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Math Practice Summary

Sep 15, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers practice questions on geometry, algebraic inequalities, number theory, and equation solving, focusing on identifying counterexamples, solving inequalities, and verifying solutions.

Geometry Counterexample (Question 91)

  • If side lengths of a square are doubled, the area does not always increase by at least four square units.
  • Example: Increasing side from 1 to 2, area goes from 1 to 4 (increase of 3), disproving the claim.

Absolute Value Inequalities (Question 92)

  • For |x - 5| > 0, the solution splits into x - 5 > 0 and x - 5 < 0.
  • This simplifies to x > 5 or x < 5; x cannot equal 5.
  • Plugging in values confirms x = 5 does not satisfy the inequality.

Number Theory—Factors (Question 93)

  • If a and b are positive integers, and a is a factor of b, then a ≤ b.
  • A factor divides exactly into a number; e.g., 5 is a factor of 35.
  • The statement "a > b" must be false since a cannot be greater than b.
  • The following are always true: b = a × k (for some integer k), b is a multiple of a, and b/a is an integer.

Equation Solutions (Question 94)

  • To find which value is not a solution, substitute each choice into the equation.
  • For x³ - 9x = 16x:
    • x = 0 → 0 = 0 (solution)
    • x = 1 → -8 ≠ 16 (not a solution)
    • x = 5 → 80 = 80 (solution)
  • Factoring x³ - 9x - 16x = 0 leads to x(x² - 25) = 0, so solutions are x = 0, x = 5, x = -5.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Counterexample — A specific case which disproves a general statement.
  • Absolute Value — The distance of a number from zero; written |x|.
  • Factor — A number that divides another number without leaving a remainder.
  • Solution to an Equation — A value that makes the equation true when substituted.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review factoring techniques for cubic equations.
  • Practice solving absolute value inequalities and checking solutions.
  • Complete additional practice problems on identifying counterexamples in geometry and number theory.