4

Linear Equations in One Unknown

Linear Equations in One Unknown

Level 1 Questions
(P01C04L03Q041)
Solve the equation 3a 7 = 2 and check the solution.
Solution
3a 7 = 2
3a 7 + 7 = 2 + 7
3a = 9
3a 9
=
3
3
a =3

Checking: Substitute a = 3 into both sides of the equation.

L.H.S. = 3(3) 7 = 2
R.H.S. = 2
L.H.S.
R.H.S.
a = 3 is the solution.

(P01C04L03Q042)
Solve the equation 6 B 2 = 70 and check the solution.
Solution
6 B 2 = 70
6 B 2 + 2 = 70 + 2
6 B = 72
6 B 72
=
6
6
B =12

Checking: Substitute B = 12 into both sides of the equation.

L.H.S. = 6(12) 2 = 70
R.H.S. = 70
L.H.S.
R.H.S.
B = 12 is the solution.
(P01C04L03Q043)

Question Bank Update 1A

Solve the equation

y
+ 4 = 1 and check the solution.
5

Solution
y
+ 4 =1
5
y
+ 4 4 =1 4
5
y
= 3
5
y
5 = (3) 5
5
y = 15

Checking: Substitute y = 15 into both sides of the equation.

L.H.S. =

15
+ 4 =1
5

R.H.S. =1
L.H.S.
R.H.S.
y = 15 is the solution.

(P01C04L03Q044)
Solve the equation 4 =

10 8 x
and check the solution.
2

Solution
10 8 x
2
10 8 x
4 2 =
2
2
8 =10 8 x
8 10 =10 8 x 10
2 = 8 x
8 x
2
=
8
8
1
x=
4
4=

Checking: Substitute x =

1
into both sides of the equation.
4

L.H.S. = 4

1
10 8
R.H.S.
4 =4
=
2

L.H.S.
x=

= R.H.S.

1
is the solution.
4

(P01C04L03Q045)
Solve the equation

t
1
+
= 0 and check the solution.
2 12

Solution
t
1
+
=0
2 12
t
1
=
2
12
t
1
2 = 2
2
12
1
t =
6

Checking: Substitute t =

1
into both sides of the equation.
6

1
1
L.H.S.
= 6+
=0
2
12

R.H.S. = 0
L.H.S.
R.H.S.

t =

1
is the solution.
6

Linear Equations in One Unknown

Question Bank Update 1A

(P01C04L03Q046)
Solve the equation 3m + 0.2 = 2 and check the solution.
Solution
3m +0.2 = 2
3m +0.2 0.2 = 2 0.2
3m =1.8
3m
1.8
=
3
3
m = 0 .6

Checking: Substitute m = 0.6 into both sides of the equation.

L.H.S. = 3(0.6) + 0.2 = 2
R.H.S. = 2
L.H.S.
R.H.S.
m = 0.6 is the solution.

(P01C04L03Q047)
Solve the equation 13 x +1 = 9 3x .
Solution
13x + 1 = 9 3 x
13 x + 3x + 1 = 9
16 x + 1 = 9
16 x = 9 1
16 x = 8
8
x=
16
1
x=
2

(P01C04L03Q048)
Solve the equation

5
( x 1) = 2 x .
3

Solution
5
( x 1) = 2 x
3
5
x + 1 = 2x
3
5
+ 1 = 2x + x
3
8
= 3x
3
8 1
x=
3 3
8
x=
9

(P01C04L03Q049)
Solve the equation c

c
=3.
10

Solution
c

c
=3
10

c 10 = 3 10
10

10c c = 30
9c = 30
30
9
10
c=
3
c=

(P01C04L03Q050)
Solve the equation

1 u
u
+
=
.
3 16
48

Linear Equations in One Unknown

Question Bank Update 1A

Solution
1 u
u
+
=
3 16
48
u
u
1
+
=
16 48
3
u
u
1
+
48 = 48
16
48

3
3u + u = 16
4u = 16
16
4
u = 4
u=

(P01C04L03Q051)
Solve the equation 3( x + 7) = 2 x 11 .
Solution
3( x + 7) = 2 x 11
3 x 21 = 2 x 11
3x 2 x = 11 + 21
5 x =10
10
x=
5
x = 2

(P01C04L03Q052)
Solve the equation 5( y 3) = 4(2 y +1) 22 .
Solution
5( y 3) = 4( 2 y +1) 22
5 y 15 =8 y + 4 22
5 y 15 =8 y 18
5 y 8 y = 18 +15
3 y = 3
3
y=
3
y =1

(P01C04L03Q053)
Solve the equation 1

p
3p

= 15 3
.
6
4

Linear Equations in One Unknown

Solution
p
3p
= 15 3
6
4

p
3p
1 = 15 3 +
6
4
p 3p

= 12 1
6 4
p 3p
12 = 11 12
6 4
2 p 9 p = 132
11 p = 132
132
p=
11
= 12
1

(P01C04L03Q054)
The sum of x and 16 is 25. Find the value of x.
Solution
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
x + 16 = 25
x = 25 16
x=9

(P01C04L03Q055)
There are y apples in a box. The weight of the box of apples is 2800 g and the weight of the empty
box is 880 g. If each apple weighs 160 g, find the value of y.

Question Bank Update 1A

Solution
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
160 y + 880 = 2800
160 y = 2800 880
160 y = 1920
1920
160
y = 12
y=

(P01C04L03Q056)
There are flowers of three different colours in the garden, 2n 1 of them are white, n + 2 are red
and 3n are yellow. If there are 25 flowers in the garden, find the value of n.
Solution
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
(2n 1) + (n + 2) + 3n = 25
6n + 1 = 25
6n = 25 1
24
6
n=4
n=

(P01C04L03Q057)
There are 9 rats in a barn. At night, four cats A, B, C and D enter the barn. Each of cats A, B and C
catches y rats and cat D catches (y + 1) rats. All the 9 rats are caught. Find the value of y.
Solution
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
3 y + ( y +1) = 9
4 y +1 = 9
4 y =8
8
4
y =2
y=

Linear Equations in One Unknown

(P01C04L03Q058)
There are x male rabbits and x female rabbits in a farm. Each female rabbit forms a family with
one male rabbit. Each family gives birth to a rabbit in a year. If there are 84 rabbits in the farm the
next year, what is the value of x?
Solution
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
2 x + x = 84
3 x = 84
84
3
x = 28
x=

(P01C04L03Q059)
Three monkeys A, B and C find x bananas on a banana tree. Monkey A is the strongest and it takes
half of the bananas, while monkeys B and C share the bananas left equally and one unripe banana
is left on the tree. If monkey B has 2 bananas, find the value of x.
Solution
Number of bananas monkey A has =

x
2
1x
22

Number of bananas monkey B has = 1

According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
1 x
1 = 2
2 2
x
1 = 2 2
2
x
= 4 +1
2
x
=5
2
x = 5 2
x = 10

Question Bank Update 1A

(P01C04L03Q060)
In 1497, a Portuguese navigator made a voyage from Lisbon to the Cape of Good Hope in
( 24 x + 2) days at an average speed of 5 km/h. If the distance covered was (3000 x 360) km,
how long did the voyage take?
Solution
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
5 24 ( 24 x + 2) = 3000 x 360
120 ( 24 x + 2) = 3000 x 360
2880 x + 240 = 3000 x 360
2880 x 3000 x = 360 240
120 x = 600
600
120
x =5
x=

Time taken by the voyage

=( 24 5 +2) days
=122 days

10

Level 2 Questions
(P01C04L04Q031)
Solve the equation 0.5 x 2 = 0.25(1 x) and check the solution.
Solution
0.5 x 2 = 0.25(1 x)
0.5 x 2 = 0.25 0.25 x
0.5 x + 0.25 x = 0.25 + 2
0.75 x = 2.25
2.25
x=
0.75
x =3

Checking: Substitute x = 3 into both sides of the equation.

L.H.S. = 0.5(3) 2 = 0.5
R.H.S. = 0.25(1 3) = 0.5
L.H.S.
R.H.S.
x = 3 is the solution.

(P01C04L04Q032)
Solve the equation

3t + 4 t 2
=
and check the solution.
8
2

Solution
3t + 4 t 2
=
8
2
3t + 4
t 2
8 =
8
8
2
3t + 4 = 4(t 2)
3t + 4 = 4t 8
3t 4t = 8 4
t = 12
t =12

Checking: Substitute t = 12 into both sides of the equation.

3(12) + 4
=5
L.H.S. =
8
R.H.S. =

12 2
=5
2

L.H.S.
R.H.S.
t = 12 is the solution.
(P01C04L04Q033)

11

Linear Equations in One Unknown

Question Bank Update 1A

Solve the equation 20( 4a 3) =

1 1 2a
+
and check the solution.
4
2

Solution

1 1 2a
+
4
2
1 + 2(1 2a )
80a 60 =
4
(80a 60) 4 = 1 + 2 4a
320a 240 = 3 4a
20(4a 3) =

320a + 4a = 3 + 240
324a = 243
243
a=
324
3
a=
4

Checking: Substitute a =

3
into both sides of the equation.
4

3
1 2
R.H.S. 1
4 =0
= +
4
2
3
4

L.H.S. = 20 4 3 = 0

L.H.S.
a=

= R.H.S.

3
is the solution.
4

(P01C04L04Q034)
Solve the equation 6 4 x =

2(2 x +1)
.
3

Solution
2( 2 x +1)
3
(6 4 x ) 3 = 2( 2 x +1)
18 12 x = 4 x + 2
12 x 4 x = 2 18
16 x = 16
16
x=
16
x =1
6 4 x =

12

Linear Equations in One Unknown

(P01C04L04Q035)
Two triangles have the same base of y cm, one has a height of 6 cm and the other has a height of
8 cm. If the areas of the two triangles are differed by 10 cm 2 , find the value of y.
Solution
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
1
1
( y )(8) ( y )(6) =10
2
2
4 y 3 y =10
y =10

(P01C04L04Q036)
In 1846, an archaeologist found a mummy in an ancient tomb and the age of the mummy was
(9760 9900 x ) years. In 2006, the age of mummy is two thousand years. What is the value of x?
Solution
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
9760 9900 x + (2006 1846) = 2000
9760 9900 x + 160 = 2000
9920 9900 x = 2000
9900 x = 2000 9920
9900 x = 7920
7920
x=
9900
x = 0.8

(P01C04L04Q037)
During a wartime period, some solders were captured and taken prisoners by their enemy. In the
first week, half of the solders escaped. Half of the remaining solders also escaped in the second
week. The last 8 solders escaped in the third week and no prisoner was left. What was the original
number of solders who were made prisoners?

13

Question Bank Update 1A

Solution
Let N be the original number of solders who were made prisoners.
N 1
N
+ N +8= N
2 2
2
N 1 N
+ N = 8
2 2 2
N N
+ N = 8
2 4
2N + N 4N
= 8
4
N
= 8
4
N = ( 8)( 4)
N = 32

32 solders were made prisoners.

(P01C04L04Q038)
For the past 12 000 years, the height of a mountain was increased by 0.4 cm each year. After a
landslide, the height of the mountain dropped to 712 m, which was
landslide. What was the height of the mountain 12 000 years ago?
Solution
Let h m be the height of the mountain 12 000 years ago.
( h + 12 000 0.004)

2
= 712
3

h + 48 = 712

3
2

h + 48 = 1068
h = 1068 48
h = 1020

The height of the mountain 12 000 years ago was 1020 m.

14

2
of its height before the
3

Linear Equations in One Unknown

Level 2+ Questions
(P01C04L05Q007)
N is a 3-digit number. It is given that N = 920 + a , where a is an integer between 0 and 9.
(a) If the order of the first and the third digits of the number is reversed, find its new value.
(b) Find the difference between the two 3-digit numbers.
(c) Find the value of a if the difference is 99.
Solution
(a) New value of the 3-digit number
=100a +29

(b) Difference between the two 3-digit numbers

= (920 + a ) (100a + 29)
= 920 29 + a 100a
=891 99a

(c) According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:

891 99a = 99
99a = 99 891
99a = 792
792
a=
99
a =8

(P01C04L05Q008)
Solve the equation

1 2 2+3
+ +
x = 2.
2 3
2

(ii) Solve the equation

2 3 3+4
+ +
x=2.
3 4
3

(a) (i)

(b) Hence, by guessing and checking, find the solution of

1000 1001 2003
+
+
=2.
1001 1002 1001x

15

Question Bank Update 1A

Solution

(a) (i)

(ii)

1 2 2+3
+ +
x=2
2 3
2
7 5
+ x=2
6 2
5
7
x = 2
2
6
5
5
x=
2
6
5 2
x=
6 5
1
x=
3
2 3 3+ 4
+ +
x=2
3 4
3
17 7
+ x=2
12 3
7
17
x = 2
3
12
7
7
x=
3 12
7 3
x=
12 7
1
x=
4

(b) Try x = 1002 .

Substitute x = 1002 into the left hand side of the equation.
1000 1001
2003
+
+
1001 1002 1001 1002
1
1
2003

= 1
+ 1
+
1001
1002
1001
1002

1
2003
1
= 2
+
+
1001
1002
1001
1002

1002 + 1001
2003
= 2
+
1001 1002 1001 1002
2003
2003
= 2
+
1001 1002 1001 1002
=2
R.H.S. = 2
L.H.S. = R.H.S.
x = 1002 is the solution of the equation.

L.H.S. =

16

Multiple Choice Questions

(P01C04L06Q031)
Solve the equation 8 x + 10 = 2 .
A. x = 1
B. x = 1
C.

x =

D.

x=

3
2

3
2

Solution
A
8 x + 10 = 2
8 x = 2 10
8x = 8
8
x=
8
x = 1

(P01C04L06Q032)
Solve the equation 7
A.
B.
C.
D.

4x
=6.
3

x = 1
x = 2
x =1
x =2

Solution
C
4x
=6
3
4x

= 6 7
3
4x

= 1
3
4 x = 1( 3)

4x =3
x =34
x = 1
x =1

17

Linear Equations in One Unknown

Question Bank Update 1A

(P01C04L06Q033)
Solve the equation 0.2 y + 2.8 = 4 .
A. y =1.2
B. y = 3
C. y = 4.8
D. y = 6
Solution
D
0.2 y + 2.8 = 4
0.2 y = 4 2.8
0.2 y = 1.2
1.2
y=
0.2
y=6

(P01C04L06Q034)
Solve 13 ( x + 6) = 3 x 3 .
A. x = 5
B. x = 6
C. x = 5
D. x = 6
Solution
A
13 ( x +6) = 3 x 3
13 x 6 = 3 x 3
7 x = 3 x 3
x +3 x = 3 7
2 x = 10
10
x=
2
x = 5

18

(P01C04L06Q035)
t
3

Solve the equation 5 2(t 1) = .

A.
B.
C.
D.

t =2
t =3
t =4
t =5

Solution
B
t
3
t
3[5 2(t 1)] =3
3
15 6(t 1) =t
5 2(t 1) =

15 6t +6 =t
21 6t =t
6t t = 21
7t = 21
21
7
t =3
t=

(P01C04L06Q036)
Solve the equation 12 +
A.
B.
C.
D.

a 3
=6a .
8

a = 3
a = 5
a =3
a =5

19

Linear Equations in One Unknown

Question Bank Update 1A

Solution
B
a 3
=6a
8
a 3
+ a = 6 12
8
a 3 + 8a
= 6
8
9a 3
= 6
8
9a 3 = 6(8)

12 +

9a 3 = 48
9a = 48 + 3
9a = 45
45
a=
9
a = 5

(P01C04L06Q037)
Solve the equation
A.
B.
C.
D.

r
= 98 + 0.2r .
0 .1

r = 10

r = 12
r = 14
r = 16

Solution
A
r
= 98 + 0.2r
0.1
10r = 98 + 0.2r
10r 0.2r = 98
9.8r = 98
98
r=
9.8
r = 10

20

(P01C04L06Q038)
Solve the equation
A.
B.
C.
D.

n
n
n
+
=
+ 21 .
0.2 0.3 0.4

n = 1.8
n = 3.6
n =1.8
n = 3.6

Solution
D
n
n
n
+
=
+ 21
0.2 0.3 0.4
10n 10n 10n
+
=
+ 21
2
3
4
10n 10n 10n
+

= 21
2
3
4
60n + 40n 30n
= 21
12
70n
= 21
12
12
n = 21
70
18
n=
5
n = 3.6

(P01C04L06Q039)
If 10 minus
A.
B.
C.
D.

1
of x equals x minus 2, what is the value of x?
3

3
6
8
9

21

Linear Equations in One Unknown

Question Bank Update 1A

Solution
D
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
1
10 x = x 2
3
1
x x = 2 10
3
4
x = 12
3
3
x = 12
4
x =9

(P01C04L06Q040)
If half of c equals 2 minus
A.

5
12

B.

12
5

C.
D.

6
12

1
of c, what is the value of c?
3

Solution
B
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
c
c
= 2
2
3
c c
+ =2
2 3
3c + 2c
=2
6
5c
=2
6
6
c = 2
5
12
c=
5

(P01C04L06Q041)
Helen adopted a 1-year-old dog when she was x years old. After 9 years, her age was twice the age
22

Linear Equations in One Unknown

of the dog. Find the value of x.

A. 9
B. 10
C. 11
D. 12
Solution
C
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
x +9 = 2(1 +9)
x +9 = 20
x = 20 9
x =11

(P01C04L06Q042)
3
of a cake was eaten. 150 g of the cake was eaten in the second day. Susan
4
1
ate the remaining cake, which was
of the cake, in the third day. Find the original weight of the
8

In a birthday party,

cake.
A. 1.2 kg
B. 1.4 kg
C. 1.5 kg
D. 1.8 kg
Solution
A
Let the original weight of the cake be x g.
3
1
x + 150 + x = x
4
8
7
x + 150 = x
8
7
x x = 150
8
1
x = 150
8
x = 150( 8)
x = 1200

The original weight of the cake is 1.2 kg.

(P01C04L06Q043)

23

Question Bank Update 1A

Sue left Hong Kong for a holiday trip. She stayed 3 days in New York, y days in Mexico and
of her trip in Spain. Suppose her trip lasted for ( 2 y + 2) days , how long was her trip?
A. 5 days
B. 10 days
C. 12 days
D. 15 days
Solution
C
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
1
3 + y + (2 y + 2) = 2 y + 2
3
2
2
3+ y + y + = 2y + 2
3
3
5
11
y + = 2y + 2
3
3
5
11
y 2y = 2
3
3
1
5
y=
3
3
5
y = (3)
3
y=5

Time spent on her trip

=( 2 5 +2) days
=12 days

(P01C04L06Q044)
Lolita is now N years old and her uncle is 35 years older than her. If her uncles age is 5 years
larger than 3 times her age, how old is Lolita?
A. 14
B. 15
C. 16
D. 17

24

1
3

Linear Equations in One Unknown

Solution
B
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
N + 35 = 3 N + 5
N 3 N = 5 35
2 N = 30
30
N=
2
N =15

Lolita is 15 years old.

(P01C04L06Q045)
A train that travels from Beijing to Moscow stops at several cities such as Ulaanbaatar, Irkutsk and
Novosibirsk. The train timetable is shown below:
Place

Arrival time (hours)

Beijing

Ulaanbaatar

1
(t 12)
4

Irkutsk

54

Novosibirsk

85

Moscow

Suppose the train takes 24 hours to travel from Ulaanbaatar to Irkutsk, how long does the train
take to arrive in Moscow?
A. 4 days 9 hours
B. 4 days 23 hours
C. 5 days 8 hours
D. 5 days 12 hours

25

Question Bank Update 1A

Solution
D
According to the problem, we can set up an algebraic equation as follows:
1
(t 12) + 24 = 54
4
1
(t 12) = 54 24
4
1
(t 12) = 30
4
t 12 = 30 4
t 12 = 120
t = 120 + 12
t = 132

132 hours = 5 days 12 hours

The train arrives in Moscow in 5 days 12 hours.

26