Math Word Problems Demystified - A Self Teaching Guide

REFRESHER V Systems of Equations

Two equations with two variables, usuallyxandy, are called asystemof
equations. For example,

x
y¼ 3

2 xþy¼ 12

is called a system of equations. The solution to a system of equations consists
of the values for the two variables which, when substituted in the equations,
make both equations true at the same time. In this case, the solution for the
system shown isx¼5 andy¼2. This can be shown as follows:

x
y¼ 32 xþy¼ 12

5 
 2 ¼ 32 ð 5 Þþ 2 ¼ 12

3 ¼ 312 ¼ 12

197

Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Click here for terms of use.