In Exercises 25–35, solve each system by the method of your choice. This is a piecewise function, refer to textbook problem.
Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
7. Systems of Equations & Matrices
Two Variable Systems of Linear Equations
Problem 55
Textbook Question
Solve each problem using a system of equations in two variables. See Example 6. Find two numbers whose sum is 17 and whose product is 42.
Verified step by step guidance1
Define the variables: Let the two numbers be \(x\) and \(y\).
Write the system of equations based on the problem statement: The sum of the numbers is 17, so \(x + y = 17\), and the product of the numbers is 42, so \(x \times y = 42\).
Express one variable in terms of the other using the sum equation: From \(x + y = 17\), we get \(y = 17 - x\).
Substitute \(y = 17 - x\) into the product equation to form a quadratic equation: \(x \times (17 - x) = 42\) which simplifies to \$17x - x^2 = 42$.
Rewrite the quadratic equation in standard form: \(x^2 - 17x + 42 = 0\), then solve this quadratic equation using factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula to find the values of \(x\) and \(y\).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
System of Equations
A system of equations consists of two or more equations with the same set of variables. Solving the system means finding values for the variables that satisfy all equations simultaneously. In this problem, two variables represent the unknown numbers, and their sum and product form two equations to solve.
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Formulating Equations from Word Problems
Translating a word problem into mathematical equations involves identifying relationships described in words. Here, the sum of two numbers equals 17, and their product equals 42, which can be expressed as x + y = 17 and xy = 42. This step is crucial for applying algebraic methods.
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Solving Quadratic Equations
When one equation is expressed in terms of one variable, substituting into the other often leads to a quadratic equation. Solving this quadratic (by factoring, completing the square, or using the quadratic formula) yields the values of the variables. These solutions correspond to the numbers sought.
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