ALGEBRA A4 FORMULAE AND FUNCTIONS

A4 Topic Overview

This topic covers formulae and functions involving terms which can be manipulated using the basic algebraic techniques covered in Topics A1 - A3. The methods described in this topic form the basis for working with particular types of formulae and functions in Algebra Topics A5 - A7.

LESSON PLAN

Lesson No. 1 2 3 4
Appendix

LESSON TITLE A4.1 A4.2 A4.3 A4.4 A4.5 Evaluation of Formulae Transposition of Formulae Further Manipulation of Formulae Functions Solutions to the Self-Assessment Questions

Pages Examples 2 4 6 9 11 4.1 - 4.2 4.3 - 4.4 4.5 - 4.9 4.10

SAQs A4.1 A4.2 A4.3 A4.4

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Topic A4

ALGEBRA: FORMULAE

A4.1 Evaluation of Formulae

A4.1 EVALUATION OF FORMULAE The formula V = r2h expresses the volume V of a cylinder in terms of its radius r and height h. This means that if the radius and length of a cylinder are known, then the volume of the cylinder can be calculated. The subject of a formula is the single term on the left-hand side of the formula, eg. V is the subject formula V = r2h Evaluation is the process of calculating the value of the subject of a formula for given values of the symbols on the right-hand side. When evaluating formulae, you should work to the full precision of your calculator and finally state your answer correct to the required number of decimal places or significant figures. EXAMPLE 4.1 The volume V of a cylinder is given by the formula: V = r2h Evaluate the volume V when the radius r = 10 cm and the height h = 5 cm. Solution: Substitute the given values for the symbols into the formula.
V is the subject

V = r2h = x 102 x 5 = 1570.796 (correct to 1 decimal place)

Hence, the volume of the cylinder is 1570.8 cm3 Note: (i)

The mathematical constant occurs frequently in formulae. Most scientific calculators have a specific key which gives = 3.141592654... To maintain maximum precision in your calculations, use this key to obtain the value of at the final stage in the evaluation.

(ii) If units are given for the values of the symbols in formulae, then take care that you use the appropriate values when substituting in the formulae. Remember also to include the correct units and numerical accuracy with your final answer.

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ALGEBRA: FORMULAE

A4.1 Evaluation of Formulae

EXAMPLE 4.2 The current I amps of a number of cells connected together is given by the formula:

I=

nE R + nr

Evaluate the current I, when n = 30, E = 1.6 volts, R = 5.5 ohms, r = 1.1 ohms.
Solution: I is the subject

I =

nE R + nr (30 )(1.6) = 5.5 + (30 )(1.1) 48 = 5.5 + 33 48 = 38.5

= 1.24675

Hence, the current I is 1.25 amps

(correct to 2 decimal places)

SAQ A4.1

Answer correct to 2 decimal places.

(a) The power P watts, in an electrical circuit is given by the formula P =

Evaluate the power P, when V = 24.5 volts and R = 1.2 ohms.

V2 R

(b) The distance s, travelled in time t, by an object moving at constant acceleration a, is given by the formula s = ut + 1 at2 where u is the initial velocity.
2

Calculate the distance s metres travelled by the object, when u = 0.78 m/s, a = 0.03 m/s2 and t = 45 seconds. (c) The time T, of oscillation of a single pendulum is given by T = 2

L G Evaluate the time of oscillation T seconds, when L = 0.6 m and G = 9.81 m/s2.

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ALGEBRA: FORMULAE

A4.2 Transposition of Formulae

A4.2 TRANSPOSITION OF FORMULAE

When the value of a symbol other than the subject of the formula is required, the formula needs to be re-arranged. This process is called transposing the formula to make a new subject appear on the left-hand side. This process is also referred to as changing the subject or expressing one symbol in terms of the other symbols in the formula.
EXAMPLE 4.3

The area A of a circle is related to the radius r by the formula: A = r2 Change the subject of the formula to r.
Solution:
Re-arrange Divide both sides by Take square roots of both sides

A = r2
r2 = A
A

r2 =
r =

EXAMPLE 4.4

In space technology the force F, between two bodies of masses m1 and m2, separated by a distance r, is calculated using the gravitational constant G, by

F=G

m1m 2 d2

Transpose the formula to make G the subject.

Solution:

F =G
Multiply both sides by d2 Re-arrange Divide both sides by m1m2

m1m 2 d2

Fd2 = Gm1m2 Gm1m2 = Fd2

G =

Fd 2 m1m 2

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ALGEBRA: FORMULAE

A4.2 Transposition of Formulae

EXAMPLE 4.5

Given the formula

Solution:
Multiply both sides by 3 Add c to both sides

L = 1 (8h - c) 3

Express h in terms of L and c. L = 1 (8h - c) 3 3L = 8h - c 3L + c = 8h 8h = 3L + c

h =

Re-arrange
Divide both sides by 8

3L + c 8

Note: Be careful, in writing, that the division line is long enough. 3L Careless writing could give h= +c which is wrong! 8

EXAMPLE 4.6

Transpose the formula

Solution:
Square both sides

a=

n+k n 1

to make n the subject.

a =

a2

n+k n 1 n+k = n 1

Multiply both sides by (n 1) Multiply out the bracket on LHS Gather terms in n on LHS Take n out as factor on LHS Divide both sides by (a2 1)

(n 1)a2 = n + k na2 a2 = n + k na2 n = k + a2 n(a2 1) = k + a2

n =
[Subtract n from both sides and add a2 to both sides]

k + a2 a2 1

SAQ A4.2 Change the subject of the formula to the variable named:

(a) n = 2a + 3d (c) V = 1 r 2 h 3 2x (e) y = 2+x

to d to r

(b) a2 = b2 + c2 (d) x =
h 1 h

to c to h

to x

(e) w =

k+ r

4g 3

to g

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A4.3 Further Manipulation

A4.3 FURTHER MANIPULATION OF FORMULAE

Instead of numbers, expressions may also be substituted into formulae.

EXAMPLE 4.7

Given the formula

Solution:

h=

2w + 1 7

Find h when w = h + 1.
h =

Substitute h + 1 for w in the formula Simplify the RHS

h = h = h =

Multiply both sides by 7 Gather h terms on LHS

7h =

2w + 1 7 2(h + 1) + 1 7 2h + 2 + 1 7 2h + 3 7 2h + 3

7h 2h = 3 5h = 3
h =

3 = 0 .6 5

The following examples illustrate more complicated transpositions and evaluations.

EXAMPLE 4.8

Transpose the formula

y=

V 2 Rx 2 x2

to make x the subject and evaluate x

when V = 220, R = 100 and y = 7.5

Solution: y =

V 2 Rx 2 x2

Square both sides Multiply both sides by x2

Gather x2 terms on LHS

y2 =

V 2 Rx 2 x2
[Add Rx2 to both sides]

x2y2 = V2 Rx2 x2y2 + Rx2 = V2 x2(y2 + R) = V2 x2 =

Take x2 out as factor on LHS Divide both sides by (y2+ R2)

V2 y2 + R
V2 y +R
2

Take square roots of both sides

x =

V y2 + R

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A4.3 Further Manipulation

Substitute the given values into the transposed formula:

x =

V y2 + R

220 ( 7.5) 2 + 100

220 56.25 + 100

220 156.25

= 17.6

EXAMPLE 4.9

The resistance R in an electrical circuit of 2 resistors r1 and r2 arranged in parallel is given by

1 1 1 = + R r1 r2

Express r1 in terms of R and r2 and evaluate r1 when R = 0.8 ohms and r2 = 1.5 ohms.
Solution:

1 1 1 + = R r1 r2
Rr1r2 Rr1r2 Rr1r2 + = R r1 r2

Multiply both sides by Rr1r2 Cancel the common factors in each fraction Gather r1 terms together on the LHS by subtracting Rr1 from both sides Take r1 out as a common factor on RHS Divide both sides by (r2 R)

r1r2 = Rr2 + Rr1 r1r2 Rr1 = Rr2 r1(r2 R) = Rr2

r1 =

Rr2 r2 R

Evaluate r1 by substituting the given values into the transposed formula:

r1 =

Rr2 (0.8)(1.5) 1.2 = = = 1.71 ohms r2 R 1 .5 0 .8 0 .7

(correct to 2 decimal places)

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A4.3 Further Manipulation

SAQ A4.3
(a) Given the formula 25 2P Find K when P = 2 K. K= (where K < 0)

(b)

The formula for the total surface area of a cylinder with radius r and height h, is A = 2r(r + h). Change the subject of the formula to h and calculate h, (correct to 2 decimal places) when A = 160 cm2 and r = 2 cm.

(c)

R = kL express d in terms of R, k, and L. d2 Evaluate d when k = 7.5, L = 3 and R = 2.5

Given the formula The nth term in an arithmetic progression is T = a + (n 1)d where a is the first term, n is the number of terms and d is the difference between the terms. Change the subject of the formula to n and find n, when a = 108 and d = 1.5 and T = 75. The resistance R ohms, of an electrical circuit for 3 resistors in parallel is given by

(d)

(e)

1 1 1 1 = + + R r1 r2 r3
Transpose the formula to make R the subject and calculate R, when r1= 15 ohms, r2= 30 ohms, r3= 40 ohms.

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ALGEBRA: FUNCTIONS

A4.4 Functions

A4.4 FUNCTIONS
A function describes the relationship between two variables, where the value of one quantity depends on the value of another quantity. For example, in the formula C = 2r for calculating the circumference of a circle, the value of the circumference C depends on the value of the radius r. The formula describes the circumference C as a function of the radius r of the circle. This relationship is written as

C = f(r) where f(r) = 2r

[ f(r) is read as f of r ]

The function f(r) describes the calculation required to obtain the value of C for a given value of r. In this case, r can take any positive value and is said to be independent, whereas the value of C depends on r and so is said to be dependent on r. In general, a function of the form y = f(x) describes the relationship between the variables x and y, where x is the independent variable, able to take any allowable value and y is the dependent variable. In many cases, the relation between the two quantities is defined by a mathematical formula. For example, if x and y are related by the equation y = x2 + 3 then the relation can be written in the form y = f(x) where f(x) = x2 + 3
EXAMPLE 4.10

Given the function f(x) = x2 + 3,

evaluate f(2), f(1), f(3.4)

Solution:
When x = 2 When x = 1 When x = 3.4 f(2) = (2)2 + 3 = 4 + 3 = 7 f(1) = (1)2 + 3 = 1 + 3 = 4 f(3.4) = (3.4)2 + 3 = 11.6 + 3 = 14.6

Using the notation f(x) = x2 + 3 also has the advantage that x can be replaced by another variable quantity or by an algebraic expression. In the above example, where f(x) = x2 + 3 then Replacing x by a gives Replacing x by 3x gives f(a) = a2 + 3 f(3x) = (3x)2 + 3 = 9x2 + 3 f(2a 1) = (2a 1)2 + 3 = (4a2 4a + 1) + 3 = 4a2 4a + 4

Replacing x by 2a 1 gives

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ALGEBRA: FUNCTIONS

A4.4 Functions

SAQ A4.4
(a) Given the function f(x) = x2 3x (i) Evaluate f(2), f(3), f(5)

(ii) Find, in their simplest forms, expressions for f(3a), f(a 4), f(2a + 3) (b) If f(x) =
2x + 1 3x + 1

find f

1 x 1

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ALGEBRA: FORMULAE

A4.5 APPENDIX

A4.5 SOLUTIONS TO SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

SAQ A4.1
(a) P =

Evaluation

V 2 (24.5) 2 600.25 = = = 500.21 watts R 1.2 1.2

1 2

(b) s = ut +

at2 = (0.78)(45) +

1 2

(0.03)(45)2 = 35.1 + 30.375 = 65.48 metres

(c) T = 2

L 0.6 = 2 = 1.55 seconds G 9.81

Transposition
n = 2a +3d 3d + 2a = n 3d = n 2a

SAQ A4.2
(a)
Re-arrange

Subtract 2a from both sides Divide both sides by 3

d =

n 2a 3

(b)
Re-arrange Subtract b2 from both sides Take square roots

a2 = b2 + c 2 b2 + c 2 = a2 c 2 = a2 b2

c =

(a 2 b 2

(c)
Multiply both sides by 3

V = 1 r 2 h 3V = r2h
3

Re-arrange Divide both sides by and h

r2h = 3V
r2

3V h

Take square roots

r =

3V h
h 1 h h h h + xh h(1 + x) x x 1+ x

(d)
Multiply both sides by (1h) Multiply out the brackets

x = x(1 h) x xh x x h(1 + x) = = = = =

Add xh to both sides

Take h out as common factor on LHS Re-arrange Divide both sides by (1+x)

h =

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ALGEBRA: FORMULAE

A4.5 APPENDIX

(e)
Multiply both sides by (2 + x) Multiply out the brackets Gather x terms on RHS Take out as common factors Divide both sides by (y + 1)

y = (2 + x)y 2y + xy xy + x x(y + 1) = = = =

2x 2+x 2x 2x 2 2y 2(1 y)
2(1 y ) ( y + 1)

x =

(f)

w =

k+ r
k+ r

4g 3

Square both sides Multiply both sides by r Subtract k from both sides Re-arrange
3 4

4g 3
4g 3

rw2 = k + rw2 k =

4g 3

4g = rw2 k 3
g =
3(rw 2 k ) 4

Multiply both sides by

SAQ A4.3
(a)

Further Manipulation
K= 25 25 = 2P 2 (2 K ) 25 = 22+K 25 K = K K2 = 25

Substitution:

K =5
(b) Transposition:
A =r+h 2 r

(K < 0)

A = 2r(r + h)

r+h =

Evaluation:

A 2 r A h = r 2 r 160 h = 2 = 10.73 cm 2 ( 2 )

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A4.5 APPENDIX

(c)

Transposition:

R = kL d2 Rd2 = kt d2 =
kt R kt d = R

Evaluation:

d =

(7.5)(3) = 9 = 3 2.5

(d)

Transposition:

T = a + (n 1)d T a = (n 1)d (n 1)d = T a n 1 = Ta d Ta Ta+d +1 or n = n = d d 75 108 n = + 1 = 23 1.5

Evaluation:

There are 23 terms in the series.

1 R 1 1 1 + + r1 r2 r3

(e)

Transpostion:

Multiply both sides by Rr1r2r3 Cancel the common factors in each fraction Take R out as a common factors on RHS Re-arrange Divide both sides by (r2r3 + r1r3 + r1r2)

Rr1r2 r3 Rr1r2 r3 Rr1r2 r3 Rr1r2 r3 = + + R r1 r2 r3

r1r2r3 = Rr2r3 + Rr1r3 + Rr1r2 = R(r2r3 + r1r3 + r1r2) R(r2r3 + r1r3 + r1r2) = r1r2r3 R =

r1r2 r3 r2 r3 + r1r3 + r1r2 (15 )(30 )( 40 ) (30 )( 40 ) + (15 )( 40 ) + (15 )(30 )

18000 2250

Evaluation:

R = =

R =8 Hence, the resistance of the electrical circuit is R = 8 ohms

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A4.5 APPENDIX

SAQ A4.4
(a)

Functions

(i) f(2) = 22 3(2) = 4 6 = 2 =99 = 0 f(3) = 32 3(3) f(5) = (5)2 3(5) = 25 +15 = 40 (ii) f(3a) = (3a)2 3(3a) = 9a2 9a f(a 4) = (a 4)2 3(a 4) 2 = a 8a + 16 3a + 12 2 = a 11a + 28 f(2a + 3) = (2a + 3) 3(2a + 3) = 4a2 + 12a + 9 6a 9 2 = 4a + 6a
2

(b)

2x + 1 3x + 1 2 +1 1 = x 1 f 3 x 1 +1 x 1 2 + ( x 1) = 3 + ( x 1) x +1 = x+2 f (x) =

Multiplying top and bottom lines of the main fraction by (x1)

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Topic A4