Not checking for dependent or independent systems

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 12 views

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Introduction

A system of equations is a set of two or more equations that contain the same variables. In this case, we have a system of two linear equations with two variables, x and y. The first equation is y = 6x + 2, and the second equation is y = 3x + 1. Our goal is to determine the number of solutions for this system of equations.

Understanding the System of Equations

To understand the system of equations, let's analyze each equation separately. The first equation is y = 6x + 2, which is a linear equation in the slope-intercept form. The slope of this line is 6, and the y-intercept is 2. This means that for every unit increase in x, the value of y increases by 6 units.

The second equation is y = 3x + 1, which is also a linear equation in the slope-intercept form. The slope of this line is 3, and the y-intercept is 1. This means that for every unit increase in x, the value of y increases by 3 units.

Graphing the Equations

To visualize the system of equations, let's graph the two lines on a coordinate plane. We can use the slope-intercept form of the equations to find the y-intercepts and the slopes.

The first equation, y = 6x + 2, has a slope of 6 and a y-intercept of 2. This means that the line passes through the point (0, 2) and has a slope of 6.

The second equation, y = 3x + 1, has a slope of 3 and a y-intercept of 1. This means that the line passes through the point (0, 1) and has a slope of 3.

Finding the Intersection Point

To find the intersection point of the two lines, we need to set the two equations equal to each other and solve for x.

6x + 2 = 3x + 1

Subtracting 3x from both sides gives us:

3x + 2 = 1

Subtracting 2 from both sides gives us:

3x = -1

Dividing both sides by 3 gives us:

x = -1/3

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

y = 6x + 2 y = 6(-1/3) + 2 y = -2 + 2 y = 0

Conclusion

The intersection point of the two lines is (-1/3, 0). This means that the system of equations has one solution, which is the point (-1/3, 0).

Discussion

The number of solutions for a system of equations depends on the relationship between the two equations. If the two equations are parallel, then the system has no solution. If the two equations intersect at a single point, then the system has one solution. If the two equations are identical, then the system has infinitely many solutions.

In this case, the two equations intersect at a single point, which means that the system has one solution.

Final Answer

The final answer is: One solution

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Q: What is a system of equations?

A system of equations is a set of two or more equations that contain the same variables. In this case, we have a system of two linear equations with two variables, x and y.

Q: How do I determine the number of solutions for a system of equations?

To determine the number of solutions for a system of equations, you need to analyze the relationship between the two equations. If the two equations are parallel, then the system has no solution. If the two equations intersect at a single point, then the system has one solution. If the two equations are identical, then the system has infinitely many solutions.

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

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

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

To solve a system of linear equations, you can use the following methods:

Substitution method: Substitute the expression for one variable from one equation into the other equation.
Elimination method: Add or subtract the two equations to eliminate one variable.
Graphing method: Graph the two equations on a coordinate plane and find the intersection point.

Q: What is the substitution method?

The substitution method is a method for solving a system of linear equations by substituting the expression for one variable from one equation into the other equation.

Q: What is the elimination method?

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

Q: What is the graphing method?

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

Q: What is the difference between a dependent system and an independent system?

A dependent system is a system of equations where the two equations are identical, meaning that they have the same solution. An independent system is a system of equations where the two equations are not identical, meaning that they have a unique solution.

Q: How do I determine if a system of equations is dependent or independent?

To determine if a system of equations is dependent or independent, you need to analyze the relationship between the two equations. If the two equations are identical, then the system is dependent. If the two equations are not identical, then the system is independent.

Q: What is the importance of solving systems of equations?

Solving systems of equations is an important skill in mathematics and science. It is used to model real-world problems, such as finding the intersection point of two lines, the equilibrium point of a system, or the solution to a system of nonlinear equations.

Q: What are some common applications of systems of equations?

Some common applications of systems of equations include:

Physics and engineering: Systems of equations are used to model the motion of objects, the behavior of electrical circuits, and the flow of fluids.
Economics: Systems of equations are used to model the behavior of markets, the supply and demand of goods, and the behavior of consumers.
Computer science: Systems of equations are used to model the behavior of algorithms, the flow of data, and the behavior of computer networks.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving systems of equations?

Some common mistakes to avoid when solving systems of equations include:

Not checking for dependent or independent systems: Failing to check if the system is dependent or independent can lead to incorrect solutions.
Not using the correct method: Using the wrong method can lead to incorrect solutions or a lack of solutions.
Not checking for extraneous solutions: Failing to check for extraneous solutions can lead to incorrect solutions.

Q: What are some tips for solving systems of equations?

Some tips for solving systems of equations include:

Read the problem carefully: Make sure to read the problem carefully and understand what is being asked.
Choose the correct method: Choose the correct method for solving the system, such as substitution, elimination, or graphing.
Check for dependent or independent systems: Check if the system is dependent or independent before solving it.
Check for extraneous solutions: Check for extraneous solutions after solving the system.