Math Problem Statement
solve the following equation for x and y : 4x + 2y = 4
Solution
To solve the equation for and , we have a linear equation in two variables. Typically, a single linear equation doesn't have a unique solution for both variables unless there's additional information (like another equation to form a system). However, we can express one variable in terms of the other.
Let's solve for in terms of :
Step 1: Simplify the equation
Divide through by 2 to simplify:
Step 2: Solve for
Now, solve for :
Thus, is expressed as a function of :
Interpretation:
The equation represents a line, and for every value of , there is a corresponding value of . There are infinitely many solutions that satisfy this equation, which all lie on the line.
Would you like more details, or have any questions about this process?
Related questions:
- What would the graph of this equation look like?
- How do you solve a system of two linear equations?
- What is the slope and y-intercept of this line?
- How would the solution change if there was another equation involved?
- How do you solve this using matrix methods?
Tip:
For equations with two variables, graphing the equation can help visualize the set of possible solutions!
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Algebra
Linear Equations
Solving for Variables
Formulas
Standard form of a linear equation: ax + by = c
Theorems
Solution of a linear equation in two variables
Graph of a linear equation
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 7-10