Prentice Hall Algebra 1

1-8 An Introduction to Equations

Quick Review

An equation can be true or false, or it can be an open sentence with a variable. A solution of an equation is the value (or values) of the variable that makes the equation true.

Example

Is c = 6 a solution of the equation 25 equals 3 bold italic c minus 2 question mark

table with 3 rows and 2 columns , row1 column 1 , 25 equals 3 c minus 2 , column 2 , row2 column 1 , 25 , modified equals with question mark above , 3 middle dot 6 minus 2 , column 2 cap substitute . 6 , for , c . , row3 column 1 , 25 plus minus 16 , column 2 cap simplify. , end table

No, c = 6 is not a solution of the equation 25 equals 3 c minus 2 .

Exercises

Tell whether the given number is a solution of each equation.

  1. 17 = 37 + 4f; f equals negative 5
  2. negative 3 , eh squared , equals 27 semicolon  a = 3
  3. 3 b minus 9 equals 21 semicolon b equals negative 10
  4. negative 2 b plus 4 equals 3 semicolon b equals , 1 half

Use a table to find or estimate the solution of each equation.

  1. x plus open negative 2 close equals 8
  2. 3 m minus 13 equals 24
  3. 4 t minus 2 equals 9
  4. 6 b minus 3 equals 17

1-9 Patterns, Equations, and Graphs

Quick Review

You can represent the relationship between two varying quantities in different ways, including tables, equations, and graphs. A solution of an equation with two variables is an ordered pair (x, y) that makes the equation true.

Example

Bo makes $15 more per week than Sue. How can you represent this with an equation and a table?

First write an equation. Let b = Bo's earnings and s = Sue's earnings. Bo makes $15 more than Sue, so b = s + 15. You can use the equation to make a table for s = 25, 50, 75, and 100.

Sue's Earnings (s) 25 50 75 100
Bo's Earnings (b) 40 65 90 115

Exercises

Tell whether the given ordered pair is a solution of each equation.

  1. 3x + 5 = y; (1, 8)
  2. y equals negative 2 open x plus 3 close semicolon open negative 6 comma 0 close
  3. y equals open x minus 1.2 close open negative 3 close semicolon  (0, 1.2)
  4. 10 minus 5 x equals y semicolon open negative 4 comma 10 close
  5. Describe the pattern in the table using words, an equation, and a graph. Extend the pattern for x = 5, 6, and 7.
    x y
    1 15
    2 25
    3 35
    4 45

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Table of Contents

Prentice Hall Algebra 1 Chapter 1 Foundations for Algebra Chapter 2 Solving Equations Chapter 3 Solving Inequalities Chapter 4 An Introduction to Functions Chapter 5 Linear Functions Chapter 6 Systems of Equations and Inequalities Chapter 7 Exponents and Exponential Functions Chapter 8 Polynomials and Factoring Chapter 9 Quadratic Functions and Equations Chapter 10 Radical Expressions and Equations Chapter 11 Rational Expressions and Functions Chapter 12 Data Analysis and Probability Skills Handbook Reference Visual Glossary Selected Answers Index Acknowledgments