System of Linear Equations

A System of Equations is when we have two or more equations working together.
Example:
1. It's a race! You can run 0.2 km every minute. The Horse can run 0.5 km every minute. But it takes 6 minutes to saddle the horse. How far can you get before the horse catches you? Two equations (d=distance in km, t=time in minutes): You: d= 0.2t The horse: d=0.5(t-6)
Solving System of Linear Equation
1. Substitution Method
  1. 1.Write one of the equations so it is in the style "variable = ..."
  2. 2.Replace (i.e. substitute) that variable in the other equation(s)
  3. 3.Solve the other equation(s)
2. Elimination Method
  1. "Eliminate" means to remove: this method works by removing variables until there is just one left.
    1. We can multiply an equation by a constant (except zero)
    2. We can add (or subtract) an equation on to another equation
Solutions
Substitution is often easier for small cases (like 2 equations, or sometimes 3 equations) Elimination is easier for larger cases

Resource summary

	Created by Nur Sakinah Isla over 10 years ago