FPO
OVERMATTER
Solving Systems of
Linear Equations
Solving Systems of Linear Equations Make this Foldable to record information about solving systems
of equations and inequalities. Begin with five sheets of grid paper.
1 Fold each sheet in half
along the width.
3 Stack the sheets
and staple to form
a booklet.
2 Unfold and cut four
rows from left side of
each sheet, from the
top to the crease.
4 Label each page
with a lesson number
and title.
250 Chapter 5 Solving Systems of Linear Equations
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Real-World Link
TREES The tallest redwood trees in the world are in
Humboldt County, California. The tallest redwood tree is
370 feet tall. In ideal conditions, a redwood tree could
grow to a height of 420 feet. The height of these trees
can be modeled by systems of linear equations.
• Standard 9.0 Students solve a
system of two linear equations in
two variables algebraically and
are able to interpret the answer
graphically. Students are able to
solve a system of two linear
inequalities in two variables and
to sketch the solution sets. (Key,
CAHSEE)
Key Vocabulary
elimination (p. 266)
substitution (p. 260)
system of equations (p. 253)
250-251 COCH05-877852 250250-251 COCH05-877852 250 10/3/06 3:38:52 PM10/3/06 3:38:52 PM
GET READY for Chapter 5
Diagnose Readiness You have two options for checking Prerequisite Skills.
Option 2
Option 1
Take the Quick Check below. Refer to the Quick Review for help.
Chapter 5 Get Ready For Chapter 5 251
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EXAMPLE 1
Graph y = 3 _
4
x - 3.
Step 1 The y-intercept is -3. So, graph (0, -3).
Step 2 The slope is 3 _
4
.
From (0, -3),
move up 3 units
and right 4 units.
Draw a dot.
Step 3 Draw the line.
Solve each equation or formula for the
variable specified. (Lesson 2-8)
8. 4x + a = 6x, for x
9. 8a + y = 16, for a
10. 7bc - d _
10
= 12, for b
11. 7m + n _ q = 2m, for q
EXAMPLE 2
Solve
2y
_
3s
=
2y
_
13x
for x.
2y
_
3s
=
2y
_
13x
Original equation
2y · 3s = 2y · 13x Find the cross products.
6ys = 26xy Simplify.
6ys
_
26y
= x Divide each side by 26y.
3s _
13
= x Simplify.
Simplify each expression. If not possible,
write simplified. (Lesson 1-6)
12. (3x + y) - (2x + y)
13. (7x - 2y) - (7x + 4y)
14. MOWING Jake and his brother charge
x dollars to cut and y dollars to weed an
average lawn. Simplify the expression that
gives the total amount that their business
earns in a weekend if Jake cuts and weeds
7 lawns and his brother cuts and weeds
10 lawns.
EXAMPLE 3
Simplify 3(x - y) - (x - y). If not possible,
write simplified.
3(x - y) - (x - y) Original expression
= 3x - 3y - x + y Distributive Property
= 2x - 2y Combine like terms.
= 2(x - y) Factor out a 2.
Graph each equation. (Lesson 3-3)
1. y = 1 2. y = -2x
3. y = 4 - x 4. y = 2x + 3
5. y = 5 - 2x 6. y = 1 _
2
x + 2
7. HOUSES The number on Craig’s house is 7.
The numbers of the houses on his block
increase by 2. Graph the equation that
models the house numbers on Craig’s
block.
Take the Online Readiness Quiz at ca.algebra1.com.
250-251 COCH05-877852 251250-251 COCH05-877852 251 10/3/06 3:39:02 PM10/3/06 3:39:02 PM
EXPLORE
5-1
252 Chapter 5 Solving Systems of Linear Equations
You can use a spreadsheet to investigate when two quantities will be
equal. Enter each formula into the spreadsheet and look for the row in
which both formulas have the same result.
EXAMPLE
Bill Winters is considering two job offers in telemarketing
departments. The salary at the first job is $400 per week plus 10%
commission on Mr. Winters’ sales. At the second job, the salary is
$375 per week plus 15% commission. For what amount of sales
would the weekly salary be the same at either job?
Enter different
amounts for Mr.
Winters’ weekly
sales in column A.
Then enter the
formula for the
salary at the first job
in each cell in
column B. In each
cell of column C,
enter the formula
for the salary at the
second job.
The spreadsheet
shows that for sales
of $500 the total
weekly salary for
each job is $450.
EXERCISES
For Exercises 1–4, use the spreadsheet of weekly salaries above.
1. If x is the amount of Mr. Winters’ weekly sales and y is his total
weekly salary, write a linear equation for the salary at the first job.
2. Write a linear equation for the salary at the second job.
3. Which ordered pair is a solution for both of the equations you wrote
for Exercises 1 and 2?
a. (100, 410) b. (300, 420) c. (500, 450) d. (900, 510)
4. Use the graphing capability of the spreadsheet program to graph the
salary data using a line graph. At what point do the two lines intersect?
What is the significance of that point in the real-world situation?
5. How could you find the sales for which Mr. Winters’ salary will be
equal without using a spreadsheet?
A B C
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
2
12
13
Job Salaries.xls
Sales Salary 1 Salary 2
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
400
410
420
430
440
450
460
470
480
490
500
375
390
405
420
435
450
465
480
495
510
525
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3
Spreadsheet Lab
Systems of Equations
Preparation for
Standard 9.0
Students solve a
system of two linear
equations in two variables
algebraically and are able to
interpret the answer
graphically. Students are able
to solve a system of two
linear inequalities in two
variables and to sketch the
solution sets. (Key, CAHSEE)
Interactive Lab
ca.algebra1.com
252-258 CH05L1-877852 252252-258 CH05L1-877852 252 9/22/06 10:46:04 AM9/22/06 10:46:04 AM
5-1
If x is the number of years since 2000 and y is units sold in
millions, the following equations represent the sales of CD singles
and music videos.
CD singles: y = 34.2 - 14.9x
music videos: y = 3.3 + 4.7x
The point at
which the graphs
of the two
equations
intersect
represents the
time when the CD
units sold equaled
the music videos
sold. The ordered
pair of this point
is a solution of
both equations. Source: The Recording Industry Association of America
Number of Solutions Two equations, such as y = 34.2 - 14.9x and
y = 3.3 + 4.7x, together are called a system of equations. A solution of a
system is an ordered pair that satisfies both equations. A system of two
linear equations can have no, one, or an infinite number of solutions.
• If the graphs intersect or coincide, the system of equations is consistent.
That is, it has at least one ordered pair that satisfies both equations.
• If a consistent system has exactly one solution, it is independent. If it
has infinite solutions, it is dependent.
• If the graphs are parallel, the system of equations is said to be
inconsistent. There are no ordered pairs that satisfy both equations.
Lesson 5-1 Graphing Systems of Equations 253
Graphing Systems
of Equations
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Graphing Systems of Equations
Graph of a
System
y
xO
y
xO
y
xO
Number of
Solutions exactly one solution infinitely many no solutions
Terminology consistent and independent
consistent and
dependent inconsistent
Main Ideas
• Determine whether a
system of linear
equations has no,
one, or infinitely
many solutions.
• Solve systems of
equations by
graphing.
Standard 9.0
Students solve a
system of two
linear equations in two
variables algebraically and
are able to interpret the
answer graphically. Students
are able to solve a system of
two linear inequalities in two
variables and to sketch the
solution sets. (Key, CAHSEE)
New Vocabulary
system of equations
consistent
independent
dependent
inconsistent
Reading Math
Simultaneous Equations
Systems of equations are
also known as
simultaneous equations,
because a solution
consists of values for the
variables that satisfy all of
the equations at the same
time, or simultaneously.
Animation
ca.algebra1.com
252-258 CH05L1-877852 253252-258 CH05L1-877852 253 9/22/06 10:46:07 AM9/22/06 10:46:07 AM
254 Chapter 5 Solving Systems of Linear Equations
Look Back
To review graphing
linear equations,
see Lesson 3-3.
EXAMPLE Number of Solutions
Use the graph at the right to
determine whether each system has
no solution, one solution, or infinitely
many solutions.
a. y = -x + 5
y = x - 3
Since the graphs are intersecting
lines, there is one solution.
b. y = -x + 5
2x + 2y = -8
Since the graphs are parallel, there
are no solutions.
1A. 2x + 2y = -8 1B. y = 2x + 14
y = -x - 4 y = -x + 5
Solve By Graphing One method of solving systems of equations is to
carefully graph the equations on the same coordinate plane.
EXAMPLE Solve a System of Equations
Graph each system of equations. Then determine whether the
system has no solution, one solution, or infinitely many solutions.
If the system has one solution, name it.
a. y = -x + 8
y = 4x - 7
The graphs appear to intersect at (3, 5). Check
by replacing x with 3 and y with 5.
CHECK y = -x + 8 y = 4x - 7
5 � -3 + 8 5 � 4(3) - 7
5 = 5 � 5 = 5 �
The solution is (3, 5).
b. x + 2y = 5
2x + 4y = 2
The graphs are parallel lines. Since they do not
intersect, there are no solutions to this system
of equations. Notice that the lines have the same
slope but different y-intercepts. Recall that a system
of equations that has no solution is said to be inconsistent.
2A. x - y = 2 2B. y = -2x - 3
3y + 2x = 9 2x + y = -3
y
x
O
y � 2x � 14
y � �x � 4 y � x � 3
y � �x � 5
2x � 2y � �8
y
x
O
y � �x � 8
y � 4x � 7
(3, 5)
y
x
O
x � 2y � 5
2x � 4y � 2
Personal Tutor at ca.algebra1.com
Write and Solve a System of Equations
SPORTS The number of girls participating in high school soccer and
track and field has steadily increased during the past few years. Use
the information in the table to predict the year in which the number
of girls participating in these two sports will be the same.
High School
Sport
Number of Girls
Participating in 2004
(thousands)
Average Rate
of Increase
(thousands per year)
soccer 309 8
track and field 418 3
Source: National Federation of State High School Associations
Words
Variables
Equations
Number of girls
participating
equals
rate of
increase
times
number
of years
after 2004
plus
number
participating
in 2004.
Let y � number of girls competing. Let x � number of years after 2004.
soccer: y
track and field: y
�
�
8
3
�
�
x
x
�
�
309
418
Graph the equations y = 8x + 309 and y = 3x + 418.
The graphs appear to intersect at (22, 485). Check by
replacing x with 22 and y with 485 in each equation.
CHECK y = 8x + 309 y = 3x + 418
485 = 8(22) + 309 485 = 3(22) + 418
485 = 485 � 485 ≈ 484 �
The solution means that approximately 22 years after
2004, or in 2026, the number of girls participating in high school soccer and
track and field will be the same, about 485,000.
3. GARDENS A rectangular garden has a border around it consisting of
60 bricks. The width of the border has 2 _
3
the number of bricks as the
length. How many bricks are along one length of the garden?
Use the graph to determine whether each
system has no solution, one solution, or
infinitely many solutions.
Example 1
(p. 254)
1. y = x - 4
y = 1 _
3
x - 2
3. x - y = 4
y = x - 4
2. y = 1 _
3
x + 2
y = 1 _
3
x - 2
4. x - y = 4
y = - 1 _
3
x + 4
y
xO
y � � x � 413
y � x � 213
y � x � 213 x � y � 4
y �x � 4
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Real-World Link
In 2004, 2.9 million girls
participated in high
school sports. This was
an all-time high for
female participation.
Source: National Federation
of State High School
Associations
Lesson 5-1 Graphing Systems of Equations 255Extra Examples at ca.algebra1.com
Graph each system of equations. Then determine whether the system has
no solution, one solution, or infinitely many solutions. If the system has one
solution, name it.
5. y = 3x - 4 6. x + y = 2
y = -3x - 4 y = 4x + 7
7. x + y = 4 8. 2x + 4y = 2
x + y = 1 3x + 6y = 3
9. GEOMETRY The length of the rectangle is 1 meter
less than twice its width. What are the dimensions
of the rectangle?
Use the graph to determine whether each
system has no solution, one solution, or
infinitely many solutions.
10. x = -3 11. y = -x - 2
y = 2x + 1 y = 2x - 4
12. y = 2x + 1 13. y = 2x + 1
2y - 4x = 2 y = 2x - 4
14. y + x = -2 15. 2y - 4x = 2
y = -x - 2 y = 2x - 4
Graph each system of equations. Then determine whether the system has
no solution, one solution, or infinitely many solutions. If the system has one
solution, name it.
16. y = -6 17. x = 2 18. y = 1 _
2
x
4x + y = 2 3x - y = 8 2x + y = 10
19. y = -x 20. y = 2x + 6 21. x - 2y = 2
y = 2x - 6 y = -x - 3 3x + y = 6
22. x + y = 2 23. 3x + 2y = 12 24. 2x + 3y = 4
2y - x = 10 3x + 2y = 6 -4x - 6y = -8
25. 2x + y = -4 26. 4x + 3y = 24 27. 3x + y = 3
5x + 3y = -6 5x - 8y = -17 2y = -6x + 6
SAVINGS For Exercises 28 and 29, use the following information.
Monica and Max Gordon each want to buy a scooter. Monica has already saved
$25 and plans to save $5 per week until she can buy the scooter. Max has $16
and plans to save $8 per week.
28. In how many weeks will Monica and Max have saved the same amount
of money?
29. How much will each person have saved at that time?
HOMEWORK
For
Exercises
10–15
16–27
28–31
See
Examples
1
2
3
�
wPerimeter � 40 m
y
xO
2y � 4x � 2
y � x � �2
x � �3
y � 2x � 1
y � 2x � 4
y � �x � 2
y � �3x � 6
Example 2
(p. 254)
Example 3
(p. 255)
256 Chapter 5 Solving Systems of Linear Equations
252-258 CH05L1-877852 256252-258 CH05L1-877852 256 9/22/06 10:46:13 AM9/22/06 10:46:13 AM
BALLOONING For Exercises 30 and 31, use the
information in the graphic at the right.
30. In how many minutes will the balloons be
at the same height?
31. How high will the balloons be at that time?
Is your answer reasonable? Explain.
Graph each system of equations. Then
determine whether the system has no
solution, one solution, or infinitely many
solutions. If the system has one solution,
name it.
32. y = 0.6x - 5 33. 6 - 3 _
8
y = x
2y = 1.2x
2 _
3
x + 1 _
4
y = 4
ANALYZE GRAPHS For Exercises 34–36, use
the graph at the right.
34. Which company had the greater profit
during the ten years?
35. Which company had a greater rate of
growth?
36. If the profit patterns continue, will the
profits of the two companies ever
be equal? Explain.
POPULATION For Exercises 37–39, use the following information.
The U.S. Census Bureau divides the country into four sections. They are the
Northeast, the Midwest, the South, and the West. The populations and rates of
growth for the Midwest and the West are shown in the table.
Section
2000 Population
(millions)
Average Rate of Increase
(millions per year)
Midwest 64.4 0.3
West 63.2 1.0
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
37. Write an equation to represent the population of the Midwest for the years
since 2000.
38. Write an equation to represent the population of the West for the years
since 2000.
39. Graph the population equations. Assume that the rate of growth of each of these
areas remained the same. Estimate the solution and interpret what it means.
40. CHALLENGE The solution of the system of equations Ax + y = 5 and
Ax + By = 20 is (2, -3). What are the values of A and B? Justify your reasoning.
41. OPEN ENDED Write three equations such that they form a system of equations
with y = 5x - 3. The systems should have no, one, and infinitely many
solutions, respectively.
Lesson 5-1 Graphing Systems of Equations 257
Balloon 1
is 10 meters
above the
ground, rising
15 meters
per minute.
Balloon 2
is 150 meters
above the
ground,
descending
20 meters
per minute.
Yearly Profits
2 4 6 8
2
4
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Company
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Company
H.O.T. Problems
You can
graph a
system of
equations to predict
when men’s and
women’s Olympic times
will be the same. Visit
ca.algebra1.com to
continue work on
your project.
EXTRA
See pages 727, 748.
Self-Check Quiz at
ca.algebra1.com
PRACTICEPRACTICE
252-258 CH05L1-877852 257252-258 CH05L1-877852 257 9/22/06 10:46:14 AM9/22/06 10:46:14 AM
42. REASONING Determine whether a system of two linear equations with (0, 0)
and (2, 2) as solutions sometimes, always, or never has other solutions. Explain.
43. Writing in Math Use the information on page 253 to explain how graphs
can be used to compare the sales of two products. Include an estimate of
the year in which the CD units sold equaled the music videos sold. Then
determine the reasonableness of your solution in the context of the problem.
44. A buffet restaurant has one price for
adults and another price for children.
The Taylor family has two adults
and three children, and their bill was
$40.50. The Wong family has three
adults and one child. Their bill was
$38. Which system of equations
could be used to determine the
buffet price for an adult and the
price for a child?
A x + y = 40.50 C 2x + 3y = 40.50
x + y = 38 3x + y = 38
B 2x + 3y = 40.50 D 2x + 2y = 40.50
x + 3y = 38 3x + y = 38
45. REVIEW Francisco has 3 dollars more
than 1 _
4
the number of dollars that
Kayla has. Which expression
represents how much money
Francisco has?
F 3
(
1 _
4
k
)
G 3 - 1 _
4
k
H 1 _
4
k + 3
J 1 _
4
+ 3k
Write the slope-intercept form of an equation for the line that passes through
the given point and is parallel to the graph of each equation. (Lesson 4-7)
46. y
xO
(0, 2)
47. y
xO
(1, 1)
48. BIOLOGY The table shows the date of the month that 10 students were born,
and their heights. Draw a scatter plot and determine what relationship
exists, if any, in the data. Explain. (Lesson 4-6)
Date of Birth 12 28 24 15 3 11 20 5 3 9
Height (in.) 60 58 62 60 59 64 66 65 67 62
PREREQUISITE SKILL Solve each equation for the variable specified. (Lesson 2-8)
49. 12x - y = 10x, for y 50. 6a + b = 2a, for a 51. 7m - n _ q = 10, for q
258 Chapter 5 Solving Systems of Linear Equations
252-258 CH05L1-877852 258252-258 CH05L1-877852 258 9/22/06 10:46:15 AM9/22/06 10:46:15 AM
Extend 5-1 Graphing Calculator Lab 259
Graphing Calculator Lab
Systems of Equations
EXTEND
5-1
You can use a graphing calculator to solve a system of equations.
Solve the system of equations. State the decimal solution to the nearest
hundredth.
2.93x + y = 6.08
8.32x - y = 4.11
Step 1 Solve each equation for y. Enter them into the calculator.
2.93x + y = 6.08 First equation
2.93x + y - 2.93x = 6.08 - 2.93x Subtract 2.93x from each side.
y = 6.08 - 2.93x Simplify.
8.32x - y = 4.11 Second equation
8.32x - y - 8.32x = 4.11 - 8.32x Subtract 8.32x from each side.
-y = 4.11 - 8.32x Simplify.
(-1)(-y) = (-1)(4.11 - 8.32x) Multiply each side by -1.
y = -4.11 + 8.32x Simplify.
Step 2 Enter these equations in the Y = list and graph.
KEYSTROKES: Review on pages 162–163.
Step 3 Use the CALC menu to find the point of intersection.
KEYSTROKES: 2nd [CALC] 5 ENTER ENTER ENTER
The solution is approximately (0.91, 3.43).
EXAMPLE
EXERCISES
Use a graphing calculator to solve each system of equations. Write decimal
solutions to the nearest hundredth.
1. y = 3x - 4 2. y = 2x + 5 3. x + y = 5.35
y = -0.5x + 6 y = -0.2x - 4 3x - y = 3.75
4. 0.35x - y = 1.1