Category Archives: Algebra 1

07.28.14
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Algebra 1, 2 – systems of equations

Two cubes and one pyramid weigh 9 lb. Seven cubes and two pyramids weigh 24 lb. All cubes weigh the same, and all pyramids weigh the same. What is the weight of one pyramid?

 
Answer: 5 lb

Explanation:  Let x be the weight of a cube.  Let y be the weight of a pyramid. 

The first sentence becomes: 2x + y = 9. 

The second sentence is: 7x + 2y = 24. 

Solve this as a system of equations by any method you choose… substitution, elimination, Cramer’s Rule, etc.  Or use my TI-84 Plus program ‘CRAMER’.

x = 2, y = 5

‘y’ is the weight of one pyramid, so the answer is 5.

 

 

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07.22.14
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Algebra 2 – solving quadratic equations

Q: The length of a rectangle is 4 cm longer than the width. If the rectangle’s area is 45 cm², what is the width?

Answer: 5 cm

Explanation:  Call the width x.  Then, the length is x+4.

Area of a rectangle = (length)(width).

45 = x(x+4)

45 = x² + 4x

0 = x² + 4x – 45

Now, factor:

0 = (x + 9)(x – 5)

x = -9 or x = 5

Since a length can’t be negative, discard x = -9.  The only solution is x = 5.  Since ‘x’ is what we called the width, it is the answer to the question.  Just put the appropriate unit on it: 5 cm.

 

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