Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
7. Systems of Equations & Matrices
Two Variable Systems of Linear Equations
4:23 minutes
Problem 4
Textbook Question
Use the substitution or elimination method to solve each system of equations. Identify any inconsistent systems or systems with infinitely many solutions. If a system has infinitely many solutions, write the solution set with y arbitrary. 1/6x + 1/3y = 8 1/4x + 1/2y = 12
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1
Step 1: First, let's simplify the equations by multiplying each equation by a number that will eliminate the fractions. For the first equation, multiply each term by 6 to get x + 2y = 48. For the second equation, multiply each term by 4 to get x + 2y = 48.
Step 2: Now, we have two equations that are identical. This means that they represent the same line, and therefore, the system has infinitely many solutions.
Step 3: To express the solution set, we can solve one of the equations for one variable in terms of the other. Let's solve the first equation for x: x = 48 - 2y.
Step 4: The solution set is then all pairs (x, y) such that x = 48 - 2y. Since y can be any real number, we say that y is arbitrary.
Step 5: So, the solution to the system of equations is the set of all pairs (x, y) such that x = 48 - 2y, with y arbitrary.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Systems of Equations
A system of equations consists of two or more equations with the same set of variables. The goal is to find values for the variables that satisfy all equations simultaneously. Solutions can be unique, none, or infinitely many, depending on the relationships between the equations.
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Substitution Method
The substitution method involves solving one equation for one variable and then substituting that expression into the other equation. This method simplifies the system into a single equation with one variable, making it easier to solve for the variable and subsequently find the other variable.
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Elimination Method
The elimination method involves adding or subtracting equations to eliminate one variable, allowing for the solution of the remaining variable. This method can be particularly useful when the coefficients of one variable are easily manipulated to create opposites, leading to a straightforward solution.
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