by graphing Heather Greene Grand Canyon University TEC 542 June 1, 2011

Table of Contents Click on the following topics to jump to that topic: Home What is a linear equation? What is a system of linear equations? Solving systems of linear equations by graphing

What is a linear equation? An equation with two variables for which the graph of the solutions form a line Example: y = 2x - 3 There are many solutions for this equation. We usually organize them in a t-chart: x2x - 3y 02(0) (1) (2) (3) - 33 Then we plot the (x,y) coordinates on a coordinate plane. Go to the next screen to see! TABLE OF CONTENTS

x2x - 3y 02(0) (1) (2) (3) - 33 What is a linear equation? The (x,y) solutions form a line when graphed on a coordinate plane! TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is a system of linear equations? Two or more linear equations that contain the same variables. Example: y = 2x – 3 y = -x + 3 Follow this link to read about systems of equations: TABLE OF CONTENTS

xy Solving systems of linear equations by graphing The point where the two lines cross is the solution. That is the coordinate pair that makes both equations true. The solution for this system of equations is (2,1). y = 2x – 3y = -x + 3 xy y = 2x – 3 y = -x + 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Solving systems of linear equations interactive tutorial Follow this link to learn more about solving systems of equations, including what happens if you have parallel lines: TABLE OF CONTENTS