Ax+b=0 is one-variable linear equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the representation and properties of linear and quadratic equations in one or two variables, including their graphical interpretations and solution sets. Participants explore various forms of equations and question the conventions used in representing solutions graphically.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that ax+b=0 is a one-variable linear equation and ax+by+c=0 is a two-variable linear equation.
  • There is a discussion about the representation of solution sets for equations, with some suggesting that the graph of ax+by+c=0 can be represented as {(y,x) | ax+by+c=0}, while others argue that it is conventionally represented as {(x,y) | ax+by+c=0}.
  • Participants explore the implications of rearranging equations, questioning whether it is valid to choose y first to find x.
  • There is a proposal that the general form of a two-variable quadratic equation could be ax^2 + by^2 + cxy + dx + ey + f = 0.
  • Some participants discuss the representation of vertical and horizontal lines, suggesting that x=a can be represented as {(x,y) | x+0y=a} or {(x,y)∈ℝ² | x=a}.
  • There is a query about the representation of the graph of a function f(x) and whether it can be expressed as x=f(x)-a.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of certain representations of solution sets, particularly regarding the notation used.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic forms of linear and quadratic equations but express differing views on the representation of solution sets and the validity of certain notations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correctness of specific representations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the representation of solution sets may depend on conventions and that certain forms may not be universally accepted. There are also unresolved questions about the implications of rearranging equations and the conditions under which certain representations hold.

WannabeFeynman
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Hello
Am I right in saying:
ax+b=0 is one-variable linear equation
ax+by+c=0 is two-variable linear equation
ax^2+bx+c=0 is one-variable quadratic equation
ax^2+bx+c=y is two-variable quadratic equation
Every linear or quadratic equation in one or two variables can be represented in those ways.

How come graph of ax+by+c=0 is point of solution set {(x,y) | ax+by+c=0}? Why not (y,x)? Since we can rearrange it as x=(y=b)/m, can we pick the y value first and then find the x value?

I know graph of x=a and y=a is vertical and horizontal lines respectively because x or y will always be constant no matter what y or x is respectively. But how would we represent the solution sets? For x=a, would it be {(x,y) | x+0y=a}?

Thanks.
 
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WannabeFeynman said:
Hello
Am I right in saying:
ax+b=0 is one-variable linear equation
ax+by+c=0 is two-variable linear equation
ax^2+bx+c=0 is one-variable quadratic equation
ax^2+bx+c=y is two-variable quadratic equation

Sure.

Every linear or quadratic equation in one or two variables can be represented in those ways.

I would say the general two-variable quadratic equation has the form

ax^2 + by^2 + cxy + dx + ey + f = 0

How come graph of ax+by+c=0 is point of solution set {(x,y) | ax+by+c=0}? Why not (y,x)? Since we can rearrange it as x=(y=b)/m, can we pick the y value first and then find the x value?

It doesn't matter much. You might as well choose

\{(y,x)~\vert~ax+ by + c = 0\}

It might not be the same set, but it will be an equivalent situation you're dealing with. Geometrically, this corresponds to just swapping X-axis and Y-axis.

Usually, we will of course use

\{(x,y)~\vert~ax + by + c = 0\}

but that's a convention.

I know graph of x=a and y=a is vertical and horizontal lines respectively because x or y will always be constant no matter what y or x is respectively. But how would we represent the solution sets? For x=a, would it be {(x,y) | x+0y=a}?

Yes, that will be one possible way of writing the solution set. Another one is

\{(x,y)\in \mathbb{R}^2~\vert~ x =a\}

or

\{(a,y)\in \mathbb{R}^2~\vert~y\in \mathbb{R}^2\}
 
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Thanks a lot. That cleared my doubts.
 
Am I right in saying:
graph of f(x) is graph of solution set {(x,f(x)) | f(x)=x+a}

Can I right it as x=f(x)-a too?
 
WannabeFeynman said:
Am I right in saying:
graph of f(x) is graph of solution set {(x,f(x)) | f(x)=x+a}

Can I right it as x=f(x)-a too?

I would say the graph of a function ##f:\mathbb{R}\rightarrow\mathbb{R}## is

\{(x,f(x))\in \mathbb{R}^2~\vert~x\in \mathbb{R}\}

or perhaps

\{(x,y)\in \mathbb{R}^2~\vert~y=f(x)\}

In the case that ##f(x) = x+a## for all ##x##, then this becomes

\{(x,x+a)\in \mathbb{R}^2~\vert~x\in \mathbb{R}\}

or

\{(x,y)\in \mathbb{R}^2~\vert~y=x+a\}

and you can write this of course as

\{(x,y)\in \mathbb{R}^2~\vert~x=y-a\}
 
So
{(x,f(x)) | f(x)=x+a}
is wrong then?

Can't get { and } to show...
 
WannabeFeynman said:
So
{(x,f(x)) | f(x)=x+a}
is wrong then?

If your ##f## is defined by ##f(x) = x+a##, then that just says

\{(x,f(x))~\vert~x+a=x+a\}

which simplifies to

\{(x,f(x))~\vert~0=0\}

So yes, it's not really right.
 
The how come

(x,y) | y=x+a [\tex]<br /> <br /> is correct?
 
Then how come

(x,y) | y=x+a

is correct?
 

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