Linear Equations Basics
Linear equations ax + by + c = 0, solutions, and graphs (NCERT Ch. 4).
Linear Equations Basics
Linear Equations in Two Variables (NCERT Ch. 4)
What you'll learn
- Write equations of the form ax + by + c = 0 with real coefficients.
- Find solutions as ordered pairs (x, y) and plot them as points on the Cartesian plane.
- Recognise that a linear equation in two variables has infinitely many solutions.
- Graph a line from its equation using intercepts or a table of values.
- Model simple real situations (age, money, distance) as linear equations.
Key concepts
- Standard form — ax + by + c = 0 where a, b are not both zero.
- Solution — Any pair (x₀, y₀) satisfying the equation; e.g. 2x + 3y = 12 has (0, 4), (3, 2), (6, 0).
- Graph — All solutions lie on one straight line.
- Intercepts — x-intercept: set y = 0; y-intercept: set x = 0.
- Infinitely many solutions — Every point on the line is a solution.
- Real-life — Cost = 50x + 30y for x notebooks and y pens if prices are fixed.
- NCERT Ex. 4.2 — Write four solutions of x + y = 7; plot them.
- Checking — Substitute a pair into both sides to verify equality.
Worked example
Verify whether (2, 3) is a solution of 3x + 2y = 12
LHS = 3(2) + 2(3) = 6 + 6 = 12 = RHS
Conclusion: (2, 3) is a solution.
Plot: point (2, 3) lies on the line 3x + 2y = 12.
Common mistakes
- Plotting only one point and calling it the whole line.
- Confusing x and y when substituting into ax + by + c = 0.
- Thinking a linear equation has only one solution.
- Using non-linear graphs for equations like xy = 6 (not linear in two variables).
Quick check
- Is (1, 2) a solution of x − y = 1?
- Write two solutions of 2x + y = 10.
- Find the y-intercept of 4x + 2y = 8.
- How many solutions does a non-degenerate linear equation have?
Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Linear Equations in Two Variables (NCERT Ch. 4).
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- What you'll learn
- Key concepts
- Worked example
- Common mistakes
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