1.

3 Linear Systems Problem-Solving

MPM2D Problem Solving Solutions Expectations:

1. If variables are not given, clearly declare them in a Let sentence (no symbols or shorthand). Only
declare individual variables, not expressions.
2. Draw and label neat diagrams if appropriate.
3. Identify what you are Required To Find (RTF) in terms of the variables.
4. Show the use of the algebra you have been studying to solve the problem (trial and error, etc.
does not apply the concepts you have been studying). You must use equations/expressions to
determine answers to the problems.
5. When the equation(s) and/or expression(s) are not given, clearly explain how you came up
with the equations you use (i.e. what information from the problem or what well-known
formula).
6. Identify in words when you are combining equations/making substitutions.
7. Answer the question that was asked in a complete sentence.

Example 1: Andy works at a theatre selling popcorn. Large boxes of popcorn sell for
$5.00 and small boxes of popcorn sell for $3.00. During his shift last night, he sold 60
boxes of popcorn. His receipts totalled $260, not including taxes.
a) How many large boxes of popcorn did Andy sell?
Let 1 and represent the number of and
s
large small boxes
respectively .

RTF : & D ItS =

60 -> total boxes sold was 60

② 51+ 35 260 -> revenue from small and

large boxes total revenue
= =

Rearrange ① 51 + 3(60 1) 260

e 40

fors. ~
-

-
=
=

sub into
Set 18-31 =

200
20 260 sold 4o188
Andy large
= -

8
·

⑤ 21 =
80boxes of popcorn .

b) What was the total cost of all of the small boxes of popcorn Andy sold?
RTF 3S
Subl 40 into
:

S =
40-l
S 60 40
=
-

S =

20

subs= 20 into 3S

3(20) = 60

$160 from small

·
Andy earned popcorn sales .
 -T
for understanding
miniphysics lesson :
- not
being tested ; just
velocity (speed) sum of velocities (speeds) the boat
resultant : :

acting on
↳ going downstream the resultant velocity is 10km/h
(S =
q 2)
-
=

However nowmuchof thatvelocitycomesfromsabe

thea

and ristanrowingHowmuchistheriverPushing

Example 2: Isabel & Tristan are paddling their canoe on the French River. They start by
paddling 20 km downstream in 2 hours. After stopping for a snack and a quick swim they
paddle back upstream to where they started. Working against the current and feeling more
tired it took them 5 hours to complete the return trip.
resultant velocity is a sum ; subtraction is adding the
a) What is the speed of the current? opposite integer .

Let c represent the speed of the current .

Let represent the speed of the boat without the current .

RTF : C
distance speed time
downstream 20km Stc 24

upstream 20km S -C Sh
distance =

speedx time for

upstream and downstream
↳ c 3 the speed of the
.

:
=

M
① 2 (S + 1) St

~
20 10 =

: 3km/n
=

current is
-

c
-
-

② 20
-
=

S(S c)
-
-
4 =
S -

① and ③- to eliminate s
Rearrange
.
:

6 =
2C

I
b) What would their average speed have been if they had been in still water (i.e. if there
was no current)? * only sub into the original

equation
:
.

s subc 3 into D =

20 =
2(s 3) +

20 = 25 +
6

14 =

25
- -

22
: The speed of the boat
3 7 the is 7km/h
without current
=
.

Homework
Linear Systems Problem Solving Practice Worksheet