Newbie Needs Help Solving Equations

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    Solving equations
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Homework Help Overview

The original poster presents a homework question involving two equations: a linear equation and a quadratic equation. They express uncertainty about how to approach solving for the variables x and y.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest isolating one variable to substitute into the other equation. Others propose graphing the equations to visually determine the number of intersections, which correspond to potential solutions. There are mentions of the challenges of sketching graphs and the limitations of certain equations that may not allow for isolation of variables.

Discussion Status

Participants have offered various approaches to the problem, including algebraic manipulation and graphical interpretation. The discussion includes a mix of suggestions and personal reflections on the methods, but there is no clear consensus or resolution as the original poster has not returned to engage further.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern about the difficulty of sketching graphs, and some participants express a preference for using calculators over hand-drawn plots. The original poster's lack of response may indicate uncertainty or a need for further clarification.

bambino9
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hi everyone! I am new to this site and hope you can help me out a little :)

This is a homework question but am unsure how to do these types of equations

y = - x + 5
y = x² - 16 x + 59

x= and y= or x= and y=

could someone tell me how you go about doing these equations?

Thanks
 
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The general method for this type of problem is to isolate one variable, then use the resulting equation in the second equation to solve for the single remaining variable.

Give it a try and show us what you are doing.
 
another approach, given "easy" equations is to draw the equations on X,Y plane and see how many intersections you get. the number of intersection is the number of (x,y) answers you'll get.
i.e. if you're drawing shows no intersections this means you got no answer...
 
greytomato said:
another approach, given "easy" equations is to draw the equations on X,Y plane and see how many intersections you get. the number of intersection is the number of (x,y) answers you'll get.
i.e. if you're drawing shows no intersections this means you got no answer...

Yeah a rough sketch will show how many solutions you will have. As for solving equations graphically, that's something I hate . As intergral said, you would usually isolate one variable, then solve for that variable. Start by trying to make one equation from the two you are given.
 
bambino9 said:
hi everyone! I am new to this site and hope you can help me out a little :)

This is a homework question but am unsure how to do these types of equations

y = - x + 5
y = x² - 16 x + 59

x= and y= or x= and y=

could someone tell me how you go about doing these equations?

Thanks

Since y= both -x+ 5 and x2- 16x+ 59, them must be equal to each other: x2- 16x+ 59= -x+ 5. Solve that for x, then put those values into y= -x+ 5 to find the corresponding y.
 
there will be equations fom which you cannot isolate X nor Y.
there is where the sketch comes in :)
 
greytomato said:
there will be equations fom which you cannot isolate X nor Y.
there is where the sketch comes in :)

Yeah I know, but I still hate sketching graphs...could be the fact that I can't draw...:rolleyes:
 
Looks like we are talking to ourselfs on this one. The OP has not been back since the origianal posts.

Please refrain from further responses until the OP comes back.
 
Hootenanny said:
Yeah I know, but I still hate sketching graphs...could be the fact that I can't draw...:rolleyes:

A hand drawn plot? I thought everyone just used their calculator these days?
 
  • #10
Integral said:
A hand drawn plot? I thought everyone just used their calculator these days?

I'm still using a bog standard scientific calculator, only one step away from the abacus! If I want anything resembling an accurate plot I usually use autograph.
 
  • #11
Where have you gone, bambino?
 

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