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Secondary 3 · Mathematics
Linear and quadratic equations · Equations

Systems of Equations

Before you start, make sure you know: First-degree equations (Secondary Year 2 (first cycle))
Before you start, make sure you know: Studying lines (Secondary Year 2 (first cycle))

At the corner store, Yaritza pays $\text{RD}\$110$ for a soda and two bags of chips. Wilkin pays $\text{RD}\$80$ for a soda and one bag of chips. How much does each item cost? There are two things you don't know (the price of the soda and the price of the chips) and two clues. One equation is not enough: you need a system.

What is a system

To check, you substitute into both: $50 + 2 \times 30 = 110$ ✓ and $50 + 30 = 80$ ✓. If it satisfies only one, it is not a solution.

Graphical meaning

Each linear equation with two unknowns is a line (all its points are solutions of that equation). The solution of the system is the point where the two lines intersect. Move the lines:

There are three possibilities:

Graphical interpretation of the solutions of a system: intersecting lines at one point (consistent and independent), parallel lines (inconsistent), and coincident lines (consistent and dependent). intersect:one solution parallel:none coincide:infinitely many
Lines Type of system Solutions
Intersect Consistent and independent (CI) One
Parallel Inconsistent (I) None
Coincident Consistent and dependent (CD) Infinitely many
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Look at the graphical representation of the two lines forming a system of equations. Without doing algebraic calculations, determine the solution to the system and…

Look at the graphical representation of the two lines forming a system of equations. Without doing algebraic calculations, determine the solution to the system and classify it as Consistent Independent (unique solution), Consistent Dependent (infinitely many solutions), or Inconsistent (no solution).

x y 1 2 3 4 5 −1 −2 −3 1 2 3 4 5 −1 −2 0 x + y = 5 2x - y = 1 P
Solve
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Copy and complete the following table of values for the two equations of the system in your notebook. Then, state the common solution by looking at the results: System:…

Copy and complete the following table of values for the two equations of the system in your notebook. Then, state the common solution by looking at the results:

System: $\begin{cases} x + y = 5 \\ x - y = 1 \end{cases}$

$x$ $y$ (Equation 1) $y$ (Equation 2)
$1$
$2$
$3$
$4$
Solve
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Two friends, Lucía and Marcos, are accumulating points in their favorite video game to unlock a new reward. Stealth missions are represented by the unknown $x$ and…

Two friends, Lucía and Marcos, are accumulating points in their favorite video game to unlock a new reward. Stealth missions are represented by the unknown $x$ and assault missions by the unknown $y$. The system of equations describing the objectives they must complete today is as follows:

$$\begin{cases} x + y = 5 \\ 2x + 3y = 12 \end{cases}$$

Check numerically whether the pair of values $(x = 3, y = 2)$ is the solution to the system. Looking at the graph below, state whether the friends have managed to find the exact point where both conditions (total missions and accumulated points) are met.

x (stealth) y (assault) 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 1 3 4 5 6 3 2 (3, 2) x + y = 5 2x + 3y = 12
Solve
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Look at the following graphical representation of a system of two linear equations with two unknowns and answer the questions: a) State the coordinates of the…

Look at the following graphical representation of a system of two linear equations with two unknowns and answer the questions:

Lines y = −x + 5 and y = 2x − 1 on a Cartesian plane with grid; they intersect at a point P marked with dashed guides toward the axesxy01234567123456y = −x + 5y = 2x − 1P
  1. a) State the coordinates of the intersection point $P$ of both lines.
  2. b) What does that point represent in relation to the system of equations?
  3. c) Classify the system according to the number of solutions it has.
  4. d) Is the point $P$ a solution of the following system?

$\begin{cases} 2x + y = 8 \\ x - 3y = -3 \end{cases}$

Briefly explain why it is or why it is not, checking both equalities.

Solve

Reading a system from its graph

If you are given the lines already drawn, you can recover their equations from two points, for example the intercepts with the axes. Use the form $y = mx + b$: $b$ is the $y$-intercept and the slope is $m = \dfrac{\Delta y}{\Delta x}$.

Classifying without graphing. Two lines $y = m_1x + b_1$ and $y = m_2x + b_2$:

  • If $m_1 \neq m_2$, they intersect: consistent and independent.

  • If $m_1 = m_2$ and $b_1 \neq b_2$, they are parallel: inconsistent.

  • If $m_1 = m_2$ and $b_1 = b_2$, they are the same line: consistent and dependent.

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Look at the following graphical representation of two linear functions that form a system of equations. a) Identify the equations of both lines from their intercepts and…

Look at the following graphical representation of two linear functions that form a system of equations.

  1. a) Identify the equations of both lines from their intercepts and gradient.
  2. b) Determine the solution of the system graphically.
  3. c) Classify the system according to its number of solutions (SCD, SCI, or SI).
2 4 −2 −4 2 4 −2 −4 0 x y +2 +2 +2 −1 r₁ r₂
Solve
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Look at the graphical representation of the lines $r$ and $s$ forming a system of equations. a) Identify the equations of both lines using their axis intercepts. b)…

Look at the graphical representation of the lines $r$ and $s$ forming a system of equations.

  1. a) Identify the equations of both lines using their axis intercepts.
  2. b) Determine, algebraically and graphically, whether the system is consistent with a unique solution, consistent with infinitely many solutions, or inconsistent.
  3. c) Find the point of intersection $(x, y)$.
X Y −4 −2 2 4 6 −4 −2 2 4 r (0,4) (4,0) s (0,2) (−2.0) P(x,y)
Solve

Substitution method

You solve for one unknown in one equation and substitute it into the other. It is the best choice when an unknown is "alone" (coefficient 1 or −1). It is based on the fact that if two quantities are equal, one can replace the other.

Diagram with the steps of the substitution method: solve for one unknown, substitute the expression into the other equation, solve the resulting first-degree equation, and calculate the second unknown. 1. Solver = 80 − p 2. Substituteinto the other 3. Solvep = 30 4. Go backr = 50
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Solve the following system using the substitution method, taking advantage of the fact that one of the unknowns is already isolated in the first equation:…

Solve the following system using the substitution method, taking advantage of the fact that one of the unknowns is already isolated in the first equation:

$\begin{cases} y = 3x \\ 2x + y = 10 \end{cases}$

Solve
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When organising an e-sports event, a total of 250 tickets were sold. There are two types of seats: "Gamer" tickets, which cost $\text{RD\$}\ 900…

When organising an e-sports event, a total of 250 tickets were sold. There are two types of seats: "Gamer" tickets, which cost $\text{RD\$}\ 900$, and "Pro" tickets, which cost $\text{RD\$}\ 1\,500$. If the total amount raised was $\text{RD\$}\ 282\,000$, set up a system of equations and calculate how many tickets of each type were sold using the substitution method.

Solve

Elimination by equating

You solve for the same unknown in both equations and set the expressions equal. It is like a substitution where both equations already have the form "unknown = something".

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Solve the following system of equations using the equating method. Notice that the unknown $x$ is already isolated in both expressions:…

Solve the following system of equations using the equating method. Notice that the unknown $x$ is already isolated in both expressions:

$\begin{cases} x = 5 - y \\ x = 2y - 1 \end{cases}$

Solve
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A new rectangular play area is being designed in the school playground. The architect has established that the total perimeter must be $56$ meters. Furthermore, to leave…

A new rectangular play area is being designed in the school playground. The architect has established that the total perimeter must be $56$ meters. Furthermore, to leave enough space for the basketball hoops, the length of the area must be $4$ meters less than three times the width.

Calculate the dimensions of the play area by setting up a system of equations and solving it using the equating method.

Perimeter = 56 m Width (y) Length (x)
Solve

Elimination by addition

You multiply the equations by suitable numbers so that, when you add (or subtract) them, one unknown disappears. It works because adding two equalities side by side gives another equality.

Diagram of the elimination method: vertical addition of two linear equations with opposite terms in y to cancel them and solve for x. 3x+ 2y= 16 5x− 2y= 16 + 8x 0= 32 x = 4 +2y and −2y are opposites: when adding, y disappears Then: 3·4 + 2y = 16 → y = 2
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Solve the following system using the elimination method. Notice that the coefficients of the unknown $y$ are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign, so you can add the…

Solve the following system using the elimination method. Notice that the coefficients of the unknown $y$ are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign, so you can add the equations directly:

$\begin{cases} 4x + y = 7 \\ 2x - y = 5 \end{cases}$

Solve
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In a bulk food shop, we want to prepare a special $20\ kg$ mix of nuts to sell at a price of $\text{RD\$}\ 510/kg$. To do this, we will use cashews costing $\text{RD\…

In a bulk food shop, we want to prepare a special $20\ kg$ mix of nuts to sell at a price of $\text{RD\$}\ 510/kg$. To do this, we will use cashews costing $\text{RD\$}\ 600/kg$ and peanuts costing $\text{RD\$}\ 360/kg$.

Use the elimination method to find out how many kilograms of cashews and how many of peanuts we should mix.

Solve

Setting up word problems with systems

  1. Choose two unknowns and write down what each one means.

  2. Translate each piece of information in the statement into an equation.

  3. Solve with the method you prefer and check against the statement, not just in the equations.

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Translate the following situation into algebraic language and set up a system of two equations in two unknowns, clearly stating what each variable represents: "In a…

Translate the following situation into algebraic language and set up a system of two equations in two unknowns, clearly stating what each variable represents:

"In a café, a group of friends paid $\text{RD\$}\ 660$ for $2$ soft drinks and $3$ bags of chips. Another group paid $\text{RD\$}\ 780$ for $4$ soft drinks and $1$ bag of chips."

Solve
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In a video game shop, second-hand controllers and games are sold. Marcos bought one controller and one game for $\text{RD\$}\ 3\,000…

In a video game shop, second-hand controllers and games are sold. Marcos bought one controller and one game for $\text{RD\$}\ 3\,000$. If the price of the game is three times that of the controller, how much does each item cost?

Set up a system of equations and solve it using whichever method you prefer.

x + y = RD$3 000 y = 3 · x
Solve
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Two well-known streamers are comparing their years of experience on the platform. The sum of their current ages is $44$ years. In $10$ years' time, the age of the older…

Two well-known streamers are comparing their years of experience on the platform. The sum of their current ages is $44$ years. In $10$ years' time, the age of the older one will be exactly twice the present age of the younger one.

Set up a system of linear equations and find out the present age of each one.

Solve

Two-digit numbers, ages, and vehicles

A two-digit number with tens digit $x$ and units digit $y$ has the value $10x + y$. If you reverse the order, it has the value $10y + x$.

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A two-digit number has a curious property: the tens digit is twice the units digit. If we subtract $27$ from this number, we get the number obtained by reversing the…

A two-digit number has a curious property: the tens digit is twice the units digit. If we subtract $27$ from this number, we get the number obtained by reversing the order of its digits.

Translate the statement into a system of equations (remember to express the number in expanded form: $10x + y$) and find the number.

Solve
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A courier company uses drones and vans for its deliveries. We know that twice the number of drones exceeds three times the number of vans by 2 units. Furthermore, if…

A courier company uses drones and vans for its deliveries. We know that twice the number of drones exceeds three times the number of vans by 2 units. Furthermore, if they were to buy 2 more drones and lose one van, they would have three times as many drones as vans. Set up a system of linear equations and find out how many vehicles of each type the company has.

Solve
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Find a two-digit number, knowing that the sum of its digits is $12$ and that, if the order of its digits is reversed, the resulting number is $18$ units greater than the…

Find a two-digit number, knowing that the sum of its digits is $12$ and that, if the order of its digits is reversed, the resulting number is $18$ units greater than the original number.

Note: Remember that a number with digits $xy$ is written algebraically as $10x + y$.

Solve

Mixtures and motion

Mixtures. You set up two equations: one with the amounts and one with the pure substance (amount × percent).

Moving objects. Use $d = v \cdot t$. If one leaves later, that one's time is shorter. In a catch-up problem, both have traveled the same distance; in a meeting problem, the sum of the distances is the initial separation.

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In a chemistry laboratory, two saline solutions are to be mixed. The first has a salt concentration of $15\%$ and the second of $40\%$. If exactly $20$ liters of a…

In a chemistry laboratory, two saline solutions are to be mixed. The first has a salt concentration of $15\%$ and the second of $40\%$. If exactly $20$ liters of a mixture with a concentration of $30\%$ are required, how many liters of each solution should be used? Set up and solve the system of equations.

Solve
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Two cyclists, Paula and Sergio, ride around a circular track of $400$ meters. If they ride in opposite directions, they pass each other every $20$ seconds. If they ride…

Two cyclists, Paula and Sergio, ride around a circular track of $400$ meters. If they ride in opposite directions, they pass each other every $20$ seconds. If they ride in the same direction, Paula (who is faster) overtakes Sergio every $100$ seconds.

Knowing that distance traveled is equal to speed multiplied by time ($e = v \times t$), set up a system of equations to calculate the speed of each cyclist in meters per second.

Paula (vₚ) Sergio (vₛ) vₚ vₛ d = 400 m Opposite directions t = 20 s vₚ vₛ d = 400 m Same direction t = 100 s
Solve
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Two cyclists, Ioana and Boris, take part in a long-distance race. Boris sets off from the starting line at a constant speed of $24\text{ km/h}$. Half an hour later,…

Two cyclists, Ioana and Boris, take part in a long-distance race. Boris sets off from the starting line at a constant speed of $24\text{ km/h}$. Half an hour later, Ioana sets off in pursuit at a speed of $32\text{ km/h}$.

  1. a) How long will it take Ioana to catch up with Boris?
  2. b) At what distance from the starting line will they meet?

Hint: Use the system of equations based on the formula $e = v \times t$.

Solve

Challenges: sum and product, discriminant, and fractions

Sum and product

When a system includes a second-degree equation, you substitute and get a quadratic.

With a rectangle of perimeter $P$ and area $A$: the semiperimeter $x + y = P/2$ and $xy = A$. It is the same case.

Discriminant with a parameter

In $x^2 - 8x + k = 0$ there is a single (double) solution when $\Delta = b^2 - 4ac = 0$.

Equations with fractions

Multiply everything by the LCM of the denominators and watch the minus sign in front of a parenthesis: it changes the sign of all the terms inside.

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Study the discriminant of the following quadratic equation and determine for which value of the parameter $k$ the equation has a single real solution (repeated root).…

Study the discriminant of the following quadratic equation and determine for which value of the parameter $k$ the equation has a single real solution (repeated root). Once $k$ is found, solve the equation:

$$x^2 - 12x + k = 0$$
Solve
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Find the dimensions of a rectangular wooden frame, knowing that its perimetre is $60\text{ cm}$ and its area is $216\text{ cm}^2$. To solve it, set up a system in which…

Find the dimensions of a rectangular wooden frame, knowing that its perimetre is $60\text{ cm}$ and its area is $216\text{ cm}^2$. To solve it, set up a system in which one of the equations is quadratic, or solve it using a quadratic equation by applying the relationship between the sum and product of the roots.

Perimetre = 60 cm Area = 216 cm² x y
Solve
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Solve the following linear equation, paying special attention to simplifying the fractions and to the negative sign preceding the brackets: $$\frac{2(x - 3)}{5} -…

Solve the following linear equation, paying special attention to simplifying the fractions and to the negative sign preceding the brackets:

$$\frac{2(x - 3)}{5} - \frac{x - 1}{2} = \frac{3x - 4}{10} - \frac{5(1 - x)}{4}$$
Solve

Back to the beginning: the soda costs $\text{RD}\$50$ and each bag of chips $\text{RD}\$30$. Yaritza: $50 + 2 \times 30 = 110$; Wilkin: $50 + 30 = 80$.

Summary

See all the exercises in this section