The Art of Solving Linear Equations
Solving linear equations is an essential skill in mathematics that requires attention to detail and a systematic approach. In this article, we will explore two different examples of solving linear equations using various methods.
**Example 1: Solving Two Linear Equations**
In the first example, we are given two linear equations:
10m + 2n = 4
15m - 5 = -2
The goal is to solve for the variables m and n. To do this, we need to simplify the equations by equating the coefficients of n.
We multiply the second equation by 2 and the first equation by 5 to equate the coefficients of n:
50m + 10n = 20
30m - 10 = -4
Now that the coefficients of n are equal, we can cancel them out. This leaves us with two new equations:
50m = 16
30m = 2
Dividing both sides of each equation by their respective coefficients, we get:
m = 16/80
m = 1/5
So, the value of m is 1/5.
Now that we have the value of m, we can substitute it into one of the original equations to solve for n. Let's use the first equation:
10(1/5) + 2n = 4
Simplifying the equation, we get:
2 + 2n = 4
2n = 2
n = 1
So, the value of n is 1.
Finally, we can substitute the values of m and n back into one of the original equations to find x and y. Let's use the equation "1/x + y = f". We know that f = 3 and x + y = 5. Substituting these values in, we get:
1/x + y = 3
x + y = 5
Subtracting the second equation from the first, we get:
-1/x = -2
x = 1/2
Now that we have the value of x, we can substitute it into one of the original equations to solve for y. Let's use the equation "x + y = 5":
1/2 + y = 5
y = 9/2
So, the values of x and y are 1/2 and 9/2, respectively.
**The Caution of Speed**
In the second example, we are given a problem involving speed, distance, and time. We need to find the speed of rowing in still water and the speed of the current.
Let's assume that the speed of rowing in still water is x km/h and the speed of the current is y km/h.
When rowing downstream, the distance traveled is 20 kilometers and the time taken is 2 hours. The speed of the boat is the sum of the speed of rowing in still water and the speed of the current:
x + y = 10
Similarly, when rowing upstream, the distance traveled is 4 kilometers and the time taken is 2 hours. The speed of the boat is the difference between the speed of rowing in still water and the speed of the current:
x - y = 2
Now we have two linear equations with two variables. We can solve for x and y using various methods, including substitution or elimination.
Using the elimination method, we add the two equations to eliminate one variable:
(x + y) + (x - y) = 10 + 2
2x = 12
x = 6
Now that we have the value of x, we can substitute it into one of the original equations to solve for y. Let's use the equation "x + y = 10":
6 + y = 10
y = 4
So, the values of x and y are 6 and 4, respectively.
In conclusion, solving linear equations requires attention to detail and a systematic approach. By using various methods such as substitution or elimination, we can solve for the variables in a system of linear equations. Additionally, by applying these methods to real-world problems like speed, distance, and time, we can find the values of unknown variables with precision.