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Questions and Answers
What method involves adding or subtracting two equations so that one variable disappears in solving systems of linear equations?
What method involves adding or subtracting two equations so that one variable disappears in solving systems of linear equations?
In the linear equation y = 2x + 1, what does the value of 2 represent?
In the linear equation y = 2x + 1, what does the value of 2 represent?
When graphing a linear equation, what does the y-intercept represent?
When graphing a linear equation, what does the y-intercept represent?
What is the solution to the system of linear equations: x + y = 10, 2x - y = 4?
What is the solution to the system of linear equations: x + y = 10, 2x - y = 4?
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Which method involves multiplying each term in one equation by a constant to eliminate one variable in solving linear equations?
Which method involves multiplying each term in one equation by a constant to eliminate one variable in solving linear equations?
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What happens if a system of linear equations results in a contradiction?
What happens if a system of linear equations results in a contradiction?
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What mathematical concept involves finding the value(s) of one variable given the values of another variable?
What mathematical concept involves finding the value(s) of one variable given the values of another variable?
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Which method involves using the solution from one equation to substitute into another equation to solve a system of equations?
Which method involves using the solution from one equation to substitute into another equation to solve a system of equations?
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In a linear equation y = 4x + 1, what do the constants 4 and 1 represent?
In a linear equation y = 4x + 1, what do the constants 4 and 1 represent?
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What is the term for a relationship between two variables that can be represented by a straight line when plotted on a graph?
What is the term for a relationship between two variables that can be represented by a straight line when plotted on a graph?
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Which method involves finding the value of one variable for any given value of the other in linear equations?
Which method involves finding the value of one variable for any given value of the other in linear equations?
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What concept in mathematics involves representing real-world phenomena using a relationship between two variables?
What concept in mathematics involves representing real-world phenomena using a relationship between two variables?
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Study Notes
Linear Equations
Linear equations are fundamental mathematical concepts used to model various real-world phenomena. They involve a relationship between two variables where one is dependent on the other and can be represented by a straight line when plotted on a graph. In this article, we will discuss solving linear equations, graphing linear equations, systems of linear equations, applications of linear equations, and word problems involving linear equations.
Solving Linear Equations
Solving linear equations involves finding the value(s) of one variable given the values of another variable. For example, if we have the equation y = 4x + 1, where x and y are variables, and 4 and 1 are constants, we can find the value of y for any given value of x. Similarly, we can find the value of x for any given value of y. This concept is known as algebraic methods or methods of solving equations. These methods include substitution, elimination, and cross multiplication.
Substitution Method
The substitution method involves using the solution from one equation to substitute into another equation, allowing us to solve the system of equations.
Example: Solve the following system of equations:
y = 2x + 1 y - 2 = 0
To solve this system, we first need to isolate y in one of the equations. We choose the second equation:
y - 2 = 0 y = 2
Now, we substitute this value of y back into the first equation:
y = 2x + 1 2 = 2x + 1
To isolate x, we subtract 1 from both sides of the equation:
2 - 1 = 2x 1 = 2x
Then, divide both sides by 2:
1 / 2 = x 0.5 = x
So, the solution is x = 0.5 and y = 2.
Elimination Method
The elimination method involves adding or subtracting two equations so that one variable disappears, leaving us with a single equation.
Example: Solve the following system of equations:
y = 2x + 1 y = -2x - 1
To eliminate x, we add the two equations:
y + y = 2x + 1 + (-2x - 1) 2y = -1 y = -1 / 2
Now, we substitute this value of y back into one of the original equations:
y = 2x + 1 (-1 / 2) = 2x + 1
To isolate x, we subtract 1 from both sides of the equation:
(-1 / 2) - 1 = 2x -1 = 2x
Then, divide both sides by 2:
-1 / 2 = x -0.5 = x
So, the solution is x = -0.5 and y = -1.
Cross Multiplication Method
The cross multiplication method involves multiplying each term in one equation by a constant that cancels out the other variable, leaving us with an equation where only one variable remains.
Example: Solve the following system of equations:
y = 2x + 1 y = -2x - 1
To eliminate x, we multiply the first equation by -2 and the second equation by 2:
-2(2x + 1) = -2(2x + 1) -4x - 2 = -4x - 2
Now, we add these two equations together:
(-4x - 2) + (-4x - 2) = -4x - 2 + (-4x - 2) -8x - 4 = -8x - 4
Since this equation has no solved variable, we have found a contradiction. There is no solution to this system of equations.
Graphing Linear Equations
Graphing linear equations involves plotting points on a coordinate plane and then connecting them with a straight line. This is because any linear function has the form y = mx + c, where m represents the slope and c is the y-intercept. The slope tells us how steep or shallow the line will be, while the y-intercept determines whether the graph starts above or below the y-axis.
Systems of Linear Equations
Systems of linear equations consist of two or more linear equations with the same variables. To solve these systems, we can use methods such as substitution, elimination, and cross multiplication, similar to solving individual linear equations. However, when dealing with more than one equation, we must ensure that the solution is valid for all the given equations before accepting it as the answer.
Example: Solve the following system of linear equations:
x + y = 10 2x - y = 4
Using the elimination method, we can eliminate y by adding the two equations:
x + y = 10 2x - y = 4 3x = 14
To solve for x, we divide both sides of the equation by 3:
3x / 3 = 14 / 3 x = 4.66666667
Now, we substitute this value of x back into one of the original equations to solve for y:
x + y = 10 4.66666667 + y = 10
To isolate y, we subtract 4.66666667 from both sides of the equation:
y - 4.66666667 = 5.33333333
Now, we add 4.66666667 to both sides of the equation:
y - 4.66666667 + 4.66666667 = 5.33333333 + 4.66666667 y = 9.99999993
So, the solution is x = 4.66666667 and y = 9.99999993.
Applications of Linear Equations
Linear equations have numerous applications in various fields, including physics, engineering, economics, and finance. For example, in physics, linear equations are used to model the motion of objects under constant acceleration. In engineering, linear equations are used
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Description
Explore the methods of solving linear equations such as substitution, elimination, and cross multiplication. Learn how to graph linear equations, handle systems of linear equations, and apply linear equations in various real-world scenarios.