw the straight line y = − x + 3 on the graph
2 From (2), we have y = –5x + 1……(3)
of y = x2 – 2x. By substituting (3) into (1), we have
From the graphs, the roots of 2x2 + x – 6 = 0 are –2 –5x + 1 = 2x2 + x + 1
and 1.5. 2x2 + 6x = 0
Consider the discriminant of 2x2 + 6x = 0.
p.183 ∆ = 62 – 4(2)(0) = 36 > 0
∴ 2x2 + 6x = 0 has two distinct real roots.
x 2 + y 2 = 20  (1) ∴ The simultaneous equations have two real solutions.
1. 
y = 6 − x  ( 2)
By substituting (2) into (1), we have p.185
x2 + (6 – x)2 = 20
x + 36 – 12x + x2 = 20
2 1. Let x cm and y cm be the length and the width of the
2x2 – 12x + 16 = 0 rectangle respectively.
x2 – 6x + 8 = 0 ∵ The perimeter of the rectangle is 46 cm.
(x – 2)(x – 4) = 0 ∴ 2(x + y) = 46
x–2=0 or x – 4 = 0 x + y = 23
x=2 or x=4 y = 23 – x ……(1)
By substituting x = 2 into (2), we have y = 6 – 2 = 4 ∵ The area of the rectangle is 120 cm2.
By substituting x = 4 into (2), we have y = 6 – 4 = 2 ∴ xy = 120 ……(2)
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are By substituting (1) into (2), we have
(2, 4) and (4, 2). x(23 – x) = 120
23x – x2 = 120
x − 9 y + 6 = 0  (1) x2 – 23x + 120 = 0
2. (x – 8)(x – 15) = 0
 2
3 y = x  ( 2) x=8 or x = 15
From (1), we have x = 9y – 6 ……(3) By substituting x = 8 into (1), we have y = 23 – 8 = 15
By substituting (3) into (2), we have By substituting x = 15 into (1), we have y = 23 – 15 = 8
3y2 = 9y – 6 ∴ The dimensions of the rectangle are 8 cm × 15 cm.
3y2 – 9y + 6 = 0 2. (a) ∵ The length of the string is 14 cm.
y2 – 3y + 2 = 0 ∴ PT + TQ = 14 cm
(y – 1)(y – 2) = 0 x + y = 14
y = 1 or y = 2 PT 2 + TQ 2 = PQ 2 (Pyth. theorem)
By substituting y = 1 into (3), we have x = 9(1) – 6 = 3 x2 + y2 = 102
By substituting y = 2 into (3), we have x = 9(2) – 6 = 12 x2 + y2 = 100
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are ∴ The required simultaneous equations are
(3, 1) and (12, 2).

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 4 More about Equations

x + y = 14  (1) ∴ (x – 2)(x + 1)(x + 5) = 0

 2 . x – 2 = 0 or x + 1 = 0 or x + 5 = 0
x + y 2
= 100  ( 2) x = 2 or x= − 1 or x = −5

(b) From (1), we have 2. (a) ∵ f(1) = 14 + 13 – 14(1)2 – 8(1) + 48 = 28 ≠ 0

x + y = 14 ∴ x – 1 is not a factor of f(x).
y = 14 – x ……(3) ∵ f(–1) = (–1)4 + (–1)3 – 14(–1)2 – 8(–1) + 48
By substituting (3) into (2), we have = 42
x2 + (14 – x)2 = 100 ≠ 0
x2 + 196 – 28x + x 2 = 100 ∴ x + 1 is not a factor of f(x).
2x2 – 28x + 96 = 0 ∵ f(2) = 24 + 23 – 14(2)2 – 8(2) + 48 = 0
x2 – 14x + 48 = 0 ∴ x – 2 is a factor of f(x).
(x – 6)(x – 8) = 0 ∵ f(–2) = (–2)4 + (–2)3 – 14(–2)2 – 8(–2) + 48
x = 6 or x = 8
= 16
By substituting x = 6 into (3), we have y = 14 – 6 = 8
≠ 0
By substituting x = 8 into (3), we have y = 14 – 8 = 6
∴ x + 2 is not a factor of f(x).
x = 6 x = 8 ∵ f(3) = 34 + 33 – 14(3)2 – 8(3) + 48 = 6 ≠ 0
∴ The solutions are  or  .
∴ x – 3 is not a factor of f(x).
y = 8 y = 6
∵ f(–3) = (–3)4 + (–3)3 – 14(–3)2 – 8(–3) + 48
=0
3. Let x be the tens digit and y be the units digit of the
original number. ∴ x + 3 is a factor of f(x).
∴ The original number is 10x + y, ∴ The required linear factors of f(x) are x – 2 and
and the reversed number is 10y + x. x + 3.
∵ The number is increased by 36 when the digits are
reversed. (b) ∵ x – 2 and x + 3 are factors of f(x).
∴ (10y + x) – (10x + y) = 36 ∴ (x – 2)(x + 3) is also a factor of f(x).
–9x + 9y = 36 Divide f(x) by (x – 2)(x + 3), i.e. x2 + x – 6.
x2 − 8
x 2 + x − 6 x4 + x3 − 1 4x2 − 8x + 4 8

–x + y = 4
x4 + x3 − 6 x 2

− 8 x2 − 8x + 4 8
− 8 x2 − 8x + 4 8

y = x + 4 ……(1)
∵ The product of the digits is 32. ∴ x4 + x3 – 14x2 – 8x + 48 = (x – 2)(x + 3)(x2 – 8)
∴ xy = 32 …..(2) ∵ f(x) = 0
By substituting (1) into (2), we have ∴ (x – 2)(x + 3)(x2 – 8) = 0
x(x + 4) = 32 x – 2 = 0 or x + 3 = 0 or x2 – 8 = 0
x2 + 4 x = 32 x= 2 or x= − 3 or x=
2
x + 4 x – 32 = 0
±2 2
(x – 4)(x + 8) = 0
x = 4 or x = –8 (rejected)
By substituting x = 4 into (1), we have y = 4 + 4 = 8 3. 2x4 + x3 – 3x2 – x + 1 = (2x4 – 3x2 + 1) + (x3 – x)
∴ The number is 48. = [2(x2)2 – 3x2 + 1] + x(x2 – 1)
= (2x2 – 1)(x2 – 1) + x(x2 – 1)
= (x2 – 1)(2x2 – 1 + x)
p.192 = (x + 1)(x – 1)(2x2 + x – 1)
= (x + 1)(x – 1)(2x – 1)(x + 1)
1. (a) The possible factors of f(x) are x ± 1, x ± 2, = (x + 1)2(x – 1)(2x – 1)
x ± 5 and x ± 10. ∵ 2x4 + x3 – 3x2 – x + 1 = 0
∵ f(1) = 13 + 4(1)2 – 7(1) – 10 = –12 ≠ 0 ∴ (x + 1)2(x – 1)(2x – 1) = 0
∴ x – 1 is not a factor of f(x). (x + 1)2 = 0 or x – 1 = 0 or 2x – 1 = 0
∵ f(–1) = (–1)3 + 4(–1)2 – 7(–1) – 10 = 0 1
∴ x + 1 is a factor of f(x). x= − 1 or x = 1 or x =
2
∵ f(2) = 23 + 4(2)2 – 7(2) – 10 = 0
∴ x – 2 is a factor of f(x). 4. 8(x + 1)3 – (x + 2)3
∵ f(–2) = (–2)3 + 4(–2)2 – 7(–2) – 10 = 12 ≠ 0 = [2(x + 1)]3 – (x + 2)3
∴ x + 2 is not a factor of f(x). = [2(x + 1) – (x + 2)]{[2(x + 1)]2 + 2(x + 1)(x + 2)
∵ f(5) = 53 + 4(5)2 – 7(5) – 10 = 180 ≠ 0 + (x + 2)2}
∴ x – 5 is not a factor of f(x). = (2x + 2 – x – 2)(4x2 + 8x + 4 + 2x2 + 6x + 4 + x2 + 4x +
∵ f(–5) = (–5)3 + 4(–5)2 – 7(–5) – 10 = 0 4)
∴ x + 5 is a factor of f(x). = x(7x2 + 18x + 12)
∴ The factors of f(x) are x – 2, x +1 and
x + 5. ∵ 8(x + 1)3 – (x + 2)3 = 0
∴ A factor of f(x) is x – 2, x +1 or x + 5.(any one) ∴ x(7x2 + 18x + 12) = 0
∴ x = 0 or 7x2 + 18x + 12 = 0
(b) ∵ The factors of f(x) are (x – 2), (x +1) and
(x + 5). −18 ± 18 2 − 4(7)(12 )
x=0 or x=
∴ f(x) = ( x −2)( x + 1)( x + 5) 2(7)

(c) ∵ f(x) = 0

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 Certificate Mathematics in Action Full Solutions 4A

−18 ± −12 we have

= (rejected) u2 + 9u + 8 = 0
14 (u + 1)(u + 8) = 0
∴ x=0 u = –1 or u = –8
∵ x3 = u
∴ x3 = –1 or x3 = –8
x = –1 or x = –2
Exercise ∴ The real roots of the equation are –2 and –1.

8. x 2 +2 x +1 =3
Exercise 4A (p.164) 2
 2  2
 x +2 x +1  =3
 
Level 1
x2 + 2x + 1 = 9
x2 + 2x – 8 = 0
1. By substituting x2 = u into the equation x4 – 17x2 + 16 = 0, (x + 4)(x – 2) = 0
we have x = –4 or x=2
u2 – 17u + 16 = 0
(u – 1)(u – 16) = 0 Checking:
u = 1 or u = 16
∵ x2 = u When x = –4, x 2 +2 x +1 =
∴ x2 = 1 or x2 = 16 (−4) 2 +2( −4) +1 = 3
x = ± 1 or x = ± 4
∴ The real roots of the equation are –4, –1, 1 and 4. When x = 2, x 2 +2 x +1 = 2 2 +2( 2) +1 = 3
∴ The real roots of the equation are –4 and 2.
2. By substituting x2 = u into the equation x4 – 26x2 + 25 = 0,
we have
9. x– x – 12 = 0
u2 – 26u + 25 = 0
(u – 1)(u – 25) = 0 x – 12 = x

∵ x2 = u
u=1 or u = 25 2
(x – 12) = ( x) 2

∴ x2 = 1 or x2 = 25 x2 – 24x + 144 = x
x = ± 1 or x = ± 5 x2 – 25x + 144 = 0
∴ The real roots of the equation are –5, –1, 1 and 5. (x – 9)(x – 16) = 0
x=9 or x = 16
3. By substituting x2 = u into the equation x4 – 11x2 – 80 = 0,
we have Checking:
u2 – 11u – 80 = 0 When x = 9, x – x – 12 = 9 – 9 – 12 = –6 ≠ 0
(u – 16)(u + 5) = 0 When x = 16, x – x – 12 = 16 – 16 – 12 = 0
u = 16 or u = –5
∵ x2 = u ∴ The real root of the equation is 16.
∴ x2 = 16 or x2 = –5 (rejected)
x=±4 Alternative Solution
∴ The real roots of the equation are –4 and 4. By substituting x = u into the equation x – x – 12 =
0, we have
4. By substituting x2 = u into the equation x4 – 12x2 +27 = 0, u2 – u – 12 = 0
we have (u – 4)(u + 3) = 0
u2 – 12u + 27 = 0 u=4 or u = –3
(u – 3)(u – 9) = 0 ∵ x =u
u = 3 or u = 9
∵ x2 = u ∴ x = 4or x = –3 (rejected)
∴ x2 = 3 or x2 = 9 x = 16
∴ The real root of the equation is 16.
x = ± 3 or x = ± 3
∴ The real roots of the equation are –3, − 3 , 3 10. x–5 x +6=0
and 3.
x+6=5 x
5. x3 – 8x2 + 7x = 0
x(x2 – 8x + 7) = 0 2
(x + 6) = 5 x 2
2
( )
x(x – 1)(x – 7) = 0 x + 12x + 36 = 25x
x=0 or x = 1 or x = 7 x2 – 13x + 36 = 0
∴ The real roots of the equation are 0, 1 and 7. (x – 4)(x – 9) = 0
x=4 or x=9
6. x5 – 6x4 + 5x3 = 0
x3(x2 – 6x + 5) = 0 Checking:
x3(x – 1)(x – 5) = 0 When x = 4, x – 5 x +6=4–5 4 +6=0
x=0 or x = 1 or x = 5 When x = 9, x – 5 x + 6 = 9 – 5 9 + 6 = 0
∴ The real roots of the equation are 0, 1 and 5. ∴ The real roots of the equation are 4 and 9.
7. By substituting x3 = u into the equation x6 + 9x3 + 8 = 0,

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Alternative Solution ∴ ∆ <0

By substituting x = u into the equation x – 5 x +6 [– (2k + 4)]2 – 4(1)(k2 + 8) < 0
= 0, we have 4k2 + 16k + 16 – 4k2 – 32 < 0
u2 – 5u + 6 = 0 16k – 16 < 0
(u – 2)(u – 3) = 0 k<1
u=2 or u = 3 ∴ A possible value of k is –1 or –2.(or any other
reasonable answers)
∵ x =u
∴ x = 2 or x =3
x = 4 or x=9 Level 2
∴ The real roots of the equation are 4 and 9.
15. By substituting x2 = u into the equation 4x4 + 5x2 – 9 = 0,
11. x +2 + x = 10 we have
4u2 + 5u – 9 = 0
x +2 = –x + 10 (u – 1)(4u + 9) = 0
( ) 2
x +2 = (–x + 10)
2
u=1 or u=−
9
x + 2 = x2 – 20x +100 4
x2 – 21x + 98 = 0 ∵ x2 = u
(x – 7)(x – 14) = 0 9
x=7 or x = 14 ∴ x2 = 1 or x2 = − (rejected)
4
Checking:
x=±1
When x = 7, x +2 + x = 7 +2 + 7 = 10 ∴ The real roots of the equation are –1and 1.
When x = 14, x +2 + x = 14 +2 +14 = 18 ≠ 10
∴ The real root of the equation is 7. 16. By substituting x2 = u into the equation 9x4 – 37x2 + 4 = 0,
we have
9u2 – 37u + 4 = 0
12. x– x +1 = 1 (9u – 1)(u – 4) = 0
x–1= x +1 1
u= or u=4
(x – 1) = ( x +1 )2
2
9
2
x – 2x + 1 = x + 1 ∵ x2 = u
x2 – 3x = 0 1
x(x – 3) = 0 ∴ x2 = or x2 = 4
x = 0 or x = 3 9
Checking: 1
x=± or x = ± 2
When x = 0, x – x +1 = 0 – 0 +1 = –1 ≠ 1 3
When x = 3, x – x +1 = 3 – 3 +1 = 1 1 1
∴ The real roots of the equation are –2, − , and
∴ The real root of the equation is 3. 3 3
2.
13. ∵ 1 is a root of the equation ax4 + bx2 + c = 0.
∴ a(1)4 + b(1)2 + c = 0 17. By substituting x2 = u into the equation
a+b+c=0 4x4 – 101x2 + 25 = 0, we have
By substituting x2 = u into the equation ax4 + bx2 + c = 0, 4u2 – 101u + 25 = 0
we have (4u – 1)(u – 25) = 0
au2 + bu + c = 0 1
1 is also a root of the equation au2 + bu + c = 0. u= or u = 25
∴ ∆ ≥ 0 4
b2 – 4ac ≥ 0 ∵ x2 = u
Let a = 1, b = –5, c = 4. 1
a + b + c = 1 + (–5) + 4 = 0 ∴ x2 = or x2 = 25
b2 – 4ac = (–5)2 – 4(1)(4) = 25 – 16 = 9 ≥ 0 4
Let a = 3, b = 4, c = –7, 1
a + b + c = 3 +4 + (–7) = 0 x=± or x = ± 5
b2 – 4ac = 42 – 4(3)( –7) = 100 ≥ 0
2
∴ A possible set of values of a, b and c is 1 1
∴ The real roots of the equation are –5, − , and
a = 1, b = –5, c = 4 or a = 3, b = 4, c = –7. (or 2 2
any other reasonable answers) 5.
14. x+2 x −2 = k 18. By substituting x2 = u into the equation
2 x −2 = –x + k 25x4 + 99x2 – 4 = 0, we have
25u2 + 99u – 4 = 0
(2 )
x −2 = (–x + k)
2 2
(25u – 1)(u + 4) = 0
4x – 8 = x2 – 2kx + k2 1
x2 – (2k + 4)x + (k2 + 8) = 0 u= or u = –4
25
∵ The equation has no real roots.
∵ x2 = u

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 Certificate Mathematics in Action Full Solutions 4A

∴
1
x2 = or x2 = –4 (rejected) ( 3 x −3
2
)
= (2x – 5)2
25 3x – 3 = 4x2 – 20x + 25
2
1 4x – 23x + 28 = 0
x=± (4x – 7)(x – 4) = 0
5
7
1 1 x= or x=4
∴ The real roots of the equation are − and . 4
5 5
Checking:
19. By substituting x2 = u into the equation
4x4 – 19x2 + 21 = 0, we have 7 7 
When x = , 3 x −3 + 5 = 3  − 3 + 5 =
4u2 – 19u + 21 = 0 4 4 
(4u – 7)(u – 3) = 0
7 13
u= or u = 3 2
4
∵ x2 = u 7 7 13
2x = 2   = ≠
7 4 2 2
∴ x2 = or x2 = 3
4 When x = 4, 3 x −3 + 5 = 3(4 ) −3 + 5 = 8
7 2x = 2(4) = 8
x=± or x=± 3 ∴ The real root of the equation is 4.
2
7 23. By substituting x2 – 5x = u into the equation
∴ The real roots of the equation are − 3 , − ,
2 (x2 – 5x)2 + 8(x2 – 5x) + 16 = 0, we have
u2 + 8u + 16 = 0
7 (u + 4)2 = 0
and 3 .
2 ∵ u = –4
∴ x2 – 5x = u
20. By substituting x3 = u into the equation x6 – 5x3 + 4 = 0, x2 – 5x = –4
we have x2 – 5x + 4 = 0
u2 – 5u + 4 = 0 (x – 1)(x – 4) = 0
(u – 1)(u – 4) = 0 x = 1 or x = 4
u = 1 or u = 4 ∴ The real roots of the equation are 1 and 4.
∵ x3 = u
∴ x3 = 1 or x3 = 4 24. (a) 3x2 + 15x + 2 x 2 +5 x +1
x=1 or x = 3 4 = 3x2 + 15x + 3 – 3 + 2 x 2 +5 x +1
∴ The real roots of the equation are 1 and 3
4 . = 3(x2 + 5x + 1) + 2 x 2 +5 x +1 – 3
By substituting x 2 +5 x +1 = u into the
21. 3 x +3 + 2 = 3x – 1
expression
3 x +3 = 3x – 3
3x2 + 15x + 2 x 2 +5 x +1 , we have
( 2
)
3 x +3 = (3x – 3)
2
3x2 + 15x + 2 x 2 +5 x +1
3x + 3 = 9x2 – 18x + 9 2
9x2 – 21x + 6 = 0 = 3(x + 5x + 1) + 2 x 2 +5 x +1 – 3
3x2 – 7x + 2 = 0 = 3u2 + 2u – 3
(3x – 1)(x – 2) = 0
1 (b) By substituting x 2 +5 x +1 = u into the
x= or x=2
3 equation
3x2 + 15x + 2 x 2 +5 x +1 = 2, we have
Checking: 3u2 + 2u – 3 = 2 (By (a))
1 1  3u2 + 2u – 5 = 0
When x = , 3 x +3 + 2 = 3  + 3 + 2 = 4 (u – 1)(3u + 5) = 0
3 3 
5
u=1 or u=−
1  3
3x – 1 = 3   – 1 = 0 ≠ 4
3 ∵ x 2 +5 x +1 = u
When x = 2, 3 x +3 + 2 = 3( 2) +3 + 2 = 5
∴ x 2 +5 x +1 = 1 or x 2 +5 x +1 =
3x – 1 = 3(2) – 1 = 5
∴ The real root of the equation is 2. 5
− (rejected)
3
22. 3 x −3 + 5 = 2x
3 x −3 = 2x – 5

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 4 More about Equations

Level 1
( x 2 + 5 x + 1 ) 2 = 12
x 2 + 5x + 1 = 1 For questions 1 to 3, refer to the graph below:
2
x + 5x = 0
x( x + 5) = 0
x = 0 or x = − 5
Checking:
When x = 0,
3x2 + 15x + 2 x 2 +5 x +1
= 3(0)2 + 15(0) + 2 0 2 +5(0) +1
=2
When x = –5,
3x2 + 15x + 2 x 2 +5 x +1
=
3( −5) 2 +15 ( −5) +2 (−5) 2 +5( −5) +1
=2
∴ The real roots of the equation are –5 and 0.

25. (a) RHS = x + x +2( )

2
–2 1. y=6

= x2 + 2 x x +2 + x + 2 – 2 x 1 2 3
2
= x + x + 2x x +2
y 6 6 6
= LHS
∵ The two graphs intersect at (–1, 6) and (3, 6).
∴ x2 + x + 2 x x +2 ≡ x + ( x +2 ) 2
–2 ∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are
(–1, 6) and (3, 6).
(b) x2 + x + 2 x x +2 = 14
2. y=x+3
(x + x +2 )
2
– 2 = 14 (By
x –1 0 1
(a))
y 2 3 4
(x + x +2 )
2
– 16 = 0
( x + x +2 + 4)( x + x +2 – 4) = 0 ∵ The two graphs intersect at (0, 3) and (3, 6).
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are
x + x +2 + 4 = 0 or x + x +2 – 4 = (0, 3) and (3, 6).
0
( x +2 )
2
= (–x – 4)2 or ( x +2 )2
= (–x + 3. y = 2x – 1
4)2 x 0 1 2
x + 2 = x2 + 8x + 16 or x + 2 = x2 – 8x + 16 y –1 1 3
x2 + 7x + 14 = 0 or x2 – 9x + 14 = 0
−7 ± 7 2 −4(1)(14 ) ∵ The two graphs intersect at only one point (2, 3).
x= or (x – 2)(x – ∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is (2, 3).
2(1)
7) = 0
−7 ± −7
x= (rejected) or x=2 or x For questions 4 to 6, refer to the graph below:
2
=7

Checking:
When x = 2, x2 + x + 2 x x +2 = 22 + 2 +
2( 2) 2 +2
= 14
When x = 7, x2 + x + 2 x x +2 = 72 + 7 +
2(7) 7 +2
= 98
≠ 14
∴ The real root of the equation is 2.
4. y=x–1

x –1 0 1
Exercise 4B (p.176)
y –2 –1 0

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 Certificate Mathematics in Action Full Solutions 4A

∵ The two graphs intersect at (–3.0, –4.0) and (1.0, 0). Level 2
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are
(–3.0, –4.0) and (1.0, 0). 13. y = x2 + 1
x –2 –1 0 1 2 3
5. y = 3x y 5 2 1 2 5 10

x –1 0 1 y = 4x – 2
y –3 0 3 x 1 2 3
y 2 6 10
∵ The two graphs intersect at (–2.0, –6.0) and (2.0,
6.0).
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are
(–2.0, –6.0) and (2.0, 6.0).

6. y = 2x + 3

x –1 0 1
y 1 3 5

∵ The two graphs intersect at (–3.2, –3.2) and

(2.2, 7.2).
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are
approximately (–3.2, –3.2) and (2.2, 7.2).

7. ∵ y = x2
y=9
∴ x2 = 9
2
x –9=0
∴ The quadratic equation that can be solved is
x2 – 9 = 0.

8. ∵ y = x2 ∵ The two graphs intersect at (1.0, 2.0) and (3.0, 10.0).

y = –2x + 4 ∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are
∴ x2 = –2x + 4 (1.0, 2.0) and (3.0, 10.0).
x2 + 2x – 4 = 0
∴ The quadratic equation that can be solved is 14. y = x2 – 1
x2 + 2x – 4 = 0. x –2 –1 0 1 2 3
y 3 0 –1 0 3 8
9. y = x2 ……(1)
2y = 5x – 1 ……(2) y = 2x – 2
By substituting (1) into (2), we have x 1 2 3
2x2 = 5x – 1 y 0 2 4
2x2 – 5x + 1 = 0
∴ The quadratic equation that can be solved is
2x2 – 5x + 1 = 0.

10. ∵ x2 – 4x – 4 = 0
x2 = 4x + 4
∴ The equation of the required straight line is
y = 4x + 4.

11. ∵ x2 + 5x + 1 = 0
x2 = –5x – 1
∴ The equation of the required straight line is
y = –5x – 1.

12. ∵ 2x2 + 3x – 4 = 0
2x2 = –3x + 4
3
x2 = − x+2
2
∴ The equation of the required straight line is
3
y=− x + 2. ∵ The two graphs intersect at only one point (1.0, 0).
2 ∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is (1.0, 0).

15. y = x2

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 4 More about Equations

x –3 –2 –1 0 1 2
y 9 4 1 0 1 4 17. ∵ 2x2 – 3 = 0
2
2x – 3 + x – 1 = x – 1
4x + y + 5 = 0 2x2 + x – 4 = x – 1
x –3 –2 –1 ∴ The equation of the required straight line is y = x – 1.
Y 7 3 –1
18. ∵ – 2x2 + 5x + 1 = 0
2x2 – 5x – 1 = 0
2x2 – 5x – 1 + 6x – 3 = 6x – 3
2x2 + x – 4 = 6x – 3
∴ The equation of the required straight line is
y = 6x – 3.

19. ∵ 4x2 + 3x – 9 = 0
4x2 + 2x + x – 8 – 1 = 0
4x2 + 2x – 8 = –x + 1
1 1
2x2 + x – 4 = − x+
2 2
∴ The equation of the required straight line is
1 1
y= − x+ .
2 2
20. ∵ x2 + 5x + 4 = 0
2x2 + 10x + 8 = 0
∵ The two graphs do not intersect.
2x2 + x + 9x – 4 + 12 = 0
∴ The simultaneous equations have no real solutions. 2x2 + x – 4 = –9x – 12
∴ The equation of the required straight line is
16. y = x2 – x – 1
y = –9x – 12.
x –2 –1 0 1 2 3
y 5 1 –1 –1 1 5
For questions 21 to 23, refer to the graph below:
2x + 3y = –1
x –2 –0.5 1 y = x2 – 3x – 3
y 1 0 –1 x –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5
y 7 1 –3 –5 –5 –3 1 7

∵ The two graphs intersect at (–0.7, 0.1) and (1.0,

–1.0).
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are
approximately (–0.7, 0.1) and (1.0, –1.0).

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 Certificate Mathematics in Action Full Solutions 4A

21. ∵ x2 – 2x + 1 = 0
2
x – 2x – x – 4 + 1 = – x – 4
x2 – 3x – 3 = –x – 4
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are
y = x 2 − 3 x − 3
 .
y = −x − 4
Draw the straight line y = –x – 4 on the graph of
y = x2 – 3x – 3.
From the graphs, the root of x2 – 2x + 1 = 0 is 1.0.

22. ∵ x2 – 4x + 5 = 0
x2 – 3x – x + 8 – 3 = 0
x2 – 3x – 3 = x – 8
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are
y = x 2 − 3 x − 3
 .
y = x − 8
Draw the straight line y = x – 8 on the graph of
y = x2 – 3x – 3.
From the graphs, x2 – 4x + 5 = 0 has no real roots.

23. ∵ 2x2 – 5x – 10 = 0
2
2x – 5x – x – 6 – 4 = – x
2x2 – 6x – 6 = – x + 4 (c) (i) ∵ x2 – 4x + 1 = 0
1 x2 – 4x = –1
x2 – 3x – 3 = − x+2 ∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations
2
y = x 2 − 4x
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are are  .
 y = x 2 − 3x − 3 y = −1
 Draw the straight line y = –1 on the graph of
 1 .
 y = − x + 2 y = x2 – 4x.
 2 From the graphs, the roots of x2 – 4x + 1 = 0 are
approximately 0.3 and 3.7.
1
Draw the straight line y = − x + 2 on the graph of
2 (ii) ∵ x2 – 3x – 3 = 0
2
y = x – 3x – 3. x2 – 3x – x + x – 3 = 0
From the graphs, the roots of 2x2 – 5x – 10 = 0 are x2 – 4x = – x + 3
approximately –1.3 and 3.8. ∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations
y = x 2 − 4x
24. (a) y = x2 – 4x are  .
x –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 y = −x + 3
y 5 0 –3 –4 –3 0 5 Draw the straight line y = – x + 3 on the graph of
y = x2 – 4x.
(b) From the graphs, the roots of x2 – 3x – 3 = 0 are
approximately –0.8 and 3.8.

(iii) ∵ 2x2 – 7x – 2 = 0
2x2 – 7x – x – 2 = – x
2x2 – 8x = – x + 2
1
x2 – 4x = − x+1
2
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations
 y = x 2 − 4x

are  1 .
 y = − x +1
 2
1
Draw the straight line y = − x + 1 on the
2
graph of y = x2 – 4x.
From the graphs, the roots of 2x2 – 7x – 2 = 0 are
approximately –0.3 and 3.8.

25. (a) y = 2x2 – x

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 4 More about Equations

x –1 –0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5

 y = 2x 2 − x
y 3 1 0 0 1 3 
are  3 .
(b)  y = 2
3
Draw the straight line y = on the graph of
2
y = 2x2 – x.
From the graphs, the roots of 4x2 – 2x – 3 = 0 are
approximately –0.7 and 1.2.

26. (a) ∵ x2 + (b – m)x + (c – n) = 0

x2 + bx – mx + c – n = 0
x2 + bx + c = mx + n
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are
y = x 2 + bx + c
 .
y = mx + n
From the graphs, the roots of
x2 + (b – m)x + (c – n) = 0 are 1 and 4.

(b) (i) Read from the graph of y = x2 + bx + c.

When x = 1, y = 6.
∴ 6 = 12 + b(1) + c
(c) (i) ∵ 2x2 – 3x + 1 = 0 b+c=5
2x2 – x – 2x + 1 = 0 c = –b + 5 ……(1)
2x2 – x = 2x – 1 When x = 4, y = 3.
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations ∴ 3 = 42 + b(4) + c
y = 2 x 2 − x 4b + c = –13 ……(2)
are  . By substituting (1) into (2), we have
y = 2 x −1 4b + (–b + 5) = –13
Draw the straight line y = 2x – 1 on the graph of 3b = –18
y = 2x2 – x. b= − 6
From the graphs, the roots of 2x2 – 3x + 1 = 0 By substituting b = –6 into (1), we have c = 11
are 0.5 and 1.0.
(ii) Read from the graphs of y = mx + n.
(ii) ∵ 3x2 – 5x + 1 = 0 When x = 1, y = 6.
10 2 ∴ 6 = m(1) + n
2x2 – x+ =0 m+n=6
3 3
n = –m + 6 ……(1)
7 2 When x = 4, y = 3.
2x2 – x – x + = 0
3 3 ∴ 3 = m(4) + n
4m + n = 3 ……(2)
7 2 By substituting (1) into (2), we have
2x2 – x = x−
3 3 4m + (–m + 6) = 3
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations 3m = –3
m= − 1
 y = 2x2 − x
 By substituting m = –1 into (1), we have n = 7
are  7 2 .
 y = x−
 3 3
Exercise 4C (p.186)
7 2
Draw the straight line y = x − on the
3 3 Level 1
graph of y = 2x2 – x.
From the graphs, the roots of 3x2 – 5x + 1 = 0
1.
y = x 2 + 1  (1)
are approximately 0.2 and 1.4. 
y = 2 x + 4  ( 2)
(iii) ∵ 4x2 – 2x – 3 = 0 By substituting (2) into (1), we have
4x2 – 2x = 3 2x + 4 = x2 + 1
3 x2 – 2x – 3 = 0
2x2 – x =
2 (x + 1)(x – 3) = 0
x+1=0 or x–3=0
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations
x = –1 or x=3
By substituting x = –1 into (2), we have y = 2(–1) + 4 = 2
By substituting x = 3 into (2), we have y = 2(3) + 4 = 10
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are

94
 Certificate Mathematics in Action Full Solutions 4A

(–1, 2) and (3, 10). y = x 2 − x  (1)

6. 
 y = 4 x +12  (1) y =1 − 2 x  ( 2)
2.
 By substituting (1) into (2), we have
 y = x 2
+ 2 x + 13  ( 2)
x2 – x = 1 – 2x
By substituting (2) into (1), we have x2 + x – 1 = 0
x2 + 2x + 13 = 4x +12 Consider the discriminant of x2 + x – 1 = 0.
x2 – 2x + 1 = 0 ∆ = 12 – 4(1)(–1) = 5 > 0
(x – 1)2 = 0 ∴ x2 + x – 1 = 0 has two real roots.
x=1 ∴ The simultaneous equations have two real solutions.
By substituting x = 1 into (1), we have y = 4(1) + 12 = 16
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is (1, 16). 3 x + y = 2 x 2 +10  (1)
7. 
x = 3 y − 7  (1) y = 9 x − 8  ( 2)
3.
 2 By substituting (2) into (1), we have
x − y = 9  ( 2)
2
3x + (9x – 8) = 2x2 + 10
By substituting (1) into (2), we have 2x2 – 12x + 18 = 0
(3y – 7)2 – y2 = 9 x2 – 6x + 9 = 0
9y2 – 42y + 49 – y2 = 9 Consider the discriminant of x2 – 6x + 9 = 0.
8y2 – 42y + 40 = 0 ∆ = (–6) 2 – 4(1)(9) = 0
4y2 – 21y + 20 = 0 ∴ x2 – 6x + 9 = 0 has only one real root.
(4y – 5)(y – 4) = 0 ∴ The simultaneous equations have one real solution.
4y – 5 = 0 or y–4=0
5 y +1 = x 2 − x  (1)
y= or y=4 8.
4 
2 x + y = 3  ( 2)
From (2), we have y = –2x + 3……(3)
5 By substituting (3) into (1), we have
By substituting y = into (1), we have
4 –2x + 3 + 1 = x2 – x
x2 + x – 4 = 0
5  13
x = 3  − 7 = − Consider the discriminant of x2 + x – 4 = 0.
4 4 ∆ = 12 – 4(1)(–4) = 17 > 0
By substituting y = 4 into (1), we have x = 3(4) – 7 = 5 ∴ x2 + x – 4 = 0 has two real roots.
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are ∴ The simultaneous equations have two real solutions.
 13 5 
− ,  and (5, 4). y = x  (1)
 4 4 9.

 y = x − 3x + k  ( 2)
2

x 2 + y 2 = 4  (1) By substituting (2) into (1), we have

4.  x2 – 3x + k = x
y = 5 − x  ( 2) x2 – 4x + k = 0……(3)
By substituting (2) into (1), we have ∵ The simultaneous equations have only one solution.
x2 + (5 – x)2 = 4 ∴ (3) has only one real root.
x + 25 – 10x + x2 = 4
2 ∴ ∆ =0
2x2 – 10x + 21 = 0 (–4)2 – 4(1)(k) = 0
Using the quadratic formula, we have 16 – 4k = 0
4k = 16
−( −10 ) ± ( −10 ) 2 −4( 2)( 21 ) k= 4
x=
2( 2)

=
10 ± − 68 (rejected) 10.  y = 4 x − 5  (1)

 y = x − 6 x + k  ( 2)
2
4
∴ The simultaneous equations have no real solutions. By substituting (2) into (1), we have
x2 – 6x + k = 4x – 5
5.
y = 2 x 2 +1  (1) 2
x – 10x + (k + 5) = 0……(3)
 ∵ The simultaneous equations have only one solution.
y = 2 x  ( 2)
∴ (3) has only one real root.
By substituting (1) into (2), we have ∴ ∆ =0
2x2 + 1 = 2x (–10)2 – 4(1)(k + 5) = 0
2x2 – 2x + 1 = 0 100 – 4k – 20 = 0
Consider the discriminant of 2x2 – 2x + 1 = 0. 4k = 80
∆ = (–2)2 – 4(2)(1) = –4 < 0 k = 20
∴ 2x2 – 2x + 1 = 0 has no real roots.
∴ The simultaneous equations have no real solutions.
11. 7 = 6 x − y  (1)

 y = x − 4 x − k  ( 2)
2

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 4 More about Equations

By substituting (2) into (1), we have

7 = 6x – (x2 – 4x – k) 15. Let x m and y m be the length and the width of the garden
2
x – 10x + (7 – k) = 0……(3) respectively.
∵ The simultaneous equations have only one solution. ∵ The area of the garden is 150 m2.
∴ (3) has only one real root. ∴ xy = 150 ……(1)
∴ ∆ =0 ∵ The area of the path is 186 m2.
(–10)2 – 4(1)(7 – k) = 0 ∴ [x + 2(3)][y + 2(3)] – xy = 186
100 – 28 + 4k = 0 xy + 6x + 6y + 36 – xy = 186
4k = –72 6x + 6y = 150
k=− 18 x + y = 25
y = 25 – x ……(2)
By substituting (2) into (1), we have
 2
12. x +16 = 5 x + y  (1) x(25 – x) = 150
25x – x2 = 150
k + y = 5 x  ( 2)
x2 – 25x + 150 = 0
From (2), we have y = 5x – k ……(3) (x – 10)(x – 15) = 0
By substituting (3) into (1), we have x = 10 or x = 15
x2 +16 = 5x + 5x – k By substituting x = 10 into (2), we have y = 25 – 10 = 15
x2 – 10x + (16 + k) = 0 ……(4) By substituting x = 15 into (2), we have y = 25 – 15 = 10
∵ The simultaneous equations have only one solution. ∴ The dimensions of the garden are 10 m × 15 m.
∴ (4) has only one real root.
∴ ∆ =0

16. y = x + k  (1)
2
(–10)2 – 4(1)(16 + k) = 0
100 – 64 – 4k = 0 y = mx  ( 2)
4k = 36
By substituting (1) into (2), we have
k=9 x2 + k = mx
x2 – mx + k = 0 ……(3)
13. (a) ∵ The length of the rectangle is longer than the ∵ The simultaneous equations have only one solution.
width by 10 cm. ∴ (3) has only one real root.
∴ x – y = 10 ∴ ∆ =0
∵ The area of the rectangle is 200 cm2. (–m)2 – 4(1)k = 0
∴ xy = 200 m2 = 4k
∴ The required simultaneous equations are From the graphs, y = mx has a positive slope.
x − y =10  (1) ∴ m>0
 . Let m = 2, then k = 1.
xy = 200  ( 2) Let m = 4, then k = 4.
Let m = 8, then k = 16.
(b) From (1), we have Two pairs of possible values of m and k are:
x – y = 10 m = 2, k = 1 or m = 4, k = 4 or m = 8, k = 16. (or any
x = y + 10……(3) other reasonable answers)
By substituting (3) into (2), we have
(y + 10)y = 200 17. Let the constant term of the quadratic equation be k.
y2 + 10y – 200 = 0 y = 1  (1)
(y – 10)(y + 20) = 0 
 y = x − 2 x + k  ( 2)
2
y = 10 or y = –20 (rejected)
By substituting y = 10 into (3), we have By substituting (2) into (1), we have
x = 10 + 10 = 20 x2 – 2x + k = 1
∴ The dimensions of the rectangle are 2
x – 2x + (k – 1) = 0 ……(3)
10 cm × 20 cm. ∵ The simultaneous equations have two real solutions.
∴ (3) has two real roots.
14. Let x cm and y cm be the length and the width of the ∴ ∆ >0
rectangle respectively. (–2)2 – 4(1)(k – 1) > 0
Then the length of the equilateral triangle is also y cm. 4 – 4k + 4 > 0
∵ The perimeter of the figure is 40 cm. 8 > 4k
∴ 2x + 4y = 40 k<2
x + 2y = 20 ∴ A possible value of the constant term is –1 or 1. (or
x = 20 – 2y ……(1) any other reasonable answers)
∵ The area of the rectangle is 50 cm2.
∴ xy = 50 ……(2)
By substituting (1) into (2), we have Level 2
(20 – 2y)y = 50
20y – 2y2 = 50
18. x − y −1 = 0  (1)
2
2y – 20y + 50 = 0
y2 – 10y + 25 = 0  2
x − xy + y = 7  ( 2)
2
(y – 5)2 = 0
y=5 From (1), we have x = 1 + y ……(3)
By substituting y = 5 into (1), we have x = 20 – 2(5) = 10 By substituting (3) into (2), we have
∴ The dimensions of the rectangle are 5 cm × 10 cm. (1 + y)2 – (1 + y)y + y2 = 7
1 + 2y + y2 – y – y2 + y2 = 7

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y2 + y – 6 = 0 3
(y + 3)(y – 2) = 0 From (2), we have x = y +2 ……(3)
y = –3 or y = 2 2
By substituting y = –3 into (3), we have x = 1 + (–3) = –2 By substituting (3) into (1), we have
By substituting y = 2 into (3), we have x = 1 + 2 = 3
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are 2
3  3 
(–2, –3) and (3, 2). 2 y + 2  − 3 y + 2  y − 2 y 2 −12 = 0
2  2 
 2
19. x + y = 25
2
 (1) 9 2 9
y +12 y + 8 − y 2 − 6 y − 2 y 2 −12 = 0
3 x − 4 y + 25 = 0  ( 2) 2 2
2y2 – 6y + 4 = 0
3 x + 25 y2 – 3y + 2 = 0
From (2), we have y = ……(3)
4 (y – 1)(y – 2) = 0
By substituting (3) into (1), we have y = 1 or y = 2
2 By substituting y = 1 into (3), we have x =
 3 x + 25 
x 2 +  = 25 3 7
 4  (1) + 2 =
2 2
16x2 + 9x2 +150x + 625 = 400
25x2 + 150x + 225 = 0 3
By substituting y = 2 into (3), we have x = ( 2) + 2 =
x2 + 6x + 9 = 0 2
(x + 3)2 = 0 5
x = –3 ∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are
By substituting x = –3 into (3), we have
7 
3( −3) + 25  , 1 and (5, 2).
y= =4 2 
4
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is (–3, 4).
22. (a)  y = mx  (1)

  y = x − 2 x + 4  ( 2)
2
20. x + y + 3 x + 2 y = −2
2 2
 (1)
2 x − 3 y = 2  ( 2) By substituting (2) into (1), we have
x2 – 2x + 4 = mx
3 x2 – (2 + m)x + 4 = 0 ……(3)
From (2), we have x = y +1 ……(3)
∵ The simultaneous equations have only one
2
By substituting (3) into (1), we have solution.
∴ (3) has only one real root.
2
3  2 3  ∴ ∆ =0
 y +1 + y + 3 y +1 + 2 y = −2 [– (2 + m)]2 – 4(1)(4) = 0
 2   2  4 + 4m + m2 – 16 = 0
9 2 9 m2 + 4m – 12 = 0
y + 3 y +1 + y 2 + y + 3 + 2 y = −2 (m + 6)(m – 2) = 0
4 2
m= − 6 or m = 2
13 2 19
y + y +6 = 0
4 2 (b) When m = –6, (3) becomes
13y2 + 38y + 24 = 0 x2 – [2 + (–6)] x + 4 = 0
(y + 2)(13y + 12) = 0 x2 + 4x + 4 = 0
y = –2 or y = (x + 2)2 = 0
12 x = –2
− By substituting m = –6 and x = –2 into (1), we have
13 y = –6(–2) = 12
By substituting y = –2 into (3), we have ∴ The coordinates of P are (–2, 12).
3 When m = 2, (3) becomes
x= ( −2) +1 = –2 x2 – (2 + 2)x + 4 = 0
2 x2 – 4x + 4 = 0
12 (x – 2)2 = 0
By substituting y = − into (3), we have x=2
13
By substituting m = 2 and x = 2 into (1), we have
3  12  5 y = 2(2) = 4
x = −  +1 = −
2  13  13 ∴ The coordinates of P are (2, 4).
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are

5 12  23.  y + k = 2 x  (1)
(–2,–2) and  − ,−  . 
 y = x − 8 x + 9  ( 2)
2
 13 13 
By substituting (2) into (1), we have

21. 2 x − 3 xy − 2 y −12 = 0  (1)
2 2
x2 – 8x + 9 + k = 2x
x2 – 10x + (9 + k) = 0……(3)
− 2 x + 3 y + 4 = 0  ( 2)
∵ The simultaneous equations have real solutions.

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∴ (3) has real roots. 27. (a) ∵ The area of the rhombus is 15 cm2.
∴ ∆ ≥ 0 1
(–10)2 – 4(1)(9 + k) ≥ 0 ∴ xy = 15
100 – 36 – 4k ≥ 0 2
4k ≤ 64 xy = 30
k ≤ 16 ∵ The sum of the lengths of its diagonals is 11 cm.
∴ The maximum value of k is 16. ∴ x + y = 11
∴ The required simultaneous equations are
xy = 30
24. (a)  y = x + 4  (1)  (1)
  .
 y = kx + 3 x + 2  ( 2)
2
x + y =11  ( 2)
By substituting (2) into (1), we have
kx2 + 3x + 2 = x + 4 (b) From (2), we have
kx2 + 2x – 2 = 0 ……(3) x + y = 11
∵ The simultaneous equations have real solutions. y = 11 – x……(3)
∴ (3) has real roots. By substituting (3) into (1), we have
x(11 – x) = 30
∴ ∆ ≥ 0
11x – x2 = 30
22 – 4(k)(–2) ≥ 0
x2 – 11x + 30 = 0
4 + 8k ≥ 0
(x – 5)(x – 6) = 0
8k ≥ –4
x = 5 or x = 6
1 By substituting x = 5 into (3), we have
k≥ −
2 y = 11 – 5 = 6 (rejected ∵ AC > BD)
By substituting x = 6 into (3), we have
1
(b) By substituting the minimum value of k, i.e. − , y = 11 – 6 = 5
2 ∴ x=6 ,y=5
into (3), we have
1 2
− x + 2x – 2 = 0
Exercise 4D (p.193)
2
2
– x + 4x – 4 = 0
x2 – 4x + 4 = 0 Level 1
(x – 2)2 = 0
x=2 1. (a) ∵ f(1) = 13 + 2(1)2 – 1 – 2
By substituting x = 2 into (1), we have y = 2 + 4 = 6 =1+2–1–2
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is =0
(2, 6). ∴ x – 1 is a factor of f(x).

 (b) By long division,

25. y = −x + kx + 4  (1)
2
x 2 + 3x + 2
x −1 x 3 + 2 x 2 − x − 2
x3 − x2
3x 2 − x

4 x + y − 3 = 0
3x 2 − 3 x

 ( 2)
2x − 2
2x − 2

By substituting (1) into (2), we have ∴ x3 + 2x2 – x – 2 = (x – 1)(x2 + 3x + 2)

4x + (–x2 + kx + 4) – 3 = 0 =( x −1)( x +1)( x +2)
–x2 + (4 + k)x + 1 = 0
Consider the discriminant of –x2 + (4 + k)x + 1 = 0. (c) ∵ f(x) = 0
∆ = (4 + k)2 – 4(–1)(1)= (4 + k)2 + 4
∴ (x – 1)(x + 1)(x + 2) = 0
∵ (4 + k)2 ≥ 0 for all real values of k.
x – 1 = 0 or x + 1 = 0 or x+2=0
∴ ∆ >0
x = 1 or x= −1 or x =
∴ The simultaneous equations have two real solutions
for all real values of k. −2

26. Let x cm and y cm be the lengths of the sides of the 2. (a) ∵ f(–1) = (–1)3 – (–1)2 – 10(–1) – 8
squares ABCD and DEFG respectively. = –1 – 1 + 10 – 8
∵ EC = 4 cm =0
∴ x–y=4 ∴ x + 1 is a factor of f(x).
y = x – 4……(1)
∵ The sum of their areas is 400 cm2. (b) By long division,
∴ x2 + y2 = 400……(2)
x 2 − 2x − 8
x + 1 x 3 − x 2 − 10 x − 8
x 3 + x2
− 2 x 2 − 10 x
− 2x 2 − 2x
− 8x − 8

By substituting (1) into (2), we have

− 8x − 8

x2 + (x – 4)2 = 400 ∴ x3 – x2 – 10x – 8 = (x + 1)(x2 – 2x – 8)

x2 + x2 – 8x + 16 = 400 =( x +1)( x +2)( x −4)
2x2 – 8x – 384 = 0
x2 – 4x – 192 = 0
(x – 16)(x + 12) = 0 (c) ∵ f(x) = 0
x = 16 or x = –12 (rejected) ∴ (x + 1)(x + 2)(x – 4) = 0
By substituting x = 16 into (1), we have y = 16 – 4 = 12 x + 1 = 0 or x + 2 = 0 or x – 4 = 0
∴ The length of the sides of the square ABCD is 16 cm. x= − 1 or x= − 2 or x
The length of the sides of the square DEFG is 12 cm. =4

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= 16 + 24 – 8 – 24 – 8
3. (a) ∵ f(2) = 23 – 22 – 4(2) + 4 =0
=8–4–8+4 ∴ x + 2 is a factor of f(x).
=0
∴ x – 2 is a factor of f(x). (b) ∵ x – 1 and x + 2 are factors of f(x).
∴ (x – 1)(x + 2) is also a factor of f(x).
(b) By long division,
x2 + x − 2
Divide f(x) by (x – 1)(x + 2), i.e. x2 + x – 2.
x 2 − 4x + 4
x − 2 x 3 − x 2 − 4x + 4 x 2 + x − 2 x 4 − 3 x3 − 2 x 2 + 1 2x − 8
3 2
x − 2x x 4 + x 3 − 2x 2
2
x −4x − 4x
3
+ 12x
x2 − 2x 3
− 4x − 4x + 8x
2

− 2x + 4 4x 2 + 4x − 8
− 2x + 4 4x 2 + 4x − 8

∴ x3 – x2 – 4x + 4 = (x – 2)(x2 + x – 2) ∴ x4 – 3x3 – 2x2 + 12x – 8

=( x −2)( x −1)( x +2) = (x – 1)(x + 2)(x2 – 4x + 4)
=( x −1)( x +2)( x −2) 2
(c) ∵ f(x) = 0
∴ (x – 2)(x – 1)(x + 2) = 0
x – 2 = 0 or x – 1 = 0 or x+2=0
x = 2 or x = 1 or x= −2
(c) ∵ f (x) = 0
4. (a) ∵ f(–3) = (–3)3 + 2(–3)2 – 5(–3) – 6 ∴ (x – 1)(x + 2)(x – 2)2 = 0
= –27 + 18 + 15 – 6 x – 1 = 0 or x + 2 = 0 or (x – 2)2 = 0
=0 x = 1 or x= −2 or x =
∴ x + 3 is a factor of f(x). 2

(b) By long division,

x2 − x − 2
x + 3 x 3 + 2x 2 − 5x − 6
x 3 + 3x 2
7. (a) ∵ f (1) = 14 + 5(1)3 + 5(1)2 – 5(1) – 6
=1+5+5–5–6
− x 2 − 5x
− x 2 − 3x
−2x − 6
−2x − 6

=0
∴ x3 + 2x2 – 5x – 6 = (x + 3)(x2 – x – 2) ∴ x – 1 is a factor of f(x).
∵ f (–2) = (–2)4 + 5(–2)3 + 5(–2)2 – 5(–2) – 6
=( x +3)( x +1)( x −2) = 16 – 40 + 20 + 10 – 6
=0
(c) ∵ f (x) = 0 ∴ x + 2 is a factor of f(x).
∴ (x + 3)(x + 1)(x – 2) = 0
x + 3 = 0 or x + 1 = 0 or x–2=0 (b) ∵ x – 1 and x + 2 are factors of f(x).
x= − 3 or x= − 1 or x = ∴ (x – 1)(x + 2) is also a factor of f(x).
Divide f(x) by (x – 1)(x + 2), i.e. x2 + x – 2.
2 x 2 + 4x + 3
x 2 + x − 2 x 4 + 5 x3 + 5x 2 − 5x − 6
x 4 + x3 − 2 x 2
4x 3 + 7x 2 − 5x
4x 3 + 4x 2 − 8x
3x 2 + 3x − 6
3x 2 + 3x − 6

5. (a) ∵ 3 2
f (1) = 3(1) + 4(1) – 5(1) – 2
∴ x4 + 5x3 + 5x2 – 5x – 6
=3+4–5–2
= (x – 1)(x + 2)(x2 + 4x + 3)
=0 =( x −1)( x +2)( x +1)( x +3)
∴ x – 1 is a factor of f(x).
∵ f (–2) = 3(–2)3 + 4(–2)2 – 5(–2) – 2
= –24 + 16 + 10 – 2 (c) ∵ f(x) = 0
=0 ∴ (x – 1)(x + 2)(x + 1)(x + 3) = 0
∴ x + 2 is a factor of f(x). x – 1 = 0 or x + 2 = 0 or x + 1 = 0 or x + 3 = 0
x = 1 or x= − 2 or x = −1 or x =
(b) ∵ x – 1 and x + 2 are factors of f(x). −3
∴ (x – 1)(x + 2) is also a factor of f(x).
Divide f(x) by (x – 1)(x + 2), i.e. x2 + x – 2.
3x + 1
x2 + x − 2 3x 3 + 4 x 2 − 5 x − 2
3x 3 + 3 x2 − 6 x
8. (a) ∵ f(1) = 2(1)4 + 13 – 2(1)2 + 5(1) – 6
x2 + x − 2
x2 + x − 2
=2+1–2+5–6
=0
∴ 3x3 + 4x2 – 5x – 2 ∴ x – 1 is a factor of f(x).
=(3 x +1)( x −1)( x +2) ∵ f(–2) = 2(–2)4 + (–2)3 – 2(–2)2 + 5(–2) – 6
= 32 – 8 – 8 – 10 – 6
(c) ∵ f (x) = 0 =0
∴ (3x + 1)(x – 1)(x + 2) = 0 ∴ x + 2 is a factor of f(x).
3x + 1 = 0 or x–1=0 or x+2=0
1 (b) ∵ x – 1 and x + 2 are factors of f(x).
x=− or x =1 or x ∴ (x – 1)(x + 2) is also a factor of f(x).
3
Divide f(x) by (x – 1)(x + 2), i.e. x2 + x – 2.
=−
2 x2 − x + 3

2
x 2 + x − 2 2 x 4 + x3 − 2 x2 + 5x − 6
2 x 4 + 2 x3 − 4 x2
− x3 + 2x 2 + 5x
− x3 − x2 + 2 x
3 x2 + 3x − 6
3 x2 + 3x − 6

6. (a) ∵ f(1) = 14 – 3(1)3 – 2(1)2 + 12(1) – 8 ∴ 2x4 + x3 – 2x2 + 5x – 6

= 1 – 3 – 2 + 12 – 8 =( x −1)( x +2)( 2 x 2 −x +3)
=0
∴ x – 1 is a factor of f(x). (c) ∵ f(x) = 0
∵ f(–2) = (–2)4 – 3(–2)3 – 2(–2)2 + 12(–2) – 8 ∴ (x – 1)(x + 2)(2x2 – x + 3) = 0

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x – 1 = 0 or x + 2 = 0 or 2x2 – x + 3 = 0 ∴ 3x + 1 = 0 or 3x2 + 3x + 1 = 0
x = 1 or x = –2 or x = 1
x=− or x=
−( −1) ± ( −1) 2 −4( 2)( 3) 3
2( 2) −3 ± 3 2 −4(3)(1)
=
1 ± − 23 (rejected) 2(3)
4 − 3 ± −3
= (rejected)
∴ x = 1 or x= −2 6
1
∴ x=−
9. (x + 2)3 – 1 = 0 3
[(x + 2) – 1][ (x + 2)2 + (x + 2) + 1] = 0
(x + 1)(x2 + 4x + 4 + x + 2 + 1) = 0
(x + 1)(x2 + 5x + 7) = 0
∴ x+1=0 or x2 + 5x + 7 = 0 Level 2
x = –1 or x=
13. (a) ∵ f(2) = 23 – 3(2)2 – 4(2) + 12
−5 ± 5 2 −4(1)( 7) = 8 – 12 – 8 + 12
2(1) =0
∴ x – 2 is a factor of f(x).
−5 ± −3
=
2 By long division,
x2 − x − 6
x − 2 x 3 − 3 x 2 − 4 x + 12

(rejected)
x3 − 2 x2
− x2 − 4 x
− x2 + 2 x
− 6 x + 12
− 6 x + 12

∴ x= −1
∴ x3 – 3x2 – 4x + 12 = (x – 2)(x2 – x – 6)
3
10. 8(x – 3) – 27 = 0
[2(x – 3)]3 – 33 = 0 =( x −2)( x −3)( x +2)
[2(x – 3) – 3][4(x – 3)2 + 2(x – 3)(3) + 32] = 0
(2x – 9)(4x2 – 24x + 36 + 6x – 18 + 9) = 0 (b) ∵ f(x) = 0
(2x – 9)(4x2 – 18x + 27) = 0 ∴ (x – 2)(x – 3)(x + 2) = 0
∴ 2x – 9 = 0 or 4x2 – 18x + 27 = 0 x – 2 = 0 or x – 3 = 0 or x+2=0
9 x = 2 or x = 3 or x= −2
x= or x=
2
14. (a) ∵ f(3) = 33 – 32 – 41(3) + 105
−( −18 ) ± ( −18 ) 2 −4( 4)( 27 ) = 27 – 9 – 123 + 105
2( 4) =0
∴ x – 3 is a factor of f(x).
18 ± −108
= (rejected)
8
By long division,
9 x 2 + 2x − 35
x − 3 x 3 − x 2 − 41x + 105

∴ x=
x 3 − 3x 2
2 x 2 − 41x

2
2 x 2 − 6x
− 35 x + 105
− 35 x + 105

∴ x3 – x2 – 41x + 105 = (x – 3)(x2 + 2x – 35)

11. 125(2x – 1)3 + 1 = 0
[5(2x – 1)]3 + (1)3 = 0 =( x −3)( x −5)( x +7 )
[5(2x – 1) + 1][25(2x – 1)2 – 5(2x – 1) + 1] = 0
(10x – 4)(100x2 – 100x + 25 – 10x + 5 + 1) = 0
(10x – 4)(100x2 – 110x + 31) = 0 (b) ∵ f(x) = 0
∴ 10x – 4 = 0 or 100x2 – 110x + 31 = 0 ∴ (x – 3)(x – 5)(x + 7) = 0
x – 3 = 0 or x – 5 = 0 or x+7=0
2
x= or x= x = 3 or x = 5 or x= −7
5
−( −110 ) ± ( −110 ) 2 −4(100 )( 31 ) 15. (a) ∵ f(4) = 44 + 43 – 26(4)2 – 6(4) + 120
= 256 + 64 – 416 – 24 + 120
2(100 ) =0
110 ± −300 ∴ x – 4 is a factor of f(x).
= (rejected) ∵ f(–5) = (–5)4 + (–5)3 – 26(–5)2 – 6(–5) + 120
200 = 625 – 125 – 650 + 30 + 120
2 =0
∴ x= ∴ x + 5 is a factor of f(x).
5
∵ x – 4 and x + 5 are factors of f(x).
∴ (x – 4)(x + 5) is also a factor of f(x).
12. (2x + 1)3 + x3 = 0
[(2x + 1) + x][(2x + 1)2 – (2x + 1)x + x2] = 0 Divide f(x) by (x – 4)(x + 5), i.e. x2 + x – 20.
(3x + 1)(4x2 + 4x + 1 – 2x2 – x + x2) = 0 x2 − 6
x2 + x − 2 0x4 + x 3 − 2 6x2 − 6 x + 1 2 0
x4 + x 3 − 2 0x2

(3x + 1)(3x2 + 3x + 1) = 0 − 6 x2 − 6 x + 1 2 0
− 6 x2 − 6 x + 1 2 0

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∴ x4 + x3 – 26x2 – 6x + 120 ∴ –5x + 12 = 0 or 43x2 – 93x + 63 = 0

=( x −4)( x +5)( x 2 −6) 12
x= or x=
5
(b) ∵ f(x) = 0
∴ (x – 4)(x + 5)(x2 – 6) = 0 −( −93 ) ± ( −93 ) 2 −4( 43 )( 63 )
2
x – 4 = 0 or x + 5 = 0 or x –6=0 2( 43 )
x = 4 or x= −5 or x =
93 ± − 2187
± 6 = (rejected)
86
16. (a) ∵ f(3) = 34 + 2(3)3 – 30(3)2 + 38(3) + 21
12
∴ x=
= 81 + 54 – 270 + 114 + 21 5
=0
∴ x – 3 is a factor of f(x). 19. 8(x + 6)3 + (2x – 9)3 = 0
∵ f(–7) = (–7)4 + 2(–7)3 – 30(–7)2 + 38(–7) + 21 [2(x + 6)]3 + (2x – 9)3 = 0
= 2401 – 686 – 1470 – 266 + 21 [2(x + 6) + (2x – 9)][4(x + 6)2 – 2(x + 6)(2x – 9) +
=0 (2x – 9)2] = 0
∴ x + 7 is a factor of f(x). (4x + 3)(4x2 + 48x + 144 – 4x2 – 6x + 108 + 4x2 – 36x +
∵ x – 3 and x + 7 are factors of f(x). 81) = 0
∴ (x – 3)(x + 7) is also a factor of f(x). (4x + 3)(4x2 + 6x + 333) = 0
∴ 4x + 3 = 0 or 4x2 + 6x + 333 = 0
Divide f(x) by (x – 3)(x + 7), i.e. x2 + 4x – 21. 3
x=− or x=
x 2 − 2x − 1
x 2 + 4x − 2 1x 4 + 2x 3 − 3 0x 2 + 3 8x + 2 1
x 4 + 4x 3 − 2 1x 2
− 2x 3 − 9x 2 + 3 8x

4
− 2x 3 − 8 x 2 + 4 2x
− x 2 − 4x + 2 1
− x 2 − 4x + 2 1

∴ x4 + 2x3 – 30x2 + 38x + 21 − 6 ± 6 2 − 4( 4)( 333 )

=( x −3)( x +7)( x 2
−2 x −1) 2( 4)

(b) ∵ f(x) = 0
− 6 ± − 5292
=
∴ (x – 3)(x + 7)(x2 – 2x – 1) = 0 8
x – 3 = 0 or x + 7 = 0 or x2 – 2x – 1 = 0 (rejected)
x = 3 or x = − 7 or 3
∴ x=−
x= 4
−( −2) ± ( −2) 2 −4(1)( −1)
20. 4(x – 3)3 – 256(3x + 1)3 = 0
2(1) (x – 3)3 – 64(3x + 1)3 = 0
=1± 2 (x – 3)3 – [4(3x + 1)]3 = 0
[(x – 3) – 4(3x + 1)][(x – 3)2 + 4(x – 3)(3x + 1) +
17. 64(x – 1)3 – (x – 5)3 = 0 16(3x + 1)2] = 0
[4(x – 1)]3 – (x – 5)3 = 0 (–11x – 7)(x2 – 6x + 9 + 12x2 – 32x – 12 + 144x2 + 96x +
[4(x – 1) – (x – 5)][16(x – 1)2 + 4(x – 1)(x – 5) + (x – 5)2] 16) = 0
=0 (–11x – 7)(157x2 + 58x + 13) = 0
(3x + 1)(16x2 – 32x + 16 + 4x2 – 24x + 20 + x2 – 10x + 25) ∴ –11x – 7 = 0 or 157x2 + 58x + 13 = 0
=0 7
(3x + 1)(21x2 – 66x + 61) = 0 x=− or x=
11
∴ 3x + 1 = 0 or 21x2 – 66x + 61 = 0
1 −58 ± 58 2 −4(157 )(13 )
x=− or
3 2(157 )
x= − 58 ± − 4800
=
−( −66 ) ± ( −66 ) 2 −4( 21 )( 61 ) 314
2( 21 ) (rejected)
7
=
66 ± − 768 (rejected) ∴ x=−
11
42
1 21. x4 + x3 – 6x2 – 4x + 8 = 0
∴ x=−
3 (x – 6x2 + 8) + (x3 – 4x) = 0
4

[(x2)2 – 6x2 + 8] + x(x2 – 4) = 0

18. (x + 3)3 – 27(2x – 3)3 = 0 (x2 – 2)(x2 – 4) + x(x2 – 4) = 0
(x + 3)3 – [3(2x – 3)]3 = 0 (x2 – 4)[(x2 – 2) + x] = 0
2
[(x + 3) – 3(2x – 3)][(x + 3) + 3(x + 3)(2x – 3) + 9(2x (x + 2)(x – 2)(x2 + x – 2) = 0
– 3)2] = 0 (x + 2)(x – 2)(x + 2)(x – 1) = 0
(–5x + 12)(x2 + 6x + 9 + 6x2 + 9x – 27 + 36x2 – 108x + 81) (x + 2)2(x – 1)(x – 2) = 0
=0 (x + 2)2 = 0 or x – 1 = 0 or x – 2 = 0
(–5x + 12)(43x2 – 93x + 63) = 0 x= − 2 or x = 1 or x = 2

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 4 More about Equations

22. x4 – 3x3 – 2x2 + 12x – 8 = 0 −1 ± 12 −4(1)( −3)

u=
(x – 2x2 – 8) – (3x3 – 12x) = 0
4
2(1)
[(x2)2 – 2x2 – 8] – 3x(x2 – 4) = 0
(x2 + 2)(x2 – 4) – 3x(x2 – 4) = 0 −1 + 13 −1 − 13
u= or u=
(x2 – 4)[(x2 + 2) – 3x] = 0 2 2
(x + 2)(x – 2)(x2 – 3x + 2) = 0 ∵ x =u
(x + 2)(x – 2)(x – 2)(x – 1) = 0
(x + 2)(x – 1)(x – 2)2 = 0 −1 + 13 −1 − 13
x+2=0 or x – 1 = 0 or (x – 2)2 = 0 ∴ x = or x =
2 2
x= − 2 or x =1 or x= 2 (rejected)
2

23. x4 – 3x3 – 3x2 + 3x + 2 = 0  −1 + 13 

x= 
(x4 – 3x2 + 2) – (3x3 – 3x) = 0  2 
 
[(x2)2 – 3x2 + 2] – 3x(x2 – 1) = 0
(x2 – 1)(x2 – 2) – 3x(x2 – 1) = 0 1 −2 13 +13
(x2 – 1)[(x2 – 2) – 3x] = 0 =
4
(x2 – 1)(x2 – 3x – 2) = 0
(x + 1)(x – 1)(x2 – 3x – 2) = 0 7 − 13
=
x + 1 = 0 or x – 1 = 0 or x2 – 3x – 2 = 0 2
x= − 1 or x = 1 or
x= 7 − 13
∴ The real root of the equation is .
2
−( −3) ± ( −3) 2 −4(1)( −2)
2(1) 4. 3 x +4 + x = 8
3 ± 17 x – 8 = − 3 x +4
=
2 (
(x – 8)2 = − 3 x +4 ) 2

x2 – 16x + 64 = 3x + 4
x2 – 19x + 60 = 0
Revision Exercise 4 (p.196) (x – 4)(x – 15) = 0
x = 4 or x = 15
Level 1
Checking:
1. By substituting x2 = u into the equation x4 – 9x2 + 20 = 0, When x = 4, 3 x +4 + x = 3( 4) +4 + 4= 8
we have
When x = 15, 3 x +4 + x = 3(15 ) +4 + 15 = 22
u2 – 9u + 20 = 0
(u – 4)(u – 5) = 0 ≠ 8
u = 4 or u = 5 ∴ The real root of the equation is 4.
∵ x2 = u
∴ x2 = 4 or x2 = 5 For questions 5 to 6, refer to the graph below:
x = ± 2 or x = ± 5
∴ The real roots of the equation are − 5 , –2, 2 and
5 .

2. By substituting x3 = u into the equation

27x6 – 1720x3 – 512 = 0, we have
27u2 – 1720u – 512 = 0
(27u + 8)(u – 64) = 0
8
u=− or u = 64
27
∵ x3 = u
8
∴ x3 = − or x3 = 64
27
2
x=− or x=4
3
2 5. y = –x – 1
∴ The real roots of the equation are − and 4.
3
x –1 0 1
y 0 –1 –2
3. By substituting x = u into the equation x + x –3=
0, we have ∵ The two graphs intersect at (–1, 0) and (4, –5).
u2 + u – 3 = 0 ∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are
(–1, 0) and (4, –5).

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
11. y = 2 x − x +1  (1)
2
6. y = –3x + 1
2 x − y = 3  ( 2)
x –1 0 1 From (2), we have y = 2x – 3 ……(3)
y 4 1 –2 By substituting (1) into (3), we have
2x2 – x + 1 = 2x – 3
∵ The two graphs intersect at (–2, 7) and (3, –8). 2x2 – 3x + 4 = 0
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are Consider the discriminant of 2x2 – 3x + 4 = 0.
(–2, 7) and (3, –8). ∆ = (–3)2 – 4(2)(4) = –23 < 0
∴ 2x2 – 3x + 4 = 0 has no real roots.
7. ∵ x2 + 5x + 2 = 0 ∴ The simultaneous equations have no real solutions.
2
x + 3x + 2x – 1 + 3 = 0
x2 + 3x – 1 = –2x – 3
 2
12. x + y = 4
2
 (1)
∴ The equation of the required straight line is x − y − k = 0  ( 2)
y = –2x – 3.
From (2), we have y = x – k……(3)
By substituting (3) into (1), we have
8. ∵ 2x2 – 7x + 6 = 0 x2 + (x – k)2 = 4
2x2 + 6x – 13x – 2 + 8 = 0 x2 + x2 – 2kx + k2 = 4
2x2 + 6x – 2 = 13x– 8 2x2 – 2kx + (k2 – 4) = 0……(4)
13 ∵ The simultaneous equations have only one solution.
x2 + 3x – 1 = x −4 ∴ (4) has only one real root.
2
∴ The equation of the required straight line is ∴ ∆ =0
(–2k)2 – 4(2)(k2 – 4) = 0
13 4k2 – 8k2 + 32 = 0
y= x −4 .
2 4k2 = 32
k = ±2 2
9.
y = x 2 − 2 x + 3  (1)
  2
13. x − 4 y + 20 = 0  (1)
2
y = 3 x −1  ( 2)
By substituting (1) into (2), we have x + 3 y − k = 0  ( 2)
x2 – 2x + 3 = 3x – 1 From (2), we have x = k – 3y……(3)
x2 – 5x + 4 = 0 By substituting (3) into (1), we have
(x – 1)(x – 4) = 0 (k – 3y) 2 – 4y2 + 20 = 0
x–1=0 or x – 4 = 0 k2 – 6ky + 9y2 – 4y2 + 20 = 0
x=1 or x=4 5y2 – 6ky + (20 + k2) = 0……(4)
By substituting x = 1 into (2), we have y = 3(1) – 1 = 2 ∵ The simultaneous equations have only one solution.
By substituting x = 4 into (2), we have y = 3(4) – 1 = 11
∴ (4) has only one real root.
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are
∴ ∆ =0
(1, 2) and (4, 11).
(–6k)2 – 4(5)(20 + k2) = 0
36k2 – 400 – 20k2 = 0
 2
10. x + y =1  (1)
2
16k2 = 400
k= ± 5
y = 2 x +1  ( 2)
By substituting (2) into (1), we have
14. Let x be the tens digit and y be the units digit of the
x2 + (2x + 1)2 = 1
original number.
x2 + 4x2 + 4x + 1 = 1
5x2 + 4x = 0 ∴ The original number is 10x + y,
x(5x + 4) = 0 and the reversed number is 10y + x.
x=0 or 5x + 4 = 0 ∵ The number is increased by 18 when the digits are
reversed.
4 ∴ (10y + x) – (10x + y) = 18
x=−
5 –9x + 9y = 18
By substituting x = 0 into (2), we have y = 2(0) + 1 = 1 –x + y = 2
4 y=x+2 ……(1)
By substituting x = − into (2), we have y = ∵ The product of the two numbers is 1855.
5 ∴ (10x + y)(10y + x) = 1855
 4 10x2 + 101xy + 10y2 = 1855 .…..(2)
2 −  +1 By substituting (1) into (2), we have
 5 10x2 + 101x(x + 2) + 10(x + 2)2 = 1855
3 10x + 101x2 + 202x + 10x2 + 40x + 40 = 1855
2

=− 121x2 + 242 x – 1815 = 0

5 x2 + 2 x – 15 = 0
(x – 3)(x + 5) = 0
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are x = 3 or x = –5 (rejected)
 4 3 By substituting x = 3 into (1), we have
(0, 1) and  − ,−  . y=3+2=5
 5 5 ∴ The original number is 35.

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 4 More about Equations

15. Let x be the present age of the younger brother and y be ∴ x + 1 is a factor of x4 – 3x3 – x2 + 5x + 2.
the present age of the older brother. ∵ f(2) = 24 – 3(2)3 – 22 + 5(2) + 2
∵ The older brother is twice as old as the younger = 16 – 24 – 4 + 10 + 2
brother. =0
∴ 2x = y……(1) ∴ x – 2 is a factor of x4 – 3x3 – x2 + 5x + 2.
∵ After four years, the sum of the squares of their ages
is 277. (b) ∵ x + 1 and x – 2 are factors of f(x).
∴ (x + 4)2 + (y + 4)2 = 277 ∴ (x + 1)(x – 2) is also a factor of f(x).
x2 + 8x + 16 + y2 + 8y + 16 = 277
x2 + y2 + 8x + 8y – 245 = 0 …..(2) Divide f(x) by (x + 1)(x – 2), i.e. x2 – x – 2.
By substituting (1) into (2), we have
x2 − 2 x − 1
2 4 3 2
x − x − 2 x − 3x − x + 5x + 2
4 3 2
x − x − 2x
− 2 x3 + x 2 + 5 x
− 2 x3 + 2 x 2 + 4 x

x2 + (2x)2 + 8x + 8(2x) – 245 = 0

− x2 + x + 2
− x2 + x + 2

5x2 + 24x – 245 = 0

∴ x4 – 3x3 – x2 + 5x + 2 = (x + 1)(x – 2)(x2 – 2x – 1)
(x – 5)(5x + 49) = 0
∵ x4 – 3x3 – x2 + 5x + 2 = 0
49 ∴ (x + 1)(x – 2)(x2 – 2x – 1) = 0
x=5 or x=−
5 x + 1 = 0 or x – 2 = 0 or x2 – 2x – 1 = 0
(rejected) x= − 1 or x = 2 or
By substituting x = 5 into (1), we have x=
y = 2(5) = 10
∴ The present ages of the brothers are 5 and 10. −( −2) ± ( −2) 2 −4(1)( −1)
2(1)
16. (a) Let y cm be the length of a side of the square.
∵ The perimeter of the rectangle is 18 cm greater =1± 2
than that of the square.
∴ 2(4 + x) – 4y = 18 19. 1 – 8(x – 1)3 = 0
8 + 2x – 4y = 18 13 – [2(x – 1)]3 = 0
x – 2y = 5 [1 –2(x – 1)][12 + 2(x – 1) + 4(x – 1)2] = 0
x = 5 + 2y ……(1) (3 – 2x)( 1 + 2x – 2 + 4x2 – 8x + 4) = 0
∵ The rectangle and the square have equal areas. (3 – 2x)(4x2 – 6x + 3) = 0
∴ 4x = y2 ……(2) ∴ 3 – 2x = 0 or 4x2 – 6x + 3 = 0
By substituting (1) into (2), we have 3
4(5 + 2y) = y2 x= or x=
2
y – 8y – 20 = 0 2
(y – 10)(y + 2) = 0 −( −6) ± ( −6) 2 −4( 4)( 3)
y = 10 or y = –2(rejected)
∴ The length of a side of the square is 10 cm. 2( 4)
6± −12
(b) By substituting y = 10 into (1), we have =
8
x = 5 + 2(10) = 25
(rejected)
3
17. (a) Let f(x) = x3 – 14x + 15. ∴ x=
∵ f(3) = 33 – 14(3) + 15 2
= 27 – 42 + 15
=0
∴ x – 3 is a factor of x3 – 14x + 15.
20. Let a = 0, b = –1.
(b) By long division,
x 2 + 3x − 5
The equation x4 + ax2 + b = 0 becomes x4 – 1 = 0.
x4 – 1 = 0
x − 3 x 3 + 0 x 2 − 14 x + 15
x 3 − 3x 2
3x 2 − 14 x
3x 2 − 9x
− 5 x + 15

(x2 – 1)(x2 + 1) = 0
− 5 x + 15

(x + 1)(x – 1)(x2 + 1) = 0
x3 – 14x + 15 =( x −3)( x +3 x −5)
2
∴
∴ x + 1 = 0 or x – 1 = 0 or x2 + 1 = 0
x = –1 or x = 1 or x2 = –1(rejected)
(c) ∵ x3 – 14x + 15 = 0 ∴ The equation has only two real roots.
∴ (x – 3)(x2 + 3x – 5) = 0
x–3=0 or x2 + 3x – 5 = 0 Let a = 1, b = –2.
x= 3 or x = The equation x4 + ax2 + b = 0 becomes x4 + x2 –2 = 0.
x4 + x2 –2 = 0
−3 ± 3 2 −4(1)( −5) (x – 1)(x2 + 2) = 0
2

2(1) x2 = 1 or x2 = –2 (rejected)
x = –1 or x = 1
−3 ± 29 ∴ The equation has only two real roots.
=
2
∴ a = 0, b = –1 or a = 1, b = –2 (or any other reasonable
18. (a) Let f(x) = x – 3x – x + 5x + 2. 4 3 2 answers)
∵ f(–1) = (–1)4 – 3(–1)3 – (–1)2 + 5(–1) + 2
=1+3–1–5+2
=0

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 Certificate Mathematics in Action Full Solutions 4A

(u – 1)2 = 0
21.  y = c  (1)
u=1

 y = x + 4 x + 2  ( 2)
2
∵ x2 – 3x = u
By substituting (2) into (1), we have ∴ x2 – 3x = 1
2
x2 + 4x + 2 = c x – 3x – 1 = 0
x2 + 4x + (2 – c) = 0……(3) x=
Let the two solutions of the simultaneous equations be h −( −3) ± ( −3) 2 −4(1)( −1)
and k.
Then x – h and x – k are the factors of (3). 2(1)
∴ x2 + 4x + (2 – c) = (x – h)(x – k) 3 ± 13
= x2 – (h + k)x + hk =
By comparing constant terms, we have 2
2 – c = hk 3 − 13 and
∵ Both solutions are negative. ∴ The real roots of the equation are
∴ hk > 0 2
∴ 2–c>0 3 + 13 .
c<2
∵ The simultaneous equations have two solutions.
2
∴ (3) has two real roots.
∴ ∆ >0 25. 3x – 2 x +1 = 9
42 – 4(1)(2 – c) > 0 3x – 9 = 2 x +1
16 – 8 + 4c > 0
c > –2 (3x – 9)2 = (
2 x +1 ) 2

1 9x2 – 54x + 81 = 2x + 1
∴ A possible value of c is –1 or . (or any other 9x2 – 56x + 80 = 0
4 (9x – 20)(x – 4) = 0
reasonable answers) 20
x= or x=4
22. By substituting x = u into the equation x + 2 x = k,
9
we have Checking:
u2 + 2u = k 20  20 
u2 + 2u – k = 0 …..(1) When x = , 3x – 2 x +1 = 3  –
∵ The equation x + 2 x = k has no real roots. 9  9 
∴ The equation u2 + 2u – k = 0 also has no real roots.  20  13
∴ The discriminant of u2 + 2u – k = 0 is negative. 2  +1 =
∆ <0  9  3
22 – 4(1)( –k) < 0 ≠ 9
4 + 4k < 0 When x = 4, 3x – 2 x +1 = 3(4) – 2( 4) +1 = 9
4k < –4
∴ The real root of the equation is 4.
k < –1
∴ A possible value of k is –2 or –3. (or any other
reasonable answers) 26. 5x – 5 x +6 = 6
5x – 6 = 5 x +6
(
(5x – 6)2 = 5 x +6 ) 2

Level 2 25x2 – 60x + 36 = 5x + 6

25x2 – 65x + 30 = 0
23. By substituting x2 + 2x = u into the equation 5x2 – 13x + 6 = 0
(x2 + 2x)2 + 5(x2 + 2x) + 4 = 0, we have (5x – 3)(x – 2) = 0
u2 + 5u + 4 = 0 3
(u + 1)(u + 4) = 0 x= or x=2
5
u = –1 or u = –4
∵ x2 + 2x = u Checking:
∴ x2 + 2x = –1 or x2 + 2x = –4 3 3
5 x +6 = 5  –
2 2
x + 2x + 1 = 0 or x + 2x + 4 = 0 When x = , 5x –
(x + 1)2 = 0 or x = 5 5
−2 ± 2 2 −4(1)( 4) 3
5  + 6 = 0 ≠ 6
2(1) 5
x = –1 or x = −1 ± −3 (rejected) When x = 2, 5x – 5 x +6 = 5(2) – 5( 2) +6 = 6
∴ The real root of the equation is –1. ∴ The real root of the equation is 2.
24. (x2 – 3x)2 – 2x2 + 6x + 1 = 0 27. y = x2 – x
(x2 – 3x)2 – 2(x2 – 3x) + 1 = 0 x –2 –1 0 1 2 3
By substituting x2 – 3x = u into the equation y 6 2 0 0 2 6
(x2 – 3x)2 – 2(x2 – 3x) + 1 = 0, we have
u2 – 2u + 1 = 0

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 4 More about Equations

2x – 3y = 1
x –1 0.5 2
y –1 0 1

∵ The two graphs intersect at (0.2, –0.2) and (1.4, 0.6).

∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are
approximately (0.2, –0.2) and (1.4, 0.6).

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 Certificate Mathematics in Action Full Solutions 4A

28. y = x2 – 4x + 3
x 0 1 2 3 4
y 3 0 –1 0 3

x y
+ =1
2 3
x 0 2 4
y 3 0 –3

29. ∵ 2x2 – 5x + 2 = 0
2x2 – 4x + 2 = x
x
x2 – 2x + 1 =
2
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are
 y = x2 − 2x +1

 x .
∵ The two graphs intersect at (0, 3.0) and (2.5, –0.8).  y=
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are  2
approximately (0, 3.0) and (2.5, –0.8). x
Draw the straight line y = on the graph of
2
For questions 29 to 30, refer to the graph below: y = x2 – 2x + 1.
From the graphs, the roots of 2x2 – 5x + 2 = 0 are
y = x2 – 2x + 1 approximately 0.5 and 2.0.

x –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 30. ∵ 2x2 + 4x + 1 = 0
y 9 4 1 0 1 4 9 2x2 + 4x – 8x + 1 + 1 = 1 – 8x
2x2 – 4x + 2 = 1 – 8x
1
x2 – 2x + 1 = −4x
2
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are
 y = x 2 − 2 x +1

 1 .
 y = − 4x
 2
1
Draw the straight line y = − 4 x on the graph of
2
y = x2 – 2x + 1.
From the graphs, the roots of 2x2 + 4x + 1 = 0 are
approximately –1.7 and –0.3.

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 4 More about Equations

x2 + 2x – 3x – 1 = 0
x2 + 2x = 3x + 1
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are
31. (a) y = x2 + 2x y = x 2 + 2 x
x –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5  .
y 0 –1 0 3 8 15 24 35 y = 3 x +1
Draw the straight line y = 3x + 1 on the graph of y =
(b) x2 + 2x.
From the graphs, the roots of x2 – x – 1 = 0 are
approximately –0.6 and 1.6.

(iii) ∵ 2x2 + 3x – 2 = 0
2
2x + 4x – x – 2 = 0
2x2 + 4x = x + 2
x
x2 + 2x = +1
2
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are
 y = x 2 + 2x

 x .
 y = 2 + 1
x
Draw the straight line y = +1 on the graph of
2
y = x2 + 2x.
From the graphs, the roots of 2x2 + 3x – 2 = 0 are
approximately –2.0 and 0.5.

32. (a) From the graph, the y-intercept of y = ax2 + bx + c is 4.

∴ 4 = a(0)2 + b(0) + c
c= 4
From the graph, the x-intercepts of y = ax2 + bx + c are –
3 and 1.
∴ 0 = a(–3)2 + b(–3) + c
0 = 9a –3b + c ……(1)
and 0 = a(1)2 + b(1) + c
0=a+b+c ……(2)
By substituting c = 4 into (1) and (2), we have
0 = 9a –3b + 4 ……(3)
and 0 = a + b + 4 ……(4)
By solving (3) and (4), we have
4 8
a=− ,b=−
3 3

4 8
(b) By substituting a = − ,b=− and c = 4
3 3
into y = ax2 + bx + c, we have
4 2 8
y=− x − x +4
3 3
We are going to solve the following simultaneous
equations:
(c) (i) ∵ 2
x – 3x + 1 = 0
x2 + 2x – 5x + 1 = 0  4 8
x2 + 2x = 5x – 1
 y = − x2 − x + 4  (5)
 3 3
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are
 x − 2 y + 8 = 0  (6)
y = x 2 + 2 x
 . By substituting (5) into (6), we have
y = 5 x −1 4 8 
Draw the straight line y = 5x – 1 on the graph of y = x − 2 − x2 − x + 4 +8 = 0
x2 + 2x. 3 3 
From the graphs, the roots of x2 – 3x + 1 = 0 are 8 2 19
approximately 0.4 and 2.6. x + x =0
3 3
(ii) ∵ x2 – x – 1 = 0 8x2 + 19x = 0

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 Certificate Mathematics in Action Full Solutions 4A

x(8x + 19) = 0 −4 − 2 10
19 By substituting x = into (3), we have
x = 0 (rejected) or x=− 3
8
−4 − 2 10 14 −2 10
19 y= +6= = 2.56(cor. to 2
By substituting x = − into (6), we have 3 3
8 d.p.)
19 − 4 + 2 10
− – 2y + 8 = 0 By substituting x = into (3), we have
8 3
45 − 4 + 2 10 14 + 2 10
y= y= +6= = 6.77(cor. to 2
16 3 3
19 45 d.p.)
∴ The coordinates of P are ( − , ).
8 16
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are
(–3.44, 2.56) and (0.77, 6.77).

33. x + y − x =1  (1)
2

35. (a) ∵
2 x + 3 y =1  ( 2) The length of the wire is 70 cm.
∴ x + y + 29 = 70
1 −2x x + y = 41
From (2), we have y = ……(3)
3 AB 2 + BC 2 = AC 2 (Pyth. theorem)
By substituting (3) into (1), we have x2 + y2 = 292
x2 + y2 = 841
1 −2 x ∴ The required simultaneous equations are
x2 + –x=1
3 x + y = 41  (1)
3x2 + 1 – 2x – 3x = 3  2 .
x + y = 841
2
3x2 – 5x – 2 = 0  ( 2)
(3x + 1)(x – 2) = 0
1 (b) From (1), we have
x=− or x=2 x + y = 41
3 y = 41 – x ……(3)
1 By substituting (3) into (2), we have
By substituting x = − into (3), we have x2 + (41 – x)2 = 841
3
x2 + 1681 – 82x + x2 = 841
 1 2x2 – 82x + 840 = 0
1 − 2 −  x2 – 41x + 420 = 0
y=  3 = 5 (x – 20)(x – 21) = 0
3 9 x = 20 or x = 21
1 −2( 2) By substituting x = 20 into (3), we have
By substituting x = 2 into (3), we have y = = –1 y = 41 – 20 = 21
3 By substituting x = 21 into (3), we have
∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are y = 41 – 21 = 20
 1 5 x = 20 x = 21
 − ,  and (2, –1). ∴ The solutions are  or  .
 3 9 y = 21 y = 20

36. Let x cm and y cm be the length and the width of the

x − y + 6 = 0
34.   (1) rectangle respectively.
 3 x 2 + 3x − y + 4 = 0  ( 2)
∵ The perimeter of the rectangle is 28 cm.
 4 ∴ 2(x + y) = 28
y = 14 – x ……(1)
From (1), we have y = x + 6 ……(3)
By substituting (3) into (2), we have The length of the diagonal = x 2 + y 2 cm
3 2 ∵ The product of the lengths of the diagonals is
x + 3x – (x + 6) + 4 = 0 100 cm2.
4  2 2  2 2 
∴  x +y  x +y =100
3x2 + 12x – 4x – 24 + 16 = 0   
3x2 + 8x – 8 = 0 x2 + y2 = 100 ……(2)
Using the quadratic formula, we have By substituting (1) into (2), we have
x2 + (14 – x)2 = 100
−8 ± 8 2 −4(3)( −8) x + 196 – 28x + x2 = 100
2
x=
2(3) 2x2 – 28x + 96 = 0
x2 – 14x + 48 = 0
−4 − 2 10 − 4 + 2 10 (x – 6)(x – 8) = 0
x= or x=
3 3 x = 6 or x = 8
x = –3.44(cor. to 2 d.p.) or x = 0.77(cor. to 2 d.p.) By substituting x = 6 into (1), we have y = 14 – 6 = 8
By substituting x = 8 into (1), we have y = 14 – 8 = 6
∴ The length and the width of the rectangle is 6 cm and

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8 cm or the length and the width of the rectangle is 2x2 – 12x + 18 = 0

8 cm and 6 cm respectively. x2 – 6x + 9 = 0
(x – 3)2 = 0
37. ∵ The length of the wire is 36 cm. x=3
∴ 8x + 4y = 36 By substituting x = 3 into (3), we have y = 6 – 3 = 3
y = 9 – 2x ……(1) By substituting x = 3 and y = 3 into (1), we have
∵ The total surface area enclosed by the framework is 48 EH = x 2 + y 2 cm = 32 +32 cm =3 2 cm
cm2.
∴ The sides of each triangle are 3 cm, 3 cm and
∴ 2x2 + 4xy = 48 ……(2)
By substituting (1) into (2), we have 3 2 cm.
2x2 + 4x(9 – 2x) = 48
2x2 + 36x – 8x2 = 48 (b) ∵ The triangle has two equal sides and one right
6x2 – 36x + 48 = 0 angle.
x2 – 6x + 8 = 0 ∴ It is an isosceles right-angled triangle.
(x – 2)(x – 4) = 0
x = 2 or x = 4
By substituting x = 2 into (1), we have y = 9 – 2(2) = 5 40. (a)  y = 2 x + k − 2  (1)

 y = x − 6 x + 6  ( 2)
2
By substituting x = 4 into (1), we have y = 9 – 2(4) = 1
x = 2 x = 4 By substituting (2) into (1), we have
∴ The solutions are  or  . x2 – 6x + 6 = 2x + k – 2
y = 5 y =1 2
x – 8x + (8 – k) = 0 ……(3)
∵ The simultaneous equations have only one solution.
38. Let x cm and y cm be the length and width of each rectangle ∴ (3) has only one real root.
respectively. ∴ ∆ =0
∵ The length of the wire is 78 cm. (–8)2 – 4(1)(8 – k) = 0
∴ 10x + 12y = 78 64 – 32 + 4k = 0
39 −5 x 32 + 4k = 0
y= ……(1)
6 k= − 8
∵ The area enclosed by the framework is 96 cm2. (b) By substituting k = –8 into (3), we have
∴ 8xy = 96 x2 – 8x + [8 – (–8)] = 0
xy = 12 ……(2) x2 – 8x + 16 = 0
By substituting (1) into (2), we have (x – 4)2 = 0
x=4
 39 − 5 x  By substituting x = 4 and k = –8 into (1), we have
x  = 12
 6  y = 2(4) + (–8) – 2 = –2
39x – 5x2 = 72 ∴ The coordinates of P are (4, –2).
5x2 – 39x + 72 = 0
(x – 3)(5x – 24) = 0 41. (a) ∵ f(–1) = (–1)3 + 7(–1)2 + 15(–1) + 9
x=3 or x = 4.8 = – 1 + 7 – 15 + 9
By substituting x = 3 into (1), we have =0
∴ x + 1 is a factor of f(x).
39 −5(3)
y= =4
6 By long division,
x 2 + 6x + 9

By substituting x = 4.8 into (1), we have

x + 1 x 3 + 7 x 2 + 15 x + 9
x3 + x 2

6x 2 + 15 x
6x 2 + 6 x
9x + 9
9x + 9

39 −5( 4.8)
y= = 2.5 ∴ x3 + 7x2 + 15x + 9 = (x + 1)(x2 + 6x + 9)
6
=( x +1)( x +3) 2
∴ The dimensions of each rectangle are 3 cm × 4 cm or
4.8 cm × 2.5 cm.
(b) ∵ f(x) = 0
39. (a) Consider △AHE. Let AH = x cm and AE = y cm. ∴ (x + 1)(x + 3)2 = 0
∴ The length of the side of ABCD is (x + y) cm. x + 1 = 0 or (x + 3)2 = 0
∵ ∠ A is a right angle. x= − 1 or x = −3
∴ AH 2 + AE 2 = EH 2 (Pyth. theorem)
(x cm)2 + (y cm)2 = EH 2 42. (a) ∵ f(2) = 23 – 3(2)2 –10(2) + 24
EH = x 2 + y 2 cm ……(1) = 8 – 12 – 20 + 24
=0
∴ The length of the side of EFGH is x 2 + y 2 cm. ∴ x – 2 is a factor of f(x).
∵ The area of EFGH is 18 cm2.
 2 
2 By long division,
∴ 2
 x +y  = 18 x 2 − x − 12

 
x − 2 x 3 − 3x 2 − 10 x + 24
x3 − 2 x2
− x 2 − 10x
− x 2 + 2x
− 12x + 24

2 2
x + y = 18 ……(2)
− 12x + 24

∵ The perimeter of ABCD is 24 cm. ∴ x3 – 3x2 – 10x + 24 = (x – 2)(x2 – x – 12)

∴ 4(x + y) = 24 =( x −2)( x −4)( x +3)
y=6–x ……(3)
By substituting (3) into (2), we have
x2 + (6 – x) 2 = 18 (b) ∵ f(x) = 0
x2 + 36 – 12x + x 2 = 18 ∴ (x – 2)(x – 4)(x + 3) = 0

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x – 2 = 0 or x – 4 = 0 or x+3=0
−1 ± 12 −4(1)( −4)
x = 2 or x = 4 or x= −3
2(1)
43. (a) ∵ f(3) = 33 – 2(3)2 –23(3) + 60 −1 ± 17
= 27 – 18 – 69 + 60 =
2
=0
∴ x – 3 is a factor of f(x).

By long division,
x 2 + x − 20
Multiple Choice Questions (p.200)
x − 3 x 3 − 2x 2 − 2 3x + 6 0
3 2
x − 3x
2
x − 2 3x
x 2 − 3x
− 20 x + 60

1. Answer: A
− 20 x + 60

∴ x3 – 2x2 – 23x + 60 = (x – 3)(x2 + x – 20) By substituting x2 = u into the equation x4 – 8x2 – 9 = 0, we

=( x −3)( x −4)( x +5)
have
u2 – 8u – 9 = 0
(u – 9)(u + 1) = 0
(b) ∵ f(x) = 0 u = 9 or u = –1
∴ (x – 3)(x – 4)(x + 5) = 0 ∵ x2 = u
x – 3 = 0 or x – 4 = 0 or x+5=0 ∴ x2 = 9 or x2 = –1 (rejected)
x = 3 or x = 4 or x= −5 x= ± 1

44. (a) ∵ f(–1) = (–1)4 – 2(–1)3 – 7(–1)2 + 8(–1) + 12 2. Answer: C

= 1 + 2 – 7 – 8 + 12 By substituting x3 = u into the equation x6 + 9x3 +8 = 0, we
=0 have
∴ x + 1 is a factor of f(x). u2 + 9u + 8 = 0
∵ f(2) = 24 – 2(2)3 – 7(2)2 + 8(2) + 12 (u + 8)(u + 1) = 0
= 16 – 16 – 28 + 16 + 12 u = –8 or u = –1
=0 ∵ x3 = u
∴ x – 2 is a factor of f(x). ∴ x3 = –8 or x3 = –1
∵ x + 1 and x – 2 are factors of f(x). x= − 2 or x = − 1
∴ (x + 1)(x – 2) is also a factor of f(x).
3. Answer: C
Divide f(x) by (x + 1)(x – 2), i.e. x2 – x – 2.
x2 − x − 6
x 2 − x − 2 x4 − 2 x3 − 7 x 2 + 8 x + 1 2
x4 − x 3 − 2 x2
− x3 − 5 x2 + 8 x
By substituting x = u into the equation x + x – 2 = 0,
we have
− x3 + x2 + 2 x
− 6 x2 + 6 x + 12
− 6 x2 + 6 x + 12

u2 + u – 2 = 0
∴ x4 – 2x3 – 7x2 + 8x + 12 (u – 1)(u + 2) = 0
= (x + 1)(x – 2)(x2 – x – 6) u = 1 or u = –2
=( x +1)( x −2)( x +2)( x −3)
∵ x =u
∴ x = 1or x = –2 (rejected)
(b) ∵ f(x) = 0
∴ (x + 1)(x – 2)(x + 2)(x – 3) = 0 x =1
x + 1 = 0 or x – 2 = 0 or x + 2 = 0 or x – 3 = 0
x= − 1 or x = 2 or x = −2 or 4. Answer: C
∵ ax2 + (b – m)x + (c – d) = 0
x=3
ax2 + bx – mx + c – d = 0
ax2 + bx + c = mx + d
45. x4 + 6x3 – 7x2 – 36x + 6 = 0 ∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are
(x – 7x2 + 6) + (6x3 – 36x) = 0
4

[(x2)2 – 7x2 + 6] + 6x(x2 – 6) = 0 y = ax 2 + bx + c

(x2 – 6)(x2 – 1) + 6x(x2 – 6) = 0  .
(x2 – 6)[(x2 – 1) + 6x] = 0
y = mx + d
(x2 – 6)(x2 + 6x – 1) = 0 From the graphs, the roots of
∴ x2 – 6 = 0 or x2 + 6x – 1= 0 ax2 + (b – m)x + (c – d) = 0 are 0 and 2.
x=± 6 or x= 5. Answer: B
−6 ± 6 −4(1)( −1) 2 ∵ y = x2
3
2(1) y = 3x –
2
= −3 ± 10
3
∴ x2 = 3x –
46. x + x – 5x – x + 4 = 0 4 3 2
2
(x4 – 5x2 + 4) + (x3 – x) = 0 2x2 = 6x – 3
[(x2)2 – 5x2 + 4] + x(x2 – 1) = 0 2x2 – 6x + 3 = 0
(x2 – 4)(x2 – 1) + x(x2 – 1) = 0 ∴ The quadratic equation can be solved is
(x2 – 1)[(x2 – 4) + x] = 0 2x2 – 6x + 3 = 0.
(x2 – 1)(x2 + x – 4) = 0
∴ x2 – 1 = 0 or x2 + x – 4= 0 6. Answer: C
x= ± 1 or x= ∵ The equation x2 + ax + b = 0 has no x-intercepts.

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∴ It has no real roots. ∴ k =4

∴ I is wrong.
10. Answer: A
∵ x2 + (a – 1)x + b = 0
x2 + ax – x + b = 0 y = x 2 − 5 x + 6  (1)
x2 + ax + b = x 
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are
y = 2 x  ( 2)
By substituting (1) into (2), we have
y = x 2 + ax + b x2 – 5x + 6 = 2x
 .
x2 – 7x + 6 = 0
y = x (x – 1)(x – 6) = 0
From the graphs, the simultaneous equations have one real x = 1 or x=6
solution. By substituting x = 1 into (2), we have y = 2(1) = 2
∴ The equation x2 + (a – 1)x + b = 0 has a double real root. By substituting x = 6 into (2), we have y = 2(6) = 12
∴ II is correct. ∴ The solutions of the simultaneous equations are (1,
2
2) and (6, 12).
The corresponding simultaneous equations of x + ax
y = x 2 + ax + b 11. Answer: A
+ b = c are  .
y = c y = 2 x + k + 2  (1)

y = −x + 6 x − 6  ( 2)
2
From the graphs, the simultaneous equations have two real
solutions. By substituting (2) into (1), we have
∴ The equation x2 + ax + b = c has two real roots. –x2 + 6x – 6 = 2x + k + 2
∴ III is correct. x2 – 4x + (k + 8) = 0 ……(3)
∵ The simultaneous equations have only one solution.
∴ (3) has only one real root.
7. Answer: D
∴ ∆ =0
y = x 2 + ax + b  (1) (–4)2 – 4(1)(k + 8)= 0
 16 – 4k – 32 = 0
y = mx + c  ( 2)
k =− 4
∴
By substituting (1) into (2), we have
x2 + ax + b = mx + c
x2 + (a – m)x + (b – c) = 0 ……(3) 12. Answer: D
Let f(x) = x3 – 3x + 2.
∴ The simultaneous equations have two real solutions.
∵ f(1) = 13 – 3(1) + 2
∴ (3) has two real roots.
=1–3+2
∴ ∆ >0
=0
(a – m)2 – 4(1)(b – c) > 0
∴ x – 1 is a factor of x3– 3x + 2.
(a – m)2 – 4(b – c) > 0
By long division,
∴ (a – m)2 > 4(b – c) x2 + x − 2
x − 1 x3 + 0 x 2 − 3 x + 2
x3 − x 2
x 2 − 3x
x2 − x
− 2x + 2
− 2x + 2

8. Answer: D
∵ 2x2 + x – 3 = 0 ∴ x3 – 3x + 2 = (x – 1)(x2 + x – 2)
2x2 = – x + 3 = (x – 1)(x – 1)(x + 2)
= (x – 1)2(x + 2)
−x + 3
x2 = ∵ f(x) = 0
2 ∴ (x – 1)2(x + 2) = 0
∴ The corresponding simultaneous equations are (x – 1)2 = 0 or x + 2 = 0
y = x2 x = 1 or x= − 2

 − x+3 .
 y=
 2 HKMO (p. 201)
∴ The equation of the required straight line is
Let f(x) = 2x3 + 7x2 – 29x – 70.
−x +3 ∵ f(–2) = 2(–2)3 + 7(–2)2 – 29(–2) – 70
y= .
2 = –16 + 28 + 58 – 70
=0
9. Answer: C ∴ x + 2 is a factor of 2x3 + 7x2 – 29x – 70.
By long division,
y = 4 x  (1) 2 x2 + 3 x − 3 5
x + 2 2 x3 + 7 x 2 − 2 9x − 70


2 x3 + 4 x 2
3x 2 − 29x
3x 2 + 6 x

y = x + k  ( 2)
2
− 35 x − 70
− 35 x − 70

By substituting (2) into (1), we have ∴ 2x3 + 7x2 – 29x – 70 = (x + 2)(2x2 + 3x – 35)
x2 + k = 4x = (x + 2)(x + 5)(2x – 7)
2
x – 4x + k = 0 ……(3) ∵ f(x) = 0
∵ The simultaneous equations have only one solution. ∴ (x + 2)(x + 5)(2x – 7) = 0
∴ (3) has only one real root. ∴ x+2=0 or x + 5 = 0 or 2x – 7 = 0
∴ ∆ =0 7
(–4)2 – 4(1)k = 0 x = –2 or x = –5 or x=
16 – 4k = 0 2

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 Certificate Mathematics in Action Full Solutions 4A

∵ p is the positive real root.

7
∴ p=
2

Let’s Discuss

p. 170
Both methods are correct.

p. 180
Ken’s method is more tedious as it involves squaring of the
expression y + 1.

113