Mathematics - 9260 OxfordAQA

Solving Equations And Inequalities

Overview

An equation is a question about a number: which value makes these two expressions agree? Solving it is the process of stripping away everything that has been done to the unknown until it stands alone. That is the mechanical half of this topic. The other half is harder and worth more marks: turning a situation described in words, or drawn as a shape, into the equation in the first place.

You will solve linear equations, including those with brackets and with the unknown on both sides, solve quadratic equations by factorising, solve two linear simultaneous equations in two variables, find approximate solutions from a graph, translate simple situations or procedures into algebraic expressions or formulae, derive and solve equations from geometrical problems and problems set in context, and solve linear inequalities and represent the solution set on a number line. On the Extension Tier you will add completing the square and the quadratic formula, simultaneous equations where one is quadratic, inequalities in two variables and quadratic inequalities, and the graphical representation of a solution set.

Objectives

  1. [Core] solve linear equations in one unknown algebraically
  2. [Core] find approximate solutions using a graph (Notes: including use of brackets and those with the unknown on both sides of the equation)
  3. [Core] solve quadratic equations algebraically by factorising
  4. [Core] find approximate solutions using a graph
  5. [Extension] including completing the square and by using the quadratic formula
  6. [Core] solve two linear simultaneous equations in two variables algebraically
  7. [Core] find approximate solutions using a graph
  8. [Extension] including one linear and one quadratic
  9. [Core] translate simple situations or procedures into algebraic expressions or formulae
  10. [Core] derive an equation (or two simultaneous equations), solve the equation(s) and interpret the solution (Notes: including the solution of geometrical problems and problems set in context)
  11. [Core] solve linear inequalities in one variable
  12. [Core] represent the solution set on a number line
  13. [Extension] solve linear inequalities in one or two variable(s), and quadratic inequalities in one variable
  14. [Extension] represent the solution set on a number line and on a graph (Notes: students should know the conventions of an open circle on a number line for a strict inequality and a closed circle for an included boundary. In graphical work the convention of a dashed line for strict inequalities and a solid line for an included inequality will be required)

Mind map

This topic is mapped out so you can see how the ideas connect.

Open the mind map in the app

Lesson Note

Take a number, multiply it by 6 and subtract 12, and you get 0. What was the number? Nobody solves this by algebra: you add 12 back, then divide by 6, and get 2. That is the entire principle. An equation records a sequence of operations applied to an unknown, and solving it means applying the inverse operations in the reverse order. The formal rule, do the same thing to both sides, is a way of keeping that honest when the sequence gets complicated.

Complete Note Available on the Green Bridge App

Get the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer for the complete IGCSE library: past papers, mark schemes, mind maps, flashcards and audio lessons.

Full lesson notes with diagrams
AI-powered learning assistant
Timed mock exams marked the moment you finish
Available on Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux iOS app coming soon

Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Solving Equations And Inequalities. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

  1. Circle the equation with roots 4 and -8. A. 4x(x - 8) = 0 B. (x - 4)(x + 8) = 0 C. x^2 - 32 = 0 D. (x + 4)(x - 8) = 0 Answer: B
  2. A number line shows a closed circle at -7, an open circle at 6, and the values between them shaded. Which inequality does it show? A. -7 < x < 6 B. -7 is less than or equal to x, and x < 6 C. -7 < x, and x is less than or equal to 6 D. -7 is less than or equal to x, and x is less than or equal to 6 Answer: B
  3. Solve 5(x + 4) = 3(x + 7) + 2. A. x = 0.5 B. x = 1.5 C. x = 3 D. x = 21.5 Answer: B
  4. How many solutions does x^2 = 5x have? A. none B. one C. two D. infinitely many Answer: C
  5. Which method must be used to solve the pair 4x + y = -3 and y = x^2 + 2x + 5? A. adding the two equations B. subtracting the two equations C. substitution D. trial and improvement Answer: C

Work through these questions in the app

Work through these questions in the app

Practice Mock Questions

Want to practice mock questions on Solving Equations And Inequalities? Download the Green Bridge CBT app to access mock questions and full practice assessments for this topic.

Download The App On Google Playstore

Everything you need to excel in your exams

Green Bridge CBT Mobile App
Personalized AI Learning Chat Assistant
200,000+ Exam Questions Across IGCSE, JAMB, WAEC & NECO
Over 3,900 Lesson Notes
Offline Support - Learn Anytime, Anywhere
Green Bridge Timetable
Literature Summaries & Potential Questions
Track Your Performance & Progress
In-depth Explanations for Comprehensive Learning