Solve System: (x+3y)/2 = 0 and x+y = 4

Linear Systems with Substitution Method

x+3y2=0 \frac{x+3y}{2}=0

x+y=4 x+y=4

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:08 Let's solve this problem together.
00:11 First, we will multiply one equation by two, so we can easily subtract them later.
00:21 Now, let's subtract the two equations. This will help us simplify the problem.
00:27 Now, it's time to simplify. Let's break it down and see what we can reduce.
00:33 Let's gather all the like terms together. You're doing great!
00:39 Next, let's isolate Y by itself on one side of the equation.
00:48 Here we go, this is the value of Y.
00:52 Now, let's substitute this Y value into the equation to find X.
01:00 Let's get X by itself. Almost there!
01:09 And there you have it, the solution to our question. Well done!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

x+3y2=0 \frac{x+3y}{2}=0

x+y=4 x+y=4

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this system of linear equations, we'll employ the substitution method. The equations given are:

x+3y2=0 \frac{x+3y}{2} = 0

x+y=4 x + y = 4

Step 1: Solve the first equation for x x .

The equation x+3y2=0 \frac{x+3y}{2} = 0 can be simplified:

Multiply both sides by 2 to eliminate the fraction:

x+3y=0 x + 3y = 0

Solving for x x , we get:

x=3y x = -3y

Step 2: Substitute this expression for x x into the second equation.

Substitute x=3y x = -3y into x+y=4 x + y = 4 :

3y+y=4 -3y + y = 4

This simplifies to:

2y=4 -2y = 4

Step 3: Solve for y y .

Divide both sides by -2 to find y y :

y=2 y = -2

Step 4: Substitute y=2 y = -2 back into the expression for x x .

Using x=3y x = -3y :

x=3(2)=6 x = -3(-2) = 6

Thus, the solution to the system of equations is x=6 x = 6 and y=2 y = -2 .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=6,y=2 x = 6, y = -2 .

3

Final Answer

x=6,y=2 x=6,y=-2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • First Step: Simplify fractions by multiplying both sides by denominators
  • Technique: From x+3y=0 x + 3y = 0 , solve for x=3y x = -3y
  • Check: Substitute x=6,y=2 x = 6, y = -2 back: 6+(2)=4 6 + (-2) = 4

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to multiply by 2 to clear the fraction
    Don't solve x+3y2=0 \frac{x+3y}{2} = 0 as x+3y=0 x + 3y = 0 directly = skipping crucial algebra! This leads to using the wrong equation throughout. Always multiply both sides by the denominator first to eliminate fractions properly.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \begin{cases} x+y=8 \\ x-y=6 \end{cases} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to multiply both sides by 2 in the first equation?

+

The fraction x+3y2=0 \frac{x+3y}{2} = 0 means the entire expression x+3y x+3y is divided by 2. To clear the fraction, multiply both sides by 2: x+3y=0 x+3y = 0 .

Can I use elimination instead of substitution?

+

Yes! You could multiply the second equation by 3 and subtract to eliminate y y . However, substitution is often easier when one equation is already solved for a variable or can be easily rearranged.

What if I get different signs in my answer?

+

Pay close attention to negative signs! In this problem, y=2 y = -2 (negative) and x=6 x = 6 (positive). Double-check your arithmetic, especially when substituting negative values.

How do I know which variable to solve for first?

+

Look for the easiest equation to rearrange. Here, x+3y=0 x + 3y = 0 easily becomes x=3y x = -3y , making substitution straightforward.

What does it mean when a fraction equals zero?

+

When x+3y2=0 \frac{x+3y}{2} = 0 , the numerator must equal zero (since dividing zero by any non-zero number gives zero). This means x+3y=0 x + 3y = 0 .

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 System of linear equations questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations