Solving Systems of Equations by Graphing
Solving Systems of Equations by Graphing
Solving systems with one solution by graphing
- Estimate the solution of a system of equations by graphing the equations on the same coordinate plane.
- The ordered pair for the point of intersection of the graphs is the solution to the system.
- To check the ordered pair, replace x and y with the values from ordered pair in each equation. If both sentences are true, the ordered pair is the solution to the system of equations.
- Example: Solve the system of equations by graphing: y=−2x−3 and y=2x+5. The solution is (−2,1).
- If a linear equation is not in slope-intercept form, use properties of equality to rewrite the equation.
- Example: Rewrite 4x+2y=16 in slope-intercept form.
- 4x+2y=16
- 2y=16−4x (Subtraction Property of Equality)
- y=8−2x (Division Property of Equality)
- y=−2x+8 (Commutative Property)
Systems of Equations with No Solution
- Some systems of equations have no solution.
- If the graphs of the lines are parallel, they never intersect, and there is no solution.
- Example: The system y=2x+15 and y=2x has no solution because the lines are parallel.
Systems of Equations with Infinitely Many Solutions
- Some systems of equations have infinitely many solutions.
- If the graphs of the lines are the same, they intersect at every point, and there is an infinite number of solutions.
- Example: The system −3x+y=5 and y=3x+5 has an infinite number of solutions because the lines are the same.