1.

7: Solving Linear Equations

Learning Objectives
Use the properties of equality to solve basic linear equations.
Identify and solve conditional linear equations, identities, and contradictions.
Clear fractions from equations.
Set up and solve linear equations.

Solving Basic Linear Equations

129 130
x
An equation is a statement indicating that two algebraic expressions are equal. A linear equation with one
variable , , ax +b = 0 a b a ≠ 0
is an equation that can be written in the standard form where and are real numbers and . For example 3x −12 = 0
131
A solution to a linear equation is any value that can replace the variable to produce a true statement. The variable
in the 3x −12 = 0 x x = 4 4 x
linear equation is and the solution is . To verify this, substitute the value in for and check that you obtain a true
statement.
3x −12 3(4)−12 12 −12 0 =0
=0 =0✓
=0
Alternatively, when an equation is equal to a constant, we may verify a solution by substituting the value in for the
variable and showing that the result is equal to that constant. In this sense, we say that solutions “satisfy the
equation.”

Example 1.7.1:
a = −12 −10a+5 = 25
Is a solution to ?
Solution
Recall that when evaluating expressions, it is a good practice to first replace all variables with parentheses, and
then substitute the appropriate values. By making use of parentheses, we avoid some common errors when
working the order of operations.
1
−10a+5 = −10(− )+5 = 5 +5 = 10 ≠ 25 ✗
2

Answer:
a = −12
No, does not satisfy the equation.

Developing techniques for solving various algebraic equations is one of our main goals in algebra. This section
revie
ws
the
132
basic techniques used for solving linear equations with one variable. We begin by defining equivalent equations as
equations with the same solution set.
3x −5 3x = 16 = 21 = 7 {7}
x ⎫ ⎭⎬ Equivalent equations

Here we can see that the three linear equations are equivalent because they share the same solution set, namely, .
 To obtain 133 A B c
equivalent equations, use the following properties of equality . Given algebraic expressions and , where is a
nonzero number:
Table 1.7.1 A = B A+c=B+c
Addition property of equality: If , then

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.1

A = B A−c−B−c
Subtraction property of equality: If , then

A = B cA = cB
Multiplication property of equality: If , then
A B
A=B=
c
Note
Division property of equality: If , then c

00
Multiplying or dividing both sides of an equation by is carefully avoided. Dividing by is undefined and multiplying
00=0
both sides by results in the equation .

We solve algebraic equations by isolating the variable with a coefficient of 1. If given a linear equation of the form
ax +b = c equality property of addition or subtraction to isolate
, then we can solve it in two steps. First, use the appropriate
the variable term. Next, isolate the variable using the equality property of multiplication or division. Checking the
solution in the following examples is left to the reader.

Example 1.7.2:
7x −2 = 19
Solve: .
Solution

Answer: = Divide both sides by 7. 7x −2

= 19 7 7x −2+2 7x
= 19+2 Add 2 to both sides. =3 7x
= 21 7
21 x
3

The solution is . 56 = +8 +12y

Example 1.7.3: 56 = 8 +12y

Solve: . Solution
When no sign precedes the term, it is understood to be positive. In other words, think of this as . 8
Therefore, we begin by subtracting on both sides of the equal sign.
56−8 48 12
48 4
= 8 +12y−8 134
4=y
= 12y

=12y
12
=y
It does not matter on which side we choose to isolate the variable because the symmetric property states that
is y = 4
equivalent to .
Answer:
4
The solution is .

Example 1.7.4:
5 x +2 = −8
Solve: . 3
Solution

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.2

Isolate the variable term using the addition property of equality, and then
multiply both sides of the equation by the 5
reciprocal of the coefficient .
3
53 = −8 x +2−2 5
x +2 53 = −8−2 Subtract 2 on both sides.

3 35 x = −10 3 −2
3
⋅x = ⋅( ) Multiply both sides by .

Answer: = 3 ⋅(−2) −6 1x x
= −6
5−10 3 5
5

The solution is .

In summary, to retain equivalent equations, we must perform the same operation on both sides of the equation.

Exercise 1.7.1
3x + 12 = −56
2
Solve: .

Answer
x = −2
www.youtube.com/v/cQwqXs9AD6M
 General Guidelines for Solving Linear Equations
Typically linear equations are not given in standard form, and so solving them requires additional steps. When
solving linear equations, the goal is to determine what value, if any, will produce a true statement when substituted
in the original equation. Do this by isolating the variable using the following steps:
Step 1: Simplify both sides of the equation using the order of operations and combine all like terms on the
same side of the equal sign.
Step 2: Use the appropriate properties of equality to combine like terms on opposite sides of the equal
sign. The goal is to obtain the variable term on one side of the equation and the constant term on the other.
Step 3: Divide or multiply as needed to isolate the variable.
Step 4: Check to see if the answer solves the original equation.
We will often encounter linear equations where the expressions on each side of the equal sign can be simplified. If
this is the case, then it is best to simplify each side first before solving. Normally this involves combining same-side
like terms.

Note
At this point in our study of algebra the use of the properties of equality should seem routine. Therefore,
displaying these steps in this text, usually in blue, becomes optional.

Example 1.7.5:
−4a+2 −a = 1
Solve: .
Solution
First combine the like terms on the left side of the equal sign.

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.3

−4a+2 −a = 1 −5a+2 = 1 Combine same−side like terms. Subtract 2 on both sides.

−5a = −1 Divide both sides by −5.
−1 15
a = = −5
Always use the original equation to check to see if the solution is
correct
.1
1
−4a+2 −a = −4 ( ) +2 −
5
5
4 2 5 1
=−+⋅−
5 1 5 5

=−4 +10 +1
5 5

Answer: 1
==1✓
5
The solution is .
5

ax +b = cx +d
Given a linear equation in the form , we begin the solving process by combining like terms on opposite sides of the
equal sign. To do this, use the addition or subtraction property of equality to place like terms on the same side so
 that they can be combined. In the examples that remain, the check is left to the reader.

Example 1.7.6:
−2y −3 = 5y +11
Solve: .
Solution
5y
Subtract on both sides so that we can combine the terms involving y on the left side.
−2y −3−5y=5y +11−5y
−7y −3 = 11
From here, solve using the techniques developed previously.

Answer: −7 −7y −3 −7y

= 11 Add 3 to both sides. = −2
y
= 14
14 y
= Divide both sides by −7. −2

The solution is .

Solving will often require the application of the distributive property.

Example 1.7.7:
1
− (10x −2)+3 = 7(1 −2x)
Solve: .
2
Solution
Simplify the linear expressions on either side of the equal sign first.

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.4

1
− (10x −2)+3 = 7(1 −2x) 2 Distribute
−5x +1 +3 = 7 −14x Combine same−side like terms. Combine opposite−side like terms.
−5x +4 = 7 −14x Solve.
9x = 3
3
1
x==
9
3
Answer:
1
The solution is . Example 1.7.8: Solve: . Solution
3
5(3 −a)−2(5 −2a) = 3 Begin by applying the distributive
property. 5(3 −a)−2(5 −2a) 15 −5a−10 +4a 5 −a −a
=3
=3
=3
= −2
−a −1a −1 Here we point out that is equivalent to ; therefore, we choose to divide both sides of the
equation by . −a = −2
−1a −1 =
−2 −1
a=2
−a = −2
Alternatively, we can multiply both sides of by negative one and achieve the same result.

Answer: =2 2
= −2 −a
= (−1)(−2) (−1)(−a) a

The solution is .

Exercise 1.7.2
6 −3(4x −1) = 4x −7
Solve: .

Answer
x=1
www.youtube.com/v/NAIAZrFjU-o

135
There are three different types of equations. Up to this point, we have been solving conditional equations . These
are 136
equations that are true for particular values. An identity is an equation that is true for all possible values of the
variable. For example,
x = x Identity
R137
has a solution set consisting of all real numbers, . A contradiction is an equation that is never true and thus has no
solutions. For example,
x +1 = x Contradiction

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.5

has no solution. We use the empty set, , to indicate that there are no
solutions.
Ø

0=0
If the end result of solving an equation is a true statement, like , then the equation is an identity and any real number
is a 0 = 1
solution. If solving results in a false statement, like , then the equation is a contradiction and there is no solution.

Example 1.7.9:
4(x +5)+6 = 2(2x +3)
 Solve: .
Solution
4(x +5)+6 4x +20 +6 4x +26 = 4x +6
26 = 6 ✗
= 2(2x +3) = 4x +6
Solving leads to a false statement; therefore, the equation is a contradiction and there is no
solution. Answer:
Ø

Example 1.7.10:
3(3y +5)+5 = 10(y +2)−y
Solve: .
Solution
3(3y +5)+5 9y +15 +5 9y +20 = 10(y +2)−y = 10y +20 −y = 9y +20
9y = 9y
0 =0✓
Solving leads to a true statement; therefore, the equation is an identity and any real number is
a solution. Answer:
R

The coefficients of linear equations may be any real number, even decimals and fractions. When this is the case it is
possible to use the multiplication property of equality to clear the fractional coefficients and obtain integer
coefficients in a single step. If given fractional coefficients, then multiply both sides of the equation by the least
common multiple of the denominators (LCD).

Example 1.7.11:
1 1 1
x + = x −1
Solve: .
3 Solution 5
5

Clear the fractions by multiplying both sides by the least common multiple of the given denominators. In this
case, it is LCD(3, 5) = 15
the .

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.6

1 1 1
15⋅ ( x + ) = 15⋅ ( x −1) Multiply both sides by 15.
3 5 5
1 1 1
15⋅ x +15⋅ 3 5
= 15⋅ x −15⋅1 Simplify. 5
Answer: = = −9 −9
= 3x −15 Solve. 5x +3 2x
= −18
x

2
−18

The solution is .

It is important to know that this technique only works for equations. Do not try to clear fractions when simplifying
expressions. As a reminder:
Table 1.7.2
Expression Equation
1 5 1 5
x+ 3x +=0
2
6 2 3

We simplify expressions and solve equations. If you multiply an expression by , you will change the problem.
However, if 6
you multiply both sides of an equation by , you obtain an equivalent equation.
Table 1.7.3
Incorrect Correct
5 ≠ x+1 5 2 x+5 53 =0
3 12 1 1

6⋅( x + ) 6⋅( x + ) = 6⋅0

= 2 3 2 3
3x + 10 ✗ Applications Involving Linear 3x + 10
=0✓
Equations

Algebra simplifies the process of solving real-world problems. This is done by using letters to represent unknowns,
restating problems in the form of equations, and by offering systematic techniques for solving those equations. To
solve problems using algebra, first translate the wording of the problem into mathematical statements that describe
the relationships between the given information and the unknowns. Usually, this translation to mathematical
statements is the difficult step in the process. The key to the translation is to carefully read the problem and identify
certain key words and phrases.
Table 1.7.4
Key Words Translation

+
Sum, increased by, more than, plus, added to, total
−
Difference, decreased by, subtracted from, less, minus
⋅
Product, multiplied by, of times, twice
÷
Quotient, divided by, ratio, per
=
Is, total, result

When translating sentences into mathematical statements, be sure to read the sentence several times and parse out
the key words and phrases. It is important to first identify the variable, “let x represent…” and state in words what the
unknown quantity is. This step not only makes our work more readable, but also forces us to think about what we
are looking for.

Example 1.7.12:
 685
When is subtracted from twice the sum of a number and the result is . Find the number.
Solution

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.7

Let n represent the unknown number.

Figure 1.7.1
To understand why we included the parentheses in the set up, you must study the structure of the following two
sentences and their translations:
Table 1.7.5
“twice the sum of a number and 8” 2(n+8)

“the sum of twice a number and 8” 2n+8

The key was to focus on the phrase “twice the sum,” this prompted us to group the sum within parentheses and
then 2
multiply by . After translating the sentence into a mathematical statement we then solve.

Check. n −5
= −5 = 2
2(n+8)−6 2n+16 −6 2n+10 =5
2n =5
=5 5

Answer: = 11 −6
2(n+8)−6 = 2 (− +8) −6 =5✓
2
11
= 2 ( ) −6 −52
2
The number is .

General guidelines for setting up and solving word problems follow.

Step 1: Read the problem several times, identify the key words and phrases, and organize the given
information. Step 2: Identify the variables by assigning a letter or expression to the unknown
quantities.
Step 3: Translate and set up an algebraic equation that models the problem.
Step 4: Solve the resulting algebraic equation.
Step 5: Finally, answer the question in sentence form and make sure it makes sense (check it).
For now, set up all of your equations using only one variable. Avoid two variables by looking for a relationship
between the unknowns.
 Example 1.7.13:
92 2 3
A rectangle has a perimeter measuring meters. The length is meters less than times the width. Find the
dimensions of the rectangle.
Solution
The sentence “The length is 2 meters less than 3 times the width,” gives us the relationship between the
two variables. w
Let represent the width of the rectangle.

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.8

3w −2
Let represent the length.

Figure 92
1.7.2
The sentence “A rectangle has a perimeter measuring 92 meters” suggests an algebraic set up. Substitute for
the 3w −2
perimeter and the expression for the length into the appropriate formula as follows:
P = 2l + 2w
↓↓
92=2(3w −2)+2w
w
Once you have set up an algebraic equation with one variable, solve for the width, .
92 = 2(3w −2)+2wDistribute.
92 = 6w −4 +2w Combine like terms.
92 = 8w −4 Solve for w.
96 = 8w
12 = w
3w −2
Use to find the length.
l = 3w −2 = 3(12)−2 = 36 −2 = 34
92
To check, make sure the perimeter is meters.
P = 2l+2w
= 2(34)+2(12)
= 68 +24
= 92
Answer:
12 34
The rectangle measures meters by meters.

Example 1.7.14:
438$2, 500 $437.50
Given a % annual interest rate, how long will it take to yield in simple interest? Solution

$437.50 438
 Let t represent the time needed to earn at %. Organize the information needed to use the formula for simple I =
prt
interest, .
Table I = $437.50
Given interest for the time period: p = $2,500
Given principal: r= 438 = 4.375 = 0.04375
1.7.6
Given rate: % %

Next, substitute all of the known quantities into the formula and then solve for the only unknown, t.

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.9

I 437.50
= prt
=2500(0.04375)t
437.50 437.50
= 109.375t
=109.375t

Answer: 109.375 4 109.375 = t

4 $2, 500 438$437.50

It takes years for invested at % to earn in simple interest.

Example 1.7.15:
$12, 500 7
Susan invested her total savings of in two accounts earning simple interest. Her mutual fund account earned %
4.5 $670
last year and her CD earned %. If her total interest for the year was , how much was in each
account? Solution
$12, 500
The relationship between the two unknowns is that they total . When a total is involved, a common technique
used to avoid two variables is to represent the second unknown as the difference of the total and the first
unknown.
x
Let represent the amount invested in the mutual fund.
12, 500 −x
Let represent the remaining amount invested in the CD.
Organize the data.
Table Total interest:
1.7.7
Interest earned in the mutual fund: I = prt
= x ⋅ 0.07 ⋅ 1
= 0.07x
Interest earned in the CD: I = prt
= (12,500 − x)⋅ 0.045 ⋅ 1
= 0.045(12,500 − x)
 $670

The total interest is the sum of the interest earned from each account.

mutual fund interest + CD interest = total interest 0.07x + 0.045(12, 500 −x) = 670
This equation models the problem with one variable. Solve for \(x\).
= 670 = 4, 300
= 670 12, 500 −x
= 670 0.07x +0.045(12, 500 −x) 0.07x +562.5 −0.045x 0.025x +562.5
= 107.5 0.025x
=107.5 x
0.025
x
Use to find the amount in the CD.
12, 500 −x = 12, 500 −4, 300=8, 200
Answer:
$4, 300 7 $8, 200 4.5
Susan invested at % in a mutual fund and at % in a CD. Key

Takeaways

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.10

1
Solving general linear equations involves isolating the variable, with coefficient , on one side of the equal sign. To
do this, first use the appropriate equality property of addition or subtraction to isolate the variable term on one
side of the equal sign. Next, isolate the variable using the equality property of multiplication or division. Finally,
check to verify that your solution solves the original equation.
0=0
If solving a linear equation leads to a true statement like , then the equation is an identity and the solution set
consists R
of all real numbers, .
0=5
If solving a linear equation leads to a false statement like , then the equation is a contradiction and there is no
solution, .
Ø
Clear fractions by multiplying both sides of an equation by the least common multiple of all the denominators.
Distribute and multiply all terms by the LCD to obtain an equivalent equation with integer coefficients.
Simplify the process of solving real-world problems by creating mathematical models that describe the
relationship between unknowns. Use algebra to solve the resulting equations.

Exercise 1.7.3
Determine whether or not the given value is a solution.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. −2y +7 = 12; y = −52 3a−6 = 18 −a; a = −3 5(2t −1) = 2 −t;t = 2 ax
−5x +4 = −1; x = −1 4x −3 = −7; x = −1 3y −4 = 5; y = 9
3 −b = 0; x =ba
ax +b = 2b; x =ba
Answer
1. No
3. Yes
5. No
7. Yes
 Exercise
1.7.4 Solve.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 5
5x −3 = 27 6x −7 = 47 4x +13 = 35 6x −9 = 18 9a+10 = 10 5 −3a = −8t +5 = 15 −9t +12 = 33
9. 233 x+=12
1
10. x+= 11. 4
8 3 1−3y 5 =2
5 2

12. 2−5y 6 = −8
13. 14. 7 −y = 22 6 −y = 12
15. Solve for x : ax −b = c

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.11

16. Solve for Answer x : ax +b = 0

1. 3. 5. 7. 9. 3
4
6 11. 13. 15.
11
2 −3
0 −15
−54 x =b+c a

Exercise
1.7.5 Solve.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 7 −2x +9 = 24
6x −5 +2x = 19 12x −2 −9x = 5x +8 16 −3x −22 = 8 −4x 5y −6 −9y = 3 −2y +8 7
−9y +12 = 3y +11 −11y 3 +3a−11 = 5a−8 −2a 2 −3a = 5a+7 −8a
1 3 5 5 1
9. 3x −+x=x+
5 2 6 4
1 23 3 1
10. 8 +x−=x−
5 4 10 4
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 10 −5(3t +7) = 20
1.2x −0.5 −2.6x = 2 −2.4x 1.59 −3.87x = 3.48 −4.1x −0.51 5 −10x = 5 −2x = 4 −2(x −4)
2x +8 −12x 2(4x −5)+7x = 5(3x −2) 4(4a−1) = 5(a−3)+2(a−2) 6(2b −1)+24b =
8x −3 −3x = 5x −3 8(3b −1)
5(y +2) = 3(2y −1)+10 23.
7(y −3) = 4(2y +1)−21 2
1
7 −5(3t −9) = 22 (x +18)+2 = x −13 3
2 3 24. x − (6x −3) = 2
1 4 5 3
25. 26. 27. 28. 29. +1)−10y 3(4 −y)−2(y +7) = −5y 5(2a+3)− 12 = 13a+ 110
1.2(2x +1)+0.6x = 4x 6 +0.5(7x −5) = 2.5x +0.3 5(y +3) = 15(y 1

3 3 1
30. a = (1 +2a)− (a+5) 2
4 5
31. 32. 6 −3(7x +1) = 7(4 −3x) 6(x −6)−3(2x −9) = −9

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.12
33. 2
3 (y −2)+ (2y +3) = 3 4
5 1 3 2
34. − (4y −3) = (y −1)
4 2 5
35. 36. 1

−2(3x +1)−(x −3) = −7x +1 6(2x +1)−(10x +9) = 0 a : A = h(a+b) 2

37. Solve for 38. Solve for 39. Solve for 40. Solve for 41.
Solve for 42. Solve for 43. Solve for 44. Solve for 45. Solve
for 46. Solve for

Answer
w : P = 2l+2w a : P = a+b +c t : D = rt
w : V = lwh
1
2
3r
h:V=πh5
F : C = (F −32)
1
b : A = bh

2
a : s = a12t2

9
x : ax +b = c

1. 3. −81
5. 7. 9. 1.2

3 R
−5 −172 R 0
7 Ø
8
6
11. 13. 15. 17. 19. 21. 23. 25. 27. 29. 31. 33. 35. 37. 39. 41. 5

43. 45. R

2.5 w =P−2l
2
Ø
t =Dr
3 b =2Ah
2 2A
a = −b h
Ø 9
F = C +32 5
−53

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.13

Exercise 1.7.6
 Set up an algebraic equation then solve.
Number Problems
3 10 2
1. When is subtracted from the sum of a number and the result is . Find the number.
3 12 3
2. The sum of times a number and is equal to . Find the number.
65
3. Three times the sum of a number and is equal to times the number. Find the number.
431
4. Twice the sum of a number and is equal to times the sum of the number and . Find the
number. 1 3 57
5. A larger integer is more than times another integer. If the sum of the integers is , find the
integers. 5 83
6. A larger integer is more than twice another integer. If the sum of the integers is , find the
integers. 3 135
7. One integer is less than twice another integer. Find the integers if their sum is .
10 4 100
8. One integer is less than times another integer. Find the integers if their sum is .
339
9. The sum of three consecutive integers is . Find the integers.
130
10. The sum of four consecutive integers is . Find the integers.
174
11. The sum of three consecutive even integers is . Find the integers.
116
12. The sum of four consecutive even integers is . Find the integers.
81
13. The sum of three consecutive odd integers is . Find the integers.
176
14. The sum of four consecutive odd integers is . Find the integers.

Answer
1. 3. 46, 89
5. 7. 9. 112, 113, 114
−5 11. 13.
9 56, 58, 60 25, 27, 29
14, 43

Exercise 1.7.7
Geometry Problems
5 134
1. The length of a rectangle is centimeters less than twice its width. If the perimeter is centimeters, find the
length and width.
4 3 64
2. The length of a rectangle is centimeters more than times its width. If the perimeter is centimeters, find the
length and width.
36
3. The width of a rectangle is one-half that of its length. If the perimeter measures inches, find the dimensions
of the rectangle.
4 72
4. The width of a rectangle is inches less than its length. If the perimeter measures inches, find the dimensions
of the rectangle.
48
5. The perimeter of a square is inches. Find the length of each side.
96
6. The perimeter of an equilateral triangle is inches. Find the length of each side.
80π
 7. The circumference of a circle measures units. Find the radius.
25
8. The circumference of a circle measures centimeters. Find the radius rounded off to the nearest hundredth.

Answer
24 43
1. Width: centimeters; length: centimeters
6 12
3. Width: inches; length: inches
12
5. inches

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.14

40
7. units

Exercise 1.7.8
Simple Interest Problems
$1, 000 512$165
1. For how many years must be invested at % to earn in simple interest?
$20, 000 614$3, 125
2. For how many years must be invested at % to earn in simple interest?
$6500 2 $1, 040
3. At what annual interest rate must be invested for years to yield in simple interest?
$5, 750 1 $333.50
4. At what annual interest rate must be invested for year to yield in simple interest? 5 $1, 860
6
5. If the simple interest earned for years was and the annual interest rate was %, what was the principal?
2 $543.75 334
6. If the simple interest earned for years was and the annual interest rate was %, what was the principal?
$600 5
7. How many years will it take to double earning simple interest at a % annual rate? (Hint: To double, the $600
investment must earn in simple interest.)
$10, 000 5
8. How many years will it take to double earning simple interest at a % annual rate? (Hint: To double, the $10,
000
investment must earn in simple interest.)
$4, 200 3 6
9. Jim invested in two accounts. One account earns % simple interest and the other earns %. If the interest 1
$159
after year was , how much did he invest in each account?
$6, 500 5
10. Jane has her savings invested in two accounts. She has part of it in a CD at % annual interest and the rest
in a 4 $303
savings account that earns % annual interest. If the simple interest earned from both accounts is for the
year, then how much does she have in each account?
$8, 400 2.5
11. Jose put last year’s bonus of into two accounts. He invested part in a CD with % annual interest and the 1.5
$198
rest in a money market fund with % annual interest. His total interest for the year was . How much did he
invest in each account?
$3, 300 6.2
12. Mary invested her total savings of in two accounts. Her mutual fund account earned % last year and her 2.4
$124.80
CD earned %. If her total interest for the year was , how much was in each account?
35
 13. Alice invests money into two accounts, one with % annual interest and another with % annual interest. She invests
3
times as much in the higher yielding account as she does in the lower yielding account. If her total interest
for the $126
year is , how much did she invest in each account? 5126141
14. James invested an inheritance in two separate banks. One bank offered % annual interest rate and the other
%. He invested twice as much in the higher yielding bank account than he did in the other. If his total simple
interest for $5, 760
year was , then what was the amount of his inheritance?

Answer
3
1. years
8
3. %
5. $6, 200 20
7. years
$3, 100 3 $1, 100 6
9. He invested at % and at %.
$7, 200 $1, 200
11. Jose invested in the CD and in the money market fund. $700 3
$2, 100 5
13. Alice invested at % and at %.

Exercise 1.7.9
Uniform Motion Problems
11440
1. If it takes Jim hours to drive the miles to work, then what is Jim’s average
speed? 312189
2. It took Jill hours to drive the miles home from college. What was her average speed?
176 234
3. At what speed should Jim drive if he wishes to travel miles in hours?

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.15

1, 140 19
4. James and Martin were able to drive the miles from Los Angeles to Seattle. If the total trip took hours, then
what was their average speed?

Answer
32
1. miles per hour
64
3. miles per hour

Exercise 1.7.10
1. What is regarded as the main business of algebra? Explain.
2. What is the origin of the word algebra?
3. Create an identity or contradiction of your own and share it on the discussion board. Provide a solution and
explain how you found it.
4. Post something you found particularly useful or interesting in this section. Explain why.
5. Conduct a web search for “solving linear equations.” Share a link to website or video tutorial that you think is helpful.

Answer
1. Answer may vary
3. Answer may vary
5. Answer may vary

Footnotes
129
Statement indicating that two algebraic expressions are equal.
130
ax +b = 0 a b a ≠ 0 An equation that can be written in the standard form , where and are real
numbers and . 131
Any value that can replace the variable in an equation to produce a true statement.
132
Equations with the same solution set.
133
Properties that allow us to obtain equivalent equations by adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing both sides
of an equation by nonzero real numbers.
134
x = 5 5 = x Allows you to solve for the variable on either side of the equal sign, because is
equivalent to . 135
Equations that are true for particular values.
136
An equation that is true for all possible values.
137
An equation that is never true and has no solution.

2/10/2021 CC-BY-NC-SA https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6392

1.7.16