Question 171501
 My niece was given an algebra problem for extra credit. I tried to solve it for her. But there were 2 Var. and only one equation. I tried to simplify the question:
5.5x -1.5y= 3.5x
soln.
5.5x-3.5x-1.5y=3.5x-3.5x
2x-1.5y=0 
She said the answers were x=3 & y=4 
How did they get that?
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That is one of an infinite number of solutions for the equation.
If 2x - 1.5y = 0
then y = (2/1.5)x = (4/3)x
or the same statement is
3y = 4x
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Obviously x = 3 and y = 4 fits that equation (makes it true).
So does x = 6 and y = 8, or x = 9 and y = 12, etc.
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I believe that is what the instructor is hoping the students
will see, viz. that the equation has a numberless number of 
solutions.
That would be true of most equations with two variables; I'm
allowing for an exception that does come to mind at the moment.
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Cheers,
Stan H.