Table of Contents
Introduction:............................................................................................................................................................3
What is a Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables?.................................................................................................3
The '4' Main Methods:..............................................................................................................................................3
Graphical Method :...................................................................................................................................................4
Substitution Method:................................................................................................................................................6
Elimination Method:.................................................................................................................................................6
Cross-Multiplication Method:...................................................................................................................................6
Forms of Linear Equations in Two Variables:.............................................................................................................7
INTRODUCTION:
In Class 10 mathematics, the topic Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables is a fundamental
concept that forms the foundation for algebra and higher-level mathematics. This chapter delves into how
two linear equations can be solved simultaneously using different methods, ensuring students master the
techniques and concepts crucial for their exams.
WHAT IS A PAIR OF LINEAR EQUATIONS IN TWO VARIABLES?
A pair of linear equations in two variables refers to two equations of the form:
a1x+b1y+c1=0
a2x+b2y+c2=0
Here, x and y are the two variables, and a , b , c , a , b , c are constants. The objective is to find values of x and y
1 1 1 2 2 2
that satisfy both equations simultaneously.
THE '4' MAIN METHODS:
In Class 10, you will learn to solve the pair of linear equations in two variables using some main methods:
1. Graphical Method: Plotting the two equations on a graph to find the point of intersection, which gives
the solution to the system ( Exercise 3.1 ).
2. Substitution Method: Solve one equation for a variable and substitute its value into the second
equation to find the solution ( From Exercise 3.2 onwards ).
3. Elimination Method: By addition or subtraction, the equations, one variable is eliminated, allowing for
easier solving of the remaining variable ( From Exercise 3.2 onwards ).
4. Cross-Multiplication Method: A direct method to solve equations without modifying or simplifying
them, based on a formula ( Out of portion ).
GRAPHICAL METHOD :
In the graphical method, the two equations are plotted on the coordinate plane. There are three possible
outcomes:
1. Intersecting Lines: The lines intersect at one point, which represents the unique solution of the system.
This is called a consistent system.
2. Parallel Lines: The lines never meet, implying there is no solution. This is known as an inconsistent
system.
3. Coincident Lines: The two lines are identical, meaning they have infinitely many solutions. This is also
a consistent system.
If a pair of linear equations is given by a1x+b1y+c1=0 and a2x+b2y+c2=0 , then
1. If a1/ a2 ≠ b1/b2 then it is Intersecting Lines.
2. If a1/ a2 = b1/b2 ≠ c1/c2 then it is Parallel Lines.
3. If a1/ a2 = b1/b2 = c1/c2, then it is Coincident Lines.
SUBSTITUTION METHOD:
This method involves solving one equation for either x or y and substituting this value into the second equation.
Here's how it works:
Step-by-step:
Solve for one variable: Change one of the equations to find one variable (like ( x )) in terms of the
other (like ( y )).
Substitute: Put this expression into the other equation.
Solve for the second variable: Solve the new equation to find the value of the second variable.
Find the first variable: Substitute this value in the first equation to find the value of the first variable.
ELIMINATION METHOD:
In this method, the goal is to eliminate one variable by addition or subtraction the two equations after
manipulating their coefficients.
Step-by-step:
Make coefficients equal: If needed, multiply the equations so that the coefficients (numbers in front) of
one variable are the same.
Add or subtract: Add or subtract the equations to cancel out that variable.
Solve for the remaining variable: Solve the new equation to find the value of the remaining variable.
Find the other variable: Substitute this value back into one of the original equations to find the value
of the other variable.
CROSS-MULTIPLICATION METHOD:
The cross-multiplication formula for solving the pair of linear equations in two variables is derived from the
coefficients of the variables in the two equations:
For equations of the form:
a1x+b1y+c1=0
a2x+b2y+c2=0
The solution is given by:
x=a1b2−a2b1b1c2−b2c1
y=a1b2−a2b1c1a2−c2a1
This method is particularly useful when the equations are complex, and it's easier to use the formula directly.
FORMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS IN TWO VARIABLES:
A linear equation in two variables can be in different forms like standard form, intercept form and point-slope
form. For example, the same equation 2x + 3y=9 can be represented in each of the forms like 2x + 3y - 9=0
(standard form), y = (-2/3)x + 3 (slope-intercept form), and y - 5/3 = -2/3(x + (-2)) (point-slope form). Look at
the image given below showing all these three forms of representing linear equations in two variables with
examples.
