YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Learning Objectives
Inequalities involving polynomials (pg 3-8)
I can solve quadratic inequalities using
1 (i) factorisation followed by a number line, 
(ii) general formula followed by a number line. 

I can use an algebraic method to solve inequalities involving polynomials

2 
that can be factorised into linear factors.
I can use an algebraic method to solve inequalities involving repeated
3 
factors such as  ax  b  .
2

Inequalities involving modulus functions (pg 8-9)

I can solve the following inequalities algebraically
4 (i) involving f  x   k (or  k ) where k is a positive constant. 
(ii) involving f  x   k (or  k ) where k is a positive constant. 

Inequalities involving rational functions (pg 10-16)

I can solve inequalities involving rational function f ( x) algebraically by
g( x )
the use of a number line, where

(i) f ( x) and g( x) are both linear expressions; 
5 (ii) one of f(x) and g(x) is a factorisable quadratic expression, the other is
linear; 

(iii) both f(x) and g(x) are factorisable quadratic expressions; 

(iv) one of f(x) and g(x) is a quadratic expression that is always positive or
negative, the other is either linear or quadratic.
Comparison between two similar inequalities (pg 16-19)
I can make comparisons between two similar inequalities and
(i) identify the correct substitution to be used in solving the second 
6 inequality;
(ii) make use of the answers found in the first inequality to solve the 
second inequality.
Solving Inequalities using Graphical Method (pg 20-22)
I can solve inequalities involving f  x   g  x  , (or  ,  or  ) graphically
by
7
(i) sketching the graphs of y  f ( x) and y  g( x) ; or

(ii) sketching the graph of of y  f ( x)  g( x) . 

Pg 1 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

System of Linear Equations (pg 23-31)

8 I can use a graphic calculator to solve a given system of linear equations. 

9 Given a problem, I can form a system of linear equations. 

Given a problem, I can interpret the solutions of the system of linear

10 
equations in its context.

1 Terminology
(I) To solve an equation f  x   0 means to find the value of x, say x = a such that
f  a   0 . In this case x = a, is called a solution to or a root of the equation.
Graphically, the curve y  f ( x) crosses the x-axis at the point where x = a
(i.e., a is the x-intercept).
To solve the equation f  x   g  x  , means to find the value of x, say x = a such that
f a  g a .
Graphically, x = a is the x-coordinate of a point of intersection of the two curves
y  f  x  and y  g  x  ; x = a is also the x-intercept of the curve y  f  x   g  x  .

(II) An inequality is formed when an expression is not equal to another (for example:
f  x   0 ; f  x   0 ; f  x   0 ; f  x   0 , f  x   g  x  , etc.).
To solve an inequality means to find the range of values of x which satisfies the
inequality.
Examples: 2x + 4 < 0  x  2 ; 2x  4  0  x  2 .
Graphically, to solve
(i) f  x   0 is to find the range of values of x for the region where the curve of
y  f  x  is below the x-axis.
(ii) f  x   0 is to find the range of values of x for the region where the curve of
y  f  x  is above the x-axis.
(iii) f  x   g  x  is to find the range of values of x for the region where the curve
of y  f  x  is above the curve of y  g  x  .
(iv) f  x   g  x  is to find the range of values of x for the region where the curve
of y  f  x  is below or intersecting the curve of y  g  x  .
The set of values of x or solution set which satisfies the inequality is just the range
of values of x expressed in set notation: {x  : range of values of x }.
Examples: The solution set for 2x + 4 < 0 is {x  : x  2 };
The solution set for 2x  4  0 is {x  : x  2 }.

(III) When an exact solution is not required, a graphing calculator can be used to obtain
the answer.

Pg 2 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

1.1 Basic Properties of Inequalities (Revision)

Let a, b and c be real numbers.

Examples

If a  b and b  c , then Since 2  3 and 3  10 , thus

(i)
ac. 2  10 .

Since 8  3 , thus
(ii) If a  b , then a  c  b  c .
8  2  3  2 and 8  (4)  3  (4)

If a  b and c   , then Since 7  2 , thus

(iii) a b 7 2
ca  bc and  . 7  3  2  3 and 
c c 5 5

If a  b and c   , then Since 7  2 , thus

(iv) a b 7 2
ca  bc and  . 7  (3)  2  (3) and 
c c 5 5
If a  b  0 , then Since 7  2 , thus
 a  b ,if n  0
n n  7 2  22
(v)
 a n  b n ,if n  0  72  32

Note:
 Change the inequality sign when we multiply or divide by a negative number.
 The above properties also hold if the strict inequality signs (  and  ) are replaced with
their corresponding non-strict inequality signs (  and  ).

1.2 Solving Linear Inequalities (Revision)

Example 1:
Solve the inequalities (i) 2 x  4  3x  8 (ii) 3x  2  4x  5  3x
Solution
(i) 2 x  4  3x  8 (ii) This is a combination of two inequalities:
 x  12 3x  2  4 x and 4x  5  3x
x  12 5
x  2 and x
7

–2

5
Taking intersection of the two results, 2  x  .
7

Pg 3 of 39
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

1.3 Solving Quadratic Inequalities (Revision)

In this section, we shall learn how to solve quadratic inequalities by using the number line
method.

Example 2:
Solve the following inequalities, leaving your answers in exact form.
Video 4.1 (i) x 2  3x  4  0 (ii) x 2  7 (iii) x2  1  4 x

Solution
(i) x 2  3x  4  0

 x  4  x  1  0 Factorise, if possible

+  +
Draw a number line (which represents the x-axis) and indicate
the critical values on the number line.

–4 1 Critical values are obtained from the factors. In this case,

 x  4  0 and  x  1  0
x  4 x 1
Since  x  4  x  1 is more than 0, Next, we carry out the SIGN TEST.
we look for the positive region.
We can see that the two critical values divide the number line
into 3 regions. To carry out the sign test, we will pick a region
and substitute any number in that region into the LHS of the
 x  4 or x  1 inequality to find out the sign.

For instance, we try any number > 1 in this region, say x  2 .

Then LHS of inequality  (2  4)(2  1)  6 , which is positive.
 we put a + sign here.
We can repeat the same steps to find out the signs of the other
two regions. However, since the factors are single, the signs
will alternate.

Note:
Essentially, the signs on the number line (depicted in the previous example) correspond to
the location of the quadratic curve with reference to the x-axis.

+  +
–4 1

+  +

–4 1

Pg 4 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Note: The signs on the number line correspond

2 the location of the quadratic curve with reference
(ii) x 7 to the x-axis.
x2  7  0 
+ +
x 7  
x 7 0 [Factorise]

+  +
[Draw a number line with critical values and carry out the
sign test]

x   7 or x  7

(iii) x2  1  4 x
x2  4 x  1  0

Note that x 2  4 x  1 cannot be factorised directly.

Use the quadratic formula to find the critical values on the number line.

Consider x2  4 x  1  0 .

4  (4) 2  4(1)(1)
x
2
4  12

2 Note:
42 3 The signs on the number line correspond to the
  2 3 quadratic curve.
2

+ + + +

 2 3  x  2 3

Pg 5 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Try This!
Using an algebraic method, solve the following inequalities.
(i)  x  32  10 (ii) x 2  6 x  2  0

Solution Solution

Consider x 2  6 x  2  0 .
 x  32  ( 10) 2  0
6  36   4 1 2 
 x  3  10   x  3  10   0 x
2
 x  (3  10) x  (3  10)  0 6  28
  3 7
2
+ – +
 
x  3  7  x  3  7   0
    
+ – +
 3  10  x  3  10

 x  3  7 or x  3  7

(iii) 49x2  64 (iv) 2 x 2  6 x  5  0

Solution Solution

Method 1:
49x2  64  0
Consider 2 x 2  6 x  5  0 .
 7 x  8 7 x  8  0
Discriminant   6   4(2)(5)  4
2

+ – + Since Discriminant < 0 and the

coefficient of x 2 is positive, hence
2 x 2  6 x  5 is positive for all real
values of x.
8 8 x 
 x Method 2:
7 7

2 x 2  6 x  5  2 x 2  3x  5 
2
 3 1
 2  x2   
 2 2
2
 3 1
Since 2  x 2    is always
 2 2
positive for all real values of x,
x 

Pg 6 of 39
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

2 Solving Inequalities Involving Polynomials

To solve an inequality of the form f ( x)  0 (or  ,  or  ), where f ( x) is a polynomial that
is factorised into linear factors, we can use the same method (number line method) as
illustrated in the previous section to solve this type of inequality.

Example 3:
Solve the following inequalities.
(i) ( x 1)(2x  1)( x  3)  0 (ii) (1  x)(1  x)(3x 1)  0
Video 4.2

Solution

(i) ( x 1)(2x  1)( x  3)  0 (ii) (1  x)(1  x)(3x 1)  0

+ +

1 3
1

1 1
  x  1 or x  3  1  x  or x  1
2 3
Take a number greater than the right most critical
value (“3” in this case), for example “4”.
Substitute “4” into LHS of inequality and check
the sign. The signs will alternate since the factors
are single.

When a repeated factor appears (Example 4), alternating the signs may not always work.
We need to substitute values to evaluate the sign for each region instead.

Example 4:
Solve the following inequalities.
Video 4.3 (i) ( x  4)( x  5)2 ( x  2)  0 (ii) ( x  4)( x  5)2 ( x  2)  0

Solution
(i) ( x  4)( x  5)2 ( x  2)  0 (ii) ( x  4)( x  5)2 ( x  2)  0

4 5 −2 4 5
 2 x  4   2  x  4 or x5

Pg 7 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Try This!
Solve the following inequalities.

(i) ( x  1)(2x 1)( x  3)( x  3)  0 (ii) ( x  1)(2 x  1) 2  0

Solution Solution

+ + + + +

1 1
  3  x  1 or  x3  x  1 or x 
2 2

Tutorial 4 Q1 – 2

3 Modulus Function
Recall that for any real number x, the modulus of x (denoted by x ) is defined as
x if x  0
x 
 x if x  0
The graph y  x is as shown below:
y

x
O

There are many properties involving modulus and below are some common ones. For any
real number x,
(i) x 0
2
(ii) x  x 2  x 2

(iii) x2  x Caution! In general, x 2  x.

Pg 8 of 39
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Here, we shall introduce two very useful results involving modulus in inequalities.

If a is a positive constant, then

(iv) x a  a  x  a These results also hold for non-strict
(v) x a  x  a or x  a inequality signs (  or  ).

Example: Given x  2 , then 2  x  2 (using result (iv)).

Example: Given x  2 , then x  2 or x  2 (using result (v)).
Note: The symbol  means if and only if.

Think!
If a  0 , then what can you say about (i) x  a and (ii) x  a ?

Example 5:
Find the range of values of x in each of the following cases.
Video 4.4 (a) x  5  3 (b) 2 x  1  5

Solution

(a) x5  3 (b) 2x 1  5

3  x  5  3 2x  1  5 or 2 x  1  5
2  x  8  x  3 or x  2

Try This!
Solve the following inequalities.
(i) 2  5x  6 (ii) 3x  4  9

Solution Solution

2  5 x  6 or 2  5 x  6 9  3 x  4  9
5 x  8 or  5 x  4 13  3 x  5
8 4 13 5
x or x    x
5 5 3 3

Pg 9 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

4 Inequalities Involving Rational Functions

In this section, we will learn how to use an algebraic method (with number line) to solve
f ( x)
inequalities of the form  0 (including cases  ,  and  ), where f ( x) and g( x) are
g( x)
polynomials.

Let’s explore first!

( (Caution: The steps and solution in the box below are WRONG!!!)
3x  4
Adam is given the following inequality:  2 . As he has not learnt the correct way of
x 1
solving this inequality, he attempted to solve it and gave the following solution:

3x  4
If  2 , then 3x  4  2  x  1
x 1
3x  4  2 x  2
x  6

From this solution, it means any value of x that is less than 6 will satisfy the given
inequality. Then Adam decided to verify his own solution. He considers x  7 and
substitutes this into the LHS of the given inequality.
To his surprise, he got this:
3(7)  4 17
LHS of inequality    2.125 and this is not less than 2.
(7)  1 8
Since x  7 does not satisfy the given inequality, he concluded that his solution obtained
“ x  6 ” was not correct and that there was something wrong with his method of solution.
At which step do you think Adam’s method is WRONG? Why? Write down your
thoughts in the box below.

At this juncture, we shall introduce the correct method to solve this type of inequality that
involves rational functions. We will illustrate the steps by solving the given inequality. In
fact, you will find that the steps are very similar to those involved in solving a quadratic
inequality (refer to Example 2).

Pg 10 of 39
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Example 6:
3x  4
Without using a graphic calculator, solve 2.
Video 4.5 x 1
Solution
3x  4
2
x 1
3x  4 Step 1:
20
x 1 Make the RHS of the inequality zero by shifting all the terms to
the LHS and simplify.
3x  4  2( x  1)
0
x 1 Step 2:
x6 Draw a number line with the critical values labelled. These
0 critical values are obtained from the factors in both the
x 1 numerator and denominator:
x6  0 and x 1  0
x  6 and x 1

Step 3:
Carry out the sign test. This is similar to the way we carry out
the sign test when solving quadratic inequalities using a number
line.
x6
Since is less than 0, we look for
x 1 For instance, we try any number > 1 in this region, say x  2 .
the negative region. x6 26
Then   8 , which is positive. we put a + sign
x 1 2 1
 the answer is 6  x  1 . here.

As the factors in both the numerator and denominator are single

factors, the signs will alternate.

Pg 11 of 39
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Example 7:
Without using a graphic calculator, solve the following inequalities.
x2 12
Video 4.6 (i) 3 (ii)  x 1
x x 3

Solution
x2
(i) 3 (note that x  0 )
x
x2
3 0 [step 1: make RHS zero and simplify LHS]
x
x  2  3x
0
x
2(1  x)
0
x
1 x
0
x

+ + [step 2: draw a number line with the critical values labelled.]

[step 3: carry out the sign test]

0

 the solution is 1  x  0 .
Note that as the denominator, x, cannot be 0,
we cannot include 0 in the solution. we
have instead of .

12
(ii)  x 1 (note that x  3 )
x 3
12
 ( x  1)  0 [step 1: make RHS zero and simplify LHS]
x 3
12  ( x  1)  x  3
0
x 3
 x 2  2 x  15 x 2  2 x  15
0  0
x3 x3
( x  5)  x  3 [step 2: factorise the numerator completely,
0
( x  3) so that you can identify the critical values.
Draw a number line with critical values
+ + labelled]

[step 3: carry out the sign test]

3 5
 the solution is 3  x  3 or x  5 .
Similarly, since x  3 , we exclude 3 from the
solution to the inequality.

Pg 12 of 39
 YIJC / 2021 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Example 8:
Using an algebraic method, solve the following inequalities.
x2  5x  6 2 x2  2 x  1 1 2x
Video 4.7 (a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 0
x2  8 x2  x  2 x2  2 x  6
Solution:
x2  5x  6
(a) 0
x2  8
 x  2  x  3 0 (note that x   8 and x  8 )
 x  8  x  8 
+ + +

2 3

 the solution is x   8 or 2  x  8 or x  3 .

2 x2  2 x  1
(b) 1
x2  x  2
2 x2  2 x  1
1  0
x2  x  2
2 x 2  2 x  1  ( x 2  x  2)
0
x2  x  2
x2  x  3
0 Important technique:
x2  x  2 If the quadratic expression is not factorisable,
2 complete the squares to obtain the form
 1  11
x   ( x  a)2  k .
 2 4 0
 x  1 x  2 
2
 1  11
Since  x    is always positive for all real values of x, we have
 2 4

1
 0 (note that x  2 and x  1 )
 x  1 x  2
+ +

1
 the solution is 2  x  1 .

H2 Chpt 4  13 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

1 2x
(c) 0
x2  2 x  6

For the denominator, consider x2  2 x  6  0 .

(2)  (2) 2  4(1)(6)
x
2(1)
2  28

2
22 7

2
 1 7

1 2x
  0 (note that x  1  7 and x  1  7 )
 x 1 7  x 1 7 

1
 the solution is x  1  7 or  x  1 7 .
2

Try This!
Without using a calculator, solve the following inequalities.
2 x 4
(a)  5 , x 1 (b)  1 
x 1 2 x

Solution Solution

2 x 4
5  0 1  0
x 1 2 x
2  5  x  1 x  2x  8
2
0 0 , x0
x 1 2x
5 x  7
0 –
 x  4  x  2   0 , x  0
x 1 + +
2x
5x  7
0  +  +
x 1
7 2 0 4
 1 x 
5   2  x  0 or x  4

Pg 14 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

10 x 1
(c)  2x  5 (d) 
3 x x  8 x 1

Solution Solution

x 1
10   0 , x  8 , x  1
 2x  5  0 x  8 x 1
3 x x  x  1   x  8 
10   3  x  2 x  5 0
0  x  8 x  1
3 x
x2  2 x  8
2 x2  x  5 0
 0 (note x  3 )  x  8 x  1
3 x
Consider the numerator: 2 x2  x  5  0  x  4  x  2   0
1  41
 x  8 x  1
x
4     
8 2 1 4
  
  8  x  2 or 1  x  4
1 41

1  41 1  41
 x or  x3
4 4

Pg 15 of 39
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Example 9:
4x  x  2
Without using a calculator, solve x  2  .
Video 4.8 x2  3
Solution
4x  x  2
x2  Q1) Unlike previous examples, why is cross multiplication
x2  3 allowed here?
 x  2   x 2  3  4 x  x  2  Q2) Although the factor ( x  2) appears on both sides of the
inequality, we cannot divide both sides of the inequality
 x  2   x 2  3  4 x  x  2   0 by ( x  2) . Why?

 x  2  x2  3  4 x   0
 x  2  x  3 x  1  0
   

1 2 3

 1  x  2 or x  3

Example 10:

 x  1  x   0.
2
2 2
 x  12  x  2   0 . 2
Video 4.9 Solve the inequality Hence solve 2
2x  3 2x  3
Solution

Method 1: Method 2:
 x  1  x  2   0
2
(note x   )
3 Since  x  1  0 for all x 
2

2x  3 2 x2
 0 or x  1
2x  3
+ − 3
(note that x   )
2
2
−

2
3
 x or x  2 or x  1
2 3
 x or x  2 or x  1
2

Pg 16 of 39
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

 x  1  x  0,
2
2 2
2
For
2 x2  3
Make use of the earlier results by replacing x by x2:
3
x2   or x2  2 or x 2  1
2
(no real solution) (rej x2  0 )

For x 2  2 ,
x2  2  0
 x  2  x  2   0
 x   2 or x  2 .

Example 11:
Prove that 4 x2  4 x  3 is positive for all real values of x .
4 x 3  4 x 2  3x
Video 4.10 (i) Solve 0.
x2  x  2
4  ln x   4  ln x   3ln x
3 2

(ii) Hence, solve  0 , leaving your answers in exact form.

 ln x 
2
 ln x  2

Solution
 3
4 x2  4 x  3  4  x2  x  
 4
 1   1  3
2 2

 4  x       
 2   2  4 

  2 x  1  2
2

Since  2 x  1  0 for all real values of x,   2 x  1  2  0 .

2 2

Hence 4 x2  4 x  3 is positive for all real values of x . [Proven]

4 x 3  4 x 2  3x
(i) 0
x2  x  2
x  4 x 2  4 x  3
0 (note that x  2 , x  1 )
 x  2  x  1
Since 4 x 2  4 x  3  0 for all real values of x,
x
 0
 x  2  x  1
 x  2 or 0  x  1

Pg 17 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

4 x 3  4 x 2  3x
(ii) From part (i), if  0 , then the answer would be:
x2  x  2

2  x  0 or x  1  since x  2 and x  1 -------- (*)

4  ln x   4  ln x   3ln x
3 2

 For  0 , make use of the results in (*) by replacing

 ln x 
2
 ln x  2
x by ln x :

2  ln x  0 or ln x  1
e2  x  1 or xe

Try This!
1 2 1 2
(a) Solve the inequality  . Hence solve
x
 x , leaving your answer
x  3 x 1 e  3 e 1
in exact form.

Solution

1 2
 0
x  3 x 1
x  7
0
 x  1 x  3
x7
0
 x  1 x  3
−  − +

3 7
  1  x  3 or x  7

Replace x by e x in the above answers:

1  e x  3 or e x  7
x  ln 3 or x  ln 7

Pg 18 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

2 x 2  8 x  17
(b) (i) Without using a calculator, solve the inequality 1.
x2  2
2 x 2  8 x  17
(ii) Hence, solve 1. Recall:
x2  2
x2   x 
2
Solution

i) 2 * -84 + 17
/*)
>
-
(i) 2
2 x 2  8 x  17
1  0 ii) replace by
# x2  2
+2

2 x 2  8 x  17  x 2  2
0 31/X125
28x
+ -(x
x2  2
7 x 2  8x  15
0
x2  2
|x / >, 3 | x65
+5. 
x  3 x  5
8X 20 0
x2  2
51425
.

* +2 -

XL -
Since 
3) 70
x 2  2  0 for all real values of x,
1
5)(X -

4 7; 3
4 x+2
3 x  5   0 +
.

& -

* 2
for all
> 0 )
=
* +2 > 0 - ·

 x value
 3 or of
x X
5
I
5- '
.

(X 5)(X 3) 70
2 x  8 x  17
2
-
-

From part (i),tif

(ii)-
+
 1, then the answer would be:
-
! st x2  2
3 x 5 --- (*) >
-

24 2 3
=

#3 * 7 5

2 x 2  8 x  17 3 : 425
For  1 , make use of the results in (*) by replacing x by x :
x2  2
3 x 5
 3 x and x 5
x  3 or x  3 5  x  5

Taking intersection,

5  x  3 or 3  x  5.

Tutorial 4 Q3 – 4

Pg 19 of 39
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

5 Solving Inequalities using Graphical Method

Besides using an algebraic method to solve the inequalities in the previous examples, we
can also use a graphical method to solve them.
Video 4.11
In general, an inequality of the form
f(𝑥) < g(𝑥)
can be solved by graphical means in the following ways.

Method 1:
Step 1: Sketch the graphs of 𝑦 = f(𝑥) and 𝑦 = g(𝑥) on the same diagram.
Step 2: Find the x-coordinates of the points of intersection of the graphs.
Step 3: Find the range of values of x satisfying f(𝑥) < g(𝑥)
(i.e. where the graph of 𝑦 = f(𝑥) is below the graph of y  g( x) ).
Method 2:
Step 1: Sketch the graph of 𝑦 = f(𝑥) − g(𝑥).
Step 2: Find the x-coordinates of the points of intersection with the x-axis.
Step 3: Find the range of values of x satisfying f(𝑥) − g(𝑥) < 0
(i.e. where the graph of y  f ( x)  g( x) is below the x-axis).

Let’s revisit example 6. Besides the algebraic method (using number line) presented earlier,
3x  4
let’s see how we can use a graphical method (Method 1) to solve the inequality 2.
x 1
3x  4
Sketch the graph of y  and y  2 .
x 1
y
3x  4
y
x 1

y 3
y2
x
6

x 1
3x  4 3x  4
Since  2 , we will look for the range of values of x where the graph of y  is
x 1 x 1
lower than the graph of y  2 .  the solution is 6  x  1 .

Pg 20 of 39
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Example 12:
2 x
Solve the inequality  2. y
x 1
Video 4.11
Solution (using Method 2)
2 x
Sketch the graph of y  2.
x 1
y  1
2 x
From the graph, for  2  0 , the solution is
x 1
x  4 or x  0 .
We look for the range of values of x where the graph of
2 x
y  2 is below the x-axis.
x 1

Question: How do I know when to use a graphical method to solve a given inequality?

Example 13:
Sketch the graphs of y   x  1 and y  x  2 on the same diagram. Hence, find the
2

Video 4.12
exact range of values of x for which  x  1  x  2 .
2

Solution
The graph of y  x  2 is
made up of two lines,
y  x  2 and. y   x  2 2

The curve cuts the line 1

y   x  2 at two points.
O 1 2

To find the exact x-coordinates of these points of intersection, solve the equation
x2  2 x  1   x  2
x2  x  1  0
1  1  4(1)(1) 1  5
x 
2 2
Thus, from the graph, for  x  1  x  2 ,
2
We look for the range of values of
2
1 5 1 5 x where the graph of y  ( x  1)
x .
2 2 is below or intersecting the graph
of y  x  2 .

Pg 21 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Try This!
Sketch the graphs of y  x  3 and y  2  4 x on the same diagram. Hence solve the
1
inequality x  3  1  2 x , leaving your answers in exact form.
2
Solution

y    2  4x

y    x  3 y  2  4x
A

B
y  x 3

To find the exact x-coordinate of the point of intersection A, solve the equation
  x  3    2  4 x 
 x  3  2  4 x
3x  5
5
x
3
To find the exact x-coordinate of the point of intersection B, solve the equation
  x  3  2  4 x
x  3  2  4x
1  5x
1
x
5

1
x  3  1  2x
2
 x  3  2  4x
1 5 1
From the graph, for x  3  1  2 x , the solution is x   or x  .
2 3 5

Tutorial 4 Q5 – 7

Pg 22 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

6 System of Linear Equations

6.1 Solving a System of Linear Equations by Graphing Calculator (GC)

Example 14:
Consider the system of linear equations given by
6 x  y  15
3x  2 y  12
You can solve the simultaneous equations using either the elimination method or the
substitution method which you have learnt in your secondary school. Here, you will learn
how to use GC to solve this pair of equations.
Solution
GC method
To solve a pair of simultaneous linear equations, we will use the PlySmlt2 APPS:
Step 1

Press Πand select PlySmlt2.

Step 2

Select 2: SIMULTANEOUS EQN

SOLVER.

Step 3
In this example, we have 2 equations with 2
unknowns. Select the values as shown in the
screenshot.
Select NEXT by pressing the button s
which is below “NEXT”.

Pg 23 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Step 4
Enter the values of the system matrix as
shown in the screenshot.

Solve the matrix equation by pressing the constant

button s which is below “SOLVE”.
coeff of x coeff of y

Step 5
The solution for solving the above equation is
x  2, y  3 .

Presentation of Solution
6 x  y  15 (1) Note:
3x  2 y  12 (2) Make sure that the sequence
of the variables in each
equation is the same before
Using GC to solve (1) and (2),
entering their coefficients into
x  2, y  3 your GC.

Try This!
Solve the following simultaneous linear equations:
(a) 4 x  3 y  19 (b) 8t  13s  22
7 x  2 y  26 7 s  10t  12
Solution

(a) Using the GC, x  4, y  1

2 5
(b) Using the GC, s  , t 
3 3

Pg 24 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Example 15:
Consider the system of linear equations given by
3 x  2 y  4 z  255
4 x  5 y  2 z  265
2 x  4 y  5 z  330

To solve these linear equations, we will use the PlySmlt2 APPS:

Step 1

Press Πand select PlySmlt2.

Step 2

Select 2: SIMULTANEOUS EQN SOLVER.

Step 3

In this example, we have 3 equations with 3

unknowns. Select the values as shown in the
screenshot.
Select NEXT by pressing the button s
which is below “NEXT”.

Step 4
Enter the values of the system matrix as shown
in the screenshot.

Solve the equation by pressing the button s

which is below “SOLVE”.

Step 5
The solution for the equation is
x  15, y  25, z  40 .

Pg 25 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Presentation of Solution
3 x  2 y  4 z  255 (1) Note:
4 x  5 y  2 z  265 (2) Some other scientific calculators
are able to solve 2 equations with
2 x  4 y  5 z  330 (3)
2 unknowns and 3 equations with
3 unknowns. The GC is able to
Using GC to solve (1), (2) and (3), solve up to 10 equations with 10
x  15, y  25, z  40 unknowns.

Try This!
Solve the following simultaneous linear equations:
(a) x  y  z  4 (b) 2a  3b  c  18
5 x  2 y  3 z  3 6a  7  5c
x  3y  4z  6 b  3c  5  12a
Solution

(a) Using the GC, x  1, y  1, z  2

1
(b) Using the GC, a  , b  5, c  2
2

Example 16: [2006/SRJC/MidYear/Q1]

Given that the graph of y  px2  qx  r cuts the x-axis at the point (2, 0) and passes
through the points (1, 6) and (3, 10), find the equation of the curve.
Solution

Note:
Since there are 3 unknowns p, q and r, we need to
form 3 linear equations using points  2, 0  ,
1,  6  and  3, 10  .

Sub (2, 0) : 0  p(2) 2  q(2)  r  4 p  2q  r  0 (1)

Sub (1,  6) : 6  p(1) 2  q(1)  r  p  q  r  6 (2)
Sub (3, 10) : 10  p(3)  q(3)  r
2
 9 p  3q  r  10 (3)

Using the GC to solve (1), (2) and (3),

p  2, q  0, r  8

Therefore, the equation of the curve is y  2 x 2  8 .

Pg 26 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Try This!
Given that the graph of y  ax2  bx  c cuts the x-axis at the point (1, 0) and has a turning
point at (2, 2), find the equation of the curve.
Recall:
Solution d n
x  nx n1
Sub (1, 0): a  b  c  0 (1) dx
d
a c0
Sub (2, 2):  2b  c  2 (2) dx
4
dy
Differentiating y  ax2  bx  c with respect to x:  2ax 3  b
dx
dy a
When x  2 ,  0  b  0 (3)
dx 4
Using GC to solve (1), (2) and (3): a  4, b  1, c  5
Therefore, the equation of the curve is y  4 x2  x  5 .

6.2 Applications to Solve Practical Problems

Contextual / Real Life

Problem

use mathematics

Define variables needed to

answer the question

Form simultaneous
equations

Solve the simultaneous equations

using GC

Interpret the answers in

the context of the problem

Pg 27 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Example 17: [N2007/II/Q1]

Four friends buy three different kinds of fruit in the market. When they get home they cannot
remember the individual prices per kilogram, but three of them can remember the total
amount that they each paid. The weight of fruit and the total amounts paid are shown in the
following table.
Suresh Fandi Cindy Lee Lian
Pineapples (kg) 1.15 1.20 2.15 1.30
Mangoes (kg) 0.60 0.45 0.90 0.25
Lychees (kg) 0.55 0.30 0.65 0.50
Total amount paid in $ 8.28 6.84 13.05

Assume that, for each variety of fruit, the price per kilogram paid by each of the friends is
the same, calculate the total amount that Lee Lian paid.

Always define your variables and their corresponding units

Solution before forming your system of linear equations

Let $x, $y and $z be the price per kg for pineapple, mangoes and lychees respectively.

Then, we have
Suresh
1.15x  0.6 y  0.55z  8.28 (1)
Fandi 1.2x  0.45 y  0.3z  6.84 (2)
2.15x  0.9 y  0.65z  13.05 (3)
Cindy
From the GC,
x  3.50, y  2.60, z  4.90

Thus, the total amount that Lee Lian paid

= $ 1.3(3.50)  0.25(2.60)  0.5(4.90)  $7.65

Why is the assumption necessary in this context?

 There could be many different types of pineapples, mangoes or lychees

available in the market.
 The four friends might be buying their fruits from different stalls in the
market.

Pg 28 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Try This!
The Health Promotion Board of Singapore (HPB) has become increasingly concerned about
the sodium intake in the diets of an average adult in Singapore. Studies show that the
average intake of sodium of an average adult in Singapore is 9g per day, which is more than
the recommended 5g per day.
Suppose four friends Lisa, Adrian, Evan and Jack had dinner together at a fast food
restaurant where they ordered pizza, buffalo wings and fried cheese sticks. The number of
servings of each food item and the total amount of sodium intake for each person is shown
in the following table.
Lisa Adrian Evan Jack
Pizza (slice) 1 3 2 1
Buffalo wings (piece) 2 2 3 2
Fried Cheese Sticks (set) 1 2 3 3
Total sodium intake (mg) 3590 5670 7180 ?

Determine whether Jack’s sodium intake exceeds the HPB’s recommendation.

Solution
Let x mg, y mg and z mg be the sodium amount in one serving of pizza, buffalo wing and
fried cheese sticks respectively.
Then we have
Lisa : x  2 y  z  3590
Adrian : 3x  2 y  2z  5670
Evan : 2x  3 y  3z  7180
From the GC, x  530, y  1020, z  1020
Amount of sodium intake by Jack = 530  2 1020   3 1020   5630 mg

Conclusion: Jack has exceeded the recommended sodium intake.

Pg 29 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Example 18: [modified 2007/SAJC/Prelim/I/Q5]

Mr Tan invested $25,000 as follows: part in a structured deposit account, part in bonds, and
part in a mutual fund. He invested $6,600 more in the bonds than the mutual fund. After one
year, he received a total of $1,580 in simple interest from the three investments. The
structured deposit account paid an interest of 6% annually, the bonds paid 7% annually, and
the mutual fund paid 8% annually.
Find the amount Mr Tan invested in each investment, giving your answer to the nearest
dollar.

Solution
Let $x, $y and $z be the amounts of investment in structured deposit account, bonds and
mutual fund respectively.

x  y  z  25000
y  z  6600
0.06 x  0.07 y  0.08 z  1580

Using GC, x  17467, y  7067, z  467

Therefore, Mr Tan invested $17,467 in structured deposit account, $7,067 in bonds and $467
in mutual fund.

Pg 30 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Example 19: [modified 2007/MJC/Prelim/I/Q8b]

A food manufacturer produces a new flavour of meatball using three ingredients, mutton,
chicken and fish.
100g of mutton contributes 20g of proteins and 30g of fats.
100g of chicken contributes 45g of proteins and 30g of fats.
100g of fish contributes 75g of proteins and 20g of fats.

The nutritional requirements for each 100g of mixture of meatball are 49g of proteins and
27g of fats. The spices added to the meatball mixture do not contribute to the nutritional
requirements and the mass of the mixture.
(i) Find the amount of mutton, chicken and fish that the food manufacturer should
include in 100g of mixture to meet the nutritional requirements.
(ii) Find the amount of cholesterol in 100g of meatball mixture if the amount of
cholesterol in 1g of mutton, chicken and fish are 0.005g, 0.002g and 0.001g
respectively.

Remember to define your variables

Solution with their corresponding units

(i) Let x grams, y grams and z grams be the amount of mutton, chicken and fish that the
food manufacturer should include in a 100g of mixture respectively.
x  y  z  100 (1)
Amount of protein in x 0.2 x  0.45 y  0.75 z  49 (2)
grams of mutton
0.3 x  0.3 y  0.2 z  27 (3)
Amount of fats in y grams of chicken
Using GC to solve (1), (2) and (3),
x  20, y  50, z  30

The food manufacturer should include 20g of mutton, 50g of chicken and 30g of fish
in the mixture.
Concluding statement

(ii) 1g of mutton : 0.005g of cholesterol

1g of chicken : 0.002g of cholesterol
1g of fish : 0.001g of cholesterol

Amount of cholesterol in 100g of meatball mixture

 [20(0.005)  50(0.002)  30(0.001)]g
 0.23g

Tutorial 4 Q8 – 10

Pg 31 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Annex

To solve an equation or an inequality using non-graphical methods, we need to know the properties
and the laws of the functions involved and to use some theorem if necessary. These methods allow
us to obtain answers in exact form: in terms of surds, exponential, or logarithmic expressions,
etc.

1.1 Equations involving Polynomial (up to cubic)

Recall:
(1) Factor Theorem:
(x – a) is a factor of the polynomial f(x)  f(a) = 0.

(2) Given a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 (a  0), the roots are given by the quadratic
 b  b 2  4ac
formula x  .
2a
(3) A cubic equation is of the form px3 + qx2 + rx + s = 0 , p  0.
As the cubic curve y = px3 + qx2 + rx + s always cuts through the x-axis (at least once),
there is at least one real root to the cubic equation px3 + qx2 + rx + s = 0.
If s  0 and  is a root, then the equation becomes (x – )(ax2 + bx+ c) = 0 and the
other roots are obtained from ax2 + bx+ c = 0.

Exercise 1

Solve the following equations, giving your answers in exact form.

(a) x2 – 2x – 1 = 0; [Ans: 12]
(b) 2x3 – 5x2 + 4 = 0; [Ans: 2, 1  17 ]
4
(c) x3  2 = x2 x; [Ans: 2]
x2 x2
(d)  ; [Ans: 3  17 ]
4 x
1
(e) x2  2  . [Ans: 1, 1 5 ]
x 2

1.2 Equations involving Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Recall:
(1) For a > 0, a ≠1, y  a x  log a y  x
(2) To solve an exponential equation in the form a x  b ( a  0 and a  1 ):
(i) if b = an , then we use the fact that ax = an  x = n
(ii) otherwise, we take logarithms of both sides
lg b lg is the short
lg ax = lg b  xlg a = lg b  x  form of log10
lg a
ln is the short
form of log e

Pg 32 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

(3) For equation of the form p(a2x) + q(ax) + r = 0:

we let u = ax and solve for u from the quadratic equation pu2 + qu + r = 0 and then
deduce the values of x.
(4) To solve a logarithmic equation, we change them to the same base and use the fact
that logaM = logaN  M = N.

(5) Laws on Indices and Logarithm:

In the following, a > 0, a ≠ 1, b > 0, b ≠ 1, m and n are real constants, x, y and N are
positive real constants.
5.1 am  an = am+ n 5.10 loga xy = loga x + loga y
m n x
5.2 a a =a
m n
m n mn n m 5.11 loga  loga x  loga y
5.3 (a ) = a = (a ) y
5.4 a0 = 1, provided a  0 5.12 loga xn = n loga x
1 5.13 loga a = 1
5.5 a n  n
a 5.14 loga 1 = 0
5.6 (ab) = a  b
n n n 5.15 Change of Base of Logarithm
a
n
a n logb N 1
5.7    n log a N  and log a N 
b b logb a log N a
x
5.16 loga a = x
5.17 a log x  x
a

5.18 a x  b x log a (Change of Base of Indices)

b

Exercise 2

Solve the following equations.

(a) 23x = 4x + 1 [Ans: 2]
(b) 6x+ 2 = 9 [Ans: 0.774]
(c) 3x1  2x2  21 [Ans: 0.312]
(d) 9x – 4 = 3x + 1 [Ans: 1.26]

Exercise 3

Solve the following equations.

(a) log2 x = log4 (x + 6) [Ans: 3]
(b) log5 x = 4 logx 5 + 3 [Ans: 0.2, 625]

Pg 33 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Tutorial 4 Inequalities and Equations

Inequalities
2x  3
1 Using an algebraic method, solve the inequality 2  1.
x 1
1
[Ans: 4  x   ]
4
2 Using an algebraic method, solve the following inequalities:
2x 1
(a) 2 1 (b) 5  2 x  5 x 2  0 (c) 1  0
x 1  x  12
[Ans: (a) x  1 or 1  2  x  1 or x  1  2 ; (b) x  ; (c) 0  x  1 or 1  x  2 ]

3 (i) Show that 2 x2  2 x 1 is always negative.

(ii) Solve  2 x 2  2 x  1 2 x 2  5 x  3  0 .
(iii) Hence solve  2 x 4  2 x 2  1 2 x 4  5 x 2  3  0 .
1
[Ans: (ii) x   or x  3 ; (iii) x   3 or x  3 ]
2

2x  7 x  3
4 By using an algebraic method, find the solution set of the inequality  . Hence,
x4 2
solve
2 x 7 x 3
(i)  ,
x 4 2
4x  7 2x  3
(ii)  ,
2x  4 2
2e x  7 e x  3
(iii)  . [8]
ex  4 2
1
[Ans:  x  : x  4 or 1  x  2 (i) 1  x  4 ; (ii) x  2 or  x  1 ; (iii) 0  x  ln 2 ]
2

5 [N2018/P1/Q4]
(i) Find the exact roots of the equation 2 x2  3x  2  2  x . [4]

(ii) On the same axes, sketch the curves with equations y  2 x 2  3x  2 and
y  2 x.
Hence solve exactly the inequality 2 x2  3x  2  2  x . [4]

[Ans: (i) x  1  3, 1, or 0 ; (ii) 1  3  x  1 or 0  x  1  3 ]

Pg 34 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

6 Sketch on the same diagram, the graphs of y  2 x  1 and y  x 2  1 .

Hence, find the set of values of x that satisfy the inequality x 2  1  2 x  1 , leaving your
answers in the form a  b c where a, b, c are constants.
Deduce the solution set of the inequality e2 x  1  2e x  1 .


[Ans: x  
: 1  3  x  2 ;  x  : x  ln 2 ]

7 [N2019/P1/Q4]
(i) Sketch the graph of y  2 x  10 , giving the exact values of any points where the
curve meets the axes. [4]
(ii) Without using a calculator, and showing all your working, find the exact interval, or
intervals for which 2 x  10  6 . Give your answer in its simplest form. [4]
[Ans: 2  x  4 ]

System of Linear Equations

8 [2007/ACJC/P1/Q1]
A cubic curve passes through the points (1, 3), (2, 12) and (3, 59), and its y-intercept is
4 . Find the equation of the curve. [4]
[Ans: y  3x 3  2 x 2  4 ]

9 [N2012/P1/Q1]
A cinema sells tickets at three different prices, depending on the age of the customer. The
age categories are under 16 years, between 16 and 65 years, and over 65 years. Three groups
of people A, B, C, go to the cinema on the same day. The numbers in each age category for
each group together with the total cost of the tickets for each group, are given in the
following table.

Group Under 16 years Between 16 and 65 Over 65 years Total Cost

years
A 9 6 4 $162.03
B 7 5 3 $128.36
C 10 4 5 $158.50

Write down and solve equations to find the cost of a ticket for each of the age categories.
[4]
[Ans: $7.65, $9.85, $8.52]

Pg 35 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

10 [2014/IJC/SummerTest/Q1]
A new park called “Forest by the Way” has recently been opened. Three families namely
the Chan family, the Wong family and the Tan family have decided to visit the park on the
same day. The admission tickets of the park are divided into three categories, namely Child
(12 years old and below), Adult (between 12 and 60 years old), and Senior Citizen (60 years
old and above).

In order to promote family bonding, the park has introduced a 3-Generation package. A
family purchasing more than two tickets from the Child category and at least one ticket from
the Senior Citizen category will be given a 10% discount of the total price. The number of
tickets bought in each category and the net price paid by each family are given in the
following table.

Family Child Adult Senior Citizen Net price paid

Chan 4 3 2 $108.99
Wong 2 5 5 $181.80
Tan 0 4 1 $92.50
Form a system of linear equations and solve it to find the price of a ticket before any discount
for each of the categories. [3]
[Ans: x = 8.90, y = 19.90, z = 12.90]

Pg 36 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Supplementary Practice 4 Inequalities and Equations

Inequalities

1 [N1997/I/Q6]
Solve the inequality 1  x  3 . Hence write down the solution of 4  1  x  3 .
[Ans: −4 < 𝑥 < 2 ]

2 [MJC/2016/Prelim/I/Q1]
[A graphic calculator is not to be used for this question]
Show algebraically that x2  2x  5 is always positive for x  , and solve the inequality
x x2
 3 . [4]
x  2 x  5 x  2 x2  5x
2

ex ex  2
Hence solve the inequality 2 x  . [2]
e  2e x  5 e3 x  2e2 x  5e x
[Ans: x  1 or 0  x  2 ; x  ln 2 ]

3 [N2013/P1/Q3]
(i) Sketch the curve with equation
x 1
y ,
2x 1
stating the equations of any asymptotes and the coordinates of the points
where the curve crosses the axes. [4]
x 1
(ii) Solve the inequality  1. [2]
2x 1
1
[Ans: x  or x > 2]
2

4 Solve the following inequalities using a graphical method.

(a) 3x  4  x  1 (b) x2  2  x

[Ans: (a) x  0.75 or x  2.5 ; (b)  2  x  1 or 1  x  2 ]

5 Sketch the graph of y  e2 x  1, stating the equation of any asymptotes and coordinates of
any points of intersection with the axes.
By sketching the graph of an appropriate curve on the same diagram, solve the inequality
e2 x  1  ln  x  4 .
[Ans: x  0.457 or  4  x  3.63 ]

Pg 37 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

Express 2 x 2  3x  2 in the form a  x  b   c , where a, b and c are constants.

2
6 (i)

2 x 2  3x  2
(ii) Find the range of values of p (where p  0 ) if the inequality  0 has no
px 2  2 px  1
real solutions.
[Ans: (ii) 0  p  1]

1
7 Find the set of values of x for which x  2  .
x2
Hence, solve 2 x  1   x .
x 1 2x
1 1
[Ans: x  2 or x  5 ;   x  0 or x   or x  0 ]
5 2

8 Solve 5  4 x  x2   2 x , leaving your answers in the form a  b  c where a, b, c are

constants to be determined. [4]
2 29
[Ans: 5  x    ]
5 5

System of Linear Equations

9 [2008/HCI/Prelim/I/Q1]
A student has been saving 10-cent, 20-cent and 50-cent coins in a moneybox. When she
opened the box after one month, she found the amount saved is $15 and the number of 10-
cent coins equals the total number of 20-cent and 50-cent coins. She also found that only
half as many coins are needed to save the same amount using just 50-cent coins. Find the
number of 10-cent, 20-cent and 50-cent coins in the moneybox. [4]
[Ans: x  30, y  10, z  20 ]

10 [2019/CJC/P2/Q1]
The function h is given by
x
h( x)  ax3  bx 2  , x  ,
c
where a , b and c are real constants, c non-zero.
 13 
The graph of y  h( x) passes through the point  1,  . The point  8, 642  lies on the
 4
 1  1
graph of y  h( x ) and the point  4,  lies on the graph of y  . Find the values of
 97  h( x)
a , b and c . [4]
[Ans: a  1, b  2, c  4 ]

Pg 38 of 39
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 4 Inequalities and Equations

11 [2018/AJC/Promo/2018/Q1]
A dietitian wishes to plan a meal using three types of ingredients. The meal is to include
8800 microgram (g) of vitamin A, 3380 g of vitamin C and 1020 g of calcium. The
amount of the vitamins and calcium in each unit of the ingredients is summarised in the
following table:
Ingredient I Ingredient II Ingredient III
Vitamin A 400 1200 800
Vitamin C 110 570 340
Calcium 90 30 60

Assuming that all the 3 ingredients were used, find the three possible combinations of the
number of integer units of each ingredient the dietitian should include in the meal in order
to meet the vitamins and calcium requirements.
[Ans: Since x, y, z are positive integers,
z = 2, 4 and 6 only.
When z = 2, x = 9, y = 3.
When z = 4, x = 8, y = 2.
When z = 6, x = 7, y = 1]

Pg 39 of 39