How can I solve equations analytically where the unknownappears only once?
How can I solve equations analytically where the unknownappears more than once?
Sometimes it is possible to simplify expressions to make the unknown appear only once
Collect all terms involving x on one side and try to simplify into one termHow can I solve equations analytically when the equation can't be simplified?
Sometimes it is not possible to simplify equations
Most of these equations cannot be solved analytically
A special case that can be solved is where the equation can be transformed into a quadratic using a substitution
These will have three terms and involve the same type of function
Identify the suitable substitution by considering which function is a square of another
Can I divide both sides of an equation by an expression?
When dividing by an expression you must consider whether the expression could be zero
Dividing by an expression that could be zero could result in you losing solutions to the original equation
Exam Tip
Worked Example
Solving Equations Graphically
How can I solve equations graphically?
Why do I need to solve equations graphically?
Some equations cannot be solved analytically
Exam Tip
On a calculator paper you are allowed to solve equations using your GDC unless the question asks for an algebraic method
If your answer needs to be an exact value then you might need to solve analytically to get the exact value