Solutions to systems of equations

In summary, the conversation was about solving a set of equations for unknowns x and y, and whether it made sense to have x and y be known and instead A and B be unknown. The speaker clarified that they were regarding a1, a2, b1, and b2 as unknowns. The other person pointed out that in such case, the system would be undetermined and have either no solution or infinite solutions. The conversation concluded with the understanding that A and B always have unique values depending on all the parameters on the right side.
  • #1
kent davidge
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The set of equations $$A = a_1 x + a_2y$$ ¨$$B = b_1 x + b_2 y$$ can be solved for the unkowns ##x## and ##y##. Does it make sense to have ##x## and ##y## be known and instead ##A## and ##B## unkown?
 
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  • #2
That is called a straightforward calculation
 
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Likes Kaushik and kent davidge
  • #3
kent davidge said:
Does it make sense to have ##x## and ##y## be known and instead ##A## and ##B## unknown?

What would ##a_1, a_2,b_1,b_2## be? Known or unknown?
 
  • #4
Stephen Tashi said:
What would ##a_1, a_2,b_1,b_2## be? Known or unknown?
Sorry for not clarifying, I was regarding them as unkowns. Otherwise the solution would be obvious as @BvU pointed out.

I figured out the answer to my question. In such case, the system would be undetermined. It has either no solution of infinite solutions.
 
  • #5
A and B have a unique value each that depends on all the parameters on the right side. They are never undetermined.
 

What is a solution to a system of equations?

A solution to a system of equations is a set of values that make all of the equations in the system true when substituted into the variables. In other words, it is the point or points where all of the equations intersect on a graph.

How do you solve a system of equations?

There are several methods for solving a system of equations, including substitution, elimination, and graphing. Each method involves manipulating the equations in the system to isolate a variable and solve for its value. The final step is to check the solution by plugging it back into the original equations.

What is the difference between consistent and inconsistent systems of equations?

A consistent system of equations has at least one solution, meaning the equations intersect at one or more points. An inconsistent system has no solutions, meaning the equations are parallel and never intersect. This can be seen on a graph as either overlapping lines or parallel lines.

Can a system of equations have more than one solution?

Yes, a system of equations can have infinitely many solutions. This occurs when the equations are equivalent, meaning they represent the same line. In this case, any point on the line is a solution to the system. On a graph, this would appear as two lines overlapping perfectly.

How can systems of equations be used in real-life situations?

Systems of equations can be used to model and solve real-life problems, such as determining the optimal number of items to produce to maximize profit or finding the best combination of ingredients for a recipe. They can also be used to solve problems involving rates, proportions, and other mathematical relationships.

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