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Systems of Linear Equations Discussion

The document discusses three methods for solving systems of linear equations: graphing, substitution, and elimination. It focuses on using graphing to solve systems. Graphing involves plotting the lines defined by each equation on a coordinate plane and finding the point where they intersect, which is the solution. The document provides examples of solving systems by graphing and discusses the three possible outcomes: a unique solution, no solution if the lines are parallel, or infinitely many solutions if the lines coincide.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
61 views67 pages

Systems of Linear Equations Discussion

The document discusses three methods for solving systems of linear equations: graphing, substitution, and elimination. It focuses on using graphing to solve systems. Graphing involves plotting the lines defined by each equation on a coordinate plane and finding the point where they intersect, which is the solution. The document provides examples of solving systems by graphing and discusses the three possible outcomes: a unique solution, no solution if the lines are parallel, or infinitely many solutions if the lines coincide.

Uploaded by

Hazel Pacheco
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 67

Systems of

Equations
Chapter Sections

Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing


Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution
Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Elimination

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 2


Systems of Equations
A set of equations is called a system of equations.
The solutions must satisfy each equation in the system.
If all equations in a system are linear, the system is a
system of linear equations, or a linear system.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 3


Systems of Linear Equations:
A solution to a system of equations is an ordered
pair that satisfy all the equations in the system.

A system of linear equations can have:


1. Exactly one solution
2. No solutions
3. Infinitely many solutions

4 4
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics
Solving Systems of Linear
Equations by Graphing
Systems of Linear Equations

A system of linear equations consists of two


or more linear equations.
This section focuses on only two equations at
a time.
The solution of a system of linear equations
in two variables is any ordered pair that solves
both of the linear equations.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 6


Solution of a System
Example
Determine whether the given point is a solution of the following
system.
point: (– 3, 1)
system: x – y = – 4 and 2x + 10y = 4
•Plug the values into the equations.

First equation: – 3 – 1 = – 4 true


Second equation: 2(– 3) + 10(1) = – 6 + 10 = 4 true
•Since the point (– 3, 1) produces a true statement in both
equations, it is a solution.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 7


Solution of a System
Example
Determine whether the given point is a solution of the following
system
point: (4, 2)
system: 2x – 5y = – 2 and 3x + 4y = 4
Plug the values into the equations
First equation: 2(4) – 5(2) = 8 – 10 = – 2 true
Second equation: 3(4) + 4(2) = 12 + 8 = 20  4 false
Since the point (4, 2) produces a true statement in only one
equation, it is NOT a solution.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 8


Finding a Solution by Graphing

• Since our chances of guessing the right coordinates


to try for a solution are not that high, we’ll be more
successful if we try a different technique.
• Since a solution of a system of equations is a
solution common to both equations, it would also
be a point common to the graphs of both equations.
• So to find the solution of a system of 2 linear
equations, graph the equations and see where the
lines intersect.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 9


Finding a Solution by Graphing
y
Example (-5, 5)
Solve the following (-2, 4) (6, 6)
system of equations (4, 2)
by graphing. (1, 3)
2x – y = 6 and x
(3, 0)
x + 3y = 10

First, graph 2x – y = 6.
Second, graph x + 3y = 10. (0, -6)

The lines APPEAR to intersect at (4, 2). Continued.


Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 10
Finding a Solution by Graphing
Example continued
Although the solution to the system of equations appears
to be (4, 2), you still need to check the answer by
substituting x = 4 and y = 2 into the two equations.
First equation,
2(4) – 2 = 8 – 2 = 6 true
Second equation,
4 + 3(2) = 4 + 6 = 10 true
The point (4, 2) checks, so it is the solution of the
system.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 11
Finding a Solution by Graphing
y
Example
Solve the following (6, 4)
system of equations (0, 2)
by graphing. (6, 1)
(3, 0)
– x + 3y = 6 and x
(-6, 0)
3x – 9y = 9 (0, -1)

First, graph – x + 3y = 6.
Second, graph 3x – 9y = 9.
The lines APPEAR to be parallel. Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 12
Finding a Solution by Graphing
Example continued
Although the lines appear to be parallel, you still need to check
that they have the same slope. You can do this by solving for y.
First equation,
–x + 3y = 6
3y = x + 6 (add x to both sides)
1
y= x+2 (divide both sides by 3)
3
Second equation,
3x – 9y = 9
–9y = –13x + 9 (subtract 3x from both sides)
y= 3x–1 (divide both sides by –9)
Both lines have a slope of 13 , so they are parallel and do not
intersect. Hence, there is no solution to the system.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 13
Finding a Solution by Graphing
y
Example
Solve the following
system of equations (5, 2)
by graphing.
(-1, 0) (2, 1)
x = 3y – 1 and x
2x – 6y = –2 (-4, -1)
(7, -2)
First, graph x = 3y – 1.
Second, graph 2x – 6y = –2.
The lines APPEAR to be identical. Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 14
Finding a Solution by Graphing
Example continued
Although the lines appear to be identical, you still need to check
that they are identical equations. You can do this by solving for y.
First equation,
x = 3y – 1
3y = x + 1 (add 1 to both sides)
1 1
y= x + (divide both sides by 3)
3 3
Second equation,
2x – 6y = – 2
–6y = – 2x – 2 (subtract 2x from both sides)
1 1
y= x + (divide both sides by -6)
3 3
The two equations are identical, so the graphs must be identical.
There are an infinite number of solutions to the system (all the
points on the line).
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 15
Types of Systems
• There are three possible outcomes when
graphing two linear equations in a plane.
• One point of intersection, so one solution
• Parallel lines, so no solution

• Coincident lines, so infinite # of solutions

• If there is at least one solution, the system is


considered to be consistent.
• If the system defines distinct lines, the
equations are independent.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 16
Types of Systems

Since there are only 3 possible outcomes with


2 lines in a plane, we can determine how many
solutions of the system there will be without
graphing the lines.
Change both linear equations into slope-
intercept form.
We can then easily determine if the lines
intersect, are parallel, or are the same line.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 17


Types of Systems
Example
How many solutions does the following system have?
3x + y = 1 and 3x + 2y = 6
Write each equation in slope-intercept form.
First equation,
3x + y = 1
y = –3x + 1 (subtract 3x from both sides)
Second equation,
3x + 2y = 6
2y = –3x + 6 (subtract 3x from both sides)
3
y   x3 (divide both sides by 2)
2
The lines are intersecting lines (since they have different slopes), so
there is one solution.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 18
Types of Systems
Example
How many solutions does the following system have?
3x + y = 0 and 2y = –6x
Write each equation in slope-intercept form,
First equation,
3x + y = 0
y = –3x (Subtract 3x from both sides)
Second equation,
2y = –6x
y = –3x (Divide both sides by 2)
The two lines are identical, so there are infinitely many solutions.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 19
Types of Systems
Example
How many solutions does the following system have?
2x + y = 0 and y = –2x + 1
Write each equation in slope-intercept form.
First equation,
2x + y = 0
y = –2x (subtract 2x from both sides)
Second equation,
y = –2x + 1 (already in slope-intercept form)
The two lines are parallel lines (same slope, but different y-
intercepts), so there are no solutions.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 20
Solving Systems by Graphing:

Consistent Inconsistent Dependent

One solution No solution Infinite number of


solutions
Lines intersect Lines are parallel
Coincide-Same line

ss: {(x,y)} ss: { } ss: infinitely many

21 21
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics
Solving Systems of Linear
Equations by Substitution
The Substitution Method

Another method (beside getting lucky with


trial and error or graphing the equations) that
can be used to solve systems of equations is
called the substitution method.
You solve one equation for one of the
variables, then substitute the new form of the
equation into the other equation for the solved
variable.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 23


The Substitution Method
Example
Solve the following system using the substitution method.
3x – y = 6 and – 4x + 2y = –8
Solving the first equation for y,
3x – y = 6
–y = –3x + 6 (subtract 3x from both sides)
y = 3x – 6 (multiply both sides by – 1)
Substitute this value for y in the second equation.
–4x + 2y = –8
–4x + 2(3x – 6) = –8 (replace y with result from first equation)
–4x + 6x – 12 = –8 (use the distributive property)
2x – 12 = –8 (simplify the left side)
2x = 4 (add 12 to both sides)
x=2 (divide both sides by 2) Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 24
The Substitution Method
Example continued
Substitute x = 2 into the first equation solved for y.
y = 3x – 6 = 3(2) – 6 = 6 – 6 = 0
Our computations have produced the point (2, 0).
Check the point in the original equations.
First equation,
3x – y = 6
3(2) – 0 = 6 true
Second equation,
–4x + 2y = –8
–4(2) + 2(0) = –8 true
The solution of the system is (2, 0).
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 25
The Substitution Method
Solving a System of Linear Equations by the
Substitution Method
1) Solve one of the equations for a variable.
2) Substitute the expression from step 1 into the
other equation.
3) Solve the new equation.
4) Substitute the value found in step 3 into
either equation containing both variables.
5) Check the proposed solution in the original
equations.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 26


The Substitution Method
Example
Solve the following system of equations using the
substitution method.
y = 2x – 5 and 8x – 4y = 20
Since the first equation is already solved for y, substitute
this value into the second equation.
8x – 4y = 20
8x – 4(2x – 5) = 20 (replace y with result from first
equation)
8x – 8x + 20 = 20 (use distributive property)
Continued.
20 = 20 (simplify left side)
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 27
The Substitution Method
Example continued
When you get a result, like the one on the previous
slide, that is obviously true for any value of the
replacements for the variables, this indicates that the
two equations actually represent the same line.
There are an infinite number of solutions for this
system. Any solution of one equation would
automatically be a solution of the other equation.
This represents a consistent system and the linear
equations are dependent equations.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 28
The Substitution Method
Example
Solve the following system of equations using the substitution
method.
3x – y = 4 and 6x – 2y = 4
Solve the first equation for y.
3x – y = 4
–y = –3x + 4 (subtract 3x from both sides)
y = 3x – 4 (multiply both sides by –1)
Substitute this value for y into the second equation.
6x – 2y = 4
6x – 2(3x – 4) = 4 (replace y with the result from the first equation)
6x – 6x + 8 = 4 (use distributive property)
8=4 (simplify the left side) Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 29
The Substitution Method
Example continued
When you get a result, like the one on the previous
slide, that is never true for any value of the
replacements for the variables, this indicates that the
two equations actually are parallel and never
intersect.
There is no solution to this system.
This represents an inconsistent system, even though
the linear equations are independent.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 30


§ 11.3

Solving Systems of Linear


Equations by Addition
The Elimination Method

Another method that can be used to solve


systems of equations is called the addition or
elimination method.
You multiply both equations by numbers that
will allow you to combine the two equations
and eliminate one of the variables.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 32


The Elimination Method
Example
Solve the following system of equations using the elimination
method.
6x – 3y = –3 and 4x + 5y = –9
Multiply both sides of the first equation by 5 and the second
equation by 3.
First equation,
5(6x – 3y) = 5(–3)
30x – 15y = –15 (use the distributive property)
Second equation,
3(4x + 5y) = 3(–9)
12x + 15y = –27 (use the distributive property)
Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 33
The Elimination Method
Example continued
Combine the two resulting equations (eliminating the
variable y).
30x – 15y = –15
12x + 15y = –27
42x = –42
x = –1 (divide both sides by 42)

Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 34
The Elimination Method
Example continued

Substitute the value for x into one of the original


equations.
6x – 3y = –3
6(–1) – 3y = –3 (replace the x value in the first equation)
–6 – 3y = –3 (simplify the left side)
–3y = –3 + 6 = 3 (add 6 to both sides and simplify)
y = –1 (divide both sides by –3)
Our computations have produced the point (–1, –1).
Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 35
The Elimination Method
Example continued
Check the point in the original equations.
First equation,
6x – 3y = –3
6(–1) – 3(–1) = –3 true
Second equation,
4x + 5y = –9
4(–1) + 5(–1) = –9 true
The solution of the system is (–1, –1).

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 36


The Elimination Method
Solving a System of Linear Equations by the Addition or
Elimination Method
1) Rewrite each equation in standard form, eliminating
fraction coefficients.
2) If necessary, multiply one or both equations by a number
so that the coefficients of a chosen variable are opposites.
3) Add the equations.
4) Find the value of one variable by solving equation from
step 3.
5) Find the value of the second variable by substituting the
value found in step 4 into either original equation.
6) Check the proposed solution in the original equations.

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 37


The Elimination Method
Example
Solve the following system of equations using the
elimination method.
2 1 3
x y 
3 4 2
1 1
x  y  2
2 4

First multiply both sides of the equations by a number


that will clear the fractions out of the equations.
Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 38
The Elimination Method
Example continued
Multiply both sides of each equation by 12. (Note: you don’t
have to multiply each equation by the same number, but in this
case it will be convenient to do so.)
First equation,
2 1 3
x y 
3 4 2
2 1   3
12 x  y   12   (multiply both sides by 12)
3 4   2
8 x  3 y  18 (simplify both sides)

Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 39
The Elimination Method
Example continued
Second equation,
1 1
x  y  2
2 4
1 1 
12 x  y   12  2 (multiply both sides by 12)
2 4 
6 x  3 y  24 (simplify both sides)
Combine the two equations.
8x + 3y = – 18
6x – 3y = – 24
14x = – 42
x = –3 (divide both sides by 14)
Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 40
The Elimination Method
Example continued
Substitute the value for x into one of the original
equations.
8x + 3y = –18
8(–3) + 3y = –18
–24 + 3y = –18
3y = –18 + 24 = 6
y=2
Our computations have produced the point (–3, 2).
Continued.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 41
The Elimination Method
Example continued
Check the point in the original equations. (Note: Here you should
use the original equations before any modifications, to detect any
computational errors that you might have made.)
First equation, Second equation,
2 1 3 1 1
x y  x  y  2
3 4 2 2 4

2 1 3 1 1
(3)  (2)   (3)  (2)  2
3 4 2 2 4
1 3 3 1
2      2 true
2 2 true 2 2
The solution is the point (–3, 2).
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 42
Special Cases
In a similar fashion to what you found in the last
section, use of the addition method to combine
two equations might lead you to results like . . .
5 = 5 (which is always true, thus indicating that
there are infinitely many solutions, since the two
equations represent the same line), or
0 = 6 (which is never true, thus indicating that there
are no solutions, since the two equations represent
parallel lines).

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 43


§ 11.4

Systems of Linear
Equations and Problem
Solving
Problem Solving Steps

Steps in Solving Problems


1) Understand the problem.
• Read and reread the problem
• Choose a variable to represent the unknown
• Construct a drawing, whenever possible
• Propose a solution and check
2) Translate the problem into two equations.
3) Solve the system of equations.
4) Interpret the results.
• Check proposed solution in the problem
• State your conclusion

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 45


Finding an Unknown Number
Example
One number is 4 more than twice the second number. Their
total is 25. Find the numbers.
1.) Understand
Read and reread the problem. Suppose that the second number
is 5. Then the first number, which is 4 more than twice the
second number, would have to be 14 (4 + 2•5).
Is their total 25? No: 14 + 5 = 19. Our proposed solution is
incorrect, but we now have a better understanding of the
problem.
Since we are looking for two numbers, we let
x = first number
y = second number Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 46
Finding an Unknown Number

Example continued
2.) Translate
One number is 4 more than twice the second number.

x = 4 + 2y

Their total is 25.

x + y = 25

Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 47
Finding an Unknown Number

Example continued
3.) Solve
We are solving the system x = 4 + 2y and x + y = 25
Using substitution method, we substitute the solution for x from the
first equation into the second equation.
x + y = 25
(4 + 2y) + y = 25 (replace x with result from first equation)

4 + 3y = 25 (simplify left side)


3y = 25 – 4 = 21 (subtract 4 from both sides and simplify)
y=7 (divide both sides by 3)

Now we substitute the value for y into the first equation.


x = 4 + 2y = 4 + 2(7) = 4 + 14 = 18 Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 48
Finding an Unknown Number

Example continued
4.) Interpret
Check: Substitute x = 18 and y = 7 into both of the equations.
First equation,
x = 4 + 2y
18 = 4 + 2(7) true

Second equation,
x + y = 25
18 + 7 = 25 true

State: The two numbers are 18 and 7.


Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 49
Solving a Problem
Example
Hilton University Drama club sold 311 tickets for a play. Student
tickets cost 50 cents each; non student tickets cost $1.50. If total
receipts were $385.50, find how many tickets of each type were sold.

1.) Understand
Read and reread the problem. Suppose the number of students
tickets was 200. Since the total number of tickets sold was
311, the number of non student tickets would have to be 111
(311 – 200).

Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 50
Solving a Problem
Example continued
1.) Understand (continued)
Are the total receipts $385.50? Admission for the 200 students
will be 200($0.50), or $100. Admission for the 111 non
students will be 111($1.50) = $166.50. This gives total receipts
of $100 + $166.50 = $266.50. Our proposed solution is
incorrect, but we now have a better understanding of the
problem.
Since we are looking for two numbers, we let
s = the number of student tickets
n = the number of non-student tickets Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 51
Solving a Problem

Example continued
2.) Translate
Hilton University Drama club sold 311 tickets for a play.

s + n = 311

total receipts were $385.50

Admission for Admission for Total


students non students receipts

0.50s + 1.50n = 385.50


Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 52
Solving a Problem

Example continued
3.) Solve
We are solving the system s + n = 311 and 0.50s + 1.50n = 385.50
Since the equations are written in standard form (and we might like
to get rid of the decimals anyway), we’ll solve by the addition
method. Multiply the second equation by –2.
s + n = 311 s + n = 311
simplifies to
2(0.50s + 1.50n) = 2(385.50) s – 3n = 771
2n = 460
n = 230
Now we substitute the value for n into the first equation.
s + n = 311  s + 230 = 311  s = 81 Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 53
Solving a Problem

Example continued
4.) Interpret
Check: Substitute s = 81 and n = 230 into both of the equations.
First equation,
s + n = 311
81 + 230 = 311 true
Second equation,
0.50s + 1.50n = 385.50
0.50(81) + 1.50(230) = 385.50
40.50 + 345 = 385.50 true
State: There were 81 student tickets and 230 non student
tickets sold.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 54
Solving a Rate Problem
Example
Terry Watkins can row about 10.6 kilometers in 1 hour
downstream and 6.8 kilometers upstream in 1 hour. Find how fast
he can row in still water, and find the speed of the current.
1.) Understand
Read and reread the problem. We are going to propose a
solution, but first we need to understand the formulas we will be
using. Although the basic formula is d = r • t (or r • t = d), we
have the effect of the water current in this problem. The rate
when traveling downstream would actually be r + w and the rate
upstream would be r – w, where r is the speed of the rower in
still water, and w is the speed of the water current.
Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 55
Solving a Rate Problem
Example
1.) Understand (continued)
Suppose Terry can row 9 km/hr in still water, and the water
current is 2 km/hr. Since he rows for 1 hour in each direction,
downstream would be (r + w)t = d or (9 + 2)1 = 11 km
Upstream would be (r – w)t = d or (9 – 2)1 = 7 km
Our proposed solution is incorrect (hey, we were pretty close for
a guess out of the blue), but we now have a better understanding
of the problem.
Since we are looking for two rates, we let
r = the rate of the rower in still water
w = the rate of the water current Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 56
Solving a Rate Problem

Example continued
2.) Translate
rate time distance
downstream downstream downstream

(r + w) • 1 = 10.6

rate time distance


upstream upstream upstream

(r – w) • 1 = 6.8
Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 57
Solving a Rate Problem

Example continued
3.) Solve
We are solving the system r + w = 10.6 and r – w = 6.8
Since the equations are written in standard form, we’ll solve by the
addition method. Simply combine the two equations together.
r + w = 10.6
r – w = 6.8
2r = 17.4
r = 8.7

Now we substitute the value for r into the first equation.


r + w = 10.6  8.7 + w = 10.6  w = 1.9
Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 58
Solving a Rate Problem

Example continued
4.) Interpret
Check: Substitute r = 8.7 and w = 1.9 into both of the
equations.
First equation,
(r + w)1 = 10.6
(8.7 + 1.9)1 = 10.6 true
Second equation,
(r – w)1 = 1.9
(8.7 – 1.9)1 = 6.8 true

State: Terry’s rate in still water is 8.7 km/hr and the rate of
the water current is 1.9 km/hr.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 59
Solving a Mixture Problem
Example
A Candy Barrel shop manager mixes M&M’s worth $2.00 per pound
with trail mix worth $1.50 per pound. Find how many pounds of each
she should use to get 50 pounds of a party mix worth $1.80 per pound.

1.) Understand
Read and reread the problem. We are going to propose a
solution, but first we need to understand the formulas we will be
using. To find out the cost of any quantity of items we use the
formula
price per unit • number of units = price of all units

Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 60
Solving a Mixture Problem
Example
1.) Understand (continued)
Suppose the manage decides to mix 20 pounds of M&M’s.
Since the total mixture will be 50 pounds, we need 50 – 20 = 30
pounds of the trail mix. Substituting each portion of the mix
into the formula,
M&M’s $2.00 per lb • 20 lbs = $40.00
trail mix $1.50 per lb • 30 lbs = $45.00
Mixture $1.80 per lb • 50 lbs = $90.00

Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 61
Solving a Mixture Problem
Example
1.) Understand (continued)
Since $40.00 + $45.00  $90.00, our proposed solution is
incorrect (hey, we were pretty close again), but we now have a
better understanding of the problem.
Since we are looking for two quantities, we let
x = the amount of M&M’s
y = the amount of trail mix

Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 62
Solving a Mixture Problem

Example continued
2.) Translate
Fifty pounds of party mix
x + y = 50

Using price per unit • number of units = price of all units

Price of Price of Price of


M&M’s trail mix mixture

2x + 1.5y = 1.8(50) = 90
Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 63
Solving a Mixture Problem

Example continued
3.) Solve
We are solving the system x + y = 50 and 2x + 1.50y = 90
Since the equations are written in standard form (and we might like
to get rid of the decimals anyway), we’ll solve by the addition
method. Multiply the first equation by 3 and the second equation
by –2.
3(x + y) = 3(50) 3x + 3y = 150
simplifies to
–2(2x + 1.50y) = –2(90) -4x – 3y = -180
-x = -30
x = 30
Now we substitute the value for x into the first equation.
x + y = 50  30 + y = 50  y = 20 Continued
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 64
Solving a Mixture Problem

Example continued
4.) Interpret
Check: Substitute x = 30 and y = 20 into both of the equations.
First equation,
x + y = 50
30 + 20 = 50 true
Second equation,
2x + 1.50y = 90
2(30) + 1.50(20) = 90
60 + 30 = 90 true
State: The store manager needs to mix 30 pounds of M&M’s
and 20 pounds of trail mix to get the mixture at $1.80 a pound.
Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 65
Source: Modified

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Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 66


Solve the following systems by Graphical Method, Substitution Method and
Elimination Method. Indicate the type of linear system and the number of solutions.
Show all your solutions.

1.y = -2x – 6 3.) 2x = y -5


4x + 2y = 8 x – y = -1

2. y – 4 = 2x 4.) x + y = 2
4x + 8 = 2y y=x-4

Martin-Gay, Developmental Mathematics 67

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