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MATHEMATICS
Chapter 4: Linear Equations in Two Variables
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Linear Equations in Two Variables

1. An equation of the form ax + by + c = 0, where a, b and c are real numbers, such that a
and b are not both zero, is called a linear equation in twovariables.
2. Linear equations in one variable, of the type ax + b = 0, can also expressed as a linear
equation in two variables. Since, ax + b = 0⇒ ax + 0.y + b =0.
3. A solution of a linear equation in two variables is a pair of values, one for x and one for
y, which satisfy theequation.
4. The solution of a linear equation is not affectedwhen-
i. The same number is added or subtracted from both the sides of anequation.
ii. Multiplying or dividing both the sides of the equation by the same non-
zeronumber.
5. A linear equation in two variables has infinitely manysolutions.
6. Every point on the line satisfies the equation of the line and every solution of the
equation is a point on theline.
7. A linear equation in two variables is represented geometrically by a straight line whose
points makeup the collection of solutions of the equation. This is called the graph of
the linearequation.
8. x = 0 is the equation of the y-axis and y = 0 is the equation of thex-axis.
9. The graph of x = k is a straight line parallel to the y-axis.
For example, the graph of the equation x = 5 is asfollows:

10. The graph of y = k is a straight line parallel to the x-axis.

For example, the graph of the equation y = 5 is asfollows:

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11. An equation of the type y = mx represents a line passing through the origin, where m
is a real number. For example, the graph of the equation y = 2x is asfollows:

Linear equation in one variable

When an equation has only one variable of degree one, then that equation is known as
linear equation in one variable.
A linear equation in one variable is an equation which has a maximum of one variable of
order 1. It is of the form ax + b = 0, where x is the variable.
 Standard form: ax+b=0, where a and b ϵ R & a ≠ 0
 Examples of linear equation in one variable are:
– 3x-9 = 0
– 2t = 5
Standard Form of Linear Equations in One Variable
The standard form of linear equations in one variable is represented as:
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ax + b = 0
Where,
 ‘a’ and ‘b’ are real numbers.
 Both ‘a’ and ‘b’ are not equal to zero.
Thus, the formula of linear equation in one variable is ax + b = 0.
Solving Linear Equations in One Variable
For solving an equation having only one variable, the following steps are followed
 Step 1: Using LCM, clear the fractions if any.
 Step 2: Simplify both sides of the equation.
 Step 3: Isolate the variable.
 Step 4: Verify your answer.
Example of Solution of Linear Equation in One Variable
Let us understand the concept with the help of an example.
For solving equations with variables on both sides, the following steps are followed:
Consider the equation: 5x – 9 = -3x + 19
Step 1: Transpose all the variables on one side of the equation. By transpose, we mean to
shift the variables from one side of the equation to the other side of the equation. In the
method of transposition, the operation on the operand gets reversed.
In the equation 5x – 9 = -3x + 19, we transpose -3x from the right-hand side to the left-hand
side of the equality, the operation gets reversed upon transposition and the equation
becomes:
5x – 9 +3x = 19
⇒ 8x -9 = 19
Step 2: Similarly transpose all the constant terms on the other side of the equation as
below:
8x -9 = 19
⇒ 8x = 19 + 9
⇒ 8x = 28
Step 3: Divide the equation with 8 on both sides of the equality.
8x/8 = 28/8
⇒ x = 28/8
If we substitute x = 28/8 in the equation 5x – 9 = -3x + 19, we will get 9 = 9, thereby
satisfying the equality and giving us the required solution.
The Application of Linear equation
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There are various applications of linear equations in Mathematics as well as in real life. An
algebraic equation is an equality that includes variables and equal sign (=). A linear equation
is an equation of degree one.
The knowledge of mathematics is frequently applied through word problems, and the
applications of linear equations are observed on a wide scale to solve such word problems.
Here, we are going to discuss the linear equation applications and how to use them in the
real world with the help of an example.
A linear equation is an algebraic expression with a variable and equality sign (=), and whose
highest degree is equal to 1. For example, 2x – 1 = 5 is a linear equation.
 Linear equation with one variable and degree one is called a linear equation in one
variable. (Eg, 3x + 5 = 0)
 Linear equation with degree one and two variables is called a linear equation in two
variables. (Eg, 3x + 5y = 0)
The graphical representation of linear equation is ax + by + c = 0, where,
 a and b are coefficients
 x and y are variables
 c is a constant term
In real life, the applications of linear equations are vast. To tackle real-life problems using
algebra, we convert the given situation into mathematical statements in such a way that it
clearly illustrates the relationship between the unknowns (variables) and the information
provided. The following steps are involved while restating a situation into a mathematical
statement:
 Translate the problem statement into a mathematical statement and set it up in the
form of algebraic expression in a manner it illustrates the problem aptly.
 Identify the unknowns in the problem and assign variables (quantity whose value can
change depending upon the mathematical context) to these unknown quantities.
 Read the problem thoroughly multiple times and cite the data, phrases and
keywords. Organize the information obtained sequentially.
 Frame an equation with the help of the algebraic expression and the data provided in
the problem statement and solve it using systematic techniques of equation solving.
 Retrace your solution to the problem statement and analyze if it suits the criterion of
the problem.
There you go!! Using these steps and applications of linear equations word problems can be
solved easily.
Applications of Linear equations in Real life
 Finding unknown age
 Finding unknown angles in geometry

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 For calculation of speed, distance or time

 Problems based on force and pressure
Let us look into an example to analyze the applications of linear equations in depth.
Applications of Linear Equations Solved Example
Example:
Rishi is twice as old as Vani. 10 years ago his age was thrice of Vani. Find their present ages.
Solution:
In this word problem, the ages of Rishi and Vani are unknown quantities. Therefore, as
discussed above, let us first choose variables for the unknowns.
Let us assume that Vani’s present age is ‘x’ years. Since Rishi’s present age is 2 times that of
Vani, therefore his present age can be assumed to be ‘2x’.
10 years ago, Vani’s age would have been ‘x – 10 ’, and Rishi’s age would have been ‘2x –
10’. According to the problem statement, 10 years ago, Rishi’s age was thrice of Vani, i.e. 2x
– 10 = 3(x – 10).
We have our linear equation in the variable ‘x’ which clearly defines the problem
statement. Now we can solve this linear equation easily and get the result.

This implies that the current age of Vani is 20 years, and Rishi’s age is ‘2x,’ i.e. 40 years. Let
us retrace our solution. If the present age of Vani is 20 years then 10 years ago her age
would have been 10 years, and Rishi’s age would have been 30 years which satisfies our
problem statement. Thus, applications of linear equations enable us to tackle such real-
world problems.
Linear Equations Formula
A linear equation looks like any other equation. It is made up of two expressions set equal
to each other. It is equal to the product that is directly proportional to the other plus the
constant.
The Linear equation formula is given by
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏
Where,
m determines the slope of that line,
b determines the point at which the line crosses
Solved Examples
Question 1: Solve for x: 5x + 6 = 11

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Solution:
Given function is 5x + 6 = 11
5x = 11 – 6
5
x =5= 1
Therefore, x = 1.
Graphing of Linear Equations
Linear equations, also known as first-order degree equations, where the highest power of
the variable is one. When an equation has one variable, it is known as linear equations in
one variable. If the linear equations contain two variables, then it is known as linear
equations in two variables, and so on. In this article, we are going to discuss the linear
equations in two variables, and also going to learn about the graphing of linear equations in
two variables with examples.
Linear Equations in Two Variables
Equations of degree one and having two variables are known as linear equations in two
variables. It is of the form, ax +by +c = 0, where a, b and c are real numbers, and both a and
b not equal to zero.
Equations of the form ax+by = 0; where a and b are real numbers, and a,b ≠ 0, is also linear
equations in two variable.
Solution of a Linear Equation in Two Variables
The solution of a linear equation in two variables is a pair of numbers, one for x and one for
y which satisfies the equation. There are infinitely many solutions for a linear equation in
two variables.
For example, x+2y =6 is a linear equation and some of its solution are (0,3),(6,0),(2,2)
because, they satisfy x+2y=6.
Graphing of Linear Equation in Two Variables
Since the solution of linear equation in two variable is a pair of numbers (x,y), we can
represent the solutions in a coordinate plane.
Consider the equation,
2x+y = 6 —(1)
Some solutions of the above equation are, (0,6), (3,0), (1,4), (2,2) because, they satisfy (1).
We can represent the solution of (1) using a table as shown below.

We can plot the above points (0,6), (3,0), (1,4), (2,2) in a coordinate plane (Refer figure).

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We can take any two points and join those to make a line. Let the line be PQ. It is observed
that all the four points are lying on the same line PQ.

Consider any other point on the line PQ, for example, take point (4,-2) which lies on PQ.
Let’s check whether this point satisfies the equation or not.
Substituting (4,-2) in (1) gives,
LHS=(2×4)-2 = 6= RHS
Therefore (4,-2) is a solution of (1).
Similarly, if we take any point on the line PQ, it will satisfy (1).
It can be observed that,
 All the points say, (p,q) on the line PQ gives a solution of 2x+y = 6.
 All the solution of 2x+y = 6, lie on the line PQ.
 Points which are not the solution of 2x+y = 6 will not lie on the line PQ.
Graphing of Linear Equations keypoints
It can be concluded that, for a linear equation in two variables,
 Every point on the line will be a solution to the equation.
 Every solution of the equation will be a point on the line.
Therefore, every linear equation in two variables can be represented geometrically as a
straight line in a coordinate plane. Points on the line are the solution of the equation. This
why equations with degree one are called as linear equations. This representation of a
linear equation is known as graphing of linear equations in two variables.
Linear equation in 2 variables

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When an equation has two variables both of degree one, then that equation is known as
linear equation in two variables.
Standard form: ax+by+c=0, where a, b, c ϵ R & a, b ≠ 0
Examples of linear equations in two variables are:
– 7x+y=8
– 6p-4q+12=0
Examples of Linear Equations
The solution of linear equation in 2 variables
A linear equation in two variables has a pair of numbers that can satisfy the equation. This
pair of numbers is called as the solution of the linear equation in two variables.
The solution can be found by assuming the value of one of the variable and then proceed to
find the other solution.
There are infinitely many solutions for a single linear equation in two variables.
Graph of a Linear Equation
Graphical representation of a linear equation in 2 variables
Any linear equation in the standard form ax+by+c=0 has a pair of solutions in the form (x,y),
that can be represented in the coordinate plane.
When an equation is represented graphically, it is a straight line that may or may not cut
the coordinate axes.

Solutions of Linear equation in 2 variables on a graph

 A linear equation ax + by + c = 0 is represented graphically as a straight line.

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 Every point on the line is a solution for the linear equation.

 Every solution of the linear equation is a point on the line.
Lines passing through the origin
 Certain linear equations exist such that their solution is (0, 0). Such equations when
represented graphically pass through the origin.
 The coordinate axes namely x-axis and y-axis can be represented as y=0 and x=0,
respectively.
Lines parallel to coordinate axes
 Linear equations of the form y=a, when represented graphically are lines parallel to
the x-axis and a is the y-coordinate of the points in that line.
 Linear equations of the form x=a, when represented graphically are lines parallel to
the y-axis and a is the x-coordinate of the points in that line.

Important Questions
Multiple Choice Questions-
Question 1. The linear equation 3x - 11y = 10 has:
a) Unique solution
b) Two solutions
c) Infinitely many solutions
d) No solutions
Question 2. 3x + 10 = 0 will has:
a) Unique solution
b) Two solutions
c) Infinitely many solutions
d) No solutions
Question 3. The solution of equation x - 2y = 4 is:
a) (0,2)
b) (2,0)
c) (4,0)
d) (1,1)
Question 4. The value of k, if x = 1, y = 2 is a solution of the equation 2x + 3y =
k.
a) 5

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b) 6
c) 7
d) 8
Question 5. Point (3, 4) lies on the graph of the equation 3y = kx + 7. The value
of k is:
a) 4/3
b) 5/3
c) 3
d) 7/3
Question 6. The graph of linear equation x + 2y = 2, cuts the y-axis at:
a) (2,0)
b) (0,2)
c) (0,1)
d) (1,1)
Question 7. Any point on the line x = y is of the form:
a) (k, -k)
b) (0, k)
c) (k, 0)
d) (k, k)
Question 8. The graph of x = 3 is a line:
a) Parallel to x-axis at a distance of 3 units from the origin
b) Parallel to y-axis at a distance of 3 units from the origin
c) Makes an intercept 3 on x-axis
d) Makes an intercept 3 on y-axis
Question 9. In equation, y = mx + c, m is:
a) Intercept
b) Slope of the line
c) Solution of the equation
d) None of the above
Question 10. If x and y are both positive solutions of equation ax + by + c = 0,
always lie in:
a) First quadrant
b) Second quadrant

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c) Third quadrant
d) Fourth quadrant
Very Short:
1.Linear equation x – 2 = 0 is parallel to which axis?
𝑥
2.Express x in term of y : + 2y = 6
7
3.If we multiply or divide both sides of a linear equation with a non-zero
number, then what will happen to the solution of the linear equation?
4.Find the value of k for which x = 0, y = 8 is a solution of 3x – 6y = k.
5.Write the equation of a line which is parallel to x-axis and is at a distance
of 2 units from the origin.
6.Find ‘a’, if linear equation 3x - ay = 6 has one solution as (4, 3).
7.Cost of a pen is two and half times the cost of a pencil. Express this
situation as a linear equation in two variables.
8.In an one day international cricket match, Raina and Dhoni together
scored 198 runs. Express the statement as a linear equation in two
variables.
9.The cost of a table is 100 more than half the cost of a chair. Write this
statement as a linear equation in two variables.
Short Questions:
1. Write linear equation representing a line which is parallel to y-axis and is
at a distance of 2 units on the left side of y-axis.
2. In some countries temperature is measured in Fahrenheit, whereas in
countries like India it is measured in Celsius. Here is a linear equation
that converts Fahrenheit to Celsius :

If the temperature is – 40°C, then what is the temperature in

Fahrenheit?
3. If the temperature is – 40°C, then what is the temperature in
Fahrenheit?
4. If ax + 3y = 25, write y in terms of x and also, find the two solutions of
this equation.
5. Find the value of k, if (1, -1) is a solution of the equation 3x - ky = 8. Also,
find the coordinates of another point lying on its graph.
6. Let y varies directly as x. If y = 12 when x = 4, then write a linear
equation. What is the value of y, when x = 5?

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Long Questions:
1. Write the equations of the lines drawn in following graph:

Also, find the area enclosed between these lines.

2. If (2, 3) and (4, 0) lie on the graph of equation ax + by = 1. Find the value of
a and b. Plot the graph of equation obtained.
3. Draw the graphs of the following equations on the same graph sheet:
x = 4, x = 2, y = 1 and y - 3 = 0.
4. Cost of 1 pen is ₹ x and that of 1 pencil is ₹ y. Cost of 2 pens and 3 pencils
together is ₹ 18. Write a near
li equation which satisfies this data. Draw the
graph for the same.
5. Sum of two numbers is 8. Write this in the form of a linear equation in two
variables. Also, draw the line given by this equation. Find graphically the
numbers, if difference between them is 2.
Assertion and Reason Questions-
1. In these questions, a statement of assertion followed by a statement of reason is
given. Choose the correct answer out of the following choices.
Assertion: There are infinite number of lines which passes through (2, 14).
Reason: A linear equation in two variables has infinitely many solutions.
2. In these questions, a statement of assertion followed by a statement of
reason is given. Choose the correct answer out of the following choices.

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Assertion: All the points (1, 0), ( ,) - 1 0 , (2, 0) and (5, 0) lie on the x -axis.
Reason: Equation of the x -axis is y = 0.
Case Study Questions-
1. In the below given layout, the design and measurements has been made
such that
area of two bedrooms and Kitchen together is 95 sq. m.

(i) The area of two bedrooms and kitchen are respectively equal to:
(a) 5x, 5y
(b) 10x, 5y
(c) 5x, 10y
(c) x, y
(ii) Find the length of the outer boundary of the layout.
(a) 27m
(b) 15m
(c) 50m
(d) 54m
(iii) The pair of linear equation in two variables formed from the statements
are
(a) x + y = 13, x + y = 9
(b) 2x + y = 13, x + y = 9
(c) x + y = 13, 2x + y = 9
(d) None of the above
(iv) Which is the solution satisfying both the equations formed in (iii)?

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(a) x = 7, y = 6
(b) x = 8, y = 5
(c) x = 6, y = 7
(d) x = 5, y = 8
(v) Find the area of each bedroom.
(a) 30 sq. m
(b) 35 sq. m
(c) 65 sq. m
(d) 42 sq. m

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