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Mathematics Dictionary
Dr. K. G. Shih

Solve Equations
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Q01. Linear and quadratic equations

1. Linear equation
  • Linear equation can only have one real root.
2. Quadratic equation
  • Quadratic equation can have two different real roots.
  • Quadratic equation can have two different complex roots.
  • Quadratic equation can have two same roots.
3. Method to solve quadratic equation
  • Factor theory method. Example : Solve x^2 - 4*x - 5 = 0
    • Let F(x) = x^2 - 4*x - 5.
    • Since F(-1) = (-1)^2 - 4*(-1) - 5 = 0.
    • Hence (x + 1) is a factor of F(x). and x + 1 = 0 and x = -1.
    • And other root is 5.
  • Factorize method.
    • Find factors : (x - 5)*(x + 1) = 0.
    • Hence x = 5 or x = -1.
  • Quadratic formula. Example Solve x^2 - 6*x + 8 = 0
    • Formula :
      • x = (-b + Sqr(b^2 - 4*a*c))/(2*a).
      • x = (-b - Sqr(b^2 - 4*a*c))/(2*a).
    • Submite a = 1, b = -6 and c = 8 into formula
      • x = (-(-6) + Sqr((-6)^2 - 4*1*8))/(2*1) =(6 + Sqr(4))/2 = 4.
      • x = (-(-6) - Sqr((-6)^2 - 4*1*8))/(2*1) =(6 - Sqr(4))/2 = 2.
  • Synthetic division. Example : Solve x^2 + x - 6 = 0.
    • +1 +1 -6 | +2 ...... (Trail by 1, 2, 3, 6, -1, -2,-3, -6)
    • +0 +2 +6 ........... (Add this line to the line above)
    • ---------
    • +1 +3 +0 ........... (Remainder is 0)
    • Hence (x - 2) is factor. Othe factor is (x + 3).
    • Hence (x - 2)*(x + 3) = 0. Hence x = 2 or x = -3.
4. Equation theory
  • Let r and s be te roots of a*x^2 + b*x + c = 0
  • Since a*x^2 + b*x + c = (x - r)*(x - s)
  • Hence sum of roots is r + s = -b/a.
  • Hence product of roots is r*s = c/a.

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Q02. Solve cubic equations

1. Method to solve
  • Factor theory. If F(a) = 0 then (x - a) is a factor of F(x).
  • Synthetic division. See example 1 below.
  • Cubic formula method : It is not simple as quadratic formula.
2. Roots of cubic equations
  • 1. It must have one real root with 2 complex roots.
  • 2. It can have 3 different real roots.
  • 3. It can have 3 same real roots.
  • 4. It can have 1 real with 2 same real roots.
3. Cubic equation roots theory
  • Let r, s, t be roots of cubic equation a*x^3 + b*x^2 + c*x + d = 0.
  • Sum of roots : r + s + t = -b/a.
  • Combination of 2 roots : r*s + r*t + s*t = c/a.
  • Product of roots : r*s*t = -d/a.
Example 1 : Solve 11*x^3 + 32*x - 58*x + 5 = 0
Hint to use synthetic division
  • Start trail with 1/11, 5/11, 1 and 5
Solution
  • 11 32 -58 +5 | 1/11
  • 00 01 +03 -5
  • -------------
  • 11 33 -55 0
  • Hence x1 = 1/11 is one root.
  • Hence (x - 1/11)*(11*x^2 + 33*x - 55) = 0
  • Hence 11*x^2 + 33*x - 55 = 0 or x^2 + 3*x - 5 = 0
  • Using quadratic formula we have
  • x2 = (-3 + Sqr(29))/2 and x3 = (-3 - Sqr(29))/2
Verify using equation theory
  • Sum of roots : x1 + x2 + x3 = -32/11
  • Product of roots : x1*x2*x3 = -5/11
Example 2 : x^3 - 18*x^2 + k*x + 91 = 0 has one rational roots and k is integer. Find k.
  • Since k = -x^2 + 18*x - 91/x and k is integer.
  • Hence x should be a factor of 91. That is x = -1, 1, -7, 7, or -13, 13 are roots.
  • Hence k has six answers. If x = 13 then k = -169 + 234 - 7 = 58.
Example 3 : Solve x^3 - 1 = 0.
  • Since x^3 - 1 = (x - 1)*(x^2 + x + 1) = 0.
  • Hence x - 1 = 0 or x = 1.
  • Or x^2 + x + 1 = 0. Using quadratic formula, we have
  • x = (-1 + Sqr(-3))/2 = (-1 + i*Sqr(3))/2
  • x = (-1 - Sqr(-3))/2 = (-1 - i*Sqr(3))/2

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Q03. Solve quartic equation

1. Method to solve
  • Factor theory.
  • Synthetic division.
  • Quartic formula method. Must be used if all roots are complex.
2. Equation theory
  • Let p, q, r, s be the roots of a*x^4 + b*x^3 + c*x^2 + d*x + e = 0.
  • (x - p)*(x - q)*(x - r)*(x - q) = a*x^4 + b*x^3 + c*x^2 + d*x + e.
  • Sum of roots = p + q + r + s = -b/a.
  • Combination of 2 roots = p*q + p*r + p*s + q*r +q*s + rs = +c/a.
  • Combination of 3 roots = p*q*r + p*q*s + p*r*s + q*r*s = +d/a.
  • Combination of 4 roots = p*q*r*s = -e/a
Example 1 : Solve x^4 + 1 = 0
  • (x^2)^2 = -1.
  • x^2 = +i or x^2 = -i
  • x1 = Sqr(i), x2 = -sqr(i) , x3 = Sqr(-i) and x4 = - Sqr(-i)
  • For detailed solution, use DeMoivre's theory
    • X^4 = -1 = cos(pi) + i*sin(pi)
    • x1 = cis((2*0*pi+pi)/4) = cis(1*pi/4) = cos(045) + i*sin(045).
    • x2 = cis((2*1*pi+pi)/4) = cis(3*pi/4) = cos(135) + i*sin(135).
    • x3 = cis((2*2*pi+pi)/4) = cis(5*pi/4) = cos(225) + i*sin(225).
    • x4 = cis((2*3*pi+pi)/4) = cis(7*pi/4) = cos(315) + i*sin(315).
    • Hence x1 = Sqr(i) = cos(45) + i*sin(45) = Sqr(2)*(1 + i)/2
    • Hence x2 = -Sqr(2)*(1 - i)/2 = conjugate of x1.
    • Hence x3 = Sqr(-i) = cos(225) + i*sin(225) = -Sqr(2)*(1 + i)/2
    • Hence x4 = -Sqr(2)*(1 - i)/2 = conjugate of x3.

Example 2 : Solve x^4 - 1 = 0
  • Since x^4 - 1 = (x^2 - 1)*(x^2 + 1) = (x + 1)*(x - 1)*(x^2 + 1) = 0
  • Hence x = 1, x = -1, x = i and x = -i.
Example 3 : What is conjugate of complex number ?
  • Conjugate of a + b*i is a - b*i.
  • Sum of complex number with it conjugate is 2*a (real)
  • Product of complex number with it conjugate is (a^2 + b^2)
  • Conjugate of complex and complex are symmetrical to x-axis.
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Q04. Solve quaint equation

1. Method to solve
2. Equation theory
  • Sum of roots = p + q + r + s + t = -b/a.
  • Combination of 2 roots = p*q + p*r + p*s + p*t + q*r + q*s + q*t
  • + r*s + r*t + s*t = +c/a.
  • Combination of 3 roots = p*q*r + p*q*s + p*q*t + p*r*s + p*r*t + p*s*t
  • + q*r*s + q*r*t + q*s*t + r*s*t = -d/a.
  • Combination of 4 roots = p*q*r*s + p*q*r*t + p*q*s*t + p*r*s*t + q*r*s*t = e/a
  • Product of roots = p*q*r*s*t = -f/a.

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Q05. Equations with absolute operation

Samples on internet
Application program on internet
  • Program ABH Example : Solve Abs(x^2 - 6*Abs(x) + 8) = 1.
    • Cilck start.
    • Click subject 7 in the upper box.
    • Click program number 5 in lower box.
    • Type in 1, -6, 8, 1.

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Q06. Special polynomial equations : Solve x^n + 1 = 0

  • Study Subject | DeMoivre's Theory
  • Example : Solve x^5 + 1 = 0 using DeMovire's theory .
    • Since x^5 = -1 = cos(pi) + i*sin(pi)
    • Hence x1 = cis((2*0*pi+pi)/5) = cis(036)
    • Hence x2 = cis((2*1*pi+pi)/5) = cis(108)
    • Hence x3 = cis((2*2*pi+pi)/5) = cis(180)
    • Hence x4 = cis((2*1*pi+pi)/5) = cis(252)
    • Hence x5 = cis((2*1*pi+pi)/5) = cis(324)
  • Example : Solve x^5 + 1 = 0 by construction.
    • Draw a large unit circle with axese 0x and 0y and O is the center.
    • For example let 10 cm = one unit.
    • Draw an angle 036 degrees with x-axis and meet circle at A(a1,b1).
    • Measure a1 and b1. Hence x1 = a1 + i*b1.
    • Draw an angle 108 degrees with x-axis and meet circle at B(a2,b2).
    • Measure a2 and b2. Hence x2 = a2 + i*b2.
    • Draw an angle 180 degrees with x-axis and meet circle at B(a3,b4).
    • Measure a3 and b3. Hence x3 = -1.
    • Draw an angle 252 degrees with x-axis and meet circle at B(a4,42).
    • Measure a4 and b4. Hence x4 = a4 + i*b4.
    • Draw an angle 324 degrees with x-axis and meet circle at B(a5,b5).
    • Measure a5 and b5. Hence x5 = a5 + i*b5.
  • Using equation theory prove that
    • cos(36) + cos(108) + cos(180) + cos(252) + cos(324) = 0
    • sin(36) + sin(108) + sin(180) + sin(252) + sin(324) = 0
  • Solve x^4 - x^3 + x^2 + x - 1 = 0
    • Since (x^5 + 1) = (x + 1)*(x^4 - x^3 + x^2 + x - 1)
    • Hence the solutions are given in x^5 + 1 = 0.
    • The roots are cis(36), cis (108), cis(252) and cis(324).

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Q07. Special polynomial equations : Solve x^n - 1 = 0

  • Study Subject | DeMoivre's Theory
  • Example : Solve x^5 - 1 = 0 using DeMovire's theory .
    • Since x^5 = 1 = cos(0) + i*sin(0)
    • Hence x1 = cis((2*0*pi+0)/5) = cis(000)
    • Hence x2 = cis((2*1*pi+0)/5) = cis(072)
    • Hence x3 = cis((2*2*pi+0)/5) = cis(144)
    • Hence x4 = cis((2*1*pi+0)/5) = cis(216)
    • Hence x5 = cis((2*1*pi+0)/5) = cis(288)
  • Example : Solve x^5 - 1 = 0 by construction.
    • Draw a large unit circle with axese 0x and 0y and O is the center.
    • For example let 10 cm = one unit.
    • Draw an angle 000 degrees with x-axis and meet circle at A(a1,b1).
    • Measure a1 and b1. Hence x1 = 1.
    • Draw an angle 072 degrees with x-axis and meet circle at B(a2,b2).
    • Measure a2 and b2. Hence x2 = a2 + i*b2.
    • Draw an angle 144 degrees with x-axis and meet circle at B(a3,b4).
    • Measure a3 and b3. Hence x3 = a3 + i*b3.
    • Draw an angle 216 degrees with x-axis and meet circle at B(a4,42).
    • Measure a4 and b4. Hence x4 = a4 + i*b4.
    • Draw an angle 288 degrees with x-axis and meet circle at B(a5,b5).
    • Measure a5 and b5. Hence x5 = a5 + i*b5.
  • Using equation theory prove that
    • cos(72) + cos(144) + cos(216) + cos(288) = -1
    • sin(72) + sin(144) + sin(216) + sin(288) = 0
  • Solve x^4 + x^3 + x^2 + x + 1 = 0
    • Since (x^5 - 1) = (x - 1)*(x^4 + x^3 + x^2 + x + 1)
    • Hence the solutions are given in x^5 - 1 = 0.
    • The roots are cis(72), cis (144), cis(216) and cis(288).
Note : cis(A) = cos(A) + i*sin(A)

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Q08. Solve two linear equations
1. Method
  • Ellimination
    • Equations
      • a1*x + b1*y = c1 ........ (1)
      • a2*x + b2*y = c2 ........ (2)
    • Solution
      • Elliminate y : (1)*b2 - (2)*b1
      • b2*a1*x - b1*a2*x = b2*c1 - b1*c2
      • Hence x = (b2*c1 - b1*c2)/(b2*a1 - b1*a2)
      • Elliminate x : (1)*a2 - (2)*a1
      • a2*b1*y - a1*b2*y = a2*b1 - a1*b2
      • Hence y = (a2*c1 - a1*c2)/(a2*b1 - a1*b2)
  • Substitution
    • Equations
      • a1*x + b1*y = c1 ........ (1)
      • a2*x + b2*y = c2 ........ (2)
    • Solution
      • From (1) y = (c1 - a1*x)/b1 ....... (3)
      • Sub (3) into (2) : a2*x + b2*(c1 - a1*x)/b1 = c2
      • Hence x*(a2 - a1*b2/b1) = c2 - b2*c1
      • Hence x*(a2*b1 - a1*b2) = b1*c2 - b2*c1
      • Hence x = (b1*c2 - b2*c1)/(a2*b1 - a1*b2)
      • Similary, we can find y.
2. Example 1.
  • Question
    • F(x) = x^3 + 2*x^2 + a*x + b.
    • F(x) divide by (x - 1) and remainder is 3.
    • F(x) divide by (x + 2) and remainder is 1.
    • Find a and b.
  • Solution
    • F(+1) = 3. Hence 1^3 + 2*(1)^2 + a*1 + b = 3. Hence a + b = 0.
    • F(-2) = 1. Hence (-2)^3 + 2*(-2)^2 + a*(-2) + b = 1. Hence -2*a + b = 1.
    • Eliminate b we have -3*a = 1 and a = -1/3.
    • Hence b = 1/3.
  • Verify : F(x) x^3 + 2*x^2 - x/3 + 1/3
    • F(+1) = 1^3 + 2*(1)^2 - 1/3 + 1/3 = 3 which is satisfied.
    • F(-2) = (-2)^3 + 2*(-2)^2 - (-2)/3 + 1/3 = 1 which is satisfied.
3. Example : Solve
  • Equations
    • x + y = 3 ......... (1)
    • x - y = 1 ......... (2)
  • Solution
    • (1) + (2) we have 2*x = 4 and x = 2.
    • Hence y = 1.
  • Graphic solution
    • The answer is the intersection of y = 3 - x and y = x - 1.
    • The intersection is (2,1).

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Q09. Solve three linear equations
1. Ellimination
  • Equations
    • a1*x + b1*y + c1*z = d1 ........ (1)
    • a2*x + b2*y + c2*z = d2 ........ (2)
    • a3*x + b3*y + c3*z = d3 ........ (3)
  • Solution
    • Elliminate z from (1) and (2) : c2*(1) - c1*(2)
    • Hence (c2*a1 - c1*a2)*x + (c2*b1 - c1*b2)*y = c2*d1 - c1*d2
    • Hence A1*x + B1*y = C1 ......... (4)
    • Elliminate z from (2) and (3) : c3*(2) - c2*(3)
    • Hence (c3*a2 - c2*a3)*x + (c3*b2 - c2*b3)*y = c3*d2 - c2*d3
    • Hence A2*x + B2*y = C2 ......... (5)
    • From (4) and (5), we elliminate y
      • Hence x = (B2*C1 - B1*C2)/(B2*A1 - B1*A2)
      • Hence y = (A2*C1 - A1*C2)/(A2*B1 - A1*B2)
      • Sub x and y into (1), we can find z
      • Where A1 = c2*a1 - c1*a2, B1 = c2*b1 - c1*b2, C1 = c2*d1 - c1*d2
      • Where A2 = c3*a2 - c2*a3, B2 = c3*b2 - c2*b3, C2 = c3*d2 - c2*d3
  • Exercises
    • Exercise : Find x in terms a1,a2,a3,b1,b2,b3,c1,c2,c3,d1,d2,d3.
    • Exercise : Find y in terms a1,a2,a3,b1,b2,b3,c1,c2,c3,d1,d2,d3.
    • Exercise : Find z in terms a1,a2,a3,b1,b2,b3,c1,c2,c3,d1,d2,d3.
2. Other methods in Chapter 12 of Computer Mathematics by Dr. K. G. Shih
  • Inverse matrix method.
  • Cramer's rule.
  • Gauss Ellimination.
  • Gauss Jordan Reduction.
3. Example 1 : Give 3 points (-1,2), (0,1) and (1,2). Find equation of parabola.
  • Let parabola be y = a*x^2 + b*x + c.
  • Point 1 : a*(-1)^2 + b*(-1) + c = 2 and a - b + c = 2 ........ (1)
  • Point 2 : a*(0^2) + b*0 + c = 1 and c = 1 .................... (2)
  • Point 3 : a*(1)^2 + b*1 + c = 2 and a + b + c = 2 ............ (3)
  • Sub. c = 1 into (1) we have a - b = 1 ........................ (4)
  • Sub. c = 1 into (3) we have a + b = 1 ........................ (5)
  • (4) + (5), we have 2*a = 2 and a = 2.
  • Hence b = 0.
  • Equation of parabola is y = x^2 + 1.
3. Example 2 : Give 3 points (0,1), (1,0) and (-1,0). Find equation of circle.
  • Let equation of circle be x^2 + y^2 + a*x + b*y + c = 0.
  • Point 1 : (0)^2 + (1)^2 + a*0 + b*1 + c = 0 and b + c = -1 ........ (1)
  • Point 2 : (1)^2 + (0)^2 + a*1 + b*0 + c = 0 and a + c = -1 ......... (2)
  • Point 3 : (-1)^2 + (0)^2 + a*(-1) + b*0 + c = 0 and -a + c = -1 .... (3)
  • (2) + (3) we have 2*c = -2 or c = -1 ............................... (4)
  • Hence b = 0 and a = 0.
  • Equation of circle is x^2 + y^2 = 1^2.
  • Center at (0,0) and radius = 1.

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Q10. Special equations

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Q11. Equations including e^x and ln(x)

1. Solve e^(2*x) - e^x - 2 =0
2. Solve 2*ln(e^x) + x^2 - 8 = 0
  • Formula
    • 2*ln(a) = ln(a^2).
    • ln(e^a) = a.
  • Solution
    • 2*ln(e^x) = 2*x.
    • Hence we have x^2 + 2*x - 8 = 0.
    • (x + 4)*(x - 2) = 0.
    • Hence x = 2 or x = -4.
  • Verify
    • x = 2, we have 2*ln(e^2) + 2^2 - 8 = 2*2 + 2^2 - 8 = 0
    • x = -4, we have 2*ln(e^(-4)) + (-4)^2 - 8 = -8 + 16 - 8 = 0
  • Study subject Logarithm

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Q12. Quiz for Equations

  • 1. Solve Abs(x-2) = 3.
  • 2. Solve x^2 - 3*x + 2 = 0.
  • 3. Solve x^3 - 6*x^2 + 13*x - 12 = 0.
  • 4. Solve x^4 - 10*x^3 + 37*x^2 - 64*x + 48 = 0.
  • 5. Solve x^4 - 16 = 0.
  • 6. p,q,r,s are roots of x^4 - 10*x^3 + 37*x^2 - 64*x + 48 = 0. Find p*q*r*s.
  • 7. Solve x^4 + x^3 + x^2 + x + 1 = 0 graphically.
  • 8. Solve e^x + 2*e^(-x) - 1 = 0.
  • 9. Find the value of ln(e^2.5) - 2.5.
  • 10 How many real roots in Abs(x^2 - 6*Abs(x) + 8) = 1/2.

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Q13. Answers of quiz for Equations


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Q14. Reference

  • 1. Solve polynomial equation on PC computer : MD2002 Section 17.
  • 2. Equations including absolute on internet : See keywords absolute.

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