Systems of Linear Equations

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Sec 5.1 - 1
Systems of Linear Equations
In Two Variables

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Sec 5.1 - 2
 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Objectives

1. Solve linear systems by graphing.

2. Decide whether an ordered pair is a solution
of a linear system.
3. Solve linear systems (with two equations and
two variables) by substitution.
4. Solve linear systems (with two equations and
two variables) by elimination.
5. Solve special systems.
Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Sec 5.1 - 3
 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Systems of Equations

Suppose we wished to cut a 10-foot length of conduit into

two pieces such that one piece is 4 feet longer than the other.
We are looking for two numbers whose sum is 10 and whose
difference is 4. If we let x represent the larger of the two
numbers and y the other number, we immediately get two
equations.

We call such an arrangement a system of two equations in two

variables.

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 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Solution of a Systems of Equations

A solution of a system of 12
equations is an ordered pair that
8
satisfies both equations at the
same time. Is there such an 4
ordered pair? Is there more
then one such pair? To answer 4 8 12
10
these questions, we can look at
the graph of these two
equations on the same
coordinate system.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Sec 5.1 - 5
 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Solution of a Systems of Equations

To be sure that (7, 3) is a

12
solution of both equations, we
can check by substituting 7 for 8
x and 3 for y in both equations.
4

4 8 12
10

True True
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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Solution of a Systems of Equations

Given the following system of equations, determine whether the
given ordered pair is a solution of the system.
The ordered pair must be a solution
of both equations to be a solution.

A solution of the system.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Sec 5.1 - 7
 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Deciding Whether an ordered Pair is a Solution

Given the following system of equations, determine whether the

given ordered pair is a solution of the system.
Since the ordered pair is not a solution of
the first equation, we need not check
further; the ordered pair is not a solution.

Not a solution of the system.

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Possible Solutions for a Linear System of Two Variables

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

The Substitution Method for Solving Systems

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Solving a System by Substitution

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Solving a System by Substitution

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Solving a System by Substitution

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

The Elimination Method for Solving Systems

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Solving a System by Elimination

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Solving a System by Elimination

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Solving a System by Elimination

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Solving a System by Elimination

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Solving a System with Fractional Coefficients

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Solving a System with Fractional Coefficients

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Some Special Systems

Some systems of linear equations have no solution or an infinite

number of solutions.

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Some Special Systems

We could get equation (1) by multiplying equation (2) by 3.
Because of this, equations (1) and (2) are equivalent and
have the same graph.

The solution set is the set of all (infinite number of) points on
the line with equation 3x + 4y = 6, written
{(x, y) | 3x + 4y = 6}
and read “the set of all ordered pairs (x, y) such that
3x + 4y = 6.”
This is a dependent system of equations.
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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Some Special Systems

The system is dependent;

the lines are the same.

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Some Special Systems

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 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Some Special Systems

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Sec 5.1 - 25
 5.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Some Special Systems

The system is inconsistent;

the lines have no points in
common.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Sec 5.1 - 26