Linear equations using addition

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a system of linear equations involving two variables, c and d. Participants explore the correctness of their solutions and the potential discrepancies when using Wolfram Alpha for verification.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their solution for the equations 3d=13-2c and (3c+d)/2=8, arriving at c=5 and d=1.
  • Several participants confirm that the solution provided is correct by substituting the values back into the original equations.
  • Another participant questions the reliability of Wolfram Alpha, which suggests different values for c and d, specifically c=35/16 and d=23/8.
  • Some participants suggest that the discrepancy may arise from incorrectly entering the equations into Wolfram Alpha.
  • There is a discussion about the correct formatting for inputting equations into Wolfram Alpha, particularly regarding the use of brackets.
  • One participant notes that multiplying the first equation by 2 was unnecessary for solving the system.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correctness of the solution provided by the first participant, but there is disagreement regarding the reliability of Wolfram Alpha's output and the potential for input errors.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the correct input format for Wolfram Alpha and the implications of the different outputs it provides. The discussion does not resolve whether Wolfram Alpha's results are incorrect or if the input was flawed.

uperkurk
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I'm probably making a silly mistake or Wolfram Alpha is lying to me.

Question: Find the value of c and d.

3d=13-2c

\frac{3c+d}{2}=8

Rearranged, simplified and multiply each equation by 2:

6d+4c=26
d+3c=16

Now find the common multiple which in my case I will use 12:

18d+12c=78
-4d-12c=-64

Then add them and find what d is worth:

14d=14

d=1

Now when I plug this back into the equation, I will use the first one:

3(1)+2c=13
3+2(c)=13
c=5

d=1, c=5

What am I doing wrong? Sorry if this is the long winded way to do it.
 
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Your answer is correct, as you can verify by plugging ##d = 1## and ##c = 5## into the two given equations.
 
jbunniii said:
Your answer is correct, as you can verify by plugging ##d = 1## and ##c = 5## into the two given equations.

So Wolfram is lying to me it seems?

Wolfram says the answer is c=\frac{35}{16}, d=\frac{23}{8}
 
uperkurk said:
So Wolfram is lying to me it seems?

Wolfram says the answer is c=\frac{35}{16}, d=\frac{23}{8}
It seems more likely that you didn't enter the problem correctly into Wolfram Alpha.
 
I think you told Wolfram the second equation was
$$3c + \frac d 2 = 8$$
 
AlephZero said:
I think you told Wolfram the second equation was
$$3c + \frac d 2 = 8$$

Yes, looking back that is what is shows under "Input Result" How would I input the correct format?
 
uperkurk said:
Yes, looking back that is what is shows under "Input Result" How would I input the correct format?

If you meant this:
$$ \frac{3c + d}{2}$$

you should have written it as (3c + d)/2.

Also, there was some wasted effort when you multiplied the first equation by 2. You didn't need to do that.
 
uperkurk said:
Yes, looking back that is what is shows under "Input Result" How would I input the correct format?

Use correct brackets.
 

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