Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Systems of Two Equations in Two variables

Given the linear system
ax + by = c
dx + ey = f
• A solution is an ordered pair
that will satisfy each equation
• The solution set is the set of all ordered pairs that satisfy
both equations.

Solve by graphing

Another example:

Now, you try one:
Solve the system by graphing:
2x+3 =y
x+2y = -4

Method of Substitution

2x + 3 = y
x + 2y = -4
1. Solve one of the equations for either x or y.
2. Substitute that result into the other equation to obtain an equation in a
single variable (either x or y).
3. Solve the equation for that variable.
4. Substitute this value into any convenient equation to obtain the value of
the remaining variable.

Another example:

Solve the system using substitution:
3x-2y=-7
y = 2x -3

Terminology :

• A consistent linear system is one that has one or more solutions.
 • A) If a consistent system has exactly one solution then the system is
said to be independent. E.g.
 • What can you say about the slopes of the lines in this case?
 • B) if a consistent system has more than one solution, then the
system is said to be dependent. E.g.
 • What can you say about the slopes of the lines in this case?

• An inconsistent linear system is one that has no solutions.
 • E.g.
 • What can you say about the slopes of the lines in this case?

Elimination by Addition

2x – 7y=3
-5x + 3y = 7
A better method is elimination by addition: We may do any of the
following:
 1) Two equations can be interchanged.
 2. An equation is multiplied by a non -zero constant.
 3. An equation is multiplied by a non- zero constant and then
added to another equation.

Solve using elimination by addition

Solve
2x-5y = 6
-4x+10y=-1

Applications

A man walks at a rate of 3 miles per hour and jogs at a rate of 5 miles
per hour. He walks and jogs a total distance of 3.5 miles in 0.9
hours. How long does the man jog?
Let x= hours walked
y= hours jogged

Now, solve the opening example:

A restaurant serves two types of fish dinners-small
for $5.99 each and a large order for $8.99.
One day, there were 134 total orders of fish and the total
receipts for these 134 orders was $1024.66. How many
small orders and how many large fish plates were
ordered?