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What is a System of Linear Equations?

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Frustrated Student: “This is why I hate Algebra. I'm not going to use this; I’m going to become an actor.”

Patient Tutor: "You're right. Unless you're Russell Crowe in A Beautiful Mind or Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting, you can leave quadratic functions in the classroom. Patience, discipline, decision making skills - these are the lessons you learn from  quadratic functions that you use in real life."

1. Systems of Equations Definitions

  • System of linear quations:  Two or more equations with two or more variables. When graphed, these lines intersect at some point (x, y). Note: This lesson focuses on systems of equations with 2 equations and 2 distinct variables.

  • Intersection: The point (x,y) where the lines meet.

  • Solution: The x and y value of the intersection of the 2 lines.

  • No Solution: When graphed, sometimes the system of equations is actually a set of parallel lines. Because parallel lines never intersect, this system will have no solution.

  • Infinite Number of Solutions: When graphed, this system of equations is actually the same line.

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