Multiply Each Equation by a Number

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 17 views

Introduction

A system of equations is a set of two or more equations that contain multiple variables. Solving a system of equations involves finding the values of the variables that satisfy all the equations in the system. In this article, we will explore the solution to a system of two linear equations with two variables.

The System of Equations

The given system of equations is:

${ \begin{array}{l} 4x + 5y = 7 \\ 3x - 2y = -12 \end{array} }$

The Problem

The problem is to find the values of x and y that satisfy both equations in the system.

The Solution

To solve this system of equations, we can use the method of elimination. This involves multiplying each equation by a number that produces opposite coefficients for the variables.

Multiply Each Equation by a Number

To eliminate one of the variables, we need to multiply each equation by a number that produces opposite coefficients for the variables. Let's multiply the first equation by 2 and the second equation by 5.

First Equation

Multiply the first equation by 2:

${ 2(4x + 5y) = 2(7) }$

${ 8x + 10y = 14 }$

Second Equation

Multiply the second equation by 5:

${ 5(3x - 2y) = 5(-12) }$

${ 15x - 10y = -60 }$

Add the Two Equations

Now that we have the two equations with opposite coefficients for the variables, we can add them to eliminate one of the variables.

${ (8x + 10y) + (15x - 10y) = 14 + (-60) }$

${ 23x = -46 }$

Solve for x

Now that we have the equation with only one variable, we can solve for x.

${ x = \frac{-46}{23} }$

${ x = -2 }$

Substitute x into One of the Original Equations

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

Substitute x into the first equation:

${ 4(-2) + 5y = 7 }$

${ -8 + 5y = 7 }$

Solve for y

Now that we have the equation with only one variable, we can solve for y.

${ 5y = 7 + 8 }$

${ 5y = 15 }$

${ y = \frac{15}{5} }$

${ y = 3 }$

The Solution

The solution to the system of equations is:

${ x = -2 }$

${ y = 3 }$

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the solution to a system of two linear equations with two variables. We used the method of elimination to multiply each equation by a number that produces opposite coefficients for the variables, and then added the two equations to eliminate one of the variables. We then substituted the value of x into one of the original equations to solve for y. The solution to the system of equations is x = -2 and y = 3.

The Solution is $\boxed{(-2, 3)}$

Discussion

This system of equations can be solved using other methods such as substitution or graphing. However, the method of elimination is often the most efficient method for solving systems of linear equations.

Example

Consider the following system of equations:

${ \begin{array}{l} 2x + 3y = 5 \\ x - 2y = -3 \end{array} }$

To solve this system of equations, we can use the method of elimination. Multiply the first equation by 2 and the second equation by 3.

${ 2(2x + 3y) = 2(5) }$

${ 4x + 6y = 10 }$

${ 3(x - 2y) = 3(-3) }$

${ 3x - 6y = -9 }$

Add the two equations to eliminate one of the variables.

${ (4x + 6y) + (3x - 6y) = 10 + (-9) }$

${ 7x = 1 }$

Solve for x.

${ x = \frac{1}{7} }$

Substitute x into one of the original equations to solve for y.

Substitute x into the first equation:

${ 2\left(\frac{1}{7}\right) + 3y = 5 }$

${ \frac{2}{7} + 3y = 5 }$

Solve for y.

${ 3y = 5 - \frac{2}{7} }$

${ 3y = \frac{35}{7} - \frac{2}{7} }$

${ 3y = \frac{33}{7} }$

${ y = \frac{33}{21} }$

${ y = \frac{11}{7} }$

The solution to the system of equations is:

${ x = \frac{1}{7} }$

${ y = \frac{11}{7} }$

Conclusion

Q: What is a system of equations?

A: A system of equations is a set of two or more equations that contain multiple variables. Solving a system of equations involves finding the values of the variables that satisfy all the equations in the system.

Q: How do I know if a system of equations has a solution?

A: A system of equations has a solution if and only if the equations are consistent. In other words, if the equations are true for the same values of the variables, then the system has a solution.

Q: What is the difference between a system of linear equations and a system of nonlinear equations?

A: A system of linear equations is a system of equations where each equation is a linear equation, meaning that it can be written in the form ax + by = c, where a, b, and c are constants. A system of nonlinear equations is a system of equations where at least one of the equations is a nonlinear equation, meaning that it cannot be written in the form ax + by = c.

Q: How do I solve a system of linear equations?

A: There are several methods for solving a system of linear equations, including:

Substitution method: This involves solving one equation for one variable and then substituting that expression into the other equation.
Elimination method: This involves adding or subtracting the equations to eliminate one of the variables.
Graphing method: This involves graphing the equations on a coordinate plane and finding the point of intersection.

Q: What is the substitution method?

A: The substitution method is a method for solving a system of linear equations by solving one equation for one variable and then substituting that expression into the other equation.

Q: What is the elimination method?

A: The elimination method is a method for solving a system of linear equations by adding or subtracting the equations to eliminate one of the variables.

Q: What is the graphing method?

A: The graphing method is a method for solving a system of linear equations by graphing the equations on a coordinate plane and finding the point of intersection.

Q: How do I know if a system of equations has infinitely many solutions?

A: A system of equations has infinitely many solutions if and only if the equations are dependent. In other words, if one equation is a multiple of the other equation, then the system has infinitely many solutions.

Q: How do I know if a system of equations has no solution?

A: A system of equations has no solution if and only if the equations are inconsistent. In other words, if the equations are true for different values of the variables, then the system has no solution.

Q: What is the difference between a system of equations and a system of inequalities?

A: A system of equations is a set of equations that contain multiple variables, while a system of inequalities is a set of inequalities that contain multiple variables.

Q: How do I solve a system of inequalities?

A: There are several methods for solving a system of inequalities, including:

Graphing method: This involves graphing the inequalities on a coordinate plane and finding the region that satisfies all the inequalities.
Substitution method: This involves solving one inequality for one variable and then substituting that expression into the other inequality.
Elimination method: This involves adding or subtracting the inequalities to eliminate one of the variables.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the basics of systems of equations, including what a system of equations is, how to determine if a system of equations has a solution, and how to solve a system of linear equations using the substitution method, elimination method, and graphing method. We have also discussed how to determine if a system of equations has infinitely many solutions or no solution, and how to solve a system of inequalities using the graphing method, substitution method, and elimination method.