Graphing the First Equation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 12 views

Introduction

In mathematics, a system of linear equations is a set of two or more linear equations that are solved simultaneously to find the values of the variables. One of the methods used to solve a system of linear equations is by graphing. Graphing involves plotting the lines represented by the linear equations on a coordinate plane and finding the point of intersection, which represents the solution to the system.

Graphing Linear Equations

To graph a linear equation, we need to find two points on the line. We can do this by substituting different values of x into the equation and solving for y. Once we have two points, we can plot them on a coordinate plane and draw a line through them.

Graphing the First Equation

The first equation is y = -1/2x + 3. To find two points on this line, we can substitute x = 0 and x = 2 into the equation.

For x = 0, y = -1/2(0) + 3 = 3. So, the point (0, 3) is on the line.
For x = 2, y = -1/2(2) + 3 = 2. So, the point (2, 2) is on the line.

We can plot these two points on a coordinate plane and draw a line through them.

Graphing the Second Equation

The second equation is y = 1/2x - 2. To find two points on this line, we can substitute x = 0 and x = 2 into the equation.

For x = 0, y = 1/2(0) - 2 = -2. So, the point (0, -2) is on the line.
For x = 2, y = 1/2(2) - 2 = -1. So, the point (2, -1) is on the line.

We can plot these two points on a coordinate plane and draw a line through them.

Finding the Point of Intersection

To find the point of intersection, we need to find the point where the two lines intersect. We can do this by finding the point where the two lines have the same x-coordinate and the same y-coordinate.

Solving the System of Linear Equations

To solve the system of linear equations, we need to find the values of x and y that satisfy both equations. We can do this by finding the point of intersection.

Let's find the point of intersection by equating the two equations.

y = -1/2x + 3 y = 1/2x - 2

We can equate the two equations by setting them equal to each other.

-1/2x + 3 = 1/2x - 2

Now, we can solve for x.

-1x + 3 = 1x - 2 -2x = -5 x = 5/2

Now that we have the value of x, we can substitute it into one of the equations to find the value of y.

y = -1/2(5/2) + 3 y = -5/4 + 3 y = 7/4

So, the point of intersection is (5/2, 7/4).

Conclusion

In this article, we learned how to solve a system of linear equations by graphing. We graphed the two linear equations on a coordinate plane and found the point of intersection, which represents the solution to the system. We also learned how to solve the system of linear equations by equating the two equations and solving for x and y.

Answer

The correct solution is:

A. (5/2, 7/4)

This is the point of intersection, which represents the solution to the system of linear equations.

Discussion

This problem is a great example of how to solve a system of linear equations by graphing. It requires the student to graph the two linear equations on a coordinate plane and find the point of intersection. The student must also be able to solve the system of linear equations by equating the two equations and solving for x and y.

Tips and Tricks

When graphing a linear equation, make sure to find two points on the line and plot them on a coordinate plane.
When finding the point of intersection, make sure to equate the two equations and solve for x and y.
When solving a system of linear equations, make sure to check your work by plugging the values of x and y back into both equations.

Common Mistakes

Failing to find two points on the line when graphing a linear equation.
Failing to equate the two equations when finding the point of intersection.
Failing to check your work when solving a system of linear equations.

Real-World Applications

Solving a system of linear equations by graphing has many real-world applications. For example, it can be used to find the intersection of two lines in a coordinate plane, which can be used to solve problems in physics, engineering, and computer science.

Conclusion

In conclusion, solving a system of linear equations by graphing is a powerful tool that can be used to solve many types of problems. It requires the student to graph the two linear equations on a coordinate plane and find the point of intersection, which represents the solution to the system. With practice and patience, students can become proficient in solving systems of linear equations by graphing and apply it to real-world problems.