NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear
Equations
Student Outcomes
Students know that since two equations in the form ππ₯ + ππ¦ = π and β²π₯ + πβ²π¦ = πβ² , when π, b, and c are
nonzero numbers, graph as the same line when πβ²
π=
πβ²
π=
πβ²
π , then the system of linear equations has
infinitely many solutions.
Students know a strategy for solving a system of linear equations algebraically.
Classwork
Exercises 1β3 (5 minutes)
Students complete Exercises 1β3 independently in preparation for the Discussion that follows about infinitely many
solutions.
Exercises
Determine the nature of the solution to each system of linear equations.
1. {ππ + ππ = π
π = βππ
π + π
The slopes of these two distinct equations are the same, which means the graphs of these two equations are parallel
lines. Therefore, this system will have no solution.
2. {ππ + ππ = βππ β π = π
The slopes of these two equations are different. That means the graphs of these two equations are distinct
nonparallel lines and will intersect at one point. Therefore, this system has one solution.
3. {ππ + ππ = πππ + ππ = π
The lines defined by the graph of this system of equations are the same line because they have the same slope and
the same π-intercept point.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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Discussion (7 minutes)
Ask students to summarize the nature of the solutions for each of the Exercises 1β3. Students should be able to state
clearly what they observed in Exercise 1 and Exercise 2 as stated in (1) and (2) below.
So far, our work with systems of linear equations has taught us that
(1) If the lines defined by the equations in the system are parallel, then the system has no solution.
(2) If the lines defined by the equations in the system are not parallel, then the system has exactly one
solution, and it is the point of intersection of the two lines.
Have students discuss their βsolutionβ to Exercise 3. Ask students what they noticed, if anything, about the equations in
Exercise 3. If necessary, show that the first equation can be obtained from the second equation by multiplying each
term by 3. Then the equations are exactly the same. Proceed with the second example below, along with the discussion
points that follow.
We now know there is a third possibility with respect to systems of equations. Consider the following system
of linear equations below:
{3π₯ + 2π¦ = 5
6π₯ + 4π¦ = 10
What do you notice about the constants π, π, and π of the first equation, compared to the constants πβ², πβ², and
πβ² of the second equation?
When you compare πβ²
π=
πβ²
π=
πβ²
π , they are equal to the same constant, 2.
If you multiplied each term of the first equation by the constant 2, what is the result?
Sample student work:
2(3π₯ + 2π¦ = 5)
6π₯ + 4π¦ = 10
When you multiply each term of the first equation by the constant 2, the result is the second equation.
What does this mean about the graphs of the equations in the system?
It means that the lines defined by these equations are the same line. That is, they graph as the same
line.
When the lines defined by two linear equations are the same line, it means that every solution to one equation
is also a solution to the other equation. Since we can find an infinite number of solutions to any linear
equation in two variables, systems that comprise equations that define the same line have infinitely many
solutions.
Provide students with time to verify the fact that the system {3π₯ + 2π¦ = 5
6π₯ + 4π¦ = 10 has infinitely many solutions. Instruct them
to find at least two solutions to the first equation, and then show that the same ordered pairs satisfy the second
equation as well.
Sample student work:
{3π₯ + 2π¦ = 5
6π₯ + 4π¦ = 10
MP.2
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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Two solutions to 3π₯ + 2π¦ = 5 are (1, 1) and (3, β2). Replacing the solutions in the second equation results in the true
equations. When π₯ = 1, and π¦ = 1,
6(1) + 4(1) = 10
6 + 4 = 10
10 = 10,
and when π₯ = 3, and π¦ = β2,
6(3) + 4(β2) = 10
18 β 8 = 10
10 = 10.
Since there is only one line passing through two distinct points, the lines defined by the two equations are the
same line. That is, the system has infinitely many solutions.
Therefore, the nature of the solutions of a system of linear equations is one of three possibilities: one
solution, no solution, or infinitely many solutions. A system will have one solution when the graphs of the
equations are distinct lines with different slopes. A system will have no solution when the equations have the
same slope and different π¦-intercept points, in other words, when the graphs are parallel lines. A system will
have infinitely many solutions when the lines defined by the equations are the same line; these equations will
have the same slope and same π¦-intercept point.
Example 1 (7 minutes)
In this example, students realize that graphing a system of equations yields a solution, but the precise coordinates of the
solution cannot be determined from the graph.
The following figure contains the graphs of the
system {π¦ = 3π₯ + 5π¦ = 8π₯ + 3
.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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Though the graphs of the equations were easy to sketch, it is not easy to identify the solution to the system
because the intersection of the lines does not have integer coordinates. Estimate the solution based on the
graph.
The solution looks like it could be (13
, 6).
When we need a precise answer, we must use an alternative strategy for solving systems of linear equations.
Understanding the substitution method requires an understanding of the transitive property. One accessible way to
introduce this to students at this level is through symbolic puzzles; one possible example follows:
If ! = $$ and $$ = &, is it true that ! = &? Why or why not? Allow students time to think about the symbol puzzle and
share their thoughts with the class. Then, continue with the points below.
When two linear expressions are equal to the same number, then the expressions are equal to each other, just
like ! = & because both ! and & are equal to $$. Look at the system of equations given in this example:
{π¦ = 3π₯ + 5π¦ = 8π₯ + 3
How is this like our puzzle about !, $$, and &?
Both of the equations in the system are equal to π¦; therefore, 3π₯ + 5 must be equal to 8π₯ + 3.
The equation 3π₯ + 5 = 8π₯ + 3 is a linear equation in one variable. Solve it for π₯.
Sample student work:
3π₯ + 5 = 8π₯ + 3
2 = 5π₯
2
5= π₯
Keep in mind that we are trying to identify the point of intersection of the lines, in other words, the solution
that is common to both equations. What we have just found is the π₯-coordinate of that solution, 2
5, and we
must now determine the π¦-coordinate. To do so, we can substitute the value of π₯ into either of the two
equations of the system to determine the value for π¦.
π¦ = 3 (2
5) + 5
π¦ =6
5+ 5
π¦ =31
5
Verify that we would get the same value for π¦ using the second equation.
Sample student work:
π¦ = 8 (2
5) + 3
π¦ =16
5+ 3
π¦ =31
5
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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The solution to the system is (25
,315
). Look at the graph. Does it look like this could be the solution?
Yes. The coordinates look correct, and they are close to our estimated solution.
Our estimation was close to the actual answer but not as precise as when we solved the system algebraically.
Example 2 (4 minutes)
Does the system {π¦ = 7π₯ β 2 2π¦ β 4π₯ = 10
have a solution?
Yes. The slopes are different, which means they are not parallel and not the same line.
Now that we know that the system has a solution, we will solve it without graphing.
Notice that in this example we do not have two linear expressions equal to the same number. However, we do
know what π¦ is; it is equal to the expression 7π₯ β 2. Therefore, we can substitute the expression that π¦ is
equal to in the second equation. Since π¦ = 7π₯ β 2, then:
2π¦ β 4π₯ = 10
2(7π₯ β 2) β 4π₯ = 10
14π₯ β 4 β 4π₯ = 10
10π₯ β 4 = 10
10π₯ = 14
π₯ =14
10
π₯ =7
5.
What does π₯ =75
represent?
It represents the π₯-coordinate of the point of intersection of the graphs of the lines or the solution to
the system.
How can we determine the π¦-coordinate of the solution to the system?
Since we know the π₯-coordinate of the solution, we can substitute the value of π₯ into either equation to
determine the value of the π¦-coordinate.
Determine the π¦-coordinate of the solution to the system.
Sample student work:
π¦ = 7 (7
5) β 2
π¦ =49
5β 2
π¦ =39
5
The solution to this system is (75
,395
). What does the solution represent?
The solution is the point of intersection of the graphs of the lines of the system. It is a solution that
makes both equations of the system true.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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Example 3 (8 minutes)
Does the system {4π¦ = 26π₯ + 4π¦ = 11π₯ β 1
have a solution?
Yes. The slopes are different, which means they are not parallel and not the same line.
Solve this system using substitution. Since we know what π¦ is equal to, we can replace that value with the
expression 11π₯ β 1 in the first equation.
Sample student work:
{4π¦ = 26π₯ + 4π¦ = 11π₯ β 1
4(11π₯ β 1) = 26π₯ + 4
44π₯ β 4 = 26π₯ + 4
44π₯ β 26π₯ β 4 = 26π₯ β 26π₯ + 4
18π₯ β 4 = 4
18π₯ β 4 + 4 = 4 + 4
18π₯ = 8
π₯ =8
18
π₯ =4
9
π¦ = 11 (4
9) β 1
π¦ =44
9β 1
π¦ =35
9
The solution to the system is (49
,359
).
There is another option for solving this equation. We could multiply the second equation by 4. Then we
would have two linear equations equal to 4π¦ that could then be written as a single equation, as in Example 1.
Or we could multiply the first equation by 1
4. Then we would have two linear equations equal to π¦ that could
be written as a single equation, as in Example 1, again.
For this system, letβs multiply the second equation by 4. Then, we have
4(π¦ = 11π₯ β 1)
4π¦ = 44π₯ β 4.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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Now the system can be written as {4π¦ = 26π₯ + 44π¦ = 44π₯ β 4
, and we can write the two linear expressions 26π₯ + 4 and
44π₯ β 4 as equal to one another. Solve the system.
Sample student work:
26π₯ + 4 = 44π₯ β 4
4 = 18π₯ β 4
8 = 18π₯
8
18= π₯
4
9= π₯
π¦ = 11 (4
9) β 1
π¦ =44
9β 1
π¦ =35
9
The solution to the system is (49
,359
).
Compare the solution we got algebraically to the graph of the system of linear equations:
We can see that our answer is correct because it looks like the lines intersect at (49
,359
).
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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Exercises 4β7 (7 minutes)
Students complete Exercises 4β7 independently.
Determine the nature of the solution to each system of linear equations. If the system has a solution, find it algebraically,
and then verify that your solution is correct by graphing.
4. {ππ + ππ = βπππ + π = βπ
These equations define the same line. Therefore, this system will have infinitely many solutions.
5. {π =
ππ
π β π
ππ = π + π
The slopes of these two equations are unique. That means they graph as distinct lines and will intersect at one
point. Therefore, this system has one solution.
π (π =π
ππ β π)
ππ =π
ππ β π
π + π =π
ππ β π
π =π
ππ β π
π =π
ππ
ππ
π= π
π =π
π(
ππ
π) β π
π =ππ
πβ π
π =π
π
The solution is (πππ
,ππ
).
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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6. {π = πππ β ππ = ππ + π
The slopes of these two equations are unique. That means they graph as distinct lines and will intersect at one
point. Therefore, this system has one solution.
πππ β π = ππ + π
ππ β π = π
ππ = ππ
π =ππ
π
π = π (ππ
π) + π
π = ππ + π
π = ππ
The solution is (ππ,πππ
).
7. Write a system of equations with (π, βπ) as its solution.
Answers will vary. Verify that students have written a system of equations where (π, βπ) is a solution to each
equation in the system. Sample solution: {π = π β π π + π = βπ
Closing (3 minutes)
Summarize, or ask students to summarize, the main points from the lesson:
A system can have one solution, no solution, or infinitely many solutions. It will have one solution when the
lines are distinct and their slopes are different; it will have no solution when the equations graph as distinct
lines with the same slope; it will have infinitely many solutions when the equations define the same line.
We learned a method for solving a system of linear equations algebraically. It requires us to write linear
expressions equal to one another and substitution.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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Exit Ticket (4 minutes)
{π = ππ β ππ = ππ + π
{ππ = ππ + ππ = π + π
Lesson Summary
A system of linear equations can have a unique solution, no solution, or infinitely many solutions.
Systems with a unique solution are comprised of two linear equations whose graphs have different slopes; that is,
their graphs in a coordinate plane will be two distinct lines that intersect at only one point.
Systems with no solutions are comprised of two linear equations whose graphs have the same slope but different
π-intercept points; that is, their graphs in a coordinate plane will be two parallel lines (with no intersection).
Systems with infinitely many solutions are comprised of two linear equations whose graphs have the same slope
and the same π-intercept point; that is, their graphs in a coordinate plane are the same line (i.e., every solution to
one equation will be a solution to the other equation).
A system of linear equations can be solved using a substitution method. That is, if two expressions are equal to the
same value, then they can be written equal to one another.
Example:
Since both equations in the system are equal to π, we can write the equation ππ β π = ππ + π and use it to solve
for π and then the system.
Example:
Multiply each term of the equation π = π + π by π to produce the equivalent equation ππ = ππ + ππ. As in the
previous example, since both equations equal ππ, we can write ππ + π = ππ + ππ. This equation can be used to
solve for π and then the system.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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Name Date
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
Exit Ticket
Determine the nature of the solution to each system of linear equations. If the system has a solution, then
find it without graphing.
1. {π¦ =
12
π₯ +52
π₯ β 2π¦ = 7
2. {π¦ =
23
π₯ + 4
2π¦ +12
π₯ = 2
3. {π¦ = 3π₯ β 2 β3π₯ + π¦ = β2
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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Exit Ticket Sample Solutions
Determine the nature of the solution to each system of linear equations. If the system has a solution, then find it without
graphing.
1. {π =
ππ
π +ππ
π β ππ = π
The slopes of these two equations are the same, and the π-intercept points are different, which means they graph as
parallel lines. Therefore, this system will have no solution.
2. {π =
ππ
π + π
ππ +ππ
π = π
The slopes of these two equations are unique. That means they graph as distinct lines and will intersect at one
point. Therefore, this system has one solution.
π (π
ππ + π) +
π
ππ = π
π
ππ + π +
π
ππ = π
ππ
ππ + π = π
ππ
ππ = βπ
π = βππ
ππ
π =π
π(β
ππ
ππ) + π
π = βππ
ππ+ π
π =ππ
ππ
The solution is (βππππ
,ππππ
).
3. {π = ππ β π βππ + π = βπ
These equations define the same line. Therefore, this system will have infinitely many solutions.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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Problem Set Sample Solutions
Students practice determining the nature of solutions of a system of linear equations and finding the solution for
systems that have one.
Determine the nature of the solution to each system of linear equations. If the system has a solution, find it algebraically,
and then verify that your solution is correct by graphing.
1. {π =
ππ
π β π
ππ β ππ = π
The slopes of these two equations are the same, and the π-intercept points are different, which means they graph as
parallel lines. Therefore, this system will have no solution.
2. {ππ β π = π βππ β π = ππ
(ππ β π = π)π
ππ β ππ = ππ
{ππ β ππ = ππβππ β π = ππ
ππ β ππ = βππ β π
ππ β ππ = βπ
ππ = π
π =π
π
π = π (π
π) β π
π =ππ
πβ π
π = βππ
π
The solution is (ππ
, βπππ
).
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
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3. {π = ππ + π π = πππ + π
ππ + π = πππ + π
π = ππ + π
π = ππ
π
π= π
π = π (π
π) + π
π =ππ
π+ π
π =ππ
π
The solution is (πππ
,ππ
).
4. {ππ =
πππ
π + ππ
π =ππ
π + π
These equations define the same line. Therefore, this system will have infinitely many solutions.
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
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5. {π + π = π
π = ππ β π
ππ β π + π
= π
ππ + π = π
π = βππ
βπ = π
π + π = βπ
π = βππ
The solution is (βππ, βπ).
6. {ππ = ππ β ππππ = πππ β π
ππ β ππ = πππ β π
βππ = ππ β π
βππ = ππ
βππ
π= π
ππ = π (βππ
π) β ππ
ππ = βππ
πβ ππ
ππ = βπππ
π
π = βπππ
ππ
The solution is (βπππ
, βπππππ
).
7. {ππ β ππ =
ππ
πππ β πππ = π
NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM 8β’4 Lesson 27
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear Equations
441
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These equations define the same line. Therefore, this system will have infinitely many solutions.
8. {ππ β ππ = π
βπππ + ππ = βππ
The slopes of these two equations are the same, and the π-intercept points are different, which means they graph as
parallel lines. Therefore, this system will have no solution.
9. {π =
ππ
π β π
ππ = π β ππ
π (π =π
ππ β π)
ππ = ππ β ππ
{ππ = ππ β ππππ = π β ππ
ππ β ππ = π β ππ
ππ β ππ = π
ππ = ππ
π =ππ
π
π =π
π(
ππ
π) β π
π =ππ
ππβ π
π = βππ
ππ
The solution is (πππ
, βππππ
).
10. {ππ β ππ = ππ = ππ + ππ
ππ β ππ = ππ + ππ
ππ β ππ = ππ
ππ = ππ
π = ππ
π = π(ππ) + ππ
π = ππ + ππ
π = ππ
The solution is (ππ, ππ).
11. Write a system of linear equations with (βπ, π) as its solution.
Answers will vary. Verify that students have written a system of equations where (βπ, π) is a solution to each
equation in the system. Sample solution: {π = π + πππ + π = π