AS 1.

4 3 weeks Apply linear algebra in solving problems

Objectives
NA5-7 Form and solve linear equations.
NA6-5 Form and solve linear equations and inequations and simultaneous equations with two unknowns.
NA6-7 Relate graphs, tables, and equations to linear, relationships found in number and spatial patterns.
NA6-8 Relate rate of change to the gradient of a graph
References
Textbook Gamma Maths and Nulake Workbook IAS 1.4
Homework: for each hour in class, about hour more is needed to effectively practise and process the work from that
lesson, in readiness for the next one. If you are having difficulty with something related to a lesson DO SOMETHING about
it straight away. Assessments dont wait!
Lesson

1
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time

2
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time

3
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Workbook
nuLake IAS 1.4

Details
Linear equations involving more than one step
By Hand- you often need to do rearranging - it is an important skill - needed for CAT
Show each step as a separate line of working
Get rid of fractions by multiplying each term, on both sides, by each denominator.
Multiply out brackets to remove them. Collect all like terms together
OR Use Graphics Calculator in Equation mode to solve a linear equation (WB p4-5) :
1. Select Solver [F3]
2. Type in the equation to be solved
3. Select SOLV and get x = the solution
Watch for these special cases: (M / E) [GC and Solver will NOT do these ones]
Truisms
e.g: x = x, or 3 = 3, means solution is true for all x values
Nonsense e.g: 2 = 0, means there is no solution
Forming Linear Equations - MERIT+
Method:
1. Identify the unknown in the problem i.e. what the problem is asking for.
2. Use the first letter of the unknown as the variable to remind you what it represents:
e.g. if you are finding a persons age, write down Let the persons age be A
3. Form the equation YOU MUST SHOW THE EQUATION
4. Solve the equation [GC or by hand] and show the solution to the equation.
5. Interpret the solution in context (i.e. write a sentence to answer to the problem)
Linear inequations
Solve as for equations BUT if you or by a negative number, reverse the inequality
symbol Answers are often shown on a number line, because there are usually many solutions.
e.g. the solution: x > 3 is shown as:

0
4
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5-6
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Using Formulae [by hand or use Graphics Calculator for instructions see WB p17)
1. Write the formula down with all the known values substituted in their correct places.
2. Rearrange (or use GC) to solve the equation/formula.
3. Interpret the solution in context (i.e. write a sentence to answer to the problem)
Linear Graphs [do graphs by hand OR use GC - for more instructions see WB p23-24]
1. GC: use TABLE; type the equations; set the RANGE for the table (start, stop and increase)
2. Each pair of (x, y) values in the table (GC or done by hand), is a point on the graph.
Plot at least three points and join them with a straight line.
3. GC: use GRAPH; choose DRAW; find the intersection.
The two important features of straight lines are GRADIENT and INTERCEPTS with axes
These features are used to draw lines accurately on graphs.
If two lines have the same gradient and one intercept the same, then they are the same line.
Straight lines of the form: y = mx + c are very useful because:
the y-intercept is c and the gradient is m =

rise
run

Straight lines of the form: y y1 = m(x x1) are useful because:

the point (x1 , y1) is on the line and the gradient is m =

Read
pages2-5
Do questions
on pages 5-7
#1 - 48

Read page 8
Do questions
on pages 9-11
#49 - 74
Read pp 12-13
Do questions
on pp 14-16
#75 - 98
Read p17
Do questions
on pp 14 - 21
#99-126
Read pp22-25
Do questions
on pp 25-27
#127 142
Read p28
Do questions
on pp 29 34
# 143 - 169

rise
run
Straight lines of the form: ax + by = c are also useful, because it is easy to find both
intercepts:
when x = 0 (cover up the x-term), then y = cb
when y = 0 (cover up the y-term), then x = ca
Graphs are helpful when solving some word problems that involve linear functions.
The intersection point of a pair of graphs, gives the solution that works simultaneously for
both equations.
Unit #3

AS 1.4 3 weeks Apply linear algebra in solving problems continued

Simultaneous Equations
Using the Graphics Calculator (see WB pages 36-36)
GC: use the V-Window to set sensible scales on the axes for problems set in-context

7-8
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Elimination Method (this method IS needed for the CAT Merit+)

The coefficients of one variable need to be the same
eliminate one variable by adding/subtracting the two equations. Solve the new equation
to evaluate the remaining variable. Substitute that value back into one of the original
equations to determine the value of the other variable.
Present the solution as an ordered pair of variable values (alphabetical order).
Check that the solution works in both original equations
The coefficients of the variables can be adjusted, by multiplying one or both entire
equations in order to be in a position to eliminate one variable as outlined above.
Substitution Method this method IS needed for the CAT Merit+)
isolate one variable in one of the equations.
substitute for it, in the second equation. Solve the resulting equation to evaluate the
variable in it. Substitute back into the first of the original equations, to determine the
value of the second variable.
Present the solution as an ordered pair of variable values (alphabetical order).

Read pp35-36
Do questions
on pp 36-45
#170 - 192

Check that the solution works in both original equations.

9
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Inequations and Linear Programming (Merit+)

1. Draw the line associated with one inequation
2. TEST the inequation using a point NOT on the line use (0, 0) if possible it is easiest!
Is the inequation TRUE for that point?
3. If true, shade OUT the other side of the line (these are all the points that are NOT wanted)
4. If an inequation had the symbol: < or > then points ON the line are wanted
use a solid line
5. If an inequation had the symbol: < or > then points on the line are NOT wanted
use a dotted line 4. Repeat this for all the inequations.
6. The part of the graph left BLANK is the answer.
This area contains all the points that satisfy all of the inequations (the feasible region).
7. The best answer (a maximum or minimum value of something), will always be at a corner
of the unshaded area.

9-10 plus
homework
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Practice assessment Tasks

Read pp 46-48
Do questions
on pp 48 - 50
#193 - 197

Page 51