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C H A P T E R

2
Linear Relations
Objectives
To calculate the gradient of a straight line.
To interpret and use the general equation of a straight line y = mx + c.
To solve simultaneous linear equations graphically.
To calculate the gradient of a straight line as a tangent.
To calculate the product of the gradients of two perpendicular straight lines.
To find the distance between two points.
To find the midpoint of a straight line.
To calculate the angle between two intersecting straight lines.
To apply a knowledge of linear relations to solving problems.

A relation is defined as a set of ordered pairs in the form (x, y).

A rule relating the x-value to the y-value of each ordered pair sometimes exists, such as
y = 2x + 1, and this is a more convenient way of describing the relation.
A relation may also be represented graphically on a set of axes. If the resulting graph is a
straight line, then the relation is called a linear relation.

2.1 The gradient of a straight line

Through any two points it is only possible to draw a single straight line.
Therefore a straight line is defined by any two points on the line.
From previous work, you should be familiar with the rise
concept of the gradient or slope of a line. The symbol
used for gradient is m. This may be defined as:
run
rise
Gradient =
run

24
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 25

Hence given any two points on the line, (x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ), the gradient of the line can be
found.
y
B (x2, y2)

rise = y2 – y1
A (x1, y1)

rise y2 − y1
run = x2 – x1 Gradient m = =
run x2 − x1
x
0

Example 1

Find the gradient of the given line.

y
Solution
Let (x2 , y2 ) = (0, 2)
and let (x1 , y1 ) = (−2, 0) 2
y2 − y1
Gradient m =
x2 − x1 1
2−0
=
0 − (−2)
x
2 –2 –1 0
=
2
=1

Example 2

Find the gradient of the given line.

y
Solution
Let (x1 , y1 ) = (0, 3)
and (x2 , y2 ) = (2, 0) 3
y2 − y1
m= 2
x2 − x1
0−3
= 1
2−0
3 x
=− 0 1 2
2
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26 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

It should be noted that the gradient of a line that slopes upwards from left to right is positive,
as illustrated in Example 1, and the gradient of a line that slopes downwards from left to right
is negative, as illustrated in Example 2.
The gradient of a horizontal (parallel to the x-axis) line is zero,
since y2 − y1 = 0.
The gradient of a vertical (parallel to the y-axis) line is undefined,
since x2 − x1 = 0.

Example 3

Find the gradient of the line that passes through the points (1, 6) and (−3, 7).

Solution
y2 − y1 7−6 1 1
The gradient = = = =−
x2 − x1 −3 − 1 −4 4

Exercise 2A
Examples 1, 2 1 Calculate the gradient of each of the following lines:
a y b y c y

6 2
4
4 1
3 x
2 2 0 1 2 3 4
x –1
1 0 1 2 3
x
–2 –1 0 1
d y e y f y

4
3 3 3
2 2
2
1 1
1 x x
x 0 1 2 3 –3 –2 –1 0 1
–1 0 1 2

g y h y i y
(6, 10)
(0, 8) 5

(3, 2)
(–2, 0)
x x x
0 0 0 4
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 27

j y y
k

3
4

x
x 0
–3 0

2 Sketch a graph of a line with gradient 1.

3 Sketch a graph of a line with gradient 0 which passes through the point (1, 6).
Example 3 4 For each of the following find the gradient of the line that passes through the two points
with the given coordinates:
a (6, 3) (2, 4) b (−3, 4) (1, −6) c (6, 7) (11, −3)
d (5, 8) (6, 0) e (6, 0) (−6, 0) f (0, −6) (−6, 0)
g (3, 9) (4, 16) h (5, 25) (6, 36) i (−5, 25) (−8, 64)
j (1, 1) (10, 100) k (1, 1) (10, 1000) l (5, 125) (4, 64)

5 a Find the gradient of the straight line that passes through the points with coordinates
(5a, 2a) and (3a, 6a).
b Find the gradient of the straight line that passes through the points with coordinates
(5a, 2a) and (5b, 2b).

6 a A line has gradient 6 and passes through the points with coordinates (−1, 6) and
(7, a). Find the value of a.
b A line has gradient −6 and passes through the points with coordinates (1, 6) and
(b, 7). Find the value of b.

7 a Find the equation of the line that is parallel to the y-axis and passes through the point
with coordinates (4, 7).
b Find the equation of the line that is parallel to the x-axis and passes through the point
with coordinates (−4, 11).

2.2 The general equation of a straight line

The general equation of a straight line is y = mx + c, where m is the gradient of the line. This
form, expressing the relation in terms of y, is called the gradient form.

Let x = 0, then y = m(0) + c

and thus y=c

i.e. the y-axis intercept is equal to c.

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28 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

Example 4

Find the gradient and y-axis intercept of the graph of y = 3x − 4.

Solution
The value of m is 3 and the value of c is −4.
Therefore the gradient of the above line is 3 and the y-axis intercept is −4.

If the rule of a straight line is given, the graph can be sketched using the gradient and the
y-axis intercept.

Example 5

Sketch the graph of y = 3x − 1.

Solution y
rise 3 2
Gradient = 3, i.e. =
run 1
1
y-axis intercept = −1 3
Plot the point (0, −1), the y-axis intercept. x
–1 0 1
From there move across 1 (run) and up 3 –1
(rise) to plot the point (1, 2). 1

If the equation for the straight line is not written in gradient form, to use the above method for
sketching a graph, the equation must first be transposed into gradient form.

Example 6

Sketch the graph of 3y + 6x = 9.

Solution
First rearrange the equation into gradient form: y

3y + 6x = 9 1
3y = 9 − 6x (Subtract 6x from both sides.) 3
9 − 6x
y= (Divide both sides by 3.) 2 2
3
y = 3 − 2x 1
i.e. y = −2x + 3 x
Therefore m = −2 –1 0 1
and c = 3 –1
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 29

Parallel lines
If the value of m is the same for two rules, then the y
y = 2x + 3
lines are parallel.
4
For example, consider the lines with the following
3 y = 2x – 4
rules: 2
1
y = 2x + 3 0
x
–2 –1 1 2
y = 2x − 4 –2
–3
–4

Exercise 2B
Example 4 1 Sketch the graphs of each of the following:
a y=x+2 b y = −x + 2 c y = 2x + 1 d y = −2x + 1
Example 5 2 Sketch the graphs of each of the following using the gradient form, y = mx + c:
a x+y=1 b x−y=1 c y−x=1 d −x − y = 1

3 Sketch the graphs of each of the following using y = mx + c:

a y=x+3 b y = 3x + 1 1
c y =4− x d y = 3x − 2
2
e 4y + 2x = 12 f 3x + 6y = 12 g 4y − 6x = 24 h 8x − 3y = 24

4 For which of the following pairs of equations are the corresponding lines parallel to each
other? Sketch graphs to show the non-parallel lines.
a 2y = 6x + 4; y = 3x + 4 b x = 4 − y; 2x + 2y = 6
1 2
c 3y − 2x = 12; y + = x d 4y − 3x = 4 3y = 4x − 3
3 3
5 For which of the following do the lines pass through the origin?
a y+x=1 b y + 2x = 2(x + 1) c x+y=0 d x−y=1

6 Give the gradient for each of the lines in Question 5.

2.3 Finding the equation of a straight line

The equation of a straight line may be found if the gradient and y-axis intercept are known.

Example 7

Find the equation if m = −3 and c = 10.

Solution
Equation is y = −3x + 10.
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30 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

Example 8

Find the equation of the straight line with gradient −3 which passes through the point with
coordinates (−5, 10).

Solution
The general equation of lines with gradient −3 is y = −3x + c.
If a point on the line is given the value of c can be determined.
When x = −5, y = 10
Thus 10 = −3 × −5 + c.
Solving for c: 10 − 15 = c
and therefore c = −5. The equation of the line is y = −3x − 5.

Example 9

Find the equation of the straight line with y-axis intercept −3 which passes through the point
with coordinates (1, 10).
Solution
The general equation of lines with y-axis intercept −3 is y = mx − 3.
The line passes through the points with coordinates (0, −3) and (1, 10).
10 − −3
Therefore the gradient m = = 13.
1−0
The equation is y = 13x − 3.

In general the equation of a straight line can be determined by two ‘independent pieces of
information’. Two cases are considered below.
Case 1 Given any two points A(x1 , y1 ) and B(x2 , y2 )
Using these two points, the gradient of the line AB
y
can be determined:
y2 − y1 B(x2, y2)
m=
x2 − x1 P(x, y)
Using the general point P(x, y), also on the line, A(x1, y1)
y − y1 x
m= 0
x − x1
y2 − y1
Therefore the equation of the line is y − y1 = m(x − x1 ) where m =
x2 − x1
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 31

Example 10

Find the equation of the straight line passing through the points (1, −2) and (3, 2).

Solution
y2 − y1 y
m=
x2 − x1
2 − (−2) 2
= (3, 2)
3−1
4 P(x, y)
= x
2 0 1 2 3 4
=2
y − (−2)
∴ 2= –2
x −1 (1, –2)
2x − 2 = y + 2
–4
∴ y = 2x − 4

Case 2 Given the gradient m and one other point, A(x1 , y1 )

As the gradient m is already known, the rule can be found using y − y1 = m(x − x1 )

Example 11

Find the equation of the line that passes through the point (3, 2) and has a gradient of −2.

Solution y

y − 2 = −2(x − 3) 8
y − 2 = −2x + 6
y = −2x + 8
y = −2x + 8 is the equation

which could also be expressed as (3, 2)

2
y + 2x − 8 = 0 1
x
0 1 2 3 4

The equation of a straight line can also be found from the graph by reading off two points and
using them to find the equation as outlined above.
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32 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

Example 12

Find the equation of the line shown in the graph.

Solution
From the graph it can be seen that the y
y-axis intercept is (0, 4), i.e. c = 4.
As the coordinates of A and B are (0, 4) and (2, 0):
4 A
y2 − y1
Gradient m =
x2 − x1 3
0−4
=
2−0 2
4
=− 1
2
= −2 B
x
0 1 2
The equation of the line is y = −2x + 4.

Vertical and horizontal lines

If m = 0, then the line is horizontal and the If the line is vertical, the gradient is
equation is simply y = c, where c is the y-axis undefined and its rule is given as x = a,
intercept. where a is the x-axis intercept.

Note that the equation of a vertical line is not in the form y = mx + c.

Exercise 2C
Example 7 1 a Find the equation of the straight line with gradient 3 and y-axis intercept 5.
b Find the equation of the straight line with gradient −4 and y-axis intercept 6.
c Find the equation of the straight line with gradient 3 and y-axis intercept −4.
Example 8 2 a Find the equation of the straight line with gradient 3 and which passes through the
point with coordinates (6, 7).
b Find the equation of the straight line with gradient −2 and which passes through the
point with coordinates (1, 7).
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 33

Example 9 3 For the straight line with y-axis intercept 6 and passing through the point with coordinates
(1, 8) find:
a the gradient b the equation

4 For the straight line with y-axis intercept 6 and passing through the point with coordinates
(1, 4) find:
a the gradient b the equation

5 Find the equation of the straight line that passes through the point with (1, 6) and has
gradient:
a 2 b −2

6 Find the equation of each of the following lines:

a y b y c y

4 3
2
3 2
1
1
2 x
x –2 –1–10 1 2
1 –3 –2 –1 0 1
x –2
–2 –1 0 1 2
d y e y f y

2 4 4
1 3 3
x 2 2
–1 0 1 2 3 1 1
–1
–2 x x
–2 –1 0 1 2 –2 –1 0 1 2

7 Write another equation that would give a parallel line for each of those shown in
Question 6. Check your answers by sketching graphs.

8 Find the equations of the following straight lines. (Hint: It may help to sketch the graphs.)
3 1
a Gradient , passing through (−6, 5) b Gradient − , passing through (4, −3)
4 2
c Gradient 0, passing through (0, 3) d Gradient 0, passing through (0, −3)

9 Write, in the form y = mx + c, the equations of lines which have the given gradient and
pass through the given point:
1 1
a 1 , (0, 3) b − , (0, 3) c −0.7, (1, 6)
3 2
1 3
d 1 , (4, 3) e − , (4, 3) f −1, (0, 0)
2 4
Example 10 10 Find equations defining the lines which pass through the following pairs of points:
a (0, 4), (6, 0) b (−3, 0), (0, −6) c (0, 4), (4, 2) d (2, 6), (5, 3)
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34 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

11 Find the equations, in the form y = mx + c, of the lines which pass through the following
pairs of points:
a (0, 4), (3, 6) b (1, 0), (4, 2) c (−3, 0), (3, 3)
d (−2, 3), (4, 0) e (−1.5, 2), (4.5, 8) f (−3, 1.75), (4.5, −2)

1 
12 Do the points P(1, −3), Q(2, 1) and R 2 , 3 lie on the same straight line?
2
13 Find the equations defining each of the three sides of the triangle ABC for which the
coordinates of the vertices are A(−2, −1), B(4, 3) and C(6, 0).

2.4 Equation of a straight line in intercept form

and sketching graphs
Often we encounter a linear relation that is not expressed in the form y = mx + c. An
alternative standard notation is
ax + by = c
This is sometimes referred to as the intercept form.
While it is necessary to transpose the equation into gradient form if you wish to find the
gradient, it is often convenient to work with linear relations in the intercept form.

Sketching graphs in intercept form

A convenient way to sketch graphs of straight lines is to plot the two axes intercepts.

Example 15

Sketch the graph of 2x + 4y = 10.

Solution y

x-axis intercept (y = 0): 2x + 4(0) = 10

2.5
x =5
y-axis intercept (x = 0): 2(0) + 4y = 10
y = 2.5 5
x
1 2 3 4

When finding the equation of a straight line, it is also sometimes more convenient to express it
in intercept form.

Example 16

Find the equation, in intercept form, of the line passing through the points A(2, 5) and B(6, 8).

Solution
8−5 3
m= =
6−2 4
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 35

Therefore, using the gradient and the point A(2, 5), we have the equation:
3
y−5= (x − 2)
4
4(y − 5) = 3(x − 2)
4y − 20 = 3x − 6
4y − 3x = 14
−3x + 4y = 14

Straight lines may be sketched by finding the axes intercepts even when the equation is given
in the form y = mx + c.

Example 17

Sketch the graph of y = 2x − 6, by first finding the intercepts.

Solution y
When x = 0, y = −6.
Hence the y-axis intercept is −6.
When y = 0, 2x − 6 = 0
x
∴ 2x = 6 and x = 3 0 3
The x-axis intercept is 3.

–6

Exercise 2D
Example 15 1 For each of the following give the coordinates of the axes intercepts:
a x+y=4 b x−y=4 c −x − y = 6 d y−x=8
Example 16 2 For each of the following find the equation of the straight line graph passing through the
points A and B:
a A(0, 6) and B(3, 0) b A(0, −2) and B(4, 0)
c A(2, 2) and B(6, 6) d A(2, 2) and B(−6, 6)
Example 17 3 For each of the following sketch the graph by first finding the axes intercepts:
a y=x−1 b y=x+2 c y = 2x − 4

4 Sketch the graphs of each of the following linear relations:

a 2x − 3y = 12 b x − 4y = 8 c −3x + 4y = 24
d −5x + 2y = 20 e 4x − 3y = 15 f 7x − 2y = 15
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36 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

5 Find the equations of the straight lines passing through the following pairs of points.
(Express your answer in intercept form.)
a (−1, 4), (2, 3) b (0, 4), (5, −3) c (3, −2), (4, −4) d (5, −2), (8, 9)

6 Transpose from the intercept form to the gradient form and hence state the gradient of each
of the following linear relations:
a 2x − y = 9 b 3x + 4y = 10 c −x − 3y = 6 d 5x − 2y = 4

7 Sketch the graphs of each of the following by first determining the axes intercepts:
a y = 2x − 10 b y = 3x − 9 c y = 5x + 10 d y = −2x + 10

8 A straight line has equation y = 3x − 4. The points with coordinates (0, a), (b, 0), (1, d )
and (e, 10) lie on the line. Find the values of a, b, d and e.

2.5 Linear models

In many practical situations a linear function can be used.

Example 18

Austcom’s rates for local calls from private telephones consist of a quarterly rental fee of $40
plus 25c for every call. Construct a cost function that describes the quarterly telephone bill.

Solution
Let C = cost ($) of quarterly telephone bill C
n = number of calls
then: C = 0.25n + 40 100
As the number of calls is counted in whole 80
numbers only, the domain of this function is 60
N ∪ {0}.
40
Draw the graph of the function
20
C = 0.25n + 40, n ∈ N ∪ {0}
50 100 150 200 n
Note: The graph should be a series of discrete points rather than a continuous line
because n ∈ N ∪ {0}. With the scale used it is not practical to show it correctly.

Example 19

The tyres on a racing car had lost 3 mm of tread after completing 250 km of a race and 4 mm
of tread after completing 1000 km. Assuming that the loss of tread was proportional to the
distance covered, find the total loss of tread, d mm, after s km from the start of the race. What
would be the tread loss by the end of a 2000 km race?
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 37

Solution
d increase d
Gradient m =
s increase (mm)
4−3
= 4
1000 − 250
d increase
1
= 3
750
s increase
1
∴d = s+c
750
0 250 1000 s (km)
When s = 250, d = 3
1
∴ 3= +c
3
2
∴ c=2
3
1 2
Total loss of tread after s km, d =
s+2
750 3
1 2
When s = 2000, d = × 2000 + 2
750 3
2 2
=2 +2
3 3
1
=5
3
1
∴ the loss of tread at the end of a 2000 km race is 5 mm.
3

An important linear relation is the relation between distance travelled and time taken when an
object is travelling with constant speed. If a car travels at 40 km/h, the relationship between
distance travelled (s kilometres) and time taken (t hours) is s = 40t, t ≥ 0. The graph of s
against t is a straight line graph through the origin. The gradient of the graph is 40.

Example 20

A car starts from point A on a highway 10 kilometres past the Wangaratta post office. The car
travels at an average speed of 90 km/h towards picnic stop B, which is 120 kilometres further
on from A. Let t hours be the time after the car leaves point A.
a Find an expression for the distance d1 of the car from the post office at time t hours.
b Find an expression for the distance d2 of the car from point B at time t hours.
c On separate sets of axes sketch the graphs of d1 against t and d2 against t and state the
gradient of each graph.

Solution
a At time t the distance of the car from the post office is 10 + 90t kilometres.
b At time t the distance of the car from B is 120 − 90t kilometres.
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38 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

c d1 d2

4 120
, 130
3

10
O 4 t
O t 3

Gradient = 90 Gradient = −90

Exercise 2E
1 a A train moves at 50 km/h in a straight line away from town. Give a rule for the
distance, d km, from the town at time t hours after leaving the town.
b A train has stopped at a siding 5 km from the town and then moves at 40 km/h in a
straight line away from the siding. Give a rule for the distance, d km, from the town at
time t hours after leaving the siding.

2 a An initially empty container is being filled with water at a rate of 5 litres per minute.
Give a rule for the volume, V litres, of water in the container at time t minutes after the
filling of the container starts.
b A container contains 10 litres of water. Water is then poured in at a rate of 5 litres per
minute. Give a rule for the volume, V litres, of water in the container at time t minutes
after the pouring starts.
Example 18 3 The weekly wage, $w, of a vacuum cleaner salesperson consists of a fixed sum of $350
plus $20 for each cleaner sold. If n cleaners are sold per week, construct a rule that
describes the weekly wage of the salesperson.

4 The reservoir feeding an intravenous drip contains 500 mL of a saline solution. The drip
releases the solution into a patient at the rate of 2.5 mL/minute.
a Construct a rule which relates v, the amount of solution left in the reservoir, to time,
t minutes.
b State the possible values of t and v. c Sketch the graph of the relation.
Example 18 5 The cost ($C) of hiring a taxi consists of two elements, a fixed flagfall and an amount that
varies with the number (n) of kilometres travelled. If the flagfall is $2.60 and the cost per
kilometre is $1.50, determine a rule which gives C in terms of n.

6 A car rental company charges $85, plus an additional amount of 24c per kilometre.
a Write a rule to determine the total charge $C for hiring a car and travelling
x kilometres.
b What would be the cost to travel 250 kilometres?
Example 20 7 Two towns A and B are 200 km apart. A man leaves town A and drives at a speed of
5 km/h towards town B. Find the distance of the man from town B at time t hours after
leaving town A.
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 39

8 The following table shows the extension of a spring when weights are attached to it.

x, extension (cm) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

w, weight (g) 50 50.2 50.4 50.6 50.8 51.0 51.2

a Sketch a graph to show the relationship between x and w.

b Write a rule that describes the graph.
c What will be the extension if w = 52.5 g?

9 A printing firm charges $35 for printing 600 sheets of headed notepaper and $47 for
printing 800 sheets.
a Find a formula, assuming the relationship is linear, for the charge, $C, in terms of
number of sheets printed, n.
b How much would they charge for printing 1000 sheets?

10 An electronic bankteller registered $775 after it had counted 120 notes and $975 after it
had counted 160 notes.
a Find a formula for the sum registered ($C) in terms of the number of notes (n) counted.
b Was there a sum already on the register when counting began?
c If so, how much?

2.6 Problems involving simultaneous

linear models
Example 21

There are two possible methods for paying gas bills.

Method A: A fixed charge of $25 per quarter + 50c per unit of gas used
Method B: A fixed charge of $50 per quarter + 25c per unit of gas used
Determine the number of units which must be used before method B becomes cheaper than
method A.

Solution
Let C1 = charge in $ using method A C ($)
C2 = charge in $ using method B C1 = 0.5x + 25
100
x = number of units of gas used
Now C1 = 25 + 0.5x C2 = 0.25x + 50
C2 = 50 + 0.25x 50

It can be seen from the graph that if the 25

number of units exceeds 100 method B
is cheaper. 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 x (units)
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40 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

The solution can be obtained by solving simultaneous linear equations:

C1 = C2
25 + 0.5x = 50 + 0.25x
0.25x = 25
x = 100

Example 22

Robyn and Cheryl race over 100 metres. Robyn runs so that it takes a seconds to run 1 metre
and Cheryl runs so that it takes b seconds to run 1 metre. Cheryl wins the race by 1 second.
The next day they again race over 100 metres but Cheryl gives Robyn a 5 metre start so that
Robyn runs 95 metres. Cheryl wins this race by 0.4 second. Find the values of a and b and the
speed at which Robyn runs.

Solution
For the first race: time for Robyn − time for Cheryl = 1 s
100a − 100b = 1 (1)
For the second race: time for Robyn − time for Cheryl = 0.4 s
95a − 100b = 0.4 (2)
Subtract (2) from (1). Hence 5a = 0.6 and a = 0.12.
Substitute in (1) to find b = 0.11.
1 25
Robyn’s speed = = metres per second.
0.12 3

Exercise 2F
1 Two bicycle hire companies have different charges. Company A charges $C, according to
the rule C = 10t + 20, where t is the time in hours for which a bicycle is hired. Company B
charges $C, according to the rule C = 8t + 30.
a Sketch each of the graphs on the same set of axes.
b Find the time, t, for which the charge of both companies is the same.

2 The distances, dA km and dB km, of cyclists A and B travelling along a straight road from a
town hall step are given respectively by dA = 10t + 15 and dB = 20t + 5, where t is the
time in hours after 1.00 pm.
a Sketch each of the graphs on the one set of axes.
b Find the time in hours at which the two cyclists are at the same distance from the town
hall step.

3 A helicopter can be hired for $210 per day plus a distance charge of $1.60 per km or,
alternatively, at a fixed charge of $330 per day for an unlimited distance.
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 41

a For each of the methods of hiring, find an expression for cost, $C, in terms of x km, the
distance travelled.
b On one set of axes, draw the graph of cost versus distance travelled for each of the
methods.
Example 21 c Determine for what distances the fixed-charge method is cheaper.

4 Three power boats in a 500 km handicap race leave at 5 hourly intervals. Boat A leaves first
and has a speed for the race of 20 km/h. Boat B leaves 5 hours later and travels at an
average speed of 25 km/h. Boat C leaves last, 5 hours after B, and completes the race at a
speed of 40 km/h.
a Draw a graph of each boat’s journey on the same set of axes.
b Use your graphs to find the winner of the race.
c Check your answer algebraically.
d Write a short description of what happened to each boat in the race.

5 If the line OT has the equation y

3
y = − x and the line HT has the
4
3
equation y = x − 12, determine the
2
point over which both craft would pass. 10
x
O

T Trawler

–10 H Hovercraft

Scale: 1 unit = 1 nautical mile

6 A school wishes to take some of its students on an excursion. If they travel by tram it will
cost the school $2.80 per student. Alternatively, the school can hire a bus at a cost of $54
for the day plus a charge of $1 per student.
a For each mode of transport, write an expression for the cost ($C ) of transport in terms
of the number of students (x).
b On one set of axes, draw the graph of cost, $C, versus number of students, x, for each
mode of transport.
Example 21 c Determine for how many students it will be more economical to hire the bus.

7 Anne and Maureen live in towns that are 57 km apart. Anne sets out at 9.00 am one day to
ride her bike to Maureen’s town at a constant speed of 20 km/h. At the same time Maureen
sets out to ride to Anne’s town at a constant speed of 18 km/h.
a Write down a rule for the distance, d km, that each of them is from Anne’s place at a
time t minutes after 9.00 am.
b On the same set of axes, draw graphs of the distance, d km, versus time, t minutes after
9.00 am, for each cyclist.
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42 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

c Find the time at which they will meet.

d How far has each of them travelled when they meet?
Example 22
8 John and Michael race over 50 metres. John runs so that it takes at a seconds to run 1 metre
and Michael runs so that it takes b seconds to run 1 metre. Michael wins the race by
1 second. The next day they again race over 50 metres but Michael gives John a 3 metre
start so that John runs 47 metres. Michael wins this race by 0.1 second. Find the values
of a and b and the speed at which Michael runs.

2.7 The tangent of the angle of slope and

perpendicular lines
From year 10 you will be familiar with the trigonometric ratio
opposite
tan
=
adjacent opposite
The gradient, m, of a straight line is given by
θ
y2 − y1
m= (x2 = x1 ) adjacent
x2 − x1
It therefore follows that m = tan
, where
is the angle that the line makes with the positive
direction of the x-axis.

y y
B(x2, y2)
x2 – x 1
y2 – y 1
A(x1, y1) θ A(x1, y1)
y2 – y 1
x2 – x1
B(x2, y2)
θ
θ
x x
0 0

If m is positive,
will be an acute angle. If m is negative,
will be an obtuse angle.

It follows that the value of m in the general equation of a straight line y = mx + c gives the
value of the tangent of the angle made by the line and the x-axis.

Example 23

Determine the gradient of the line passing through the given points and the angle the line
makes with the positive direction of the x-axis for:
a (3, 2) and (5, 7) b (5, −3) and (−1, 5)
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 43

Solution
7−2 5 − (−3)
a m= b m=
5−3 −1 − 5
= 2.5 8
=−
Tangent of angle = 2.5 6
∴ Angle = 68.20◦ Tangent of angle = −
4
3
This implies the angle is obtuse
∴ angle = 180◦ − (53.130 . . .)◦
= 126.87◦

Example 24

Find the magnitude of the angle each of the following make with the positive direction of the
x-axis:
a y = 2x + 3 b 3y = 3x − 6 c y = −0.3x + 1.5

Solution
a y = 2x + 3 b 3y = 3x − 6
Gradient = 2 y = x −2
∴ Tangent of angle = 2 Gradient = 1
giving an angle of 63.43◦ (63◦ 26 ) ∴ Tangent of angle = 1
giving an angle of 45◦

c y = −0.3x + 1.5
Gradient = −0.3
∴ Tangent of angle = −0.3
giving an angle of (180 − 16.7)◦ with the positive direction of the x-axis
= 163.3◦ (163◦ 18 )

Perpendicular lines
Multiplying the gradients of two perpendicular y
straight lines leads to a useful result. (2) (1)

Gradient of (1) = tan
D

a
=
b α θ
= m1 a
Gradient of (2) = m 2 α
a θ
x
=− 0 E b F c
c
= −tan 
b
=− (from
DEF)
a
1
=−
m1
∴ m 1 m 2 = −1
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44 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

If two straight lines are perpendicular, the product of their gradients is −1.
Conversely, if the product of the gradients of two lines is −1, then the two lines are
perpendicular.
Note: This result holds if one of the two lines is not parallel to an axis.

Example 25

Find the equation of the straight line which passes through (1, 2) and is:
a parallel to the line with equation 2x − y = 4
b perpendicular to the line with equation 2x − y = 4.

Solution
The equation 2x − y = 4 can be rearranged to y = 2x − 4. Hence the gradient of the
line can be seen to be 2.
a Therefore the gradient of any line parallel to this line is 2.
The equation of the straight line with this gradient and passing through the
point with coordinates (1, 2) is
y − 2 = 2(x − 1)
Therefore y = 2x is the equation of the line which passes through (1, 2) and is
parallel to the line with equation 2x − y = 4.
b The gradient of any line perpendicular to the line with equation
1
y = 2x − 4 is − .
2
The equation of the straight line with this gradient and passing through the
point with coordinates (1, 2) is
1
y − 2 = − (x − 1)
2
Therefore 2y − 4 = −x + 1 and equivalently 2y + x = 5.
Therefore 2y + x = 5 is the equation of the line which passes through (1, 2)
and is perpendicular to the line with equation 2x −y = 4.

Example 26

1
The coordinates of the vertices of a triangle ABC are A(0, −1), B(2, 3) and C 3, −2 . Show
2
that the side AB is perpendicular to side AC.

Solution
Note: mAB = the gradient of the line AB.
3 − (−1)
mAB =
2−0
4
=
2
=2
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 45

1
−2 − (−1)
mAC = 2
3−0
1
−1
= 2
3
1
=−
2
1
Since mAB × mAC = 2 × − = −1, the lines AB and AC are perpendicular
2
to each other.

Exercise 2G
1 Find the angle that the lines joining the given points make with the positive direction of the
x-axis:
a (0, 3), (3, 0) b (0, −4), (4, 0) c (0, 2), (−4, 0) d (0, −5), (−5, 0)

2 Find the magnitude of the angle made by each of the following with the positive direction
of the x-axis:
a y=x b y = −x c y=x+1
d x+y=1 e y = 2x f y = −2x
Example 23 3 Find the angle that the lines joining the given points make with the positive direction of the
x-axis:
a (−4, −2), (6, 8) b (2, 6), (−2, 4) c (−3, 4), (6, 1)
d (−4, −3), (2, 4) e (3b, a), (3a, b) f (c, b), (b, c)
Example 24 4 Find the magnitude of the angle made by each of the following with the positive direction
of the x-axis:
a y = 3x + 2 b 2y = −2x + 1 c 2y − 2x = 6 d 3y + x = 7

5 If the points A, B and C have the coordinates A(5, 2), B(2, −3) and C(−8, 3), show that the
triangle ABC is a right-angled triangle.

6 Show that RSTU is a rectangle if the coordinates of the vertices are respectively R(2, 6),
S(6, 4), T(2, −4) and U(−2, −2).
Example 25 7 Find the equation of the straight line which passes through the point (1, 4) and is
1
perpendicular to the line with equation y = − x + 6.
2
8 Find the equation of the straight line which passes through (4, −2) and is:
a parallel to the line with equation 2x − 3y = 4
b perpendicular to the line with equation 2x − 3y = 4.
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46 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

9 Given that the lines 4x − 3y = 10 and 4x − ly = m are perpendicular and intersect at the
point (4, 2), find the values of l and m.

2.8 The distance between two points

The distance between the given points A(x1 , y1 ) and B(x2 , y2 ) can be found by applying the
Theorem of Pythagoras to triangle ABC: y
AB2 = AC 2 + BC 2 B(x2, y2)
= (x2 − x1 )2 + (y2 − y1 )2
y2 – y 1
∴ The distance between the two points A and B is A(x1, y1)
 x2 – x 1 C
AB = (x2 − x1 )2 + ( y2 − y1 )2
x
0

Example 27

Calculate the distance EF if E is (−3, 2) and F is (4, −2).

Solution y

EF = (x2 − x1 )2 + (y2 − y1 )2 E
 2
= (4 − (−3))2 + (−2 − 2)2 1

= 72 + (−4)2 x
√ –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4
= 65 –1
= 8.06 (to 2 decimal places) –2
F

Exercise 2H
Example 27 1 Find the distance between each of the following (correct to 2 decimal places):
a (3, 6) and (−4, 5) b (4, 1) and (5, −3)
c (−2, −3) and (−5, −8) d (6, 4) and (−7, 4)

2 Calculate the perimeter of a triangle with vertices (−3, −4), (1, 5) and (7, −2).

3 There is an off-shore oil drilling platform in Bass Strait situated at D(0, 6), where
1 unit = 5 km. Pipes for this oil drill come ashore at M(−6, 1) and N(3, −1). Assuming the
pipelines are straight, which is the shorter DM or DN ?
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 47

2.9 Midpoint of a line segment

Let P(x, y) be the midpoint of the line segment joining A(x1 , y1 ) and B(x2 , y2 ). The triangles
APC and PBD are congruent.
y
AC = PD and PC = BD
B(x2, y2)
∴ x − x1 = x2 − x y − y1 = y2 − y
y2 – y
2x = x1 + x2 2y = y1 + y2
P(x, y)
x1 + x2 y1 + y2
x= y= x2 – x D
2 2 y – y1
A(x1, y1)
To find the midpoint (x, y)
x – x1 C
x1 + x2 y1 + y2
x= and y =
2 2 x
0

Example 28

Find the midpoint of the line segment joining A(2, 6) with B(−3, −4).

Solution    
2 + −3 6 + −4 1
Midpoint of line segment AB has coordinates , = − ,1 .
2 2 2

Exercise 2I
Example 28 1 Find the coordinates of M, the midpoint of AB, where A and B have the following
coordinates:
a A(2, 12), B(8, 4) b A(−3, 5), B(4, −4)
c A(−1.6, 3.4), B(4.8, −2) d A(3.6, −2.8), B(−5, 4.5)

2 Find the midpoints of each of the sides of a triangle ABC, where A is (1, 1), B is (5, 5) and
C is (11, 2).

3 The secretary of a motorcross club wants to organise km

two meetings on the same weekend. One is a hill 14 N

climb starting from point A(3.1, 7.1) and the other 12 Scale
is a circuit event with the start at B(8.9, 10.5), as 1cm = 2 km B
10
shown on the map. Only one ambulance can be
+ C
provided. The ambulance can be called up by radio, 8
A
so it is decided to keep it at C, halfway between A
6
and B. What are the coordinates of C?
4

2 D 4 6 E 8 F 10 km
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48 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

4 The diagram shows the four y

points A(6, 6), B(10, 2),
C(−1, 5) and D(−7, 1). 8
a If the midpoint of AB is P A
C
and the midpoint of CD is
4
M, calculate the distance PM. B
D
b Does the line joining these
x
midpoints pass through

1  –8 –4 0 4 8
0, 3 ?
4
5 If M is the midpoint of XY, find the coordinates of Y when X and M have the following
values:
a X(−4, 2), M(0, 3) b X(−1, −3), M(0.5, −1.6)
c X(6, −3), M(2, 1) d X(4, −3), M(0, −3)

6 Find the coordinates of the midpoint of the line joining (1, 4) and (a, b), in terms of a and
b. If (5, −1) is the midpoint find the values of a and b.

2.10 Angle between intersecting lines

It is possible to use coordinate geometry y
to find the angle between two intersecting C B
lines.
Let  = angle between the intersecting
α
lines AB and CD.

1 = angle between the positive direction θ1 θ2
of the x-axis and the line AB. x
0

2 = angle between the positive direction A D
of the x-axis and the line CD.
Then
1 +  =
2 . (The exterior angle of a triangle equals the sum of the two opposite
interior angles.)

∴  =
2 −
1
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 49

Example 29

Find the two angles between the intersecting lines 3y + 2x = 6 and y = x + 1. Sketch each line
and label the angles.

Solution
To find
1 y

y = x +1
∴ m =1 C B
tan
1 =1 2
β

1 = 45◦
1
To find
2 α
θ2
θ1
3y + 2x = 6 x
–1 0 1 2 3
3y = −2x + 6 A D
2
y =− x +2
3
2
∴ m=−
3
= −0.6667
∴ tan
2 = −0.6667

2 = 180◦ − 33◦ 41
= 146◦ 19
∴  =
2 −
1
= 146◦ 19 − 45◦
= 101◦ 19
 = 180 − 101◦ 19
= 78◦ 41

Exercise 2J
Example 29 1 Find the acute angle between each of the following pairs of straight lines:
3
a With gradients 3 and b With gradients –2 and 3
4
2 3
c With gradients and − d With equations 2y = 8x + 10 and 3x − 6y = 22
3 2
e With equations 4x − 3y = 5 and 2x − 4y = 9
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Review 50 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

Chapter summary
y
Gradient of a straight line joining two points:
B(x2, y2)
y2 − y1
Gradient m =
x2 − x1
A(x1, y1)
x
0
The general equation of a straight line is
y = mx + c
where m is the gradient and c is the value of the intercept on the y-axis.
Equation of a line passing through a given y

point (x1 , y1 ) and having a gradient m is P(x, y)

y − y1 = m(x −x1 )
A(x1, y1)
x
0
Equation of a line passing through two given
y
points (x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ) is
B(x2, y2)
y − y1 = m(x −x1 ) (x, y)
A(x1, y1)
y2 − y1 x
where m = . 0
x2 − x1
Simultaneous equations can be solved graphically by drawing the graph of each
equation on the same set of axes. The point at which the lines intersect, (x, y), gives
the x- and y-values that satisfy both equations.
The tangent of the angle of slope (
) can be found with
y2 − y1
tan
=
x2 − x1
where
is the angle the line makes with the positive direction of the x-axis.
If two straight lines are perpendicular to each other the product of their gradients is −1.
m1 m 2 = −1
y
Distance between 2 points A and B is


AB = (x2 − x1 )2 + (y2 − y1 )2 B(x2, y2)
x
0
A(x1, y1)  
x1 + x2 y1 + y2
The midpoint of a straight line joining (x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ) is the point , .
2 2
The angle, , between intersecting straight lines: y

 =
2 −
1
α θ2
θ1
x
0
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 51

Review
Multiple-choice questions

1 The gradient of the line passing through the points (5, −8) and (6, −10) is
1 1 1 3
A −2 B − C D − E
2 2 18 2
2 The gradient of the line passing through points (4a, 2a) and (9a, −3a) is
A a B −5a C 1 D −5 E −1
3 The equation of a straight line with gradient 3 and passing through the point (1, 9) is
A y=x+9 B y = 3x + 9 C y = 3x + 6
1 1
D y=− x+1 E y=− x+6
3 3
4 A straight line passes through the points (2, –6) and (–2, –14). The equation of the line is
1 1
A y=x−8 B y= x−7 C y = x − 10
2 2
1
D y = 2x − 10 E y=− x−8
2
5 The line with equation y = 2x − 6 passes through the point (a, 2). The value of a is
A 2 B 4 C 5 D −4 E −2
6 The relation with graph as shown has rule y
1
A y = −3x − 3 B y=− x−3
3 x
1 0 1
C y= x−3 D y = 3x + 3
3
–3
E y = 3x − 3
7 The coordinates of the midpoint of AB, where
A has coordinates (4, 12) and B has coordinates (6, 2), are
A (4, 8) B (4.5, 8) C (5, 8) D (5, 7) E (1, 5)
8 If two lines 5x − y + 7 = 0 and ax + 2y − 11 = 0 are parallel then a equals
1
A −5 B 5 C −10 D 10 E −
2
9 (6, 3) is the midpoint of the line joining the points (−4, y) and (x, −6). The value of x + y is
A 0 B 16 C 20 D −10 E 28
10 The cost ($C) of hiring a car is given by the formula C = 2.5x + 65, where x is the number
of kilometres travelled. A person is charged $750 for the hire of the car. The number of
kilometres travelled was
A 65 B 145 C 160 D 200 E 274

Short-answer questions (technology-free)

1 Find the gradients of the lines joining each of the following pairs of points:
a (4, 3) and (8, 12) b (−3, 4) and (8, −6) c (2, 1) and (2, 9)
d (0, a) and (a, 0) e (0, 0) and (a, b) f (0, b) and (a, 0)
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Review 52 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

2 Find the equation of the straight line of gradient 4 which passes through the point with
coordinates:
a (0, 0) b (0, 5) c (1, 6) d (3, 7)
3 a The point (1, a) lies on the line with equation y = 3x − 5. Find the value of a.
b The point (b, 15) lies on the line with equation y = 3x − 5. Find the value of b.
4 Find the equation of the straight line joining the points (−5, 2) and (3, −4).
2
5 Find the equation of the straight line of gradient − , which passes through (−4, 1).
3
6 The straight line with equation ax + by = c passes through the points (2, 4) and (−3, 1).
Find the values of a, b and c.
7 Write down the equation of the straight line that:
a passes through (5, 11) and is parallel to the x-axis
b passes through (0, −10) and is parallel to the line with equation y = 6x + 3
c passes through the point (0, −1) and is perpendicular to the line with equation
3x − 2y + 5 = 0
8 Find the length and the coordinates of the midpoint of the line segment joining each of the
following pairs of points:
a A(1, 2) and B(5, 2) b A(−4, −2) and B(3, −7) c A(3, 4) and B(7, 1)
9 Find the equation of a straight line which passes through the point (2, 3) and is inclined at
30◦ to the positive direction of the x-axis.
10 Find the equation of the straight line which passes through the point (−2, 3) and makes an
angle of 135◦ with the positive direction of the x-axis.
11 Find the angle between the straight line 3x − 2y = 4 and the line joining the points
(−2, −1) and (4, 1).

Extended-response questions

1 The table below shows different shoe sizes and their corresponding lengths in millimetres, to
the nearest millimetre.

1 1 1 1
Shoe size, S 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4
2 2 2 2

Length in mm, l 220 224 229 233 237 241 246 250

1 1 1
Shoe size, S 5 5 6 6 7 7 8
2 2 2

Length in mm, l 254 258 263 267 271 275 279

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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 53

Review
a Plot a graph to show the approximate linear relationship between S and l.
b Write the formula which describes this linear relationship.

European ‘continental’ shoe sizes are different and are shown in the new table below.

Continental shoe size, C 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

Length in mm, l 220 227 233 240 247 253 260 267 273

c Plot a graph to show the approximate linear relationship of C against l.

d Write a rule which describes this linear relationship.
2 The cost of hiring a motor cruiser consists of a down payment of $100 and a running charge
of $20 per day, or part of a day. The cost of fuel is $5.50 per day. There is also a charge of
$10 for filling the freshwater tanks and charging the batteries. Food for a cruise of n days
costs $12.50 per day.
a Express C, the total cost in $, of hiring the cruiser for n days (all costs to be included).
b For how many days can a cruiser be hired if the cost of a cruise is to be no more than
$600?
c A rival company has a fixed rate of $60 per day. For how many days would it be cheaper
to hire from this company?
3 The cost of fitting a new plug and cable for an electric drill is $C, when the length of the
cable is x metres and C = 4.5 + 1.8x.
a What meaning could be given for the constant term 4.5?
b What could be the meaning of the coefficient 1.8?
c What would be the gradient of the graph of C against x?
d What length of cable would give a total cost of $24.50?
4 The profit made on a single journey of an Easyride bus tour is $P, when there are x empty
seats and P = 1020 − 24x.
a What do you think is the meaning of the constant term 1020?
b What is the least number of empty seats which would result in a loss on a single journey?
c Suggest a meaning for the coefficient 24.
5 A quarterly electricity bill shows the following charges:
For the first 50 kWh (kilowatt hours): 9.10c per kWh
For the next 150 kWh: 5.80c per kWh
Thereafter: 3.56c per kWh
a Write down a formula relating cost, $C, to n, the number of kWh of electricity used:
i for the first 50 kWh ii for the next 150 kWh iii for more than 200 kWh
b Draw a graph of C against n. Use the graph, or otherwise, to determine the charges for
i 30 kWh ii 90 kWh iii 300 kWh
c How much electricity could be used for a cost of $20?
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Review 54 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

6 O is the position of the air traffic control tower at an airport. y Scale:

1 unit = 1 km
An aircraft travelling in a straight line is identified at A
10 N
A(2, 10) and again at B(8, –4).
a What is the equation that describes the flight path
x
of the aircraft? O 2 8
b How far south of O is the aircraft when x = 15 km? Sea –4 B

7 A construction company estimates that for every 1% of air left in concrete as it is being
laid the strength of the hardened concrete decreases by 7%. Let x represent the percentage
of air in the concrete (by volume), and the strength of the concrete be s units, where
s = 100 when x = 0.
a Write a linear model for s in terms of x. b Sketch a graph of s against x.
c Calculate how much air can be allowed to remain in the concrete for a strength of at
least 95%.
d Estimate how much air the concrete will contain at 0% strength.
e Is the model sensible at 0% strength?
f State the possible values of x.
8 The diagram shows a plan view of a paddock over y
which a cartesian framework has been superimposed. Scale:
1 unit = 10 m
From an observation point O a rabbit has been
spotted, first at A(0, 2) and then at B(4, 6). A fox irrigation channel
is seen at C(3, 0) and later at D(5, 4). 10
a Find the equations defining AB and CD.
B
b Assuming that both the rabbit and the fox 5
were running along straight lines, calculate D
whether the fox’s path would cross the rabbit’s A
track before the irrigation channel. x
O C 4 8
9 The diagram shows the side view of a rough,
uncut diamond fixed in position on a computer- y
controlled cutting machine. The diamond is held
Scale:
at the points A(–4.5, 2), B(0.25, 7), C(5, 1.5) 8 B 1 unit = 2 mm
and D(1.5, 0). The units are in millimetres. V
a If a straight cut is made joining A and B, 6
find the y-coordinate of the point V at
4
which the cut will cross the vertical axis.
b Find the equation of the line joining
A 2 C
V and C.
c Would the cuts AB and VC be equally D
x
inclined to the vertical axis? Explain –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5
your answer.
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 55

Review
y
10 A new light beacon is proposed at P(4, –75)
for air traffic flying into an airport located at O
O(0, 0). It is intended that the aircraft should x
20 Q 40
follow a course over beacons at P and Q(36, –4),
turning at Q towards the runway at O. –20
a Would a direct line from P to Q pass directly
H N
over a hospital located at H(20, –36)? –40
b If not, state how far east or west of H the
aircraft would be when the y-coordinate of –60
Scale:
an aircraft’s flight path is –36. 1 unit = 1 km
P
–80

11 The map shows an area where it is proposed to construct a new airport. It is thought that the
main runway of the airport will have one end of its centre line at A(48, 10), but the position
of the other end of this line, B, has not been decided. There is a light aircraft airport at
E(68, 35) and a radio beacon at C(88, –10).
y
a What is the equation that will define Scale: 1 unit = 1 km
the new runway if aircraft coming 40 N E
in to land from the east must be on
30
the extended central line of the new D
runway when they are 5 km due 20 B
south of E? 10
A
b If B is to be 8 km to the east 0 x
of A, what will be its coordinates? 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
–10
c A marker beacon is to be built at C
D(68, 30) and it is proposed that –20
several auxiliary beacons should be
placed on the line CD. What is the equation defining the line CD?
d If one of the auxiliary beacons is to be placed due east of A, what are the coordinates of
its position?
12 A silversmith is making a piece of jewellery consisting of a set of hollow tubular pieces of
silver that can slide in and out over each other. Each tube is a circular cylinder made by
soldering together the ends of a
closed partially extended
rectangular strip of silver. The
diameters of the cylinders increase
in equal steps.

first cylinder last cylinder

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Review 56 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

The length of the strip of silver used for the smallest innermost cylinder is 10 mm. The
largest is the eighteenth cylinder and requires a strip of silver 61 mm long.
a Find a formula for the length L of the nth strip.
b Draw a graph to enable the lengths of the intermediate strips to be read off.
13 Wheelrite, a small company that manufactures garden wheelbarrows, has overhead expenses
of $30 000 per year. In addition, it costs $40 to manufacture each wheelbarrow.
a Write a rule which determines the total cost, $C, of manufacturing x wheelbarrows per
year.
b If the annual production is 6000 wheelbarrows, what is the overall cost per wheelbarrow?
c How many wheelbarrows must be made so that the overall cost is $46 per wheelbarrow?
d Wheelrite sells wheelbarrows to retailers for $80 each. Write a rule which determines the
revenue, $R, from the sale of x wheelbarrows to retailers.
e Plot the graphs for C and R against x on the same axes.
f What is the minimum number of wheelbarrows that must be produced for Wheelrite to
make a profit each year?
g Write a rule which determines the profit, $P, from the manufacture and sale of x number
of wheelbarrows.
14 An electricity supply authority is offering customers a choice of two methods of paying
electricity bills. Method 1 involves payment annually and Method 2 involves payment each
quarter (that is every three months). The charges for each method are as follows:

Method 1 – per year Method 2 – per quarter

Fixed charge $100 Fixed charge $27.50
Price per unit $0.08125 Price per unit $0.075

a Suppose Customer A used 1560 units of electricity in a year. Calculate which is the
cheaper method of payment.
b Copy and then complete the following table:

Number of units of electricity

0 1000 2000 3000

Cost ($) calculated by Method 1

Cost ($) calculated by Method 2

c Use these values to plot graphs of the costs for each method of paying for electricity.
Clearly indicate the approximate number of units of electricity for which the cost is the
same for each method of payment.
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Chapter 2 — Linear Relations 57

Review
d If C1 is the cost by Method 1, C2 is the cost by Method 2, and x is the number of units of
electricity used in a year, write down the two formulae which show the cost of x units
calculated by each method. Use these formulae to calculate the exact number of units for
which the cost is the same by each method.
15 In a metal fabricating yard which has been flooded by overflow from a local river, a large
steel frame (see diagram) has been partly submerged. The ends A, B, C and D are the only
parts visible above the level of the flood water.

y (m)
B 20 B

A C 15 A
D 10
C
M 5
D
0 5 10 15 20 25 x (m)

The coordinates of the ends relative to an overhead crane are A(10, 16), B(16, 20),
C(24, 8) and D(18, 4). The overhead crane moves east–west along its rail, and the distance
east from a point O(0, 0) is denoted by x. The crane’s hook moves north–south across the
frame and the distance to the north of the south rail is denoted by y. Units are in metres.
The steel frame is to be raised out of the water by lifting it at the midpoint, M, of its middle
section.
a Find the coordinates, x and y, of the point to which the hook must be moved so that it will
be directly above the midpoint, M, of the steel frame.
b In order to minimise the risk of the hook slipping, the hook will be moved slowly along a
line parallel to AB. Find the equation of the line along which the hook will be moved.
16 The diagram shows part of a micro-electronics circuit, as seen through a magnifying glass;
the circuit has been etched onto a chip of plated silica. The four points A, B, C and D stand
away from the chip itself. A is (100, 60), B is (200, 100), C is (160, 200), D is (60, 160).
1
Units are in mm.
25
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Review 58 Essential Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

The unit S is a moveable micro-soldering unit, its tip being at P(0, 120). It is desired to
program the tip of the soldering iron, P, to solder wires to the points A, B, C and D, moving
along the broken lines as shown in the graph.
y
y

C C

D D
S P
P
120 120
B
B
A A
x
100
x
100
1
Scale: 1 unit = mm
25
a Find equations for the lines defining each section of the path along which P must be
programmed to move.
b Will any of the turns be through right angles? Explain.
17 The diagram shows a quadrilateral. Angle BAD is y
a right angle and C lies on the perpendicular A(2, 8)
bisector of AB. The equation of the line through
B(8, 6)
points B and C is 3y = 4x − 14.
Find:
a the equation of the line through
points A and D 3y = 4x – 14
D
b the coordinates of D
c the equation of the perpendicular bisector
x
of AB 0
d the coordinates of C
C
e the area of triangle ADC
f the area of the quadrilateral ABCD.