Linear Equation Project
Linear Equation Project
Linear equations in two variables, explain the geometry of lines or the graph of two
lines, plotted to solve the given equations. As we already know, the linear equation
represents a straight line. The plotting of these graphs will help us to solve the
equations, which consist of unknown variables. Previously we have learned to solve
linear equations in one variable, here we will find the solutions for the equations
having two variables.
Definition
An equation is said to be linear equation in two variables if it is written in the form of
ax + by + c=0, where a, b & c are real numbers and the coefficients of x and y, i.e a
and b respectively, are not equal to zero.
For example, 10x+4y = 3 and -x+5y = 2 are linear equations in two variables.
The solution for such an equation is a pair of values, one for x and one for y which
further makes the two sides of an equation equal.
Basically, for linear equation in two variables, there are infinitely many solutions.
Example
In order to find the solution of Linear equation in 2 variables, two equations should be
known to us.
5x + 3y = 30
5x + 3(0) = 30
⇒x=6
5 (0) + 3y = 30
⇒ y = 10
It is now understood that to solve linear equation in two variables, the two equations
have to be known and then the substitution method can be followed. Let’s understand
this with a few example questions.
Unique Solution
For the given linear equations in two variables, the solution will be unique for both the
equations, if and only if they intersect at a single point.
The condition to get the unique solution for the given linear equations is, the slope of
the line formed by the two equations, respectively, should not be equal.
Consider, m1 and m2 are two slopes of equations of two lines in two variables. So, if the
equations have a unique solution, then:
m1 ≠ m2
No Solution
If the two linear equations have equal slope value, then the equations will have no
solutions.
m1 = m2
This is because the lines are parallel to each other and do not intersect.
System of Linear Equations in Two Variables
Instead of finding the solution for a single linear equation in two variables, we can
take two sets of linear equations, both having two variables in them and find the
solutions. So, basically the system of linear equations is defined when there is more
than one linear equation.
For example, a+b = 15 and a-b = 5, are the system of linear equations in two variables.
Because, the point a = 10 and b = 5 is the solution for both equations, such as:
a+b=10 + 5 = 15
a-b=10-5 = 5
Hence, proved point (10,5) is solution for both a+b=15 and a-b=5.
Solution:
Using the method of substitution to solve the pair of linear equation, we have:
2x + 5y = 20…………………….(i)
3x+6y =12……………………..(ii)
6x + 15y = 60…………………….(iii)
6x+12y = 24……………………..(iv)
3y = 36
⇒ y = 12
⇒ x = −20
Therefore, x=-20 and y =12 is the point where the given equations intersect.
Now, it is important to know the situational examples which are also known as word
problems from linear equations in 2 variables.
Word Problems
Question 1: A boat running downstream covers a distance of 20 km in 2 hours while for
covering the same distance upstream, it takes 5 hours. What is the speed of the boat
in still water?
Solution:
These types of questions are the real-time examples of linear equations in two
variables.
In water, the direction along the stream is called downstream. And, the direction
against the stream is called upstream.
Let us consider the speed of a boat is u km/h and the speed of the stream is v km/h,
then:
So, the speed of boat when running downstream = (20⁄2) km/h = 10 km/h
u – v = 4 ………. (2)
Also, v = 3 km/h
Solution: If the speed downstream is a km/hr and the speed upstream is b km/hr,
then
Let the Boat’s rate upstream be x kmph and that downstream be y kmph.
⇒ 13/2x = 3y
⇒ y = 13x/6
⇒ 13x6 + x2 : 13x6 − x2
⇒ 19x62 : 7x62
= 19:7