Chapter 4 Linear Equations Pt. 1

S YST E MS OF
LI N E AR
E Q U AT ION S
Prepared by: Engr. Alyssa Ikutanim, MES
COURSE OUTCOMES
At the end of this course, the students should be able to:
1. Identify appropriate numerical/mathematical tool or concepts suitable for the solution of the CE Problem;
2. Analyze the CE problem to translate it to a numerical solution;
3. Use a computer software developing a solution to the problem
4. Solve civil engineering problems numerically when their analytical solution is either not available or
difficult to obtain.
Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
Given the linear system

ax + by = h
cx + dy = k
where a, b, c, d, h, and k are real constants, a pair of numbers x = and y = [also written
as an ordered pair is a solution of this system if each equation is satisfied by the pair.
The set of all such ordered pairs is called the solution set for the system. To solve a system is
to find its solution set.
Graphing
Recall that the graph of a line is a graph of all the ordered pairs that satisfy the equation of the
line. To solve the ticket problem by graphing, we graph both equations in the same coordinate
system. The coordinates of any points that the graphs have in common must be solutions to the
system since they satisfy both equations.
For example
Solve the ticket problem by graphing.
Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
Definition
A system of linear equations is consistent if it has one or more solutions and inconsistent if no
solutions exist. Furthermore, a consistent system is said to be independent if it has exactly one
solution (often referred to as the unique solution) and dependent if it has more than one
solution. Two systems of equations are equivalent if they have the same solution set.
THEOREM 1: Possible Solutions to a Linear System
The linear system
must have
A. Exactly one solution Consistent and independent
or
B. No solution Inconsistent
or
C. Infinitely many solutions. Consistent and dependent
There are no other possibilities
For example: Solving using a Graphing Calculator
Solve to two-decimal places using graphical approximation
techniques on a graphing calculator.
Substitution
In this method, first we choose one of two equations in a system and solve for one variable
in terms of the other. (We make a choice that avoids fractions, if possible.) Then we substitute
the result into the other equation and solve the resulting linear equation in one variable.
Finally, we substitute this result back into the results of the first step to find the second
variable.
For example:
Solve by substitution
Elimination by Addition
The methods of graphing and substitution both work well for systems involving two variables.
However, neither is easily extended to larger systems. Now we turn to elimination by addition.
This is probably the most important method of solution. It readily generalizes to larger systems
and forms the basis for computer-based solution methods.
THEOREM 2: Operations that produce equivalent systems
A system of linear equations is transformed into an equivalent system if:

(A) Two equations are interchanged.
(B) An equation is multiplied by a nonzero constant.
(C) A constant multiple of one equation is added to another equation.
Example No. 1:
Solve by following system using elimination by addition
Example No. 2:
Jasmine wants to use milk and orange juice to increase the amount of calcium and vitamin A
in her daily diet. An ounce of milk contains 37 milligrams of calcium and 57 micrograms* of
vitamin A. An ounce of orange juice contains 5 milligrams of calcium and 65 micrograms of
vitamin A. How many ounces of milk and orange juice should Jasmine drink each day to
provide exactly 500 milligrams of calcium and 1,200 micrograms of vitamin A?
Example No. 2:
Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Three
Variables
1. Write each equation in standard form

2. Choose a pair of equations, and eliminate one of the variables by using the addition method.
3. Choose a different pair of equations and eliminate the same variable.
4. Once steps 2 and 3 are complete, you should have two equations in two variables. Solve this
system by using the methods from previous discussion
5. Substitute the values of the variables found in step 4 into any of the three original equations
that contain the third variable. Solve for the third variable.
6. Check the ordered triple in each of the original equations.
Example No. 1: Solve the system
Example No. 4:
Doctors have become increasingly concerned about the sodium intake in the U.S. diet.
Recommendations by the American Medical Association indicate that most individuals
should not exceed 2400 mg of sodium per day.
Liz ate 1 slice of pizza, 1 serving of ice cream, and 1 glass of soda for a total of 1030 mg of
sodium. David ate 3 slices of pizza, no ice cream, and 2 glasses of soda for a total of 2420
mg of sodium. Melinda ate 2 slices of pizza, 1 serving of ice cream, and 2 glasses of soda for
a total of 1910 mg of sodium. How much sodium is in one serving of each item?
Example No. 4:

Chapter 4 Linear Equations Pt. 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter 4 Linear Equations Pt. 1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter 4 Linear Equations Pt. 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

S YST E MS OF

At the end of this course, the students should be able to:

Given the linear system

The linear system

A system of linear equations is transformed into an equivalent system if:

1. Write each equation in standard form

You might also like