4 Equations, inequalities and

graphs
It is India that gave us the ingenious method of expressing all numbers
by means of ten symbols, each symbol receiving a value of position as
well as an absolute value; a profound and important idea which appears
so simple to us now that that we ignore its true merit.
Pierre-Simon, Marquis de Laplace (1749–1827)

The picture shows a quadrat. This is a tool used by biologists to select

a random sample of ground; once it is in place they will make a record
of all the plants and creatures living there. Then they will throw the
quadrat so that it lands somewhere else.

y This diagram illustrates a 1 metre square

1 quadrat. The centre point is taken to be the
origin and the sides to be parallel to the x- and
y-axes.
–1 1 x

–1

Discussion point
What is the easiest way to describe the region it covers?

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 4 Equations, inequalities and graphs

Many practical situations involve the use of inequalities.

How economical is a Formula 1 car?
The Monaco Grand Prix, consisting of 78 laps and a total distance
of approximately 260 km, is a well-known Formula 1 race. In 2017 it
was won by Sebastian Vettel in 1 hour 44 minutes. Restrictions on
the amount and use of fuel mean that drivers need to manage the
performance of their car very carefully throughout the race.
A restriction in 2017 was that the total amount of fuel used during the
race was limited to 105 kg which is approximately 140 litres.
Using: f to denote the total amount of fuel used in litres
d to represent the distance travelled in kilometres

(
E to represent the fuel economy in litres per kilometre E =
f
d )
140
the restriction can be represented as E  260
⇒ E  0.538
This shows that, at worst, the fuel economy of Vettel’s Ferrari Formula 1
car is 0.538 litres per kilometre.

Discussion point
How does this compare with an average road car?

Modulus functions and graphs

For any real number, the absolute value, or modulus, is its positive
size whether that number is positive or negative. It is denoted by a
vertical line on each side of the quantity. For example, |5| = 5 and
For any real |−5| = 5 also. The absolute value of a number will always be positive
number x, the or zero. It can be thought of as the distance between that point on the
modulus of x is x-axis and the origin.
denoted by |x| and
You have already met graphs of the form y = 3x + 4 and y = x² − 3x – 4.
is defined as:
However, you might not be as familiar with graphs of the form
|x| = x if x  0 y = |3x + 4| and y = |x² − 3x – 4|.
|x| = -x if x < 0.

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 Solving modulus equations

Worked example
Set up a table for the graphs y = x + 2 and y = |x + 2| for −6  x  2. Draw both
graphs on the same axes.

Solution
y −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2
x+2 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4
|x + 2| 4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4
y
5
4
The equation of y = |x + 2| 3
this part of the
2
graph is
y = −(x + 2). 1

–8 –7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 1 2 3 4 x
–1
–2

y=x+2 –3
–4

Notice that the effect of taking the modulus is a transformation in

which the positive part of the original graph (above the x-axis) remains
the same and the negative part of the original graph (below the x-axis)
is reflected in the x-axis.

Solving modulus equations

Worked example
Solve the equation |2x + 3| = 5
a) graphically
b) algebraically.

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 4 Equations, inequalities and graphs

Solution
a) First draw the graph of y = 2x + 3.
Start by choosing three values of x and calculating the corresponding
values of y, for example, (−2, −1), (0, 3) and (2, 7).
Then reflect in the x-axis any part of the graph that is below the x-axis to
give the graph of y = |2x + 3|.
Next draw the line y = 5. This is a
y continuation
7 of the line
y = |2x + 3|
6 y = 2x + 3.
5
y=5 x = 1 here
4
3
2
x = −4 here
1

–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 1 2 3 x
–1
–2
–3

The solution is given by the values of x where the V-shaped graph meets the
line y = 5
⇒ x = 1 or x = −4.
b) |2x + 3| = 5 ⇒ 2x + 3 = 5 or 2x + 3 = −5
⇒ 2x = 2   or 2x = −8
⇒ x = 1   or x = −4

Discussion point
Notice that in the solution three points are used to draw the straight
line when only two are necessary. Why is this good practice?

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 Solving modulus equations

Worked example
Solve the equation |3x − 1| = x + 5
a) graphically
b) algebraically.

Solution
a) Start by drawing the graphs of y = |3x − 1| and y = x + 5 on the same axes.

y
y = |3x – 1| 10
y=x+5
9

This is part of 6
x = 3 here
the line 5
y = –(3x – 1). 4 This is part of
3 the line
x = –1 here y = 3x – 1.
2

1
This dotted
line shows the
–4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 x section of
–1 y = 3x – 1
that has been
reflected in the
x-axis.
The solution is given by the values of x where the V-shaped graph meets
the line y = x + 5.
⇒ x = −1 or x = 3
b) |3x − 1| = x + 5 ⇒ 3x − 1 = x + 5 or −(3x − 1) = x + 5
⇒ 2x = 6 or   −4x = 4
⇒ x = 3 or    x = −1

Either of these methods can be extended to find the points where two
V-shaped graphs intersect. However, the graphical method will not
always give an accurate solution.

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 4 Equations, inequalities and graphs

Worked example
Solve the equation |2x + 5| = |x − 4|.

Solution
Start by drawing the graphs of y = |2x + 5| and y = |x − 4| on the same axes.
y
14 This is part
This is part of the of the line
A y = |2x + 5|
line y = −(x – 4). 12
y = 2x + 5.
10
This is part
of the line 8
y = −(2x + 5). 6 y = |x − 4|
B4
This is part
of the line
2 y = x − 4.

–12 –10 –8 –6 –4 –2 2 4 6 8 10 x
–2

The graph shows that the point A is (−9, 13), but the coordinates of B are not
This shows a clear.
failing of the The graph shows that both points of intersection occur where the reflected
graphical method. part of the line y = x − 4, i.e. the line y = −(x – 4) intersects the graph of
However, the y = |2x + 5|.
graph is useful At A, y = 4 − x meets y = −2x − 5
in determining
⇒ 4 − x = −2x – 5
the equation of
the line required ⇒ 2x − x = −5 − 4
for an algebraic ⇒ x = −9
solution. When x = −9, y = 4 – (−9) = 13, i.e. A is the point (−9, 13).
At B, y = 4 − x meets y = 2x + 5
⇒ 2x + 5 = 4 − x
⇒ 3x = −1
⇒x = −1
3

3 ( )
3 3 (
When x = − 1, y = 4 − − 1 = 4 1 , i.e. B is the point − 1 , 4 1 .
3 3 )

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 Solving modulus equations

Note
Modulus equations, like the one in the previous example, can also
be solved by using the method of squaring.

Worked example
Solve the equation 3 x − 2 = x + 4 .

Solution
Square both sides 3x − 2 = x + 4
of the equation.
⇒ ( 3x − 2 )2 = ( x + 4 )2
This ensures that
both sides are ⇒ 9 x 2 − 12 x + 4 = x 2 + 8 x + 16
positive so you ⇒ 8 x 2 − 20 x − 12 = 0 Rearrange to
do not need to form a quadratic
⇒ 2 x 2 − 5x − 3 = 0
consider individual equation, then
cases. ⇒ ( 2 x + 1) ( x − 3) = 0 solve for x.
2x + 1 = 0 ⇒ x = − 1
2
x−3= 0 ⇒ x= 3

So, x = − 1 or x = 3
2

Worked example
a) Draw the graph of y = |x 2 − 8x + 14|.
b) Use the graph to solve |x 2 − 8x + 14| = 2.
c) Use algebra to verify your answer to part b.
These are parts
Solution of the curve
a) y y = x2 – 8x + 14.
5

3 This is part
of the curve
2 y = –(x2 – 8x + 14).
1
This dotted line
shows the section
–1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 x of y = x 2 – 8x + 14
–1 that has been
4+ 2 reflected in the
–2 4– 2
x-axis.
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 4 Equations, inequalities and graphs

b) y
y = |x2 – 8x + 14|
5

4
x = 4 here
3

2 y=2

x = 2 here 1
x = 6 here

–1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 x
–1

–2

So, from the graph x = 2, x = 4 or x = 6.

c) |x 2 − 8x + 14| = 2 ⇒ x 2 − 8x + 14 = 2 or −(x 2 − 8x + 14) = 2

⇒ x 2 − 8x + 12 = 0 ⇒ −x 2 + 8x − 16 = 0
⇒ (x − 2)(x − 6) = 0 ⇒ x 2 − 8x + 16 = 0
⇒ x = 2 or x = 6 ⇒ (x − 4)2 = 0
⇒x=4
So x = 2, x = 4 or x = 6.

Exercise 4.1 For questions 1–3, sketch each pair of graphs on the same axes.
1 a) y = x and y = |x|
b) y = x − 1 and y = |x – 1|
c) y = x − 2 and y = |x – 2|
2 a) y = 2x and y = |2x|
b) y = 2x – 1 and y = |2x − 1|
c) y = 2x – 2 and y = |2x − 2|
3 a) y = 2 – x and y = |2 – x|
b) y = 3 – x and y = |3 – x|
c) y = 4 – x and y = |4 – x|
4 a) Draw the graph of y = |x + 1|.
b) Use the graph to solve the equation |x + 1| = 5.
c) Use algebra to verify your answer to part b.
5 a) Draw the graph of y = |x – 1|.
b) Use the graph to solve the equation |x – 1| = 5.
c) Use algebra to verify your answer to part b.
6 a) Draw the graph of y = |2x + 3|.
b) Use the graph to solve the equation |2x + 3| = 7.
c) Use algebra to verify your answer to part b.

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 Solving modulus equations

Exercise 4.1 (cont) 7 a) Draw the graph of y = |2x − 3|.

b) Use the graph to solve the equation |2x − 3| = 7.
c) Use algebra to verify your answer to part b.
8 a) On the same set of axes, draw the graphs of y = 2x − 3, y = |2x − 3|
and y = x + 3 for −1  x  7.
b) Use your graphs to solve |2x − 3| = x + 3.
c) Use algebra to verify your answer to part b.
9 a) On the same set of axes, draw the graphs of y = |3x − 3| and
y = 5x + 11 for −3  x  3.
b) Use your graphs to solve |3x − 3| = 5x + 11.
c) Use algebra to verify your answer to part b.
10 Solve the equation |x + 1| = |x − 1| both graphically and algebraically.
11 Solve the equation |x + 5| = |x − 5| both graphically and algebraically.
12 Solve the equation |2x + 4| = |2x − 4| both graphically and algebraically.
13 y y = |x2 + 10x + 17|
13
12
11
10
9
8 y=8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

–10 –9 –8 –7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 x
–1
–2

a) Use the diagram above to solve |x 2 + 10x + 17| = 8.

b) Use algebra to verify your answer to part a.
14 Solve algebraically the equation |x 2 − 16x + 58| = 5.
15 Solve algebraically the equation |2x 2 − 3x − 2| = 7.

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 4 Equations, inequalities and graphs

Solving modulus inequalities

When illustrating an inequality in one variable:
» An open circle at the end of a line shows that the end point is
excluded.
» A solid circle at the end of a line shows that the end point is
included.
» The line is drawn either in colour or as a solid line.
For example, the inequality −2 < x  3 is shown as:

–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5

Worked example
a) Solve algebraically the inequality |x – 3| > 2.
An open circle is
b) Illustrate the solution on a number line.
used to show that
The blue lines Solution the value there is not
show the a) |x – 3| > 2 ⇒ x – 3 > 2 or x – 3 < −2 part of the solution.
required parts of ⇒ x > 5 or x < 1
the number line. b)
–1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Worked example
Write the inequality −3  x  9 in the form |x – a|  b and show a and b on a
number line.

Solution
|x – a|  b ⇒ –b  x – a  b
⇒ a–bxa+b
You are finding the
values of x within a ± b.
Solve a + b = 9 and a – b = −3 simultaneously.
Adding: 2a = 6,   so a = 3
Subtracting: 2b = 12, so b = 6

–3 3 9
–b b
a
Substituting in a − b  x  a + b gives −3  x  9.
Substituting in |x – a|  b gives |x – 3|  6.

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 Solving modulus inequalities

Worked example
Solve the inequality |3x + 2|  |2x – 3|.

Solution
Draw the graphs of y = |3x + 2| and y = |2x – 3|. The inequality is true for values
of x where the unbroken blue line is below or crosses the unbroken red line, i.e.
Draw the line between (and including) the points A and B.
y = 3x + 2 as y
a straight line 14
through (0, 2) with A
13
y = |3x + 2|
a gradient of +3. 12
Reflect in the 11
x-axis the part 10
of the line that is 9
below this axis. 8
7
y = |2x − 3|
Draw the line 6
y = 2x − 3 as 5
a straight line 4
through (0, −3) 3
B
with a gradient of 2
+2. Reflect in the 1
x-axis the part
x
of the line that is –8 –7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1
–1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

below this axis. –2

–3

The graph shows that x = −5 at A, but the exact value for x at B is not clear.
The algebraic solution gives a more precise value.
At A, −(3x + 2) = −(2x – 3) ⇒ 3x + 2 = 2x – 3
⇒ x = −5
Substituting in either of the equations gives y = 13, so A is the point (−5, 13).
At B, 3x + 2 = −(2x – 3) ⇒ 3x + 2 = –2x + 3
⇒ 5x = 1
⇒ x = 0.2
Substituting in either equation gives y = 2.6, so B is the point (0.2, 2.6).
The inequality is satisfied for values of x between A and B, i.e. for −5  x  0.2.

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 4 Equations, inequalities and graphs

Worked example
Solve the inequality |x + 7| < |4x|.

Solution
The question does not stipulate a particular method, so start with a sketch
graph.

y
12
y = |4x|
11
10
The sketch graph 9
shows that the
8
points where
the two graphs y = |x + 7|
7

intersect do not 6

have integer 5
coordinates. This 4
means that a 3
graphical method 2
is unlikely to 1
give an accurate
solution. –13 –12 –11 –10 –9 –8 –7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1
–1
1 2 3 4 x

–2

Use algebra to find the points when |x + 7| = |4x|, i.e. when x + 7 = 4x and when
x + 7 = −4x.

Discussion point
Why is it sufficient to consider only these two cases? Why do you not
need to consider when –(x + 7) = 4x?

7
x + 7 = 4x when x = .
3
x + 7 = −4x when x = − 7 .
This tells you that 5
part of the solution Think about a point to the left of x = − 7 , such as x = −2.
5
is to the left of When x = −2, |x + 7| < |4x| gives 5 < 8. This is true so the inequality is satisfied.

x = − 57 , i.e. x < − 57 . ( )
Next think about a value of x in the interval − 7 , 7 , for example, x = 0.
5 3
When x = 0, |x + 7| < |4x| gives 7 < 0, which is false.
Any other value Finally consider a value greater than 7 , for example, x = 3.
3
in this interval will When x = 3, |x + 7| < |4x| gives 10 < 12. This is true so the inequality is satisfied.
also give a false Therefore, the solution is x < − 7 or x > 7 .
result. 5 3

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 Solving modulus inequalities

Inequalities in two dimensions are illustrated by regions. For example,

x > 2 is shown by the part of the x–y plane to the right of the line x = 2
and x < −1 by the part to the left of the line x = −1.
If you are asked to illustrate the region x  2, then the line x = 2 must
be included as well as the region x > 2.

Note
• When the boundary line is included, it is drawn as a solid line;
when it is excluded, it is drawn as a dotted line.
• The answer to an inequality of this type is a region of the x–y
plane, not simply a set of points. It is common practice to specify
the region that you want (called the feasible region) by shading
out the unwanted region. This keeps the feasible region clear so
that you can see clearly what you are working with.

Worked example
Illustrate the inequality 3y − 2x  0 on a graph.

Solution
Draw the line 3y − 2x = 0 as a solid line through (0, 0), (3, 2) and (6, 4).

Discussion point
Why are these points more suitable than, for example, 1, 2 ? ( 3)
Choose a point which is not on the line as a test point, for example, (1, 0).
Using these values, 3y − 2x = −2. This is less than 0, so this point is not in the
feasible region. Therefore shade out the region containing the point (1, 0).
y
6
5 (6, 4)
4
3 (3, 2)
2
1
(0, 0)
–5 –4 –3 –2 –1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 x
3y − 2 x = 0 –1 (1, 0)
–2

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 4 Equations, inequalities and graphs

Exercise 4.2 1 Write each of the following inequalities in the form |x − a|  b:

a) −3  x  15 b) −4  x  16 c) −5  x  17
2 Write each of the following expressions in the form a  x  b:
a) |x − 1|  2 b) |x − 2|  3 c) |x − 3|  4
3 Solve the following inequalities:
a) |x − 1| < 4 b) |x − 1| > 4 c) |2x + 3| < 5
d) |2x + 3| > 5
4 Illustrate each of the following inequalities graphically by shading the
unwanted region:
a) y − 2x > 0 b) y − 2x  0 c) 2y − 3x > 0
d) 2y − 3x  0
5 Solve the following inequalities: i) graphically ii) algebraically.
a) |x − 1| < |x + 1| b) |x − 1| > |x + 1|
c) |2x − 1|  |2x + 1| d) |2x − 1|  |2x + 1|
6 Each of the following graphs represents an inequality. Name the
inequality.
y y
a 4 b 5
3 4
2 3
1 2
y=x+1
1
–3 –2 –1 1 2 3 x
–1
–2 –1 1 2 3 x
–2 –1
y=2−x
–3 –2

y
c 6
5
y = |x|
4
3
2
1

–4 –3 –2 –1 1 2 3 4 x
–1
7 a) On the same set of axes, draw the graphs of y = |5x − 4| and
y = x + 4 for −1  x  4.
b) Use your graphs to solve |5x − 4|  x + 4.
c) Use algebra to verify your answer to part b.
8 Solve the following inequalities:
a) 2|5x + 6| > 8 b) 5|2x − 7|  2
c) |4x − 3|  2x + 6 d) |2x + 5|  |x − 1|
e) 2|7x − 1|  |2x + 8|

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 Using substitution to solve quadratic equations

9 y
8
y = |x2 – 5|
7
6
5
4 y=4
3
2
1

–4 –3 –2 –1 1 2 3 4 x
–1

a) Use the diagram above to solve |x 2 − 5|  4.

b) Use algebra to verify your answer to part b.
10 Solve algebraically the inequality |2x 2 + 3x − 5| > 3.

Using substitution to solve

quadratic equations
Sometimes you will meet an equation which includes a square root.
Although this is not initially a quadratic equation, you can use a
substitution to solve it in this way, as shown in the following example.

Worked example
Use the substitution x = u² to solve the equation x – 3 x = −2.

Solution
Substituting x = u² in the equation x – 3 x = −2 gives u² – 3u = −2
⇒ u² – 3u + 2 = 0
Factorising ⇒ (u – 1)(u – 2) = 0
⇒ u = 1 or u = 2
Checking these Since x = u², x = 1 or x = 4.
values When x = 1, 1 − 3 1 = −2, so x = 1 is a valid solution.
When x = 4, 4 − 3 4 = −2, so x = 4 is also a valid solution.

It is always advisable to check possible solutions, since in some cases

not all values of u will give a valid solution to the equation, as shown in
the following example.

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 4 Equations, inequalities and graphs

Worked example
Solve the equation x − x = 6.

Solution
Substituting x = u² in the equation x − x = 6 gives u² − u = 6
⇒ u² − u – 6 = 0
Factorising ⇒ (u – 3)(u + 2) = 0
⇒ u = 3 or u = −2

Checking these Since x = u², x = 9 or x = 4.

values When x = 9, 9 − 9 = 6, so x = 9 is a possible solution.
When x = 4, 4 − 4 = 2, so reject x = 4 as a possible solution.
The only solution to this equation is x = 9.

Using graphs to solve cubic

inequalities
Cubic graphs have distinctive shapes determined by the coefficient of x³.

Positive x3 term Negative x3 term

The centre part of each of these curves may not have two distinct
turning points like those shown above, but may instead ‘flatten out’
to give a point of inflexion. When the modulus of a cubic function is
required, any part of the curve below the x-axis is reflected in that axis.

Worked example
a) Sketch the graph of y = 3(x + 2)(x − 1)(x − 7). Identify the points where the
curve cuts the axes.
b) Sketch the graph of y = |3(x + 2)(x − 1)(x − 7)|.

You are asked for a sketch graph, so although it must show the
main features, it does not need to be absolutely accurate. You
may find it easier to draw the curve first, with the positive x³
term determining the shape of the curve, and then position
the x-axis so that the distance between the first and second
intersections is about half that between the second and third,
since these are 3 and 6 units respectively.

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 Using graphs to solve cubic inequalities

Solution
a) The curve crosses the x-axis at −2, 1 and 7. Notice that the distance
between consecutive points is 3 and 6 units respectively, so the y-axis is
between the points −2 and 1 on the x-axis, but closer to the 1.
The curve crosses the y-axis when x = 0, i.e. when y = 3(2)(−1)(−7) = 42 .
y
42

–2 1 7 x

y = 3(x + 2) (x – 1) (x – 7)

b) To obtain a sketch of the modulus curve, reflect any part of the curve which
is below the x-axis in the x-axis.
y

y = | 3(x + 2) (x – 1) (x – 7) |

42

–2 1 7 x

Worked example
Solve the inequality 3(x + 2)(x − 1)(x − 7)  −100 graphically.

Solution
Because you are solving the inequality graphically, you will need to draw the
curve as accurately as possible on graph paper, so start by drawing up a table
of values.
y = 3(x + 2)(x − 1)(x − 7)

x −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
(x + 2) −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
(x − 1) −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
(x − 7) −10 −9 −8 −7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1
y −120 0 48 42 0 −60 −120 −162 −168 −120 0 210

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 4 Equations, inequalities and graphs

The solution is given by the values of x that correspond to the parts of the
curve on or below the line y = −100.
y
50

–2.9 2.6 6.2

–7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 x

–50

y = – 100
–100

y = 3(x + 2) (x – 1) (x – 7)
–150

–200

From the graph, the solution is x  −2.9 or 2.6  x  6.2.

Discussion point
The example above used the graph to solve 3(x + 2)(x − 1)(x − 7)  −100.
How would the answer change if the inequality sign was  instead of ?
What about >? What about <?

Exercise 4.3 1 Where possible, use the substitution x = u ² to solve the following
equations:
Remember, √x a) x − 4 x = −4 b) x + 2 x = 8
c) x − 2 x = 15 d) x + 6 x = −5
means the positive 2 1
square root of x. 2 Use the substitution x = u3 to solve the equation x 3 + 3 x 3 = 4.
3 4 2
3 Use the substitution x = u 2 to solve the equation x 3 − 10x 3 = −9.
4 Using a suitable substitution, solve the following equations:
2 1
a) x − 7√x = −12 b) x − 2√x + 1 = 0 c) x 3 + 3 x 3 = 10
1
5 a) Use the substitution x = u 2 to solve the equation x4 − 5x 2 + 4 = 0.
b) Using the same substitution, show that the equation x4 + 5x 2 + 4 = 0
has no solution.
c) Solve where possible:
4 2 4 2
i) x 3 − 5 x 3 + 4 = 0 ii) x 3 + 5x 3 + 4 = 0
6 Sketch the following graphs, indicating the points where they cross the
x-axis:
a) y = x(x – 2)(x + 2) b) y = |x(x – 2)(x + 2)|
c) y = 3(2 x – 1)(x + 1)(x + 3) d) y = |3(2 x – 1)(x + 1)(x + 3)|
7 Solve the following equations graphically. You will need to use graph
paper.
a) x(x + 2)(x + 3)  1 b) x(x + 2)(x + 3)  −1
c) (x + 2)(x − 1)(x − 3) > 2 d) (x + 2)(x − 1)(x − 3) < −2

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 Using graphs to solve cubic inequalities

8 Identify the following cubic graphs:

a) y b) y c) y
4 4 12
3 3 11
2 2 10
1 1 9
8
–3 –2 –1 1 2 3 x –2 –1 1 x
–1 –1 7
–2 –2 6
–3 –3 5
4
3
2
1

–3 –2 –1 1 2 3 4 x
–1
–2
–3
9 Identify these graphs. (They are the moduli of cubic graphs.)
a) y b) y c) y
12 12 12
11 11 11
10 10 10
9 9 9
8 8 8
7 7 7
6 6 6
5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
1 1 1

–3 –2 –1 1 2 3 4 x –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 1 2 3 4 x –3 –2 –1 1 2 3 4 x
–1 –1 –1
–2 –2 –2
–3 –3 –3

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 4 Equations, inequalities and graphs

Exercise 4.3 (cont) 10 Why is it not possible to identify the following graph without further
information?
y

–2 –1 1 2 3 4 x

Past-paper questions
1 (i) Sketch the graph of y = |(2x + 3)(2x - 7)|.  [4]
(ii) How many values of x satisfy the equation
|(2x + 3)(2x - 7)| = 2x ?[2]
Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics (4037)
Paper 23 Q6, November 2011
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606)
Paper 23 Q6, November 2011

2 (i) On a grid like the one below, sketch the graph of
y = |(x - 2)(x + 3)| for -5  x  4, and state the coordinates of
the points where the curve meets the coordinate axes. [4]
y

–5 –4 –3 –2 –1 O 1 2 3 4 x

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 Using graphs to solve cubic inequalities

(ii) Find the coordinates of the stationary point on the curve

y = |(x - 2)(x + 3)|. [2]
(iii) Given that k is a positive constant, state the set of values of k
for which |(x - 2)(x + 3)| = k has 2 solutions only. [1]
Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics (4037)
Paper 12 Q8, November 2013
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606)
Paper 12 Q8, November 2013

3 Solve the inequality 9x 2 + 2x - 1 < (x + 1)2 .[3]

Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics (4037)
Paper 22 Q2, November 2014
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606)
Paper 22 Q2, November 2014

Now you should be able to:

H solve equations of the type
● |ax + b| = c (c  0)
● |ax + b| = cx + d
● |ax + b| = |cx + d|
● |ax 2 + bx + c| = d
using algebraic or graphical methods
H solve graphically or algebraically inequalities of the type
● k|ax + b| > c (c  0)
● k|ax + b|  c (c  0)
● k|ax + b|  |cx + d|
where k > 0
● |ax + b|  cx + d
● |ax 2 + bx + c| > d
● |ax 2 + bx + c|  d
H use substitution to form and solve a quadratic equation in order
to solve a related equation
H sketch the graphs of cubic polynomials and their moduli, when
given as a product of three linear factors
H solve graphically cubic inequalities of the form
● f(x)  d
● f(x) > d
● f(x)  d
● f(x) < d
where f(x) is a product of three linear factors and d is a constant.

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 4 Equations, inequalities and graphs

Key points
✔ For any real number x, the modulus of x is denoted by |x| and is
defined as:
|x| = x if x  0
|x| = −x if x < 0.
✔ A modulus equation of the form |ax + b| = b can be solved either
graphically or algebraically.
✔ A modulus equation of the form |ax + b| = |cx + d| can be solved
graphically by first drawing both graphs on the same axes and
then, if necessary, identifying the solution algebraically.
✔ A modulus inequality of the form |x − a| < b is equivalent to the
inequality a – b < x < a + b and can be illustrated on a number
line with an open circle marking the ends of the interval to show
that these points are not included. For |x − a|  b, the interval is
the same but the end points are marked with solid circles.
✔ A modulus inequality of the form |x − a| > b or |x − a|  b is
represented by the parts of the line outside the intervals above.
✔ A modulus inequality in two dimensions is identified as a region
on a graph, called the feasible region. It is common practice to
shade out the region not required to keep the feasible region
clear.
✔ It is sometimes possible to solve an equation involving both x and
x by making a substitution of the form x = u². You must check
all answers in the original equation.
✔ The graph of a cubic function has a distinctive shape determined
by the coefficient of x³.

Positive x3 term Negative x3 term

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 REVIEW EXERCISE 2

Review exercise 2
Ch 1, 4 1 a Solve the equation 5 − 2 x = 12 . [3]
b Solve the inequality x − 3 ≤ 2 x . [4]
Ch 1, 2, 4 2 a On a grid like the one below, sketch the graph of y = 2 x 2 + x − 10 , stating the
coordinates of any points where the curve meets the coordinate axes. [4]
y

−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 x

b How many values of x satisfy the equation 2 x 2 + x − 10 = 3 x ? [2]

Ch 2, 4 3 Solve the inequality 3 x 2 + x − 3 ≤ ( x − 2 ) 2 . [3]
Ch 2, 3, 4
4 It is given that the polynomial p ( x ) = x 3 − x 2 − 4 x + 4 has a factor of x − 2 .
a Write p ( x ) as a product of its linear factors. [3]
b i On axes like the ones below, sketch the graph of y = p( x ).
ii State the coordinates of any points where the curve meets the coordinate axes. [3]
c Solve the inequality x 3 + 4 ≥ x 2 + 4 x. [2]
y

−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 x

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 Review exercise 2

Ch 2, 5 5 Solve the equations

y − x = 4,
x 2 + y 2 − 8 x − 4 y − 16 = 0. [5]
Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics (4037)
Paper 11 Q1, May/June 2018
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606)
Paper 11 Q1, May/June 2018
Ch 2, 4, 5 6 Find the set of values of k for which the line y = 2 x + k intersects the curve
y = kx 2 − 2 x + 5 at two distinct points. [6]
Ch 2, 5, 6 7 Solve the simultaneous equations
log 6 x = 2 log 6 y
log 6 ( 5 y − x ) = 1  [5]
Ch 6 8 The value, V dollars, of a car aged t years is given by V = 12 000e −0.2 t .
i Write down the value of the car when it was new. [1]
ii Find the time it takes for the value to decrease to 2 of the value when it was new. [2]
3
Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics (4037)
Paper 22 Q2, February/March 2017
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606)
Paper 22 Q2, February/March 2017
Ch 1, 6 9 On separate grids, like the one below, sketch the graphs of the following.
State the equations of any asymptotes and the coordinates of any point where the curves
meet the coordinate axes.
a y = ln ( x − 1)  [3]
b y = ln ( x − 1)  [1]
y

0 x

Ch 6 10 Solve the equation 10 3 x − 2 = 8 , giving your answer correct to 2 decimal places. [3]
log 5 a + log 5 b
11 Write as a single logarithm to base 5. [2]
(log 5 c)(log c 5)
 Total marks [52]

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