Linear Equations in Two Variables

While the solution of a linear equation in one variable is one value of x, the solution of an equation in two variables is an ordered pair of values, x and y. When these solutions are plotted on the coordinate plane, they form a line (hence the term "linear" equation). Watch this lecture series, which explains how to find and graph the solutions of a linear equation in two variables. Complete the interactive exercises.

Solutions to 2-variable equations - Questions

Answers

1. A. Only (1, 4)

To check whether an ordered pair (a,b) is a solution of an equation, substitute these values into the equation and determine if the resulting equality is true or false.

To check whether (1,4) is a solution of the equation, let's substitute x=1 and y=4 into the equation:

\begin{aligned}
&y=7 x-3 \\
&4=7 \cdot 1-3 \\
&4=7-3 \\
&4=4
\end{aligned}

Since 4=4, we obtained a true statement, so (1, 4) is indeed a solution of the equation.

To check whether (-1, -4) is a solution of the equation, let's substitute x=-1 and y=-4 into the equation:

\begin{aligned}
y &=7 x-3 \\
-4 &=7 \cdot(-1)-3 \\
-4 &=-7-3 \\
-4 &=-10
\end{aligned}

Since -4 \neq-10, we obtained a false statement, so (-1, -4) is not a solution of the equation.

Only (1, 4) a solution of the equation.


2. B. Only (-2, 9)

To check whether an ordered pair (a, b) is a solution of an equation, substitute these values into the equation and determine if the resulting equality is true or false.

To check whether  (2, -9, let's substitute x=2 and y=-9 into the equation:

\begin{aligned}
y &=-2 x+5 \\
-9 &=-2 \cdot 2+5 \\
-9 &=-4+5 \\
-9 &=1
\end{aligned}

Since  -9 \neq 1, we obtained a false statement, so (2, -9) is not a solution of the equation.

To check whether  (-2, 9), let's substitute x=-2 and y=9 into the equation:

\begin{aligned}
&y=-2 x+5 \\
&9=-2 \cdot(-2)+5 \\
&9=4+5 \\
&9=9
\end{aligned}

Since 9 = 9, we obtained a true statement, so  (-2, 9 ) is indeed a solution of the equation.

Only  (-2, 9 ) is a solution of the equation.


3. B. Only (5, 4)

To check whether an ordered pair (a,b) is a solution of an equation, substitute these values into the equation and determine if the resulting equality is true or false.

To check whether(4, 5) is a solution of the equation, let's substitute x=4 and y=5 into the equation:

\begin{aligned}
2 x+4 y &=6 x-y \\
2 \cdot 4+4 \cdot 5 &=6 \cdot 4-5 \\
8+20 &=24-5 \\
28 &=19
\end{aligned}

Since 28 \neq 19, we obtained a false statement, so (4, 5) is not a solution of the equation.

To check whether(5, 4) is a solution of the equation, let's substitute x=5 and y=4 into the equation:

\begin{aligned}
2 x+4 y &=6 x-y \\
2 \cdot 5+4 \cdot 4 &=6 \cdot 5-4 \\
10+16 &=30-4 \\
26 &=26
\end{aligned}

Since 26 = 26, we obtained a true statement, so (5, 4) is indeed a solution of the equation.

Only (5, 4)is a solution of the equation.


4. D. Neither

To check whether an ordered pair (a, b is a solution of an equation, substitute these values into the equation and determine if the resulting equality is true or false.

To check whether (3, 2) is a solution of the equation, let's substitute x= 3 and y = 2 into the equation:

\begin{aligned}-x-4 y &=-10 \\-3-4 \cdot 2 &=-10 \\-3-8 &=-10 \\-11 &=-10\end{aligned}

Since  -11 \neq-10, we obtained a false statement, so (3, 2) is not a solution of the equation.

To check whether (-3, 3) is a solution of the equation, let's substitute x= -3 and y = 3 into the equation:

 \begin{aligned}
-x-4 y &=-10 \\
-(-3)-4 \cdot 3 &=-10 \\
3-12 &=-10 \\
-9 &=-10
\end{aligned}

Since -9 \neq-10, we obtained a false statement, so (-3, 3) is not a solution of the equation.

Neither of the ordered pairs is a solution of the equation.