Question 36·Hard·Systems of Two Linear Equations in Two Variables
For each real number , which of the following points lies on the graph of each equation in the -plane for the given system?
When answer choices describe points using a parameter like , first examine the system: if one equation is a multiple of the other, you know all solutions lie on a single line. Then, let one variable equal (usually matching how the choices are written), substitute into the simpler equation, and solve for the other variable in terms of . Finally, match your expression to the choices, or alternatively, plug each choice into the equation and see which one makes the equation true for all rather than just for a particular value.
Hints
Compare the two equations
Check whether one equation can be made into the other by multiplying by a constant. What happens if you multiply the first equation by ?
Understand what the parameter is doing
The phrase "for each real number " means the correct choice must describe all solutions to the system as varies. Think of as a placeholder for one of the coordinates, like or .
Express one variable in terms of
Try setting and substitute into . Solve this equation for in terms of , then look for the answer choice that uses those same expressions for and .
Alternative approach: test an option algebraically
Pick one answer choice and plug its and expressions into . Does the equation simplify to a true statement (like ) for every , or does it depend on ?
Desmos Guide
Graph the line represented by the system
In Desmos, type 4x - 6y = 9. You do not need to enter the second equation because it describes the same line (it is just times the first equation).
Create a slider for
In an empty expression line, type t = 0 and Desmos will offer to create a slider. Accept the slider so you can vary .
Enter each answer choice as a movable point
For each option, enter a point that depends on , for example:
- A:
( (3t+9)/4 , t ) - B:
( (9+6t)/4 , t ) - C:
( t , (4t+9)/6 ) - D:
( (9-6t)/4 , t )Desmos will plot each of these as a point that moves when you change with the slider.
Use the slider to test which point always stays on the line
Move the slider through several values (both positive and negative). For each answer choice, watch whether its corresponding point always remains on the line 4x - 6y = 9. The correct choice is the one whose point stays on the line for every value of you try.
Step-by-step Explanation
Recognize the relationship between the two equations
Look at the coefficients in the system:
Multiply the first equation by :
This is exactly the second equation. That means both equations represent the same line, so any point that lies on one equation automatically lies on the other.
Use a parameter to describe all points on the line
Because there are infinitely many points on a line, the answer choices use a parameter to describe them.
We can choose one variable to equal and then solve for the other variable. The answer choices mostly use , so we will do the same: let
Substitute into the line equation
Substitute into the first equation :
Now solve this equation for :
Solve for and match with the correct choice
From
divide both sides by :
So every point on the line (and therefore on both equations) can be written as
This exactly matches choice B) , so B is the correct answer.