Search the courses, subjects, tracks, games and features, or jump straight to a page.
Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
Sign up free to listen. Transcripts are free to read.
Today, we’re going to start our exploration of solving systems of equations using the graphical method. Can anyone tell me what this method involves?
I think we have to graph the equations.
Exactly! We plot both equations on a Cartesian plane to see where they intersect. Remember the acronym I.P.P. for 'Intersection Point Plot', which helps us remember the goal of this method. Can anyone tell me what the intersection point represents?
It represents the solution to the system of equations!
Correct! Let’s practice plotting an example. We’ll use the equations x + y = 10 and x - y = 4.
So we need to find the points to plot for both of those?
Yes! After we plot them, we can find that their intersection is where x = 7 and y = 3. Thus, the solution is (7, 3).
How do we check that this is right?
Great question! We can substitute the values back into both original equations to confirm they satisfy both. Let’s quickly do that!
Next, let’s discuss the substitution method. Who can explain how this works?
We solve one equation for one variable, right?
Exactly! For instance, if we have the equations x + y = 10 and x - y = 4, we can rewrite x in terms of y from one equation.
So from the first one, we’d get x = 10 - y?
Correct! Now we substitute that into the second equation. What would that give us?
We’d get (10 - y) - y = 4, which simplifies to 10 - 2y = 4.
Right! Now, can you solve for y?
Yes! That gives us 2y = 6, so y = 3.
Exactly! Now what do we do to find x?
We substitute y back into x = 10 - y!
Perfect! This approach is often useful when one equation is easily solvable for one variable.
Let's move on to the elimination method. Who can explain what we do here?
We add or subtract the equations to eliminate one variable?
Precisely! For the equations x + y = 10 and x - y = 4, how can we eliminate y?
If we add both equations together, y cancels out!
Great! So what do we get when we do that?
2x = 14, which simplifies to x = 7.
Correct! Now we can substitute x back into one of the original equations to find y.
Using x + y = 10, we find y = 3!
Fantastic! Always remember, the elimination method is effective when the coefficients are suited for cancellation.
Graph, plot, find the spot, where lines collide, that’s your plot.
Imagine a detective solving a case (equations) by looking for clues (intersections) on a map (graph). Each clue leads him closer to resolving the mystery (solution), just like drawings lead to answers.
Remember the acronym 'SIMPLE': Solve for one, Isolate it, Modify the second, Plot it, Linchpin where they meet, Evaluate for solution.
Use 'G.S.E.' - Graph, Substitute, Eliminate to recall the three methods.
Term
Graphical Method
Click to flip
Term
Substitution Method
Click to flip
Term
Elimination Method
Click to flip
A collection of two or more equations with a same set of variables.
The point where two lines (equations) meet on a graph.
A technique that involves plotting equations on a coordinate system to find solutions visually.
A method of solving systems of equations by solving one equation for a variable and substituting that value into another equation.
A technique for solving systems of equations by adding or subtracting equations to eliminate a variable.
This section explores various methods to solve systems of linear equations, including graphical, substitution, and elimination methods.
In this section, students will learn how to solve systems of linear equations using three primary methods: the graphical method, where equations are plotted to find intersections; the substitution method, which involves solving one equation for a variable and substituting it into another; and the elimination method, where equations are manipulated to eliminate a variable. Understanding these methods is critical for mastering systems of equations.
In mathematics, solving systems of equations is essential for finding values of the variables that satisfy all equations simultaneously. In this section, we introduce three primary methods:
Each method has its own strengths and is suited for different types of problems, providing flexibility and diverse approaches to finding solutions in real-world applications.