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.
Oregon State Standards learning standard: 8.AEE.C.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)
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 (−5, 0) a solution of both y = −4x − 20 and y = 3x + 15?
- No, it works in neither
- Yes, it works in both
- No, it only works in the first
Yes, it works in both
Hint: Put the x and y values into each equation and check both.
Question 2
Two numbers add to 11. Their difference is 1. What are the numbers?
- 6 and 5
- 7 and 4
- 5 and 6
- 11 and 1
6 and 5
Hint: Add the two equations: 2 × the bigger number = sum + difference.
Question 3
Adult tickets cost $12 and child tickets $4. 10 tickets cost $104 in all. How many adult tickets were sold?
- 8
- 7
- 2
- 9
8
Hint: Let a + c = 10 and 12a + 4c = 104. Substitute c = 10 − a.
Question 4
Where do the lines y = x + 5 and y = 2x + 4 meet?
- (2, 7)
- (6, 1)
- (−1, 6)
- (1, 7)
- (1, 6)
(1, 6)
Hint: Set the two expressions equal and solve for x. Then find y.
Question 5
How many solutions does this system have? y = x − 3 and y = x − 7
- Infinitely many solutions
- No solution
- Exactly one solution
No solution
Hint: Same slope, different intercept: parallel, no solution. Different slopes: one solution. Same line: infinitely many.
Question 6
How many solutions does this system have? y = −3x + 2 and y = −3x
- No solution
- Exactly one solution
- Infinitely many solutions
No solution
Hint: Same slope, different intercept: parallel, no solution. Different slopes: one solution. Same line: infinitely many.