8th grade · Math · Unit 13 of 17
Systems of Equations
Where two lines meet
What your child practices
Solving pairs of linear equations, checking a solution, telling when a system has no solution or infinitely many, and simple word problems.
Alaska content standards learning standard: 8.EE.8 · finding and interpreting solutions to pairs of linear equations
How we explain it
Children can open this short lesson before they practice.
- The solution is the point that works in both equations.
- Set the two expressions for y equal and solve for x, then find y.
- Same slope, different intercept: no solution. Same line: infinitely many.
Example: Where do y = 2x + 1 and y = x + 4 meet? 2x + 1 = x + 4, so x = 3. y = 3 + 4 = 7. Answer: (3, 7)
Systems of Equations in Alaska
In the Alaska content standards, this is unit 13 of 17 in 8th grade Math, after Exponent Rules and before Functions.
Gradelings describes a child's practice on this unit as Beginning, Approaching, Meeting or Exceeding (Four practice steps). That reflects practice, not a report-card mark: the teacher decides the mark.
Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
Is (2, 0) a solution of both y = −x + 2 and y = 3x − 2?
- No, it works in neither
- Yes, it works in both
- No, it only works in the first
No, it only works in the first
Hint: Put the x and y values into each equation and check both.
Question 2
How many solutions does this system have? y = x − 4 and y = −2x − 4
- No solution
- Infinitely many solutions
- Exactly one solution
Exactly one solution
Hint: Same slope, different intercept: parallel, no solution. Different slopes: one solution. Same line: infinitely many.
Question 3
Where do the lines y = −4x − 13 and y = −x − 4 meet?
- (−2, −5)
- (3, −1)
- (−3, −1)
- (−3, 0)
- (−1, −3)
(−3, −1)
Hint: Set the two expressions equal and solve for x. Then find y.
Question 4
Adult tickets cost $10 and child tickets $3. 13 tickets cost $67 in all. How many adult tickets were sold?
- 9
- 4
- 5
- 3
4
Hint: Let a + c = 13 and 10a + 3c = 67. Substitute c = 13 − a.
Question 5
Two numbers add to 36. Their difference is 20. What are the numbers?
- 36 and 20
- 27 and 9
- 28 and 8
- 29 and 7
28 and 8
Hint: Add the two equations: 2 × the bigger number = sum + difference.
Question 6
Adult tickets cost $10 and child tickets $2. 8 tickets cost $40 in all. How many adult tickets were sold?
- 2
- 5
- 4
- 3
3
Hint: Let a + c = 8 and 10a + 2c = 40. Substitute c = 8 − a.