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Algebra 2 · Mathematics
Equations · Systems of Equations

Solving Systems of Equations

Before you start, make sure you know: Systems of linear equations (Algebra 1)
Before you start, make sure you know: Non-linear systems of equations (Algebra 1)

At a Fourth of July food truck, Aaliyah pays $\$13$ for 3 tacos and 2 drinks. Mateo pays $\$12$ for 2 tacos and 3 drinks. What does one taco cost? One drink? Two unknowns and two clues make a system of equations.

In Algebra 1 you solved systems with two unknowns. Now they get harder: there may be three unknowns, or squares, exponents, logarithms, radicals, and fractions. The big idea never changes: turn the system into something you already know how to solve.

Review: substitution and elimination

Graphically, the solution of a $2\times 2$ linear system is the point where the two lines cross. Here is the system $2x+3y=16$, $3x-2y=11$.

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Solve the following system of linear equations using the elimination method: $3x - 2y = 7$ $5x + 4y = 8$

Solve the following system of linear equations using the elimination method:

$3x - 2y = 7$

$5x + 4y = 8$

Solve

Three unknowns: echelon form and Gaussian elimination

With three unknowns, substitution gets messy fast. The reliable approach is to eliminate variables in a fixed order until the system has a "staircase" shape. This is Gaussian elimination.

The plan: use equation (1) to eliminate $x$ from equations (2) and (3). Then use the new equation (2) to eliminate $y$ from equation (3). Finally, back-substitute.

A system of three equations is transformed by elimination into a staircase-shaped system that can be solved from the bottom up. x + y + z = 6 2x − y + z = 6 x + 2y − z = 1 → x + y + z = 6 −3y − z = −6 −7z = −21 Eliminate x, then y. Then solve from the bottom up.
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Find the value of the unknowns $x$, $y$, $z$ in the following system of linear equations, which is already in echelon form: $2x - y + 3z = 14$ $3y - z = 5$ $2z = 8$

Find the value of the unknowns $x$, $y$, $z$ in the following system of linear equations, which is already in echelon form:

$2x - y + 3z = 14$

$3y - z = 5$

$2z = 8$

Solve
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Apply Gaussian elimination to transform and solve the following system of three linear equations with three unknowns: $x + y + z = 6$ $x - y + 2z = 5$ $x + y - z = 0$

Apply Gaussian elimination to transform and solve the following system of three linear equations with three unknowns:

$x + y + z = 6$

$x - y + 2z = 5$

$x + y - z = 0$

Solve
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Solve the following system of linear equations using Gaussian elimination and indicate if it is a consistent and determinate system: $2x - y + 3z = 1$ $x + 2y - z = 4$…

Solve the following system of linear equations using Gaussian elimination and indicate if it is a consistent and determinate system:

$2x - y + 3z = 1$

$x + 2y - z = 4$

$4x - y + z = 2$

Solve

One, none, or infinitely many solutions

Two lines can cross once, be parallel, or be the same line. Systems with more unknowns behave the same way. You can see which case you are in as you eliminate.

After elimination you get… What it means Solutions
a value for every variable the equations are independent exactly one (consistent, independent)
$0=0$ one equation was redundant infinitely many (consistent, dependent)
$0=5$ (something false) the equations contradict each other none (inconsistent)

Some problems say determinate and indeterminate for the first two rows. They mean the same as independent and dependent.

Now watch a parameter change the picture. In $x+y=2$, $3x+ky=6$, slide $k$ and watch the second line.

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Discuss the following system of linear equations in terms of the parameter $k$: $x + 2y = 5$ $3x + ky = 15$ Find the value of $k$ for which the system has infinite…

Discuss the following system of linear equations in terms of the parameter $k$:

$x + 2y = 5$

$3x + ky = 15$

Find the value of $k$ for which the system has infinite solutions and express the general solution in terms of a real parameter $\lambda$.

Solve
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Solve the following system of three equations with three unknowns using Gaussian elimination. Verify that it is a consistent and indeterminate system and express its…

Solve the following system of three equations with three unknowns using Gaussian elimination. Verify that it is a consistent and indeterminate system and express its solution set in terms of a parameter $\lambda$:

$x - 2y + z = 3$

$2x + y - 3z = 1$

$4x - 3y - z = 7$

Solve
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Analyse the following system of linear equations and prove, using the transformations of Gaussian elimination, that it is an inconsistent system: $x + y + z = 4$…

Analyse the following system of linear equations and prove, using the transformations of Gaussian elimination, that it is an inconsistent system:

$x + y + z = 4$

$2x - y + 3z = 5$

$3x + 4z = 10$

Solve

Non-linear systems: substitution and elimination

A system is non-linear when at least one equation has squares, products of variables, or other non-linear terms. The solutions are the points where the graphs meet. A line and a circle can meet in $0$, $1$, or $2$ points.

The line y = x + 1 crosses the circle x squared plus y squared equals 25 at two points, (3, 4) and (-4, -3). (3, 4) (−4, −3) x² + y² = 25 y = x + 1 x y
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Solve the following non-linear system of equations using the substitution method: $x - y = 2$ $x^2 + y^2 = 10$

Solve the following non-linear system of equations using the substitution method:

$x - y = 2$

$x^2 + y^2 = 10$

Solve
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Find all the solutions to the following non-linear system of equations, in which both equations are quadratic: $x^2 + y^2 - 4x = 5$ $x^2 - y^2 - 4x = -3$

Find all the solutions to the following non-linear system of equations, in which both equations are quadratic:

$x^2 + y^2 - 4x = 5$

$x^2 - y^2 - 4x = -3$

Solve

Symmetric systems: sum and product

Some systems don't change if you swap $x$ and $y$, such as $x^2+y^2=20$ and $xy=8$. For these, use $S=x+y$ and $P=xy$.

Now see it geometrically. The circle $x^2+y^2=25$ and the hyperbola $xy=12$ meet at four points, and they come in swapped pairs.

The circle x squared plus y squared equals 25 and the hyperbola xy equals 12 intersect at four points: (3, 4), (4, 3), (-3, -4), and (-4, -3). (3, 4) (4, 3) (−3, −4) (−4, −3) x² + y² = 25 xy = 12 x y
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The perimeter of a rectangular plot measures $140$ ft and the length of its diagonal is $50$ ft. Set up a non-linear system of equations that describes the situation and…

The perimeter of a rectangular plot measures $140$ ft and the length of its diagonal is $50$ ft. Set up a non-linear system of equations that describes the situation and solve it to determine the dimensions of the plot.

x y d = 50 ft
Solve
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Solve the following symmetric non-linear system of equations. To facilitate the resolution, use the change of variables $S = x + y$ and $P = x \cdot y$: $x^2 + y^2 = 34$…

Solve the following symmetric non-linear system of equations. To facilitate the resolution, use the change of variables $S = x + y$ and $P = x \cdot y$:

$x^2 + y^2 = 34$

$x \cdot y = 15$

Solve
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Determine analytically the points of intersection between the circle with equation $x^2 + y^2 = 25$ and the rectangular hyperbola with equation $x \cdot y = 12$. Set up…

Determine analytically the points of intersection between the circle with equation $x^2 + y^2 = 25$ and the rectangular hyperbola with equation $x \cdot y = 12$. Set up the associated non-linear system, solve it detailing the steps, and explain how many real solutions exist.

X Y x² + y² = 25 x·y = 12 4 3
Solve

Exponential systems: same base and change of variable

When the unknowns are in exponents, first try to write both sides of each equation as powers of the same base. Equal bases mean equal exponents.

An exponential system becomes a linear system when both sides are written with the same base and the exponents are set equal. 2x+y = 64 = 26 5x−y = 25 = 52 set the exponents equal x + y = 6 x − y = 2 linear system

When you can't match bases, use a change of variable: let $u=2^x$ and $v=3^y$. The exponent rules $2^{x+1}=2\cdot 2^x$ and $3^{y-1}=\dfrac{3^y}{3}$ turn the system into a linear one.

If $u$ is not a clean power, use a logarithm. For example, $2^x=5$ gives $x=\log_2 5=\dfrac{\ln 5}{\ln 2}\approx 2.32$.

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Solve the following system of exponential equations by expressing both sides of each equation as powers of the same base: $2^{x+y} = 32$ $3^{x-y} = 9$

Solve the following system of exponential equations by expressing both sides of each equation as powers of the same base:

$2^{x+y} = 32$

$3^{x-y} = 9$

Solve
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Solve the following system of exponential equations by making the changes of variable $u = 3^x$ and $v = 2^y$: $3^x + 2^{y+1} = 17$ $3^{x-1} - 2^y = 1$

Solve the following system of exponential equations by making the changes of variable $u = 3^x$ and $v = 2^y$:

$3^x + 2^{y+1} = 17$

$3^{x-1} - 2^y = 1$

Solve

Logarithmic systems

The definition of a logarithm turns a logarithmic equation into an ordinary equation: log base 3 of (x minus y) equals 2 becomes x minus y equals 3 squared. log₃(x − y) = 2 definition: base^answer = argument x − y = 3² = 9
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Apply the definition of a logarithm to set up an equivalent linear system and solve the following system of equations: $\log_2(x + y) = 3$ $x - 2y = 2$

Apply the definition of a logarithm to set up an equivalent linear system and solve the following system of equations:

$\log_2(x + y) = 3$

$x - 2y = 2$

Solve
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Find the value of $x$ and $y$ in the following system of logarithmic equations, previously applying the properties of logarithms to simplify the expressions:…

Find the value of $x$ and $y$ in the following system of logarithmic equations, previously applying the properties of logarithms to simplify the expressions:

$\log(x) + \log(y) = 2$

$\log(x^2) - \log(y) = 1$

Solve
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Solve the following mixed system combining an exponential equation and a logarithmic equation: $2^x \cdot 4^y = 256$ $\log_3(x) + \log_3(y) = \log_3(6)$

Solve the following mixed system combining an exponential equation and a logarithmic equation:

$2^x \cdot 4^y = 256$

$\log_3(x) + \log_3(y) = \log_3(6)$

Solve

Radicals and fractions

Two substitution tips: for radicals let a equal the square root of x; for fractions let u equal 1 over x. Radicals let a = √x, b = √y (a, b ≥ 0) Fractions let u = 1/x, v = 1/y (x, y ≠ 0)

Radicals. A square root is never negative, and squaring both sides can create false solutions. Two good strategies are to use $x-y=(\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{y})(\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{y})$ when the system has $x-y$, or to substitute $a=\sqrt{x}$ and $b=\sqrt{y}$.

Fractions. If each unknown appears only in denominators, let $u=\dfrac1x$ and $v=\dfrac1y$. The system becomes linear. State the restrictions first: $x\ne 0$, $y\ne 0$.

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Find the solution to the following system of equations involving expressions with radicals: $\sqrt{x} + \sqrt{y} = 5$ $x - y = 5$

Find the solution to the following system of equations involving expressions with radicals:

$\sqrt{x} + \sqrt{y} = 5$

$x - y = 5$

Solve
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Solve the following system of equations containing algebraic fractions, clearly indicating the prior restrictions on the unknowns: $\frac{2}{x} + \frac{3}{y} = 2$…

Solve the following system of equations containing algebraic fractions, clearly indicating the prior restrictions on the unknowns:

$\frac{2}{x} + \frac{3}{y} = 2$

$\frac{4}{x} - \frac{1}{y} = \frac{1}{6}$

Solve

Word problems with two unknowns

Two travelers start at points A and B and move toward each other until they meet; the two distances add up to the total distance. A meet B d₁ = r₁ · t d₂ = r₂ · t d₁ + d₂ = total distance
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A farmer has harvested $500$ pounds of fruit between apples and pears. Knowing that three times the pounds of apples is exactly equal to twice the pounds of pears, set…

A farmer has harvested $500$ pounds of fruit between apples and pears. Knowing that three times the pounds of apples is exactly equal to twice the pounds of pears, set up and solve a system of linear equations to determine how many pounds of each fruit they have harvested.

Solve
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In a chemical laboratory, it is desired to obtain $100$ liters of an acid solution at $30\%$. To do this, two solutions available in the warehouse will be mixed: one at…

In a chemical laboratory, it is desired to obtain $100$ liters of an acid solution at $30\%$. To do this, two solutions available in the warehouse will be mixed: one at $20\%$ concentration and another at $45\%$. Set up and solve a system of linear equations to calculate how many liters of each solution must be used.

Solve
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Two cyclists set off simultaneously from two cities A and B, separated by a distance of $120$ miles, and travel in opposite directions to meet. The cyclist departing…

Two cyclists set off simultaneously from two cities A and B, separated by a distance of $120$ miles, and travel in opposite directions to meet. The cyclist departing from A travels at a constant speed that exceeds that of the cyclist departing from B by $5$ mph. Knowing that they cross paths exactly after $3$ hours, set up a system of equations to find the speed of each one and the distance each cyclist has travelled to the meeting point.

A B Meeting point 120 miles vA vB dA dB
Solve

Word problems with three unknowns

Three unknowns need three independent equations. Look for three separate statements: a total count, a total value, and a relationship between the quantities.

Three statements in a word problem become three equations: total count, total cost, and a relationship between quantities. Total number of items p + n + f = 20 Total cost (in dollars) 0.5p + 2n + 1.5f = 22 One quantity vs. the others p = n + f
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A technology company assembles three types of drones: A, B, and C. In total, they manufacture $60$ drones per month. The number of type A drones is twice that of type C,…

A technology company assembles three types of drones: A, B, and C. In total, they manufacture $60$ drones per month. The number of type A drones is twice that of type C, and the sum of type B and C drones exceeds type A drones by $12$. Set up a system of three equations with three unknowns and solve it using Gaussian elimination.

Solve
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An investor distributes a total capital of $\$50000…

An investor distributes a total capital of $\$50000$ among three investment funds: equities, fixed income, and government bonds. The equities fund offers an annual return of $8\%$, the fixed income fund $5\%$, and the bonds $3\%$. The investor decides to allocate twice as much capital to fixed income as to government bonds. If after one year the total profits generated amount to $\$2900$, how much money did they invest in each fund? Set up the corresponding system and solve it using Gaussian elimination.

Solve

Back to the food truck: let $t$ be the price of a taco and $d$ the price of a drink. Then $3t+2d=13$ and $2t+3d=12$. Multiply the first by $3$ and the second by $2$: $9t+6d=39$ and $4t+6d=24$. Subtract: $5t=15$, so $t=3$ and $d=2$. A taco costs $\$3$ and a drink costs $\$2$.

Summary

See all the exercises in this section