Find the value of ##5x+5y## in the given equation

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The discussion centers on finding the value of the expression ##5x + 5y## given the equation ##2x = -\frac{7}{2}y##. The participants conclude that there are infinite solutions for the pairs of values of ##x## and ##y##, such as ##x = -7, y = 4## or ##x = -14, y = 8##. The derived expression simplifies to ##5x + 5y = -\frac{15}{4}y##, indicating that the value of ##5x + 5y## is dependent on the arbitrary choice of ##y##. The discussion emphasizes that without additional constraints, the expression can yield an infinite range of values.

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chwala
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Homework Statement
Consider the equation; ##2x+4y##=##\dfrac {1}{2}y##. Find possible values of ##5x+5y##.
Relevant Equations
understanding of equations
This is a problem created by me.

Ok my approach on this,
##2x##=##-\dfrac {7}{2}####y##
##4x=-7y##
##\dfrac {x}{y}=\dfrac {-7}{4}##
##⇒x=-7##, ##y=4##
therefore, ##5x+5y=-35+20=-15##.

there may be more solutions...your thoughts guys.
 
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There are infinite possible pairs of x and y e.g.
x=-7,y=4
x=-14, y=8
X=1, y=-4/7

Say 5x+5y=A, y=##\frac{A}{5}-x##
By inputting it to 4x=-7y
4x=-\frac{7A}{5}-7x
A=\frac{55}{7}x
As variable x takes any possible value, A does also.

[EDIT]Correction
4x=-\frac{7A}{5}+7x
A=\frac{15}{7}x
 
Last edited:
True, in multiples of ##-7n##...where n lies in R...sorry am typing using my phone ...no latex...##n=1, 2,3, ...## is there a mistake on your last fraction? If you substitute ##x=-7##, we don't seem to arrive at same solution...
 
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chwala said:
True, in multiples of ##-7n##...where ##n= 2,3, ...## is there a mistake on your last fraction? If you substitute ##x=-7##, we don't seem to arrive at same solution...
These kinds of problems are very badly phrased. You have given a proportion between ##x## and ##y## and try to figure out an absolute value. This cannot be done. It is impossible.

We have ##x=-\dfrac{7}{4}y## so ##5x+5y=-\dfrac{35}{4}y+\dfrac{20}{4}y=-\dfrac{15}{4}y=\dfrac{15}{7}x## and that is all that can be said. There is no way to prefer plugging in a particular value for ##x## or ##y## over any other value. ##x=y=0## would be an easy solution, even without any algebra.
 
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Noted, a learning point for me. Thanks Fresh...

just on a side note 'could we then talk of finding the greatest possible value of ##5x+5y##?' ...i can see that we have a straight line function...
 
1647007756329.png


We are given the green line (2x+4y=0.5y) and asked for an intersection with any of the other lines (5x+5y=A). But every non-green line and every parallel to them is valid. So the intersections are all points on the green line, depending on which non-green line we choose, i.e. which value for A. All we have is the slope of the non-green lines, but not where they cross the green line.
 
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chwala said:
This is a problem created by me.
Ok my approach on this,
##2x##=##-\dfrac {7}{2}####y##
##4x=-7y##
##\dfrac {x}{y}=\dfrac {-7}{4}##
##⇒x=-7##, ##y=4##
No, you cannot conclude this without also noting that this is merely one of an infinite number of solutions, including such points (pairs) as (-14, 8), (7, -4) and so on ad infinitum.

The first line of what I've quoted is ##2x = -\frac 7 2 y##.
This is a single equation in two variables, which means that one of the variables can be freely chosen. I've seen you make this over-simplification in at least one of your recent threads.
chwala said:
therefore, ##5x+5y=-35+20=-15##.
No, you cannot conclude this.
Solving for x in your first equation above yields ##x = -\frac 7 4 y##.
Substitute into 5x + 5y:
##5x + 5y = 5(-\frac 7 4 y) + 5y = -\frac{35}4y + \frac{20} 4 y = -\frac{15}4 y##
That's really all you can legitimately say.

The value for y is arbitrary, meaning that 5x + 5y can take on an infinite number of values.
 
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What about if we were to find the greatest possible value of ##5x+5y?##
 
Referring to A in #2, as
x[-\infty,+\infty],
A[-\infty,+\infty].

[EDIT] ( , ) instead of [ , ]
 
Last edited:
  • #10
anuttarasammyak said:
Referring to A in #2, as
x[-\infty,+\infty],
A[-\infty,+\infty].
Thanks will check...we know that ##x## and ##y## are dependent on each other ...but having different sign, one is positive and other negative...I will check on this...thanks Anutta...
 
  • #11
True, infinity it is...cheers mate.
 
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