Question 54·Hard·Linear Equations in Two Variables
A system of linear equations is given by
If and are both integers and is an integer with , what is the value of ?
(Express the answer as an integer)
For systems of equations with a parameter (like ) and an integer condition, first use substitution or elimination to express one variable as a simple fraction involving the parameter. Then apply the integer requirement by treating the denominator as a divisor of the numerator and using the given range of the parameter to narrow down possible values quickly, instead of testing every option blindly. Finally, verify the candidate value(s) by plugging back into the original system to ensure all variables are integers and all equations are satisfied.
Hints
Start by isolating a variable
Look at the simpler equation . Try solving this equation for in terms of and , then substitute into the other equation.
After substitution, focus on x
Once you substitute your expression for into , combine like terms so that you have an equation of the form "(something with k) times equals a constant" and then solve for .
Use the integer condition
Your expression for will be a fraction with denominator . For which integer values of from 1 to 10 does that denominator divide the numerator evenly so that is an integer?
Check both x and y
Once you find a possible , plug it back in to find and and make sure both turn out to be integers.
Desmos Guide
Express x in terms of k in Desmos
In Desmos, type the expression x(k) = 14/(5k + 2) to define as a function of based on the algebra you did by hand.
Restrict k and use a slider
In the same line, add {1 <= k <= 10} after the expression so Desmos knows the range for , or simply create a slider for k and set its range from 1 to 10 (step 1).
Check for integer outputs
Move the slider for through the integers 1 to 10 and watch the value of . You are looking for a value of where is an integer. For that same , compute y = 1 + kx(k) in a new line and confirm that is also an integer; this is the solution.
Step-by-step Explanation
Express one variable in terms of the others
Start with the second equation:
Solve for in terms of and :
Substitute into the first equation and solve for x
Substitute into the first equation :
Distribute and combine like terms:
So,
Use the integer condition on x to restrict k
We are told is an integer. That means must be a (positive) divisor of 14, because .
The positive divisors of 14 are , and . Also, since , we have and . So the only possible values for that divide 14 and lie between 7 and 52 are and .
So we must have either or . Solve each for .
Solve for k and verify x and y are integers
Case 1: :
Case 2: :
which is not an integer, so it is not allowed.
Thus the only valid value in the range is .
Check quickly: if , then , and , both integers.
Therefore, the value of is .