SOLUTION: Find all solutions of the given system of equations and check your answer graphically. HINT [See Examples 2–5.] (If there is no solution, enter NO SOLUTION. If the system is depend

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Find all solutions of the given system of equations and check your answer graphically. HINT [See Examples 2–5.] (If there is no solution, enter NO SOLUTION. If the system is depend      Log On


   



Question 1110996: Find all solutions of the given system of equations and check your answer graphically. HINT [See Examples 2–5.] (If there is no solution, enter NO SOLUTION. If the system is dependent, express your answer in terms of x, where y = y(x).)
x + y = 16
x − y = 26

Found 2 solutions by ikleyn, greenestamps:
Answer by ikleyn(52803) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
This system of equations is the simplest example of the system of 2 equations in two unknowns.


In addition, it is the MOST POPULAR example.


When you see such a system, add the two equations MOMENTARILY / immediately / INSTANTLY.


You will get 

2x = 16 + 26 = 42  ====>  x = 42%2F2 = 21.


Half of the solution is just DONE.


Now from either of the two original equations find y.


For example, from the first equation  y = 16 - 21 = -5.


Answer.  x= 21,  y = -5.

The solution is completed.


Answer by greenestamps(13200) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Here is a way to solve this kind of problem quickly with some mental arithmetic and a bit of logical reasoning.

Think of the problem this way: You are starting at some number x. If you go distance y in one direction you get to 16; if you go the same distance the other direction, you get to 26.

Logical reasoning tells you the place you started, x, has to be halfway between 16 and 26.

So x is 21.

Then the distance from 21 to either 16 or 26 is 5; since you added the second number to get from 21 to 16 and subtracted the second number to get from 21 to 26, the second number is negative. So y = -5.

The two numbers are 21 and -5.

This solution is virtually identical to the solution provided by the other tutor, without the formal algebra.