<< Chapter < Page Chapter >> Page >
<para>This module is from<link document="col10614">Elementary Algebra</link>by Denny Burzynski and Wade Ellis, Jr.</para>This module is from Elementary Algebra by Denny Burzynski and Wade Ellis, Jr. In this chapter, the emphasis is on the mechanics of equation solving, which clearly explains how to isolate a variable. The goal is to help the student feel more comfortable with solving applied problems. Ample opportunity is provided for the student to practice translating words to symbols, which is an important part of the "Five-Step Method" of solving applied problems (discussed in modules (<link document="m21980"/>) and (<link document="m21979"/>)). Objectives of this module: be able to identify the solution of a linear equation in two variables, know that solutions to linear equations in two variables can be written as ordered pairs.

Overview

  • Solutions to Linear Equations in Two Variables
  • Ordered Pairs as Solutions

Solutions to linear equations in two variables

Solution to an equation in two variables

We have discovered that an equation is a mathematical way of expressing the relationship of equality between quantities. If the relationship is between two quantities, the equation will contain two variables. We say that an equation in two variables has a solution if an ordered pair of values can be found such that when these two values are substituted into the equation a true statement results. This is illustrated when we observe some solutions to the equation y = 2 x + 5 .

  1. x = 4 , y = 13 ; since 13 = 2 ( 4 ) + 5 is true .
  2. x = 1 , y = 7 ; since 7 = 2 ( 1 ) + 5 is true .
  3. x = 0 , y = 5 ; since 5 = 2 ( 0 ) + 5 is true .
  4. x = 6 , y = 7 ; since -7 = 2 ( 6 ) + 5 is true .

Ordered pairs as solutions

It is important to keep in mind that a solution to a linear equation in two variables is an ordered pair of values, one value for each variable. A solution is not completely known until the values of both variables are specified.

Independent and dependent variables

Recall that, in an equation, any variable whose value can be freely assigned is said to be an independent variable. Any variable whose value is determined once the other value or values have been assigned is said to be a dependent variable. If, in a linear equation, the independent variable is x and the dependent variable is y , and a solution to the equation is x = a and y = b , the solution is written as the

ORDERED PAIR      ( a , b )

Ordered pair

In an ordered pair , ( a , b ) , the first component, a , gives the value of the independent variable, and the second component, b , gives the value of the dependent variable.

In an ordered pair (a,b), the first component a is the value of the independent variable, and the second component b is the value of the dependent variable.

We can use ordered pairs to show some solutions to the equation y = 6 x 7 .

( 0 , 7 ) .
If x = 0 and y = 7 , we get a true statement upon substitution and computataion.

y = 6 x 7 7 = 6 ( 0 ) 7 Is this correct? 7 = 7 Yes, this is correct .

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

( 8 , 41 ) .
If x = 8 and y = 41 , we get a true statement upon substitution and computataion.

y = 6 x 7 41 = 6 ( 8 ) 7 Is this correct? 41 = 48 7 Is this correct? 41 = 41 Yes, this is correct .

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

( 4 , 31 ) .
If x = 4 and y = 31 , we get a true statement upon substitution and computataion.

y = 6 x 7 31 = 6 ( 4 ) 7 Is this correct? 31 = 24 7 Is this correct? 31 = 31 Yes, this is correct .

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Questions & Answers

what does mean opportunity cost?
Aster Reply
what is poetive effect of population growth
Solomon Reply
what is inflation
Nasir Reply
what is demand
Eleni
what is economics
IMLAN Reply
economics theory describes individual behavior as the result of a process of optimization under constraints the objective to be reached being determined by
Kalkidan
Economics is a branch of social science that deal with How to wise use of resource ,s
Kassie
need
WARKISA
Economic Needs: In economics, needs are goods or services that are necessary for maintaining a certain standard of living. This includes things like healthcare, education, and transportation.
Kalkidan
What is demand and supply
EMPEROR Reply
deman means?
Alex
what is supply?
Alex
ex play supply?
Alex
Money market is a branch or segment of financial market where short-term debt instruments are traded upon. The instruments in this market includes Treasury bills, Bonds, Commercial Papers, Call money among other.
murana Reply
good
Kayode
what is money market
umar Reply
Examine the distinction between theory of comparative cost Advantage and theory of factor proportion
Fatima Reply
What is inflation
Bright Reply
a general and ongoing rise in the level of prices in an economy
AI-Robot
What are the factors that affect demand for a commodity
Florence Reply
price
Kenu
differentiate between demand and supply giving examples
Lambiv Reply
differentiated between demand and supply using examples
Lambiv
what is labour ?
Lambiv
how will I do?
Venny Reply
how is the graph works?I don't fully understand
Rezat Reply
information
Eliyee
devaluation
Eliyee
t
WARKISA
hi guys good evening to all
Lambiv
multiple choice question
Aster Reply
appreciation
Eliyee
explain perfect market
Lindiwe Reply
In economics, a perfect market refers to a theoretical construct where all participants have perfect information, goods are homogenous, there are no barriers to entry or exit, and prices are determined solely by supply and demand. It's an idealized model used for analysis,
Ezea
Got questions? Join the online conversation and get instant answers!
Jobilize.com Reply

Get Jobilize Job Search Mobile App in your pocket Now!

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store Now




Source:  OpenStax, Elementary algebra. OpenStax CNX. May 08, 2009 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col10614/1.3
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Notification Switch

Would you like to follow the 'Elementary algebra' conversation and receive update notifications?

Ask