To find the solutions for systems of linear equations, the graphing method or substitution may be employed. However, not every system has exactly one solution. Some systems may have more than one solution and some may have no solutions at all.
System of Linear Equations: A set of equations that must be solved together to find the solution that fits them both.
Consistent System: A linear system that has exactly one solution.
Inconsistent System: A linear system that has no solution.
Dependent System: A linear system with an infinite number of solutions.
A system of linear equations (also called a linear system) is two or more linear equations containing the same variables. The solution to a linear system must be a solution for ALL of the equations.
When graphed, the solution of the linear system is the point where all the lines intersect (cross).
Example:
To solve by graphing:
It is usually easier to see the solution on a graph, but this method can lead to imprecise answers if the solution is anon-integer.
The substitution method is a way to solve for the solution more precisely.
Example: \(2x + 3y = 6\) and \(-4x + y = 2\)
1. Isolate \(y\) in the second equation \(y = 2 + 4x\)
3. Plug the value for \(x\) into the first equation and solve for \(y\).
\(y = 2 + 4(0)\)
\(y = 2\)
2. Plug the expression into the first equation and solve for \(x\).
\(2x + 3(2 + 4x) = 6\)
\(2x + 6 + 12x = 6\)
\(14x = 0\)
\(x = 0\)
The solution is \((0, 2)\). Check by plugging it into both equations.
\(2(0)+3(2) = 6\)
\(-4(0)+2 = 2\)
Both equations are true, so \((0, 2)\) is the solution.
This method works on all systems, but we usually need to do extra work to get the equations into the form that we want.
There are several types of linear systems.
Usually two lines cross at one point and the system has one solution. This is a consistent system.
Two lines that are parallel never intersect and the system has no solution. This is an inconsistent system.
Two lines that are identical intersect at every point and the system has infinite solutions. This is a dependent system.