Algebra Methods

NCEA
LEVEL 1
MATHEMATICS
Part 1 - AS90147
Algebraic Methods
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
MAHOBE
Published by Mahobe Resources (NZ) Ltd
Distributed free at www.mathscentre.co.nz
2
NCEA Level 1 Mathematics, Questions & Answers

Part 1 - AS90147 Algebraic Methods
Contributors: Kim Freeman, Anne Laban, William Li, Dr Kieran Moriarty, George Tualasea.
This edition is Part 1 of a 6 Part eBook series designed to help you study towards NCEA.
Published in 2009 by:

Mahobe Resources (NZ) Ltd
P.O. Box 109-760
Newmarket, Auckland
New Zealand
www.mahobe.co.nz
www.mathscentre.co.nz
© Mahobe Resources (NZ) Ltd

ISBN(13) 9781877489075
This eBook has been provided by Mahobe Resources (NZ) Ltd to The New Zealand Centre of Mathematics.
School teachers, University lecturers, and their students are able to freely download this book from The New
Zealand Centre of Mathematics website www.mathscentre.co.nz. Electronic copies of the complete eBook
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All rights reserved. All the views expressed in this book are those of the author. The questions and
suggested answers are the responsibility of the author and have not been moderated for use in NCEA
examinations.
3
Contents
As90147 Algebraic Methods NCEA Level 1 Mathematics - Questions & Answers
About this Book 5
Expanding and Factorising 8
Algebraic Expressions involving Exponents 15
Substituting Values into Formulae 18
Describing Linear Patterns 20
Solving Linear Equations 23
Solving Factorised Equations 25
Algebraic Methods - Achievement Examples 28
Simplify and Solve Rational Equations 32
Describing Quadratic Patterns 34
Rearranging Formula 37
Solving Equations 39
Inequations 41
Solving Quadratic Problems 42
Solving Pairs of Simultaneous Equations 45
Algebraic Methods - Merit Examples 50
Algebraic Methods - Excellence Examples 54
Sample Exam Paper 58
Answers 65
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5
About This Book

Q&A eResources are recognised as the leading study guides for NCEA. Each
freely available title has been compiled by a team of experienced educators to
meet the study and revision needs of NCEA students. They are proving to be
valuable resources in the hands of students who want to work ahead of their
regular class programme. They also serve as effective revision programmes in the
run up to the final examinations.
This book carefully explains the mathematical concepts that will be tested in
NCEA then illustrates them with Achievement, Merit and Excellence examplars. It
allows students to practise on NCEA-type questions and provides detailed
solutions. After working through this programme, all students will be well prepared
for their final assessments.
The student who wrote the above answer on a recent assessment paper did not
use a Q&A Level 1 Mathematics eResource.

6

7
MATHEMATICS 1.1 - AS90147

Use straight forward algebraic methods and solve equations
Always understand what the examiner wants! A past examination answer is

shown below. The student who wrote this answer on a recent assessment paper
did not use a Q&A Level 1 Mathematics eResource.
Expand (a + b)²
= (a + b)²
= (a + b)²
= (a + b)²
= (a + b)²
= (a + b)²
etc

8
Expanding and Factorising

1
An equation or formula may contain brackets, e.g. A = 2 (a + b)
Removing the brackets from such an expression is known as expanding.

Each term inside the brackets must be multiplied by the number or variable
outside.
7(y + 7) = 7×y + 7×7

= 7y + 49
The diagram below gives an illustration of the first example.
• Note that the variables x and x2 are different.
• The + and - signs go with the term which follows.
y + 7
Area = 7y Area = 49 7
y 7
Examples: Expand the following:

a. a(a - 2) = a×a - 2×a
= a2 - 2a
b. -2(5 - 3b) = -2×5 + (-2)×(-3b)

= -10 + 6b
c. x(x - 2) + 5(2x + 1) = (x × x) - (x × 2) + (5 × 2x) + (5 × 1)

= x2 - 2x + 10x + 5
= x2 + 8x + 5

9
The reverse process of putting the brackets in is known as factorising. To factorise

an expression it is necessary to identify all the numbers and variables that are
factors of the expression.
10x + 2 = 2(5x + 1)
Both terms can be divided by 2.
12x - 20 = 4(3x - 5)
Both terms can be divided by 4.
5x2 - 35x = 5x(x - 7)

Both terms can be divided by x and 5.
Therefore 5x was placed outside the brackets.
Sometimes a situation will require terms in a bracket to be multiplied by another

set of terms in a bracket. In this case each of the terms has to be multiplied by
each other.
x 5
x x2 5x
(x + 2)
2 2x 10
(x + 5)
Examples: Expand the following:

d. (x + 2)(x + 5) = x(x + 5) + 2(x + 5)
= x2 + 5x + 2x + 10
= x2 + 7x + 10
e. (x + 5)(x - 3) = x(x - 3) + 5(x - 3)

= x2 - 3x + 5x - 15
= x2 + 2x - 15

10
f. (x + 4)2 = (x + 4)(x + 4)
= x(x + 4) + 4(x + 4)
= x2 + 4x + 4x + 16
= x2 + 8x + 16
g. (4x - 3)(2x - 7) = 4x(2x - 7) - 3(2x - 7)

= 8x2 - 28x - 6x + 21
= 8x2 - 34x + 21
h. (2x - 2)(x + 3) = 2x(x + 3) - 2(x + 3)

= 2x2 + 6x - 2x - 6
= 2x2 + 4x - 6
Most factorising is achieved by trial and error.

e.g. Factorise x2 + 7x + 6.
• x2 means the completed answer will be of the form (x )(x ).

• The + 6 comes from multiplying two numbers.
• The + 7 comes adding the same two numbers.
• Factors of +6 are: 6,1; 3,2; -6,-1; -3,-2.
• Of these 6 + 1 = 7.
Factorise: x2 + 7x + 6 = (x + 6)(x + 1)
Look at how these have been factorised.
x2 + 4x - 21 = (x + 7)(x - 3)
Note how the larger of the two numbers

y2 - 7y + 10 = (y - 5)(y - 2)
in the factorised expression has the same
sign as the middle term in the expanded
2
a - 4a - 5 = (a - 5)(a + 1) expression.
2
i.e. y - 12y + 32
= (y - 8)(y - 4)

11
Exercises
Expand the following: 8. 5(x + 7) - 12
1. u(u + 1)
.........................
.........................
.........................
2. v(v - 6)
9. 3(x - 6) + 2(4x - 5)
.........................
.........................
3. -w(3w - 2)
.........................
......................... 10. 4(a + 6) - 2(a - 2)
4. x(4x + 5)
.........................
......................... .........................
5. 3y(2y - 3) 11. 2x(x + 1) - x(7 - x)
.........................
.........................
.........................
6. -z(-5z + 3)
12. x2(x + 1)
.........................
.........................
7. 3 + 2(x - 8) 1
13. 2 (4x + 12)
......................... .........................

12
14. 32 (12x - 6) 22. 27 - 33x
......................... .........................
15. 3x(2x2 - 4) 23. 5x2 + x
......................... .........................
16. x(x2 + 4) + x(3x + 2) 24. 6a2 + 3a
......................... .........................
......................... 25. 15b2 - 30b
Factorise the following: .........................
17. 6x + 24 26. 14y2 + 21y
......................... .........................
18. 5x - 25 27. 5 + 5n2
......................... .........................
19. 11x2 - 66x 28. 6x2 + 18xy
......................... .........................
20. 10x + 25xy 29. 2xy - 4ab
......................... .........................
21. 100x + 20y 30. 3p2 - 9pq
......................... .........................

13
Expand and simplify:

31. (x + 1)(x + 6) 37. (x - 10)(x - 15)
......................... .........................
......................... .........................
32. (x + 2)(x + 8) 38. (x - 8)(x - 11)
......................... .........................
......................... .........................
33. (x - 5 )(x + 7) 39. (x + 6)2
......................... .........................
......................... .........................
34. (x - 2 )(x + 9) 40. (x - 9)2
......................... .........................
......................... .........................
35. (x + 4)(x - 5) 41. (x + 1)2 + 10
......................... .........................
......................... .........................
36. (x + 7)(x - 3) 42. (x - 5)2 - 20
......................... .........................
......................... .........................

14
Factorise each expression:

43. x2 + 10x + 21 52. x2 - 16
......................... .........................
44. x2 + x - 12 53. x2 - 81
......................... .........................
45. x2 - 2x - 15 54. (x - 3)2 - 16
......................... .........................
46. x2 - 14x + 40 .........................
55. x2 + 2x = 15
.........................
47. x2 + 11x + 30 .........................
.........................
.........................
56. x2 = 6x - 8
48. x2 + x - 2
.........................
......................... .........................
49. x2 - 3x - 10 57. 2x2 - 2x = 220
......................... .........................
50. x2 - 4x - 96 .........................
58. 4x2 - 100

.........................
51. x2 - 5x - 14 .........................
.........................
.........................
15
Algebraic Expressions Involving Exponents

Exponents are a useful way of writing expressions in a shorter format.
e.g. (2x)5 »» 2x × 2x × 2x × 2x × 2x = 32x5
a3× a7 = a×a×a × a×a×a×a×a×a×a

a2× a4 a×a × a×a×a×a
= a×a×a × a×a×a×a×a×a×a
a×a × a×a×a×a
= a4
a3× a7 a3+7
=
a2× a4 a2+4
The following rules apply
a10
= 6 whenever exponents (indices)
a
are used:
10-6
= a am × an = am+n
4
=a
an
= an-m
am
Examples:
12xy a0 = 1
a. Simplify
8x
4x(3y) (am)n = am×n

=
4x (2)
1
a-1 = a
= 3y
2
a-n =
1
an
20x
b. Simplify Using these rules is much
5xy
quicker - especially if the
= 5x(4)
indices are large.
5x(y)
4
=
y

16
24xy²
3x²y
3xy(8y)
=
3xy(x)
8y With these problems you need to
= x
simplify by:
(1) Factorising the top and bottom
2g² - 12gh
(2) Using the exponent rules
6g²
(3) Using both 1 and 2.
= 2g(g - 6h)
2g (3g)
g - 6h
=
3g
3x² + 15xy
6x²
3x(x + 5y)
=
3x(2x)
x + 5y
=
2x
3x²
30xy
Simplify means find and
= 3x(x) eliminate the common factors.
3x(10y)
x
=
10y
14a5
7a²
= 2a³(7a2)
7a2
= 2a3
(6x³y²)² = 36x6y4

17
Exercises
Simplify each expression:
1. (4x2)2 8. 5y2 × 4yn = 20y8
What is the value of n?
.........................
.........................
2. (8x2y)2
.........................
.........................
.........................
3. x2 2
y 9. (5an)2 = 25a8
What is the value of n?
.........................
4x5 .........................
4.
8x10
.........................
.........................
.........................
5. 9x5
12x3
10. a6 ÷ an = 1
......................... What is the value of n?
6. 8x2 - 10xy
2x2
.........................
.........................
.........................
.........................
.........................
7. 3a - 15ab
6ab
.........................
.........................

18
Substituting Values into Formulae

The process of replacing letters into a formula with numbers is known as
substitution. Some examples follow. Write out the formulae with all the values then
use a calculator.
a. The length of a metal rafter is L (metres). The length of the rafter can change
with temperature variations.
The length can be found by the formula: L = 20 + 0.02t
t = the temperature (ºC)
Find the length of the rod when t = 29° and t = -10°.
Using t = 29° L = 20 + 0.02 × 29
= 20.58m
Using t = -10° L = 20 + 0.02 × (-10)

= 19.8m
x2
b. If P = 2 y and x = 10, y = 4; find P
(10)2
P =2
4
= 2 100 « At this stage you need a good calculator.

4
= 10
c. At a garage the cost C ($) for car repairs is determined by the formula:
C = 100 + p + 35t where p = cost ($) of the parts
t = time (hours) spent on the repairs
Find the cost of brake repairs if parts cost $175 and time spent on the repairs
is 1hr 30min.
Remember 1hr 30min = 1.5 hours
C = 100 + 175 + 35 × 1.5
C = $327.50

19
Exercises
a
1. s = 1 (u + v)t 6. Q= b
2
Find s when: Find Q when a = -100, b = -4
(i) u = -4, v = 10, t = 2
......................... .........................
a + 2b + c
(ii) u = 1.6, v = 2.8, t = 3.2 7. W= 5
Find W when a = 2.5, b = -5 and
......................... c=-8.5
2. L = 20 - 0.8F .........................
Find L when F = 15
xy
......................... 8. C= x+y
Find C when x = 10, b=-5
3. V = p2 + q2
Find V when p = 8, q = 4.5 .........................
9. A= xy2
......................... z
Find A when x = 2, y = 3, z = 100
4. Z = 2(x + y)
Find Z when x = 10.2, y = 6.8 .........................
5(x + y)
......................... 10. D= 2y
x = 9.8, y = 5.3
(i) Find the approximate value of D
without using a calculator.
.........................
x+y .........................
5. P= 2
Find P when x = 4, y =-10
(ii) Use a calculator to find the
correct value to 2 decimal places.
.........................
.........................
.........................
20
Describing Linear Patterns
This section looks at how terms of a sequence are related.

a. A matchstick pattern is shown below:
Pattern 1 Pattern 2 Pattern 3
i. Draw a diagram of Pattern number 4.
Pattern 4
ii. Draw a table that gives the Patterns 1 to 5 and the number of
matchsticks needed for each.
Pattern 1 2 3 4 5
Matches 5 9 13 17 21
iii. Which pattern needs exactly 41 matchsticks?

Look for a relationship between the pattern number and the
number of matches. In this case the difference between each
number is 4. When there is a common difference the
formula for the nth term is: nth term = dn + (a - d)
where d = common difference, a = the first term of the
sequence. In the case above nth term = dn + (a - d)
= 4n + (5 - 4)
= 4n + 1
Therefore the relationship is: M = 4P + 1
Pattern number 10 will give 41 matches (41 = 4×10 + 1)
iv. How many matchsticks are needed for Pattern 50?

Using M = 4P + 1, M = 4×50 + 1
i.e. number of matches = 201

21
Exercises
1. A shower wall is tiled using the pattern below:
a. Complete the table that gives the number of black tiles compared to
the number of white tiles.
black tiles white tiles

1
2
3
4
b. The rule for the number of white tiles (w) in terms of the number of
black tiles (b) is:
w= ........................
........................
........................
2. Patterns can be made of matchsticks.
1 2 3 4
a. Complete the table:
Pattern (P) 1 2 3 4 5 6
Matches (M)
b. The rule for calculating total matches in each pattern is to multiply the
pattern number by 2 and add 1.
How many sticks will there be in pattern 10?
........................................................

22
3. Look at the pattern below.
Write the rule for Pattern n (white squares, shaded squares, total squares).
............................................................
............................................................
4. A number pattern begins: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24

Describe this number pattern.
Term n = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. A landscape gardener is designing a garden path. It is to have hexagonal

black and white paving and is to be laid according to the pattern below.
a. Draw up a table that shows the number of black pavers and white
pavers needed.
b. How many white pavers are needed if 100 black pavers are ordered?
............................................................
............................................................

23
Solving Linear Equations

Most equations require a number of steps before they can be solved. Each step
must be logical. Whatever you do to one side of the equation you must do to the
other. Follow the steps below to see how the following equations are solved.
a. 4x + 7 = 19 b. 5x - 8 = 15
x
c. 5 -2=3 d. 4x + 6 = 3x + 16
e. 6 - 2x = 12 f. 3(x + 2) = 5(x - 2)
The Answers
a. 4x + 7 = 19
4x = 12 Subtract 7 from both sides
x =3 Divide both sides by 4
b. 5x - 8 = 15
5x = 23 Add 8 to both sides
x = 4.6 Divide both sides by 5
x
c. 5 - 2 = 3
x
5 =5 Add 2 to both sides
x = 25 Multiply both sides by 5
d. 4x - 6 = 3x + 16
4x = 3x + 22 Add 6 to both sides
x = 22 Subtract 3x from both sides
e. 6 - 2x = 12
-2x = 6 Subtract 6 from both sides
x = -3 Divide both sides by -2
f. 3(x + 2) = 5(x - 2)
3x + 6 = 5x - 10 Expand the brackets
3x = 5x - 16 Subtract 6 from both sides
-2x = -16 Subtract 5x from both sides
x =8 Divide both sides by -2
24
Exercises
Solve each equation:
1. 5x - 6 = 39 8. 4x - 8 = 5x - 2
......................... .........................
2. 6x + 12 = 20 9. 6x + 7 = 2x + 20
......................... .........................
3. -4x - 18 = 6 10. x + 6 = 2x - 8
......................... .........................
4. 3x + 6 = 1 11. 3x + 7 = 2x + 11
......................... .........................
5. 4(2x + 3) = -8 12. 10x + 2 = 8x + 22
......................... .........................
......................... 13. 3(x + 2) = 5(x - 2)
6. 6x - 8 = -26 .........................
......................... .........................
x
14. 4=8-
2x 3
7. 5 +1=3
.........................
.........................
.........................
.........................
25
Solving Factorised Equations

If two factors are multiplied together to give 0 then either one of them must be 0,
i.e. xy = 0, either x = 0 or y = 0.
Look at the examples below and see how each are solved.
a. (x - 5)(x + 1) = 0
either x - 5 = 0 or x + 1 = 0
x = 5 or x = -1
b. (3x - 6)(x - 4) = 0
either 3x - 6 = 0 or x - 4 = 0
x = 2 or x = 4
c. (2x - 1)(x + 5) = 0
either 2x - 1 = 0 or x + 5 = 0
x = 0.5 or x = -5
d. (x - 4)2 = 0
x-4=0
x=4
e. (4x + 6)(x + 2) = 0
either 4x + 6 = 0 or x + 2 = 0
x = -1.5 or x = -2
f. (2x + 5)(x - 10) = 0

either 2x + 5 = 0 or x - 10 = 0
x = -2.5 or x = 10
g. 5x(2x - 9) = 0
either 5x = 0 or 2x - 9 = 0
x = 0 or x = 4.5

26
Exercises
Solve each of the factorised equations: 8. x(2x + 9) = 0
1. (x - 5)(x - 10) = 0
.........................
.........................
9. (2x + 8)(4x - 10) = 0
2. (x + 3)(x - 8) = 0
.........................
.........................
10. (3x - 8)(3x + 8) = 0
3. (x - 9)(x + 4) = 0
.........................
.........................
These final two questions are in advance
4. (x + 15)2 = 0 of achievement level. This is because
they require a little more work.
......................... 11. (x + 3)2 - 25 = 0
5. (2x - 5)(x + 7) = 0 .........................
......................... .........................
6. (3 + x)(3x + 12) = 0 .........................
......................... .........................
......................... 12. (x - 2)2 - 9 = 0
7. (7 - 2x)(3 + 4x) = 0 .........................
......................... .........................
......................... .........................
......................... .........................
27

28
Algebraic Methods - Achievement Examples

1. Expand and simplify: 6(x + 4) - 4(x + 5)
Multiply and expand the brackets then collect all the like terms
= 6x + 24 - 4x - 20
= 2x + 4
2. Factorise: x2 - 2x - 48
Find two numbers that multiply to give -48 and add to give -2
= (x - 8)(x + 6)
3. Anderson knows that 8x2 × 4xn = 32x10. What is the value of n?

The rule is xa × yb = xya+b .
This means that 2 + n = 10 and n = 8.
4. Solve: 15a - 10 = 12a + 5

Try and get all the a’s on the LHS
and all the numbers on the RHS of the = sign.
15a - 12a = 5 + 10
3a = 15
a=5
5. Solve: (3x - 3)(x + 8) = 0

Either 3x - 3 = 0 or x + 8 = 0.
Solve both of these to find your two answers.
x = 1 or x = -8
5x
6. Solve: 2 - 8 = 0
With equations get all the variables (letters) on the LHS and all
the numbers on the RHS of the = sign.

5x 5x 8
2 = 8 2 1 cross multiply
5x = 16
1
x = 3.2 or 3 5
29
Exercises
1. Solve 3(x - 9) = 9
..........................................
..........................................
2. Solve 5x + 3 = x - 6
..........................................
..........................................
3. Solve: 5x(x + 9) = 0
..........................................
..........................................
4. Expand and simplify (2x + 7)(x - 5)
..........................................
..........................................
15x5
5. Simplify
3x2
..........................................
..........................................
x(x + 5)
6. Y= Find Y when x = 5
2
..........................................
..........................................

30
7. Solve (x + 3)(x - 8) = 0
..........................................
..........................................
8. Solve 17x - 9 = 12x + 4
..........................................
..........................................
2x + 6
9. Solve: 5 =4
..........................................
..........................................
10. Expand and simplify: (2x - 2)(x + 1)
..........................................
..........................................
11. Factorise completely: x2 - 5x - 14
..........................................
..........................................
12. F = N (3N - 5). Find F, when N = 11.

2
..........................................
..........................................

31
13. Solve (3x - 1)(x + 7) = 0

..........................................
..........................................
14. Solve 6x - 3 = 2x + 8
..........................................
..........................................
5x
15. Solve: 2 + 8 = 33
..........................................
..........................................
16. Expand and simplify: (2x - 1)(3x + 5)
..........................................
..........................................
17. Factorise completely: x2 + 5x - 24
..........................................
18. Simplify: 15x¹²

5x³
..........................................
19. Simplify 5¹³ ÷ 5¹º

..........................................
20. R = 0.45DT. Calculate R when D = 27.8 and T = 3.6
..........................................

32
Simplify or Solve Rational Expressions

When fractions are added or subtracted they must have the same denominator.
Simplify: x + x = 5x + 6x
6 5 30 30
= 11x
30
3 5
Express: x + x + 1 as a single fraction
= 3(x + 1) + 5x each has a common denominator

x(x + 1) x(x + 1)
3x + 3 + 5x
= add the numerators
x(x + 1)
8x + 3
= x(x + 1) the final answer
x2 + 8x + 15
Simplify:
x+3
(x + 5)(x + 3)
= x+3
= x+5
4x + 1 4x + 1 3
Solve: =3 => = cross multiply
11 11 1
=> 4x + 1 = 33
=> 4x = 32
=> x = 8 check with a calculator!
(4×8 + 1) ÷ 11 = 3
Solve: 10x + 3.5 = 16 => 10x + 7 = 16
2 2 2 1
=> 10x + 7 = 32 multiply both sides by 2
=> 10x = 25 now solve
=> x = 2.5
Remember to check your answer with a calculator!
33
Exercises
Simplify: Solve:
4 2 3
1. x + y 6. k=9
4
......................... .........................
......................... .........................
5 - 1 m 1
2. 7. 8 +2= 2
3a 2b
......................... .........................
......................... .........................
3x 2t
3. 9x + 6 8. 5 +8=4
......................... .........................
......................... .........................
x2 - 5x + 6 7e
4. x2 - 4 9. 5 - e = 10.5
......................... .........................
......................... .........................
-4xy × -2xy x x
5. 6x2y 10. 5 + 2 = -14
......................... .........................
......................... .........................

34
Describing Quadratic Patterns

Term (n) 1 2 3 4 5 6
Look at this sequence of numbers: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, 42 ...
The difference between each number is: 4 6 8 10 12
The difference between these numbers is: 2 2 2 2
If the first difference between each number changes, then it could be a quadratic
sequence. When the second difference is constant, you have a quadratic
sequence - i.e., there is an n2 term.
If the second difference is 2, start with n2.
If the second difference is 4, you start with 2n2.
If the second difference is 6, you start with 3n2.
The formula for the sequence 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, 40 ... starts with n2 as the second
difference is 2. Use n2 as a starting point to calculate the formula.
Term (n) 1 2 3 4 5 6
Sequence: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, 42
n2 1 4 9 16 25 36
The difference between the sequence and n2 is n, i.e 2-1 =1, 6-4=2.
Therefore the formula for the pattern = n2 + n
a. Write down the next two terms of the sequence: 5, 12, 23, 38, _ , _
The first differences are: 7, 11, 15, The second difference is 4.
Continuing the sequence, the differences between each term will
be: 15 + 4 = 19 and 19 + 4 = 23
Therefore the next 2 terms in the sequence will be: 38 + 19 = 57
and 57 + 23 = 80. The sequence will be: 5, 12, 23, 38, 57, 80
b. Find a formula for the nth term of the sequence: 5, 12, 23, 38, _ , _
The second difference is 4. Therefore the formula will start 2n2.
nth term: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Sequence: 5 12 23 38 57 80
2n2 2 8 18 32 50 72
The difference between 2n2 and original number is n + 2
Therefore the formula for the nth term is 2n2 + n + 2
35
Exercises
1. The following structures were made with slabs of wood.
a. Complete the table to give the number of slabs needed for each
structure.
Storeys (x) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Slabs needed 3 8 15
b. Give the rule for the relationship between the number of storeys and
slabs of wood needed.
.......................................................
.......................................................
c. If you wanted to build a structure with 25 storeys, how many slabs of

wood would be needed?
.......................................................
2. Look at the tile pattern below then complete the table to give the formula for
the number of white tiles. NOTE: Total tiles = grey tiles + white tiles.
Number of Tiles Total Number Number of Number of

on the bottom line of Tiles Grey Tiles White Tiles
n n2 5n - 6

36
3. Sequence q = 3, 8, 15, 24, 35, ….

a. Calculate the sixth term of the sequence.
.......................................................
.......................................................
b. The nth term of sequence q is n2 + kn, where k represents a number.

Find the value of k.
.......................................................
.......................................................
4. The first three terms of a sequence are: (3×4)+1, (4×5)+2, (5×6)+3.

Find the next two terms and the rule for the nth term.
............................................................
............................................................
............................................................
............................................................
5. The first four terms of a sequence are: 4, 9, 16, 25, ....

Find the next two terms and the rule for the nth term.
............................................................
............................................................
............................................................

37
Rearranging Formulae
Sometimes a formula needs to be rearranged to be more useful. A common
formula is the one that converts °F to °C, i.e °F = 1.8°C + 32.
To convert °C to °F rearrange the formula to make °C the subject.
F = 1.8C + 32
F - 32 = 1.8C subtract 32 from both sides

F - 32 = C divide each side by 1.8
1.8
C = F - 32 rearrange the formula
1.8
x + y + z
a. The mean of x, y, z can be found using the formula: M = 3
Rearrange the formula to make z the subject.
M= x+y+z
3
3M = x + y + z multiply both sides by 3
3m - x - y = z subtract (x + y) from both sides
z = 3m - x - y rearrange the formula
b. Make x the subject of ax - c = 4x + b.

ax - c = 4x + b
ax - 4x - c = b subtract 4x from both sides
x(a - 4) =b+c factorise to isolate the x
b+c
x = divide both sides by (a - 4)
a-4
2b
c. Make b the subject of the formula: P =
a-b
P(a - b) = 2b multiply both sides by (a - b)

Pa - Pb = 2b expand
Pa = 2b + Pb add Pb to both sides
Pa = b(2 + P) factorise to isolate the b
Pa
= b divide both sides by 2 + P
2+P Pa
b = 2+P
38
Exercises
(u + v)t
Rearrange to make x the subject 6. Make v the subject: S = 2
1. y = 10x + 5
.........................
.........................
.........................
.........................
7. Make c the subject: a2 = b2 + c2
2. -2x - 8y = 7
.........................
......................... .........................
......................... 8. Make a the subject: v2 = u2 + 2as
3. P= x .........................
V
......................... .........................
......................... .........................
9. Make r the subject: V = πr2h

4. y= x+5
2
.........................
.........................
.........................
.........................
.........................
(3 + x)a
5. y=
4 1
10. Make a the subject: A = 2 (a + b)h
......................... .........................
......................... .........................
.........................
.........................

39
Solving Equations
An equation is the equivalent of a mathematical sentence. Within this sentence,
two expressions have the same value. If you add, subtract, multiply, or divide one
side of the equation, then you have to do exactly the same operation to the other
side of the equation.
e.g. Solve each of the following equations:

a. 3x + 4 = 25
3x = 21 subtract 4 from both sides
x =7 divide each side by 3
b. 6x + 7 = 4x + 19
2x + 7 = 19 subtract 4x from both sides
2x = 12 subtract 7 from both sides
x =6 divide each side by 2
3
c. 4 a = 36 4
a = 48 multiply each side by 3
d. a = 5(a-2)+3
a = 5a - 10 + 3 expand the brackets & simplify
a = 5a - 7
-4a = -7 divide by -4
7
a = 1.75 or 4
e. 5x - 5 = 3
2
5x
2( 2 - 5) = 2(3) multiply both sides by 2
5x - 10 = 6 add 10 to both sides

5x = 16 divide both sides by 5
1
x = 3.2 or 35

40
Exercises
Solve these equations: 8. 7 + 3(x - 1) = 19
1. 3a - 4 = 23
.........................
.........................
.........................
2. 8x - 6 = -26 5x
9. 2 + 3x = 33
.........................
.........................
3. 13x + 7x = 10 .........................
......................... 10. 3x - 2 = x + 7
4. 4x + 6 = 3x + 10 .........................
......................... .........................
a 11. 2x = 26
5. 3.7 = 10
.........................
.........................
2 = 6 12. Triangle perimeter = 22 cm.

6. Calculate each side length.
3 x
......................... x+3
x-2
7. x+9= x+6 Not drawn to scale
4 x
......................... .........................
.........................
.........................
.........................
.........................
.........................

41
Inequations
An inequation has a greater than (>) or less than (<) sign. This means that both
sides of the equation do not equal each other. Calculating values in an inequation
is much the same as with normal equations (i.e. those with = signs). But when
multiplying or dividing both sides of an inequation by a negative number then you
must change the direction of the sign. The simple example below illustrates how
multiplying or dividing by a negative number changes the “sense” of an inequation:
5 > 2
Multiply both sides by -1 => -5 < -2
Exercises
1. 2y + 3 > 4 6. 3x + 7 < 2x - 6
......................... .........................
2
2. -3x + 4 < 16 7. -2x > 3
......................... .........................
-y
3. 2 ≥4 8. 3(x - 2) ≤ 5
......................... .........................
4. 3 - 4x > 11 9. -x < 3x + 8
......................... .........................
5. 2x-9 > 7 10. 5(x + 3) - 6x ≥ 12

9
....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

42
Solving Quadratic Problems

Factorising a quadratic equation can make it easier to solve.
a. The sides of an existing square warehouse are to be extended by 5 metres
and 8 metres. The area of the new extended warehouse will be 340m2.
The existing warehouse (shaded) and planned extension are shown in the
diagram below. xm
xm
(x + 5) m
(x + 8) m
Solve the equation (x + 8)(x + 5) = 340 to find the new dimensions.
(x + 8)(x + 5) = 340
x2 + 5x + 8x + 40 = 340 expand the equation
x2 + 13x - 300 = 0 subtract 340 from both sides
(x + 25)(x - 12) = 0 factorise the new equation
x = -25 or x = 12
The original warehouse was 12m × 12m (x)
(as it can’t be -25m)
The new dimensions will 20m (x + 8) and 17m (x + 5)
Testing the answer with the values: 20 × 17 = 340
b. A ball bearing rolls down a slope labeled AB. The time, t seconds, for the ball
bearing to reach B is the solution to the equation t2 + 5t = 36.
How long does it take for the ball bearing to reach B?
t2 + 5t - 36 = 0
A
(t + 9)(t - 4) = 0
T = -9, t = 4
B It takes 4 seconds for the ball to reach B.
(It could not be a negative time).
43
Exercises
1. The diagram shows a square courtyard and square pool in one corner.
The courtyard extends 10m on two sides of the pool.
The courtyard and pool take up 225m2 .
xm
xm Pool
(x + 10)m
(x + 10)m
Solve the equation 225 = (x + 10)2 to find the side length of the pool.
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
2. A field is 40 m longer than it is wide. The area of the field is 3200 m2

What is the length and width of the field?
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................

44
3. A golf ball is hit into the air. Its flight can be calculated by the equation:
h = 40t - 8t2 where h = height from the ground and t = time in the air.
Find the time taken for the ball to reach a height of 48 metres.
Explain why there are two possible values.
............................................
............................................
.......................................................
4. To find two positive consecutive odd integers whose product is 99 we can

use the following logic: x is the first integer
x + 2 is the second integer
therefore x(x + 2) = 99
Continue with the logic to find the answer.
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
5. The hypotenuse of a certain right angled triangle is 13 cm. The other two
lengths are x and (x + 7) cm.
Complete the logic below to find the lengths of the other two sides.
Using Pythagoras: 132 = (x + 7)2 + x2
169 = x2 + 14x + 49 + x2 13 cm
x cm
(x + 7) cm
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................

45
Solving Pairs of Simultaneous Equations

Some questions give two equations with two unknowns. These questions will ask
you the values of the unknowns. To solve, you can find the intersection points of
their graphs or you could use one of the following algebraic methods:
a. Comparison: This method can be used if both equations have the same
subject. e.g. Solve for x and y when y = 90 - x and y = 63 + ½x.
90 - x = 63 + ½x
-x = -27 + ½x subtract 90 from both sides
-1½x = -27 subtract ½x from both sides
x = 18 divide both sides by -1½
y = 90 - 18 put the x value into one of the equations
y = 72 solve for y
b. Substitution: This method can be used if one of the equations has a single
variable as the subject. e.g. Solve the simultaneous equations: y = 3x - 9
4x - y = 13
The first equation can be substituted into the second
4x - (3x - 9) = 13
4x - 3x + 9 = 13
x + 9 = 13
x = 4
y = 3(4) - 9 put x = 4 into the other equation
y=3
c. Elimination: Use this method if the co-efficients of either x or y are the same
in both equations. e.g. 4y - 3x = -4
8y + 3x = 28 add the equations to eliminate x
12y = 24
y = 2
Put the solution for y (i.e. y = 2) into one of the equations:
4(2) - 3x = -4 => 8 - 3x = -4
- 3x = -12
x = 4
46
Exercises
Solve the following Simultaneous Equations using the Comparison Method.
1. y = 2 + 4x
y = 3 + 2x ..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
2. y = 2x + 3
y = -x + 6 ..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
3. y=x+5
y = -x - 3 ..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
4. y = 2x - 1
y = 3 - 6x ..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................

47
Solve the following Simultaneous Equations using the Substitution Method.

5. 2y + x = 12
y=x-6 ..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
6. y = 4x - 2
y - 2x = 1 ..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
7. y = 2x + 3
x=6-y ..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
8. y = 370 - x
8x + 5y = 2330 ..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................

48
Solve the following Simultaneous Equations using the Elimination Method.

9. x+y=6
4x + y = 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
10. 3y - 2x = 9
y + 2x = 7 ..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
11. 2x + 4y = 2
2x - 2y = 17 ..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
12. x + y = 20
8x + 5y = 120 ..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....

49

50
Algebraic Methods - Merit Examples

a. Simplify fully: 2x² - 12xy
6x²
2x(x - 6y)
= factorise then simplify
2x(3x)
x - 6y
= 3x
W
b. Rewrite the formula A = π to make W the subject.
G
W
A² = π² G square both sides
GA² = π²W multiply both sides by G
GA²
π² = W divide each side by π²
GA²
W = π²
c. Solve the equations for x and y: 2y + 3y = 15

-4x - 3y = 3
5y = 15, therefore y = 3
-4x - (3 × 3) = 3 put y = 3 into the 2nd equation
-4x - 9 =3
-4x = 12
x = -3, Therefore x = -3, y = 3
d. A square warehouse is extended by 10 metres at one end.

The area of the extended warehouse is 375m²
Find the original area of the warehouse.
x(x + 10) = 375
x² + 10x = 375
x² + 10x - 375 = 0
(x + 25)(x - 15)
10 m x = -25 or x = 15
Therefore the original warehouse size must be 15 x 15 m²
Therefore the original area = 225m²

51
Exercises
1. Simplify: x² - 6x - 16
(x + 2)
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
2. Elton has more than twice as many CDs as Robbie. Altogether they have
56 CDs. Write a relevant equation and use it find the least number of CDs
that Elton could have.
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
3. Elton purchases some DVDs from the mall. He buys four times as many
music DVDs as movie DVDs. The music DVDs are $2.50 each. The movie
DVDs are $1.50 each. Altogether he spends $92.
Solve the equations to find out how many music DVDs that he purchased.
S = 4V
2.5S + 1.5V = 92
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................

52
4. Simplify: x + x
2 8
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
5. One of the solutions of 4x² + 8x + 3 = 0 is x = -1.5

Use this solution to find the second solution of the equation 4x² + 8x + 3 = 0
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
6. The volume of the box shown is 60 litres.

Find the dimensions of the box.
50 cm
(w + 10) cm w cm
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................

53
7. The triangle drawn below is equilateral. The perimeter is 30 cm. Write down
two equations and solve them simultaneously to find the values of x and y.
...........................
........................... 2y + x (cm)
2x - y (cm)
...........................
...........................
4y + 2 (cm)
...........................................................
...........................................................
x² - 4y²
8. Simplify:
x² - 2xy
...........................................................
...........................................................
x 3x
9. Express as a single fraction: 2 + 5
...........................................................
...........................................................
10. Solve the equation x² + 2x = 255

Hint: two factors of 255 are 15 and 17.
...........................................................
...........................................................

54
Algebraic Methods - Excellence Examples

1. Zahara is five years old and Maddox is four years older.
Form a relevant equation. Use it to find how many years it will take until
Zahara’s and Maddox’s ages in years, multiplied together make 725 years.
Let Z = Zahara’s age: Z(Z + 4) = 725
Z² + 4Z - 725 = 0
(Z + 29)(Z - 25) = 0
Z = -29 or Z = 25
Zahara will be 25 and Maddox will be 29. (25 × 29 = 725)
As Zahara is now 5 it will take another 20 years.
2. Holmsey is using octagonal tiles to make patterns.

Pattern 1 Pattern 2 Pattern 3 Pattern 4
Holmsey has 271 octagonal tiles. He wants to use all the tiles in a pattern as
above. Write an equation to show the relationship between the pattern
number (n) and the number of tiles used (t).
Solve the equation to find the pattern number that would have 271 tiles.
Pattern number (n) 1 2 3 4
Tiles (t) 5 11 19 29
The first difference between the terms is: 6, 8, 10.
The second difference is 2. This means the equation will start n².
Look at the relationship between n, n² and t:
n 1 2 3 4
n² 1 4 9 16
t 5 11 19 29
Possible equations are t = n² + 3n + 1 or t = (n + 1)² + n
Using t = n² + 3n + 1 n² + 3n + 1 = 271
n² + 3n - 270 = 0
(n + 18)(n - 15) = 0
Pattern number (n) = 15
55
Exercises
Pattern 1
Pattern 2
Pattern 3
Pattern 4
11. The design above can be modeled by the following formulae where
n = the number of squares titles on the bottom line.
Total number of square tiles = n2.
Total number of grey squares = 5n - 6.
a. Write the formula for the number of white squares.

b. A square courtyard is to be tiled using the design above. Each side of
the courtyard requires 25 tiles.
Give the total number of grey and white tiles required.
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................

56
12. At the local garden centre, Mr Rose makes two rectangular garden plots.
Plot 1 is 5 metres longer than it is wide and has an area of 18.75m2.
Plot 2 is 3 metres longer than it is wide and has an area of 22.75m2.
The combined width of both gardens is 6 metres.
Find the length and width of each garden.
Show any equations you need to use.

Show all working.
Set out your work logically.
Use correct mathematical statements.
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................
...........................................................

57

58
MAHOBE
Level 1 Mathematics - Sample Exam

AS90147 Use straightforward algebraic methods
and solve equations.
Published by Mahobe Resources (NZ) Ltd

Distributed free at www.mathscentre.co.nz

59

60
You are advised to spend 30 minutes answering the questions in this section.
QUESTION ONE
Solve these equations:
(a) 8x(x - 3) = 0
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
(b) 4(y + 2) = 13
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
QUESTION TWO
Sue sends birthday invitations to all her friends.
Stamps cost 50 cents per envelope.
Each invitation cards costs $2.95.
Sue spends a total of $51.75.
The equation for the amount spent is 0.5x + 2.95x = 51.75 where x is the number
of cards sent. Solve the equation to find out how many friends received a birthday
invitation from Sue.
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
61
QUESTION THREE
Expand and simplify: 3(x + 4) - 4(x - 3)
.......................................................
.......................................................
QUESTION FOUR
Kate was told that two factors of 255 are 15 and 17.
Use this information to solve the quadratic equation x2 + 2x - 255 = 0
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
QUESTION FIVE
In January, Terrence’s mother opened a savings account for his University study.
She made an initial deposit and then added $150 to the account every month.
After 5 months there was $950 in the account. The diagram below illustrates the
transactions.
INITIAL + $150 + $150 + $150 + $150 + $150 Total
DEPOSIT $950
No interest is added to the account in the first 5 months. Write an expression for
the total amount of money, T, that Terrence’s mother has put into the account
after m months
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
62
QUESTION SIX
2m m
Simplify: +
3 4
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
QUESTION SEVEN
There are V litres in Claudia’s water tank. There are d “drippers” on the irrigation
hose from the tank to the garden. Each dripper uses x litres of water per day.
(a) Write an expression to show the total amount of water, T, left in the tank
after one day.
.......................................................
(b) At the end of the day on the 1st of April there were 150 litres of water in the
tank. The next day, 4 drippers were used to irrigate the garden and at the
end of the day there were 60 litres of water left.
Use the expression you gave above to show how much water each dripper used
on that day.
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
Amount of water, T, used by each dripper = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Litres.

63
QUESTION EIGHT
Graeme is designing a path around the front of his garden. His design is shown
below.
4 metres
x metres x metres
5 metres
Garden
x metres
3x metres
The width of the path is x metres
Graeme has sufficient paving to make a path with a total area of 22 m2.
The area of the path can be written as 4x + 3x2 + (5 - 2x)x = 22.
Rewrite the equation and then solve to find the width of the path around the front
of the garden.
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................

64
QUESTION NINE
Students from Mahobe High School are about to be transported to a sports game
in two mini buses - A and B. They are all seated in the mini buses ready to depart.
• If 3 students in bus A are moved to bus B then each bus will have the same
number of students.
• If 2 students in bus B are moved to bus A then bus A will have twice the
number of students that are in bus B.
Use the information given to find the total number of students in the mini buses.
You must show all your working and give at least one equation that you used to
get your final answer.
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................

65
MAHOBE
The Answers

66
The Answers
Page 11 - Expanding 27. 5 + 5n2 = 5(1 + n2)
1. u(u + 1) = u2 + u 28. 6x2 + 18xy = 6x(x + 3y)
2. v(v - 6) = v2 - 6v 29. 2xy - 4ab = 2(xy - 2ab)
3. -w(3w - 2) = -3w + 2w
2
30. 3p2 - 9pq = 3p(p - 3q)
2
4. x(4x + 5) = 4x + 5x
2
5. 3y(2y - 3) = 6y - 9y Page 13
2
6. -z(-5z + 3) = 5z - 3z
31. (x + 1)(x + 6) = x2 + 7x + 6
7. 3 + 2(x - 8) = 3 + 2x - 16
= 2x - 13 32. (x + 2)(x + 8) = x2 + 10x + 16
8. 5(x + 7) - 12 = 5x + 35 - 12 33. (x - 5 )(x + 7) = x2 + 2x - 35

= 5x + 23 34. (x - 2 )(x + 9) = x2 + 7x - 18
9. 3(x - 6) + 2(4x - 5)
35. (x + 4)(x - 5) = x2 - x - 20
= 3x - 18 + 8x - 10
= 11x - 28 36. (x + 7)(x - 3) = x2 + 4x - 21
10. 4(a + 6) - 2(a - 2) 37. (x - 10)(x - 15) = x2 - 25x + 150

= 4a + 24 - 2a + 4 38. (x - 8)(x - 11) = x2 - 19x + 88
= 2a + 28
39. (x + 6)2 = x2 + 12x + 36
11. 2x(x + 1) - x(7 - x)
= 2x2 + 2x - 7x + x2 40. (x - 9)2 = x2 - 18x + 81
= 3x2 - 5x 41. (x + 1)2 + 10 = x2 + 2x + 11
12. x2(x + 1) = x3 + x2 42. (x - 5)2 - 20 = x2 - 10x + 5

1
13. 2 (4x + 12) = 2x + 6
Page 14
Page 12 43. x2 + 10x + 21 = (x + 7)(x + 3)

2
14. 3 (12x - 6) = 8x - 4 44. x2 + x - 12 = (x + 4)(x - 3)
15. 3x(2x2 - 4) = 6x3 - 12x 45. x2 - 2x - 15 = (x - 5)(x + 3)
2
16. x(x + 4x) + x(3x + 2)
3 2 2
46. x2 - 14x + 40 = (x - 10)(x - 4)
= x + 4x + 3x + 2x
= x3 + 7x2 + 2x 47. x2 + 11x + 30 = (x + 6)(x + 5)
17. 6x + 24 = 6(x + 4) 48. x2 + x - 2 = (x + 2)(x - 1)

18. 5x - 25 = 5(x - 5) 49. x2 - 3x - 10 = (x - 5)(x + 2)
2
19. 11x - 66x = 11x(x - 6)
50. x2 - 4x - 96 = (x - 12)(x + 8)
20. 10x + 25xy = 5x(2 + 5y)
21. 100x + 20y = 20(5x + y) 51. x2 - 5x - 14 = (x - 7)(x + 2)
22. 27 - 33x = 3(9 - 11x) 52. x2 - 16 = (x - 4)(x + 4)

23. 5x2 + x = x(5x + 1) 53. x2 - 81 = (x - 9)(x + 9)
2
24. 6a + 3a = 3a(2a + 1)
2
54. (x - 3)2 - 16 = x - 6x + 9 - 16
25. 15b - 30b = 15b(b - 2)
26. 14y2 + 21y = 7y(2y + 3) = x - 6x - 7
= (x - 7)(x + 1)
67
Page 14 (continued) 7. (2.5 + 2×(-5) + (-8.5)) ÷ 5 = -3.2
55. x2 + 2x = 15 8. (10 × -5) ÷ (10 + -5) = -10
= x2 + 2x - 15 9. (2 × 9) ÷ 100 = 0.18
= (x + 5)(x - 3) 10. i. ( 5(10 + 5)) ÷ 10 = 7.5
56. x2 = 6x - 8 ii. (5(9.8 + 5.3)) ÷ (2 × 5.3) = 7.12
= x2 - 6x + 8
= (x - 4)(x - 2) Page 21
57. 2x2 - 2x = 220 1. a. White titles = 8, 13, 18, 23
= 2x2 - 2x - 220 b. Rule = dn + (a - d)
= 2(x2 - x - 110) = 5n + (8 - 5)
= 2(x - 11)(x + 10) = 5n + 3
58. 4x2 - 100 = 4(x2 - 25) 2. a. M = 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13
= 4(x - 5)(x + 5) b. Matches = 2p + 1
= 2 × 10 + 1
Page 17 = 21
1. 16x4 Page 22
2. 64x4y2 3. For pattern n, shaded squares = n + 1

x4
3. y2 Form pattern n, white squares = 2n
1
4. (divide top & bottom by 4x5) Total squares = n + 1 + 2n
2x5
2
5. 3x (divide top & bottom by 3x3)
4 = 3n + 1
6. 4x - 5y (divide top & bottom by 2x)

x 4. Term n = 4n
7. 1 - 5b (divide top & bottom by 3a) 5. a. Black, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

2b
8. 2 + n = 8 therefore n = 6 White, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26
9. 2n = 8 therefore n = 4 b. Formula W = white, B = Black
10. a0 = 1, 6 - n = 6, therefore n = 6 W = 4B + 2, If W= 100 black

pavers, order 402 white pavers.
Page 19
Page 24
1. i. ½(-4 + 10) × 2 = 6
1. 5x = 45 x = 9
ii. ½(1.6 + 2.8) × 3.2 = 7.04
1
2. 6x = 8 x = 1
2. 20 - 0.8 × 15 = 8 3
3. -4x = 24 x = -6
3. 82 + 4.52 = 84.25
-5
4. 3x = -5 x =
4. 34 3
5. (4 + -10) ÷ 2 = -3
6. -100 ÷ -4 = 25

68
Page 24 (continued) 4. x = -15
5. 8x + 12 = -8 5. x = 2.5 or x = -7
8x = -20 6. x = -3 or x = -4
-20
x = 8 or -2.5 7. x = 3.5 or x = -0.75
6. 6x = -18 8. x = -4.5 or x = 0
x = -3 9. x = -4 or x = 2.5
7. 2x = 10 10. x = 8/3 or x = -8/3
x = 5 11. x2 + 6x + 9 - 25 = 0
8. 4x - 5x = -2 + 8 x2 + 6x - 16 = 0
-1x = 6 (x + 8)(x - 2)
x = -6 x = -8 or x = 2
9. 6x - 2x = 20 - 7 12. x2 - 4x + 4 - 9 = 0
4x = 13 x2 - 4x - 5 = 0
13
x = 4 or 3.25 (x - 5)(x + 1)
10. x - 2x = -8 - 6 x = 5 or x = -1
-x = -14
x = 14 Pages 29 - 30
11. 3x - 2x = 11 - 7 1. 3x - 27 = 9
x = 4 3x = 36
12. 10x - 8x = 22 - 2 x = 12
2x = 20 2. 5x - x = -6 - 3
x = 10 4x = -9
13. 3x + 6 = 5x - 10 x = -2.25
3x - 5x = -10 - 6 3. x = 0 or x = -9
-2x = -16 4. 2x(x - 5) + 7(x - 5)
x = 8 = 2x2 - 10x + 7x - 35
14. 3(4 - 8) = -x = 2x2 - 3x - 35
-12 = -x 5. 5x3
x = 12 6. y = 5(5 + 5) ÷ 2 = 25
7. x = -3 or x = 8
Page 26 8. 17x - 12x = 4 + 9
1. x = 5 or x = 10 5x = 13
13
2. x = -3 or x = 8 x = or 2.6
5
3. x = 9 or x = -4

69
2t
Page 30 (cont) 8. = -4
5
9. 2x + 6 = 20
2t = -20
2x = 14
x = 7 t = -10
10. 2x(x + 1) - 2(x + 1) 9. 7e = 50.5 - 10.5e
2
2x + 2x - 2x - 2 17.5e = 52.5
2
2x - 2 e = 3
11. (x - 7)(x + 2) 7x
10. = -14
12. F = (11 ÷ 2) × (3 × 11 - 5); F = 154 10 1
7x = -140
x = -20
Page 31
13. x = 1 or x = -7
3 Pages 35-36
14. 6x - 2x = 8 + 3
1. a. Slabs = 24, 35, 48, 63, 80
4x = 11
b. Look at the pattern between the
x = 11 or 2.75
4 storeys and the slabs.
15. 5x = 25
2 1x3=3, 2x4=8, 3x5=15,
5x = 50
4x6=24, 5x7=35
x = 10
y = x(x + 2)
16. 2x(3x + 5) - 1(3x + 5)
2
y = x2 + 2x
= 6x + 10x - 3x - 5
Using this formula, 25 storeys
= 6x2 + 7x - 5
would need 675 slabs of wood.
17. (x + 8)(x - 3)
2. Total = Grey + white
18. 3x9
n2 = 5n - 6 + white
19. 53 = 125
white = n2 - 5n + 6
20. R = 0.45 × 27.8 × 3.6; R = 45.036
3. a. Sixth term = 48
b. Using term 1, n2 + kn = 3
Page 33
12 + k = 3
4y + 2x
1. xy k = 2
10b - 3a 4. Next two terms are (6×7)+4, (7×8)+5

2.
6ab (n + 2)(n + 3) + n
x
3. 3x + 2 = n2 + 2n + 3n + 6 + n
(x - 3)(x - 2) (x - 3) = n2 + 6n + 6
4. =
(x + 2)(x - 2) (x + 2) 5. Next two terms are 36, 49
8x2y2 2x2y(4y)
5. = Terms: 1 2 3 4 5 6
6x2y 2x2y(3)
4y Sequence: 4 9 16 25 36 49
= 3 2
Rule = (n + 1)
6. 3k = 36
Page 38
k = 12 1. y - 5 = 10x
m + 16 4 y - 5
7. = 8 x =
8 10
2. -2x = 7 + 8y
m = -12 7 + 8y
x =
-2

70
Page 38 (cont) Page 41

3. x = PV 1. 2y > 1
4. 2y = x + 5 y > 0.5
x = 2y - 5 2. -3x < 12
5. 4y = 3a + xa x > -4
4y - 3a = xa 3. -y ≥8
x = 4y - 3a
a y -8
6. 2s = tu + tv 4. -4x > 8
v = 2s - tu x < -2
t
7. a² - b² = c² 5. 2x - 9 > 63
c = a² - b² 2x > 72
8. v² - u² = 2as x > 36
v² - u²
a = 2s 6. x < - 13
V 7. -6x > 2
9. r² = πh 1
x < -3
V
r = πh 8. 3x - 6 5
ah + bh 3x 11
10. A = 2 2
x 33
2A = ah + bh 9. -x - 3x < 8
2A - bh -4x < 8
a = h
x > -2
10. 5x + 15 - 6x 12
Page 40
-x -3
1. 3a = 37, a = 9
x 3
2. 8x = -20, x = -2.5
3. 20x = 10, x = 0.5
Page 43
4. x = 4
1. x² + 20x + 100 = 225
5. a = 37
x² + 20x - 125 = 0
6. 2x = 18, x = 9
(x + 25)(x - 5) = 0
7. 4x + 36 = x + 6
x = -25 or x = 5
3x = -30
Side length of pool is positive
x = -10
(x + 10) = 15m
8. 7 + 3x - 3 = 19
2. x(x + 40) = 3200
3x = 15
x² + 40x - 3200 = 0
x = 5
(x + 80)(x - 40) = 0
9. 11x = 66, x = 6
x = -80 or x = 40
10. 2x = 9, x = 4.5
Field length can only be positive
11. 2x = 64, x = 32
Length is (x + 40) = 80 m
12. (x - 2) + (x + 3) + x = 22
Width = 40 m
3x = 21
x = 7
Triangle sides are 5, 7, 10

71
Page 44 4. 2x – 1 = 3 – 6x
3. At h = 48, 48 = 40t - 8t² 8x = 4
8t² - 40t + 48 = 0 x = 0.5
8(t² - 5t + 6) = 0 y = 2(0.5) – 1
8(t - 3)(t - 2) y = 0
Height at 48m is at t = 3 and t = 2 sec check other equation 0 = 3 – 6(0.5)
The reason for 2 values is that the ball
travels in the shape of a parabola - up Page 47
and then down. 5. 2(x – 6) + x = 12
4. x² + 2x = 99 2x – 12 + x = 12
x² + 2x - 99 = 0 3x = 24
(x + 11)(x - 9) = 0 x = 8
x = 9 (positive integer) y = 8 – 6
Two consecutive positive integers are 9 y = 2
and 11. check other equation 2(2) + 8 = 12
5. x² + 14x + 49 + x² - 169 = 0 6. (4x – 2) – 2x = 1
2x² + 14x - 120 = 0 2x – 2 = 1
2(x² + 7x - 60) = 0 x = 1.5
2(x + 12)(x - 5) = 0 y = 4(1.5) – 2
x = -12 or x = 5 y = 4
As the lengths have to be positive x = 5 check other equation 4 – 2(1.5) = 1
Side lengths as 5, 12, 13 7. y = 2(6 – y) + 3
y = 12 – 2y + 3
Page 46 3y = 15
1. 2 + 4x = 3 + 2x y = 5
2x = 1 x = 6 – 5
x = 0.5 x = 1
y = 2 + 4(0.5) check other equation, 5 = 2 + 3
y = 4 8. 8x + 5(370 – x) = 2330
check other equation 4 = 3 + 2(0.5) 8x + 1850 – 5x = 2330
2. 2x + 3 = –x + 6 3x = 480
3x = 3 x = 160
x = 1 y = 370 – 160
y = 2(1) + 3 y = 210
y = 5 check other equation
check other equation 5 = (–1) + 6 8(160) + 5(210) = 2330
3. x + 5 = –x – 3 1280 + 1050 = 2330
2x = –8
x = –4
y = (–4) + 5
y = 1
check other equation 1 = –(–4) – 3

72
Page 48 Page 51
1. (x - 8)(x + 2) = x - 8
9. x + y = 6
(x + 2)
4x + y = 12
Subtract 2. Equations that can be formed are:
–3x = –6 E > 2R
x = 2 E + R = 56
x + y = 6 or E = 56 - R
2 + y = 6 Using substitution 56 - R > 2R
y = 4 56 > 3R
2
check with other equation 4x + y = 12 R < 18
3
4(2) + (4) = 12 Elton has at least 38 CDs
10. 3y – 2x = 9 3. Substitute S = 4V into the other equation
y + 2x = 7 2.5(4V) + 1.5V = 92
Add 10V + 1.5V = 92
4y = 16 11.5V = 92
y = 4 V = 8
3(4) – 2x = 9 Substituting V = 8 into an equation
–2x = –3 S = 4(8)
x = 1.5 => S = 32 (he purchased 32 music DVDs)
check with other equation y + 2x = 7
4 + 2(1.5) = 7 Page 52
8x + 2x 5x
11. 2x + 4y = 2 4. = 8
16
2x – 2y = 17 5. Factorising the equation will be either:
Subtract (4x + 2)(x + 1.5) or (4x + 1.5)(x + 2)
6y = –15 Of the two the correct factorisation is
y = –2.5 (4x + 2)(x + 1.5)
2x + 4(–2.5) = 2 Therefore the other solution must be -0.5
2x = 12 6. V = 50 × (w + 10) × w
x = 6 V = (50w + 500) × w
check with one of the equations V = 50w² + 500w
2x - 2y = 17 This is the formula for the volume
2(6) - 2(-2.5) = 17 60 litres = 60,000 cm³
12 - -5 = 17 50w² + 500w = 60000
12. 5x + 5y = 100 50w² + 500w - 60000 = 0
8x + 5y = 120 50(w² + 10w - 1200) = 0
Subtract 50(w + 40)(w - 30) = 0
–3x = –20 w = -40 or w = 30
x = 6.67 (2 dp) i.e. w = 30, w + 10 = 40, height = 50
5×(6.67 )+ 5y = 100 Dimensions are 30cm × 40cm × 50cm
y = 13.33 (2 dp) = 60,000 cm³
Don’t forget to check your answer with = 60 litres
another equation.

73
Page 53 12. (cont)

7. If the perimeter is 30 cm the length of x + y = 6
each side = 10 cm (equilateral triangle) y = 6 - x
2x - y = 10 (6 - x)(6 - x + 3) = 22.75
2y + x = 10 or x = 10 - 2y (6 - x)(9 - x) = 22.75
Substituting 54 - 15x + x² = 22.75
2(10 - 2y) - y = 10 x² - 15x + 54 = 22.75
20 - 4y - y = 10 and x² + 5x = 18.75
20 - 5y = 10 -20x + 54 = 4 (subtract)
-5y = -10 -20x = -50
y = 2 x = 2.5
If y = 2 then 2x - 2 = 10 x + y = 6, x = 2.5, y = 3.5
2x = 12 Plot 1 is 2.5 x 7.5 m2
x = 6 Plot 2 is 3.5 x 6.5 m2
Substituting the values into the equations
2(6) - 2 = 10 Page 60
2(2) + 6 = 10 Question One
4(2) + 2 = 10 a. Either 8x = 0 or x - 3 = 0
8. (x - 2y)(x + 2y) = x + 2y Therefore x = 0 or x = 3
x(x - 2y) x
b. Expand the brackets
5x + 6x 11x
9. = 4y + 8 = 13
10 10
4y = 5
5
10. x² + 2x - 255 = 0 y = 4 (or 1.25)
(x + 17)(x - 15)
See page 8 - the sign of the largest Question Two
factor is the same as middle value (+ 2x) 0.5x + 2.95x = 51.75
x = -17 or x = 15 3.45x = 51.75
x = 51.75 ÷ 3.45
Page 55 x = 15 friends
11. Total = grey + white Page 61
n² = 5n - 6 + white Question Three
White = n² - 5n + 6 3(x + 4) - 4(x - 3)
Total tiles (n²) = 625 = 3x + 12 - 4x + 12
Grey tiles (5n - 6) = 119 = -x + 24 (or 24 - x)
White tiles (n² - 5n + 6) = 506
Question Four
Page 56 x2 + 2x - 255 = 0
12. Plot 1, x(x + 5) = 18.75 (x + 17)(x - 15) = 0
x = width of Plot 1 Note how the larger of the factor values
x² + 5x = 18.75 goes first and has the same sign as the
Plot 2, y(y + 3) = 22.75 middle term. Solving the equation
y = width of Plot 2 X = -17 or x = 15

74
Page 61 (cont), Question Five Page 63

Calculate the deposit Question Nine
$950 - 5 × $150 = $200 First scenario A - 3 = B + 3
Let T = total saved ($) A = B + 6
d = initial deposit Second scenario A + 2 = 2(B - 2)
m = months saved A = 2B - 4 - 2
T = 200 + 150m A = 2B - 6
Using A = B + 6 and A = 2B - 6
Page 62 B + 6 = 2B - 6
Question Six 12 = B
2m m 8m + 3m Using B = 12, A = 18 (as A = B + 6)
+ = 12
3 4
Testing the numbers
11m
= 12 Initial Bus Move 1
A B A B
Question Seven 18 12 15 15
a. T = V - dx
T = Total volume remaining Initial Bus Move 2
V = initial volume A B A B
d = number of drippers 18 12 20 10
x = amount used by each dripper Don't forget - the question asks for the
b. T = V - dx total number of students in the two
60 = 150 - 4x buses. Total number of students = 30
4x = 90
x = 22.5
Amount of water used by each
dripper is 22.5 litres.
Page 62
Question Eight
4x + 3x2 + 5x - 2x2 = 22
9x + x2 = 22
x2 + 9x - 22 = 0
(x + 11)(x - 2) = 0
x = -11 or x = 2
Width of path = 2m

75

76
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NCEA

NCEA Level 1 Mathematics, Questions & Answers

Published in 2009 by:

© Mahobe Resources (NZ) Ltd

About this Book 5

Expanding and Factorising 8

Algebraic Expressions involving Exponents 15

Substituting Values into Formulae 18

Describing Linear Patterns 20

Solving Linear Equations 23

Solving Factorised Equations 25

Algebraic Methods - Achievement Examples 28

Simplify and Solve Rational Equations 32

Describing Quadratic Patterns 34

Solving Quadratic Problems 42

Solving Pairs of Simultaneous Equations 45

Algebraic Methods - Merit Examples 50

Algebraic Methods - Excellence Examples 54

Sample Exam Paper 58

YEAR 11 MATHEMATICS MAHOBE

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MAHOBE YEAR 11 MATHEMATICS

About This Book

YEAR 11 MATHEMATICS MAHOBE

MAHOBE YEAR 11 MATHEMATICS

MATHEMATICS 1.1 - AS90147

Always understand what the examiner wants! A past examination answer is

YEAR 11 MATHEMATICS MAHOBE

Expanding and Factorising

Removing the brackets from such an expression is known as expanding.

7(y + 7) = 7×y + 7×7

The diagram below gives an illustration of the first example.

• Note that the variables x and x2 are different.

• The + and - signs go with the term which follows.

Examples: Expand the following:

b. -2(5 - 3b) = -2×5 + (-2)×(-3b)

c. x(x - 2) + 5(2x + 1) = (x × x) - (x × 2) + (5 × 2x) + (5 × 1)

MAHOBE YEAR 11 MATHEMATICS

The reverse process of putting the brackets in is known as factorising. To factorise

5x2 - 35x = 5x(x - 7)

Sometimes a situation will require terms in a bracket to be multiplied by another

Examples: Expand the following:

e. (x + 5)(x - 3) = x(x - 3) + 5(x - 3)

YEAR 11 MATHEMATICS MAHOBE

g. (4x - 3)(2x - 7) = 4x(2x - 7) - 3(2x - 7)

h. (2x - 2)(x + 3) = 2x(x + 3) - 2(x + 3)

Most factorising is achieved by trial and error.

• x2 means the completed answer will be of the form (x )(x ).

Look at how these have been factorised.

Note how the larger of the two numbers

MAHOBE YEAR 11 MATHEMATICS

......................... 10. 4(a + 6) - 2(a - 2)

5. 3y(2y - 3) 11. 2x(x + 1) - x(7 - x)

YEAR 11 MATHEMATICS MAHOBE

14. 32 (12x - 6) 22. 27 - 33x

15. 3x(2x2 - 4) 23. 5x2 + x

16. x(x2 + 4) + x(3x + 2) 24. 6a2 + 3a