Question 57·Hard·Systems of Two Linear Equations in Two Variables
The system of equations is
For each real number , which of the following points lies on the graph of each equation in the -plane?
For this type of question, first check whether the two equations are multiples of each other; if they are, the system has infinitely many solutions along a single line. Work with the simpler equation, solve for one variable in terms of the other (usually in terms of ), and then interpret the free variable as the parameter . Finally, compare the resulting description with the answer choices rather than plugging each choice into both equations one by one, which saves time and reduces algebra errors.
Hints
Look at how the two equations are related
Distribute the 2 in the first equation to write it without parentheses, then compare its coefficients with those in the second equation. Are they multiples of each other?
Reduce the system to one line
If both equations represent the same line, you only need to work with one equation. Try solving for in terms of .
Connect your equation to the parameter t
Once you have as a linear expression in , think of as the parameter . Which choice keeps as the -coordinate and uses the same expression for ?
Desmos Guide
Graph both equations
In Desmos, enter the two equations 2(6x - 5y) = 24 and 18x - 15y = 36. You should see that the two graphs lie exactly on top of each other, confirming they represent the same line.
Express the line as y = (linear expression in x)
Take the simpler equation 12x - 10y = 24 (the expanded form of the first equation) and rearrange it algebraically into the form y = (something in x) / 5. You can type this rearranged equation into Desmos to check that it still produces the same line.
Match the Desmos equation to an answer choice
Treat as the parameter . Replace by in the equation for that Desmos (or your algebra) gives you, then compare that pattern to the answer choices and pick the one whose -coordinate has exactly the same expression in terms of . You should also notice in Desmos that plugging that expression into the coordinates always lands points on the graphed line as varies.
Step-by-step Explanation
Compare the two equations
First expand the first equation:
Now compare this with the second equation:
Notice that every coefficient in the second equation is times the corresponding coefficient in (since , , and ). This means the two equations represent the same line, so any solution of one is a solution of the other.
Use one equation to describe all solutions
Because both equations describe the same line, it is enough to work with just one of them. Use the simpler form:
We will solve this equation for in terms of to describe every point on the line.
Solve for y in terms of x
Start with
Move to the right side:
Divide both sides by :
Simplify the fraction by factoring out in the numerator and in the denominator:
So every solution on this line has coordinates for some real number .
Introduce the parameter t and match the form
The question uses a parameter to represent "any real number." If we let , then from the relationship we just found,
So all points that lie on both graphs can be written as
This matches answer choice C.