Graphing the System of Equations

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 70 views

Introduction

Graphing systems of equations is a fundamental concept in mathematics, and it's essential to understand how to do it correctly. In this article, we'll explore how to graph a system of equations using Desmos or a graphing calculator. We'll also provide a step-by-step guide on how to find the solution for the system of equations.

What is a System of Equations?

A system of equations is a set of two or more equations that contain multiple variables. Each equation in the system is a statement that two expressions are equal. For example, the system of equations we'll be working with is:

{ \begin{cases} y = -3x + 9 \\ y = -x - 5 \end{cases} \}

Graphing the System of Equations

To graph the system of equations, we'll use Desmos, a free online graphing calculator. You can also use a physical graphing calculator if you have one.

Step 1: Enter the Equations

First, we need to enter the equations into Desmos. To do this, follow these steps:

Go to the Desmos website and click on the "Graphing Calculator" button.
Enter the first equation, y = -3x + 9, into the input field.
Enter the second equation, y = -x - 5, into the input field.

Step 2: Graph the Equations

Once you've entered the equations, click on the "Graph" button to see the graph of the system of equations.

Interpreting the Graph

The graph of the system of equations will show two lines that intersect at a point. This point represents the solution to the system of equations.

Step 3: Find the Solution

To find the solution, we need to find the point of intersection between the two lines. We can do this by looking at the graph and finding the point where the two lines intersect.

Alternatively, we can use the "Find Intersection" tool in Desmos to find the solution. To do this, follow these steps:

Click on the "Tools" menu and select "Find Intersection".
Select the two equations that you want to find the intersection of.
Click on the "Find" button to see the solution.

Solution

Using the "Find Intersection" tool in Desmos, we find that the solution to the system of equations is:

x = 2 y = 3

Conclusion

Graphing systems of equations is a powerful tool for solving equations. By using Desmos or a graphing calculator, we can easily graph the system of equations and find the solution. In this article, we've provided a step-by-step guide on how to graph a system of equations and find the solution.

Tips and Variations

To graph a system of equations with more than two equations, simply enter each equation into Desmos and graph them together.
To find the solution to a system of equations with more than two variables, you may need to use a more advanced graphing calculator or a computer algebra system.
To graph a system of equations with non-linear equations, you may need to use a more advanced graphing calculator or a computer algebra system.

Common Mistakes

Not entering the equations correctly into Desmos.
Not graphing the equations correctly.
Not finding the solution correctly.

Real-World Applications

Graphing systems of equations has many real-world applications, including:

Physics: Graphing systems of equations is used to model the motion of objects in physics.
Engineering: Graphing systems of equations is used to design and optimize systems in engineering.
Economics: Graphing systems of equations is used to model economic systems and make predictions about economic trends.

Conclusion

Graphing systems of equations is a fundamental concept in mathematics, and it's essential to understand how to do it correctly. By using Desmos or a graphing calculator, we can easily graph the system of equations and find the solution. In this article, we've provided a step-by-step guide on how to graph a system of equations and find the solution.