Week Two Homework Fun!

Hello Everyone!

It's time to start a new thread as we are ready to begin the next assignment (problem #3 from all the assignments). The biggest problems I have heard about have been to do with solving systems of linear equations using the substitution method, so here is an example for everyone:

2x + 3y = 11
3x + y = 6

In the substitution method you need to isolate one of the variables in one of the equations. In this system, it would be easiest to isolate the "y" in the second equation by subtracting "3x" from both sides making it:

y=-3x + 6

Then, in the first equation, substitute (hence the name, the substitution method) in a "-3x+ 6" everywhere you see a "y". The first equation should now read:

2x + 3(-3x+6) = 11

Using the distributive property:

2x + -9x + 18 = 11

Simplify:

-7x + 18 = 11

Subtract 18 from both sides:

-7x = -7

Divide by negative 7 on both sides

x=1

Now substitue 1 for x in either equation (I'll choose the second one):

3(1) + y = 6

or

3 + y = 6

Subtract three from both sides:

y = 3

So the solution, by using the substitution method, is x=1 and y=3 or the point (1,3).

I hope that helps. Call me if you need me to walk you through another problem.

I finally got my bike rack installed and got a swing set for the girls in the back yard thinking that would give them something to do... Jasmine is convinced she is too young to swing on her own and needs pushed each time. I have totally failed at teaching her how to swing on her own. In my own defense, she is a pretty resistant student.

Goodbyeo Studentos,

Mr. Cookie