Graph of Linear Equation in Two Variables

Finding the solution set a linear in two variables can be done by assuming a value for one
variable and then solving for the other.
To enumerate completely the pair of numerals satisfying the given equation is
impossible, since the set is infinite. It is therefore more convenient to show the physical appearance or
graph of the equation in rectangular coordinate plane.
Example: Graph the solution set of the equation x + y = 3
Solution:
Assume at least 2 values of x or y. (The easiest is to use the x-intercept and y-intercept).
Assume x = o, and solve for y.
x+y=3
0 + y =3 Y=3 (0, 3) is a part of the graph which is the y-intercept
Assume y = 0, and solve for x
x+0=3
x=3 (3, 0) is a part of the graph which is the x-intercept

Hence we have to plot (0, 3) and ( 3, 0) and connect them by means of a line.

Note: Any ordered pair found on

the line x + y = 3 will satisfy the equation.

Activity 12

Graph each of the following. Use intercept method in finding the value of x and y before graphing.
(2 points for the value of x and y and 3 points for the graphing)

1. X + 3y = -3
2. X – 5y = 10
3. X – 4y + 20 = 0
4. 2x – 5y = - 10
 5. 3x = y – x – 2

System of Equations in two Variables

There are three ways of finding the common solution of equations in 2 unknown:

1. Using the elimination method by addition and subtraction

2. Graphing
3. Substitution
Finding the Common solution by Elimination
Example 1: Find the common solution of x + y = 9;
x –y = 1
a. Using addition
x+y=9
x–y=1
2x = 10 by addition
x=5

Solving: Take any of the two equations.

x+y=9 y = 9 -5 common solution: (5, 4)

5+y=9 substituting 5 in x y=4
b. Using subtraction

x+y=9
x–y=1 by subtraction
2y = 8
Y=4

Solving for x: To check if (5 , 4) is the solution set, substitute the

coordinates in both equations
x+y=9
x+4=9 x+y=9 x–y=1
x=9–4 5+4=9 5–4=1
x=5

Example 2: Find the common solution 3x + y = 18;

x – 5y = -10

We can observe that addition or subtraction cannot immediately eliminate either variable. But
if we multiply the first equation by 5 to eliminate y we have

Solving for y:

5(3x + y = 18) 3x + y = 18
15x + 5y = 90 3(5) + y = 18 substituting 5 in x
X – 5y = -10
 16x = 80 y = 18 -15
y=3
y = 80/16

y=5
Common solution (5, 3)
Check:
3x + y = 18 x – 5y = - 10
3(5) + 3 = 18 5 – 5(3) = - 10
15 + 3 = 18 5 – 15 = - 10
18 = 18 - 10 = - 10
Solving System of Equations by Graphing

Example: Find the solution set of x + y = 9;

X–y=1
Solution:
a. Find the intercepts of both equations.

x+y=9 (0, 9) (9, 0)

x–y=1 (0, – 1) (1, 0 )

The point of intersection of the lines is the common solution.

Solving System of Equations by Substitution

Example1: Find the common solution of x + y = 9;
X–y=1
Solution:
Solve for x in the first equation; x = 9 – y
Substituting the value of x in the second equation

x–y=1 Solving for x: y=4

( 9 – y) – y = 1 x+y=9
– 2y = 1 – 9 x+4=9
-2y = - 8 x=9-4
y = -8/-2 x=5
y=4 Common solution: (5. 4)

Example 2: Find the common solution of 5x + 4y = 38;

2x + 3y = 18
Solution:
Solving for x in the first equation:

5x = 38 – 4y
x = 38 – 4y
5
Substituting the value of x in the second equation.

2x + 3y = 18 Solving for x:
2(38 – 4y) + 3y = 18 y=2
5 5x + 4Y = 38
76 – 8y + 3y = 18 5x + 4(2) = 38
5 5x + 8 = 38
5x = 38 -8
x = 30/5
Getting rid of the denominator: x=6

5(76 - 8y + 3y = 18) Common solution (6,2)

5
76 – 8y + 15y = 90
-8y + 15y = 90 – 76
7y = 14
7y/7 = 14/7
Y=2