Systems of Linear Equations

SUB-TOPICS

• Definition of Terms
• Graphical Method
• Substitution Method
• Elimination Method
• Application
• Assessment Questions
System of Two Linear Equations in
2 Variables
 is a set of 2 linear equations of the form
ax+by +c = 0
where a,b, and c are constants with a and b not
simultaneously zero unless c is also
zero, thus we have
a1x+b1y +c1 = 0  (1)
a2x+b2y +c2 = 0  (2)
 a solution to this system is an ordered pair
that satisfies both equations
 the graph is represented by 2 straight lines
System of Two Linear Equations in
2 Variables
Consistent is when a system has at least one
solution set. The graph results to 2
intersecting lines.
if a1/a2 ≠ b1/b2 ≠ c1/c2
Inconsistent is when a system has no solution
The graph results to 2 parallel lines
if a1/a2 =b1/b2 ≠ c1/c2
Dependent is when a system has infinitely
many solutions set. The graph
results to coincident lines.
 Graphical Method
Solve the following systems graphically:

x+y–4=0 2x+3y -12 =0 2x-5y+5=0

a) b) c)
x- y+2=0 2x+3y+10=0 4x-10y+10=0
x-intercept =4 x-intercept =6
y-intercept =4 y-intercept =4
Passes through Passes through
(4,0) and ( (0,4) (6,0) and ( (0,4) x-intercept =-5/2
y-intercept =1
x-intercept = -2 x-intercept =-5
y-intercept = 2 y-intercept =-10/3
Passes through Passes through
(-2,0) and ( (0,2) (-5,0) and ( (0,-10/3)
 Substitution Method:
1. Solve one of the equations for one of the unknowns
2. Substitute this equation in the other equation
3. Solve the resulting equation in step 2
4. Substitute the value obtained in step 3 to either equations to solve the remaining unknown

x + 2y -4 = 0  (1) Finally, substitute y=0 to either

3x-2y-12=0  (2) (1) or (2), say in (1),
x + o – 4=0
Say, solve for x in (1) x=4
x =- 2y +4  (1’)
Therefore, the solution is (4,0)
Substitute this for x in (2),
3(-2y+4) - 2y -12=0 Is it consistent, inconsistent or
-6y +12 -2y -12=0 dependent?
-8y = 0 Is it consistent, inconsistent or
y =0 dependent?
a1/a2 ≠ b1/b2 ≠ c1/c2
1/3 ≠ 2/-2 ≠-4/-12 (consistent!)
 Elimination Method:
1. When necessary, multiply each equation in the system by an appropriate nonzero real
number so that one of the unknowns will be eliminated by addition
2. Add the resulting equations and solve for one of the unknowns
3. Substitute the value obtained in step 2 to either equations to solve the remaining unknown

4x + 5y -2 = 0  (1) Finally, substitute y= -2 to either

2x-7y-20=0  (2) (1) or (2), say in (1),
4x + 5(-2) – 2=0
Say, solve for y by eliminating x, x=3
Multiply (2) by -2
-4x +14y +40 =0  (2’) Therefore, the solution is (3,-2)

Add (2’) to (1), Is it consistent, inconsistent or

4x + 5y -2 = 0 dependent?

+-4x +14y +40 =0 a11/a22 ≠ b11/b22 ≠ c11/c22

---------------------- 4/2 ≠ 5/-7 ≠-2/-20 (consistent!)
0 19y + 38 =0
y = -2