Understanding the Given System

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 110 views

Introduction

Systems of equations are a fundamental concept in mathematics, and solving them is a crucial skill for students and professionals alike. In this article, we will explore how to choose a system of equations with the same solution as a given system. We will use the following system as an example:

{ \begin{array}{l} 6x + 2y = -6 \\ 3x - 4y = -18 \end{array} \}

Understanding the Given System

Before we proceed, let's analyze the given system of equations. We have two equations with two variables, x and y. The first equation is:

$6x + 2y = -6$

And the second equation is:

$3x - 4y = -18$

Choosing a System with the Same Solution

To choose a system of equations with the same solution as the given system, we need to understand the concept of equivalent systems. Two systems of equations are equivalent if they have the same solution. In other words, if we can transform one system into another through a series of elementary row operations, then the two systems are equivalent.

Option A: Transforming the Given System

Let's examine option A:

{ \begin{array}{l} 8x + 4y = -4 \\ 17x + 2y = -28 \end{array} \}

To determine if this system is equivalent to the given system, we need to perform a series of elementary row operations. We can start by multiplying the first equation by 2 and the second equation by 4:

{ \begin{array}{l} 12x + 4y = -12 \\ 68x + 8y = -112 \end{array} \}

Now, we can subtract the first equation from the second equation to eliminate the y-variable:

{ \begin{array}{l} 12x + 4y = -12 \\ 56x + 4y = -100 \end{array} \}

Subtracting the first equation from the second equation, we get:

$44x = -88$

Dividing both sides by 44, we get:

$x = -2$

Now, we can substitute x = -2 into one of the original equations to solve for y. Let's use the first equation:

$6x + 2y = -6$

Substituting x = -2, we get:

$-12 + 2y = -6$

Adding 12 to both sides, we get:

$2y = 6$

Dividing both sides by 2, we get:

$y = 3$

Therefore, the solution to the given system is x = -2 and y = 3.

Option B: Transforming the Given System

Let's examine option B:

{ \begin{array}{l} 8x + 4y = -4 \\ 17x + 2y = -28 \end{array} \}

{ \begin{array}{l} 16x + 8y = -8 \\ 68x + 8y = -112 \end{array} \}

Now, we can subtract the first equation from the second equation to eliminate the y-variable:

{ \begin{array}{l} 16x + 8y = -8 \\ 52x = -104 \end{array} \}

Dividing both sides by 52, we get:

$x = -2$

Now, we can substitute x = -2 into one of the original equations to solve for y. Let's use the first equation:

$6x + 2y = -6$

Substituting x = -2, we get:

$-12 + 2y = -6$

Adding 12 to both sides, we get:

$2y = 6$

Dividing both sides by 2, we get:

$y = 3$

Therefore, the solution to the given system is x = -2 and y = 3.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored how to choose a system of equations with the same solution as a given system. We have used the following system as an example:

{ \begin{array}{l} 6x + 2y = -6 \\ 3x - 4y = -18 \end{array} \}

We have examined two options, A and B, and performed a series of elementary row operations to determine if they are equivalent to the given system. We have found that both options A and B are equivalent to the given system, and the solution to the given system is x = -2 and y = 3.

References

[1] "Systems of Equations" by Math Open Reference
[2] "Solving Systems of Equations" by Khan Academy

Discussion

Do you have any questions or comments about this article? Please feel free to ask or share your thoughts in the discussion section below.

Q: What is a system of equations?

A: A system of equations is a set of two or more equations that are related to each other through a common variable or variables.

Q: How do I solve a system of equations?

A: There are several methods to solve a system of equations, including substitution, elimination, and graphing. The method you choose will depend on the type of equations and the number of variables.

Q: What is the difference between a linear equation and a nonlinear equation?

A: A linear equation is an equation in which the highest power of the variable(s) is 1. A nonlinear equation is an equation in which the highest power of the variable(s) is greater than 1.

Q: Can I use a calculator to solve a system of equations?

A: Yes, you can use a calculator to solve a system of equations. Many calculators have built-in functions for solving systems of equations, such as the "solve" function.

Q: How do I determine if a system of equations has a unique solution, no solution, or infinitely many solutions?

A: To determine if a system of equations has a unique solution, no solution, or infinitely many solutions, you can use the following criteria:

If the system has a unique solution, the two equations must be linearly independent.
If the system has no solution, the two equations must be inconsistent.
If the system has infinitely many solutions, the two equations must be equivalent.

Q: Can I use a graphing calculator to visualize a system of equations?

A: Yes, you can use a graphing calculator to visualize a system of equations. Graphing calculators can plot the graphs of two or more equations on the same coordinate plane, allowing you to visualize the relationships between the equations.

Q: How do I use the substitution method to solve a system of equations?

A: To use the substitution method to solve a system of equations, follow these steps:

Solve one of the equations for one of the variables.
Substitute the expression for the variable into the other equation.
Solve the resulting equation for the other variable.
Substitute the value of the variable back into one of the original equations to find the value of the other variable.

Q: How do I use the elimination method to solve a system of equations?

A: To use the elimination method to solve a system of equations, follow these steps:

Multiply one or both of the equations by a constant to make the coefficients of one of the variables the same.
Add or subtract the equations to eliminate one of the variables.
Solve the resulting equation for the other variable.
Substitute the value of the variable back into one of the original equations to find the value of the other variable.

Q: Can I use a system of equations to model real-world problems?

A: Yes, you can use a system of equations to model real-world problems. Systems of equations can be used to represent relationships between variables in a variety of fields, including physics, engineering, economics, and more.

Q: How do I determine if a system of equations is consistent or inconsistent?

A: To determine if a system of equations is consistent or inconsistent, you can use the following criteria:

If the system has a unique solution, it is consistent.
If the system has no solution, it is inconsistent.
If the system has infinitely many solutions, it is consistent.

Q: Can I use a system of equations to solve a problem with multiple variables?

A: Yes, you can use a system of equations to solve a problem with multiple variables. Systems of equations can be used to represent relationships between multiple variables in a variety of fields, including physics, engineering, economics, and more.

Q: How do I use a system of equations to solve a problem with multiple equations?

A: To use a system of equations to solve a problem with multiple equations, follow these steps:

Write down the equations that represent the relationships between the variables.
Use a method such as substitution or elimination to solve the system of equations.
Use the solution to the system of equations to find the values of the variables.

Q: Can I use a system of equations to solve a problem with multiple variables and multiple equations?

A: Yes, you can use a system of equations to solve a problem with multiple variables and multiple equations. Systems of equations can be used to represent relationships between multiple variables in a variety of fields, including physics, engineering, economics, and more.

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

A: To determine if a system of equations is linearly independent or linearly dependent, you can use the following criteria:

If the system has a unique solution, it is linearly independent.
If the system has no solution, it is linearly dependent.
If the system has infinitely many solutions, it is linearly dependent.

Q: Can I use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation?

A: Yes, you can use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation. Systems of equations can be used to represent relationships between variables in a variety of fields, including physics, engineering, economics, and more.

Q: How do I use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables?

A: To use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables, follow these steps:

Write down the equations that represent the relationships between the variables.
Use a method such as substitution or elimination to solve the system of equations.
Use the solution to the system of equations to find the values of the variables.

Q: Can I use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple equations?

A: Yes, you can use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple equations. Systems of equations can be used to represent relationships between variables in a variety of fields, including physics, engineering, economics, and more.

Q: How do I determine if a system of equations is consistent or inconsistent with a non-linear equation?

A: To determine if a system of equations is consistent or inconsistent with a non-linear equation, you can use the following criteria:

If the system has a unique solution, it is consistent.
If the system has no solution, it is inconsistent.
If the system has infinitely many solutions, it is consistent.

Q: Can I use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables and multiple equations?

A: Yes, you can use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables and multiple equations. Systems of equations can be used to represent relationships between variables in a variety of fields, including physics, engineering, economics, and more.

Q: How do I use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables and multiple equations?

A: To use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables and multiple equations, follow these steps:

Write down the equations that represent the relationships between the variables.
Use a method such as substitution or elimination to solve the system of equations.
Use the solution to the system of equations to find the values of the variables.

Q: Can I use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables and multiple equations and a constraint?

A: Yes, you can use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables and multiple equations and a constraint. Systems of equations can be used to represent relationships between variables in a variety of fields, including physics, engineering, economics, and more.

Q: How do I use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables and multiple equations and a constraint?

A: To use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables and multiple equations and a constraint, follow these steps:

Write down the equations that represent the relationships between the variables.
Use a method such as substitution or elimination to solve the system of equations.
Use the solution to the system of equations to find the values of the variables.
Use the constraint to determine the values of the variables.

Q: Can I use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables and multiple equations and a constraint and a non-linear constraint?

A: Yes, you can use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables and multiple equations and a constraint and a non-linear constraint. Systems of equations can be used to represent relationships between variables in a variety of fields, including physics, engineering, economics, and more.

Q: How do I use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables and multiple equations and a constraint and a non-linear constraint?

A: To use a system of equations to solve a problem with a non-linear equation and multiple variables and multiple equations and a constraint and a non-linear constraint, follow these steps:

Write down the equations that represent the relationships between the variables.
Use a method such as substitution or elimination to solve the system of equations.
Use the solution to the system of equations to