SYSTEMS OF EQUATIONS 2x2

Part one

By Carlos Enrique Villa Arango

Teacher of complete time of the ITM

In this first part of the subject of systems of equations, we will see general aspects and the graphical
method of solution of linear systems 2x2

In general, we could find a limited number of solutions to a single equation with one variable, while we
could find an infinite number of solutions to a single equation with two variables. This is because a
single equation with two variables is underdetermined (there are more variables than equations). But
what if we added another equation?

A system of equations is a set of two or more equations with the same variables. A solution to a system
of equations is a set of values for the variable that satisfy all the equations simultaneously. In order to
solve a system of equations, one must find all the sets of values of the variables that constitutes
solutions of the system.

Example: Which of the ordered pairs in the set {(5, 4),(3, 8),(6, 4),(4, 6),(7, 2)} is a solution of the
following system of equations:

y
x+ =7
2
24
x=
y

(5, 4) is a solution of the first equation, but not the second.

(3, 8) is a solution of both equations.
(6, 4) is a solution of the second equation, but not the first.
(4, 6) is a solution of both equations.
(7, 2) is not a solution of either equation.

Thus, the solution set of the system is {(3, 8),(4, 6)}.

Systems of Linear Equations - Solving by Graphing

When we graph a linear equation in two variables as a line in the plane, all the points on this line
correspond to ordered pairs that satisfy the equation. Thus, when we graph two equations, all the
points of intersection--the points which lie on both lines--are the points which satisfy both equations.

To solve a system of equations by graphing, graph all the equations in the system. The point(s) at
which all the lines intersect are the solutions to the system.

Example: Solve the following system by graphing:

x + 2y = 3 (1)
3x − y = 2 ( 2)

If we do a table for equation (1) looking for the interceptes we have:

X 0 3
Y 1.5 0

Interceptes of the straight line (1): (0, 1.5) y (3,0)

If we do a table for equation (2) looking for the interceptes we have:

X 0 ´2/3
Y -2 0

Interceptes of the straight line (1): (0, -2) y (2/3, 0)

Graph of System
Since the two lines intersect at the point (1, 1), this point is a solution to the system. Thus, the solution
set to the system of equations is {(1, 1)}.

Classification of Systems

There are three possibilities for the manner in which the graphs of two linear equations could meet--the
lines could intersect once, not intersect at all (be parallel), or intersect an infinite number of times (in
which case the two lines are actually the same).

If the two equations describe the same line, and thus lines that intersect an infinite number of times, the
system is dependent and consistent.

If the two equations describe lines that intersect once, the system is independent and consistent.

If the two equations describe parallel lines, and thus lines that do not intersect, the system is
independent and inconsistent.
 Classification of Systems

Thus, a system is consistent if it has one or more solutions. A system of two equations is dependent if
all solutions to one equation are also solutions to the other equation.

The following chart will help determine if an equation is consistent and if an equation is dependent:
Conceptual map of Dependency and Consistency