Stuck on this simultaneous equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a system of simultaneous equations involving two variables, \(x\) and \(y\). Participants explore different methods to arrive at the correct values of \(x\) and \(y\) based on the equations provided.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equations and attempts to solve them using substitutions, leading to an incorrect conclusion about the values of \(x\) and \(y\).
  • Another participant confirms the initial participant's calculations but asserts that the correct values are \(x=\frac{1}{2}\) and \(y=\frac{1}{4}\), providing a back-substitution method to verify this.
  • A third participant reiterates the same confirmation and provides a similar explanation, indicating agreement on the solution.
  • A different approach is introduced by another participant, who suggests multiplying the original equations by \(xy\) to transform them and derive a relationship between \(x\) and \(y\), ultimately arriving at the same solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the final values of \(x\) and \(y\) as \(x=\frac{1}{2}\) and \(y=\frac{1}{4}\). However, the initial participant expresses uncertainty about their calculations, leading to a brief discussion on the correctness of the approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants correct earlier claims and refine the solution process, but the initial confusion about the calculations highlights the complexity of solving simultaneous equations.

ai93
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A question I am working on
$$\frac{3}{x}+\frac{2}{y}=14$$ (1)
$$\frac{5}{x}-\frac{3}{y}=-2$$ (2)

let $$\frac{1}{x}=a$$ let $$\frac{1}{y}=b$$

$$\therefore3a+2b=14$$ (3) (x5)
$$5a-3b=-2$$ (4) (x3)

$$=15a+10b=70$$ (5)
$$15a-9b=-6$$ (6)

(5)-(6)
15a cancels out. Leaving 19b=76
$$b=\frac{76}{19}$$ $$x=4$$
But I have the answer wrong. I got this question from my textbook, there is no explantion the answer is $$x=\frac{1}{2} and y=\frac{1}{4}$$ But I can't seem to get there I don't know what I am doing wrong. Corrections please?
 
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Well, your solution is correct, substituting $b=4$ into one of the equations gives $a=2$. Hence back-substitution gives
$$a=2=\frac{1}{x} \Rightarrow x=\frac{1}{2}$$
$$b=4=\frac{1}{y} \Rightarrow y = \frac{1}{4}$$
which are the desired results.
 
Siron said:
Well, your solution is correct, substituting $b=4$ into one of the equations gives $a=2$. Hence back-substitution gives
$$a=2=\frac{1}{x} \Rightarrow x=\frac{1}{2}$$
$$b=4=\frac{1}{y} \Rightarrow y = \frac{1}{4}$$
which are the desired results.

Ohh yes. That explains it. Thank you!
 
mathsheadache said:
Ohh yes. That explains it. Thank you!
Nice! You're welcome.
 
$$\frac{3}{x}+\frac{2}{y}=14\tag 1$$

$$\frac{5}{x}-\frac{3}{y}=-2\tag 2$$

You could multiply both equations by $xy$ to get:

$$3y+2x=14xy$$

$$5y-3x=-2xy\implies 14xy=-35y+21x$$

Thus, we have:

$$3y+2x=-35y+21x$$

$$38y=19x$$

$$x=2y$$

Go back to (1), and substitute for $x$:

$$\frac{3}{2y}+\frac{2}{y}\cdot\frac{2}{2}=14$$

$$\frac{7}{2y}=14$$

$$\frac{1}{2y}=2$$

$$4y=1$$

$$y=\frac{1}{4}\implies x=2\cdot\frac{1}{4}=\frac{1}{2}$$

Hence:

$$(x,y)=\left(\frac{1}{2},\frac{1}{4}\right)$$
 

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