Systems of equations are bundles of equations that all relate to a common problem. For instance, combine two equations that each give the distance (y) that two different cars drive in a given amount of time(x) to form a system of equations:

y = 60x + 5
y = 40x + 40

One value of x will yield the same value of y in each equation. What does this solution represent in this situation? Can you think of any other scenarios where two linked equations could provide a useful answer? How do systems of equations make problems easier to comprehend?

Question

Systems of equations are bundles of equations that all relate to a common problem. For instance, combine two equations that each give the distance (y) that two different cars drive in a given amount of time(x) to form a system of equations:

y = 60x + 5
y = 40x + 40

One value of x will yield the same value of y in each equation. What does this solution represent in this situation? Can you think of any other scenarios where two linked equations could provide a useful answer? How do systems of equations make problems easier to comprehend?

anonymous · Answer

60X + 5 = 40X + 40
20X = 35
X = 1.75
The solution represents the amount of time both cars need to travel to have traveled the same exact distance.

mrhirohito · Answer

@Brian42 is right.