3.2 Solving Linear Systems Algebraically Algebra II
2 Methods for Solving Algebraically Substitution Method (used mostly when one of the equations has a variable with a coefficient of 1 or -1) Linear Combination Method or Elimination Method (use any time)
Substitution Method Solve one of the given equations for one of the variables with a coefficient of 1 or -1. Substitute the expression from step 1 into the other equation and solve for the remaining variable. Substitute the value from step 2 into the revised equation from step 1 and solve for the 2nd variable. Write the solution as an ordered pair (x,y).
Ex. 1: Solve using sub. method Now, solve for x. 2x+6x-26= -10 8x=16 x=2 Now substitute the 2 in for x in for the equation from step 1. y=3(2)-13 y=6-13 y=-7 Solution: (2,-7) Plug in to check soln. 3x-y=13 2x+2y= -10 Solve the 1st eqn for y. -y= -3x+13 y=3x-13 Now substitute 3x-13 in for the y in the 2nd equation. 2x+2(3x-13)= -10
3-2B Solving linear Systems using the elimination method
Linear Combination or Elimination Method Multiply one or both equations by a real number so that when the equations are added together one variable will cancel out. Add the 2 equations together. Solve for the remaining variable. Substitute the value from step 2 into one of the original equations and solve for the other variable. Write the solution as an ordered pair (x,y).
Ex. 1: Solve using lin. combo. (elimination) method. 2x-6y=19 -3x+2y=10 Multiply the entire 2nd eqn. by 3. 2x-6y=19 2x– 6y=19 3(-3x+2y=10) -9x+6y=30 -7x=49 2. Now add the 2 eq.’s together and solve for the variable. x=-7 Substitute the -7 in for x in one of the original equations. 2(-7)-6y=19 -14-6y=19 -6y=33 y= -11/2 Now write as an ordered pair. (-7, -5½ ) Plug into both equations to check.
Means any point on the line is a solution. Ex. 2: Choose a method. 9x-3y=15 -3x+y= -5 Which method? Substitution! Solve 2nd eqn for y. y=3x-5 9x-3(3x-5)=15 9x-9x+15=15 15=15 OK, so? What does this mean? Both equations are for the same line! many solutions Means any point on the line is a solution.
Ex. 3: Solve using either method. 6x-4y=14 -3x+2y=7 Which method? Linear combo! Multiply 2nd eqn by 2. +-6x+4y=14 0=28 Huh? What does this mean? It means the 2 lines are parallel. No solution Since the lines do not intersect, they have no points in common.
Assignment