1 Equations and Inequalities

Balance, as seen in this natural

setting, is a critical component of
life and provides the key to solving
mathematical equations.

1.1 Linear Equations

1.2 Applications and

Modeling with Linear
Equations

1.3 Complex Numbers

1.4 Quadratic Equations

Chapter 1 Quiz

1.5 Applications and

Modeling with Quadratic
Equations

1.6 Other Types of

Equations and
Applications

Summary Exercises on Solving

Equations

1.7 Inequalities

1.8 Absolute Value Equations

and Inequalities
113

113

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 113 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 114 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

1.1 Linear Equations

■ Basic Terminology of
Basic Terminology of Equations   An equation is a statement that two
Equations
expressions are equal.
■ Linear Equations
■ Identities, Conditional x + 2 = 9, 11x = 5x + 6x, x 2 - 2x - 1 = 0 Equations
Equations, and
Contradictions To solve an equation means to find all numbers that make the equation a true
■ Solving for a Specified statement. These numbers are the solutions, or roots, of the equation. A number
Variable (Literal that is a solution of an equation is said to satisfy the equation, and the solutions
Equations) of an equation make up its solution set. Equations with the same solution set are
equivalent equations. For example,

x = 4, x + 1 = 5, and 6x + 3 = 27 are equivalent equations

because they have the same solution set, 546. However, the equations

x2 = 9 and x=3 are not equivalent

because the first has solution set 5 - 3, 36 while the solution set of the second is 536.
One way to solve an equation is to rewrite it as a series of simpler equiva-
lent equations using the addition and multiplication properties of equality.

Addition and Multiplication Properties of Equality

Let a, b, and c represent real numbers.

If a = b, then a + c = b + c.

That is, the same number may be added to each side of an equation without
changing the solution set.

If a = b and c 3 0, then ac = bc.

That is, each side of an equation may be multiplied by the same nonzero
number without changing the solution set. (Multiplying each side by zero
leads to 0 = 0.)

These properties can be extended: The same number may be subtracted

from each side of an equation, and each side may be divided by the same non-
zero number, without changing the solution set.

Linear Equations   We use the properties of equality to solve linear

equations.

Linear Equation in One Variable

A linear equation in one variable is an equation that can be written in the

form

ax + b = 0,
where a and b are real numbers and a ≠ 0.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 114 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 1.1 Linear Equations 115

A linear equation is a first-degree equation because the greatest degree of the

variable is 1.
3
3x + 12 = 0, x = 12, 0.51x + 32 = 2x - 6 Linear equations
4
1
1x + 2 = 5, = - 8, x 2 + 3x + 0.2 = 0 Nonlinear equations
x

EXAMPLE 1 Solving a Linear Equation

Solve 312x - 42 = 7 - 1x + 52.

SOLUTION 312x - 42 = 7 - 1x + 52
Be careful with signs.

6x - 12 = 7 - x - 5 Distributive property

6x - 12 = 2 - x Combine like terms.

6x - 12 + x = 2 - x + x Add x to each side.

7x - 12 = 2 Combine like terms.

7x - 12 + 12 = 2 + 12 Add 12 to each side.

7x = 14 Combine like terms.

7x 14
= Divide each side by 7.
7 7
x=2

CHECK 312x - 42 = 7 - 1x + 52 Original equation

312 # 2 - 42 ≟ 7 - 12 + 52 Let x = 2.
A check of the solution
is recommended. 314 - 42 ≟ 7 - 172 Work inside the parentheses.

0 = 0 ✓      True
Replacing x with 2 results in a true statement, so 2 is a solution of the given
equation. The solution set is 526. ■
✔ Now Try Exercise 13.

EXAMPLE 2 Solving a Linear Equation with Fractions

2x + 4 1 1 7
Solve + x= x- .
3 2 4 3
2x + 4 1 1 7
SOLUTION + x= x-
3 2 4 3

Distribute to all terms 2x + 4 1 1 7 Multiply by 12, the

within the parentheses.
12a + x b = 12 a x - b LCD of the fractions.
3 2 4 3

2x + 4 1 1 7
12 a b + 12 a x b = 12 a xb - 12a b Distributive property
3 2 4 3

412 x + 42 + 6 x = 3x - 28 Multiply.

8 x + 16 + 6 x = 3x - 28 Distributive property

14x + 16 = 3x - 28 Combine like terms.

11x = - 44 Subtract 3x. Subtract 16.

x = -4 Divide each side by 11.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 115 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 116 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

2x + 4 1 1 7
CHECK + x= x- Original equation
3 2 4 3
21 - 42 + 4 1 1 7
+ 1 - 42 ≟ 1 - 42 - Let x = -4.
3 2 4 3
-4 7
+ 1 - 22 ≟ -1 - Simplify on each side.
3 3
10 10
- = - ✓    True
3 3
The solution set is 5 - 46.■
✔ Now Try Exercise 21.

Identities, Conditional Equations, and Contradictions   An equation

satisfied by every number that is a meaningful replacement for the variable is an
identity.
31x + 12 = 3x + 3 Identity

An equation that is satisfied by some numbers but not others is a conditional

equation.
2 x = 4 Conditional equation

The equations in Examples 1 and 2 are conditional equations. An equation that

has no solution is a contradiction.

x=x+1 Contradiction

EXAMPLE 3 Identifying Types of Equations

Determine whether each equation is an identity, a conditional equation, or a

contradiction. Give the solution set.
(a) - 21x + 42 + 3x = x - 8 (b) 5 x - 4 = 11 (c) 313x - 12 = 9x + 7
SOLUTION

(a) - 21x + 42 + 3x = x - 8
-2 x - 8 + 3x = x - 8 Distributive property

x-8=x-8 Combine like terms.

0=0 Subtract x. Add 8.

When a true statement such as 0 = 0 results, the equation is an identity, and
the solution set is {all real numbers}.

(b) 5 x - 4 = 11
5 x = 15 Add 4 to each side.

x=3 Divide each side by 5.

This is a conditional equation, and its solution set is 536.

(c) 313x - 12 = 9x + 7
9x - 3 = 9x + 7 Distributive property
-3 = 7 Subtract 9x.
When a false statement such as - 3 = 7 results, the equation is a contradic-
tion, and the solution set is the empty set, or null set, symbolized ∅.
■ ✔ Now Try Exercises 31, 33, and 35.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 116 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 1.1 Linear Equations 117

Identifying Types of Linear Equations

1. If solving a linear equation leads to a true statement such as 0 = 0,

the equation is an identity. Its solution set is {all real numbers}. (See
Example 3(a).)
2. If solving a linear equation leads to a single solution such as x = 3, the
equation is conditional. Its solution set consists of a single element. (See
Example 3(b).)
3. If solving a linear equation leads to a false statement such as - 3 = 7, the
equation is a contradiction. Its solution set is ∅. (See Example 3(c).)

Solving for a Specified Variable (Literal Equations)   A formula is an

example of a literal equation (an equation involving letters).

EXAMPLE 4 Solving for a Specified Variable

Solve each formula or equation for the specified variable.

(a) I = Prt, for t (b) A - P = Prt, for P
(c) 312 x - 5a2 + 4b = 4 x - 2, for x
SOLUTION

(a) This is the formula for simple interest I on a principal amount of P dollars
at an annual interest rate r for t years. To solve for t, we treat t as if it were the
only variable, and the other variables as if they were constants.

I = Prt Goal: Isolate t on one side.

I Prt
= Divide each side by Pr.
Pr Pr
I I
= t, or t=
Pr Pr
(b) The formula A = P11 + rt2, which can also be written A - P = Prt, gives
the future value, or maturity value, A of P dollars invested for t years at
annual simple interest rate r.

A - P = Prt Goal: Isolate P, the specified variable.

 ransform so that all terms

T
A = P + Prt involving P are on one side.
Pay close attention
to this step. A = P11 + rt2 Factor out P.

A A
= P, or P = Divide by 1 + rt.
1 + rt 1 + rt
(c) 312x - 5a2 + 4b = 4x - 2 Solve for x.

6x - 15a + 4b = 4x - 2 Distributive property

6x - 4x = 15a - 4b - 2 Isolate the x-terms on one side.

2x = 15a - 4b - 2 Combine like terms.

15a - 4b - 2
x= Divide each side by 2.
2
■
✔ Now Try Exercises 39, 47, and 49.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 117 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 118 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

EXAMPLE 5 Applying the Simple Interest Formula

A woman borrowed $5240 for new furniture. She will pay it off in 11 months
at an annual simple interest rate of 4.5%. How much interest will she pay?
SOLUTION Use the simple interest formula I = Prt.
11 P = 5240, r = 0.045,
I = 524010.0452 a b = $216.15 and t =
11
(year)
12 12

She will pay $216.15 interest on her purchase. ■

✔ Now Try Exercise 59.

1.1 Exercises

CONCEPT PREVIEW Fill in the blank to correctly complete each sentence.

1. A(n) is a statement that two expressions are equal.
2. To an equation means to find all numbers that make the equation a true
statement.
3. A linear equation is a(n) because the greatest degree of the variable is 1.
4. A(n) is an equation satisfied by every number that is a meaningful replace-
ment for the variable.
5. A(n) is an equation that has no solution.

CONCEPT PREVIEW Decide whether each statement is true or false.

6. The solution set of 2x + 5 = x - 3 is 5 - 86.
7. The equation 51x - 82 = 5 x - 40 is an example of an identity.
8. The equation 5x = 4x is an example of a contradiction.
1 A
9. Solving the literal equation A = 2 bh for the variable h gives h = 2b .

10. CONCEPT PREVIEW Which one is not a linear equation?

A. 5 x + 71x - 12 = - 3x B. 9x 2 - 4 x + 3 = 0
C. 7x + 8 x = 13x D. 0.04 x - 0.08 x = 0.40

Solve each equation. See Examples 1 and 2.

11. 8 x - 7 = 19x + 15 12. 9x + 11 = 7x + 1
13. 814x + 62 = 11 - 1 x + 72 14. 41 - 2 x + 12 = 6 - 12 x - 42
3 8 3 7 1 3 4
15. x - 3 x + = 16. + x- = x
10 5 5 4 5 2 5
17. 4x + 8 - 71x + 12 = 2 x + 4 18. 51x + 32 + 4 x - 3 = - 12 x - 42 + 2
19. 23x - 14 + 2 x2 + 34 = 2 x + 2 20. 432 x - 13 - x2 + 54 = -6 x - 28
1 t+7 1 x+2
21. 14t - 72 = 22. 12 x + 52 =
5 10 15 9
23. 0.7x - 0.3 = 0.6x + 4 24. 0.01x + 3.1 = 2.03x - 2.96
25. -412 x - 62 + 8 x = 5 x + 24 + x 26. -813x + 42 + 6 x = 41x - 82 + 4 x

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 118 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 1.1╇ Linear Equations 119

4 3
27. 0.5 x + x = x + 10 28.╇ 0.3x + x=x+7
3 2
29. 0.16y + 0.031y + 70002 = 1920 30.╇ 0.041x - 122 + 0.06 x = 1.52

Determine whether each equation is an identity, a conditional equation, or a contradic-

tion. Give the solution set. See Example 3.
1
31. 241 x - 12 = - 614 - x2+ 18x 32.╇ 16 x + 202 = x + 4 + 21x + 32
2
33. 9x - 4 = 2 ( 4x + 3 ) - 2 34.╇ - 81x + 52 = - 8 x - 51x + 82
35. 131v + 42 - 4v = 313v + 12 - 4 36.╇ - 612 x + 12 - 31x - 42 = - 15 x + 1
37. 0.31x + 22 - 0.51x + 22 = - 0.2 x - 0.4
38. 0.21x - 12 - 0.51x + 12 = - 0.4 x - 0.1

Solve each formula for the specified variable. Assume that the denominator is not 0 if
variables appear in the denominator. See Examples 4(a) and (b).
39. V = lwh,â•…for lâ•… (volume of a rectangular box)
40. I = Prt,â•…for Pâ•… (simple interest)
41. P = a + b + c,â•…for câ•… (perimeter of a triangle)
42. P = 2l + 2w,â•…for wâ•… (perimeter of a rectangle)
1
43. 𝒜 = h1B + b2,â•…for Bâ•… (area of a trapezoid)
2
1
44. 𝒜 = h1B + b2,â•…for hâ•… (area of a trapezoid)
2
45. S = 2prh + 2pr 2,â•…for hâ•… (surface area of a right circular cylinder)
1 2
46. s = gt ,â•…for gâ•… (distance traveled by a falling object)
2
47. S = 2lw + 2wh + 2hl,â•…for hâ•… (surface area of a rectangular box)
x-m
48. z = â•›,â•… for xâ•… (standardized value)
s

Solve each equation for x. See Example 4(c).

49. 31x - a2 + 4b = 4x + a 50. 5 x - 12a + c2 = 41x + c2
51. ax + b = 31x - a2 52. 4a - ax = 3b + bx
x x-1
53. = bx + 5 54. = 2x - a
b-3 2a
55. a2x + 3x = 2a 2 56. ax + b2 = bx - a2
57. 3x = 12 x - 121m + 42 58. 5x = 1 x + 121m - 22

Simple Interestâ•… Work each problem. See Example 5.

59. Elmer borrowed $3150 from his brother Julio to pay for books and tuition. He agreed
to repay Julio in 6 months with simple annual interest at 4%.
(a)╇ How much will the interest amount to?
(b)╇ What amount must Elmer pay Julio at the end of the 6 months?
60. Levada borrows $30,900 from her bank to open a florist shop. She agrees to repay the
money in 18 months with simple annual interest of 5.5%.
(a)╇ How much must she pay the bank in 18 months?
(b)╇ How much of the amount in part (a) is interest?

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 119 11/09/16 1:08 pm

 120 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Celsius and Fahrenheit Temperatures In the metric system of weights

and measures, temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (°C)
instead of degrees Fahrenheit (°F). To convert between the two sys-
tems, we use the equations
5 9
C= 1F - 322 and F = C + 32.
9 5
In each exercise, convert to the other system. Round answers to the
nearest tenth of a degree if necessary.

61. 20°C 62. 200°C 63. 50°F

64. 77°F 65. 100°F 66. 350°F

Work each problem. Round to the nearest tenth of a degree, if necessary.

67. T
 emperature of Venus Venus is the hottest planet, with a surface temperature
of 867°F. What is this temperature in Celsius? (Source: World Almanac and Book
of Facts.)
68. Temperature at Soviet Antarctica Station A record low temperature of - 89.4°C
was recorded at the Soviet Antarctica Station of Vostok on July 21, 1983. Find the
corresponding Fahrenheit temperature. (Source: World Almanac and Book of Facts.)
69. Temperature in South Carolina A record high temperature of 113°F was recorded
for the state of South Carolina on June 29, 2012. What is the corresponding Celsius
temperature? (Source: U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.)
70. T
 emperature in Haiti The average annual temperature in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is
approximately 28.1°C. What is the corresponding Fahrenheit temperature? (Source:
www.haiti.climatemps.com)

1.2 Applications and Modeling with Linear Equations

■ Solving Applied
Solving Applied Problems   One of the main reasons for learning math-
Problems
ematics is to be able use it to solve application problems. While there is no one
■ Geometry Problems
method that enables us to solve all types of applied problems, the following six steps
■ Motion Problems
provide a useful guide.
■ Mixture Problems
■ Modeling with Linear
Equations
Solving an Applied Problem

Step 1 Read the problem carefully until you understand what is given and
what is to be found.
Step 2 Assign a variable to represent the unknown value, using diagrams
or tables as needed. Write down what the variable represents. If
necessary, express any other unknown values in terms of the variable.
Step 3 Write an equation using the variable expression(s).
Step 4 Solve the equation.
Step 5 State the answer to the problem. Does it seem reasonable?
Step 6 Check the answer in the words of the original problem.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 120 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 1.2 Applications and Modeling with Linear Equations 121

Geometry Problems

EXAMPLE 1 Finding the Dimensions of a Square

If the length of each side of a square is increased by 3 cm, the perimeter of the
new square is 40 cm more than twice the length of each side of the original
square. Find the dimensions of the original square.
SOLUTION

Read the problem. We must find the length of each side of the original
Step 1 
square.
Assign a variable. Since the length of a side of the original square is to
Step 2 
be found, let the variable represent this length.
Let x = the length of a side of the original square in centimeters.
The length of a side of the new square is 3 cm more than the length of a
side of the old square.
x x+3
Then x + 3 = the length of a side of the new square.
x x+3 See Figure 1. Now write a variable expression for the perimeter of the
Original Side is increased new square. The perimeter of a square is 4 times the length of a side.
square by 3.
Thus, 41x + 32 = the perimeter of the new square.
x and x + 3 are in centimeters.
Write an equation. Translate the English sentence that follows into its
Step 3 
Figure 1
equivalent algebraic equation.
The new more twice the length of each
perimeter is 40 than side of the original square.
(11)11*   (11111111111111111)11111111111111111*
5

41x + 32 = 40 + 2x
Step 4 Solve the equation.
4 x + 12 = 40 + 2 x Distributive property

2 x = 28 Subtract 2 x and 12.

x = 14 Divide by 2.

Step 5 State the answer. Each side of the original square measures 14 cm.
Check. Go back to the words of the original problem to see that all nec-
Step 6 
essary conditions are satisfied. The length of a side of the new square
would be 14 + 3 = 17 cm. The perimeter of the new square would be
41172 = 68 cm. Twice the length of a side of the original square would
be 21142 = 28 cm. Because 40 + 28 = 68, the answer checks.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 15.

Motion Problems  

PROBLEM SOLVING HINT In a motion problem, the three components

LOOKING AHEAD TO CALCULUS distance, rate, and time are denoted by the letters d, r, and t, respectively.
In calculus the concept of the definite (The rate is also called the speed or velocity. Here, rate is understood to be
integral is used to find the distance constant.) These variables are related by the following equations.
traveled by an object traveling at a
non-constant velocity. d d
d = rt, and its related forms r= and t=
t r

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 121 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 122 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

EXAMPLE 2 Solving a Motion Problem

Maria and Eduardo are traveling to a business conference. The trip takes 2 hr
for Maria and 2.5 hr for Eduardo because he lives 40 mi farther away. Eduardo
travels 5 mph faster than Maria. Find their average rates.
SOLUTION

Read the problem. We must find Maria’s and Eduardo’s average rates.
Step 1 
Assign a variable. Because average rates are to be found, we let the
Step 2 
variable represent one of these rates.
Let x = Maria’s rate.
Because Eduardo travels 5 mph faster than Maria, we can express his
average rate using the same variable.
Then x + 5 = Eduardo’s rate.
Make a table. The expressions in the last column were found by multi-
plying the corresponding rates and times.

r t d Summarize the given

information in a table.
Maria x 2 2x Use d = rt.
Eduardo x+5 2.5 2.51x + 52

Write an equation. Eduardo’s distance traveled exceeds Maria’s distance

Step 3 
by 40 mi. Translate this into an equation.
Eduardo’s 40 more
distance is than Maria’s.
(11)11* (1111)1111*
5

2.51x + 52 = 2 x + 40
Step 4 Solve. 2.5 x + 12.5 = 2 x + 40 Distributive property

0.5 x = 27.5 Subtract 2 x and 12.5.

x = 55 Divide by 0.5.

Step 5 State the answer. Maria’s rate of travel is 55 mph, and Eduardo’s rate is
55 + 5 = 60 mph.
Step 6 Check. The conditions of the problem are satisfied, as shown below.
Distance traveled by Maria: 21552 = 110 mi 150 - 110 = 40
as required.
Distance traveled by Eduardo: 2.51602 = 150 mi
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 19.

Mixture Problems   Problems involving mixtures of two types of the same

substance, salt solution, candy, and so on, often involve percentages.

George Polya (1887–1985) PROBLEM-SOLVING HINT In mixture problems involving solutions,

Polya, a native of Budapest,
Hungary, wrote more than
rate (percent) # quantity =
amount of pure
250 papers and a number of books. of concentration substance present.
He proposed a general outline for The concentration of the final mixture must be between the concentrations
solving applied problems in his of the two solutions making up the mixture.
classic book How to Solve It.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 122 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 1.2 Applications and Modeling with Linear Equations 123

EXAMPLE 3 Solving a Mixture Problem

A chemist needs a 20% solution of alcohol. She has a 15% solution on hand, as
well as a 30% solution. How many liters of the 15% solution should she add to
3 L of the 30% solution to obtain the 20% solution?
SOLUTION

Read the problem. We must find the required number of liters of 15%
Step 1 
alcohol solution.
Step 2 Assign a variable.
Let x = the number of liters of 15% solution to be added.
Figure 2 and the table show what is happening in the problem. The num-
bers in the last column were found by multiplying the strengths and the
numbers of liters.

Liters of Liters of
Strength Solution Pure Alcohol
15% x 0.15 x
+ =
Sum must equal
20%
30% 3 0.30132
15% 30%
20% x+3 0.201x + 32
xL 3L (x + 3) L

Figure 2

Write an equation. The number of liters of pure alcohol in the 15%

Step 3 
solution plus the number of liters in the 30% solution must equal the
number of liters in the final 20% solution.
Liters of pure alcohol Liters of pure alcohol Liters of pure alcohol
+ =
in 15% solution in 30% solution in 20% solution
(111111111)111111111* (1111+11)1111+11* (111111111)111111111*
0.15 x + 0.30132 = 0.201x + 32
Distributive
Step 4 Solve. 0.15 x + 0.90 = 0.20 x + 0.60 property

Subtract 0.60
0.30 = 0.05 x and 0.15 x.

6=x Divide by 0.05.

State the answer. Thus, 6 L of 15% solution should be mixed with 3 L

Step 5 
of 30% solution, giving 6 + 3 = 9 L of 20% solution.
Check. The answer checks because the amount of alcohol in the two
Step 6 
solutions is equal to the amount of alcohol in the mixture.
0.15162 + 0.9 = 0.9 + 0.9 = 1.8 Solutions

0.2016 + 32 = 0.20192 = 1.8 Mixture

■
✔ Now Try Exercise 29.

PROBLEM-SOLVING HINT In mixed investment problems, multiply

the principal amount P by the interest rate r, expressed as a decimal, and the
time t, in years, to find the amount of interest earned I.
I = Prt Simple interest formula

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 123 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 124 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

EXAMPLE 4 Solving an Investment Problem

An artist has sold a painting for $ 410,000. He invests a portion of the money for
6 months at 2.65% and the rest for a year at 2.91%. His broker tells him the two
investments will earn a total of $8761. How much should be invested at each
rate to obtain that amount of interest?
SOLUTION

Step 1 Read the problem. We must find the amount to be invested at each rate.
Step 2 Assign a variable.
Let x = the dollar amount to be invested for 6 months at 2.65%.
410,000 - x = the dollar amount to be invested for 1 yr at 2.91%.

P r t I
Invested Interest Time Interest
Summarize the
Amount Rate (%) (in years) Earned
information in a
x 2.65 0.5 x10.0265210.52 table using the
formula I = Prt.
410,000 - x 2.91 1 1410,000 - x210.02912112

Write an equation. The sum of the two interest amounts must equal the
Step 3 
total interest earned.
Interest from 2.65% Interest from 2.91% Total
+ =
investment investment interest
(1111111)1111111* (1111111)1111111* (1)1*
0.5 x10.02652 + 0.02911410,000 - x2 = 8761

Step 4 Solve. 0.01325 x + 11,931 - 0.0291x = 8761 Distributive property

11,931 - 0.01585 x = 8761 Combine like terms.

-0.01585 x = - 3170 Subtract 11,931.

x = 200,000 Divide by -0.01585.

State the answer. The artist should invest $200,000 at 2.65% for 6 months
Step 5 
and
$410,000 - $200,000 = $210,000
at 2.91% for 1 yr to earn $8761 in interest.

Step 6 Check. The 6-month investment earns

$200,00010.0265210.52 = $2650,
and the 1-yr investment earns
$210,00010.02912112 = $6111.
The total amount of interest earned is
$2650 + $6111 = $8761, as required.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 35.

Modeling with Linear Equations  A mathematical model is an equa-

tion (or inequality) that describes the relationship between two quantities.
A linear model is a linear equation. The next example shows how a linear model
is applied.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 124 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 1.2 Applications and Modeling with Linear Equations 125

EXAMPLE 5 Modeling Prevention of Indoor Pollutants

If a vented range hood removes contaminants such as carbon monoxide and

nitrogen dioxide from the air at a rate of F liters of air per second, then the
percent P of contaminants that are also removed from the surrounding air can be
modeled by the linear equation

P = 1.06F + 7.18, where 10 … F … 75.

What flow F (to the nearest hundredth) must a range hood have to remove 50%
of the contaminants from the air? (Source: Proceedings of the Third Interna-
tional Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate.)
SOLUTION Replace P with 50 in the linear model, and solve for F.
P = 1.06F + 7.18 Given model

50 = 1.06F + 7.18 Let P = 50.

42.82 = 1.06F Subtract 7.18.

F ≈ 40.40 Divide by 1.06.

Therefore, to remove 50% of the contaminants, the flow rate must be 40.40 L of
air per second.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 41.

EXAMPLE 6 Modeling Health Care Costs

The projected per capita health care expenditures in the United States, where y is
in dollars, and x is years after 2000, are given by the following linear equation.
y = 331x + 5091 Linear model

(Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.)

(a) What were the per capita health care expenditures in the year 2010?
(b) If this model continues to describe health care expenditures, when will the
per capita expenditures reach $11,000?
SOLUTION In part (a) we are given information to determine a value for x and
asked to find the corresponding value of y, whereas in part (b) we are given a
value for y and asked to find the corresponding value of x.
(a) The year 2010 is 10 yr after the year 2000. Let x = 10 and find the value of y.
y = 331x + 5091 Given model

y = 3311102 + 5091 Let x = 10.

y = 8401 Multiply and then add.

In 2010, the estimated per capita health care expenditures were $8401.

(b) Let y = 11,000 in the given model, and find the value of x.
11,000 = 331x + 5091 Let y = 11,000.

5909 = 331x Subtract 5091.

17 corresponds to
2000 + 17 = 2017. x ≈ 17.9 Divide by 331.
The x-value of 17.9 indicates that per capita health care expenditures are
projected to reach $11,000 during the 17th year after 2000—that is, 2017.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 45.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 125 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 126 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

1.2 Exercises

CONCEPT PREVIEW Solve each problem.

1. 
Time Traveled How long will it take a car to travel 400 mi at an average rate of
50 mph?
2. Distance Traveled If a train travels at 100 mph for 30 min, what is the distance traveled?
3. Investing If a person invests $500 at 2% simple interest for 4 yr, how much interest
is earned?
4. Value of Coins If a jar of coins contains 40 half-dollars and 200 quarters, what is
the monetary value of the coins?
5. Acid Mixture If 120 L of an acid solution is 75% acid, how much pure acid is there
in the mixture?
6. Sale Price Suppose that a computer that originally sold for x dollars has been
discounted 60%. Which one of the following expressions does not represent its sale
price?
4
A. x - 0.60 x B. 0.40 x C. x D. x - 0.60
10
7. Acid Mixture Suppose two acid solutions are mixed. One is 26% acid and the other
is 34% acid. Which one of the following concentrations cannot possibly be the con-
centration of the mixture?
A. 24% B. 30% C. 31% D. 33%
8. Unknown Numbers Consider the following problem.
The difference between seven times a number and 9 is equal to five times the
sum of the number and 2. Find the number.
If x represents the number, which equation is correct for solving this problem?
A. 7x - 9 = 51x + 22 B. 9 - 7x = 51x + 22
C. 7x - 9 = 5 x + 2 D. 9 - 7x = 5 x + 2
9. Unknown Numbers Consider the following problem.
One number is 3 less than 6 times a second number. Their sum is 46. Find the
numbers.
If x represents the second number, which equation is correct for solving this problem?
A. 46 - 1x + 32 = 6 x B. 13 - 6 x2 + x = 46
C. 46 - 13 - 6 x2 = x D. 16 x - 32 + x = 46
10. 
Dimensions of a Rectangle Which one or more of the following cannot be a cor-
rect equation to solve a geometry problem, if x represents the length of a rectangle?
(Hint: Solve each equation and consider the solution.)
A. 2 x + 21x - 12 = 14 B. - 2 x + 715 - x2 = 52
C. 51x + 22 + 5 x = 10 D. 2 x + 21x - 32 = 22

Note: Geometry formulas can Solve each problem. See Example 1.

be found on the back inside
11. P
 erimeter of a Rectangle The perimeter of a rectangle is 294 cm. The width is 57 cm.
cover of this book.
Find the length.
12. Perimeter of a Storage Shed Michael must build a rectangular storage shed. He
wants the length to be 6 ft greater than the width, and the perimeter will be 44 ft.
Find the length and the width of the shed.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 126 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 1.2╇ Applications and Modeling with Linear Equations 127

13. Dimensions of a Puzzle Piece╇ A puzzle piece in the

shape of a triangle has perimeter 30 cm. Two sides of
the triangle are each twice as long as the shortest side.
Find the length of the shortest side. (Side lengths in 2x 2x
the figure are in centimeters.)

x
Side lengths are
14. Dimensions of a Label╇ The length of a rectangular in centimeters.
2w – 2.5
label is 2.5 cm less than twice the width. The perimeter
is 40.6 cm. Find the width. (Side lengths in the figure HF
w
are in centimeters.) HOME FINDERS
55 North Maple St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Side lengths are in

15. Perimeter of a Plot of Land╇ The perimeter of a triangular plot ofcentimeters.
land is 2400 ft.
The longest side is 200 ft less than twice the shortest. The middle side is 200 ft less
than the longest side. Find the lengths of the three sides of the triangular plot.
16. World Largest Ice Cream Cake╇ The world’s largest ice cream cake, a rectangular
cake made by a Dairy Queen in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on May 10, 2011, had
length 0.39 m greater than its width. Its perimeter was 17.02 m. What were the length
and width of this 10-ton cake? (Source: www.guinnessworldrecords.com)
17. Storage Bin Dimensions╇ A storage bin is in the shape of a rectangular box. Find the
height of the box if its length is 18 ft, its width is 8 ft, and its surface area is 496 ft2.
(In the figure, h = height. Assume that the given surface area includes that of the top
lid of the box.)
18 ft 8 ft

18. Cylinder Dimensions╇A right circular cylinder

has radius 6 in. and volume 144â•›p in.3. What is
its height? (In the figure, h = height.)
h
6 in.

h is in inches.

Lial: College Algebra

Solve each problem. See Example 2. Fig: 7821_01_02_EX016
First Pass: 2011-04-29
19. Distance to an Appointment╇ Margaret drove
2nd Pass: 2011-05-12
r t d
to a business appointment at 50 mph. Her
average speed on the return trip was 40 mph. Morning 50 x
1
The return trip took 4 hr longer because of Afternoon 40 x+
1
heavy traffic. How far did she travel to the 4
appointment?
20. Distance between Cities╇ Elwyn averaged r t d
50 mph traveling from Denver to Minneapolis.
Going 50 x
Returning by a different route that covered
the same number of miles, he averaged 55 mph. Returning 55 32 - x
What is the distance between the two cities
to the nearest ten miles if his total traveling
time was 32 hr?

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 127 29/09/16 11:54 am

 128 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

21. Distance to Work David gets to work in 20 min when he drives his car. Riding his
bike (by the same route) takes him 45 min. His average driving speed is 4.5 mph
greater than his average speed on his bike. How far does he travel to work?
22. Speed of a Plane Two planes leave Los Angeles at the same time. One heads south
to San Diego, while the other heads north to San Francisco. The San Diego plane
1
flies 50 mph slower than the San Francisco plane. In 2 hr, the planes are 275 mi
apart. What are their speeds?
23. Running Times Mary and Janet are running in the Apple Hill Fun Run. Mary runs
at 7 mph, Janet at 5 mph. If they start at the same time, how long will it be before
they are 1.5 mi apart?

Mary
Start
Janet
1.5 mi

24. Running Times If the run in Exercise 23 has a staggered start, and Janet starts first,
with Mary starting 10 min later, how long will it be before Mary catches up with Janet?
25. Track Event Speeds At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, Usain Bolt
(Jamaica) set a new Olympic and world record in the 100-m dash with a time of 9.69 sec.
If this pace could be maintained for an entire 26-mi marathon, what would his time be?
How would this time compare to the fastest time for a marathon, which is 2 hr, 3 min,
23 sec, set in 2013? (Hint: 1 m ≈ 3.281 ft.) (Source: Sports Illustrated Almanac.)
26. Track Event Speeds On August 16, 2009, at the World Track and Field Champion-
ship in Berlin, Usain Bolt set a new world record in the 100-m dash with a time of
9.58 sec. Refer to Exercise 25 and answer the questions using Bolt’s 2009 time.
(Source: Sports Illustrated Almanac.)
27. Boat Speed Callie took 20 min to drive her boat upstream to water-ski at her favor-
ite spot. Coming back later in the day, at the same boat speed, took her 15 min.
If the current in that part of the river is 5 km per hr, what was her boat speed?
28. Wind Speed Joe traveled against the wind in a small plane for 3 hr. The return trip
with the wind took 2.8 hr. Find the speed of the wind to the nearest tenth if the speed
of the plane in still air is 180 mph.
Solve each problem. See Example 3.
29. Acid Mixture How many gallons of a 5% acid solution must be mixed with 5 gal of
a 10% solution to obtain a 7% solution?
Gallons of Gallons of
Strength Solution Pure Acid
5% x
10% 5
7% x+5
30. Acid Mixture A student needs 10% hydrochloric acid for a chemistry experiment.
How much 5% acid should she mix with 60 mL of 20% acid to get a 10% solution?

mL of mL of
Strength Solution Pure Acid
5% x
20% 60
10% x + 60

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 128 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 1.2 Applications and Modeling with Linear Equations 129

31. Alcohol Mixture Beau wishes to strengthen a mixture from 10% alcohol to 30%
alcohol. How much pure alcohol should be added to 7 L of the 10% mixture?
32. Alcohol Mixture How many gallons of pure alcohol should be mixed with 20 gal of
a 15% alcohol solution to obtain a mixture that is 25% alcohol?
33. Saline Solution How much water should be added to 8 mL of 6% saline solution to
reduce the concentration to 4%?
34. Acid Mixture How much pure acid should be added to 18 L of 30% acid to increase
the concentration to 50% acid?

Solve each problem. See Example 4.

35. R
 eal Estate Financing Cody wishes to sell a piece of property for $240,000. He
wants the money to be paid off in two ways: a short-term note at 2% interest and
a long-term note at 2.5%. Find the amount of each note if the total annual interest
paid is $5500.
P r t I
Note Interest Time Interest
Amount Rate (%) (in years) Paid
x 2 1 x10.022112
240,000 - x 2.5 1 1240,000 - x210.0252112

36. Buying and Selling Land Roger Rate of Profit

bought two plots of land for a total of Land Price Return (%) (or Loss)
$120,000. When he sold the first plot,
x 15%
he made a profit of 15%. When he
sold the second, he lost 10%. His total 120,000 - x 10%
profit was $5500. How much did he
pay for each piece of land?
37. Retirement Planning In planning her retirement, Janet deposits some money at
2.5% interest, with twice as much deposited at 3%. Find the amount deposited at
each rate if the total annual interest income is $850.
38. Investing a Building Fund A church building fund has invested some money in
two ways: part of the money at 3% interest and four times as much at 2.75%. Find
the amount invested at each rate if the total annual income from interest is $2800.
39. Lottery Winnings Linda won $200,000 in a state lottery. She first paid income tax
of 30% on the winnings. She invested some of the rest at 1.5% and some at 4%,
earning $4350 interest per year. How much did she invest at each rate?
40. Cookbook Royalties Becky earned $48,000 from royalties on her cookbook. She
paid a 28% income tax on these royalties. The balance was invested in two ways,
some of it at 3.25% interest and some at 1.75%. The investments produced $904.80
interest per year. Find the amount invested at each rate.

(Modeling) Solve each problem. See Examples 5 and 6.

41. W
 arehouse Club Membership If the annual fee for a warehouse club membership is
$100 and the reward rate is 2% on club purchases for the year, then the linear equation
y = 100 - 0.02 x
models the actual annual cost of the membership y, in dollars. Here x represents the
annual amount of club purchases, also in dollars.
(a) Determine the actual annual cost of the membership if club purchases for the
year are $2400.
(b) What amount of club purchases would reduce the actual annual cost of the mem-
bership to $50?
(c) How much would a member have to spend in annual club purchases to reduce
the annual membership cost to $0?

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 129 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 130 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

42. Warehouse Club Membership Suppose that the annual fee for a warehouse club
membership is $50 and that the reward rate on club purchases for the year is 1.6%.
Then the actual annual cost of a membership y, in dollars, for an amount of annual
club purchases x, in dollars, can be modeled by the following linear equation.
y = 50 - 0.016 x
(a) Determine the actual annual cost of the membership if club purchases for the
year are $1500.
(b) What amount of club purchases would reduce the actual annual cost of the mem-
bership to $0?
(c) If club purchases for the year exceed $3125, how is the actual annual member-
ship cost affected?
43. Indoor Air Pollution Formaldehyde is an indoor air pollutant formerly found in
plywood, foam insulation, and carpeting. When concentrations in the air reach
33 micrograms per cubic foot (mg>ft3), eye irritation can occur. One square foot of new
plywood could emit 140 mg per hr. (Source: A. Hines, Indoor Air Quality & Control.)
(a) A room has 100 ft2 of new plywood flooring. Find a linear equation F that com-
putes the amount of formaldehyde, in micrograms, emitted in x hours.
(b) The room contains 800 ft3 of air and has no ventilation. Determine how long it
would take for concentrations to reach 33 mg>ft3. (Round to the nearest tenth.)
44. Classroom Ventilation According to the American Society of Heating, Refriger-
ating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), a nonsmoking classroom
should have a ventilation rate of 15 ft3 per min for each person in the room.
(a) Write an equation that models the total ventilation V (in cubic feet per hour)
necessary for a classroom with x students.
(b) A common unit of ventilation is air change per hour (ach). One ach is equivalent
to exchanging all the air in a room every hour. If x students are in a classroom
having volume 15,000 ft3, determine how many air exchanges per hour (A) are
necessary to keep the room properly ventilated.
(c) Find the necessary number of ach (A) if the classroom has 40 students in it.
(d) In areas like bars and lounges that allow smoking, the ventilation rate should
be increased to 50 ft3 per min per person. Compared to classrooms, ventilation
should be increased by what factor in heavy smoking areas?
45. College Enrollments The graph shows the projections in total enrollment at degree-
granting institutions from fall 2014 to fall 2021.

Enrollments at Degree-Granting Institutions

30

25 23.2 23.6 23.9 24.1

22.8
Enrollment (in millions)

22.0 22.3 22.5

20

15

10

0
’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21
Year
Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.

The following linear model provides the approximate enrollment, in millions,

between the years 2014 and 2021, where x = 0 corresponds to 2014, x = 1 to 2015,
and so on, and y is in millions of students.
y = 0.3143 x + 21.95

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 130 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 1.3╇ Complex Numbers 131

(a)╇ Use the model to determine projected enrollment for fall 2018.
(b)╇Use the model to determine the year in which enrollment is projected to reach
24 million.
(c)╇How do your answers to parts (a) and (b) compare to the corresponding values
shown in the graph?
(d)╇The actual enrollment in fall 2000 was 15.3 million. The model here is based on
data from 2014 to 2021. If we were to use the model for 2000, what would the
projected enrollment be?
(e)╇Compare the actual value and the value based on the model in part (d). Discuss
the pitfalls of using the model to predict enrollment for years preceding 2014.
46. Baby Boom╇ U.S. population during the years between 1946 and 1964, commonly
known as the Baby Boom, can be modeled by the following linear equation.
y = 2.8370 x + 140.83
Here y represents the population in millions as of July 1 of a given year, and
x represents number of years after 1946. Thus, x = 0 corresponds to 1946, x = 1
corresponds to 1947, and so on. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau.)
(a)╇ According to the model, what was the U.S. population on July 1, 1952?
(b)╇ In what year did the U.S. population reach 150 million?

1.3 Complex Numbers

■ Basic Concepts of
Basic Concepts of Complex Numbersâ•…â•… The set of real numbers does not
Complex Numbers
include all the numbers needed in algebra. For example, there is no real number
■ Operations on
solution of the equation
Complex Numbers
x2 = − 1
because no real number, when squared, gives - 1. To extend the real number
system to include solutions of equations of this type, the number i is defined.

Imaginary Unit i

i = ! − 1 ,â•… and therefore,â•… i 2 = − 1.

(Note that -i is also a square root of - 1.)

Complex numbers are formed by adding real numbers and multiples of i.

Complex Number

If a and b are real numbers, then any number of the form

a + bi
is a complex number. In the complex number a + bi, a is the real part and
Square roots of negative numbers b is the imaginary part.*
were not incorporated into an
integrated number system until
the 16th century. They were then Two complex numbers a + bi and c + di are equal provided that their real
used as solutions of equations and parts are equal and their imaginary parts are equalâ•›—â•›that is, they are equal if and
later (in the 18th century) in
only if a = c and b = d.
surveying. Today, such numbers
are used extensively in science
and engineering. *In some texts, the term bi is defined to be the imaginary part.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 131 29/08/16 5:40 pm

 132 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Some graphing calculators, such as the TI-84 Plus, are capable of working
with complex numbers, as seen in Figure 3. ■

The following important concepts apply to a complex number a + bi.

1. If b = 0, then a + bi = a, which is a real number. (This means that the set
of real numbers is a subset of the set of complex numbers. See Figure 4.)
2. If b ≠ 0, then a + bi is a nonreal complex number.
The calculator is in complex number Examples: 7 + 2i, - 1 - i
mode. This screen supports the definition
of i. It also shows how the calculator 3. If a = 0 and b ≠ 0, then the nonreal complex number is a pure imaginary
returns the real and imaginary parts of
number.
the complex number 7 + 2i.
Examples: 3i, - 16i
Figure 3
The form a + bi (or a + ib) is standard form. (The form a + ib is used to
write expressions such as i 15, because 15i could be mistaken for 15i.)
The relationships among the subsets of the complex numbers are shown in
Figure 4.

Complex Numbers a + bi, for a and b Real

Real numbers Nonreal complex numbers

a + bi, b = 0 a + bi, b ≠ 0
7 + 2i, 5 – i3, – 1 + 3 i
Rational numbers Irrational 2 2
4 , – 5 , 11 numbers
9 8 7
2
Integers Pure imaginary numbers
–11, –6, –3, –2, –1 15 a + bi, a = 0 and b ≠ 0

Whole numbers 3i, – i, – 23 i, i5

8
0
p
Natural numbers
p
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 37, 40 4

Figure 4

For a positive real number a, the expression 1 - a is defined as follows.

Meaning of ! −a

For a 7 0, ! − a = i !a.

EXAMPLE 1 Writing ! − a as i !a

Write each number as the product of a real number and i.

(a) 2-16 (b) 2- 70 (c) 2-48
SOLUTION

(a) 2-16 = i 216 = 4i (b) 2- 70 = i 270

(c) 2-48 = i 248 = i 216 # 3 = 4i 23 Product rule for radicals

■
✔ Now Try Exercises 21, 23, and 25.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 132 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 1.3 Complex Numbers 133

Operations on Complex Numbers   Products or quotients with negative

radicands are simplified by first rewriting 1 - a as i 1a for a positive number a.

CAUTION When working with negative radicands, use the definition

! − a = i !a before using any of the other rules for radicals. In par-
ticular, the rule 1c # 1d = 1cd is valid only when c and d are not both
negative. For example, consider the following.
2-4 # 2-9 = 2i # 3i = 6i 2 = - 6 Correct

2- 4 # 2- 9 = 21-421- 92 = 236 = 6 Incorrect

EXAMPLE 2 Finding Products and Quotients Involving ! −a

Find each product or quotient. Simplify the answers.

(a) 2 -7 # 2-7 (b) 2- 6 # 2- 10 (c)

2- 20
(d)
2 -48
2- 2 224
SOLUTION

(a) 2- 7 # 2 -7 (b) 2- 6 # 2- 10
= i 26 # i 210
First write all
= i 27 # i 27 square roots
in terms of i.
# A 27 B 2 = i2 # 260
= i2
= - 124 # 15
= -1 # 7
= - 1 # 2215
= -1; 1 1a2 = a
2
i2
= -7 Multiply.
= - 2215

2- 20 i 220 20
(c) = = = 210 Quotient rule for radicals
2- 2 i 22 B2

2-48 i 248 48
(d) = =i = i 22 Quotient rule for radicals
224 224 B 24
■
✔ Now Try Exercises 29, 31, 33, and 35.

EXAMPLE 3 Simplifying a Quotient Involving ! − a

- 8 + 2- 128
Write in standard form a + bi.
4

-8 + 2- 128
SOLUTION
4

- 8 + 2 -64 # 2
= Product rule for radicals
4
- 8 + 8i 22
= 1 -64 = 8i
4
Be sure to factor
before simplifying. 4 A - 2 + 2i 22 B
= Factor.
4
 owest terms;
L
= - 2 + 2i 22 standard form ✔ Now Try Exercise 41.
■

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 133 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 134 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

With the definitions i 2 = -1 and 1 -a = i 1a for a 7 0, all properties of

real numbers are extended to complex numbers. As a result, complex numbers
are added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided using real number properties and
the following definitions.

Addition and Subtraction of Complex Numbers

For complex numbers a + bi and c + di,

1 a + bi 2 + 1 c + di2 = 1 a + c2 + 1 b + d 2 i
and 1 a + bi 2 − 1 c + di2 = 1 a − c2 + 1 b − d 2 i.

That is, to add or subtract complex numbers, add or subtract the real parts
and add or subtract the imaginary parts.

EXAMPLE 4 Adding and Subtracting Complex Numbers

Find each sum or difference. Write answers in standard form.

(a) 13 - 4i2 + 1 - 2 + 6i2    (b) 1 -4 + 3i2 - 16 - 7i2
SOLUTION

(a) 13 - 4i2 + 1 - 2 + 6i2

Add real Add imaginary
parts. parts.
(+)+* (1)1*
 ommutative, associative, distributive
C
= 33 + 1 -224 + 3 -4 + 64i properties

= 1 + 2i Standard form

(b) 1 - 4 + 3i2 - 16 - 7i2

= 1 -4 - 62 + 33 - 1 - 724i Subtract real parts. Subtract imaginary parts.

= - 10 + 10i Standard form

■
✔ Now Try Exercises 47 and 49.

The product of two complex numbers is found by multiplying as though the

numbers were binomials and using the fact that i 2 = -1, as follows.

1a + bi21c + di2
= ac + adi + bic + bidi FOIL method

= ac + adi + bci + bdi 2 Commutative property; Multiply.

= ac + 1ad + bc2i + bd1 -12 Distributive property; i 2 = -1

= 1ac - bd2 + 1ad + bc2i Group like terms.

Multiplication of Complex Numbers

For complex numbers a + bi and c + di,

1 a + bi 2 1 c + di 2 = 1 ac − bd 2 + 1 ad + bc 2 i.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 134 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 1.3 Complex Numbers 135

To find a given product in routine calculations, it is often easier just to mul-

tiply as with binomials and use the fact that i 2 = -1.

EXAMPLE 5 Multiplying Complex Numbers

Find each product. Write answers in standard form.

(a) 12 - 3i213 + 4i2  (b) 14 + 3i22  (c) 16 + 5i216 - 5i2
SOLUTION

(a) 12 - 3i213 + 4i2

= 2132 + 214i2 - 3i132 - 3i14i2 FOIL method

= 6 + 8i - 9i - 12i 2 Multiply.

= 6 - i - 121 -12 Combine like terms; i 2 = - 1

= 18 - i Standard form

(b) 14 + 3i22
= 42 + 214213i2 + 13i22 Square of a binomial
Remember to add
twice the product
of the two terms. = 16 + 24i + 9i 2 Multiply.

= 16 + 24i + 91 -12 i 2 = -1

= 7 + 24i Standard form

(c) 16 + 5i216 - 5i2

= 6 2 - 15i22 Product of the sum and difference of
two terms

= 36 - 251 - 12 Square 6; 15i22 = 52i 2 = 251-12.

= 36 + 25 Multiply.
= 61, or 61 + 0i Standard form
This screen shows how the TI-84 Plus
displays the results found in Example 5.  ■
✔ Now Try Exercises 55, 59, and 63.

Example 5(c) showed that 16 + 5i216 - 5i2 = 61. The numbers 6 + 5i

and 6 - 5i differ only in the sign of their imaginary parts and are complex
conjugates. The product of a complex number and its conjugate is always
a real number. This product is the sum of the squares of the real and imagi-
nary parts.

Property of Complex Conjugates

For real numbers a and b,

1 a + bi2 1 a − bi2 = a2 + b2.

To find the quotient of two complex numbers in standard form, we

multiply both the numerator and the denominator by the complex conju-
gate of the denominator.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 135 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 136 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

EXAMPLE 6 Dividing Complex Numbers

Find each quotient. Write answers in standard form.

3 + 2i 3
(a) (b)
5-i i
SOLUTION
3 + 2i
(a)
5-i
13 + 2i2 15 + i2  ultiply by the complex conjugate of the
M
= denominator in both the numerator and the
15 - i2 15 + i2 denominator.

15 + 3i + 10i + 2i 2
= Multiply.
25 - i 2
13 + 13i
= Combine like terms; i 2 = -1
26
13 13i a + bi a bi
= + c
= c
+ c
26 26
1 1
= + i Write in lowest terms and standard form.
2 2

1 1
CHECK a + i b15 - i2 = 3 + 2i ✓ Quotient * Divisor = Dividend
2 2
3
(b)
i
31 -i2
= -i is the conjugate of i.
i1 - i2
- 3i
= Multiply.
- i2
This screen supports the results in - 3i
Example 6.
= -i 2 = -1- 12 = 1
1
= - 3i, or 0 - 3i Standard form■
✔ Now Try Exercises 73 and 79.

Powers of i can be simplified using the facts

i2 = - 1 and i 4 = 1i 222 = 1 -122 = 1.

Consider the following powers of i.

i1 = i i5 = i4 # i = 1 # i = i
i2 = - 1 i 6 = i 4 # i 2 = 11 - 12 = -1
i 3 = i 2 # i = 1 -12 # i = - i i 7 = i 4 # i 3 = 1 # 1 - i2 = - i
i 4 = i 2 # i 2 = 1 -121 -12 = 1 i8 = i4 # i4 = 1 # 1 = 1 and so on.
Powers of i can be found on the TI-84
Plus calculator.

Powers of i cycle through the same four outcomes 1 i, − 1, − i, and 1 2 because

i 4 has the same multiplicative property as 1. Also, any power of i with an expo-
nent that is a multiple of 4 has value 1. As with real numbers, i 0 = 1.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 136 29/08/16 3:56 pm

 1.3 Complex Numbers 137

EXAMPLE 7 Simplifying Powers of i

Simplify each power of i.

(a) i 15 (b) i - 3
SOLUTION

(a) Because i 4 = 1, write the given power as a product involving i 4.

i 15 = i 12 # i 3 = 1i 423 # i 3 = 131 - i2 = -i
(b) Multiply i -3 by 1 in the form of i 4 to create the least positive exponent for i.

i -3 = i -3 # 1 = i -3 # i4 = i i4 = 1

■
✔ Now Try Exercises 89 and 97.

1.3 Exercises

CONCEPT PREVIEW Fill in the blank to correctly complete each sentence.

1. By definition, i = , and therefore, i 2 = .

2. If a and b are real numbers, then any number of the form a + bi is a(n) .
3. The numbers 6 + 5i and 6 - 5i, which differ only in the sign of their imaginary
parts, are .
4. The product of a complex number and its conjugate is always a(n) .
5. To find the quotient of two complex numbers in standard form, multiply both the
numerator and the denominator by the complex conjugate of the .

CONCEPT PREVIEW Decide whether each statement is true or false. If false, correct
the right side of the equation.
7. 2- 4 # 2- 9 = -6
6. 2- 25 = 5i   8. i 12 = 1
9. 1 - 2 + 7i2 - 110 - 6i2 = - 12 + i 10. 15 + 3i22 = 16

Concept Check Identify each number as real, complex, pure imaginary, or nonreal com-
plex. (More than one of these descriptions will apply.)
11. -4 12. 0 13. 13i 14. - 7i 15. 5 + i

16. -6 - 2i 17. p 18. 224 19. 2- 25 20. 2 - 36

Write each number as the product of a real number and i. See Example 1.
21. 2- 25 22. 2- 36 23. 2- 10 24. 2 - 15

25. 2- 288 26. 2- 500 27. - 2- 18 28. - 2- 80

Find each product or quotient. Simplify the answers. See Example 2.

29. 2- 13 # 2- 13 30. 2- 17 # 2- 17 31. 2 - 3 # 2- 8

# 2 -30 2 -70
32. 2- 5 2- 15 33. 34.
2 -10 2- 7

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 137 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 138 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

2 -24 2 -54 2 -10

35. 36. 37.
28 227 2 -40

2- 8 2 -6 # 2 -2 2 -12 # 2- 6
38. 39. 40.
2 -72 23 28

Write each number in standard form a + bi. See Example 3.

- 6 - 2- 24 - 9 - 2- 18 10 + 2- 200
41. 42. 43.
2 3 5
20 + 2- 8 - 3 + 2- 18 - 5 + 2- 50
44. 45. 46.
2 24 10

Find each sum or difference. Write answers in standard form. See Example 4.
47. 13 + 4i2 + 18 - 3i2 48. 14 - i2 + 18 + 5i2
49. 1 - 2 + 4i2 - 1- 4 + 4i2 50. 1 - 3 + 2i2 - 1- 4 + 2i2
51. 13 - 5i2 - 14 + 5i2 - 1- 3 + i2 52. 1 - 4 - i2 - 12 + 3i2 + 1 - 4 + 5i2

53. - i 22 - 2 - A 6 - 4i 22 B - A 5 - i 22 B

54. 3 27 - 1427 - i2 - 4i + 1 - 227 + 5i2

Find each product. Write answers in standard form. See Example 5.

55. 13 - 8i215 + i2 56. 1 - 2 + 3i214 - 2i2 57. 12 + 4i21 - 1 + 3i2
58. 11 + 3i212 - 5i2 59. 19 - 4i22 60. 12 + i22
61. 13 + i213 - i2 62. 15 + i215 - i2 63. 1 - 2 - 3i21 -2 + 3i2

64. 16 - 4i216 + 4i2 65. A 25 + i B A 25 - i B 66. A 22 - 4i B A 22 + 4i B

67. i13 - 4i213 + 4i2 68. i12 + 7i212 - 7i2 69. 6i14 - i22
70. -5i14 - 3i22 71. 12 + i212 - i214 + 3i2 72. 15 + i215 - i214 + 2i2

Find each quotient. Write answers in standard form. See Example 6.

8 + 9i 14 + 5i 8+i 4 - 3i
73. 74. 75. 76.
8 + 2i 3 + 2i 8-i 4 + 3i

1 - 3i - 3 + 4i - 11 -6
77. 78. 79. 80.
1+i 2-i i i
8 12 3 5
81. 82. 83. 84.
-i -i 7i 9i

(Modeling) Alternating Current Complex numbers are used to describe current I,

voltage E, and impedance Z (the opposition to current). These three quantities are re-
lated by the equation
E = IZ, which is known as Ohm’s Law.
Thus, if any two of these quantities are known, the third can be found. In each exercise,
solve the equation E = IZ for the remaining value.
85. I = 5 + 7i, Z = 6 + 4i 86. I = 20 + 12i, Z = 10 - 5i
87. I = 10 + 4i, E = 88 + 128i 88. E = 57 + 67i, Z = 9 + 5i

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 138 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 1.4 Quadratic Equations 139

Simplify each power of i. See Example 7.

89. i 25 90. i 29 91. i 22 92. i 26

93. i 23 94. i 27 95. i 32 96. i 40

1 1
97. i -13 98. i -14 99. 100.
i -11 i -12

Work each problem.

22 22
101. Show that + i is a square root of i.
2 2
22 22
102. Show that - - i is a square root of i.
2 2
23 1
103. Show that + i is a cube root of i.
2 2
23 1
104. Show that - + i is a cube root of i.
2 2
105. Show that - 2 + i is a solution of the equation x 2 + 4x + 5 = 0.
106. Show that - 2 - i is a solution of the equation x 2 + 4x + 5 = 0.
107. Show that - 3 + 4i is a solution of the equation x 2 + 6 x + 25 = 0.
108. Show that - 3 - 4i is a solution of the equation x 2 + 6x + 25 = 0.

1.4 Quadratic Equations

■ The Zero-Factor A quadratic equation is defined as follows.

Property
■ The Square Root
Property Quadratic Equation in One Variable
■ Completing the Square
An equation that can be written in the form
■ The Quadratic Formula
■ Solving for a Specified ax2 + bx + c = 0,
Variable
■ The Discriminant
where a, b, and c are real numbers with a ≠ 0, is a quadratic equation.
The given form is called standard form.

A quadratic equation is a second-degree equation—that is, an equation

with a squared variable term and no terms of greater degree.

x 2 = 25, 4x 2 + 4x - 5 = 0, 3x 2 = 4x - 8 Quadratic equations

The Zero-Factor Property   When the expression ax 2 + bx + c in a quad-

ratic equation is easily factorable over the real numbers, it is efficient to factor and
then apply the following zero-factor property.

Zero-Factor Property

If a and b are complex numbers with ab = 0, then a = 0 or b = 0 or both

equal zero.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 139 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 140 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

EXAMPLE 1 Using the Zero-Factor Property

Solve 6x 2 + 7x = 3.
SOLUTION 6x 2 + 7x = 3 Don’t factor out x here.

6x 2 + 7x - 3 = 0 Standard form

13x - 1212x + 32 = 0 Factor.

3x - 1 = 0 or 2x + 3 = 0 Zero-factor property

3x = 1 or 2x = -3 Solve each equation.

1 3
x= or x= -
3 2

CHECK 6x 2 + 7x = 3 Original equation

1 2 1 3 2 3
6 a b + 7 a b ≟ 3  Let x = 13 . 6 a - b + 7 a - b ≟ 3  Let x = - 32 .
3 3 2 2
6 7 ≟ 54 21 ≟
+ 3 - 3
9 3 4 2
3 = 3 ✓ True 3 = 3 ✓ True

Both values check because true statements result. The solution set is 513 , - 326.
 ■
✔ Now Try Exercise 15.

The Square Root Property   When a quadratic equation can be written

in the form x 2 = k, where k is a constant, the equation can be solved as follows.

x2 = k
x2 - k = 0 Subtract k.

Ax - 2k B A x + 2k B = 0 Factor.

x - 2k = 0   or x + 2k = 0 Zero-factor property

x = 2k or x = - 2k Solve each equation.

This proves the square root property.

Square Root Property

If x 2 = k, then x = !k or x = − !k.

That is, the solution set of x2 = k is

E !k, − !k F , which may be abbreviated E t !k F .

Both solutions 2k and - 2k of x 2 = k are real if k 7 0. Both are pure imagi-
nary if k 6 0. If k 6 0, then we write the solution set as

E t i !∣ k ∣ F .
If k = 0, then there is only one distinct solution, 0, sometimes called a double
solution.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 140 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 1.4 Quadratic Equations 141

EXAMPLE 2 Using the Square Root Property

Solve each quadratic equation.

(a) x 2 = 17    (b) x 2 = - 25    (c) 1x - 422 = 12
SOLUTION

(a) x 2 = 17 (b) x 2 = - 25
Square root Square root
x = { 217 property x = { 2- 25 property

The solution set is E { 217 F. x = { 5i 2 -1 = i

The solution set is 5 { 5i6.

(c) 1x - 422 = 12

x - 4 = { 212 Generalized square root property

x = 4 { 212 Add 4.

x = 4 { 2 23 112 = 14 # 3 = 2 13

CHECK 1x - 422 = 12 Original equation

A 4 + 2 23 - 4 B
2
≟ 12  Let x = 4 + 2 13. A 4 - 2 23 - 4 B
2
≟ 12  Let x = 4 - 2 13.

A 2 23 B
2
≟ 12 A -223 B
2
≟ 12

22 # A 23 B2 ≟ 12 1 -222 # A 23 B2 ≟ 12
12 = 12 ✓ True 12 = 12 ✓ True

The solution set is E 4 { 2 23 F . ■

✔ Now Try Exercises 27, 29, and 31.

Completing the Square   Any quadratic equation can be solved by the

method of completing the square, summarized in the box below. While this
method may seem tedious, it has several useful applications, including analyzing
the graph of a parabola and developing a general formula for solving quadratic
equations.

Solving a Quadratic Equation Using Completing the Square

To solve ax 2 + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0, using completing the square, fol-

low these steps.
Step 1 If a ≠ 1, divide each side of the equation by a.
Step 2 Rewrite the equation so that the constant term is alone on one side of
the equality symbol.
Step 3 Square half the coefficient of x, and add this square to each side of
the equation.
Step 4 Factor the resulting trinomial as a perfect square and combine like
terms on the other side.
Step 5 Use the square root property to complete the solution.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 141 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 142 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

EXAMPLE 3 Using Completing the Square (a = 1)

Solve x 2 - 4x - 14 = 0.
SOLUTION x 2 - 4x - 14 = 0
Step 1 This step is not necessary because a = 1.
Step 2 x 2 - 4x = 14 Add 14 to each side.
2
Step 3 x2 - 4x + 4 = 14 + 4 C 121 -42 D = 4; Add 4 to each side.
Step 4 1x - 222 = 18 Factor. Combine like terms.

Step 5 x - 2 = { 218 Square root property

Take both roots.
x = 2 { 218 Add 2 to each side.

x = 2 { 3 22 Simplify the radical.

The solution set is E 2 { 322 F. ■

✔ Now Try Exercise 41.

EXAMPLE 4 Using Completing the Square (a 3 1)

Solve 9x 2 - 12x + 9 = 0.

SOLUTION 9x 2 - 12x + 9 = 0
4
Step 1 x2 - x+1=0 Divide by 9 so that a = 1.
3
4
Step 2 x2 - x = -1 Subtract 1 from each side.
3
4 4 4 2
Step 3 x2 - x + = -1 + C 12 A - 43 B D = 94 ; Add 49 to each side.
3 9 9
2 2 5
Step 4 ax - b = - Factor. Combine like terms.
3 9
2 5
Step 5 x- = { - Square root property
3 B 9
2 25
x- = { i 5
3-9 =
1-5
= i 13 5 , or 25
3 i
3 3 19

2 25
x= { i 2
Add 3 to each side.
3 3

The solution set is E 3 { F.

2 25
3 i ■
✔ Now Try Exercise 47.

The Quadratic Formula   If we start with the equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0,

for a 7 0, and complete the square to solve for x in terms of the constants a, b,
and c, the result is a general formula for solving any quadratic equation.
ax 2 + bx + c = 0
b c
x2 + x+ =0 Divide each side by a. (Step 1)
a a
b c c
x2 + x= - Subtract a from each side. (Step 2)
a a

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 142 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 1.4 Quadratic Equations 143

2 2 2
Square half the coefficient of x: C 12 A ab B D = A 2ab B = 4ab 2 .
b b2 c b2 b2
x2 + x+ 2 = - + 2 Add 4a 2 to each side. (Step 3)
a 4a a 4a
b 2 b2 -c  actor. Use the commutative
F
ax + b = 2+
2a 4a a property. (Step 4)

b 2 b2 -4ac  rite fractions with a common

W
ax + b = 2+ denominator.
2a 4a 4a 2
b 2 b 2 - 4ac
ax + b = Add fractions.
2a 4a 2
b b 2 - 4ac
x+ = { Square root property (Step 5)
2a B 4a 2
b { 2b 2 - 4ac
x+ = Since a 7 0, 24a 2 = 2a.
2a 2a
-b 2b 2 - 4ac
x= { Subtract b
2a from each side.
2a 2a
Quadratic Formula - b { 2b 2 - 4ac
This result is also x= Combine terms on the right.
true for a 6 0. 2a

Quadratic Formula

The solutions of the quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0, are

given by the quadratic formula.
− b t !b2 − 4ac
x=
2a

EXAMPLE 5 Using the Quadratic Formula (Real Solutions)

Solve x 2 - 4x = -2.
 rite in standard form.
W
SOLUTION x 2 - 4x + 2 = 0 Here a = 1, b = -4, and c = 2.

- b { 2b 2 - 4ac
x= Quadratic formula
2a
- 1 -42 { 21 - 422 - 4112122 Substitute a = 1, b = -4,
x= and c = 2.
The fraction bar
2112
extends under - b.
4 { 216 - 8
x= Simplify.
2
4 { 222
x= 116 - 8 = 18 = 14 # 2 = 2 12
2
2 A 2 { 22 B
x= Factor out 2 in the numerator.
2
Factor first, then divide.

x = 2 { 22  Lowest terms

The solution set is E 2 { 22 F. ■

✔ Now Try Exercise 53.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 143 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 144 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

CAUTION Remember to extend the fraction bar in the quadratic for-

mula under the − b term in the numerator.

Throughout this text, unless otherwise specified, we use the set of complex
numbers as the domain when solving equations of degree 2 or greater.

EXAMPLE 6 Using the Quadratic Formula (Nonreal Complex Solutions)

Solve 2x 2 = x - 4.
SOLUTION 2x 2 - x + 4 = 0    Write in standard form.
-1 - 12 { 21 -122 - 4122142  uadratic formula with
Q
x= a = 2, b = - 1, c = 4
2122
Use parentheses and
1 { 21 - 32 substitute carefully to
x= avoid errors.
4
1 { 2- 31
x= Simplify.
4
1 { i 231
x= 1 -1 = i
4
131
The solution set is E 4 { i F .
1
4 ■
✔ Now Try Exercise 57.

The equation x 3 + 8 = 0 is a cubic equation because the greatest degree of

the terms is 3. While a quadratic equation (degree 2) can have as many as two
solutions, a cubic equation (degree 3) can have as many as three solutions. The
maximum possible number of solutions corresponds to the degree of the equation.

EXAMPLE 7 Solving a Cubic Equation

Solve x 3 + 8 = 0 using factoring and the quadratic formula.

SOLUTION x3 + 8 = 0
Factor as a sum
1x + 221x 2 - 2x + 42 = 0 
of cubes.
x + 2 = 0    or x 2 - 2x + 4 = 0 Zero-factor property

-1 -22 { 21 - 222 - 4112142  uadratic formula with

Q
x = -2 or x= a = 1, b = -2, c = 4
2112

2 { 1 -12
x= Simplify.
2

2 { 2i 23
x= Simplify the radical.
2

2 1 1 { i 23 2  actor out 2 in the

F
x= numerator.
2
 ivide out the
D
x = 1 { i 23 common factor.

The solution set is E - 2, 1 { i 23 F . ■

✔ Now Try Exercise 67.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 144 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 1.4 Quadratic Equations 145

Solving for a Specified Variable   To solve a quadratic equation for a

specified variable, we usually apply the square root property or the quadratic
formula.

EXAMPLE 8 Solving for a Quadratic Variable in a Formula

Solve each equation for the specified variable. Use { when taking square roots.
pd 2
(a) 𝒜 = , for d       (b) rt 2 - st = k 1r ≠ 02, for t
4
SOLUTION
pd 2 Goal: Isolate d, the
(a) 𝒜= specified variable.
4
4𝒜 = pd 2 Multiply each side by 4.

4𝒜
= d2 Divide each side by p.
p

4𝒜 Interchange sides;
d= { square root property
B p
See the Note following
this example.
{ 24𝒜 # 2p 2p
d= Multiply by .
2p 2p 2p

{ 24𝒜p Multiply numerators.

d= Multiply denominators.
p

{ 22𝒜p
d= Simplify the radical.
p
(b) Because rt 2 - st = k has terms with t 2 and t, use the quadratic formula.
rt 2 - st - k = 0     Write in standard form.

-b { 2b 2 - 4ac
t= Quadratic formula
2a

-1 -s2 { 21 - s22 - 41r21 -k2

t= Here, a = r, b = -s, and c = -k.
21r2

s { 2s2 + 4rk
t= Simplify.
2r
 ■
✔ Now Try Exercises 71 and 77.

NOTE In Example 8, we took both positive and negative square roots.

However, if the variable represents time or length in an application, we consider
only the positive square root.

The Discriminant   The quantity under the radical in the quadratic for-
mula, b 2 - 4ac, is the discriminant.

-b { 2b 2 - 4ac Discriminant
x=
2a

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 145 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 146 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

When the numbers a, b, and c are integers (but not necessarily otherwise),
the value of the discriminant b 2 - 4ac can be used to determine whether the
solutions of a quadratic equation are rational, irrational, or nonreal complex
numbers. The number and type of solutions based on the value of the discrimi-
nant are shown in the following table.

Solutions of Quadratic Equations

Discriminant Number of Solutions Type of Solutions
Positive, perfect square Two Rational
Positive, but not Two Irrational  s seen in
A
a perfect square Example 5
Zero One (a double solution) Rational
 s seen in
A
Negative Two Nonreal complex Example 6

CAUTION The restriction on a, b, and c is important. For example,

x 2 - 25x - 1 = 0 has discriminant b 2 - 4ac = 5 + 4 = 9,

which would indicate two rational solutions if the coefficients were integers.
15 { 3
By the quadratic formula, the two solutions 2 are irrational numbers.

EXAMPLE 9 Using the Discriminant

Evaluate the discriminant for each equation. Then use it to determine the number
of distinct solutions, and tell whether they are rational, irrational, or nonreal
complex numbers.

(a) 5x 2 + 2x - 4 = 0  (b) x 2 - 10x = -25  (c) 2x 2 - x + 1 = 0

SOLUTION
(a) For 5x 2 + 2x - 4 = 0, use a = 5, b = 2, and c = - 4.
b 2 - 4ac = 22 - 41521 - 42 = 84     Discriminant
The discriminant 84 is positive and not a perfect square, so there are two
distinct irrational solutions.

(b) First, write the equation in standard form as

x 2 - 10x + 25 = 0.

Thus, a = 1, b = - 10, and c = 25.

b 2 - 4ac = 1 -1022 - 41121252 = 0     Discriminant
There is one distinct rational solution, a double solution.

(c) For 2x 2 - x + 1 = 0, use a = 2, b = - 1, and c = 1.

b 2 - 4ac = 1 -122 - 4122112 = -7     Discriminant
There are two distinct nonreal complex solutions. (They are complex
conjugates.)
■
✔ Now Try Exercises 83, 85, and 89.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 146 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 1.4 Quadratic Equations 147

1.4 Exercises

CONCEPT PREVIEW Match the equation in Column I with its solution(s) in Column II.

I II
1. x 2 = 25 2. x 2 = - 25 A. {5i B. {2 15
3. x2 +5=0 4. x2 -5=0 C. { i 15 D. 5
5. x2 = - 20 6. x2 = 20 E. { 15 F. - 5
7. x - 5 = 0 8. x + 5 = 0 G. { 5 H. { 2i 15

CONCEPT PREVIEW Use Choices A–D to answer each question.

A. 3x 2 - 17x - 6 = 0 B. 12x + 522 = 7

C. x 2 + x = 12 D. 13x - 121x - 72 = 0
9. Which equation is set up for direct use of the zero-factor property? Solve it.
10. Which equation is set up for direct use of the square root property? Solve it.
11. Only one of the equations does not require Step 1 of the method for completing the
square described in this section. Which one is it? Solve it.
12. Only one of the equations is set up so that the values of a, b, and c can be determined
immediately. Which one is it? Solve it.

Solve each equation using the zero-factor property. See Example 1.

13. w2 - 7w + 12 = 0 14. x 2 + 2x - 8 = 0 15. 5x 2 - 3x - 2 = 0
16. 2x 2 - x - 15 = 0 17. - 4x 2 + x = - 3 18. 4a 2 - 17a = 15
19. x 2 - 121 = 0 20. x 2 - 64 = 0 21. 4x 2 - 4x + 1 = 0
22. 9x 2 - 12x + 4 = 0 23. 49x 2 + 28x + 4 = 0 24. 36x 2 + 60x + 25 = 0

Solve each equation using the square root property. See Example 2.
25. x 2 = 81 26. x 2 = 121 27. 27 - x 2 = 0
28. 48 - x 2 = 0 29. x 2 = - 49 30. x 2 = - 400
31. 13x - 322 = 22 32. 14x + 122 = 20 33. 1x + 522 = - 3
34. 1x - 422 = - 5 35. 1z + 122 = - 9 36. 1 - 2x + 522 = -8

Solve each equation using completing the square. See Examples 3 and 4.
37. x 2 + 9x - 10 = 0 38. x 2 - 7x + 12 = 0 39. 5x 2 - x - 4 = 0
40. 4x 2 - 3x - 10 = 0 41. x 2 - 2x - 2 = 0 42. x 2 - 10x + 18 = 0
43. 8x 2 + 6x = 9 44. 3x 2 + 2x = 5 45. - 2x 2 + 4x + 3 = 0
46. -3x 2 + 6x + 5 = 0 47. -9x 2 + 36x = 41 48. - 3x 2 + 9x = 7

Concept Check Answer each question.

49. Francisco claimed that the equation
x 2 - 8x = 0
cannot be solved by the quadratic formula since there is no value for c. Is he correct?

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 147 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 148 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

50. Francesca, Francisco’s twin sister, claimed that the equation

x 2 - 19 = 0
cannot be solved by the quadratic formula since there is no value for b. Is she correct?

Solve each equation using the quadratic formula. See Examples 5 and 6.
51. x 2 - x - 1 = 0 52. x 2 - 3x - 2 = 0 53. x 2 - 6x = - 7

54. x 2 - 4x = - 1 55. x 2 = 2x - 5 56. x 2 = 2x - 10

1 2 1
57. -4x 2 = - 12x + 11 58. -6x 2 = 3x + 2 59. x + x-3=0
2 4
2 2 1
60. x + x=3 61. 0.2x 2 + 0.4x - 0.3 = 0
3 4

62. 0.1x 2 - 0.1x = 0.3 63. 14x - 121x + 22 = 4x

64. 13x + 221x - 12 = 3x 65. 1x - 921x - 12 = - 16

66. Concept Check Why do the following two equations have the same solution set?
(Do not solve.)
- 2x 2 + 3x - 6 = 0 and 2x 2 - 3x + 6 = 0

Solve each cubic equation using factoring and the quadratic formula. See Example 7.
67. x 3 - 8 = 0 68. x 3 - 27 = 0

69. x 3 + 27 = 0 70. x 3 + 64 = 0

Solve each equation for the specified variable. (Assume no denominators are 0.)
See Example 8.
1 2
71. s = gt , for t 72. 𝒜 = pr 2, for r
2

kMv 2 e 2k
73. F = , for v 74. E = , for e
r 2r

1 2
75. r = r0 + at , for t 76. s = s0 + gt 2 + k, for t
2

77. h = - 16t 2 + v0 t + s0, for t 78. S = 2prh + 2pr 2, for r

For each equation, (a) solve for x in terms of y, and (b) solve for y in terms of x. See
Example 8.
79. 4x 2 - 2xy + 3y 2 = 2 80. 3y 2 + 4xy - 9x 2 = - 1

81. 2x 2 + 4xy - 3y 2 = 2 82. 5x 2 - 6xy + 2y 2 = 1

Evaluate the discriminant for each equation. Then use it to determine the number of
distinct solutions, and tell whether they are rational, irrational, or nonreal complex num-
bers. (Do not solve the equation.) See Example 9.
83. x 2 - 8x + 16 = 0 84. x 2 + 4x + 4 = 0 85. 3x 2 + 5x + 2 = 0
86. 8x 2 = -14x - 3 87. 4x 2 = -6x + 3 88. 2x 2 + 4x + 1 = 0
89. 9x 2 + 11x + 4 = 0 90. 3x 2 = 4x - 5 91. 8x 2 - 72 = 0

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 148 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 CHAPTER 1 Quiz 149

Concept Check Answer each question.

92. Show that the discriminant for the equation
12 x 2 + 5x - 3 12 = 0
is 49. If this equation is completely solved, it can be shown that the solution set is
E -3 12, 122 F. We have a discriminant that is positive and a perfect square, yet the
two solutions are irrational. Does this contradict the discussion in this section?
93. Is it possible for the solution set of a quadratic equation with integer coefficients to
consist of a single irrational number?
94. Is it possible for the solution set of a quadratic equation with real coefficients to con-
sist of one real number and one nonreal complex number?

Find the values of a, b, and c for which the quadratic equation

ax 2 + bx + c = 0
has the given numbers as solutions. (Hint: Use the zero-factor property in reverse.)
95. 4, 5 96. - 3, 2 97. 1 + 12, 1 - 12 98. i, - i

Chapter 1 Quiz (Sections 1.1– 1.4)

1. Solve the linear equation 31x - 52 + 2 = 1 - 14 + 2x2.
2. Determine whether each equation is an identity, a conditional equation, or a contra-
diction. Give the solution set.
(a) 4x - 5 = - 213 - 2x2 + 3
(b) 5x - 9 = 51 - 2 + x2 + 1
(c) 5x - 4 = 316 - x2
3. Solve the equation ay + 2x = y + 5x for y. (Assume a ≠ 1.)
4. Earning Interest Johnny deposits some money at 2.5% annual interest and twice
as much at 3.0%. Find the amount deposited at each rate if his total annual interest
income is $850.
5. (Modeling) Minimum Hourly Wage One model for the minimum hourly wage in
the United States for the period 1979–2014 is
y = 0.128x - 250.43,
where x represents the year and y represents the wage, in dollars. (Source: Bureau of
Labor Statistics.) The actual 2008 minimum wage was $6.55. What does this model
predict as the wage? What is the difference between the actual wage and the pre-
dicted wage?
- 4 + 1 - 24
6. Write 8
in standard form a + bi.
7 - 2i
7. Write the quotient 2 + 4i in standard form a + bi.

Solve each equation.

1 2
8. 3x 2 - x = - 1 9. x 2 - 29 = 0 10. 𝒜 = r u, for r
2

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 149 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 150 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

1.5 Applications and Modeling with Quadratic Equations

■ Geometry Problems
Geometry Problems   To solve these applications, we continue to use a
■ The Pythagorean six-step problem-solving strategy.
Theorem
■ Height of a Projected
Object EXAMPLE 1 Solving a Problem Involving Volume
■ Modeling with A piece of machinery produces rectangular sheets of metal such that the length
Quadratic Equations is three times the width. Equal-sized squares measuring 5 in. on a side can be cut
from the corners so that the resulting piece of metal can be shaped into an open
box by folding up the flaps. If specifications call for the volume of the box to be
1435 in.3, find the dimensions of the original piece of metal.
SOLUTION
3x Step 1 R
 ead the problem. We must find the dimensions of the original piece
5 5 3x – 10 5 5 of metal.
x x – 10 Step 2 Assign a variable. We know that the length is three times the width.
5 5 5 5 Let x = the width (in inches) and thus, 3x = the length.

Figure 5
The box is formed by cutting 5 + 5 = 10 in. from both the length
and the width. See Figure 5. The width of the bottom of the box is x - 10,
the length of the bottom of the box is 3x - 10, and the height is 5 in. (the
length of the side of each cut-out square). See Figure 6.
Step 3 Write an equation. The formula for volume of a box is V = lwh.
5
Volume = length * width * height
3x – 10
x – 10

Figure 6 1435 = 13x - 1021x - 102152

(Note that the dimensions of the box must be positive numbers, so
Lial: College Algebra 10
Fig: 7821_01_FG006 3x - 10 and x - 10 must be greater than 0, which implies x 7 3 and
First Pass: 2011-04-29 x 7 10. These are both satisfied when x 7 10.)
Step 4 Solve the equation from Step 3.

1435 = 15x 2 - 200x + 500 Multiply.

0= 15x 2 - 200x - 935 Subtract 1435 from each side.

0 = 3x 2 - 40x - 187 Divide each side by 5.

0 = 13x + 1121x - 172 Factor.

3x + 11 = 0 or x - 17 = 0 Zero-factor property

The width cannot 11

be negative.
x= - or x = 17 Solve each equation.
3
 tate the answer. Only 17 satisfies the restriction x 7 10. Thus, the
Step 5 S
dimensions of the original piece should be 17 in. by 31172 = 51 in.
Step 6 Check. The length and width of the bottom of the box are
51 - 2152 = 41 in. Length

and 17 - 2152 = 7 in. Width

The height is 5 in. (the amount cut on each corner), so the volume is
V = lwh = 41 * 7 * 5 = 1435 in.3, as required.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 27.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 150 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 1.5 Applications and Modeling with Quadratic Equations 151

PROBLEM-SOLVING HINT As seen in Example 1, discard any solu-

tion that does not satisfy the physical constraints of a problem.

The Pythagorean Theorem  Example 2 requires the use of the Pythag-

orean theorem for right triangles. Recall that the legs of a right triangle form the
right angle, and the hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle.

Pythagorean Theorem

In a right triangle, the sum of the squares of Hypotenuse

the lengths of the legs is equal to the square of Leg a
c
the length of the hypotenuse.
Leg b
a2 + b2 = c2

EXAMPLE 2 Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

A piece of property has the shape of a right triangle. The longer leg is 20 m
longer than twice the length of the shorter leg. The hypotenuse is 10 m longer
than the length of the longer leg. Find the lengths of the sides of the triangular lot.
SOLUTION
Step 1 Read the problem. We must find the lengths of the three sides.
Step 2 Assign a variable.

x
2x + 30 Let x = the length of the shorter leg (in meters).
Then 2x + 20 = the length of the longer leg, and
2x + 20
x is in meters. 12x + 202 + 10, or 2x + 30 = the length of the hypotenuse.
Figure 7 See Figure 7.
Step 3 Write an equation.
a2 + b2 = c2 The hypotenuse is c.

Substitute into the

x2 + 12x + 2022 = 12x + 3022 Pythagorean theorem.

Step 4 Solve the equation.

Square the binomials.
x 2 + 14x 2 + 80x + 4002 = 4x 2 + 120x + 900 Remember the middle terms.
x 2 - 40x - 500 = 0 Standard form

1x - 5021x + 102 = 0 Factor.

x - 50 = 0 or x + 10 = 0 Zero-factor property

x = 50 or x = -10 Solve each equation.

 tate the answer. Because x represents a length, - 10 is not reasonable.

Step 5 S
The lengths of the sides of the triangular lot are
50 m, 21502 + 20 = 120 m, and 21502 + 30 = 130 m.
Step 6 C
 heck. The lengths 50, 120, and 130 satisfy the words of the problem
and also satisfy the Pythagorean theorem.
■✔ Now Try Exercise 35.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 151 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 152 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Height of a Projected Object  If air resistance is neglected, the height s

(in feet) of an object projected directly upward from an initial height of s0 feet,
with initial velocity v0 feet per second, is given by the following equation.

s = − 16 t 2 + v0 t + s0

Here t represents the number of seconds after the object is projected. The coef-
ficient of t 2, - 16, is a constant based on the gravitational force of Earth. This
constant varies on other surfaces, such as the moon and other planets.

EXAMPLE 3 Solving a Problem Involving Projectile Height

If a projectile is launched vertically upward from the ground with an initial

velocity of 100 ft per sec, neglecting air resistance, its height s (in feet) above
the ground t seconds after projection is given by
s = - 16t 2 + 100t.
Galileo Galilei (1564–1642)
According to legend, Galileo (a) After how many seconds will it be 50 ft above the ground?
dropped objects of different weights
(b) How long will it take for the projectile to return to the ground?
from the Leaning Tower of Pisa
to disprove the Aristotelian view SOLUTION
that heavier objects fall faster than
lighter objects. He developed the (a) We must find value(s) of t so that height s is 50 ft.
formula d = 16t 2 for freely falling
objects, where d is the distance in s = - 16t 2 + 100t
feet that an object falls (neglecting 50 = - 16t 2 + 100t Let s = 50.
air resistance) in t seconds,
regardless of weight. 0= - 16t 2 + 100t - 50 Standard form

0 = 8t 2 - 50t + 25 Divide by -2.

-b { 2b 2 - 4ac
t= Quadratic formula
2a

Substitute - 1 - 502 { 21 - 5022 - 41821252 Substitute a = 8,

carefully. t= b = -50, and c = 25.
2182

50 { 21700
t= Simplify.
16
t ≈ 0.55 or t ≈ 5.70 Use a calculator.

Both solutions are acceptable. The projectile reaches 50 ft twice—once on

its way up (after 0.55 sec) and once on its way down (after 5.70 sec).
(b) When the projectile returns to the ground, the height s will be 0 ft.

s = -16t 2 + 100t
0 = -16t 2 + 100t Let s = 0.

0 = -4t14t - 252 Factor.

- 4t = 0 or 4t - 25 = 0 Zero-factor property

t=0 or t = 6.25 Solve each equation.

The first solution, 0, represents the time at which the projectile was on the
ground prior to being launched, so it does not answer the question. The pro-
jectile will return to the ground 6.25 sec after it is launched.

■
✔ Now Try Exercise 47.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 152 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 1.5 Applications and Modeling with Quadratic Equations 153

Modeling with Quadratic Equations

LOOKING AHEAD TO CALCULUS
In calculus, you will need to be able to
write an algebraic expression from the EXAMPLE 4 Analyzing Trolley Ridership
description in a problem like those in The I-Ride Trolley service car- Ridership
this section. Using calculus techniques,
ries passengers along the Inter­
you will be asked to find the value of
national Drive resort area of
the variable that produces an optimum 2.0
Orlando, Florida. The bar graph
(a maximum or minimum) value of the
in Figure 8 shows I-Ride Trolley 1.5
expression.
ridership data in millions. The

Millions
quadratic equation 1.0

y = - 0.00525x 2 + 0.0913x + 1.64

0.5

models ridership from 2000 to

2013, where y represents rider- 0
’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13
ship in millions, and x = 0 rep- Year
resents 2000, x = 1 represents Source: I-Ride Trolley, International Drive Master Transit,
www.itrolley.com
2001, and so on.
Figure 8

(a) Use the model to determine ridership in 2011. Compare the result to the
actual ridership figure of 2.1 million.
(b) According to the model, in what year did ridership reach 1.8 million?
SOLUTION

(a) Because x = 0 represents the year 2000, use x = 11 to represent 2011.

y = - 0.00525x 2 + 0.0913x + 1.64 Given model

y = - 0.0052511122 + 0.09131112 + 1.64 Let x = 11.

y ≈ 2.0 million Use a calculator.

The prediction is about 0.1 million (that is, 100,000) less than the actual
figure of 2.1 million.

(b)      y = -0.00525x 2 + 0.0913x + 1.64 Given model

1.8 = - 0.00525x 2 + 0.0913x + 1.64 Let y = 1.8.

Solve this
equation 0 = - 0.00525x 2 + 0.0913x - 0.16 Standard form
for x.
- 0.0913 { 210.091322 - 41 -0.0052521 - 0.162
x= Quadratic formula
21 -0.005252
x ≈ 2.0 or x ≈ 15.4 Use a calculator.

The year 2002 corresponds to x = 2.0. Thus, according to the model, rider-
ship reached 1.8 million in the year 2002. This outcome closely matches the
bar graph and seems reasonable.
The year 2015 corresponds to x = 15.4. Round down to the year 2015
because 15.4 yr from 2000 occurs during 2015. There is no value on the bar
graph to compare this to, because the last data value is for the year 2013.
Always view results that are beyond the data in a model with skepticism,
and realistically consider whether the model will continue as given. The
model predicts that ridership will be 1.8 million again in the year 2015.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 49.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 153 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 154 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

1.5 Exercises

CONCEPT PREVIEW╇ Answer each question.

1. Area of a Parking Lot╇ For the rectangular parking area of the shopping center shown,
with x in yards, which one of the following equations says that the area is 40,000 yd2?

2x + 200 â•›

A.╇ x12x + 2002 = 40,000 B.╇ 2x + 212x + 2002 = 40,000

C.╇ x + 12x + 2002 = 40,000 D.╇ x 2 + 12x + 20022 = 40,000 2
2. Diagonal of a Rectangle╇ If a rectangle is r feet long and r
s feet wide, which expression represents the length of its al
gon
diagonal in terms of r and s? Dia s

A.╇ 2rs╅╅B.╇ r + s╅╅C.╇ 2r 2 + s 2╅╅D.╇ r 2 + s 2

3. Sides of a Right Triangle╇ To solve for the lengths of the
right triangle sides, which equation is correct?
A.╇ x 2 = 12x - 222 + 1x + 422 x+4
x
B.╇ x2 + 1x + 422 = 12x - 222
C.╇ x 2 = 12x - 222 - 1x + 422
2x – 2
D.╇ x 2 + 12x - 222 = 1x + 422
4. Area of a Picture╇ The mat and frame 34 in.
around the picture shown measure
x inches across. Which equation says
that the area of the picture itself is
21 in.
600 in.2?
x in.
A.╇ 2134 - 2x2 + 2121 - 2x2 = 600
B.╇ 134 - 2x2121 - 2x2 = 600
C.╇ 134 - x2121 - x2 = 600 x in.
D.╇ x13421212 = 600
5. Volume of a Box╇ A rectangular piece of metal is 5 in. longer than it is wide. Squares
with sides 2 in. long are cut from the four corners, and the flaps are folded upward to
form an open box. Which equation indicates that the volume of the box is 64 in.3?

x+5

2 2 2 2

x
2
2 2 2 2 x+1
x–4

A.╇ 1x + 121x - 42122 = 64 B.╇ x1x + 52122 = 64

C.╇ 1x + 121x - 42 = 64 D.╇ x1x + 52 = 64

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 154 29/09/16 11:56 am

 1.5 Applications and Modeling with Quadratic Equations 155

6. Height of a Projectile If a projectile is launched vertically upward from the ground

with an initial velocity of 60 ft per sec, neglecting air resistance, its height s (in feet)
above the ground t seconds after projection is given by
s = - 16t 2 + 60t.
Which equation should be used to determine the time at which the height of the pro-
jectile reaches 40 ft?
A. s = - 1614022 + 60
B. s = - 1614022 + 601402
C. 40 = - 16t 2 + 60t
D. 40 = - 16t 2
7. Height of a Projectile If a projectile is launched vertically upward from the ground
with an initial velocity of 45 ft per sec, neglecting air resistance, its height s (in feet)
above the ground t seconds after projection is given by
s = - 16t 2 + 45t.
Which equation should be used to determine the height of the projectile after 2 sec?
A. s = 21 - 16t 2 + 45t2
B. s = - 161222 + 45122
C. 2 = -16t 2 + 45t D. 2 = - 16t 2
8. New Car Sales Suppose that the quadratic equation
S = 0.0538x 2 - 0.807x + 8.84
models sales of new cars, where S represents sales in millions, and x = 0 represents
2000, x = 1 represents 2001, and so on. Which equation should be used to determine
sales in 2010?
A. 10 = 0.0538x 2 - 0.807x + 8.84  
B. 2010 = 0.0538x 2 - 0.807x + 8.84
C. S = 0.053811022 - 0.8071102 + 8.84  
D. S = 0.05381201022 - 0.807120102 + 8.84

To prepare for the applications that come later, work the following basic problems that
lead to quadratic equations.
Unknown Numbers In Exercises 9–18, use the following facts.
If x represents an integer, then x + 1 represents the next consecutive integer.
If x represents an even integer, then x + 2 represents the next consecutive even integer.
If x represents an odd integer, then x + 2 represents the next consecutive odd integer.
9. Find two consecutive integers whose product is 30.
10. Find two consecutive integers whose product is 156.
11. The product of two consecutive even integers is 528. Find the integers.
12. The product of two consecutive even integers is 360. Find the integers.
13. Find two consecutive odd integers whose product is 675.
14. Find two consecutive odd integers whose product is 483.
15. The sum of the squares of two consecutive integers is 145. Find the integers.
16. The sum of the squares of two consecutive integers is 61. Find the integers.
17. The difference of the squares of two positive consecutive even integers is 36. Find
the integers.
18. The difference of the squares of two positive consecutive even integers is 68. Find
the integers.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 155 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 156 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Solve each problem. See Examples 1 and 2.

19. Dimensions of a Right Triangle The lengths of the sides of a right triangle are con-
secutive even integers. Find these lengths. (Hint: Use the Pythagorean theorem.)
20. Dimensions of a Right Triangle The lengths of the sides of a right triangle are con-
secutive positive integers. Find these lengths. (Hint: Use the Pythagorean theorem.)
21. Dimensions of a Square The length of each side of a square is 3 in. more than
the length of each side of a smaller square. The sum of the areas of the squares is
425 in2. Find the lengths of the sides of the two squares.
22. Dimensions of a Square The length of each side of a square is 5 in. more than the
length of each side of a smaller square. The difference of the areas of the squares is
95 in.2. Find the lengths of the sides of the two squares.

Solve each problem. See Example 1.

23. Dimensions of a Parking Lot A parking lot has a rectangular area of 50,000 yd2.
The length is 250 yd more than twice the width. Find the dimensions of the lot.
24. Dimensions of a Garden An ecology center wants to set up an experimental garden
using 300 m of fencing to enclose a rectangular area of 5000 m2. Find the dimen-
sions of the garden.

150 – x

x is in meters.

25. Dimensions of a Rug Zachary wants to buy a rug for a room that is 12 ft wide and
15 ft long. He wants to leave a uniform strip of floor around the rug. He can afford to
buy 108 ft2 of carpeting. What dimensions should the rug have?

f2
10 ft
108

12 ft

15 ft

26. Width of a Flower Border A landscape architect has included a rectangular flower
bed measuring 9 ft by 5 ft in her plans for a new building. She wants to use two
colors of flowers in the bed: one in the center and the other for a border of the same
width on all four sides. If she has enough plants to cover 24 ft2 for the border, how
wide can the border be?
27. Volume of a Box A rectangular piece of metal is 10 in. longer than it is wide.
Squares with sides 2 in. long are cut from the four corners, and the flaps are folded
upward to form an open box. If the volume of the box is 832 in.3, what were the
original dimensions of the piece of metal?
28. Volume of a Box In Exercise 27, suppose that the piece of metal has length twice
the width, and 4-in. squares are cut from the corners. If the volume of the box is
1536 in.3, what were the original dimensions of the piece of metal?

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 156 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 1.5 Applications and Modeling with Quadratic Equations 157

29. Manufacturing to Specifications A manufacturing firm wants to package its prod-

uct in a cylindrical container 3 ft high with surface area 8p ft2. What should the
radius of the circular top and bottom of the container be? (Hint: The surface area
consists of the circular top and bottom and a rectangle that represents the side cut
open vertically and unrolled.)
30. Manufacturing to Specifications A company wants to package its product in a
cylindrical container 4 ft high with surface area 10 p ft2. What should the radius of
the circular top and bottom of the container be? (Hint: The surface area consists of
the circular top and bottom and a rectangle that represents the side cut open verti-
cally and unrolled.)
31. Dimensions of a Square What is the length of the side of a square if its area and
perimeter are numerically equal?
32. Dimensions of a Rectangle A rectangle has an area that is numerically twice its
perimeter. If the length is twice the width, what are its dimensions?
33. Radius of a Can A can of Blue Runner Red Kidney Beans has surface area 371 cm2.
Its height is 12 cm. What is the radius of the circular top? Round to the nearest hun-
dredth.
34. Dimensions of a Cereal Box The volume of a 15-oz cereal box is 180.4 in.3. The
length of the box is 3.2 in. less than the height, and its width is 2.3 in. Find the
height and length of the box to the nearest tenth.

x – 3.2
2.3 in.

Solve each problem. See Example 2.

35. Height of a Dock A boat is being pulled into a dock with a rope attached to the boat
at water level. When the boat is 12 ft from the dock, the length of the rope from the
boat to the dock is 3 ft longer than twice the height of the dock above the water. Find
the height of the dock.

2h + 3
Rope
h

12 ft

Kite

36. Height of a Kite Grady is flying a kite on 50 ft

of string. Its vertical distance from his hand is
10 ft more than its horizontal distance from his 50 ft
x + 10
hand. Assuming that the string is being held 5 ft
above ground level, find its horizontal distance
from Grady and its vertical distance from the
x
ground.
5 ft

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 157 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 158 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

37. Radius Covered by a Circular Lawn Sprinkler╇ A

square lawn has area 800 ft2. A sprinkler placed at the
center of the lawn sprays water in a circular pattern as
shown in the figure. What is the radius of the circle?
r

Sprinkler

38. Dimensions of a Solar Panel Frame

Molly has a solar panel with a width of 26 in.
26 in. To get the proper inclination for
her climate, she needs a right triangular
support frame that has one leg twice as
long as the other. To the nearest tenth
of an inch, what dimensions should the
frame have?
39. Length of a Ladder╇ A building is 2 ft from a 9-ft
fence that surrounds the property. A worker wants
to wash a window in the building 13 ft from the
ground. He plans to place a ladder over the fence
so it rests against the building. (See the figure.) He 4 ft
decides he should place the ladder 8 ft from the
fence for stability. To the nearest tenth of a foot,
how long a ladder will he need?
9 ft

8 ft 2 ft

40. Range of Receivers╇ Tanner and Sheldon have received communications receivers
for Christmas. If they leave from the same point at the same time, Tanner walking
north at 2.5 mph and Sheldon walking east at 3 mph, how long will they be able to
talk to each other if the range of the communications receivers is 4 mi? Round the
answer to the nearest minute.
41. Length of a Walkway╇ A nature conservancy group decides to construct a raised
wooden walkway through a wetland area. To enclose the most interesting part of the
wetlands, the walkway will have the shape of a right triangle with one leg 700 yd
longer than the other and the hypotenuse 100 yd longer than the longer leg. Find the
total length of the walkway.
42. Broken Bamboo╇ Problems involving the Pythagorean theorem have appeared in
mathematics for thousands of years. This one is taken from the ancient Chinese work
Arithmetic in Nine Sections:
There is a bamboo 10 ft high, the upper end of which, being broken, reaches the
ground 3 ft from the stem. Find the height of the break.

(Modeling)╇ Solve each problem. See Example 3.

Height of a Projectile╇ A projectile is launched from ground level with an initial velocity
of v0 feet per second. Neglecting air resistance, its height in feet t seconds after launch
is given by
s = - 16t 2 + v0 t.
In Exercises 43–â•›46, find the time(s) that the projectile will (a) reach a height of 80 ft
and (b) return to the ground for the given value of v0. Round answers to the nearest hun-
dredth if necessary.
43. v0 = 96╅╅╅╅44.╇ v0 = 128╅╅╅╅45.╇ v0 = 32╅╅╅╅46.╇ v0 = 16

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 158 29/09/16 11:57 am

 1.5 Applications and Modeling with Quadratic Equations 159

47. Height of a Projected Ball An astronaut on the moon throws a baseball upward.
The astronaut is 6 ft, 6 in. tall, and the initial velocity of the ball is 30 ft per sec. The
height s of the ball in feet is given by the equation
s = - 2.7t 2 + 30t + 6.5,
where t is the number of seconds after the ball was thrown.
(a) 
After how many seconds is the ball 12 ft above the moon’s surface? Round to
the nearest hundredth.
(b) How many seconds will it take for the ball to hit the moon’s surface? Round to
the nearest hundredth.
48. Concept Check The ball in Exercise 47 will never reach a height of 100 ft. How can
this be determined algebraically?

(Modeling) Solve each problem. See Example 4.

49. NFL Salary Cap In 1994, the National Football
League introduced a salary cap that limits the
amount of money spent on players’ salaries. The
quadratic model
y = 0.2313x 2 + 2.600x + 35.17
approximates this cap in millions of dollars for
the years 1994–2009, where x = 0 represents
1994, x = 1 represents 1995, and so on. (Source:
www.businessinsider.com)
(a) Approximate the NFL salary cap in 2007 to
the nearest tenth of a million dollars.
(b) According to the model, in what year did the
salary cap reach 90 million dollars?

50. NFL Rookie Wage Scale Salaries, in millions of dollars, for rookies selected in the
first round of the NFL 2014 draft can be approximated by the quadratic model
y = 0.0258x 2 - 1.30x + 23.3,
where x represents draft pick order. Players selected earlier in the round have higher
salaries than those selected later in the round. (Source: www.forbes.com)
(a) Use the model to estimate the salary of the player selected first overall to the
nearest tenth of a million dollars.
(b) What is the estimated salary of the player selected 10th overall? Round to the
nearest tenth of a million dollars.
51. Carbon Monoxide Exposure Carbon monoxide (CO) combines with the hemoglo-
bin of the blood to form carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), which reduces transport of
oxygen to tissues. Smokers routinely have a 4% to 6% COHb level in their blood.
The quadratic model
T = 0.00787x 2 - 1.528x + 75.89
approximates the exposure time in hours necessary to reach this 4% to 6% level,
where 50 … x … 100 is the amount of carbon monoxide present in the air in parts
per million (ppm). (Source: Indoor Air Quality Environmental Information Hand-
book: Combustion Sources.)
(a) A kerosene heater or a room full of smokers is capable of producing 50 ppm
of carbon monoxide. How long would it take for a nonsmoking person to start
feeling the above symptoms? Round to the nearest tenth.
(b) Find the carbon monoxide concentration necessary for a person to reach the 4%
to 6% COHb level in 3 hr. Round to the nearest tenth.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 159 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 160 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

52. Carbon Monoxide Exposure Refer to Exercise 51. High concentrations of carbon
monoxide (CO) can cause coma and death. The time required for a person to reach a
COHb level capable of causing a coma can be approximated by the quadratic model

T = 0.0002x 2 - 0.316x + 127.9,

where T is the exposure time in hours necessary to reach this level and 500 … x … 800
is the amount of carbon monoxide present in the air in parts per million (ppm).
(Source: Indoor Air Quality Environmental Information Handbook: Combustion
Sources.)
(a) What is the exposure time when x = 600 ppm?
(b) Find the concentration of CO necessary to produce a coma in 4 hr. Round to the
nearest tenth part per million.
53. Methane Gas Emissions The table gives methane Millions of Metric
gas emissions from all sources in the United States, Year Tons of Methane
in millions of metric tons. The quadratic model
2008 606.0
y = 0.0429x 2 - 9.73x + 606 2009 596.6

approximates the emissions for these years. In the 2010 585.5

model, x represents the number of years since 2008, 2011 578.4
so x = 0 represents 2008, x = 1 represents 2009, 2012 567.3
and so on. Source: U.S. Environmental
(a) According to the model, what would emissions Protection Agency.
be in 2014? Round to the nearest tenth of a million metric tons.
(b) Find the nearest year beyond 2008 for which this model predicts that emissions
will reach 500 million metric tons.
54. Cost of Public Colleges The average
cost, in dollars, for tuition and fees for
in-state students at four-year public
colleges over the period 2000–2014
can be modeled by the equation

y = 4.065x 2 + 370.1x + 3450

where x = 0 corresponds to 2000,

x = 1 corresponds to 2001, and so on.
Based on this model, for what year
after 2000 was the average cost
$8605? (Source: The College Board,
Annual Survey of Colleges.)

55. Internet Publishing Estimated revenue from Internet publishing and web search
portals in the United States during the years 2007 through 2012 can be modeled by
the equation

y = 710.55x 2 + 1333.7x + 32,399

where x = 0 corresponds to the year 2007, x = 1 corresponds to 2008, and so on,

and y is in millions of dollars. Approximate the revenue from these services in 2010
to the nearest million. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau.)
56. Cable’s Top Internet Speeds The top cable Internet speeds during the years 2007
through 2013 can be modeled by the equation

y = 23.09x 2 - 62.12x + 32.78,

where x = 0 corresponds to 2007, x = 1 corresponds to 2008, and so on, and y is in

megabits per second (MBS). Based on this model, what was cable TV’s top Internet
speed in 2012? (Source: National Cable & Telecommunications Association.)

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 160 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 1.5 Applications and Modeling with Quadratic Equations 161

Relating Concepts

For individual or collaborative investigation (Exercises 57—60)

If p units of an item are sold for x dollars per unit, the revenue is R = px. Use this
idea to analyze the following problem, working Exercises 57–60 in order.
Number of Apartments Rented The manager of an 80-unit apartment complex
knows from experience that at a rent of $300, all the units will be full. On the aver-
age, one additional unit will remain vacant for each $20 increase in rent over $300.
Furthermore, the manager must keep at least 30 units rented due to other finan-
cial considerations. Currently, the revenue from the complex is $35,000. How many
apartments are rented?
57. Suppose that x represents the number of $20 increases over $300. Represent the
number of apartment units that will be rented in terms of x.
58. Represent the rent per unit in terms of x.
59. Use the answers in Exercises 57 and 58 to write an equation that defines the
revenue generated when there are x increases of $20 over $300.
60. According to the problem, the revenue currently generated is $35,000. Substi-
tute this value for revenue into the equation from Exercise 59. Solve for x to
answer the question in the problem.

Solve each problem. (See Exercises 57–60.)

61. N
 umber of Airline Passengers The cost of a charter flight to Miami is $225
each for 75 passengers, with a refund of $5 per passenger for each passenger in
excess of 75. How many passengers must take the flight to produce a revenue
of $16,000?

62. N
 umber of Bus Passengers A charter bus company charges a fare of $40 per
person, plus $2 per person for each unsold seat on the bus. If the bus holds
100 passengers and x represents the number of unsold seats, how many pas-
sengers must ride the bus to produce revenue of $5950? (Note: Because of the
company’s commitment to efficient fuel use, the charter will not run unless
filled to at least half-capacity.)
63. H
 arvesting a Cherry Orchard The manager of a cherry orchard wants to
schedule the annual harvest. If the cherries are picked now, the average yield
per tree will be 100 lb, and the cherries can be sold for 40 cents per pound. Past
experience shows that the yield per tree will increase about 5 lb per week, while
the price will decrease about 2 cents per pound per week. How many weeks
should the manager wait to get an average revenue of $38.40 per tree?
64. R
 ecycling Aluminum Cans A local group of scouts has been collecting old
aluminum cans for recycling. The group has already collected 12,000 lb of cans,
for which they could currently receive $4 per hundred pounds. The group can
continue to collect cans at the rate of 400 lb per day. However, a glut in the old-
can market has caused the recycling company to announce that it will lower its
price, starting immediately, by $0.10 per hundred pounds per day. The scouts
can make only one trip to the recycling center. How many days should they wait
in order to receive $490 for their cans?

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 161 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 162 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

1.6 Other Types of Equations and Applications

■ Rational Equations
Rational Equations  A rational equation is an equation that has a
■ Work Rate Problems rational expression for one or more terms. To solve a rational equation, multiply
■ Equations with each side by the least common denominator (LCD) of the terms of the equation
Radicals
to eliminate fractions, and then solve the resulting equation.
■ Equations with A value of the variable that appears to be a solution after each side of a
Rational Exponents
rational equation is multiplied by a variable expression (the LCD) is called a
■ Equations Quadratic
proposed solution. Because a rational expression is not defined when its
in Form
denominator is 0, proposed solutions for which any denominator equals 0 are
excluded from the solution set.
Be sure to check all proposed solutions in the original equation.

EXAMPLE 1 Solving Rational Equations That Lead to Linear Equations

Solve each equation.

3x - 1 2x x 2
(a) - =x (b) = +2
3 x-1 x-2 x-2
SOLUTION

(a) The least common denominator is 31x - 12, which is equal to 0 if x = 1.

Therefore, 1 cannot possibly be a solution of this equation.
3x - 1 2x
- =x
3 x-1
3x - 1 2x  ultiply by the LCD.
M
31x - 12 a b - 31x - 12 a b = 31x - 12x 31x - 12, where x ≠ 1.
3 x-1

1x - 1213x - 12 - 312x2 = 3x1x - 12 Divide out common factors.

3x 2 - 4x + 1 - 6x = 3x 2 - 3x Multiply.
Subtract 3x 2.
1 - 10x = - 3x 
Combine like terms.

1 = 7x Solve the linear equation.

1
x= Proposed solution
7
1
The proposed solution 7 meets the requirement that x ≠ 1 and does not cause
any denominator to equal 0. Substitute to check for correct algebra.
3x - 1 2x
CHECK - =x Original equation
3 x-1
1 1
3A 7 B - 1 2A 7 B
- ≟1 1
Let x = 7 .
3 1
7 -1 7

4 1 1
- - a- b ≟ Simplify the complex fractions.
21 3 7
1 1
= ✓ True
7 7

The solution set is E 7 F.

1

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 162 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 1.6 Other Types of Equations and Applications 163

x 2
(b) = +2
x-2 x-2
x 2  ultiply by the LCD,
M
1x - 22 a b = 1x - 22 a b + 1x - 222 x - 2, where x ≠ 2.
x-2 x-2
x = 2 + 21x - 22 Divide out common factors.

x = 2 + 2x - 4 Distributive property

-x = - 2 Solve the linear equation.

x=2 Proposed solution

The proposed solution is 2. However, the variable is restricted to real num-

bers except 2. If x = 2, then not only does it cause a zero denominator, but
also multiplying by x - 2 in the first step is multiplying both sides by 0,
which is not valid. Thus, the solution set is ∅.
■
✔ Now Try Exercises 17 and 19.

EXAMPLE 2  olving Rational Equations That Lead to Quadratic

S
Equations

Solve each equation.

3x + 2 1 -2 - 4x 4 -8
(a) + = 2 (b) + = 2
x-2 x x - 2x x-1 x+1 x -1
SOLUTION
3x + 2 1 -2
(a) + = 2
x-2 x x - 2x
3x + 2 1 -2  actor the last
F
+ = denominator.
x-2 x x1x - 22
 ultiply by
M
3x + 2 1 -2
x1x - 22 a b + x1x - 22 a b = x1x - 22 a b x1x - 22,
x-2 x x1x - 22 x ≠ 0, 2.

x13x + 22 + 1x - 22 = -2 Divide out common factors.

3x 2 + 2x + x - 2 = -2 Distributive property

3x 2 + 3x = 0 Standard form

3x1x + 12 = 0 Factor.
Set each factor
equal to 0.
3x = 0 or x+1=0 Zero-factor property

x=0 or x = -1 Proposed solutions

Because of the restriction x ≠ 0, the only valid proposed solution is -1.

Check - 1 in the original equation. The solution set is 5 - 16.

- 4x 4 -8
(b) + = 2
x-1 x+1 x -1
- 4x 4 -8
+ = Factor.
x - 1 x + 1 1x + 121x - 12

The restrictions on x are x ≠ { 1. Multiply by the LCD, 1x + 121x - 12.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 163 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 164 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

-4x 4 -8
1x + 121x - 12 a b + 1x + 121x - 12 a b = 1x + 121x - 12 a b
x-1 x+1 1x + 121x - 12
- 4x1x + 12 + 41x - 12 = -8 Divide out common factors.

-4x 2 - 4x + 4x - 4 = -8 Distributive property

-4x 2 + 4 = 0 Standard form

x2 - 1 = 0 Divide by -4.

1x + 121x - 12 = 0 Factor.

x+1=0 or x-1=0 Zero-factor property

x = -1 or x=1 Proposed solutions

Neither proposed solution is valid, so the solution set is ∅.

■
✔ Now Try Exercises 25 and 27.

Work Rate Problems   If a job can be completed in 3 hr, then the rate of work
1 1
is 3 of the job per hr. After 1 hr the job would be 3 complete, and after 2 hr the
2 3
job would be complete. In 3 hr the job would be
3 3 complete, meaning that
1 complete job had been accomplished.

PROBLEM-SOLVING HINT If a job can be completed in t units of

1
time, then the rate of work, r, is t of the job per unit time.
1
r=
t
The amount of work completed, A, is found by multiplying the rate of work,
r, and the amount of time worked, t. This formula is similar to the distance
formula d = rt.
Amount of work completed = rate of work : amount of time worked
or A = rt

EXAMPLE 3 Solving a Work Rate Problem

One printer can do a job twice as fast as another. Working together, both print-
ers can do the job in 2 hr. How long would it take each printer, working alone,
to do the job?
SOLUTION

Step 1 R
 ead the problem. We must find the time it would take each printer,
working alone, to do the job.
Step 2 A
 ssign a variable. Let x represent the number of hours it would take
the faster printer, working alone, to do the job. The time for the slower
printer to do the job alone is then 2x hours.
1
Therefore, = the rate of the faster printer (job per hour)
x
1
and = the rate of the slower printer (job per hour).
2x

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 164 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 1.6 Other Types of Equations and Applications 165

The time for the printers to do the job together is 2 hr. Multiplying each
rate by the time will give the fractional part of the job completed by each.

Part of the Job

Rate Time Completed
1 1 2
Faster Printer x 2 2A x B = x
A = rt
1 1 1
Slower Printer 2x 2 2A 2x B = x

Step 3 W
 rite an equation. The sum of the two parts of the job completed is 1
because one whole job is done.
Part of the job Part of the job
done by the + done by the = One whole
faster printer slower printer job
(111111)111111* (111111)111111* (1111)1111*
2 1
+ = 1
x x

2 1  ultiply each side by

M
Step 4 Solve. xa + b = x112 x, where x ≠ 0.
x x

2 1
xa b + xa b = x112 Distributive property
x x
2+1=x    Multiply.
3=x   Add.
Step 5 S
 tate the answer. The faster printer would take 3 hr to do the job alone.
The slower printer would take 2132 = 6 hr. Give both answers here.
Step 6 C
 heck. The answer is reasonable because the time working together
(2 hr, as stated in the problem) is less than the time it would take the
faster printer working alone (3 hr, as found in Step 4).
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 39.

NOTE Example 3 can also be solved by using the fact that the sum of
the rates of the individual printers is equal to their rate working together.
Because the printers can complete the job together in 2 hr, their combined
1
rate is 2 of the job per hr.
1 1 1
+ =
x 2x 2
1 1 1
2xa + b = 2xa b Multiply each side by 2x.
x 2x 2
2+1=x Distributive property
3 = x    Same solution found earlier

Equations with Radicals   To solve an equation such as

x - 215 - 2x = 0,
in which the variable appears in a radicand, we use the following power property
to eliminate the radical.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 165 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 166 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Power Property

If P and Q are algebraic expressions, then every solution of the equation

P = Q is also a solution of the equation Pn = Qn, for any positive integer n.

When the power property is used to solve equations, the new equation may
have more solutions than the original equation. For example, the equation

x = -2 has solution set 5 -26.

If we square each side of the equation x = -2, we obtain the new equation

x 2 = 4, which has solution set 5 - 2, 26.

Because the solution sets are not equal, the equations are not equivalent. When
we use the power property to solve an equation, it is essential to check all pro-
posed solutions in the original equation.

CAUTION Be very careful when using the power property. It does not
say that the equations P = Q and Pn = Qn are equivalent. It says only that
each solution of the original equation P = Q is also a solution of the new
equation P n = Qn.

Solving an Equation Involving Radicals

Step 1 Isolate the radical on one side of the equation.

Step 2 Raise each side of the equation to a power that is the same as the
index of the radical so that the radical is eliminated.
If the equation still contains a radical, repeat Steps 1 and 2.
Step 3 Solve the resulting equation.
Step 4 Check each proposed solution in the original equation.

EXAMPLE 4 Solving an Equation Containing a Radical (Square Root)

Solve x - 215 - 2x = 0.
SOLUTION

x - 215 - 2x = 0

Step 1 x = 215 - 2x Isolate the radical.

2
Step 2 x 2 = A 215 - 2x B Square each side.

2
x 2 = 15 - 2x A 1a B = a, for a Ú 0.

Step 3 x 2 + 2x - 15 = 0 Write in standard form.

1x + 521x - 32 = 0
Factor.

x+5=0
or x-3=0 Zero-factor property

x = -5 or x=3 Proposed solutions

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 166 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 1.6 Other Types of Equations and Applications 167

Step 4
CHECK x - 215 - 2x = 0 Original equation

- 5 - 215 - 21 - 52 ≟ 0 Let x = -5. 3 - 215 - 2132 ≟ 0  Let x = 3.

-5 - 225 ≟ 0 3 - 29 ≟ 0

-5 - 5 ≟ 0 3 - 3≟0

- 10 = 0 False 0 = 0 ✓ True
As the check shows, only 3 is a solution, so the solution set is 536.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 45.

EXAMPLE 5 Solving an Equation Containing Two Radicals

Solve 22x + 3 - 2x + 1 = 1.
SOLUTION
Isolate one of the radicals
   22x + 3 - 2x + 1 = 1 on one side of the equation.

Step 1    22x + 3 = 1 + 2x + 1 Isolate 12x + 3.

2 2
Step 2      A 22x + 3 B = A 1 + 2x + 1 B Square each side.

   2x + 3 = 1 + 2 2x + 1 + 1x + 12 Be careful:
Don’t forget this
1a + b22 = a 2 + 2ab + b 2
term when squaring.

Step 1 x + 1 = 2 2x + 1 
Isolate the remaining radical.

Step 2 1x + 122 = 1 22x + 122 Square again.

x 2 + 2x + 1 = 41x + 12 1ab22 = a2b2 Apply the exponents.

x2 + 2x + 1 = 4x + 4 Distributive property

Step 3 x 2 - 2x - 3 = 0 Write in standard form.

1x - 321x + 12 = 0 Factor.

x-3=0 or x+1=0 Zero-factor property

x=3 or x = -1 Proposed solutions

Step 4

CHECK 22x + 3 - 2x + 1 = 1 Original equation

22132 + 3 - 23 + 1 ≟ 1  Let x = 3. 221 - 12 + 3 - 2- 1 + 1 ≟ 1  Let x = -1.

29 - 24 ≟ 1        21 - 20 ≟ 1
3 - 2 ≟ 1           1 - 0 ≟ 1
1 = 1 ✓ True             1 = 1 ✓ True
Both 3 and -1 are solutions of the original equation, so 5 - 1, 36 is the solution set.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 57.

CAUTION Remember to isolate a radical in Step 1. It would be incorrect

to square each term individually as the first step in Example 5.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 167 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 168 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

EXAMPLE 6 Solving an Equation Containing a Radical (Cube Root)

3 3
Solve 24x 2 - 4x + 1 - 2x = 0.
SOLUTION
3 3
24x 2 - 4x + 1 - 2x = 0
3 3
Step 1 24x 2 - 4x + 1 = 2x Isolate a radical.
3 3
Step 2 A2
3
4x 2 - 4x + 1 B = A 2x B
3
Cube each side.

4x 2 - 4x + 1 = x Apply the exponents.

Step 3 4x 2 - 5x + 1 = 0 Write in standard form.

14x - 121x - 12 = 0 Factor.

4x - 1 = 0 or x-1=0 Zero-factor property

1
x= or x=1 Proposed solutions
4
Step 4
3 3
CHECK 24x 2 - 4x + 1 - 2x = 0 Original equation

34 A 4 B - 4 A 4 B + 1 - 34 ≟ 0   Let x = 4 . 241122 - 4112 + 1 - 21 ≟ 0   Let x = 1..

3 12 1 3 1 1 3 3

21 - 21 ≟ 0
3 3

34 - 34 ≟ 0
3 1 3 1

0 = 0 ✓ True
0 = 0 ✓ True

Both are valid solutions, and the solution set is E 4 , 1 F.

1

■
✔ Now Try Exercise 69.

Equations with Rational Exponents   An equation with a rational expo-

nent contains a variable, or variable expression, raised to an exponent that is a
rational number. For example, the radical equation
3
A2
5
xB = 27 can be written with a rational exponent as x 3/5 = 27

and solved by raising each side to the reciprocal of the exponent, with care taken
regarding signs as seen in Example 7(b).

EXAMPLE 7 Solving Equations with Rational Exponents

Solve each equation.

(a) x 3/5 = 27 (b) 1x - 422/3 = 16
SOLUTION

(a)    x 3/5 = 27
5
1x 3/525/3 = 275/3  aise each side to the power 3 , the
R
reciprocal of the exponent of x.
x = 243 275/3 = A 2 27 B 5 = 35 = 243
3

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 168 29/08/16 3:57 pm

 1.6 Other Types of Equations and Applications 169

CHECK Let x = 243 in the original equation.

3
x 3/5 = 2433/5 = A 2243 B = 33 = 27 ✓ True
5

The solution set is 52436.

 aise each side to the power 2 . Insert { because

3
(b)    1x - 422/3 = 16 R
this involves an even root, as indicated by the
3/2
C 1x - 422/3 D = { 16 3/2 2 in the denominator.

x - 4 = { 64
3
{ 16 3/2 = { A 116 B = { 43 = { 64

x = 4 { 64 Add 4 to each side.

x = - 60 or x = 68 Proposed solutions

CHECK 1x - 422/3 = 16 Original equation

1 - 60 - 422/3 ≟ 16  Let x = - 60. 168 - 422/3 ≟ 16  Let x = 68.

1 - 6422/3 ≟ 16 642/3 ≟ 16
2
A2
3
- 64 B
2
≟ 16 A2
3
64 B ≟ 16

16 = 16 ✓ True 16 = 16 ✓ True

Both proposed solutions check, so the solution set is 5 - 60, 686.

■
✔ Now Try Exercises 75 and 79.

Equations Quadratic in Form   Many equations that are not quadratic

equations can be solved using similar methods. The equation

1x + 122/3 - 1x + 121/3 - 2 = 0

is not a quadratic equation in x. However, with the substitutions

u = 1x + 121/3 and u 2 = 31x + 121/3 4 2 = 1x + 122/3,

the equation becomes

u 2 - u - 2 = 0,

which is a quadratic equation in u. This quadratic equation can be solved to find

u, and then u = 1x + 121/3 can be used to find the values of x, the solutions to
the original equation.

Equation Quadratic in Form

An equation is quadratic in form if it can be written as

au2 + bu + c = 0,

where a ≠ 0 and u is some algebraic expression.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 169 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 170 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

EXAMPLE 8 Solving Equations Quadratic in Form

Solve each equation.

(a) 1x + 122/3 - 1x + 121/3 - 2 = 0    (b) 6x -2 + x -1 = 2
SOLUTION
(a) 1x + 122/3 - 1x + 121/3 - 2 = 0 1x + 122/3 = 31x + 121/3 4 2, so
let u = 1x + 121/3.
u2 - u - 2 = 0
1u - 221u + 12 = 0 Factor.

u - 2 = 0    or u+1=0 Zero-factor property

u = 2    or u = -1 Solve each equation.

Don’t forget
this step.
1x + 121/3 = 2    or 1x + 121/3 = -1 Replace u with (x + 1)1/3.

31x + 121/3 4 3 = 23 or 31x + 121/3 4 3 = 1 -123 Cube each side.

x + 1 = 8    or x + 1 = -1 Apply the exponents.

x = 7    or x = -2 Proposed solutions

CHECK 1x + 122/3 - 1x + 121/3 - 2 = 0 Original equation

17 + 122/3 - 17 + 121/3 - 2 ≟ 0  Let x = 7. 1 - 2 + 122/3 - 1 - 2 + 121/3 - 2 ≟ 0  Let x = -2.

82/3 - 81/3 - 2 ≟ 0 1 - 122/3 - 1 - 121/3 - 2 ≟ 0

4 - 2 - 2≟0 1 + 1 - 2≟0
0 = 0 ✓ True 0 = 0 ✓ True

Both proposed solutions check, so the solution set is 5 -2, 76.

(b) 6x -2 + x -1 = 2
6x -2 + x -1 - 2 = 0 Subtract 2 from each side.

6u 2 + u - 2 = 0 Let u = x -1. Then u 2 = x -2.

13u + 2212u - 12 = 0 Factor.

3u + 2 = 0 or 2u - 1 = 0 Zero-factor property

Don’t stop here. 2 1

Substitute for u.
u= - or u= Solve each equation.
3 2
2 1
x -1 = - or x -1 = Replace u with x -1.
3 2
3
x= - or x=2 x -1 is the reciprocal of x.
2
Both proposed solutions check, so the solution set is E - 2 , 2 F.
3

■
✔ Now Try Exercises 93 and 99.

CAUTION When using a substitution variable in solving an equation

that is quadratic in form, do not forget the step that gives the solution in
terms of the original variable.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 170 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 1.6 Other Types of Equations and Applications 171

EXAMPLE 9 Solving an Equation Quadratic in Form

Solve 12x 4 - 11x 2 + 2 = 0.

SOLUTION 12x 4 - 11x 2 + 2 = 0

121x 222 - 11x 2 + 2 = 0 x 4 = 1x 222

12u 2 - 11u + 2 = 0 Let u = x 2. Then u 2 = x 4.

13u - 2214u - 12 = 0 Solve the quadratic equation.

3u - 2 = 0 or 4u - 1 = 0 Zero-factor property

2 1
u= or u= Solve each equation.
3 4
2 1
x2 = or x2 = Replace u with x 2.
3 4
2 1
    x = {    or x= { Square root property
B3 B4
{ 22 # 23 1
x= or x= { Simplify radicals.
23 23 2

26
x= {
3
16
Check that the solution set is E { , { 2 F.
1
3 ■
✔ Now Try Exercise 87.

NOTE To solve the equation from Example 9,

12x 4 - 11x 2 + 2 = 0,

we could factor 12x 4 - 11x 2 + 2 directly as 13x 2 - 2214x 2 - 12, set each
factor equal to zero, and then solve the resulting two quadratic equations.
Which method to use is a matter of personal preference.

1.6 Exercises

CONCEPT PREVIEW Fill in the blank to correctly complete each sentence.

1. A(n) is an equation that has a rational expression for one or more terms.
2. Proposed solutions for which any denominator equals are excluded from
the solution set of a rational equation.
3. If a job can be completed in 4 hr, then the rate of work is of the job per
hour.
4. When the power property is used to solve an equation, it is essential to check all
proposed solutions in the   .
5. An equation such as x 3/2 = 8 is an equation with a(n)   , because it contains
a variable raised to an exponent that is a rational number.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 171 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 172 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

CONCEPT PREVIEW Match each equation in Column I with the correct first step for
solving it in Column II.
I II
2x + 3 5
6. + =7 A. Cube each side of the equation.
x x+5
7. 2x + 5 = 7 B. Multiply each side of the equation by x1x + 52.
2
8. 1x + 525/2 = 32 C. Raise each side of the equation to the power 5.
9. 1x + 522/3 - 1x + 521/3 - 6 = 0 D. Square each side of the equation.
3 3
10. 2x1x + 52 = 2 - 6 E. Let u = 1x + 521/3 and u 2 = 1x + 522/3.

Decide what values of the variable cannot possibly be solutions for each equation. Do
not solve. See Examples 1 and 2.
8 1 2 3
11. - =0 12. + =0
5x + 1 x - 2 x + 1 5x - 2

1 1 1 2 5 -5
13. + = 14. - =
x - 3 x + 4 x 2 + x - 12 x + 3 x - 1 x 2 + 2x - 3

1 1 x 5 2
15. + = 16. + =6
3x 4x 2 2x x

Solve each equation. See Example 1.

2x + 3 3x 4x + 3 2x
17. - =x 18. - =x
2 x-4 4 x+1

x 3 x 4
19. = +3 20. = +4
x-3 x-3 x-4 x-4

8 4 6 3 1 12
21. - = 22. + = 2
x -1 x-1 x+1
2 x-2 x+2 x -4

4 1 2 2 5 1
23. - = 24. + =
x 2 + x - 6 x 2 - 4 x 2 + 5x + 6 w2 + 2w - 24 w2 + w - 20 w 2 + 11w + 30

Solve each equation. See Example 2.

7x + 1 4 -8 4x + 3 2 1
25. + = 2 26. + = 2
x-2 x x - 2x x+1 x x +x

x 1 2 -x 1 -2
27. - = 2 28. - = 2
x-1 x+1 x -1 x+1 x-1 x -1

4 55 7 19
29. - = 14 30. + =6
x2 x x2 x

9 -4 7 3
31. 5 = + 32. 6 = +
5x - 4 15x - 422 2x - 3 12x - 322

2x - 5 x - 2 x+4 x-1
33. = 34. =
x 3 2x 3

6x 7x 2 3x 2 x
35. =9+ 36. +2=
x-6 x-6 x-1 x-1

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 172 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 1.6 Other Types of Equations and Applications 173

Solve each problem. See Example 3.

37. Painting a House (This problem appears in the 1994 movie Little Big League.) If
Joe can paint a house in 3 hr, and Sam can paint the same house in 5 hr, how long
does it take them to do it together?

38. Painting a House Repeat Exercise 37, but assume that Joe takes 6 hr working alone,
and Sam takes 8 hr working alone.
39. Pollution in a River Two chemical plants are polluting a river. If plant A produces
a predetermined maximum amount of pollutant twice as fast as plant B, and together
they produce the maximum pollutant in 26 hr, how long will it take plant B alone?

Part of Job
x represents the
Rate Time Completed number of hours it
Pollution from A
1
26
1
26 A x B takes plant A, working
x alone, to produce the
Pollution from B 26 maximum pollutant.

40. Filling a Settling Pond A sewage treatment plant has two inlet pipes to its settling
pond. One pipe can fill the pond 3 times as fast as the other pipe, and together they
can fill the pond in 12 hr. How long will it take the faster pipe to fill the pond alone?

Part of Job x represents the

Rate Time Completed number of hours it
Faster Inlet Pipe
1
12 takes the faster inlet
x pipe, working alone,
1 to fill the settling pond.
Slower Inlet Pipe 3x 12

41. Filling a Pool An inlet pipe can fill Blake’s pool in 5 hr, and an outlet pipe can
empty it in 8 hr. In his haste to surf the Internet, Blake left both pipes open. How
long did it take to fill the pool?
42. Filling a Pool Suppose Blake discovered his error (see Exercise 41) after an hour-
long surf. If he then closed the outlet pipe, how much more time would be needed to
fill the pool?
43. Filling a Sink With both taps open, Robert can fill his kitchen sink in 5 min. When
full, the sink drains in 10 min. How long will it take to fill the sink if Robert forgets
to put in the stopper?
44. F
 illing a Sink If Robert (see Exercise 43) remembers to put in the stopper after
1 min, how much longer will it take to fill the sink?

Solve each equation. See Examples 4–6.

45. x - 22x + 3 = 0 46. x - 23x + 18 = 0

47. 23x + 7 = 3x + 5 48. 24x + 13 = 2x - 1

49. 24x + 5 - 6 = 2x - 11 50. 26x + 7 - 9 = x - 7

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 173 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 174 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

51. 24x - x + 3 = 0 52. 22x - x + 4 = 0

53. 2x - 2x - 5 = 1 54. 2x - 2x - 12 = 2

55. 2x + 7 + 3 = 2x - 4 56. 2x + 5 + 2 = 2x - 1

57. 22x + 5 - 2x + 2 = 1 58. 24x + 1 - 2x - 1 = 2

59. 23x = 25x + 1 - 1 60. 22x = 23x + 12 - 2

61. 2x + 2 = 1 - 23x + 7 62. 22x - 5 = 2 + 2x - 2

63. 3227x + 2 = 23x + 2 64. 3322x + 3 = 25x - 6

65. 3 - 2x = 322x - 3 66. 2x + 2 = 34 + 72x

3 3 3 3
67. 2 4x + 3 = 2 2x - 1 68. 2 2x = 2 5x + 2

3 3 3 3
69. 2 5x 2 - 6x + 2 - 2 x=0 70. 2 3x 2 - 9x + 8 = 2 x
4 4
71. 2 x - 15 = 2 72. 2 3x + 1 = 1

4 2 4 4 2
73. 2x + 2x = 2 3 74. 2x + 6x = 2

Solve each equation. See Example 7.

75. x 3/2 = 125 76. x 5/4 = 32

77. 1x 2 + 24x21/4 = 3 78. 13x 2 + 52x21/4 = 4

79. 1x - 322/5 = 4 80. 1x + 20022/3 = 36

81. 12x + 521/3 - 16x - 121/3 = 0 82. 13x + 721/3 - 14x + 221/3 = 0

83. 12x - 122/3 = x 1/3 84. 1x - 322/5 = 14x21/5

85. x 2/3 = 2x 1/3 86. 3x 3/4 = x 1/2

Solve each equation. See Examples 8 and 9.

87. 2x 4 - 7x 2 + 5 = 0 88. 4x 4 - 8x 2 + 3 = 0

89. x 4 + 2x 2 - 15 = 0 90. 3x 4 + 10x 2 - 25 = 0

91. 1x - 122/3 + 1x - 121/3 - 12 = 0 92. 12x - 122/3 + 212x - 121/3 - 3 = 0

93. 1x + 122/5 - 31x + 121/5 + 2 = 0 94. 1x + 522/3 + 1x + 521/3 - 20 = 0

95. 41x + 124 - 131x + 122 = - 9 96. 251x - 524 - 1161x - 522 = - 64

97. 61x + 224 - 111x + 222 = - 4 98. 81x - 424 - 101x - 422 = - 3

99. 10x - 2 + 33x - 1 - 7 = 0 100. 7x - 2 - 10x - 1 - 8 = 0

101. x - 2/3 + x - 1/3 - 6 = 0 102. 2x - 2/5 - x - 1/5 - 1 = 0

103. 16x -4 - 65x -2 + 4 = 0 104. 625x -4 - 125x -2 + 4 = 0

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 174 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 Summary Exercises on Solving Equations 175

Solve each equation for the specified variable. (Assume all denominators are nonzero.)
105. d = k 2h, for h 106. m4/5 - n4/5 = 1, for m

1 1 1
107. m3/4 + n3/4 = 1, for m 108. = + , for R
R r1 r2

E R+r
109. = , for e 110. a2 + b 2 = c 2, for b
e r

Relating Concepts

For individual or collaborative investigation (Exercises 111—114)

In this section we introduced methods of solving equations quadratic in form by
substitution and solving equations involving radicals by raising each side of the
equation to a power. Suppose we wish to solve
x - 2x - 12 = 0 .
We can solve this equation using either of the two methods. Work Exercises 111–114
in order, to see how both methods apply.
111. Let u = 1x and solve the equation by substitution.
112. Solve the equation by isolating 1x on one side and then squaring.
113. Which one of the methods used in Exercises 111 and 112 do you prefer? Why?
114. Solve 3x - 2 1x - 8 = 0 using one of the two methods described.

Summary Exercises on Solving Equations

This section of miscellaneous equations provides practice in solving all the types intro-
duced in this chapter so far. Solve each equation.

1. 4x - 3 = 2x + 3 2. 5 - 16x + 32 = 212 - 2x2

3. x1x + 62 = 9 4. x 2 = 8x - 12

5 6 3
5. 2x + 2 + 5 = 2x + 15 6. - =
x + 3 x - 2 x2 + x - 6
3x + 4 2x x 4
7. - =x 8. + x=x+5
3 x-3 2 3

2 1
9. 5 - + =0 10. 12x + 122 = 9
x x2

11. x - 2/5 - 2x - 1/5 - 15 = 0 12. 2x + 2 + 1 = 22x + 6

13. x 4 - 3x 2 - 4 = 0 14. 1.2x + 0.3 = 0.7x - 0.9

3 3
15. 2 2x + 1 = 2 9 16. 3x 2 - 2x = - 1

17. 332x - 16 - 2x2 + 14 = 5x 18. 2x + 1 = 211 - 1x

19. 114 - 2x22/3 = 4 20. -x -2 + 2x -1 = 1

3 3
21. = 22. a2 + b 2 = c 2, for a
x-3 x-3

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 175 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 176 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

1.7 Inequalities

■ Linear Inequalities
An inequality says that one expression is greater than, greater than or equal to,
■ Three-Part Inequalities less than, or less than or equal to another. As with equations, a value of the vari-
■ Quadratic Inequalities able for which the inequality is true is a solution of the inequality, and the set of
■ Rational Inequalities all solutions is the solution set of the inequality. Two inequalities with the same
solution set are equivalent.
Inequalities are solved with the properties of inequality, which are similar to
the properties of equality.

Properties of Inequality

Let a, b, and c represent real numbers.

1. If a * b, then a + c * b + c.
2. If a * b and if c + 0, then ac * bc.
3. If a * b and if c * 0, then ac + bc.
Replacing 6 with 7, …, or Ú results in similar properties. (Restrictions on c remain the same.)

NOTE Multiplication may be replaced by division in Properties 2 and 3.

Always remember to reverse the direction of the inequality symbol when
multiplying or dividing by a negative number.

Linear Inequalities  The definition of a linear inequality is similar to

the definition of a linear equation.

Linear Inequality in One Variable

A linear inequality in one variable is an inequality that can be written in

the form
ax + b + 0,*
where a and b are real numbers and a ≠ 0.
*The symbol 7 can be replaced with 6, …, or Ú .

EXAMPLE 1 Solving a Linear Inequality

Solve -3x + 5 7 - 7.
SOLUTION -3x + 5 7 -7
-3x + 5 - 5 7 -7 - 5 Subtract 5.

-3x 7 -12 Combine like terms.

Don’t forget Divide by -3. Reverse the direction of the
to reverse the - 3x -12
inequality symbol 6 inequality symbol when multiplying or
here.
-3 -3 dividing by a negative number.
x64

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 176 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 1.7 Inequalities 177

Thus, the original inequality - 3x + 5 7 - 7 is satisfied by any real number less

0 4 than 4. The solution set can be written 5x  x 6 46.
Figure 9 A graph of the solution set is shown in Figure 9, where the parenthesis is
used to show that 4 itself does not belong to the solution set. As shown below,
testing values from the solution set in the original inequality will produces true
statements. Testing values outside the solution set produces false statements.

CHECK -3x + 5 7 -7 Original inequality

? ?
-3102 + 5 7 -7  Let x = 0. -3152 + 5 7 -7 Let x = 5.

5 7 -7 ✓ True - 10 7 -7 False

The solution set of the inequality,

5x  x 6 46, Set-builder notation

is an example of an interval. We use interval notation to write intervals. With

this notation, we write the above interval as

1 -∞, 42. Interval notation

The symbol - ∞ does not represent an actual number. Rather, it is used to show
that the interval includes all real numbers less than 4. The interval 1 -∞, 42 is
an example of an open interval because the endpoint, 4, is not part of the inter-
val. An interval that includes both its endpoints is a closed interval. A square
bracket indicates that a number is part of an interval, and a parenthesis indicates
that a number is not part of an interval.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 13.

In the table that follows, we assume that a 6 b.

Summary of Types of Intervals

Type of Interval
Interval Set Notation Graph
5x  x 7 a6 1a, ∞2
a

Open interval e 5x  a 6 x 6 b6 1a, b2

a b

5x  x 6 b6 1 - ∞, b2
b

5x  x Ú a6 3a, ∞2
a

5x  a 6 x … b6 1a, b4
Other a b
intervals g
5x  a … x 6 b6 3a, b2
a b

5x  x … b6 1 - ∞, b4
b

Closed interval 5x  a … x … b6 3a, b4

a b

Disjoint interval 5x  x 6 a or x 7 b6 1 - ∞, a2 ´ 1b, ∞2

a b

All real numbers 5x  x is a real number6 1 - ∞, ∞2

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 177 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 178 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

EXAMPLE 2 Solving a Linear Inequality

Solve 4 - 3x … 7 + 2x. Give the solution set in interval notation.

SOLUTION 4 - 3x … 7 + 2x
4 - 3x - 4 … 7 + 2x - 4 Subtract 4.

-3x … 3 + 2x Combine like terms.

-3x - 2x … 3 + 2x - 2x Subtract 2x.

- 5x … 3 Combine like terms.

- 5x 3 Divide by -5. Reverse the direction of
Ú the inequality symbol.
-5 -5
3 a a
xÚ - -b = - b
–3 0 5
5
3
Figure 10 In interval notation, the solution set is C - 5 , ∞ B . See Figure 10 for the graph.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 15.

A product will break even, or begin to produce a profit, only if the revenue
from selling the product at least equals the cost of producing it. If R represents
revenue and C is cost, then the break-even point is the point where R = C.

EXAMPLE 3 Finding the Break-Even Point

If the revenue and cost of a certain product are given by

R = 4x and C = 2x + 1000,
where x is the number of units produced and sold, at what production level does
R at least equal C?
SOLUTION Set R Ú C and solve for x.

At least equal
RÚC
to translates
as Ú . 4x Ú 2x + 1000 Substitute.

2x Ú 1000 Subtract 2x.

x Ú 500 Divide by 2.

The break-even point is at x = 500. This product will at least break even if the
number of units produced and sold is in the interval 3500, ∞2.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 25.

Three-Part Inequalities  The inequality -2 6 5 + 3x 6 20 says that

5 + 3x is between - 2 and 20.

This inequality is solved using an extension of the properties of inequality given

earlier, working with all three expressions at the same time.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 178 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 1.7 Inequalities 179

EXAMPLE 4 Solving a Three-Part Inequality

Solve -2 6 5 + 3x 6 20. Give the solution set in interval notation.

SOLUTION -2 6 5 + 3x 6 20
- 2 - 5 6 5 + 3x - 5 6 20 - 5 Subtract 5 from each part.

-7 6 3x 6 15 Combine like terms in each part.

-7 3x 15
6 6 Divide each part by 3.
3 3 3
7
–7 0 5 - 6 x 65
3 3
7
Figure 11 The solution set, graphed in Figure 11, is the interval A - 3 , 5 B .
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 29.

Quadratic Inequalities   We can distinguish a quadratic inequality from

a linear inequality by noticing that it is of degree 2.

Quadratic Inequality

A quadratic inequality is an inequality that can be written in the form

ax2 + bx + c * 0,*
where a, b, and c are real numbers and a ≠ 0.
*The symbol 6 can be replaced with 7, …, or Ú .

One method of solving a quadratic inequality involves finding the solutions

of the corresponding quadratic equation and then testing values in the intervals
on a number line determined by those solutions.

Solving a Quadratic Inequality

Step 1 Solve the corresponding quadratic equation.

Step 2 Identify the intervals determined by the solutions of the equation.
Step 3 Use a test value from each interval to determine which intervals form
the solution set.

EXAMPLE 5 Solving a Quadratic Inequality

Solve x 2 - x - 12 6 0.
SOLUTION

Step 1 Find the values of x that satisfy x 2 - x - 12 = 0.

x 2 - x - 12 = 0     
Corresponding quadratic equation

1x + 321x - 42 = 0     
Factor.

x+3=0 or x-4=0 Zero-factor property

x = -3 or x=4 Solve each equation.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 179 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 180 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

 he two numbers - 3 and 4 cause the expression x 2 - x - 12 to equal

Step 2 T
zero and can be used to divide the number line into three intervals, as
shown in Figure 12. The expression x 2 - x - 12 will take on a value that
is either less than zero or greater than zero on each of these intervals.
We are looking for x-values that make the expression less than zero, so
we use open circles at -3 and 4 to indicate that they are not included in
the solution set.

Interval A Interval B Interval C

(– ∞, –3) (–3, 4) (4, ∞) Use open circles because the
inequality symbol does not
–3 0 4 include equality. - 3 and 4 do
not satisfy the inequality.

Figure 12

Step 3 C
 hoose a test value in each interval to see whether it satisfies the original
inequality, x 2 - x - 12 6 0. If the test value makes the statement true,
then the entire interval belongs to the solution set.

Interval Test Value Is x2 − x − 12 * 0 True or False?

?
A: 1 - ∞, - 32 -4 1 - 422 - 1 - 42 - 12 6 0
860 False
?
B: 1 -3, 42 0 0 2 - 0 - 12 6 0
- 12 6 0 True
?
C: 14, ∞2 5 52 - 5 - 12 6 0
8 6 0 False

–3 0 4 Because the values in Interval B make the inequality true, the solution
Figure 13 set is the interval 1 - 3, 42. See Figure 13. ■
✔ Now Try Exercise 41.

EXAMPLE 6 Solving a Quadratic Inequality

Solve 2x 2 + 5x - 12 Ú 0.
SOLUTION

Step 1 Find the values of x that satisfy 2x 2 + 5x - 12 = 0.

2x 2 + 5x - 12 = 0   Corresponding quadratic equation
12x - 321x + 42 = 0   Factor.
2x - 3 = 0 or x+4=0 Zero-factor property
3
x= or x = -4 Solve each equation.
2
3
Step 2 The values 2 and - 4 cause the expression 2x 2 + 5x - 12 to equal 0 and
3 3
can be used to form the intervals 1 - ∞, - 42, A - 4, 2 B , and A 2 , ∞ B on the
number line, as seen in Figure 14.
Interval A Interval B Interval C
Use closed circles because the
(–∞, –4) (
–4, 3
2 ) (2 )
3,∞
inequality symbol includes
3
–4 0 3 equality. -4 and 2 satisfy the
2 inequality.

Figure 14

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 180 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 1.7 Inequalities 181

Step 3 Choose a test value in each interval.

Interval Test Value Is 2 x2 + 5 x − 12 # 0 True or False?

?
A: 1 - ∞, - 42 -5 21 - 522 + 51- 52 - 12 Ú 0
13 Ú 0 True
3 ?
B: A - 4, 2 B 0 21022 + 5102 - 12 Ú 0
- 12 Ú 0 False
?
C: A 32 , ∞ B 2 21222 + 5122 - 12 Ú 0
6Ú0 True

The values in Intervals A and C make the inequality true, so the

solution set is a disjoint interval: the union of the two intervals, written
3
–4 0 3 1 - ∞, -44 ´ c , ∞b .
2 2
Figure 15 The graph of the solution set is shown in Figure 15.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 39.

NOTE Inequalities that use the symbols 6 and 7 are strict inequalities,
while … and Ú are used in nonstrict inequalities. The solutions of the
equation in Example 5 were not included in the solution set because the
inequality was a strict inequality. In Example 6, the solutions of the equation
were included in the solution set because of the nonstrict inequality.

EXAMPLE 7 Finding Projectile Height

If a projectile is launched from ground level with an initial velocity of 96 ft per sec,
its height s in feet t seconds after launching is given by the following equation.
s = - 16t 2 + 96t
When will the projectile be greater than 80 ft above ground level?
SOLUTION

- 16t 2 + 96t 7 80 Set s greater than 80.

- 16t 2 + 96t - 80 7 0 Subtract 80.

Reverse the direction of
the inequality symbol.
t2 - 6t + 5 6 0 Divide by -16.

Now solve the corresponding equation.

t 2 - 6t + 5 = 0
1t - 121t - 52 = 0 Factor.

t-1=0 or t-5=0 Zero-factor property

t=1 or t=5 Solve each equation.

Use these values to determine the intervals

1 -∞, 12, 11, 52, and 15, ∞2.
We are solving a strict inequality, so solutions of the equation t 2 - 6t + 5 = 0
are not included. Choose a test value from each interval to see whether it satisfies
the inequality t 2 - 6t + 5 6 0. See Figure 16 on the next page.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 181 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 182 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Interval A Interval B Interval C

(–∞, 1) (1, 5) (5, ∞)

0 1 3 5 7
Test Value Test Value Test Value
? ? ?
02 – 6(0) + 5  0 32 – 6(3) + 5  0 72 – 6(7) + 5  0
50 –4  0 12  0
False True False
Figure 16

The values in Interval B, 11, 52, make the inequality true. The projectile is
greater than 80 ft above ground level between 1 and 5 sec after it is launched.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 81.

Rational Inequalities   Inequalities involving one or more rational expres-

sions are rational inequalities.
5 2x - 1
Ú1 and 65 Rational inequalities
x+4 3x + 4

Solving a Rational Inequality

Step 1 Rewrite the inequality, if necessary, so that 0 is on one side and there
is a single fraction on the other side.
Step 2 Determine the values that will cause either the numerator or the
denominator of the rational expression to equal 0. These values
determine the intervals on the number line to consider.
Step 3 Use a test value from each interval to determine which intervals form
the solution set.
A value causing a denominator to equal zero will never be included in the solu-
tion set. If the inequality is strict, any value causing the numerator to equal zero
will be excluded. If the inequality is nonstrict, any such value will be included.

CAUTION Solving a rational inequality such as x +5 4 Ú 1 by multiplying

each side by x + 4 requires considering two cases, because the sign of x + 4
depends on the value of x. If x + 4 is negative, then the inequality symbol
must be reversed. The procedure described in the preceding box eliminates
the need for considering separate cases.

EXAMPLE 8 Solving a Rational Inequality

5
Solve Ú 1.
x+4
SOLUTION
5
Step 1 -1Ú0 Subtract 1 so that 0 is on one side.
x+4
5 x+4
- Ú0 Use x + 4 as the common denominator.
Note the x+4 x+4
careful use of
parentheses. 5 - 1x + 42
Ú0 Write as a single fraction.
x+4
1-x  ombine like terms in the numerator,
C
Ú0
x+4 being careful with signs.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 182 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 1.7 Inequalities 183

Step 2 The quotient possibly changes sign only where x-values make the
numerator or denominator 0. This occurs at
1-x=0 or x+4=0
x=1 or x = - 4.
These values form the intervals 1 - ∞, - 42, 1 - 4, 12, and 11, ∞2 on the
number line, as seen in Figure 17.

Interval A Interval B Interval C Use a solid circle on 1 because the

(– ∞, –4) (–4, 1) (1, ∞) symbol is Ú. The value -4 can-
not be in the solution set because it
–4 0 1
causes the denominator to equal 0.
Use an open circle on -4.
Figure 17

Step 3 Choose test values.

5
Interval Test Value Is # 1 True or False?
x+4
5 ?
A: 1 - ∞, - 42 -5 -5 + 4 Ú 1
-5 Ú 1 False
5 ?
B: 1 - 4, 12 0 0 + 4 Ú1
5
4 Ú1 True

5 ?
C: 11, ∞2 2 2 + 4 Ú 1
5
6 Ú 1 False

The values in Interval B, 1 -4, 12, satisfy the original inequality. The
value 1 makes the nonstrict inequality true, so it must be included in the
solution set. Because - 4 makes the denominator 0, it must be excluded.
The solution set is the interval 1 -4, 14. ■✔ Now Try Exercise 59.

CAUTION Be careful with the endpoints of the intervals when solving

rational inequalities.

EXAMPLE 9 Solving a Rational Inequality

2x - 1
Solve 6 5.
3x + 4
2x - 1
SOLUTION -560 Subtract 5.
3x + 4
2x - 1 513x + 42
- 60 The common denominator is 3x + 4.
3x + 4 3x + 4
2x - 1 - 513x + 42
60 Write as a single fraction.
3x + 4
Be careful with signs. 2x - 1 - 15x - 20
60 Distributive property
3x + 4
- 13x - 21
60 Combine like terms in the numerator.
3x + 4

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 183 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 184 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

- 13x - 21
Set the numerator and denominator of 3x + 4 equal to 0 and solve the result-
ing equations to find the values of x where sign changes may occur.
- 13x - 21 = 0 or 3x + 4 = 0
21 4
x= - or   x = -
13 3
21
Use these values to form intervals on the number line. Use an open circle at - 13
4
because of the strict inequality, and use an open circle at - 3 because it causes
the denominator to equal 0. See Figure 18.

Interval A Interval B Interval C

(–∞, – 21
13 ) (– 21
13
, – 43 ) (
– 43 , ∞ )
–2 – 21 –1.5 –4 –1
13 3
Test Value Test Value Test Value
2(–2) – 1 ? 2(–1.5) – 1 ? 2(–1) – 1 ?
5 5 5
3(–2) + 4 3(–1.5) + 4 3(–1) + 4
5
5 85 –3  5
2
True False True

Figure 18

Choosing a test value from each interval shows that the values in Intervals A
2x - 1
and C satisfy the original inequality, 3x + 4 6 5. So the solution set is the union
of these intervals.
21 4
a - ∞, - b ´ a - , ∞b  ■
✔ Now Try Exercise 71.
13 3

1.7 Exercises

CONCEPT PREVIEW Match the inequality in each exercise in Column I with its equiv-
alent interval notation in Column II.
I II
1. x 6 - 6 A. 1 - 2, 64
2. x … 6 B. 3 - 2, 62
3. -9x + 9 … 45 C. 1 - ∞, - 64
4. x2 Ú0 D. 36, ∞2
5. x Ú - 6 E. 1 - ∞, - 3) ´ (3, ∞2
6. 6 … x F. 1 - ∞, - 62
7. G. 10, 82
–2 0 6
8. H. 1 - ∞, ∞2
0 8

9. I. 3 - 6, ∞2
–3 0 3
10. J. 1 - ∞, 64
–6 0

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 184 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 1.7 Inequalities 185

11. Explain how to determine whether to use a parenthesis or a square bracket when
writing the solution set of a linear inequality in interval notation.
 oncept Check The three-part inequality a 6 x 6 b means “a is less than x and x is
12. C
less than b.” Which inequality is not satisfied by some real number x?
A. - 3 6 x 6 10 B. 0 6 x 6 6
C. - 3 6 x 6 - 1 D. - 8 6 x 6 - 10

Solve each inequality. Give the solution set in interval notation. See Examples 1 and 2.
13. -9x + 9 … 45 14. -3x - 8 … 7
15. x - 6 … 7x + 6 16. -4x + 3 Ú -2 + x
17. 21x + 62 + 2 Ú 7 + 3x 18. 6x - 12x + 32 Ú 4x - 5
19. 8x - 4x + 4 6 21x + 62 20. 2 - 4x + 51x - 12 6 - 61x - 22
3x + 5 2x - 5
21. … 3x + 5 22. …1-x
-2 -8
1 1 1 1 2 1 2 4
23. x + x - 1x + 72 … 24. - x - x + 1x + 12 …
2 3 5 10 3 6 3 3

Break-Even Interval Find all intervals where each product will at least break even. See
Example 3.
25. The cost to produce x units of picture frames is C = 50x + 5000, while the revenue
is R = 60x.
26. The cost to produce x units of baseball caps is C = 100x + 6000, while the revenue
is R = 500x.
27. The cost to produce x units of coffee cups is C = 105x + 900, while the revenue is
R = 85x.
28. The cost to produce x units of briefcases is C = 70x + 500, while the revenue is
R = 60x.

Solve each inequality. Give the solution set in interval notation. See Example 4.
29. - 5 6 5 + 2x 6 11 30. - 7 6 2 + 3x 6 5
31. 10 … 2x + 4 … 16 32. - 6 … 6x + 3 … 21
33. -11 7 - 3x + 1 7 -17 34. 2 7 - 6x + 3 7 -3
x+1 x-3
35. - 4 … …5 36. - 5 … …1
2 3
3x - 4 4x - 5
37. - 3 … 64 38. 1 … 69
-5 -2

Solve each quadratic inequality. Give the solution set in interval notation. See Examples
5 and 6.
39. x 2 - x - 6 7 0 40. x 2 - 7x + 10 7 0
41. 2x 2 - 9x … 18 42. 3x 2 + x … 4
43. -x 2 - 4x - 6 … - 3 44. -x 2 - 6x - 16 7 - 8
45. x1x - 12 … 6 46. x1x + 12 6 12
47. x 2 … 9 48. x 2 7 16

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 185 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 186 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

49. x 2 + 5x + 7 6 0 50. x 2 - 5x … - 6

51. x 2 - 2x … 1 52. x 2 + 4x 7 - 1

53. Concept Check╇ Which inequality has solution set 1- ∞, ∞2?

A.╇ 1x - 322 Ú 0 B.╇ 15x - 622 … 0
C.╇ 16x + 422 7 0 D.╇ 18x + 722 6 0

54. Concept Check╇ Which inequality in Exercise 53 has solution set ∅?

Solve each rational inequality. Give the solution set in interval notation. See Exam-
ples 8 and 9.

x-3 x+1 1-x

55. …0 56. 70 57. 6 -1
x+5 x-4 x+2
6-x 3 3
58. 71 59. …2 60. 61
x+2 x-6 x-2
-4 -6 10
61. 65 62. …2 63. …5
1-x 3x - 5 3 + 2x
1 7 1 5 3
64. Ú3 65. Ú 66. Ú
x+2 x+2 x+2 x-3 x-3
3 -4 -5 5 4 3
67. 7 68. Ú 69. Ú
2x - 1 x 3x + 2 x 2-x 1-x
4 2 x+3 x+2
70. 6 71. …1 72. …5
x+1 x+3 x-5 3 + 2x

Solve each rational inequality. Give the solution set in interval notation.
2x - 3 3x - 4
73. Ú0 74. Ú0
x2 + 1 x2 + 2

15 - 3x22 15x - 323

75. 70 76. …0
12x - 523 125 - 8x22

12x - 3213x + 82 19x - 11212x + 72

77. Ú0 78. 70
1x - 623 13x - 823

(Modeling)╇ Solve each problem.

79. Box Office Receipts╇ U.S. movie box office receipts, in billions of dollars, are shown
in 5-year increments from 1993 to 2013. (Source: www.boxofficemojo.com)

Year Receipts
1993 5.154
1998 6.949
2003 9.240
2008 9.631
2013 10.924

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 186 11/09/16 1:11 pm

 1.7 Inequalities 187

These receipts R are reasonably approximated by the linear model

R = 0.2844x + 5.535,
where x = 0 corresponds to 1993, x = 5 corresponds to 1998, and so on. Using the
model, calculate the year in which the receipts first exceed each amount.
(a) $7.6 billion (b) $10 billion

80. Recovery of Solid Waste The percent W of municipal solid waste recovered is
shown in the bar graph. The linear model
W = 0.33x + 33.1,
where x = 1 represents 2008, x = 2 represents 2009, and so on, fits the data reason-
ably well.
(a) Based on this model, when did the percent of waste recovered first exceed 34%?
(b) In what years was it between 33.9% and 34.5%?

Municipal Solid Waste Recovered

40
33.3 33.8 34.0 34.7 34.5

30
Percent

20

10

0
’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12
Year
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Solve each problem. See Example 7.

81. Height of a Projectile A projectile is fired straight up from ground level. After
t seconds, its height above the ground is s feet, where
s = - 16t 2 + 220t.
For what time period is the projectile at least 624 ft above the ground?
82. Height of a Projectile See Exercise 81. For what time period is the projectile at least
744 ft above the ground?
83. Height of a Baseball A baseball is hit so that its height, s, in feet after t seconds is
s = - 16t 2 + 44t + 4.
For what time period is the ball at least 32 ft above the ground?
84. Height of a Baseball See Exercise 83. For what time period is the ball greater than
28 ft above the ground?
85. Velocity of an Object Suppose the velocity, v, of an object is given by
v = 2t 2 - 5t - 12,
where t is time in seconds. (Here t can be positive or negative.) Find the intervals
where the velocity is negative.
86. Velocity of an Object The velocity of an object, v, after t seconds is given by
v = 3t 2 - 18t + 24.
Find the interval where the velocity is negative.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 187 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 188 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Relating Concepts

For individual or collaborative investigation (Exercises 87—90)

Inequalities that involve more than two factors, such as
13x - 421x + 221x + 62 … 0,
can be solved using an extension of the method shown in Examples 5 and 6. Work
Exercises 87–90 in order, to see how the method is extended.
87. Use the zero-factor property to solve 13x - 421x + 221x + 62 = 0.
88. Plot the three solutions in Exercise 87 on a number line, using closed circles
because of the nonstrict inequality, … .
89. T
 he number line from Exercise 88 should show four intervals formed by the
three points. For each interval, choose a test value from the interval and decide
whether it satisfies the original inequality.
90. On a single number line, do the following.
(a) Graph the intervals that satisfy the inequality, including endpoints. This is
the graph of the solution set of the inequality.
(b) Write the solution set in interval notation.

Use the technique described in Exercises 87–90 to solve each inequality. Write each
solution set in interval notation.
91. 12x - 321x + 221x - 32 Ú 0 92. 1x + 5213x - 421x + 22 Ú 0

93. 4x - x 3 Ú 0 94. 9x - x 3 Ú 0
95. 1x + 122 1x - 32 6 0 96. 1x - 522 1x + 12 6 0

97. x 3 + 4x 2 - 9x Ú 36 98. x 3 + 3x 2 - 16x … 48

99. x 21x + 422 Ú 0 100. - x 212x - 322 … 0

1.8 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities

■ Basic Concepts
Basic Concepts  Recall that the absolute value of a number a, written ∣ a ∣ ,
■ Absolute Value
gives the undirected distance from a to 0 on a number line. By this definition, the
Equations
equation  x  = 3 can be solved by finding all real numbers at a distance of 3 units
■ Absolute Value
Inequalities
from 0. As shown in Figure 19, two numbers satisfy this equation, - 3 and 3, so
the solution set is 5 - 3, 36.
■ Special Cases
■ Absolute Value
Models for Distance Distance Distance
and Tolerance is 3. is 3.
Distance is Distance is Distance is Distance is
greater than 3. less than 3. less than 3. greater than 3.

–3 0 3

Figure 19

Similarly,  x  6 3 is satisfied by all real numbers whose undirected dis-

tances from 0 are less than 3. As shown in Figure 19, this is the interval
- 3 6 x 6 3, or 1 - 3, 32.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 188 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 1.8 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities 189

Finally,  x  7 3 is satisfied by all real numbers whose undirected distances

from 0 are greater than 3. These numbers are less than -3 or greater than 3, so
the solution set is
1 - ∞, -32 ´ 13, ∞2.
Notice in Figure 19 that the union of the solution sets of  x  = 3,  x  6 3, and
 x  7 3 is the set of real numbers.
These observations support the cases for solving absolute value equations
and inequalities summarized in the table that follows. If the equation or inequal-
ity fits the form of Case 1, 2, or 3, change it to its equivalent form and solve. The
solution set and its graph will look similar to those shown.

Solving Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities

Absolute Value
Equation or Graph of the
Inequality* Equivalent Form Solution Set Solution Set

Case 1:  x  = k x = k or x = - k –k k
5 - k, k6

Case 2:  x  6 k -k 6 x 6 k 1 - k, k2
–k k

Case 3:  x  7 k x 6 - k or x 7 k 1 - ∞, - k2 ´ 1k, ∞2
–k k

*For each equation or inequality in Cases 1–3, assume that k 7 0.

In Cases 2 and 3, the strict inequality may be replaced by its nonstrict form. Addi-
tionally, if an absolute value equation takes the form  a  =  b  , then a and b
must be equal in value or opposite in value.
Thus, the equivalent form of ∣ a ∣ = ∣ b ∣ is  
a = b or a = − b.

Absolute Value Equations   Because absolute value represents undi-

rected distance from 0 on a number line, solving an absolute value equation
requires solving two possibilities, as shown in the examples that follow.

EXAMPLE 1  olving Absolute Value Equations (Case 1 and the

S
Special Case ∣ a ∣ = ∣ b ∣ )

Solve each equation.

(a)  5 - 3x  = 12      (b)  4x - 3  =  x + 6 
SOLUTION

(a) For the given expression 5 - 3x to have absolute value 12, it must represent
either 12 or -12. This equation fits the form of Case 1.
Don’t forget this
 5 - 3x  = 12 second possibility.

5 - 3x = 12 or 5 - 3x = -12 Case 1

- 3x = 7 or -3x = -17 Subtract 5.

7 17
x= - or x= Divide by -3.
3 3
7 17
Check the solutions - 3 and 3 by substituting them in the original absolute
value equation. The solution set is E - 3 , F.
7 17
3

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 189 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 190 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

(b) If the absolute values of two expressions are equal, then those expressions
LOOKING AHEAD TO CALCULUS
are either equal in value or opposite in value.
The precise definition of a limit in  4x - 3  =  x + 6 
calculus requires writing absolute
value inequalities. 4x - 3 = x + 6 or 4x - 3 = -1x + 62 Consider both possibilities.
A standard problem in calculus
3x = 9   or 4x - 3 = - x - 6  Solve each linear equation.
is to find the “interval of convergence”
of a power series by solving the x = 3   or 5x = -3
following inequality.
3
x - a 6 r x= -
5
This inequality says that x can be any
number within r units of a on the CHECK  4x - 3  =  x + 6  Original equation
number line, so its solution set is

P 4A - 5 B - 3 P ≟ P - 5 + 6 P  4132 - 3  ≟  3 + 6 
indeed an interval—namely the interval 3 3 3
Let x = - 5 . Let x = 3.
1a - r, a + r2.

- 3P ≟ P -5 + 6P  12 - 3  ≟  3 + 6 
12 3
P - 5

27 27
P - 5 P = P 5 P ✓    True  9  =  9  ✓  True

Both solutions check. The solution set is E - 5 , 3 F.

3

■
✔ Now Try Exercises 9 and 19.

Absolute Value Inequalities

EXAMPLE 2 Solving Absolute Value Inequalities (Cases 2 and 3)

Solve each inequality.

(a)  2x + 1  6 7      (b)  2x + 1  7 7
SOLUTION

(a) This inequality fits Case 2. If the absolute value of an expression is less than
7, then the value of the expression is between -7 and 7.
 2x + 1  6 7
- 7 6 2x + 1 6 7 Case 2

-8 6 2x 66 Subtract 1 from each part.

-4 6 x 63 Divide each part by 2.

The final inequality gives the solution set 1 - 4, 32 in interval notation.

(b) This inequality fits Case 3. If the absolute value of an expression is greater
than 7, then the value of the expression is either less than - 7 or greater than 7.
 2x + 1  7 7
2x + 1 6 -7 or 2x + 1 7 7 Case 3

2x 6 -8 or 2x 7 6 Subtract 1 from each side.

x 6 -4 or x73 Divide each side by 2.

The solution set written in interval notation is 1 -∞, - 42 ´ 13, ∞2.

■
✔ Now Try Exercises 27 and 29.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 190 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 1.8 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities 191

Cases 1, 2, and 3 require that the absolute value expression be isolated on

one side of the equation or inequality.

EXAMPLE 3 Solving an Absolute Value Inequality (Case 3)

Solve  2 - 7x  - 1 7 4.
SOLUTION  2 - 7x - 1 7 4

 2 - 7x  7 5    Add 1 to each side.

2 - 7x 6 - 5 or 2 - 7x 7 5 Case 3

- 7x 6 - 7 or -7x 7 3 Subtract 2 from each side.

3
x71 or x6 - Divide by -7. Reverse the
7 direction of each inequality.
3
The solution set written in interval notation is A - ∞, - 7 B ´ 11, ∞2.

■
✔ Now Try Exercise 51.

Special Cases  The three cases given in this section require the constant
k to be positive. When k " 0, use the fact that the absolute value of any ex-
pression must be nonnegative, and consider the conditions necessary for the
statement to be true.

EXAMPLE 4 Solving Special Cases

Solve each equation or inequality.

(a)  2 - 5x  Ú -4  (b)  4x - 7  6 - 3  (c)  5x + 15  = 0
SOLUTION

(a) Since the absolute value of a number is always nonnegative, the inequality

 2 - 5x  Ú -4 is always true.

The solution set includes all real numbers, written 1 - ∞, ∞2.

(b) There is no number whose absolute value is less than - 3 (or less than any
negative number).

The solution set of  4x - 7  6 -3 is ∅.

(c) The absolute value of a number will be 0 only if that number is 0. Therefore,
 5x + 15  = 0 is equivalent to

5x + 15 = 0, which has solution set 5 - 36.

CHECK Substitute -3 into the original equation.

 5x + 15  = 0 Original equation

 51 - 32 + 15  ≟ 0  Let x = -3.

0 = 0 ✓ True
■
✔ Now Try Exercises 55, 57, and 59.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 191 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 192 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Absolute Value Models for Distance and Tolerance  If a and b repre-

sent two real numbers, then the absolute value of their difference,

either a - b or  b - a ,

represents the undirected distance between them.

EXAMPLE 5 Using Absolute Value Inequalities with Distances

Write each statement using an absolute value inequality.

(a) k is no less than 5 units from 8.     (b) n is within 0.001 unit of 6.
SOLUTION

(a) Since the distance from k to 8, written  k - 8  or  8 - k  , is no less than 5,

the distance is greater than or equal to 5. This can be written as
 k - 8  Ú 5, or, equivalently,  8 - k  Ú 5. Either form is acceptable.

(b) This statement indicates that the distance between n and 6 is less than 0.001.
 n - 6  6 0.001, or, equivalently,  6 - n  6 0.001
■
✔ Now Try Exercises 69 and 71.

EXAMPLE 6 Using Absolute Value to Model Tolerance

In quality control situations, such as filling bottles on an assembly line, we often

wish to keep the difference between two quantities within some predetermined
amount, called the tolerance.

Suppose y = 2x + 1 and we want y to be within 0.01 unit of 4. For what

values of x will this be true?
SOLUTION  y - 4  6 0.01    Write an absolute value inequality.
 2x + 1 - 4  6 0.01    Substitute 2x + 1 for y.
 2x - 3  6 0.01    Combine like terms.
- 0.01 6 2x - 3 6 0.01 Case 2

2.99 6 2x 6 3.01 Add 3 to each part.

1.495 6 x 6 1.505 Divide each part by 2.

Reversing these steps shows that keeping x in the interval 11.495, 1.5052
ensures that the difference between y and 4 is within 0.01 unit.
■
✔ Now Try Exercise 75.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 192 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 1.8 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities 193

1.8 Exercises

CONCEPT PREVIEW Match each equation or inequality in Column I with the graph of
its solution set in Column II.
I II
1.  x  = 7 A.
–7 0 7

2.  x  = - 7 B. ∅
–7 0 7
3.  x  7 - 7 C.
–7 0 7
4.  x  7 7 D.
–7 0 7
5.  x  6 7 E.
–7 0 7
6.  x  Ú 7 F.
–7 0 7
7.  x  … 7 G.
–7 0 7
8.  x  ≠ 7 H.
–7 0 7

Solve each equation. See Example 1.

9.  2x - 3  = 8 10.  4x + 2  = 5 11.  7 - 5x  = 4

x-4 x+2
12.  7 - 3x  = 3 13. ` ` =5 14. ` ` =7
2 2

8 3 7x + 3
15. ` ` =9 16. ` ` =4 17. ` ` =4
x-2 2x - 1 x-1
2x + 3
18. ` ` =1 19.  2a + 8  =  3a - 6  20.  x + 1  =  1 - 3x 
3x - 4
21.  4 - 3x  =  2 - 3x  22.  3 - 2x  =  5 - 2x  23.  5x - 2  =  2 - 5x 

24. The equation  5x - 6  = 3x cannot have a negative solution. Why?

25. The equation  7x + 3  = - 5x cannot have a positive solution. Why?
26. Concept Check Determine the solution set of each equation by inspection.
(a) -  x  =  x    (b)  - x  =  x    (c)  x 2  =  x    (d) -  x  = 9

Solve each inequality. Give the solution set in interval notation. See Example 2.
27.  2x + 7  6 11 28.  3x - 4  6 2 29.  2x + 5  Ú 3

1 3
30.  3x - 4  Ú 2 31. ` - x ` 63 32. ` +x ` 61
4 5
33. 4 x - 3  7 12 34. 5 x - 2  7 15 35.  5 - 3x  7 7

36.  7 - 3x  7 4 37.  5 - 3x  … 7 38.  7 - 3x  … 4

2 1 1 5 1 2
39. ` x+ ` … 40. ` - x ` 7 41.  0.01x + 1  6 0.01
3 2 6 3 2 9

42. Explain why the equation  x  = 2x 2 has infinitely many solutions.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 193 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 194 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Solve each equation or inequality. See Examples 3 and 4.

43.  4x + 3  - 2 = - 1 44.  8 - 3x  - 3 = - 2 45.  6 - 2x  + 1 = 3

46.  4 - 4x  + 2 = 4 47.  3x + 1  - 1 6 2 48.  5x + 2  - 2 6 3

1 1
49. ` 5x + ` -265 50. ` 2x + ` +164 51.  10 - 4x  + 1 Ú 5
2 3

52.  12 - 6x  + 3 Ú 9 53.  3x - 7  + 1 6 - 2 54.  - 5x + 7  - 4 6 - 6

Solve each equation or inequality. See Example 4.

55.  10 - 4x  Ú - 4 56.  12 - 9x  Ú - 12 57.  6 - 3x  6 - 11

58.  18 - 3x  6 - 13 59.  8x + 5  = 0 60.  7 + 2x  = 0

61.  4.3x + 9.8  6 0 62.  1.5x - 14  6 0 63.  2x + 1  … 0

64.  5x + 4  … 0 65.  3x + 2  7 0 66.  4x + 3  7 0

67. Concept Check Write an equation involving absolute value that says the distance
between p and q is 2 units.
68. Concept Check Write an equation involving absolute value that says the distance
between r and s is 6 units.

Write each statement using an absolute value equation or inequality. See Example 5.
69. m is no more than 2 units from 7. 70. z is no less than 5 units from 4.

71. p is within 0.0001 unit of 9. 72. k is within 0.0002 unit of 10.

73. r is no less than 1 unit from 29. 74. q is no more than 8 units from 22.

(Modeling) Solve each problem. See Example 6.

75. Tolerance Suppose that y = 5x + 1 and we want y to be within 0.002 unit of 6. For
what values of x will this be true?
76. Tolerance Repeat Exercise 75, but let y = 10x + 2.
77. Weights of Babies Dr. Tydings has found that, over the years, 95% of the babies he
has delivered weighed x pounds, where
 x - 8.2  … 1.5.
What range of weights corresponds to this
inequality?

78. Temperatures on Mars The temperatures on the surface of Mars in degrees Celsius
approximately satisfy the inequality  C + 84  … 56. What range of temperatures
corresponds to this inequality?
79. Conversion of Methanol to Gasoline The industrial process that is used to con-
vert methanol to gasoline is carried out at a temperature range of 680°F to 780°F.
Using F as the variable, write an absolute value inequality that corresponds to
this range.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 194 29/08/16 3:58 pm

 1.8 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities 195

80. Wind Power Extraction Tests When a model kite was flown in crosswinds in tests
to determine its limits of power extraction, it attained speeds of 98 to 148 ft per sec
in winds of 16 to 26 ft per sec. Using x as the variable in each case, write absolute
value inequalities that correspond to these ranges.

(Modeling) Carbon Dioxide Emissions When humans breathe, carbon dioxide is emit-
ted. In one study, the emission rates of carbon dioxide by college students were measured
during both lectures and exams. The average individual rate RL (in grams per hour) dur-
ing a lecture class satisfied the inequality

 RL - 26.75 … 1.42,

whereas during an exam the rate RE satisfied the inequality

 RE - 38.75 … 2.17.

(Source: Wang, T. C., ASHRAE Trans., 81 (Part 1), 32.)

Use this information to solve each problem.
81. Find the range of values for RL and RE .
82. The class had 225 students. If TL and TE represent the total amounts of carbon
dioxide in grams emitted during a 1-hour lecture and a 1-hour exam, respectively,
write inequalities that model the ranges for TL and TE .

Relating Concepts

For individual or collaborative investigation (Exercises 83—86)

To see how to solve an equation that involves the absolute value of a quadratic poly-
nomial, such as  x 2 - x  = 6, work Exercises 83–86 in order.
83. For x 2 - x to have an absolute value equal to 6, what are the two possible values
that it may be? (Hint: One is positive and the other is negative.)
84. Write an equation stating that x 2 - x is equal to the positive value found in
Exercise 83, and solve it using the zero-factor property.
85. Write an equation stating that x 2 - x is equal to the negative value found in
Exercise 83, and solve it using the quadratic formula. (Hint: The solutions are
not real numbers.)
86. Give the complete solution set of  x 2 - x  = 6, using the results from Exer­
cises 84 and 85.

Use the method described in Exercises 83–86, if applicable, and properties of

­absolute value to solve each equation or inequality. (Hint: Exercises 93 and 94 can
be solved by inspection.)
87.  3x 2 + x  = 14 88.  2x 2 - 3x  = 5

89.  4x 2 - 23x - 6  = 0 90.  x 2 + 4  -  4x  = 0

x2 + 2 11
91.  x 2 + 1  -  2x  = 0 92. ` ` - =0
x 3

93.  x 4 + 2x 2 + 1  6 0 94.  x 2 + 10  6 0

x-4 9-x
95. ` ` Ú0 96. ` ` Ú0
3x + 1 7 + 8x

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 195 29/08/16 3:59 pm

 196 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Chapter 1 Test Prep

Key Terms
1.1 equation simple interest standard form 1.7 inequality
solution (root) future value complex conjugate linear inequality in
solution set (maturity value) 1.4 quadratic equation one variable
equivalent 1.2 mathematical standard form interval
equations model second-degree equation interval notation
linear equation in linear model double solution open interval
one variable 1.3 imaginary unit cubic equation closed interval
first-degree complex number discriminant break-even point
equation real part 1.5 leg quadratic inequality
identity imaginary part hypotenuse strict inequality
conditional pure imaginary 1.6 rational equation nonstrict inequality
equation number proposed solution rational inequality
contradiction nonreal complex equation quadratic 1.8 tolerance
literal equation number in form

New Symbols
   ∅ empty or null set 1 a, b2
  i imaginary unit 1 − H, a4 s interval notation
H infinity 3 a, b2
−H negative infinity ∣a∣ absolute value of a

Quick Review
Concepts Examples

1.1 Linear Equations

Addition and Multiplication Properties of Equality Solve.

Let a, b, and c represent real numbers.
51x + 32 = 3x + 7
If a = b, then a + c = b + c. 5x + 15 = 3x + 7 Distributive property
If a = b and c 3 0, then ac = bc. 2x = - 8 Subtract 3x. Subtract 15.
x = -4 Divide by 2.

The solution set is 5 - 46.

1.2 Applications and Modeling with Linear Equations

Solving an Applied Problem How many liters of 30% alcohol solution and 80%
Step 1 Read the problem. alcohol solution must be mixed to obtain 50 L of 50% alco-
hol solution?

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 196 29/08/16 3:59 pm

 CHAPTER 1 Test Prep 197

Concepts Examples

Step 2 Assign a variable. Let x = the number of liters of 30% solution.

50 - x = the number of liters of 80% solution.
Summarize the information of the problem in a table.

Liters of Liters of
Strength Solution Pure Alcohol
30% x 0.30x
80% 50 - x 0.80150 - x2
50% 50 0.501502

Step 3 Write an equation. The equation is 0.30x + 0.80150 - x2 = 0.501502.

Step 4 Solve the equation. Solve the equation to obtain x = 30.

Step 5 State the answer. Therefore, 30 L of the 30% solution and 50 - 30 = 20 L

of the 80% solution must be mixed.

Step 6 Check. CHECK

0.301302 + 0.80150 - 302 ≟ 0.501502
25 = 25 ✓ True

1.3 Complex Numbers

Definition of i
i= ! − 1, and therefore, i2 = − 1

Definition of Complex Number (a and b real)

a + bi In the complex number - 6 + 2i, the real part is - 6 and
the imaginary part is 2.
Real Imaginary
part part

Definition of !− a Simplify.
For a 7 0, ! − a = i !a . 2- 4 = 2i
2- 12 = i212 = i24 # 3 = 2i23

Adding and Subtracting Complex Numbers 12 + 3i2 + 13 + i2 - 12 - i2

Add or subtract the real parts, and add or subtract the = 12 + 3 - 22 + 13 + 1 + 12i
imaginary parts.
= 3 + 5i

Multiplying and Dividing Complex Numbers 16 + i213 - 2i2

Multiply complex numbers as with binomials, and use the = 18 - 12i + 3i - 2i 2     FOIL method
fact that i 2 = - 1.
= 118 + 22 + 1 - 12 + 32i i2 = - 1
= 20 - 9i

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 197 29/08/16 3:59 pm

 198 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Concepts Examples

Divide complex numbers by multiplying the numerator and 3+i

denominator by the complex conjugate of the denominator. 1+i
13 + i211 - i2 1 - i
= Multiply by 1 - i .
11 + i211 - i2
3 - 3i + i - i 2
= Multiply.
1 - i2
4 - 2i
= Combine like terms; i 2 = - 1
2
212 - i2
= Factor in the numerator.
2
=2-i Divide out the common factor.

1.4 Quadratic Equations

Zero-Factor Property Solve.
If a and b are complex numbers with ab = 0, then a = 0 or 6x 2 + x - 1 = 0
b = 0 or both equal zero.
13x - 1212x + 12 = 0     Factor.

3x - 1 = 0 or 2x + 1 = 0 Zero-factor
property
1 1
x= or x= -
3 2

The solution set is E - 2 , 3 F.

1 1

Square Root Property

The solution set of x 2 = k is x 2 = 12

E !k, − !k F, abbreviated E t !k F . x = { 212 = { 223

The solution set is E { 223 F.

Quadratic Formula
The solutions of the quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0, x 2 + 2x + 3 = 0
where a ≠ 0, are given by the quadratic formula.
- 2 { 222 - 4112132
x= a = 1, b = 2, c = 3
−b t !b 2 − 4 ac 2112
x=
2a
- 2 { 2- 8
x= Simplify.
2
- 2 { 2i22
x= Simplify the radical.
2
2 A - 1 { i 22 B Factor out 2 in the
x=     numerator.

2
x = - 1 { i22  ivide out the
D
common factor.

The solution set is E - 1 { i 12 F.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 198 29/08/16 3:59 pm

 CHAPTER 1 Test Prep 199

Concepts Examples

1.5 Applications and Modeling with Quadratic Equations

Pythagorean Theorem
In a right triangle, the sum of the squares of the lengths of In a right triangle, the shorter leg is 7 in. less than the
legs a and b is equal to the square of the length of hypot- longer leg, and the hypotenuse is 2 in. greater than the longer
enuse c. leg. What are the lengths of the sides?
Let x = the length of the longer leg.
a2 + b2 = c2

x–7 x+2

1x - 722 + x 2 = 1x + 222  Substitute into the

Pythagorean
theorem.
x 2 - 14x + 49 + x 2 = x 2 + 4x + 4 Square the binomials.

x 2 - 18x + 45 = 0     Standard form

1x - 1521x - 32 = 0     Factor.

x - 15 = 0  or x - 3 = 0   Zero-factor
property
x = 15 or   x = 3   Solve each equation.

The value 3 must be rejected because the height would

be negative. The lengths of the sides are 15 in., 8 in., and
17 in. Check to see that the conditions of the problem are
satisfied.
Height of a Projected Object
The height s (in feet) of an object projected directly The height of an object projected upward from ground
upward from an initial height of s0 feet, with initial velocity level with an initial velocity of 64 ft per sec is given
v0 feet per second, is by

s = − 16 t 2 + v0 t + s0, s = - 16t 2 + 64t.

Find the time(s) that the projectile will reach a height of
where t is the number of seconds after the object is projected. 56 ft.

56 = - 16t 2 + 64t Let s = 56.

0 = - 16t 2 + 64t - 56 Subtract 56.
0 = 2t 2 - 8t + 7       Divide by - 8.
- 1- 82 { 21 - 822 - 4122172
t= Quadratic formula
2122

8 { 28
t= Simplify.
4
t ≈ 1.29 or t ≈ 2.71     Use a calculator.

The object reaches a height of 56 ft twice—once on its

way up (after 1.29 sec) and once on its way down (after
2.71 sec).

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 199 29/08/16 3:59 pm

 200 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Concepts Examples

1.6 Other Types of Equations and Applications

Power Property Solve.

If P and Q are algebraic expressions, then every solution 1x + 122/3 + 1x + 121/3 - 6 = 0
of the equation P = Q is also a solution of the equation u2 + u - 6 = 0
P n = Qn, for any positive integer n. Let u = 1x + 121/3.
1u + 321u - 22 = 0
Quadratic in Form
u+3=0 or u-2=0
An equation in the form au2 + bu + c = 0, where a ≠ 0
and u is an algebraic expression, can be solved by using a u = -3 or u=2
substitution variable. 1x + 121/3 = -3 or 1x + 121/3 =2
x + 1 = - 27 or x+1=8 Cube.
If the power property is applied, or if both sides of an
equation are multiplied by a variable expression, check x = - 28 or x=7 Subtract 1.
all proposed solutions. Both solutions check. The solution set is 5 - 28, 76.

1.7 Inequalities Solve.

- 31x + 42 + 2x 6 6
Properties of Inequality
Let a, b, and c represent real numbers. - 3x - 12 + 2x 6 6
1. If a * b, then a + c * b + c. - x 6 18
Multiply by - 1.
2. If a * b and if c + 0, then ac * bc. x 7 - 18
Change 6 to 7.
3. If a * b and if c * 0, then ac + bc.
The solution set is 1 - 18, ∞2.

Solving a Quadratic Inequality x 2 + 6x … 7

Step 1 Solve the corresponding quadratic equation. x 2 + 6x - 7 = 0     Corresponding equation
1x + 721x - 12 = 0     Factor.
x+7=0 or x-1=0 Zero-factor property
x = -7 or x=1 Solve each equation.
Step 2 Identify the intervals determined by the solutions The intervals formed are 1 - ∞, - 72, 1 - 7, 12, and 11, ∞2.
of the equation. Test values show that values in the intervals 1 - ∞, - 72
and 11, ∞2 do not satisfy the original inequality, while
Step 3 Use a test value from each interval to determine
those in 1 - 7, 12 do. Because the symbol … includes
which intervals form the solution set.
equality, the endpoints are included.
The solution set is 3 - 7, 14.
Solving a Rational Inequality x 5
Ú
Step 1 Rewrite the inequality so that 0 is on one side and x+3 x+3
a single fraction is on the other. x 5
- Ú0
x+3 x+3
x-5
Ú0
x+3
Step 2 Find the values that make either the numerator or The values - 3 and 5 make either the numerator or the
the denominator 0. denominator 0. The intervals formed are
1 - ∞, - 32, 1 - 3, 52, and 15, ∞2.
Step 3 Use a test value from each interval to determine The value - 3 must be excluded and 5 must be included.
which intervals form the solution set. Test values show that values in the intervals 1 - ∞, - 32
and 15, ∞2 yield true statements.
The solution set is 1 - ∞, - 32 ´ 35, ∞2.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 200 29/08/16 3:59 pm

 CHAPTER 1 Review Exercises 201

Concepts Examples

1.8 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities

Solving Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
For each equation or inequality in Cases 1–3, assume that Solve.
k 7 0.
Case 1: To solve  x  = k, use the equivalent form  5x - 2  = 3
5x - 2 = 3 or 5x - 2 = -3
x=k or x = − k.
5x = 5 or 5x = - 1
1
x=1 or x= -
5

The solution set is E - 5 , 1 F.

1

Case 2: To solve  x  6 k, use the equivalent form  5x - 2  6 3

− k * x * k. - 3 6 5x - 2 6 3
-1 6 5x 65
1
- 6 x 61
5
1
The solution set is A - 5 , 1 B .

Case 3: To solve  x  7 k, use the equivalent form  5x - 2  Ú 3

x * −k or x + k. 5x - 2 … - 3 or 5x - 2 Ú 3
5x … - 1 or 5x Ú 5
1
x… - or xÚ1
5
1
The solution set is A - ∞, - 5 D ´ 31, ∞2.

Chapter 1 Review Exercises

Solve each equation.
1 1 1
1. 3x + 9 = x + 12 2. x- 1x - 12 =
6 12 2
3. 5x - 21x + 42 = 312x + 12 4. 5x - 21k + p2 = x1a - 32, for x

24ƒ
5. A = , for ƒ (approximate annual interest rate)
B1p + 12
Solve each problem.
6. Concept Check Which of the following cannot be a correct equation to solve a
geometry problem, if x represents the measure of a side of a rectangle? (Hint: Solve
the equations and consider the solutions.)
A. 2x + 21x + 22 = 20 B. 2x + 215 + x2 = - 2
C. 81x + 22 + 4x = 16 D. 2x + 21x - 32 = 10

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 201 29/08/16 3:59 pm

 202 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

7. Concept Check If x represents the number of pennies in a jar in an applied prob-

lem, which of the following equations cannot be a correct equation for finding x?
(Hint: Solve the equations and consider the solutions.)
A. 5x + 3 = 11 B. 12x + 6 = - 4
C. 100x = 501x + 32 D. 61x + 42 = x + 24
8. Airline Carry-On Baggage Size Carry-on rules for domestic economy-class travel
differ from one airline to another, as shown in the table.

Airline Size (linear inches)

Alaska 51
American 45
Delta 45
Southwest 50
United 45
USAirways 45
Source: Individual airline websites.

To determine the number of linear inches for a carry-on, add the length, width, and
height of the bag.
(a) O
 ne Samsonite rolling bag measures 9 in. by 12 in. by 21 in. Are there any
airlines that would not allow it as a carry-on?
(b) A
 Lark wheeled bag measures 10 in. by 14 in. by 22 in. On which airlines does
it qualify as a carry-on?

Solve each problem.

9. Dimensions of a Square If the length of each side of a square is decreased by 4 in.,
the perimeter of the new square is 10 in. more than half the perimeter of the original
square. What are the dimensions of the original square?
10. Distance from a Library Becky can ride her bike to the university library in 20 min.
The trip home, which is all uphill, takes her 30 min. If her rate is 8 mph faster on her
trip there than her trip home, how far does she live from the library?
11. Alcohol Mixture Alan wishes to strengthen a mixture that is 10% alcohol to one that
is 30% alcohol. How much pure alcohol should he add to 12 L of the 10% mixture?
12. Loan Interest Rates A realtor borrowed $90,000 to develop some property. He was
able to borrow part of the money at 5.5% interest and the rest at 6%. The annual
interest on the two loans amounts to $5125. How much was borrowed at each rate?
13. Speed of a Plane Mary Lynn left by plane to visit her mother in Louisiana, 420 km
away. Fifteen minutes later, her mother left to meet her at the airport. She drove the
20 km to the airport at 40 km per hr, arriving just as the plane taxied in. What was
the speed of the plane?
14. Toxic Waste Two chemical plants are releasing toxic waste into a holding tank.
Plant I releases waste twice as fast as Plant II. Together they fill the tank in 3 hr.
How long would it take the slower plant to fill the tank working alone?
15. (Modeling) Lead Intake As directed by the “Safe Drinking Water Act” of December
1974, the EPA proposed a maximum lead level in public drinking water of 0.05 mg per
liter. This standard assumed an individual consumption of two liters of water per day.
(a) If EPA guidelines are followed, write an equation that models the maximum
amount of lead A ingested in x years. Assume that there are 365.25 days in a year.
(b) If the average life expectancy is 72 yr, find the EPA maximum lead intake from
water over a lifetime.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 202 29/08/16 3:59 pm

 CHAPTER 1 Review Exercises 203

16. (Modeling) Online Retail Sales Projected e-commerce sales (in billions of dollars)
for the years 2010–2018 can be modeled by the equation

y = 40.892x + 150.53,

where x = 0 corresponds to 2010, x = 1 corresponds to 2011, and so on. Based

on this model, what would expected retail e-commerce sales be in 2018? (Source:
Statistics Portal.)
17. (Modeling) Minimum Wage U.S. minimum hourly wage, in dollars, for selected
years from 1956–2009 is shown in the table. The linear model
y = 0.1132x + 0.4609
approximates the minimum wage during this time period, where x is the number of
years after 1956 and y is the minimum wage in dollars.

Minimum Minimum
Year Wage Year Wage
1956 1.00 1996 4.75
1963 1.25 1997 5.15
1975 2.10 2007 5.85
1981 3.35 2008 6.55
1990 3.80 2009 7.25
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

(a) Use the model to approximate the minimum wage in 1990. How does it compare
to the data in the table?
(b) Use the model to approximate the year in which the minimum wage was $5.85.
How does the answer compare to the data in the table?

18. (Modeling) New York State Population The U.S. population, in millions, for
selected years is given in the table. The bar graph shows the percentages of the U.S.
population that lived in New York State during those years.

New York State Population

as Percent of U.S. Population
10
U.S. Population
Year (in millions) 7.8
8 7.2
6.8
1980 226.5 6.3 6.2
Percent

6
1990 248.7
2000 281.4 4

2010 308.7 2
2014 318.9
0
Source: U.S. Census Bureau. 1980 1990 2000 2010 2014
Year
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

(a) Find the number of Americans, to the nearest tenth of a million, living in

New York State for each year given in the table.
(b) The percentages given in the bar graph decrease each year, while the populations
given in the table increase each year. From the answers to part (a), is the number
of Americans living in New York State increasing or decreasing?

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 203 29/08/16 3:59 pm

 204 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Perform each operation. Write answers in standard form.

19. 13 - i2 + 15 - 8i2 20. 1 - 11 + 2i2 - 18 - 7i2

21. 15i - 13 + 2i2 - 11 22. - 6 + 4i - 18i - 22

23. 15 - i213 + 4i2 24. 1 - 5 + 3i212 + 4i2

25. 15 - 11i215 + 11i2 26. 14 - 3i22 27. - 5i13 - i22

- 12 - i -7 + i
28. 4i12 + 5i212 - i2 29. 30.
- 2 - 5i -1 - i

Simplify each power of i.

1
31. i 11 32. i 40 33. i 1001 34. i 110 35. i - 27 36.
i 17

Solve each equation.

37. 1x + 522 = 25 38. 12 - 3x22 = 8 39. 2x 2 + x - 15 = 0
40. 12x 2 = 8x - 1 41. - 2x 2 + 11x = - 21 42. - x13x + 22 = 5

43. 12x + 121x - 42 = x 44. 22 x 2 - 4x + 22 = 0

45. x 2 - 25 x - 1 = 0 46. 1x + 121x + 52 = 2x

47. Concept Check Which equation has two real, distinct solutions? Do not actually
solve.
A. 13x - 422 = - 9 B. 14 - 7x22 = 0
C. 15x - 9215x - 92 = 0 D. 17x + 422 = 11
48. Concept Check See Exercise 47.
(a) Which equations have only one distinct real solution?
(b) Which equation has two nonreal complex solutions?

Evaluate the discriminant for each equation. Then use it to determine the number and
type of solutions.

49. - 6x 2 + 2x = - 3 50. 8x 2 = - 2x - 6 51. - 8x 2 + 10x = 7

52. 16x 2 + 3 = - 26x 53. x19x + 62 = - 1 54. 25x 2 + 110x + 121 = 0

Solve each problem.

55. (Modeling) Height of a Projectile A projectile is fired straight up from ground
level. After t seconds its height s, in feet above the ground, is given by
s = - 16t 2 + 220t.
At what times is the projectile exactly 750 ft above the ground?
56. Dimensions of a Picture Frame Zach went into a frame-it-yourself shop. He
wanted a frame 3 in. longer than it was wide. The frame he chose extended 1.5 in.
beyond the picture on each side. Find the outside dimensions of the frame if the area
of the unframed picture is 70 in.2.
12 ft
57. Kitchen Flooring Paula plans to replace the
vinyl floor covering in her 10-ft by 12-ft kitchen.
She wants to have a border of even width of a
special material. She can afford only 21 ft2 of this
10 ft
material. How wide a border can she have?

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 204 29/08/16 3:59 pm

 CHAPTER 1 Review Exercises 205

58. (Modeling) Airplane Landing Speed To determine the appropriate landing speed of
a small airplane, the formula
D = 0.1s2 - 3s + 22
is used, where s is the initial landing speed in feet per second and D is the length of
the runway in feet. If the landing speed is too fast, the pilot may run out of runway.
If the speed is too slow, the plane may stall. If the runway is 800 ft long, what is the
appropriate landing speed? Round to the nearest tenth.
59. (Modeling) U.S. Government Spending on Medical Care The amount spent in
billions of dollars by the U.S. government on medical care during the period
1990–2013 can be approximated by the equation
y = 1.016x 2 + 12.49x + 197.8
where x = 0 corresponds to 1990, x = 1 corresponds to 1991, and so on. According
to this model, about how much was spent by the U.S. government on medical care
in 2009? Round to the nearest tenth of a billion. (Source: U.S. Office of Management
and Budget.)
60. Dimensions of a Right Triangle The lengths
of the sides of a right triangle are such that the x+1
x–7
shortest side is 7 in. shorter than the middle
side, while the longest side (the hypotenuse)
is 1 in. longer than the middle side. Find the x
lengths of the sides.

Solve each equation.

2 4 3
61. 4x 4 + 3x 2 - 1 = 0 62. x 2 - 2x 4 = 0 63. - =8+
x 3x x
5 3 10 1 13 2
64. 2 - = 65. = 66. =
x x2 4x - 4 1 - x x 2 + 10 x
67. 1x - 422/5 = 9 68. 1x 2 - 6x21/4 = 2 69. 1x - 222/3 = x 1/3

70. 22x + 3 = x + 2 71. 2x + 2 - x = 2 72. 2x - 2x + 3 = - 1

73. 24x - 2 = 23x + 1 74. 25x - 15 - 2x + 1 = 2

5 5
75. 2x + 3 - 23x + 10 = 1 76. 2 2x = 2 3x + 2
3 3
77. 2 6x + 2 - 2 4x = 0 78. 2x 2 + 3x - 2 = 0
x 1 2 2 1 4
79. + +3= 2 80. + = 2
x+2 x x + 2x x + 2 x + 4 x + 6x + 8
81. 12x + 322/3 + 12x + 321/3 - 6 = 0 82. 1x + 32-2/3 - 21x + 32-1/3 = 3

Solve each inequality. Give the solution set using interval notation.
83. - 9x + 3 6 4x + 10 84. 15x Ú 312 - x2
85. - 5x - 4 Ú 312x - 52 86. 7x - 21x - 32 … 512 - x2
87. 5 … 2x - 3 … 7 88. - 8 7 3x - 5 7 - 12

89. x 2 + 3x - 4 … 0 90. x 2 + 4x - 21 7 0
91. 6x 2 - 11x 6 10 92. x 2 - 3x Ú 5
93. x 3 - 16x … 0 94. 2x 3 - 3x 2 - 5x 6 0
3x + 6 x+7 3x - 2
95. 70 96. …1 97. -470
x-5 2x + 1 x
5x + 2 3 5 3 2
98. +160 99. … 100. 7
x x-1 x+3 x+2 x-4

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 205 29/08/16 3:59 pm

 206 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

(Modeling) Solve each problem.

101. Ozone Concentration Guideline levels for indoor ozone are less than 50 parts per
billion (ppb). In a scientific study, a Purafil air filter was used to reduce an initial
ozone concentration of 140 ppb. The filter removed 43% of the ozone. (Source:
Parmar and Grosjean, Removal of Air Pollutants from Museum Display Cases,
Getty Conservation Institute, Marina del Rey, CA.)
(a) What is the ozone concentration after the Purafil air filter is used?
(b) What is the maximum initial concentration of ozone that this filter will reduce
to an acceptable level? Round the answer to the nearest tenth part per billion.
102. Break-Even Interval A company produces earbuds. The revenue from the sale of
x units of these earbuds is
R = 8x.
The cost to produce x units of earbuds is
C = 3x + 1500.
In what interval will the company at least break even?
103. Height of a Projectile A projectile is launched upward from the ground. Its height s
in feet above the ground after t seconds is given by the following equation.
s = -16t 2 + 320t
(a) After how many seconds in the air will it hit the ground?
(b) During what time interval is the projectile more than 576 ft above the ground?
104. Social Security The total amount paid by the U.S. government to individuals
for Social Security retirement and disability insurance benefits during the period
2004–2013 can be approximated by the linear model
y = 35.7x + 486,
where x = 0 corresponds to 2004, x = 1 corresponds to 2005, and so on. The vari-
able y is in billions of dollars. Based on this model, during what year did the amount
paid by the government first exceed $800 billion? Round the answer to the nearest
year. Compare the answer to the bar graph.

Social Security Retirement and

Disability Insurance Benefits
1000

800
Billions of dollars

600

400

200

0
’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13
Year
Source: U.S. Office of Management and Budget.

105. Without actually solving the inequality, explain why 3 cannot be in the solution set
14x + 9
of x - 3 6 0.
106. Without actually solving the inequality, explain why - 4 must be in the solution set
x + 4
of 2x + 1 Ú 0.

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 206 29/08/16 3:59 pm

 CHAPTER 1 Test 207

Solve each equation or inequality.

107.  x + 3  = 5 108.  2 - x  = 3
7 8x - 1
109. ` ` -9=0 110. ` ` -7=0
2 - 3x 3x + 2
111.  8x + 1  =  12x + 9  112.  x + 10  =  x - 11 
113.  4x + 3  … 2 114.  8 - 5x  Ú 2
1 2
115.  7x - 3  7 4 116. ` x+ ` 63
2 3
117.  3x + 7  - 5 6 5 118.  7x + 8  - 6 7 - 3
119.  4x - 12  Ú - 3 120.  7 - 2x  … - 9
121.  x 2 + 4x  … 0 122.  x 2 + 4x  7 0

Write each statement using an absolute value equation or inequality.

123. p is 25 units from 10. 124. p is at most 3 units from 7.
125. t is no less than 0.01 unit from 5.

Chapter 1 Test
Solve each equation.
2 1
1. 31x - 42 - 51x + 22 = 2 - 1x + 242 2. x + 1x - 42 = x - 4
3 2
3. 6x 2 - 11x - 7 = 0 4. 13x + 122 = 8
12 2 3
5. 3x 2 + 2x = - 2 6. = -
x2 -9 x-3 x+3
4x 3 -6
7. + = 8. 23x + 4 + 5 = 2x + 1
x - 2 x x 2 - 2x
3 3
9. 2- 2x + 3 + 2x + 3 = 3 10. 2 3x - 8 = 2 9x + 4
11. x 4 - 17x 2 + 16 = 0 12. 1x + 322/3 + 1x + 321/3 - 6 = 0

13.  4x + 3  = 7 14.  2x + 1  =  5 - x 

15. Surface Area of a Rectangular Solid The formula for the surface area of a rectan-
gular solid is
S = 2HW + 2LW + 2LH,
where S, H, W, and L represent surface area, height, width, and length, respectively.
Solve this formula for W.
16. Perform each operation. Write answers in standard form.
(a) 19 - 3i2 - 14 + 5i2 (b) 14 + 3i21 - 5 + 3i2

3 + 19i
(c) 18 + 3i22 (d)
1 + 3i
17. Simplify each power of i.
1
(a) i 42      (b) i - 31      (c)
i 19

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 207 29/08/16 3:59 pm

 208 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Solve each problem.

18. (Modeling) Water Consumption for
Snowmaking Ski resorts require large
amounts of water in order to make snow.
Snowmass Ski Area in Colorado plans
to pump between 1120 and 1900 gal
of water per minute at least 12 hr per
day from Snowmass Creek between
mid-October and late December.
(Source: York Snow Incorporated.)
(a) 
Determine an equation that will
calculate the minimum amount of
water A (in gallons) pumped after x days during mid-October to late December.
(b) Find the minimum amount of water pumped in 30 days.
(c) Suppose the water being pumped from Snowmass Creek was used to fill swimming
pools. The average backyard swimming pool holds 20,000 gal of water. Determine
an equation that will give the minimum number of pools P that could be filled after
x days. How many pools could be filled each day (to the nearest whole number)?
(d) To the nearest day, in how many days could a minimum of 1000 pools be filled?
19. Dimensions of a Rectangle The perimeter of a rectangle is 620 m. The length is
20 m less than twice the width. What are the length and width?
20. Nut Mixture To make a special mix, the owner of a fruit and nut stand wants to
combine cashews that sell for $7.00 per lb with walnuts that sell for $5.50 per lb to
obtain 35 lb of a mixture that sells for $6.50 per lb. How many pounds of each type
of nut should be used in the mixture?
21. Speed of an Excursion Boat An excursion boat travels upriver to a landing and
then returns to its starting point. The trip upriver takes 1.2 hr, and the trip back takes
0.9 hr. If the average speed on the return trip is 5 mph faster than on the trip upriver,
what is the boat’s speed upriver?
22. (Modeling) Cigarette Use The percentage of college freshmen who smoke declined
substantially from the year 2004 to the year 2014 and can be modeled by the linear
equation
y = - 0.461x + 6.32,
where x represents the number of years since 2004. Thus, x = 0 represents 2004,
x = 1 represents 2005, and so on, (Source: Higher Education Research Institute,
UCLA.)
(a) Use the model to determine the percentage of college freshmen who smoked in
the year 2014. Round the answer to the nearest tenth of a percent.
(b) According to the model, in what year did 4.9% of college freshmen smoke?
23. (Modeling) Height of a Projectile A projectile is launched straight up from ground
level with an initial velocity of 96 ft per sec. Its height in feet, s, after t seconds is
given by the equation
s = - 16t 2 + 96t.
(a) At what time(s) will it reach a height of 80 ft?
(b) After how many seconds will it return to the ground?

Solve each inequality. Give the answer using interval notation.

1
24. -21x - 12 - 12 6 21x + 12 25. - 3 … x + 2 … 3
2
x+1
26. 2x 2 - x Ú 3 27. 65
x-3
28.  2x - 5  6 9 29.  2x + 1  - 11 Ú 0 30.  3x + 7  … 0

M02_LIAL1953_06_GE_C01.indd 208 29/08/16 3:59 pm