Algebra in 3 minutes

Hosted by Dolphin Designs

Comment to: lawrence@carol.net

a

© David Lawrence 2000

.

 

Learn the basics of Algebra in 3 minutes
See if you can folow the question below and how we deal with it.


Question S1.

We take a more detailed look at Simultaneous Equations which follow a different system to solve. Simultaneous Equations are problems which not only uses an 'x' as an unknown. but will also feature a 'y' unknown.

Below the problem gives us two facts, and each contain 2 unknowns - an 'x' ('B' =number of burgers), and a 'y' ('F' =portions of french fries). We have kept these as 'B' and 'F' so they can be more easily identified.

A man buys 2 Burgers and 3 portions of French Fries for $12
Another man buys 1 Burger and 4 portions of French Fries for $11

How much are the burgers and how much are the french fries?

For problems like this we use Simultaneous Equations.

We write the 2 facts in algebraic form. (B=Burgers, F=French Fries - I expect you got that)

(1) 2B + 3F = 12

(2) ..B + 4F = 11

We observe that fact (1) has 2B in it, and fact (2) has a 1B in it. We double the fact (2) equation in order to get 2B in BOTH equations, so that if we subtract (1) fact from (2) fact THE 'B' COMPONENT WITH DISSAPEAR. The aim is always to get a similar component in each fact.

(Naturally in other examples the multiplier will be different)

(3) ..2B + 8F = 22

We now subreact (1) from (3)

(3) ..2B + 8F = 22
(1)
..2B + 3F = 12

(4).............. 5F = 10

F = $--

Click on the answer below you believe is the correct one

Answer to question S1:

'A' - Burgers cost $4, French Fries cost $1

'B' - Burgers cost $5, French Fries cost $2

'C' - Burgers cost $4, French Fries cost $1.50

'D' - Burgers cost $3, French Fries cost $2


Home page