Finding the Point of Intersection: Is (-2, -2.5) the Solution?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the point of intersection of two linear equations: 4y = x - 8 and 2y = 3x + 1. Participants explore methods for solving simultaneous equations, including substitution and elimination, while addressing the specific values that lead to the intersection point.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest using substitution or elimination to find the intersection of the two equations.
  • A participant proposes multiplying the second equation by 2 to facilitate comparison with the first equation.
  • There is a calculation presented that leads to the conclusion that x = -2 and subsequently y = -2.5, suggesting the intersection point is (-2, -2.5).
  • A later reply verifies the proposed intersection point by substituting it back into the original equations, showing that it satisfies both equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

While there is a verification of the proposed intersection point (-2, -2.5), the discussion does not explicitly confirm consensus on the methods used or the understanding of simultaneous equations among all participants.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion regarding the concept of simultaneous equations, indicating a potential gap in understanding that may affect the discussion's clarity.

nicholar1
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Hi,

I am looking for some help on how you find the point of intersection of the following two lines:

4y = x - 8
2y = 3x + 1

Thanks for any help.

/Nichola
 
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nicholar1 said:
Hi,

I am looking for some help on how you find the point of intersection of the following two lines:

4y = x - 8
2y = 3x + 1

Thanks for any help.

/Nichola

Hi Nichola

The intersection will be at the point where the equations are equal. Are you familiar with solving simultaneous equations either by substitution or elimination?

Multiply the second equation by 2:

[math]4y = 6x+2[/math]

You can then subtract this equation from the first one to eliminate y
 
SuperSonic4 said:
Hi Nichola

The intersection will be at the point where the equations are equal. Are you familiar with solving simultaneous equations either by substitution or elimination?

Multiply the second equation by 2:

[math]4y = 6x+2[/math]

You can then subtract this equation from the first one to eliminate y

Hi,

No I have never done simultaneous equations before, that's where I'm getting confused, how they work together.
 
nicholar1 said:
Hi,

I am looking for some help on how you find the point of intersection of the following two lines:

4y = x - 8
2y = 3x + 1

Thanks for any help.

/Nichola

nicholar1 said:
Hi,

No I have never done simultaneous equations before, that's where I'm getting confused, how they work together.

Welcome to MHB Nichola! :)

We can multiply the second equation by 2 as Supersonic suggested.
That is, we start with:
$$2y = 3x + 1$$
and we end up with
$$4y = 6x + 2$$

Now we can see that according to the first equation $4y=x-8$ and according to the rewritten second equation we also have that $4y=6x+2$.
Since both are equal to $4y$ it must be that $x-8$ is equal to $6x+2$.

How would you solve the equation $x-8 = 6x+2$?
 
I like Serena said:
Welcome to MHB Nichola! :)

We can multiply the second equation by 2 as Supersonic suggested.
That is, we start with:
$$2y = 3x + 1$$
and we end up with
$$4y = 6x + 2$$

Now we can see that according to the first equation $4y=x-8$ and according to the rewritten second equation we also have that $4y=6x+2$.
Since both are equal to $4y$ it must be that $x-8$ is equal to $6x+2$.

How would you solve the equation $x-8 = 6x+2$?

So to solve the equation $x-8 = 6x+2$ we:

Add 8 to both sides: $x = 6x+10$
Subtract 6x from both sides: $-5x = 10$
Divide both sides by -5: $x = -2$

So, substituting x = -2 into the equations give:

$4y = -2 - 8 = -10$

$2y = 3 x (-2) + 1 = -5$

So dividing -10 by 4 or -5 by 2 gives -2.5.

So does that mean the point of intersection is (-2, -2.5)?

Thanks for the help guys :)

/Nichola
 
nicholar1 said:
So to solve the equation $x-8 = 6x+2$ we:

Add 8 to both sides: $x = 6x+10$
Subtract 6x from both sides: $-5x = 10$
Divide both sides by -5: $x = -2$

So, substituting x = -2 into the equations give:

$4y = -2 - 8 = -10$

$2y = 3 x (-2) + 1 = -5$

So dividing -10 by 4 or -5 by 2 gives -2.5.

So does that mean the point of intersection is (-2, -2.5)?

Thanks for the help guys :)

/Nichola

Let's verify...

Substiting (-2, -2.5) in:
\begin{aligned}4y &= x - 8 \\
2y &= 3x + 1
\end{aligned}
gives:
\begin{aligned}4 \cdot -2.5 &= -2 -8 \\
2 \cdot -2.5 &= 3 \cdot -2 + 1
\end{aligned}
simplifying:
\begin{aligned}-10 &= -10 \\
-5 &= -5
\end{aligned}

We have a match, so this is the correct solution! (Happy)
 

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