How Do You Solve These Simultaneous Linear Equations for L and X?

[Loke]

Homework Statement

Find value L and X.

0.18²(L²+X²)=160²
0.18²[(555.56+L)²+X²]=240²

 

[eumyang]

Technically, these aren't linear equations, are they, since both L and X are squared. You can solve this through substitution. I would solve the 1st equation for X², then substitute the result into the 2nd equation and then solve for L. Try it, and let us know what you get.


69

 

[Loke]

but i still don't know why i can't solve it out ...can you show me how you do it? ^^

 

[HallsofIvy]

Well, what have you tried to do? Have you solved $0.18^2(L^2+ X^2)= 160^2$? If so, what did you get?

What equation do you get when you replace $X^2$ by that in $0.182[(555.56+L)^2+X^2]=2402$?