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Question

The values of x and y from the equations x - y = 6 and x/3 + y/2 = 12 are:

This question was previously asked in
CDS II 2021 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (14-Nov-2021)
The correct answer is

x = 18, y = 12

Solving System of Linear Equations

We are given a system of two linear equations with two variables, x and y:

  1. \(x - y = 6\)
  2. \(x/3 + y/2 = 12\)

Our goal is to find the values of x and y that satisfy both equations simultaneously. We can use methods like substitution or elimination to solve this system.

Method 1: Substitution

Let's use the substitution method. From Equation 1, we can express x in terms of y:

\(x = y + 6\)

Now, substitute this expression for x into Equation 2:

\(\frac{(y + 6)}{3} + \frac{y}{2} = 12\)

To eliminate the denominators, find the least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 2, which is 6. Multiply the entire equation by 6:

\(6 \times \left(\frac{y + 6}{3}\right) + 6 \times \left(\frac{y}{2}\right) = 6 \times 12\)

\(2(y + 6) + 3y = 72\)

Distribute the 2:

\(2y + 12 + 3y = 72\)

Combine like terms:

\(5y + 12 = 72\)

Subtract 12 from both sides:

\(5y = 72 - 12\)

\(5y = 60\)

Divide by 5 to find the value of y:

\(y = \frac{60}{5}\)

\(y = 12\)

Now that we have the value of y, substitute it back into the expression for x (\(x = y + 6\)):

\(x = 12 + 6\)

\(x = 18\)

Checking the Solution

Let's verify if \(x = 18\) and \(y = 12\) satisfy both original equations.

Equation 1: \(x - y = 6\)

\(18 - 12 = 6\)

\(6 = 6\) (True)

Equation 2: \(x/3 + y/2 = 12\)

\(\frac{18}{3} + \frac{12}{2} = 12\)

\(6 + 6 = 12\)

\(12 = 12\) (True)

Since the values \(x = 18\) and \(y = 12\) satisfy both equations, this is the correct solution for the system of linear equations.

Equation Substitute \(x=18, y=12\) Result
\(x - y = 6\) \(18 - 12\) \(6 = 6\) (Holds true)
\(x/3 + y/2 = 12\) \(18/3 + 12/2 = 6 + 6\) \(12 = 12\) (Holds true)

Conclusion

The values of x and y from the given equations \(x - y = 6\) and \(x/3 + y/2 = 12\) are \(x = 18\) and \(y = 12\).

Revision Table: System of Linear Equations

Concept Description Methods to Solve
System of Linear Equations A set of two or more linear equations involving the same variables. Substitution, Elimination, Graphical Method
Solution to a System The values of the variables that satisfy ALL equations in the system simultaneously. Intersection point on a graph (for 2 variables)
Substitution Method Solve one equation for one variable, then substitute that expression into the other equation. Useful when one equation is easily solved for a variable.
Elimination Method Multiply equations by constants so that the coefficients of one variable are opposites, then add the equations together to eliminate that variable. Useful when coefficients are easy to make opposites.

Additional Information: Linear Equations

A linear equation in two variables (like x and y) is an equation that can be written in the form \(Ax + By = C\), where A, B, and C are constants, and A and B are not both zero. The graph of a linear equation in two variables is a straight line.

When solving a system of two linear equations, there are three possible outcomes for the number of solutions:

  • One unique solution: The lines intersect at exactly one point. (This is the case in our problem).
  • No solution: The lines are parallel and distinct. They never intersect.
  • Infinitely many solutions: The lines are the same line (coincident). Every point on the line is a solution.

Understanding how to solve systems of linear equations is fundamental in algebra and has applications in various fields, including science, engineering, economics, and computer science, to model and solve problems involving multiple related quantities.

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Important Questions from Linear Equation in 2 Variable

  1. If 2 x + 3 y = 17;

    2 x+2  - 3 y+1  = 5

    then the values of x and y are:

  2. The solution of pair of linear equations \(\dfrac{1}{2}x+\dfrac{2}{3}y=-1,x-\dfrac{1}{3}y=3\) by the elimination method, is:

  3. Kumar tried his skill at shooting at a fun fair. He has to hit the target and if he hits the target he gets 1 Rs. and if he misses he has to pay 50 paise. He attempted 25 shots and won 10 Rs. In how many did he hit the target?

  4. The sum of two numbers is 66 and their difference is 22. What is the ratio of the two numbers?

  5. Shyam spent half of his money and was left with as many as he had rupees before, but with half as many rupees as he had paise before. Which of the following is a possible amount of money he is left with?

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