CJC MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

2023 H2 MATHEMATICS (9758)

TOPIC: SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

H2 MATHEMATICS (INDEPENDENT LEARNING)

TOPIC SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS 2023/JC1

Chapter Opener

The images you see on internet pages and the photos you take with your mobile phone are examples of
digital images. It is possible to represent this kind of image using matrices of pixels. For example, the
image of the world-renowned painting of Mona Lisa (on the left) can be represented by a 75 by 113
matrix on the right. These numbers specify the colour of each pixel (a pixel is the smallest graphical
element of a matricial image, which can take only one colour at a time): the number 0 indicates black,
and the number 1 indicates white. Usually, the colours or shades range from 1 to 256.

Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/29692/create-cool-8-bit-style-pixel-art-from-ordinary-images/

This is an example of digital image processing and the foundation of this application is linear algebra.
Linear equations are the foundation of Linear Algebra.
Mastery Learning Objectives:
Mastery Learning Objectives: At the end of the chapter, I should be able to
 find the numerical solution of equations using a graphing calculator
 represent a system of linear equations in matrix form and solve the system using a
graphing calculator
 use an equation or a system of linear equations to model and solve practical problems,
and interpret the solution in context of a problem

Pre-requisites:
 Simultaneous Equations
 Vectors
 Matrices

1 Recap

In secondary school, you would have encountered formulating linear equations of up to two unknowns
to solve problems. A linear equation can be mathematically represented as

c1x1 + c2x2 + …+ cnxn = b  (1)

where x1, x2, …, xn are the n unknowns in the equation. The numbers c1, c2, …, cn and b are real constants
(not all zero) and c1, c2, …, cn are known as the coefficients of the unknowns.

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 CJC MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
2023 H2 MATHEMATICS (9758)
TOPIC: SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

Equation (1) represents a condition to be satisfied by the n unknowns. It is called a linear equation
because it contains only the first powers of the unknowns. (i.e. no term such as x12 or x1k where k  1
appears in Equation (1)).
Examples of Linear Equations:
y
(a) y + 2x – z = 6 (b) 10x = 5 x + 23 486 + 11 786 z = 4 579
(c)
__________________________________________________________________________________
 Question: Are the following equations linear?
1
(a) 2 ln x  3ln y  4 ln z  1 sin x  3sin y  3 sin z  0
(b)
2
Answer: (a) They are linear in ln x, ln y and ln z but not linear in x, y and z.
(b) They are linear in sin x, sin y and sin z but not linear in x, y and z.
__________________________________________________________________________________

2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations Without Using Graphing Calculator (G.C)

The following is an example of a system of 2 linear equations in 2 unknowns ( x and y ):

x y5
2 x  5 y  19

In secondary school, you would have learnt to solve the above simultaneous linear equations using
substitution, elimination and graphical methods.

Worked Example 1: Solve the simultaneous equations

x y5
2 x  5 y  19 .

Substitution Method Elimination Method Graphical Method

x  y  5    (1)
2 x  5 y  19    (2)
From (1), y  5  x    (3)
x  y  5    (1)
2 x  5 y  19    (2)
(1)  2: 2 x  2 y  10    (3)
The solutions of simultaneous
equations correspond to the
points of intersection of the
graphs of the equations.

Substitute (3) into (2): (2)  (3): 3 y  9

2 x  5  5  x   19 y3
×
3 x  6
x2 Using (1):
x35
Using (3): x2
y  52  3  x  2 and y  3
From the graph,
 x  2 and y  3 x  2 and y  3

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 CJC MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
2023 H2 MATHEMATICS (9758)
TOPIC: SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

Consider the following system of 3 linear equations in 3 unknowns

3x + 3y + 3z = 18
x + 2y + z = 8
2x + y + z = 7

You should recognize that these 3 equations represent the Cartesian equations of 3 non-parallel planes
in 3D space.

How can we solve them using a Graphing Calculator?

3 Solving Systems of Linear Equations Using G.C.

In general, a system of m linear equations in n unknowns may be written as

a11 x1 + a12 x2 + a13 x3 + . . . + a1n xn = b1

a21 x1 + a22 x2 + a23 x3 + . . . + a2n xn = b2
a31 x1 + a32 x2 + a33 x3 + . . . + a3n xn = b3
 
am1 x1 + am2 x2 + am3 x3 + . . . + amn xn = bm

Evidently, the representation of a large system of equations in this form is cumbersome. Hence, we
would like to express these equations compactly. The most natural way to represent a system of
equations is using matrices and vectors.

 a11 a12 a13  a1n   x1   b1 

     
 a21 a22 a2 n   x2   b2 
The above equation can be represented by  a31  a3n   x3  =  b3  .
     
         
a  amn   x  b 
 m1 am 2 am3  n  m

 a11 a12 a13  a1n b1 

 
 a21 a22 a2 n b2 
Also, it can be represented in the augmented matrix form,  a31  a3n b3 .
 
    
a am 2 am3  amn bm 
 m1

3x  3 y  3 z  18   3 3 3 18 
  
For example: x  2y  z  8  can be represented by  1 2 1 8  .
2x  y  z  7  2 1 1 7 
  

In this section, we will focus on using the G.C. to solve systems of linear equations. In H2 Mathematics
syllabus, you are allowed to solve system of linear equations with the help of a G.C.

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 CJC MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
2023 H2 MATHEMATICS (9758)
TOPIC: SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

Worked Example 2: Solve the following system of linear equations using a graphing calculator.
3x + 3y + 3z = 18
x + 2y + z = 8
2x + y + z = 7

Solution:
3x + 3y + 3z = 18  (1)
x + 2y + z = 8  (2)
2x + y + z = 7  (3)

Press Screen Display Remarks

1. APPS
Select [PlySmlt2]

2. Select [SIMULTANEOUS EQN

SOLVER]

3. Highlight the options as shown. In this question, we have 3

equations and 3 unknowns.
Then press NEXT

4. Key in the elements of the CLEAR: Deletes all entries in

augmented matrix(if applicable). the matrix.

Note: In this question, the

interface allows one to key in as
a system of equations rather than
as an augmented matrix

5. SOLVE MAIN: Brings you back to the

main menu.
MODE: Brings you back to
selection of number of
equations and number
of unknowns.
F◄►D: Converts a fraction to
decimal and vice versa.
Using G.C., x = 1, y = 2 , and z = 3.

 Remark: If there are more than 3 equations or more than 3 unknowns, the values will be keyed
as an augmented matrix instead (see Worked Example 4:).

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 CJC MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
2023 H2 MATHEMATICS (9758)
TOPIC: SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

Worked Example 3: Solve the following system of linear equations.

x  2 y  3z  1
2x  4 y  6z  2
2x  3 y  z  3
Solution:
x + 2y + 3z = 1  (1)
2x + 4y + 6z = 2  (2)
2x + 3y + z = 3  (3)

Using G.C., x = 3 + 7z
y = 1 5z
z=z

 There are infinitely many solutions satisfying the equations.

i.e. let z = 1, x = 3 + 7 = 10, y = 1– 5 = 6 is one possible solution.

let z = 0, x = 3, y = 1 is also another possible solution.

 Remark: Notice that the first two equations represent one and the same plane — this
contributed to the system having infinitely many solutions.

Worked Example 4: Solve the following system of linear equations.

x  2 y  2z  3
Problem-Solving Tip :
x  3z  6
The augmented matrix (ref. page 3) is
5x  3 y  z  2 1 2  2 3 
3x  2 y  z  0  
1 0 3  6
Solution: 5 3 1 2  .
x + 2y  2z = 3  (1)  
3  2 1 0 
x + 0y + 3z = 6  (2)  
5x + 3y  z = 2  (3) We will key this matrix in the G.C.
It need not be written in the solution.
3x  2y + z = 0  (4)

G.C. screen will display

Using G.C., there is no solution satisfying the equations.

What does this mean?

Pause and Think: Prove the result algebraically.

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 CJC MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
2023 H2 MATHEMATICS (9758)
TOPIC: SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

Explanation to Worked Example 4

Observe the system of linear equations,
x + 2y  2z = 3  (1)
x + 3z = 6  (2)
5x + 3y  z = 2  (3)
3x  2y + z = 0  (4)
(1) – (2): 2 y  5 z  9  (5)
(2) × 5: 5 x  15 z  30  (6)
(3) – (6): 3 y  16 z  32  (7)
3 1 1 37
(7) – ×(5): 8 z  18 z
2 2 2 17
16 9
From (5) and (6): y   and x 
17 17
Note that in all our calculations so far, we have not used (4). Note also, that while
9 16 37
x , y and z   satisfies (1), (2), and (3), a solution to the above system of linear
17 17 17
equations will need to satisfy all 4 equations.

9 16 37
Substitute x  , y and z   into (4):
17 17 17
 9   16   37  22
L.H.S = 3    2        
 17   17   17  17
22
R.H.S. = 0 ≠
17
Hence, there is no solution that fulfills this system of linear equations.

 Remark: In general, solving a system of linear equations will yield either

(i) no solution or
(ii) a unique solution or
(iii) infinitely many solutions.
A system of equations that possesses a unique solution or infinitely many solutions is said
to be consistent. If no solution exists, the system is said to be inconsistent.

Geometrical Explanation: The solutions to a system of 2 linear equations in 2 unknowns can be

thought of as the points of intersection between the two lines. How would you relate the solutions to
the characteristics of the lines?

Number of How should the lines look Characteristic of the lines

solutions like?
One The two lines intersect at one point

Infinitely many The two lines coincide with each other (at
infinitely many points)
None The two lines are parallel, no point of
intersection

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 CJC MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
2023 H2 MATHEMATICS (9758)
TOPIC: SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

Similarly, in the case of planes,

Case Scenario Remarks
1 The three planes intersect at a unique point. Example: 1 : 2 x  3 y  4 z  2
 2 : x  2 y  3z  9
 3 : 3 x  y  2 z  2

 106 178 13 
Point of intersection is  , , .
 21 21 3 
2 The three planes intersect at a line. Example: 1 : 2 x  3 y  3 z  14
 2 :  3x  y  10 z  32
 3 : x  7 y  4 z  4

 10  3
   
Line of intersection is r   2     1  ,    .
0 1
   
3 The three planes do not have any common When using the PlySmlt2 app, it will show the
point of intersection. following:

The three planes are parallel to each other.

Two of the planes are parallel to each other.

No planes are parallel, each pair of planes

intersect at a line. These lines are parallel to
c each other.

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 CJC MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
2023 H2 MATHEMATICS (9758)
TOPIC: SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

4 Solving Contextual Problems using Systems of Linear Equations

Very often, real-life problems with certain mathematical and computational issues can be translated into
problems involving systems of linear equations. In this section, we will attempt to solve some of these
problems.

Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques lend itself well to tackling questions in that revolve around systems
of linear equations, and we recall the four-step process here:
1. Understand the problem
2. Devise a plan
3. Carry out the plan
4. Check and extend
We link up the following suggested procedure with the above

General Approach in solving contextual problems using systems of linear equations

Step 1: Define the variables to be used in the question. If necessary, draw a diagram labelling all
the information to help you analyse the problem. (Understand the problem.)
Step 2: Formulate the equations using the variables. (Devise and carry out the plan.)
Step 3: Solve the equations using G.C. applications ‘PlySmlt2’.
Step 4: Interpret the final solution based on the word problem. (Check and extend.)

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 CJC MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
2023 H2 MATHEMATICS (9758)
TOPIC: SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

Worked Example 5: Circle

The equation of a circle is given as x2 + y2 + Ax + By + C = 0. Find the equation of the
circle that passes through the points (3, 1), (2, 4) and (6, 8). State the centre and the
radius of the circle.

Solution:

Step 1: Equation of a circle: x2 + y2 + Ax + By + C = 0

Definition

Step 2: (3)2 + (1)2 + A(3) + B(1) + C = 0  3A  B + C = 10  (1)

Formulation (2)2 + (4)2 + A(2) + B(4) + C = 0  2A + 4B + C = 20  (2)
(6)2 + (8)2 + A(6) + B(8) + C = 0  6A + 8B + C = 100  (3)

Step 3: Using G.C., A = 6, B = 8 and C = 0

Solving

Problem solving tip: ‘Complete

Step 4: The equation of a circle is x2 + y2  6x  8y = 0 the square’ to enable us to
Interpretation (x  3)2  9 + (y  4)2  16 = 0 identify the centre and radius of
(x  3)2 + (y  4)2 = 25 the circle easily.
 The centre of the circle is (3, 4) and radius is 5.

Pause and Think: How does one check or verify that the answer obtained is correct?

Using the answers for A, B and C obtained, check that the equation of circle indeed satisfies the given
points (3, 1), (2, 4) and (6, 8).

Worked Example 6: Banking

Stephen inherited $50 000 and put part of it in an investmentsavings account. He also
invested part of it in bonds and the rest in an investment fund. After one year, he received
a total of $3240 in simple interest from the three investments. The investmentsavings
account paid 6% annually, the bonds paid 7% annually, and the investment fund paid 8%
annually. There was $12 000 more invested in the bonds than the investment fund. Find
the amount Stephen invested in each category.
Solution:
Step 1: Let $x, $y and $z respectively be the amount of money invested in the investment-
Definition savings account, in the bonds and in the investment fund .
Eqn.(1): Amount Stephen
Step 2: x + y + z = 50000  (1) inherited.
Formulation Eqn.(2): total amount of
0.06x + 0.07y + 0.08z = 3240  (2) simple interest
y  z = 12000  (3) obtained from 3
investments
Eqn.(3): Invested $12,000
Step 3: Using G.C., x = 30000, y = 16000 and z = 4000 more in bonds than
Solving investment fund
Step 4: Stephen invested $30,000 in the investmentsavings account, $16,000 in bonds
Interpretation and $4,000 in the investment fund.

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 CJC MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
2023 H2 MATHEMATICS (9758)
TOPIC: SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

Worked Example 7: Applications of Differentiation

The equation of a curve is given by y = f(x) where f(x) is a cubic polynomial in x.
 1 189 
Given that the curve has stationary points at (–2, 8) and  ,  , determine the
2 8 
equation of the curve.

Solution:
Step 1: Let the equation be y  Ax3  Bx 2  Cx  D . cubic polynomial
Definition
Stationary points imply dy  0 .  we perform differentiation and
Step 2: dy dx
Formulation  3 Ax 2  2 Bx  C substitute the corresponding x-values to obtain equations (1) and (2)
dx
3 A( 2) 2  2 B ( 2)  C  0  12 A  4 B  C  0  (1)
2
1 1 3
3 A    2B    C  0  A B C  0  (2)
2 2 4
8  A(2)3  B (2) 2  C ( 2)  D
Stationary points will also satisfy
  8 A  4 B  2C  D  8  (3) the equation of the curve. Thus, we
3 2 substitute them into the equation
189 1 1 1 and obtain equations (3) and (4).
 A   B    C    D
8 2 2 2
1 1 1 189
 A B  C  D   (4)
8 4 2 8
Step 3: 9
Solving Using G.C., A= 2 B =  , C = 6 and D = 22
2
Step 4: 3 9 2
Interpretation The equation of the curve is y  2 x  2 x  6 x  22 .

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 CJC MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
2023 H2 MATHEMATICS (9758)
TOPIC: SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

Worked Example 8:
A company that rents small moving trucks plans to purchase 25 trucks with a combined
capacity of exactly 28000 cubic feet. Three different types of trucks are available for
purchase: a 10-feet truck with a capacity of 350 cubic feet, a 14-feet truck with a capacity
of 700 cubic feet and a 24-feet truck with a capacity of 1400 cubic feet.
(i) What are the possible combinations of trucks the company should buy?

Suppose a client wants to rent all 25 trucks from the rental company.
If the rental company charges $115 per day for a 10-feet truck, $150 per day for a 14-feet truck and
$200 per day for a 24-feet truck,
(ii) how many of each type of trucks should the company now purchase in order to charge the highest
price?

Solution:
(i) Let U, V, W represent the number of 10-feet, 14-feet and 24-feet truck purchased respectively.
Formulate the set of equations :
U + V + W = 25
350U + 700V + 1400W = 28000  U  2V  4W  80
Solving using GC, U  30  2W
V  55  3W
W W
Since U, V and W are all non-negative integers, therefore 15  W  18 (can you see why?)
So, the possibilities for (U ,V ,W ) are (0,10,15),(2, 7,16),(4, 4,17) and (6,1,18) .

(ii) (0,10,15) gives rental price = $115(0) + $150(10) + $200(15) = $4500

(2,7,16) gives rental price = $115(2) + $150(7) + $200(16) = $4480
(4,4,17) gives rental price = $115(4) + $150(4) + $200(17) = $4460
(6,1,18) gives rental price = $115(6) + $150(1) + $200(18) = $4440
Thus, to charge the highest price, the company should purchase 10 of the 14-feet trucks, and 15
of the 24-feet trucks.

SUMMARY System of Linear Equations

General Approach to solve contextual problems using System of Linear Equations

Step 1: Define the variables to be used in the question. If necessary, draw a diagram labelling all
the information to help you analyse the problem.
Step 2: Formulate the equations using the variables.
Step 3: Solve the equations using G.C. applications ‘PlySmlt2’.
Step 4: Interpret the final solution based on the word problem.

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