7.1 Systems of linear equations: two variables  (Page 7/20)

Key concepts

• A system of linear equations consists of two or more equations made up of two or more variables such that all equations in the system are considered simultaneously.
• The solution to a system of linear equations in two variables is any ordered pair that satisfies each equation independently. See [link] .
• Systems of equations are classified as independent with one solution, dependent with an infinite number of solutions, or inconsistent with no solution.
• One method of solving a system of linear equations in two variables is by graphing. In this method, we graph the equations on the same set of axes. See [link] .
• Another method of solving a system of linear equations is by substitution. In this method, we solve for one variable in one equation and substitute the result into the second equation. See [link] .
• A third method of solving a system of linear equations is by addition, in which we can eliminate a variable by adding opposite coefficients of corresponding variables. See [link] .
• It is often necessary to multiply one or both equations by a constant to facilitate elimination of a variable when adding the two equations together. See [link] , [link] , and [link] .
• Either method of solving a system of equations results in a false statement for inconsistent systems because they are made up of parallel lines that never intersect. See [link] .
• The solution to a system of dependent equations will always be true because both equations describe the same line. See [link] .
• Systems of equations can be used to solve real-world problems that involve more than one variable, such as those relating to revenue, cost, and profit. See [link] and [link] .

Section exercises

Verbal

Algebraic

For the following exercises, determine whether the given ordered pair is a solution to the system of equations.