![]() ![]() ![]() That was much easier and faster than substitution. Step 3: Check that you answered the right questionBecause you’re asked to find value of b + c, there’s nothing more to do here. Because you’re not trying to get rid of a variable, see if you can add the equations to get a result that has b + c equal to some numerical value. Before you add, don’t forget to write the variable terms in the same order for each equation. Step 2: Choose the best strategy to answer the questionHow can you quickly and accurately answer the question? Why are the test makers asking for the quantityī + c and not the values of b and c independently?The fact that you’re solving for b + c suggests that there’s a time-saving shortcut to be found. The question stem provides two equations involving b and c. Step 1: Read the question, identifying and organizing important information as you goYou are being asked to find the value of b + c. There’s no need to plug back in and find the correct value of b. Step 3: Check that you answered the right questionEven though the question asks you for the values of a and b, each answer choice has a different value of a. Your goal when using combination is to set the coefficient of the variable you are trying to eliminate to a number that is equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to the coefficient in the other equation. Notice that 6 b + (–6 b) = 0 b = 0, and you’ve eliminated b from your equation. In this case, notice what happens if you multiply the second equation by –3.īy arranging the equations vertically, you can simply add them, combining like terms along the way. What transformation will enable you to add the equations and eliminate a variable?Combination often requires you to multiply one of your equations by a constant. Step 2: Choose the best strategy to answer the questionRemember, while substitution could be used to solve this type of problem, combination will often be faster. Step 1: Read the question, identifying and organizing important information as you goYou are given a system of two equations with two unknowns and asked to find the values of a and b. The following table shows Kaplan’s strategic thinking on the left, along with suggested math scratchwork on the right. Work through the Kaplan Method for Math step-by-step to solve this question. If 6 a + 6 b = 30 and 3 a + 2 b = 14, then what are the values of a and b ? To really boost your score on Test Day, practice combination as much as you can on Practice Tests and in homework problems so that it becomes second nature.ġ. Unfortunately, even though most students prefer substitution, problems on the PSAT are often designed to be quickly solved with combination. Combination is often the best technique to use to solve a system of equations as it is usually faster than substitution. Often, one or both of the equations must be multiplied by a constant before they are added together. You could use substitution to answer the following question, but you’ll see that there’s a quicker way: combination.Ĭombination involves adding the two equations together to eliminate a variable. To use substitution, solve the simpler of the two equations for one variable, and then substitute the result into the other equation. Unfortunately, it is often the longest and most time-consuming route for solving systems of equations as well. Substitution is the most straightforward method for solving systems, and it can be applied in every situation. The two main methods for solving a system of linear equations are substitution and combination (sometimes referred to as elimination by addition). ![]() Now that you understand the requirements that must be satisfied to solve a system of equations, let’s look at some methods for solving these systems effectively.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |