Solving equations with two unknowns
In a nutshell
An equation with two unknowns is an equation with two variables that you do not know the value of. In some cases there may only be one solution, in others there may be a few and in many cases there could be infinite solutions!
Finding solutions to equations with two unknowns
Finding the solutions is all about using trial and error - trying out every possible solution.
Example 1
What are the possible whole number solutions to 2x+4y=16 ?
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 16+0=16 |
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There are five pairs of solutions: (0,4),(2,3),(4,2),(6,1) and (8,0).
Using a table
The easiest way to test out all the solutions is by using a table.
Example 2
Alex has some 20p and 50p coins. He has £2.70 all together. How many of each coin could he have?
Using a table:
| | 50x+20y=? |
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| not possible |
|
| | |
| not possible |
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| | |
There are three possible combinations of coin that Alex could have:
1×50p and 11×20p
3×50p and 6×20p
5×50p and 1×20p