Introduction to Pair of Linear Equations

in Two Variables

Linear equations in two variables are ​equations​ which can be

expressed as ax + by + c = 0, where a, b and c are real numbers and
both a, and b are not zero. The ​solution​ of such equations is a pair of
values for x and y which makes both sides of the equation equal.

​Introduction

Let’s look at the solutions of some linear equations in two variables.

Consider the equation 2x + 3y = 5. There are two variables in this
equation, x and y.

● Scenario 1: Let’s substitute x = 1 and y = 1 in the Left Hand

Side (LHS) of the equation. Hence, 2(1) + 3(1) = 2 + 3 = 5 =
RHS (Right Hand Side). Hence, we can conclude that x = 1 and
y = 1 is a solution of the equation 2x + 3y = 5. Therefore, x = 1
and y = 1 is a solution of the equation 2x + 3y = 5.
 ● Scenario 2: Let’s substitute x = 1 and y = 7 in the LHS of the
equation. Hence, 2(1) + 3(7) = 2 + 21 = 23 ≠ RHS. Therefore, x
= 1 and y = 7 is not a solution of the equation 2x + 3y = 5.

Geometrically, this means that the point (1, 1) lies on the line
representing the equation 2x + 3y = 5. Also, the point (1, 7) does not
lie on this line. In simple words, every solution of the equation is a
point on the ​line​ representing it.

To generalize, each solution (x, y) of a linear equation in two

variables, ax + by + c = 0, corresponds to a point on the line
representing the equation, and vice versa.

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Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Here is a ​situation​: The number of times Ram eats a mango is half the
number of rides he eats an apple. He goes to the ​market​ and spends
Rs. 20. If one mango costs Rs.3 and one apple costs Rs.4, then how
many mangoes and apples did Ram eat?
Let’s say that the number of apples that Ram ate is y and the ​number
of mangoes is x. Now, the situation can be represented as follows:

y = (½)x … {since he ate mangoes (x) which were half the number of
apples (y)}

3x + 4y = 20 … {since each apple (y) costs Rs.4 and mango (x) costs
Rs.3}

Both these equation ​together​ represent the information about the

situation. Also, these two linear equations are in the same variables, x
and y. These are known as a ‘Pair of Linear Equations in Two
Variables’.

To generalize them, a pair of linear equations in two variables x and y

is:

a​1​x + b​1​ y + c​1​ = 0 and a​2​x + b​2​ y + c​2​ = 0.

Where a​1​, b​1​, c​1​, a​2​, b​2​, c​2​ are all real numbers and a​12​+ b​12​ ≠ 0, a​22​+
b​22​ ≠ 0. Some examples of a pair of linear equations in two variables
are:
 ● 2x + 3y – 7 = 0 and 9x – 2y + 8 = 0
● 5x = y and –7x + 2y + 3 = 0

Geometric Representation of a Pair of Linear

Equations in Two Variables

By now, we know that the geometrical or graphical representation of

linear equations in two variables is a straight line. Hence, a pair of
linear equations in two variables will be two ​straight lines​ which are
considered together. We also know that when there are two lines in a
plane:

● The two lines will intersect at one point. {Fig.1 (a)}

● They will not intersect, i.e., they are ​parallel​. {Fig.1 (b)}
● The two lines will be coincident. {Fig.1 (c)}
Fig. 1

Linear equations can be represented both algebraically and

geometrically. Let’s see how. Going back to our earlier example of
Ram, let’s try to represent the situation both algebraically and
geometrically.

Solution: ​Algebraic Representation

The pair of equations formed is: y = (1/2)x

So, 2y = x

Hence, x – 2y = 0 … (1)

3x + 4y = 20 … (2)

Geometric Representation

To represent these equations graphically we need at least two

solutions for each equation. These solutions are listed in the tables
below:
 x 0 2

y = (1/2)x 0 1

x 0 4

y = (20 – 3x)/4 5 2

Now, we take a ​graph​ paper and plot the points A(0, 0), B(2, 1) and
P(0, 5), Q(4, 2), corresponding to the solutions in tables above. Next,
we draw the lines AB and PQ as shown below.
 Fig. 2

This is the geometric representation of the equations x – 2y = 0 and 3x

+ 4y = 20.

Solved Examples for You

Question: Aftab tells his daughter, “Seven years ago, I was seven
times as old as you were then. Also, three years from now, I shall be
three times as old as you will be.” (Isn’t this interesting?) Represent
this situation algebraically.
Solution: Let Aftab’s present age be x and his daughter’s present age
by y.

7 years ago, Aftab’s age = x – 7

His daughter’s age = y – 7

Also, according to the question,

(x – 7) = 7(y – 7)

So, x – 7 = 7y – 49

Hence, x – 7y = 42

Now, three years later,

Aftab’s age = x + 3

His daughter’s age = y + 3

Also, according to the question,

(x + 3) = 3(y + 3)

So, x + 3 = 3y + 9

Hence, x – 3y = 6

Therefore, the situation can be algebraically represented as:

● x – 7y = 42
● x – 3y = 6
Solution of Linear Equations in Two
Variables

Now that we know what ​Linear Equations​ are and the ways of
converting a ​statement​ in the form of the linear equation and the
various terminologies associated with it. We can discuss the methods
of solving linear equations for finding the required solution. Solving
linear equations is very simple. Let us get to know the methods to do
it!

​Methods for Solving Linear Equations

Linear equations can be solved graphically as well as algebraically.

Let us learn about both of them.

Graphical Method

In Graphical method, we draw the lines for the given ​pair​ of ​equations
with possible satisfying values on a ​graph​ and find out the case being
satisfied i.e., whether the drawn ​lines​ are intersecting at a point
(​consistent​ solution) or are parallel with each other (inconsistent
solution) or are coincident (dependent solution).
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Algebraic Methods
● Substitution Method: We substitute one of the given equations
in another one by substituting one variable in the form of the
other. Now, the equation will contain only one variable and
then solve it accordingly to get the desired result.
● Elimination Method: As the name suggests, in the elimination
method, we try to eliminate one of the variables from the given
set of equations. Solving it will give us the desired result.
● Cross-Multiplication Method: The general form of a pair of
linear equations in two variables is:

a​1​x​1​ + b​1​y​1​ = c​1​ … (i)

a​2​x​2​ + b​2​y​2​ = c​2​ … (ii)

In this method, we multiply equation (i) by the coefficient of y​2 ​(or,

x​2​) i.e., b​2 ​(or, a​2​) & equation (ii) by that of y​1 ​(or, x​1​) i.e., b​1​ (or, a​1​)
& eliminate one of the variables and solve accordingly. The name is
given as the multiplication in the equations with the coefficients of the
variables are done in a cross fashion.

Check out our detailed article on ​Linear Equations with 2 variables

here.

Solved Linear Equations Examples

Solve by the Graphical method: x + y = 16, & x – y = 4

Solution: The two solutions of each equation

x 2 4 6 8

y = 16 – x 14 12 10 8

x 2 4 6 8

y=x–4 -2 0 2 4
From the ​graph​, we find the common point of ​intersection​, i.e., (10,6).

More Solved Examples for You

Question: A number consists of two digits such that the digit in the
ten’s place is less by 2 than the digit in unit’s place. Three times the
number added to 5/7 times the number obtained by reversing the digits
equal to 108. What is the sum of the digit of the number?

Solution: Let the two digits of the number be x & y in which x is in

the ten’s place & y is in the unit’s place. The number can be written as
10 × x + y (as 36 = 3 × 10 + 6).

Case 1: x = y – 2 …(i)
Case 2: The number obtained by reversing the digits = 10 × y + x (as
63 = 6 × 10 + 3).

A.T.Q., 3(10x + y) + 5 (10y + x) / 7 = 108

⇒ 30x + 3y + 50y / 7 + 5x / 7 = 108

⇒ 210x + 21y + 5x + 50y = 756

⇒ 215x + 71y = 756 …(ii)

Solving (i) and (iii), we get x ≈ 2 & y ≈ 4. The sum of the numbers = 2
+ 4 = 6.

Question: The sum of two numbers is 20. Five times one number is
equal to 4 times the other. Find the bigger of the two numbers.

Solution: Suppose the two numbers be x & y. We have,

x + y = 20 …(i)

5x = 4y …(ii)
Multiplying (i) by 5 & subtracting (ii) from it, we get

5x + 5y = 100

5x – 4y = 0

– + =–

—————

9y = 100

y = 100/9 or y ≈ 11 and substituting this value of x in any of the above

equations, we get x ≈ 9. Thus, the bigger of the two numbers is 11.
Consistency of Pair of Linear Equations
in Two Variables

A pair of linear equations in two variables have the same set of

variables across both the equations. These equations are solved
simultaneously to arrive at a solution. In this article, we will look at
the various types of solutions of equations in two variables.

​Types of Linear Equations in Two Variables

Solutions of linear equations in two variables can be of three types

1. Single Solution
2. Infinite Solutions
3. No Solution

Understanding these types will help us in solving linear equations in

two variables effectively. We will look at each of them in details.

Type 1: A single solution of a pair of linear

equations in two variables
Consider the following pair of linear equations in two variables,

● x – 2y = 0
● 3x + 4y = 20

The solution of this pair would be a pair (x, y). Let’s find the solution,
geometrically. The tables for these equations are:

x 0 2

y = (1/2)x 0 1

x 0 4

y = (20 – 3x)/4 5 2

Now, take a graph paper and plot the following points:

● A(0, 0)
● B(2, 1)
 ● P(0, 5)
● Q(4, 2)

Next, draw the lines AB and PQ as shown below.

From the figure above, you can see that the two lines intersect at the
point Q (4, 2). Therefore, point Q lies on the lines represented by both
the equations, x – 2y = 0 and 3x + 4y = 20. Hence, (4, 2) is the
solution of this pair of equations in two variables. Let’s verify it
algebraically:
 ● x – 2y = 4 – 2(2) = 4 – 4 = 0 = RHS
● 3x + 4y = 3(4) + 4(2) = 12 + 8 = 20 = RHS

Further, from the graph, you can see that point Q is the only common
point between the two lines. Hence, this pair of equations has a single
solution.

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Type 2: Infinite solutions of a pair of linear

equations in two variables

Consider the following pair of linear equations in two variables,

● 2x + 3y = 9
● 4x + 6y = 18

The solution of this pair would be a pair (x, y). Let’s find the solution,
geometrically. The tables for these equations are:

x 0 4.5
 y = (9 – 2x)/3 3 0

x 0 3

y = (18 – 4x)/6 3 1

Now, take a graph paper and plot the following points:

● A(0, 3)
● B(4.5, 0)
● P(3, 1)

Next, draw the lines AB and AP as shown below.

From the figure above, you can see that the two lines coincide.
Therefore, there is no point of intersection between these two lines.
Every point on the line represented by 2x + 3y = 9 is present on the
line represented by 4x + 6y = 18. Hence, this pair of equations has an
infinite ​number​ of solutions.

Type 3: No solution of a pair of linear equations in

two variables

Consider the following pair of linear equations in two ​variables​,

● x + 2y = 4
 ● 2x + 4y = 12

The solution of this pair would be a pair (x, y). Let’s find the solution,
geometrically. The tables for these equations are:

x 0 4

y = (4 – x)/2 2 0

x 0 6

y = (12 – 2x)/4 3 0

Now, take a graph paper and plot the following points:

● A(0, 2)
● B(4, 0)
● P(0, 3)
 ● Q(6, 0)

Next, draw the lines AB and PQ as shown below.

From the figure above, you can see that the two lines are ​parallel​ to
each other. Therefore, these lines don’t intersect at all. Hence, this pair
of equations has no solution.

Consistency of a Pair of Linear Equations in Two

Variables

From the three examples above, we define the following terms

 ● Inconsistent pair of linear equations: A pair of linear equations
which has no solution. (Type 3 explained above)
● Consistent pair of linear equations: A pair of linear equations
which has a solution. (Type 1 and 2 explained above)
○ Independent pair of linear equations – If the pair of
equations has only one solution.
○ Dependent pair of linear equations – If the pair of
equations has infinite solutions.

To summarise, the lines represented by

● (x – 2y = 0) and (3x + 4y = 20) intersect each other.

● 2x + 3y = 9 and 4x + 6y = 18 coincide with each other.
● ‘x + 2y = 4’ and ‘2x + 4y = 12’ are parallel to each other.

In General Form
If a​1​, b​1​, c​1​, a​2​, b​2​ and c​2​ are the coefficients of the equations in
general form, then we can write the following table by comparing the
values of a​1​/a​2​, b​1​/b​2​, and c​1​/c​2​ in all three examples.

Graphical Algebraic
Pair of a​1​/a b​1​/b c​1​/c
Comparison Representati Interpretati
lines 2 2 2
on on

x – 2y = 0

– Intersecting One
1/3 0/20 (a​1​/a​2​) ≠ (b​1​/b​2​)
2/4 lines solution
3x + 4y –
20 = 0

2x + 3y – 9
=0

(a​1​/a​2​) = (b​1​/b​2​) = Coincident Infinite

2/4 3/6 9/18
(c​1​/c​2​) lines solutions

4x + 6y –
18 = 0
 x + 2y – 4
=0

(a​1​/a​2​) = (b​1​/b​2​) ≠
1/2 2/4 4/12 Parallel lines No solution
(c​1​/c​2​)

2x + 4y –
12 = 0

From the table above, you can observe that if the lines represented by
the equations a​1​x + b​1​y + c​1​ = 0 and a​2​x + b​2​y + c​2​ = 0 are,

i. Intersecting, then (a​1​/a​2​) ≠ (b​1​/b​2​)

ii. Coincident, then (a​1​/a​2​) = (b​1​/b​2​) = (c​1​/c​2​)
iii.Parallel, then (a​1​/a​2​) = (b​1​/b​2​) ≠ (c​1​/c​2​)

It is important to note that the converse is also true.

Solved Examples for You

Question: Check graphically whether the pair of equations ‘x + 3y =

6’ and ‘2x – 3y = 12’ is consistent. If so, solve them graphically.

Solution: Let us draw the graphs of both the equations. The tables for
these equations are:

x 0 6
 y = (6 – x)/3 2 0

x 0 3

y = (2x – 12)/3 –4 –2

Now, take a graph paper and plot the following points:

● A (0, 2)
● B (6, 0)
● P (0, – 4)
● Q (3, – 2)

Next, draw the lines AB and PQ as shown below.

From the figure above, you can see that the two lines intersect at the
point B (6, 0). Therefore, x = 6 and y = 0 is the solution of this pair of
equations in two variables. Hence, it is Consistent.