Management Science

System of Linear Equations

Chapter
and Inequalities 01
Guide questions in learning the topic:

1. What is management science?

2. How is management science developed?

3. What are the different mathematical models and their application?

4. What is linear equation?

5. How to graph linear equations?

6. What is system of linear equations?

7. What are the types of system of linear equations?

8. What are the methods of solving the solution of system of linear equations?

9. What is linear inequality?

10. How to graph linear inequalities?

11. What is system of linear inequalities?

12. What is the method of solving the solution of system of linear inequalities?

MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

Management science is a scientific method of using quantitative data with a variety of mathematical
model in formulating a decision. Management science is called interchangeably as operations
research or decision science.

The scientific management revolution was introduced by Frederic W. Taylor in the early 1900s. He
provided the start of use of quantitative methods in management problems. But modern
management science research is generally considered to have already started during the World War
II period where it was used in forming teams to deal with strategic and tactical problems faced by
the military. Professionals with different specialties were put together to solve a common problem
by using the scientific method. After the war, many of these professionals continued their research
in the field of management science.

Developments were made until then and management science was used widely not only for military
applications but also for variety of other fields. The continued research and study of different
professionals who devoted their lives to the field of management science resulted in numerous
methodological developments. Various formulations were made and used even in the field of
economics and business. Further developments were made recently to integrate the use of
computers and modern technology in solving variety of problems.

MANAGEMENT SCIENCE TECHNIQUES (QUANTITATIVE TECHNIQUES)

Through the years, various mathematical models were developed to help solving different scenarios
of managerial problems. Each mathematical technique has its unique application. Listed below are
the different mathematical models that can be used:
1. Linear Programming – Linear programming is a problem-solving approach developed for
situations involving maximizing or minimizing a linear function subject to linear constraints
that limit the degree to which the objective can be pursued.

2. Integer Linear Programming – Integer linear programming is an approach used for problems
that can be set up as linear programs, with the additional requirement that some or all of the
decision variables be integer values.

3. Distribution and Network Models – A network is a graphical description of a problem

consisting of circles called nodes that are interconnected by lines called arcs. Specialized
solution procedures exist for these types of problems, enabling us to quickly solve problems in
such areas as transportation system design, information system design, and project scheduling.

4. Nonlinear Programming – Many business processes behave in a nonlinear manner. For

example, the price of a bond is a nonlinear function of interest rates; the quantity demanded for
a product is usually a nonlinear function of the price. Nonlinear programming is a technique
that allows for maximizing or minimizing a nonlinear function subject to nonlinear constraints.

5. Project Scheduling: PERT/CPM – In many situations, managers are responsible for planning,
scheduling, and controlling projects that consist of numerous separate jobs or tasks performed
by a variety of departments, individuals, and so forth. The PERT (Program Evaluation and
Review Technique) and CPM (Critical Path Method) techniques help managers carry out their
project scheduling responsibilities.

6. Inventory Models – Inventory models are used by managers faced with the dual problems of
maintaining sufficient inventories to meet demand for goods and, at the same time, incurring
the lowest possible inventory holding costs.

7. Waiting-Line or Queueing Models – Waiting-line or queueing models have been developed

to help managers understand and make better decisions concerning the operation of systems
involving waiting lines.

8. Simulation – Simulation is a technique used to model the operation of a system. This technique
employs a computer program to model the operation and perform simulation computations.

9. Decision Analysis – Decision analysis can be used to determine optimal strategies in situations
involving several decision alternatives and an uncertain or risk-filled pattern of events.

10. Goal Programming – Goal programming is a technique for solving multicriteria decision
problems, usually within the framework of linear programming.

11. Analytic Hierarchy Process – This multicriteria decision-making technique permits the
inclusion of subjective factors in arriving at a recommended decision.

12. Forecasting – Forecasting methods are techniques that can be used to predict future aspects of
a business operation.

13. Markov Process Models – Markov process models are useful in studying the evolution of
certain systems over repeated trials. For example, Markov processes have been used to describe
the probability that a machine, functioning in one period, will function or break down in another
period.

Ch01: Management Science & System of Linear Equations and Inequalities 2

LINEAR EQUATIONS

Linear equations are equations which has variable with exponent (power) of one (1).

Linear equation is also defined as an equation that can be written in the form 𝒂𝒙 + 𝒃 = 𝟎, (Linear
Equation in one variable) where “𝑥” is the variable, “𝑎” is the coefficient and "𝑏” is the constant.

On the other hand, linear equations in two variables is written in form 𝒂𝒙 + 𝒃𝒚 = 𝒄, where
"𝑥" 𝑎𝑛𝑑 "𝑦” are the variables, "𝑎" 𝑎𝑛𝑑 "𝑏” are the coefficients and "𝑐” is the constant.

The graph of a linear equation in the cartesian coordinate plane is a straight line.
y = Mx + b slope intercept

ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE
Do you still know how to draw the graph linear equations looks like in a cartesian coordinate
plane? Can you draw the graph of these equations below?

1. x – 4 = 3 3. x + y = 4

2. 8 – 2y = 6 4. 2y – x = 1

5. y = x/2 – 1

Ch01: Management Science & System of Linear Equations and Inequalities 3

SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

A system of linear equations is a set of two or more linear equations in a cartesian plane. The point/s
( x , y ) where all the line intersect is called the solution.

There are three types of system of linear equations depending on the number of solutions that they
have. These are:
1. Inconsistent System – one which has no solution.
2. Independent System – one which has one solution.
3. Dependent System – one which has infinite solution.

Illustration:
Graph the line of each linear equation and determine their solution (intersection)
(Discussion of solving system of linear equations using graphical method)

1. 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 6

The first step to graph the line of an equation is to get at least two points ( x , y ) that the line
will pass through. After that, we will plot the points in the cartesian plane and connect them to
form a line.

You can get a point ( x , y ) by assigning a number in one of the variables, i.e., either assigning
a value for x or y, then solve for the value of the other variable.

For example, let us assign a value for x as 2, then solve for the value of y in the first equation.
It will be:
𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4
2 + 2𝑦 = 4
2𝑦 = 4 – 2
2𝑦 2
=
2 2
𝑦 = 1

So, the line of the equation 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4 will pass through point (2,1). But it is not enough to
know only one point to graph the equation. We need to look for another point that satisfies the
equation and connect it with the first point obtained to graph the line of the equation.

One of the possible ways to easily obtain the points where the line will pass through is to get
the x-intercept (a point where the line and the x-axis intersect) and the y-intercept (a point
where the line and the y-axis intersect).

To get the x-intercept ( x , 0 ), we will substitute 0 as the value of y and will solve the value of
x. On the other hand, to get the y-intercept ( 0 , y ), we will substitute 0 as the value of x and
will solve the value of y.

𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 6
x-intercept, x-intercept,
let y= 0 let y = 0
𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 6
𝑥 + 2(0) = 4 2𝑥 + 3(0) = 6
𝑥=4 2𝑥 6
=
𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 (𝟒, 𝟎) 2 2
𝑥=3
𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 (𝟑, 𝟎)
y-intercept, y-intercept,
let 𝑥 = 0 let 𝑥 = 0
𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 6
(0) + 2𝑦 = 4 2(0) + 3𝑦 = 6
2𝑦 4 3𝑦 6
= =
2 2 3 3
𝑦=2 𝑦=2
𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 (𝟎, 𝟐) 𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 (𝟎, 𝟐)

Ch01: Management Science & System of Linear Equations and Inequalities 4

 Plot the points ( 4 , 0 ) and ( 0 , 2 ) and connect the points to graph the equation 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4
and plot the points ( 3 , 0 ) and ( 0 , 2 ) and connect the points to graph the equation 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 =
6.

We can see from the graph that the two equations intersects at point ( 0 , 2 ). This is the solution
for this system of linear equations. This solution will satisfy both equation when substituted.

Since this system of linear equations only has one unique solution, this system is called
independent system.

2. 𝑥 − 2𝑦 = −4 − 2𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 2
𝑥 − 2𝑦 = −4 −2𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 2
x-intercept, x-intercept,
let y= 0 let y = 0
𝑥 − 2𝑦 = −4 −2𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 2
𝑥 − 2(0) = −4 −2𝑥 + 4(0) = 2
𝑥 = −4 −2𝑥 2
=
𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 (−𝟒, 𝟎) −2 −2
𝑥 = −1
𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 (−𝟏, 𝟎)

y-intercept, y-intercept,
let 𝑥 = 0 let 𝑥 = 0
𝑥 − 2𝑦 = −4 −2𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 2
(0) − 2𝑦 = −4 −2(0) + 4𝑦 = 2
−2𝑦 −4 4𝑦 2
= =
−2 −2 4 4
𝑦=2 𝑦 = 0.5
𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 (𝟎, 𝟐) 𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 (𝟎, 𝟎. 𝟓)

Plot the points ( -4 , 0 ) and ( 0 , 2 ) and connect the points to graph the equation 𝑥 − 2𝑦 = −4
and plot the points ( -1 , 0 ) and ( 0 , 0.5 ) and connect the points to graph the equation −2𝑥 +
4𝑦 = 2.

We can see from the graph below that the two equations are parallel lines (having the same
slope) thus these two lines will not intersect in any point, thus, does not have any solution.

Since this system of linear equations has no solution, this system is called inconsistent system.

Ch01: Management Science & System of Linear Equations and Inequalities 5

3. 6𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 18 − 3𝑥 + 𝑦 = −9
6𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 18 −3𝑥 + 𝑦 = −9
x-intercept, x-intercept,
let y= 0 let y = 0
6𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 18 −3𝑥 + 𝑦 = −9
6𝑥 − 2(0) = 18 −3𝑥 + (0) = −9
6𝑥 18 −3𝑥 −9
= =
6 6 −3 −3
𝑥=3 𝑥=3
𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 (𝟑, 𝟎) 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 (𝟑, 𝟎)

y-intercept, y-intercept,
let 𝑥 = 0 let 𝑥 = 0
6𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 18 −3𝑥 + 𝑦 = −9
6(0) − 2𝑦 = 18 −3(0) + 𝑦 = −9
−2𝑦 18 𝑦 = −9
=
−2 −2 𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 (𝟎, −𝟗)
𝑦 = −9
𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 (𝟎, −𝟗)

Plot the points ( 3 , 0 ) and ( 0 , -9 ) and connect the points to graph the equation 6𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 18
and plot the points ( 3 , 0 ) and ( 0 , -9 ) and connect the points to graph the equation
−3𝑥 + 𝑦 = −9.

We can see from the graph below that the two equations overlapped one another thus these two
lines will intersect in all the points and does have infinite solution.

Since this system of linear equations has infinite solution, this system is called dependent
system.

Ch01: Management Science & System of Linear Equations and Inequalities 6

METHODS OF SOLVING SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS
1. Graphical Method
2. Elimination Method
3. Substitution Method
4. Equivalent Equations
5. Cramer’s Rule

Using illustration 1 above, we will solve the solution of that system of linear equations using the
following methods:
Equation 1: 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4
Equation 2: 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 6

1. Graphical Method – you have to get two points in the equation and preferably, you can solve
for the x- and y-intercepts of the line. Sometimes a line does not have an x- and y- intercept
because it passes through the origin (intersection of x- and y-axis), thus, you must use other
points by assuming a value for one of the variables and computing the other variable. The
solution for this is shown above.

2. Elimination Method
a. Check if the coefficients of one variable (either x or y) in both equations are the same, then,
you can proceed to next step. If not, you must multiply one of the equations by a certain
number so that the coefficients of one of the variables will be the same. Also, the
coefficients should have different signs, i.e., one is positive and the other is negative.

Looking at the given equations above, none of the coefficients of both x and y are the same,
thus we have to multiply one of the equations to a certain number so one of their
coefficients will be the same.

To make the coefficients of variable x the same, if we multiply the 1st equation by -2, then
the coefficient of x will be equal to -2 while the coefficient of x in the 2nd variable is 2. We
now have a variable with the same coefficient but with different sign.
Equation 1: −2(𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4)
−2𝑥 − 4𝑦 = −8

b. Add the two equations. The variable with the same coefficient but with opposite sign will
be eliminated and you have to solve for the remaining variable

Ch01: Management Science & System of Linear Equations and Inequalities 7

 Equation 1: −2𝑥 − 4𝑦 = −8
Equation 2: 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 6
−𝑦 −2
=
−1 −1
𝑦=2

c. Substitute the value of the variable obtained above in one of the equations and solve for
the value of the other variable.
Equation 1: 𝑥 + 2(2) = 4
𝑥+ 4 =4
𝑥=0 (0,2)

d. Check if the solution satisfies both the equations by substituting the value of both variables.
Equation 1: 0 + 2(2) = 4 Equation 2: 2(0) + 3(2) = 6
0+ 4 =4 0 + 6 =6
4 =4 6=6

3. Substitution Method
a. Choose one of the equations then solve for one variable in terms of the other variable. i.e.,
in equation 1, the value of x is computed in terms of y leaving the x variable only in left-
hand side (LHS) of the equation.
Equation 1: 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4
𝑥 = 4 − 2𝑦

b. Substitute the solved equation, in terms of the chosen variable, in the other equation then
solve the equation. i.e., 4 − 2𝑦 will be substituted for x in equation 2 then solve the value
of y in the equation.
Equation 2: 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 6
2(4 − 2𝑦) + 3𝑦 = 6
8 − 4𝑦 + 3𝑦 = 6
−4𝑦 + 3𝑦 = 6 − 8
−𝑦 −2
=
−1 −1
𝑦=2

c. Substitute the value of the variable obtained above in one of the equations and solve for
the value of the other variable.
Equation 1: 𝑥 + 2(2) = 4
𝑥+ 4 =4
𝑥=0 (0,2)

d. Check if the solution satisfies both the equations by substituting the value of both variables.
Equation 1: 0 + 2(2) = 4 Equation 2: 2(0) + 3(2) = 6
0+ 4 =4 0 + 6 =6
4 =4 6=6

4. Equivalent Equations
a. Solve both the equations for one variable in terms of the other variable. i.e., for both
equation 1 and 2, the value of x is computed in terms of y leaving the x variable only in
left-hand side (LHS) of the equation.
Equation 1: 𝑥 = 4 − 2𝑦

Equation 2: 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 6

2𝑥 6 − 3𝑦
=
2 2
6 − 3𝑦
𝑥=
2

Ch01: Management Science & System of Linear Equations and Inequalities 8

 b. Equate the two values of x above then solve for value of y in the equation.
6 − 3𝑦
4 − 2𝑦 = ( )
2
2(4 − 2𝑦) = 6 − 3𝑦
8 − 4𝑦 = 6 − 3𝑦
−4𝑦 + 3𝑦 = 6 − 8
−𝑦 −2
=
−1 −1
𝑦=2

c. Substitute the value of the variable obtained above in one of the equations and solve for
the value of the other variable.
Equation 1: 𝑥 + 2(2) = 4
𝑥+ 4 =4
𝑥=0 (0,2)

d. Check if the solution satisfies both the equations by substituting the value of both variables.
Equation 1: 0 + 2(2) = 4 Equation 2: 2(0) + 3(2) = 6
0+ 4 =4 0 + 6 =6
4 =4 6=6

5. Cramer’s Rule – A determinant is used in various applications such as computing the area,
volume and also, to solve for the solution of systems of linear equations. The advantage of this
method is that you can solve the value of each variable simultaneously.

In order to do this method correctly, we have to make sure that the equations are in the standard
form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 = 𝑐
Equation 1: 𝒂𝟏 𝑥 + 𝒃𝟏 𝑦 = 𝒄𝟏
𝟏x + 𝟐y = 𝟒

Equation 2: 𝒂𝟐 𝑥 + 𝒃𝟐 𝑦 = 𝒄𝟐
𝟐𝑥 + 𝟑𝑦 = 𝟔

The determinant of coefficient a & b (𝐷𝑒𝑡, 𝐷) is computed as follows:

𝑎 𝑏1
𝐷=| 1 | = 𝑎1 𝑏2 − 𝑎2 𝑏1
𝑎2 𝑏2

1 2
𝐷= | | = (1)(3) − (2)(2) = 3 − 4 = −1
2 3

To compute the determinant of x (𝐷𝑒𝑡𝑥 , 𝐷𝑥 ) we have to change the x-column values (𝑎1
and 𝑎2 ) with the answer column (𝑐1 and 𝑐2 ). Thus,
𝑐 𝑏1
𝐷𝑥 = | 1 | = 𝑐1 𝑏2 − 𝑐2 𝑏1
𝑐2 𝑏2

4 2
𝐷𝑥 = | | = (4)(3) − (6)(2) = 12 − 12 = 0
6 3

To have the determinant of y (𝐷𝑒𝑡𝑦 , 𝐷𝑦 ) we have to change the y-column values (𝑏1 and
𝑏2 ) with the answer column (𝑐1 and 𝑐2 ). Thus,
𝑎1 𝑐1
𝐷𝑦 = |𝑎 𝑐 | = 𝑎1 𝑐2 − 𝑎2 𝑐1
2 2

1 4
𝐷𝑦 = | | = (1)(6) − (2)(4) = 6 − 8 = −2
2 6

Based on cramer’s rule, the value of x and y are as follows:

𝐷𝑥 0 𝐷𝑦 −2
𝑥= = =0 𝑦= = =2
𝐷 −1 𝐷 −1

Ch01: Management Science & System of Linear Equations and Inequalities 9

 Therefore, the solution is (0,2). Check if the solution satisfies both the equations by
substituting the value of both variables.
Equation 1: 0 + 2(2) = 4 Equation 2: 2(0) + 3(2) = 6
0+ 4 =4 0 + 6 =6
4 =4 6=6

LINEAR INEQUALITIES

Linear inequalities are like linear equations but the sign used to show the relationship of terms is
an inequality sign (<, >, ≤, ≥, ≠).

There will be a difference in graphing the solution of linear inequalities in a cartesian plane. The
following changes should be noted:
1. The line that you will draw is either a solid line or a broken line. Solid lines are used if the
inequality sign also contains possibility of being equal (≤, ≥) while broken lines are used if the
inequality sign does not contain an equality (<, >, ≠).

2. After drawing a line, a certain portion of cartesian must be shaded. The shaded portion contains
the point which can satisfy the inequality.

It concludes that the solution or the set of points that can satisfy the inequality does not only
lie on the line (the points on the line does not satisfy the inequality if you use broken line), but
also the other portion of the cartesian plane.

For example, let us graph the inequality 𝑥 + 2𝑦 ≤ 4.

The first step is to graph it as if it is a linear equation. You can do this by changing the inequality
sign to equal sign. Therefore, it will be 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4.

We can now graph this by getting x- and y-intercept and connecting the points to form the line.
The x-intercept is at point (4,0) while the y-intercept is at point (0,2) (See the computation on
Illustration 1 above). We will use a solid line because the inequality used is ≤.

In solving the portion to be shaded, choose any point outside the line then check if it will satisfy
the inequality. If it satisfies the inequality, then that point is included in the portion that must
be shaded. If not, the other side of the line must be shaded.

For simplicity, use the origin testing by substituting point (0,0) in the inequality.
𝑥 + 2𝑦 ≤ 4
0 + 2(0) ≤ 4
0≤4 TRUE ✓

Ch01: Management Science & System of Linear Equations and Inequalities 10

 Therefore, point (0,0) is included in the solution and the lower part of the graph must be shaded.

If we will change the given to 𝑥 + 2𝑦 < 4, the only difference will be the line drawn which
should be drawn using broken line.

This means that the points in the line are not included in the solution of the inequality i.e., it
will not satisfy the inequality.

For example, let us use one of the points in the line (0,2) and substitute it in the inequality.
𝑥 + 2𝑦 < 4
0 + 2(2) < 4
4 < 4 FALSE X

SYSTEM OF LINEAR INEQUALITIES

To get the solution of system of linear inequalities, we will use graphical method. Simply graph all
the inequalities in the cartesian plane. The common shaded portion of all the inequalities will be
the solution.

Let us have this for example:

Inequality 1: 𝑥 + 2𝑦 ≤ 4
Inequality 2: 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 > 6

We already graphed this earlier in illustration 1, we are going to focus now on the inequality sign
used to determine if a solid line or a broken line will be used and determine where the shaded
portion is.

Ch01: Management Science & System of Linear Equations and Inequalities 11

A solid line will be used in inequality 1 while a broken line will be used for inequality 2. To
determine the shaded region, the origin test is done as shown below:
𝑥 + 2𝑦 ≤ 4 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 > 6
0 + 2(0) ≤ 4 2(0) + 3(0) > 6
0 ≤ 4 TRUE ✓ 0> 6 FALSE X

Using the origin test, we can conclude that the shaded region for inequality 1 includes the origin
which is the lower part while the shaded region for inequality 2 does not include the origin which
is the upper part of the inequality.

The darker shade is the common portion of solutions of the two inequalities, thus, that common
portion is the solution of our system of linear inequalities.

To check, we can get one point inside the solution and substitute it in both inequalities. Let’s use
point (2,1).
𝑥 + 2𝑦 ≤ 4 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 > 6
2 + 2(1) ≤ 4 2(2) + 3(1) > 6
4≤4 TRUE ✓ 7 >6 TRUE ✓

Ch01: Management Science & System of Linear Equations and Inequalities 12