6-4 Applications of Linear Systems

Objective

To choose the best method for solving a system of linear equations

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Essential Understanding You can solve systems of linear equations using a graph, the substitution method, or the elimination method. The best method to use depends on the forms of the given equations and how precise the solution should be.

Systems of equations are useful for modeling problems involving mixtures, rates, and break-even points.

The break-even point for a business is the point at which income equals expenses. The graph shows the break-even point for one business.

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Notice that the values of y on the red line represent dollars spent on expenses. The values of y on the blue line represent dollars received as income. So y is used to represent both expenses and income.

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