How do you solve this system of equations: #x- 9y = - 19; x + y = 11#?

1 Answer
Dec 16, 2017

#x=8 and y=3#

Explanation:

The first thing to notice is that the coefficients of the #x# terms are the same. (Both are #1x#).

There are two approaches:

Subtract the two equations:#" "A-B#

#" "x" "+" "y=+11" " ..................A#
#" "ul(x" "-" "9y=-19" "..................B)#

Remember to change the signs:

#" "x" "+" "y=+11" " ..................A#
#ul(color(red)(-)x" "color(red)(+)" "9y=color(red)(+)19" "..................B)#
#color(white)(xxxxxxxx)10y =30#
#color(white)(xxxxxxxxxx)y =3#

Substitute #3# for #x# in one of the equations (#A#)
#x+3=11#
#x" "=8#

Check in #B" "8-9(3) =8-27 =-19#

Make #x# the subject and then equate the expressions:

#x= 11-y" "and" "x = 9y-19#

We know that

#" "x " "=" "x#, therefore:

#9y-19 = 11-y" "larr# solve for #y#

#9y+y = 11+19#

#" "10y = 30#

#" "y=3#

Substitute #3# for #y# in each equation and check if you get the same answer for #x#.

#x=11-(3)" "rarr x = 8#

#x = 9(3)-19" "rarrx = 27-19 =8#

The given equations are equations of straight lines. Solving them gives the point of intersection of the lines. #(8,3)#

graph{(y-1/9x-19/9)(y+x-11)=0 [-14.24, 14.23, -7.12, 7.12]}