Methods for solving simultaneous equations

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    Simultaneous equations
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for solving simultaneous equations, specifically focusing on linear equations. Participants explore various techniques for tackling these equations, including rewriting, substitution, and elimination methods.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether the given equations are simultaneous or linear and seeks a simple procedure for solving them.
  • Another participant suggests that the first two equations can be solved by equating the expressions for y and solving for x, then substituting back to find y.
  • A different approach is proposed for the third equation, recommending the isolation of a variable and substitution into the other equation.
  • One participant mentions that adding the two equations can lead to cancellation of terms, simplifying the solution process.
  • Another participant provides an example of multiplying an equation by a constant to facilitate elimination and suggests that this method can yield the same results as addition.
  • Several participants express confusion or difficulty in solving the equations, with one noting a specific error in their calculations.
  • At least one participant confirms that they eventually found the solution independently, indicating a learning process.
  • Another participant clarifies that the equations are both simultaneous and linear, providing definitions for these terms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the methods for solving the equations, but there is some confusion and uncertainty expressed regarding the calculations and specific steps involved. No consensus is reached on the best approach for the third equation, as different methods are suggested.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific steps and methods without providing complete solutions, indicating that certain assumptions or steps may be missing in their reasoning.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students preparing for exams in mathematics, particularly those dealing with simultaneous linear equations and seeking various methods for solving them.

TheAkuma
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Hey everyone. Okay, first of all I'm not sure if these equations are simultaneous or linear so please correct me if I'm wrong. I need to know a simple procedure to tackle on these equations.Thanks.

a) y=x-6 and y=2x-14
b) y=0.5x-7 and y=3x-22
c) 9y-4x+6=0 and 4x-2y-7=0
 
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Well, the first two are very easy because you have just "y" on the left hand side. Since obviously, y cannot have two different values at the same time, you must have y = y and therefore in the first case also x - 6 = 2x - 14 and in the second case 0.5x - 7 = 3x - 22. From this you can solve x in both cases, and then you just plug that value back into also find y.

The third case is a little more tricky. I suggest rewriting one of the equations to isolate either x or y, then plug that into the other equation so you get a single equation in a single variable. For example, you can rewrite the second one to 4x = ... and then replace the 4x in the first equation by that expression (watch out for the minus sign in front!)
 
TheAkuma said:
c) 9y-4x+6=0 and 4x-2y-7=0


Alternatively - note, that on the left hand side of both equation you have 4x and -4x. If you add these equations side by side, x will cancel out.

Quite often this can be done just by multiplying one of the equations by a constant. For example

x + 2y = 7
2x + 3y = 6

multiply first equation by -2:

-2x - 4y = -14

add equations:

-2x - 4y = -14
2x + 3y = 6
----------------
-y = -8

You may as well multiply second equation by 2 and then subtract it from the first equation, it will give the same effect.
 
CompuChip said:
Well, the first two are very easy because you have just "y" on the left hand side. Since obviously, y cannot have two different values at the same time, you must have y = y and therefore in the first case also x - 6 = 2x - 14 and in the second case 0.5x - 7 = 3x - 22. From this you can solve x in both cases, and then you just plug that value back into also find y.

The third case is a little more tricky. I suggest rewriting one of the equations to isolate either x or y, then plug that into the other equation so you get a single equation in a single variable. For example, you can rewrite the second one to 4x = ... and then replace the 4x in the first equation by that expression (watch out for the minus sign in front!)

Thank you so very much. That third one really made me scratching my head. Are you able to give me the order of operation to rewrite the 4x= please?
 
Borek said:
Alternatively - note, that on the left hand side of both equation you have 4x and -4x. If you add these equations side by side, x will cancel out.

Quite often this can be done just by multiplying one of the equations by a constant. For example

x + 2y = 7
2x + 3y = 6

multiply first equation by -2:

-2x - 4y = -14

add equations:

-2x - 4y = -14
2x + 3y = 6
----------------
-y = -8

You may as well multiply second equation by 2 and then subtract it from the first equation, it will give the same effect.

THanks. So you're saying all i have to do is just add the equations for c) together?
 
Try it.
 
Borek said:
Try it.

I don't know what i keep doing wrong. I keep getting 7y=1
 
Borek said:
Try it.

Oi dude, my Maths B exam is tomorrow and i need to know this question please
 
TheAkuma said:
Oi dude, my Maths B exam is tomorrow and i need to know this question please

its alright, ii finally got it. Thanks
 
  • #10
TheAkuma said:
I keep getting 7y=1

Good :smile:

I was AFK, but I see you managed to get it right on your own.
 
  • #11
For (c), the simplest way is to notice that the two equations, 9y-4x+6=0 and 4x-2y-7=0 Have "4x" and "-4x". If you add the two equations, they cancel leaving (9-2)y+ (6-7)= 0 or 7y- 1= 0. Then 7y= 1 so y= 1/7. Replace y in either of the original equations to get a single equation to solve for x.

By the way, the equations are both "simultaneous" (because there is more than one equation) and "linear" (because you have no powers of x and y except [itex]x^1= 1[/itex] and [itex]y^1= y[/itex] or more complicated functions of x and y.
 

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