34 Mathematics VIII

Chapter
2
Linear Equations in One Variable

2.0 Introduction

Sagar and Latha are playing with numbers. Sagar tells Latha “I think
of a number. If I double it and take 7 away I get 35. Can you tell the
number that I thought of ” ?
Latha thinks for a while and tells the answer. Can you too tell the
answer?
Let us see how Latha told the answer.
Let the number be ‘x’. By doubling it we get ‘2x’
Next 7 was taken away i.e., 7 was subtracted from ‘2x’. After subtraction
the resulting number is 2x − 7 Trick
But according to Sagar it is equal to 35 Take the final result. Add 7 to
2x − 7 = 35 it and then halve the result.
⇒
∴ 2x = 35 + 7 (Transposing 7 to RHS) Note
2x = 42 When we transpose terms
‘+’ quantity becomes ‘−’ quantity
42
∴ x = (Transposing 2 to RHS) ‘−’ quantity becomes ‘+’ quantity
2
‘×’ quantity becomes ‘÷’ quantity
∴ x = 21
‘÷’ quantity becomes ‘×’ quantity
∴ The number that Sagar thought of is 21.

We learnt in earlier classes that 2x − 7 = 35 is an example of an equation. By solving this

equation in the above method, Latha was able to find the number that Sagar thought of.
In this chapter we will discuss about linear equations in one variable or simple equations, technique
of solving such equations and its application in daily life problems.

Let us briefly revise what we know about equations:

2x − 7 = 35
(i) An algebraic equation is equality of algebraic expressions
involving variables and constants
L.H.S R.H.S
 Linear Equations in One Variable 35

(ii) It has an equality sign 2x − 7 = 35 is true

(iii) The expression on the left of the equality sign for x = 21 only
i.e., if x = 21
is called the L.H.S (Left Hand Side) of the equation
LHS = 2x − 7
(iv) The expression on the right of the equality sign = 2 × 21 − 7
is called R.H.S (Right Hand Side) of the equation = 35
(v) In an equation, the values of LHS and RHS are equal. = RHS

This happens to be true only for certain value of the ∴ Solution is x = 21

Variable. This value is called the solution of the equation.

2.1 Linear Equations

Consider the following equations:

(1) 2x − 7 = 35 (2) 2x + 2y = 48 (3) 4x − 1= 2x + 5 (4) x2 + y = z
Degree of each equation (1), (2) and (3) is one. So they are called linear equations. While
degree of equation (4) is not one. So it is not a linear equation.
So equations (1), (2) and (3) are examples of linear equations. Since the degree of the fourth
equation is not one, it is not a linear equation.

Do This:

Which of the following are linear equations:

(i) 4x + 6 = 8 (ii) 4x − 5y = 9 (iii) 5x2 + 6xy − 4y2 = 16
(iv) xy + yz + zx = 11 (v) 3x + 2y − 6 = 0 (vi) 3 = 2x + y
(vii) 7p + 6q + 13s = 11

2.2 Simple equations or Linear equations in one variable:

Consider the following equations:

(i) 2x – 7 = 35 (ii) 4x – 1 = 2x + 5 (iii) 2x + 2y = 48
We have just learnt that these are examples of linear equations. Observe the number of variable
in each equation.

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 36 Mathematics VIII

(i) and (ii) are examples of linear equations in one variable. But the (iii) equation has two variables
‘x’ and ‘y’. So this is called linear equation in two variables.
Thus an equation of the form ax + b = 0 or ax = b where a, b are constants and a ≠ 0 is called
linear equation in one variable or simple equation.

Do This:

Which of the following are simple equations?

(i) 3x + 5 = 14 (ii) 3x − 6 = x + 2 (iii) 3 = 2x + y

x
(iv) +5=0 (v) x2 + 5x + 3 = 0 (vi) 5m − 6n = 0
3
(vii) 7p + 6q +13s = 11 (viii) 13t − 26 = 39

2.3 Solving Simple equation having the variable on one side

Let us recall the technique of solving simple equations (having the variable on one side). Using
the same technique Latha was able to solve the puzzle and tell the number that Sagar thought of.
Example 1: Solve the equation 3y + 39 =8 Say True or false? Justify
Solution: Given equation : 3y + 39= 8 your answer?
While solving an equation
3y = 8 – 39 (Transposing 39 to RHS)
Kavya does the following:
3y = –31 3x + x + 5x = 72
−31 9x = 72 x = 72 × 9 = 648
y= (Transposing 3 to RHS)
3
Where has she gone wrong?
−31
∴ The solution of 3y + 39 = 8 is y = Find the correct answer?
3
−31
Do you notice that the solution ( ) is a rational number?
3
−31
Check: LHS = 3y + 39 = 3 ( ) + 39 = –31 + 39 = 8 RHS
3
7
Example 2: Solve − p = 11
4

7
Solution: − p = 11
4
 Linear Equations in One Variable 37

7 7
− p = 11 − (Transposing to RHS)
4 4

44 − 7 Transpose p from LHS to RHS and find

−p =
4 the value of p.
Is there any change in the value of p?
37
−p =
4

37
∴p = − (Multiplying both sides by −1)
4

7 7 37 7 37 7 + 37 44
Check: LHS = − p = − (− ) = + = = = 11 = RHS
4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Exercise - 2.1

Solve the following Simple Equations:

(i) 6m = 12 (ii) 14p = – 42
(iii) – 5y = 30 (iv) – 2x = – 12

n
(v) 34x = – 51 (vi) = –3
7

2x
(vii) = 18 (viii) 3x + 1 = 16
3
(ix) 3p – 7 = 0 (x) 13 – 6n = 7
(xi) 200y – 51 = 49 (xii) 11n + 1 = 1
5
(xiii) 7x – 9 = 16 (xiv) 8x + = 13
2
5 4 1
(xv) 4x − = 9 (xvi) x+ =3
3 3 2

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 38 Mathematics VIII

2.3.1 Some Applications:

Consider the following examples:

Example 3: If l P m, find the value of ‘x’?

p

l
(3 x + 20 )
o

(5 x - 8 )
o

Solution: Here l P m and p is transversal.

Therefore (3x + 20)o + (5x – 8)o = 180o (sum of the interior angles on the
same side of a transversal)
3x + 20o + 5x – 8o = 180o
8x + 12o = 180o
8x = 180o – 12o
8x = 168o
168o
x= = 21o
8
Example 4: Sum of two numbers is 29 and one number exceeds another by 5. Find the
numbers.
Solution: We have a puzzle here. We don’t know the numbers. We have to find them.
Let the smaller number be ‘x’, then the bigger number will be ‘x + 5’.
But it is given that sum of these two numbers is 29
⇒ x + x + 5 = 29
⇒ 2x + 5 = 29
∴ 2x = 29 − 5

∴ 2x = 24
24
x = (Transposing ‘2’ to RHS)
2
x = 12.
 Linear Equations in One Variable 39

Therefore smaller number = x = 12 and

Bigger number = x + 5 = 12 + 5 = 17.
Check: 17 exceeds 12 by 5 and their sum = 12 + 17 = 29.
Example 5: Four times a number reduced by 5 equals 19. Find the number.
Solutions: If the number is taken to be ‘x’
Then four times of the number is ‘4x’
When it is reduced by 5 it equals to 19
⇒ 4x – 5 = 19
4x = 19 + 5 (Transposing -5 to RHS)
4x = 24

24
∴ x= (Transposing 4 to RHS)
4
⇒ x=6
Hence the required number is 6
Check: 4 times of 6 is 24 and 24 – 5 = 19.
Example 6: The length of a rectangle shaped park exceeds its breadth by 17 meters. If the
perimeter of the park is 178 meters find the dimensions of the park?
Solution: Let the breadth of the park be = x meters
Then the length of the park = x + 17 meters
∴ perimeter of the park = 2 (length + breadth)
= 2 (x + 17 + x) meters
= 2 (2x + 17) meters
But it is given that the perimeter of the rectangle is 178 meters
∴ 2 (2x +17) = 178
4x + 34 = 178
4x = 178 – 34
4x = 144
144
x = = 36
4

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 40 Mathematics VIII

Therefore, breadth of the park = 36 meters

length of the park = 36 + 17 = 53 meters.
Try and Check it on your own.
Example 7: Two supplementary angles differ by 34. Find the angles?
Solution: Let the smaller angle be xo
Since the two angles differ by 34o, the bigger angle = x + 34o
Since the sum of the supplementary angles is 180o
We have x + (x + 34) = 180o
2x + 34 = 180o
2x = 180 – 34 = 146o
146o
x = = 73o
2
Therefore smaller angle = x = 73o
Bigger angle = x + 34 = 73 + 34 = 107o
Example 8: The present age of Vijaya’s mother is four times the present age of Vijaya. After
6 years the sum of their ages will be 62 years. Find their present ages.
Solution: Let Vijaya’s present age be ‘x’ years
Then we can make the following table
Vijaya Vijaya’s mother
Present age x 4x
Age after 6 years x+6 4x + 6

∴ Sum of their ages after 6 years = (x + 6) + (4x + 6)

= x + 6 + 4x + 6
= 5x + 12
But it is given that sum of their ages after 6 years is 62
⇒ 5x + 12 = 62
5x = 62 – 12
5x = 50
50
x = = 10
5
 Linear Equations in One Variable 41

Therefore, Present age of Vijaya = x = 10 years

Present age of Vijaya’s mother = 4x = 4 × 10 = 40 years
Example 9 : There are 90 multiple choice questions in a test. Two marks are awarded for
every correct answer and one mark is deducted for every wrong answer . If
Sahana got 60 marks in the test while she answered all the questions, then how
many questions did she answer correctly?
Solution: Suppose the number of correctly answered questions be ‘x’, then number of
wrongly answer questions = 90 – x .
It is given that for every correct answer 2 marks are awarded.
∴ Number of marks scored for correct answers = 2x

And it is given that for every wrongly answered questions ‘1’ mark is deducted
∴ Number of marks to be deducted from the score
= (90 – x) × 1 = 90 – x
Total score = 2x – ( 90 – x) = 2x – 90 + x = 3x – 90
But it is given that total score is 60
⇒ 3x – 90 = 60
3x = 60 + 90
3x = 150

150
x = = 50
3
Number of questions answered correctly = x = 50
Example 10: Ravi works as a cashier in a bank. He has currency of
denominations ` 100, ` 50, ` 10 respectively. The ratio
of number of these notes is 2 : 3 : 5. The total cash with
Ravi is ` 4,00,000.
How many notes of cash of each denomination does he
have?
Solution: Let the number of ` 100 notes = 2x
Number of ` 50 notes = 3x
and Number of ` 10 notes = 5x
Note that 2x : 3x : 5x
∴ Total Money = (2x × 100) + (3x × 50) + (5x × 10)
is same as 2 : 3 : 5
200x + 150x + 50x = 400x

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 42 Mathematics VIII

But according to the problem the total money is Rs.4, 00,000.

⇒ 400x = 4, 00,000

400000
x = = 1000
400
Therefore number of `100 notes = 2x = 2 × 1000= 2000
Number of ` 50 notes = 3x = 3 × 1000 = 3000
Number of `10 notes = 5x = 5 × 1000 = 5000

Exercise - 2.2

1. Find ‘x’ in the following figures?

P
(i) A (ii)
45o
56o

o
xo 123
B C D (3 x + 16 )
o o
68
Q R

(iii) A (iv) X
o
25

2x + 7 o 45
o

Y Z

xo o
30
B C

(v) B A
3 x + 10
o

2x
o

C D
 Linear Equations in One Variable 43

2. The difference between two numbers is 8. If 2 is added to the bigger number the result
will be three times the smaller number . Find the numbers.
3. What are those two numbers whose sum is 58 and difference is 28?
4. The sum of two consecutive odd numbers is 56. Find the numbers.
5. The sum of three consecutive multiples of 7 is 777. Find these multiples.
(Hint: Three consecutive multiples of 7 are ‘x’, ‘x + 7’, ‘x + 14’)
6. A man walks 10 km, then travels a certain distance by train and then by bus as far as twice
by the train. If the whole journey is of 70km, how far did he travel by train?
7. Vinay bought a pizza and cut it into three pieces. When
he weighed the first piece he found that it was 7g lighter
than the second piece and 4g.heavier than the third piece.
If the whole pizza weighed 300g. How much did each of
the three pieces weigh?
(Hint: weight of normal piece be ‘x ’ then weight of largest
piece is ‘x + 7’, weight of the smallest piece is ‘x - 4’)
8. The distance around a rectangular field is 400 meters.The length of the field is 26 meters
more than the breadth. Calculate the length and breadth of the field?
9. The length of a rectangular field is 8 meters less than twice its breadth. If the perimeter of
the rectangular field is 56 meters, find its length and breadth?
10. Two equal sides of a triangle are each 5 meters less than twice the third side. If the
perimeter of the triangle is 55 meters, find the length of its sides?
11. Two complementary angles differ by 12o, find the angles?
12. The ages of Rahul and Laxmi are in the ratio 5:7. Four years later, the sum of their ages will
be 56 years. What are their present ages?
13. There are 180 multiple choice questions in a test. A candidate gets 4 marks for every
correct answer, and for every un-attempted or wrongly answered questions one mark is
deducted from the total score of correct answers. If a candidate scored 450 marks in the
test how many questions did he answer correctly?
14. A sum of ` 500 is in the form of denominations of ` 5 and ` 10. If the total number of
notes is 90 find the number of notes of each denomination.
(Hint: let the number of 5 rupee notes be ‘x ’, then number of 10 rupee notes = 90–x)

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 44 Mathematics VIII

15. A person spent ` 564 in buying geese and ducks,if each

goose cost ` 7 and each duck ` 3 and if the total number
of birds bought was 108, how many of each type did
he buy?

16. The perimeter of a school volleyball court is

177 ft and the length is twice the width. What are the
dimensions of the volleyball court?

17. The sum of the page numbers on the facing pages of a x

x+1
book is 373. What are the page numbers?
(Hint :Let the page numbers of open pages are
x and x + 1)

2.4 Solving equation that has variables on both the sides:

We know that an equation is the equality of the values of two expressions. In the equation
2x –7 = 35, the two expressions are 2x-7 and 35. In most examples that we have come across
so far the RHS is just a number. But it need not be always. So, both sides could have expressions
with variables. Let us see how this happens.
Consider the following example

Example 11: The present ages of Rafi and Fathima are in the ratio 7 : 5. Ten years later the
ratio of their ages will be 9 : 7. Find their present ages?
Solution: Since the presen ratios of ages of Rafi and Fathima is 7:5,
We may take, Rafi’s age to be 7x and the Fathima’s age to be 5x
(Note that ratio of 7x and 5x is 7x : 5x and which is same as 7:5)
After 10 years Rafi’s age = 7x + 10
and Fathima’s age = 5x + 10
After 10 years, the ratio of Rafi’s age and Fathima’s age is 7x + 10 : 5x + 10
But according to the given data this ratio is equal to 9 : 7
7x + 10 : 5x + 10 = 9 : 7
i.e., 7 (7x + 10) = 9 (5x + 10)
 Linear Equations in One Variable 45

⇒ 49 x + 70 = 45 x + 90.
Did you notice that in the above equation we have algebraic expressions on both
sides.
Now let us learn how to solve such equations.
The above equation is 49 x + 70 = 45x + 90
⇒ 49x – 45x = 90 – 70 (Transposing 70 to RHS and 45x to LHS)
∴ 4x = 20

20
∴ x= =5
4
Therefore Rafi’s age = 7x = 7 × 5 = 35 years
And Fathima’s age = 5x = 5 × 5 = 25 years
Example 12: Solve 5 (x + 2) − 2 (3 − 4x) = 3 (x + 5) − 4 (4 − x)
Solution : 5x + 10 − 6 + 8x = 3x +15 − 16 + 4x (removing brackets)
13x + 4 = 7x − 1 (adding like terms)
13x − 7x = −1 − 4 (transposing 4 to RHS, 7x to LHS)
6x = −5

−5
x= (transposing 6 to RHS)
6

Exercise - 2.3

Solve the following equations:

1. 7x – 5 = 2x
2. 5x – 12 = 2x – 6
3. 7p - 3 = 3p + 8
4. 8m + 9 = 7m +8
5. 7z + 13 = 2z + 4
6. 9y + 5 = 15y – 1
7. 3x + 4 = 5 (x–2)
8. 3 (t – 3) = 5 (2t – 1)

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 46 Mathematics VIII

9. 5 (p – 3) = 3 (p – 2)
10. 5 (z + 3) = 4 (2z + 1)
11. 15 (x – 1) + 4 (x + 3) = 2 (7 + x)
12. 3 (5z – 7) +2 (9z – 11) = 4 (8z – 7) – 111
13. 8 (x – 3) – (6 – 2x) = 2 (x + 2) – 5 (5 – x)
14. 3 (n – 4) + 2 (4n – 5) = 5 (n + 2) + 16

2.4.1 Some more applications

Example 13: In the figure l P m, and p a transversal find the value of ‘x’?
p
E
5x B
o
A F
l

(2 x + 24 )
o

m
C G D
H

Solution: It is given that l P m and p is a transversal.

Therefore ∠EFB = ∠FGD (corresponding angles)
Therefore 5xo = (2x + 24)o
5x – 2x = 24
3x = 24
24
x= = 8o
3
Example 14: Hema is 24 years older than her daughter Dhamini. 6 years ago, Hema was
thrice as old as Dhamini. Find their present ages.
Solution: Let the Present age of Dhamini be ‘x’ years, then we can make the following
table.
Dhamini Hema
Present age x x + 24
6 years ago x–6 (x + 24) – 6 = x + 24 – 6 = x + 18
 Linear Equations in One Variable 47

But as given that 6 years ago Hema was thrice as old as Dhamini
∴ x + 18 = 3 (x – 6)
x + 18 = 3x – 18
x – 3x = –18 – 18
–2x = –36
x = 18.
Therefore present age of Dhamini = x = 18 years
Present age of Hema = x + 24 = 18 + 24 = 42 years
Example 15: In a two digit number the sum of the two digits is 8. If 18 is added to the number
its digits are reversed. Find the number.
Solution: Let the digit at ones place be ‘x’
Then the digit at tens place = 8 – x (sum of the two digits is 8)
Therefore number 10 (8 – x) + x = 80 – 10x + x = 80 – 9x —— (1)
Now, number obtained by reversing the digits = 10 × (x) + (8 – x)
= 10x + 8 – x = 9x + 8
It is given that if 18 is added to the number its digits are reversed
∴ number + 18 = Number obtained by reversing the digits
⇒ (80 – 9x) + 18 = 9x + 8
98 – 9x = 9x + 8
98 – 8 = 9x + 9x
90 = 18x

90
x = =5
18
By substituting the value of x in equation (1) we get the number
∴ Number = 80 – 9 × 5 = 80 – 45 = 35.
Example 16: A motorboat goes down stream in a river
and covers the distance between two
coastal towns in five hours. It covers
this distance upstream in six hours. If
the speed of the stream is 2 km/hour
find the speed of the boat in still water.
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 48 Mathematics VIII

Solution: Since we have to find the speed of the boat in

still water, let us suppose that it is A B oat B
x km/h. R iver
This means that while going downstream the
speed of the boat will be (x + 2) kmph
because the water current is pushing the boat A B oat B
at 2 kmph in addition to its own speed
R iver
‘x’kmph.
Now the speed of the boat down stream = (x + 2) kmph
⇒ distance covered in 1 hour =x + 2 km.
∴ distance covered in 5 hours = 5 (x + 2) km
Hence the distance between A and B is 5 (x + 2) km
But while going upstream the boat has to work against the water current.
Therefore its speed upstream will be (x – 2) kmph.
⇒ Distance covered in 1 hour = (x – 2) km
Distance covered in 6 hours = 6 (x – 2) km
∴ distance between A and B is 6 (x – 2) km
But the distance between A and B is fixed
∴ 5 (x + 2) = 6 (x – 2)
⇒ 5x + 10 = 6x – 12
⇒ 5x – 6x = –12 – 10
∴ –x = –22
x = 22.
Therefore speed of the boat in still water is 22 kmph.

Exercise- 2.4

1. Find the value of ‘x’ so that l P m.

l m

3x - 10
o

2x + 15
o
 Linear Equations in One Variable 49

2. Eight times of a number reduced by 10 is equal to the sum of six times the number and 4.
Find the number.
3. A number consists of two digits whose sum is 9. If 27 is subtracted from the number its
digits are reversed. Find the number.
4. A number is divided into two parts such that one part is 10 more than the other. If the two
parts are in the ratio 5:3, find the number and the two parts.
5. When I triple a certain number and add 2, I get the same answer as I do when I subtract
the number from 50. Find the number.
6. Mary is twice older than her sister. In 5 years time, she will be 2 years older than her
sister. Find how old are they both now.
7. In 5 years time, Reshma will be three times old as she was 9 years ago. How old is she
now?
8. A town’s population increased by 1200 people, and then this new population decreased
11%. The town now had 32 less people than it did before the 1200 increase. Find the
original population.
9. A man on his way to dinner shortly after 6.00 p.m. observes that the hands of his watch
form an angle of 1100. Returning before 7.00 p.m. he notices that again the hands of his
watch form an angle of 1100. Find the number of minutes that he has been away.

2.5 Reducing Equations to Simpler Form - Equations Reducible

to Linear Form:
x 1 x 1
Example 17: Solve − = +
2 4 3 2
x 1 x 1
Solution: − = +
2 4 3 2
x x 1 1 x 1
−= + (Transposing to L.H.S. and to R.H.S.)
2 3 2 4 3 4
3x − 2 x 2 + 1
= (LCM of 2 and 3 is 6 ; 2 and 4 is 4)
6 4
x 3
=
6 4
3
∴ x = ×6 (Transposing 6 to R.H.S.)
4
9
∴ x=
2
9
∴x = is the solution of the given equation.
2
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 50 Mathematics VIII

x−4 x+4 x+3

Example 18: Solve − =
7 5 7

x−4 x+4 x+3

Solution : − =
7 5 7

5( x − 4) − 7( x + 4) x + 3
=
35 7

5 x − 20 − 7 x − 28 x+3
=
35 7

−2 x − 48 x+3
=
35 7

( x + 3)
−2 x − 48 = × 35
7
⇒ –2x – 48 = (x + 3) × 5
⇒ –2x – 48 = 5x + 15
⇒ –2x – 5x = 15 + 48
–7x = 63

63
x= = –9.
−7

5 x + 2 12
Example 19: Solve the equation = ————(1)
2x + 3 7
Solution: Let us multiply both sides of the given equation by 2x + 3. This gives

5x + 2 12
× (2 x + 3) = × (2 x + 3)
2x + 3 7

12
5x + 2 = × (2 x + 3)
7
Again multiply both sides of the equation by 7. This gives

12
7 × (5 x + 2) = 7 × × (2 x + 3)
7
 Linear Equations in One Variable 51

⇒ 7 × (5 x + 2) = 12 × (2 x + 3) ————(2)

35 x + 14 = 24 x + 36
35 x − 24 x = 36 − 14
11x = 22

22
∴x = =2
11
Now look at the given equation i.e., (1) and equation (2) carefully.
Given equation Simplified form of the given equation

5 x + 2 12
= 7 × (5 x + 2) = 12 × (2 x + 3)
2x + 3 7

What did you notice? All we have done is :

1. Multiply the numerator of the LHS by the 5x + 3 12
=
denominator of the RHS 2x + 3 7
2. Multiply the numerator of the RHS by the
denominator of the LHS. 5x + 3 12
=
2x + 3 7

3. Equate the expressions obtained in (1) and (2)

7 × (5 x + 2) = 12 × (2 x + 3)
For obvious reasons, we call this method of solution as the “method of cross
multiplication”. Let us now illustrate the method of cross multiplication by examples
x+7 4
Example 20: Solve the equation =
3 x + 16 7
Solution: By cross multiplication, we get
x+7 4
7 × (x + 7) = 4 × (3x + 16) =
3 x + 16 7
7x + 49 = 12x + 64

7x – 12x = 64 – 49

–5x = 15

x = –3

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 52 Mathematics VIII

Example 21: Rehana got 24% discount on her frock. She paid ` 380 after discount. Find the
marked price of the frock.
Solution: Let the marked price of the frock be ` x
Then the discount is 24% of x x
She paid x – 24% of x i.e. 380
x – 24% of x = 380
24
⇒ x− × x = 380
100

100 x − 24 x
⇒ = 380
100

76 x
⇒ = 380
100

380 × 100
x=
76
∴ x = 500
∴ Marked price = ` 500
Example 22: Four fifths of a number is greater than three fourths of the number by 4. Find the
number.
Solution: Let the required number be ‘x’,
4
then four fifths of the number = x
5
3
And three fourths of the number = x
4
4 3
It is given that x is greater than x by 4
5 4
4 3
⇒ x− x=4
5 4
16 x − 15 x
=4
20
x
⇒ = 4 ⇒ x = 80
20
Hence the required number is 80.
 Linear Equations in One Variable 53

Example 23: John sold his watch for ` 301 and lost 14% on it. Find the cost price of the
watch.
Solution: Let the cost price of the watch = ` x 11 12 1
10 2
14 14 x 9 3
The loss on it = 14% of ‘x’ = ×x = 8 4
100 100 7 6 5

Selling price of the watch = Cost price – Loss

14 x
⇒ 301 = x −
100

100 x − 14 x
301 =
100

86 x
301 =
100

301 × 100
= x
86
350 = x
Therefore the cost price of the watch = ` 350.
Example 24: A man had to walk a certain distance. He covered two thirds of
it at 4kmph and the remaining at 5 kmph. If the total time taken is
42 minutes, find the total distance.
Solution: Let the distance be ‘x’ km.
First part Second part

2 2x 2x x
Distance covered of ‘x’= Remaining distance = x − =
3 3 3 3
Speed 4 kmph 5 kmph

2 x
x
Time taken 3 = 2 x hr. 3 = x hr.
4 12 5 15

2x x
Therefore total time taken = + hr.
12 15

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 54 Mathematics VIII

2x x
⇒ ( + ) hr = 42 min .
12 15
2x x 42
⇒ ( + ) hr = hr.
12 15 60
2 x x 42
+ =
12 15 60

10 x + 4 x 42
=
60 60
⇒ 14x = 42
⇒ x = 3
Total distance x = 3 km.

Example 25: The numerator of a fraction is 6 less than the denominator. If 3 is added to the
2
numerator ,the fraction is equal to , find the original fraction
3
Solution: Let the denominator of the fraction be ‘x’ then
Numerator of the fraction = x – 6
x −6
Therefore the fraction =
x

2
If 3 is added to the numerator , it becomes
3
x −6+3 2
⇒ =
x 3
x −3 2
=
x 3
⇒ 3x − 9 = 2 x
x = 9

x −6 9−6 3
∴ Fraction = = =
x 9 9

3
Therefore original fraction is .
9
 Linear Equations in One Variable 55

Example 26: Sirisha has ` 9 in fifty-paisa and twenty five paise

coins. She has twice as many twenty five paise
coins as she has fifty paise coins. How many
coins of each kind does she have?
Solution: Let the number of fifty paise coins = x
Therefore the number of twenty five paise coins = 2x

50 x x
Value of fifty paise coins = x × 50 paisa = ` = `
100 2

25
Value of twenty five paise coins = 2x × 25 paisa = 2 x ×
100
1 x
= 2x × = `
4 2
 x x
Total value of all coins = `  + 
2 2

But the total value of money is ` 9

x x
⇒ + =9
2 2

2x
=9
2
∴ x =9
Therefore number of fifty paise coins = x = 9
Number of twenty paise coins = 2x = 2 × 9 = 18.
Example 27: A man driving his moped at 24 kmph reaches his destination 5 minutes late to an
appointment. If he had driven at 30 kmph he would have reached his destination
4 minutes before time. How far is his destination?
Solution: Let the distance be ‘x’ km.

x
Therefore time taken to cover ‘x’ km. at 24 kmph = hr.
24

x
Time taken to cover ‘x’ km. at 30 kmph = hr.
30

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 56 Mathematics VIII

9
But it is given that the difference between two timings = 9 min = hr.
60

x x 9
∴ − =
24 30 60

5x − 4 x 9
∴ =
120 60

x 9
⇒ =
120 60

9
⇒ x = × 120 = 18
60
Therefore the distance is 18 km.

Exercise - 2.5

1. Solve the following equations.

n 5 2 x x
(i) − = (ii) − = 14
5 7 3 3 4

z z z 2p p 2
(ii) + − =8 (iv) − = 11
2 3 6 3 5 3

1 1 x 4 x 3x 1
(v) 9 = y − 1 (vi) − + + =
4 3 2 5 5 10 5

x 1 x 1 2 x − 3 −2
(vii) − = + (viii) =
2 4 3 2 3x + 2 3

8 p − 5 −2 7y + 2 6y − 5
(ix) = (x) =
7p +1 4 5 11

x + 5 x +1 x +3 3t + 1 2t − 3 t + 3 3t − 1
(xi) − = (xii) − = +
6 9 4 16 7 8 14

2. What number is that of which the third part exceeds the fifth part by 4?
 Linear Equations in One Variable 57

3. The difference between two positive integers is 36. The quotient when one integer is
divided by other is 4. Find the integers.
(Hint: If one number is ‘x’, then the other number is ‘x – 36’)

4. The numerator of a fraction is 4 less than the denominator. If 1 is added to both its
1
numerator and denominator , it becomes . Find the fraction.
2

5. Find three consecutive numbers such that if they are divided by 10, 17, and 26 respectively,
the sum of their quotients will be 10.

x x+1 x + 2
(Hint: Let the consecutive numbers = x , x + 1, x + 2 , then + + = 10 )
10 17 26

6. In class of 40 pupils the number of girls is three-fifths of the number of boys. Find the
number of boys in the class.

7. After 15 years , Mary’s age will be four times of her present age. Find her present age.

8. Aravind has a kiddy bank. It is full of one-rupee and fifty paise coins. It contains 3 times
as many fifty paise coins as one rupee coins. The total amount of the money in the bank is
` 35. How many coins of each kind are there in the bank?

9. A and B together can finish a piece of work in 12 days. If ‘A’ alone can finish the same
work in 20days , in how many days B alone can finish it?

10. If a train runs at 40 kmph it reaches its destination late by 11 minutes . But if it runs at
50 kmph it is late by 5 minutes only. Find the distance to be covered by the train.

11. One fourth of a herd of deer has gone to the forest. One third of the total number is
grazing in a field and remaining 15 are drinking water on the bank of a river. Find the total
number of deer.

12. By selling a radio for `903, a shop keeper gains 5%. Find the cost price of the radio.

13. Sekhar gives a quarter of his sweets to Renu and then gives 5 sweets to Raji. He has
7 sweets left. How many did he have to start with?

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58 Mathematics VIII

What we have discussed

1. If the degree of an equation is one then it is called a linear equation.

2. If a linear equation has only one variable then it is called a linear equation in
one variable or simple equation.
3. The value which when subsitututed for the variable in the given equation
makes L.H.S. = R.H.S. is called a solution or root of the given equation.
4. Just as numbers, variables can also be transposed from one side of the
equation to the other side.

A magic Diamond
Find numbers to put in the circles so
that the total along each line of the
15 9
dimond is the same.

17

12 6

15 9

Hint : The number will be of the form

b 17 d a = x, b = 5 + x, c = 3 + x, d = 11 + x

12 6

where x is any number and the total along each line will be 20 + 2x
for example if x = 1, then a = 1, b = 6, c = 4, d = 12 and each line total will be 22.