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This module is from Elementary Algebra by Denny Burzynski and Wade Ellis, Jr. In this chapter, the emphasis is on the mechanics of equation solving, which clearly explains how to isolate a variable. The goal is to help the student feel more comfortable with solving applied problems. Ample opportunity is provided for the student to practice translating words to symbols, which is an important part of the "Five-Step Method" of solving applied problems (discussed in modules (<link document="m21980"/>) and (<link document="m21979"/>)). This module provides a summary of the key concepts of the chapter "Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities".

Summary of key concepts

Identity ( [link] )

An equation that is true for all acceptable values of the variable is called identity . x + 3 = x + 3 is an identity.

Contradiction ( [link] )

Contradictions are equations that are never true regardless of the value substituted for the variable. x + 1 = x is a contradiction.

Conditional equation ( [link] )

An equation whose truth is conditional upon the value selected for the variable is called a conditional equation .

Solutions and solving an equation ( [link] )

The collection of values that make an equation true are called the solutions of the equation. An equation is said to be solved when all its solutions have been found.

Equivalent equations ( [link] , [link] )

Equations that have precisely the same collection of solutions are called equivalent equations .
An equivalent equation can be obtained from a particular equation by applying the same binary operation to both sides of the equation, that is,
  1. adding or subtracting the same number to or from both sides of that particular equation.
  2. multiplying or dividing both sides of that particular equation by the same non-zero number.

Literal equation ( [link] )

A literal equation is an equation that is composed of more than one variable.

Recognizing an identity ( [link] )

If, when solving an equation, all the variables are eliminated and a true statement results, the equation is an identity .

Recognizing a contradiction ( [link] )

If, when solving an equation, all the variables are eliminated and a false statement results, the equation is a contradiction .

Translating from verbal to mathematical expressions ( [link] )

When solving word problems it is absolutely necessary to know how certain words translate into mathematical symbols.

Five-step method for solving word problems ( [link] )

  1. Let x (or some other letter) represent the unknown quantity.
  2. Translate the words to mathematics and form an equation. A diagram may be helpful.
  3. Solve the equation.
  4. Check the solution by substituting the result into the original statement of the problem.
  5. Write a conclusion.

Linear inequality ( [link] )

A linear inequality is a mathematical statement that one linear expression is greater than or less than another linear expression.

Inequality notation ( [link] )

> Strictly greater than < Strictly less than Greater than or equal to Less than equal to

Compound inequality ( [link] )

An inequality of the form

a < x < b

is called a compound inequality .

Solution to an equation in two variables and ordered pairs ( [link] )

A pair of values that when substituted into an equation in two variables produces a true statement is called a solution to the equation in two variables. These values are commonly written as an ordered pair . The expression ( a , b ) is an ordered pair. In an ordered pair, the independent variable is written first and the dependent variable is written second.

Questions & Answers

Ayele, K., 2003. Introductory Economics, 3rd ed., Addis Ababa.
Widad Reply
can you send the book attached ?
Ariel
?
Ariel
What is economics
Widad Reply
the study of how humans make choices under conditions of scarcity
AI-Robot
U(x,y) = (x×y)1/2 find mu of x for y
Desalegn Reply
U(x,y) = (x×y)1/2 find mu of x for y
Desalegn
what is ecnomics
Jan Reply
this is the study of how the society manages it's scarce resources
Belonwu
what is macroeconomic
John Reply
macroeconomic is the branch of economics which studies actions, scale, activities and behaviour of the aggregate economy as a whole.
husaini
etc
husaini
difference between firm and industry
husaini Reply
what's the difference between a firm and an industry
Abdul
firm is the unit which transform inputs to output where as industry contain combination of firms with similar production 😅😅
Abdulraufu
Suppose the demand function that a firm faces shifted from Qd  120 3P to Qd  90  3P and the supply function has shifted from QS  20  2P to QS 10  2P . a) Find the effect of this change on price and quantity. b) Which of the changes in demand and supply is higher?
Toofiq Reply
explain standard reason why economic is a science
innocent Reply
factors influencing supply
Petrus Reply
what is economic.
Milan Reply
scares means__________________ends resources. unlimited
Jan
economics is a science that studies human behaviour as a relationship b/w ends and scares means which have alternative uses
Jan
calculate the profit maximizing for demand and supply
Zarshad Reply
Why qualify 28 supplies
Milan
what are explicit costs
Nomsa Reply
out-of-pocket costs for a firm, for example, payments for wages and salaries, rent, or materials
AI-Robot
concepts of supply in microeconomics
David Reply
economic overview notes
Amahle Reply
identify a demand and a supply curve
Salome Reply
i don't know
Parul
there's a difference
Aryan
Demand curve shows that how supply and others conditions affect on demand of a particular thing and what percent demand increase whith increase of supply of goods
Israr
Hi Sir please how do u calculate Cross elastic demand and income elastic demand?
Abari
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Source:  OpenStax, Elementary algebra. OpenStax CNX. May 08, 2009 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col10614/1.3
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