Section 7.

2 • Two-Variable Linear Systems 127

Name______________________________________________
Section 7.2 Two-Variable Linear Systems

Objective: In this lesson you learned how to solve systems of equations

by elimination and how to use systems of equations in two
variables to model and solve real-life problems.

Important Vocabulary Define each term or concept.

Method of elimination A method for solving a system of equations which involves

obtaining coefficients that differ only in sign for one of the variables, so that adding
the equations eliminates that variable.
Equivalent systems Two systems that have precisely the same solution set.

Consistent system A system that has at least one solution.

Inconsistent system A system that has no solution.

I. The Method of Elimination (Pages 507−509) What you should learn

How to use the method of
List the steps necessary for solving a system of two linear elimination to solve
equations in x and y using the method of elimination. systems of linear
equations in two
1. Obtain coefficients for x (or y) that differ only in sign by variables
multiplying all terms of one or both equations by suitably chosen
constants.
2. Add the equations to eliminate one variable and solve the
resulting equation.
3. Back-substitute the value obtained in Step 2 into either of the
original equations and solve for the other variable.
4. Check your solution in both of the original equations.

The operations that can be performed on a system of linear

equations to produce an equivalent system are:

(1) interchanging any two equations

(2) multiplying an equation by a nonzero constant
(3) adding a multiple of one equation to any other equation in
the system

To solve a system of linear equations with a graphing utility, . . .

solve each equation for y. Then graph both equations in the same
viewing window. Use the intersect feature or the zoom and trace
features to approximate the point of intersection of the graphs.

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128 Chapter 7 • Systems of Equations and Inequalities

Example 1: Describe a strategy for solving the system of linear

equations using the method of elimination.
⎧ 3x + y = 9
⎨
⎩4 x − 2 y = −1

Answers may vary. One possibility is to multiply

the first equation by 2 so that the y-terms are
eliminated when the equations are added.

Example 2: Solve the system of linear equations using the

method of elimination.
⎧4 x + y = −3
⎨
⎩x − 3 y = 9

The solution is (0, − 3).

II. Graphical Interpretation of Solutions (Pages 510−512)

What you should learn
If a system of linear equations has two different solutions, it How to interpret
graphically the numbers
must have an infinite number of solutions. of solutions of systems of
linear equations in two
For a system of two linear equations in two variables, list the variables
possible number of solutions the system can have and give a
graphical interpretation of the solutions.

1. Exactly one solution—the two lines intersect at one point.

2. Infinitely many solutions—the two lines coincide (are

identical).

3. No solution—the two lines are parallel.

A consistent system with exactly one solution is

independent , whereas a consistent system with
infinitely many solutions is dependent .

Larson/Hostetler Precalculus/Precalculus with Limits Notetaking Guide IAE

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 Section 7.2 • Two-Variable Linear Systems 129
Name______________________________________________
If a false statement such as 9 = 0 is obtained while solving a
system of linear equations using the method of elimination, then
the system has no solution .

If a statement that is true for all values of the variable, such as

0 = 0, is obtained while solving a system of linear equations
using the method of elimination, then the system has
infinitely many solutions .

Example 3: Is the following system consistent or inconsistent?

How many solutions does the system have?
⎧ x − 3y = 2
⎨
⎩− 4 x + 12 y = 8

Inconsistent; no solution

III. Applications of Two-Variable Linear Systems What you should learn

(Pages 513−514) How to use systems of
equations in two
When may a system of linear equations be an appropriate variables to model and
mathematical model for solving a real-life application? solve real-life problems
If the problem involves more than one unknown quantity and/or
if there are two or more equations or conditions to be satisfied.

Give an example of a real-life application that could be solved

with a system of linear equations.

Answers will vary.

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130 Chapter 7 • Systems of Equations and Inequalities

Additional notes

y y y

x x x

y y y

x x x

Homework Assignment

Page(s)

Exercises

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