A pair of linear equations

Questions With Answers

Q.1: The cost of 2 kg of apples and 1kg of grapes on a day was found to be Rs.160. After a
month, the cost of 4 kg of apples and 2 kg of grapes is Rs.300. Represent the situation
algebraically.
Solution: Let the cost of 1 kg of apples be ‘Rs. x’.
And, let the cost of 1 kg of grapes be ‘Rs. y’.
According to the question, the algebraic representation is 2x + y = 160 And 4x + 2y = 300
For, 2x + y = 160 or y = 160 − 2x, the solution table is;
x 50 60 70
y 60 40 20
For 4x + 2y = 300 or y = (300 – 4x)/ 2, the solution table is;
x 70 80 75
y 10 -10 0
Note: Students can also represent these two equations graphically, by using the given points
of x-coordinate and y-coordinate.

Q.2: Half the perimeter of a rectangular garden, whose length is 4 m more than its width, is
36 m. Find the dimensions of the garden.
Solution: Given, half the perimeter of a rectangular garden = 36 m so, 2(l + b)/2 = 36
(l + b) = 36 ……….(1)
Given, the length is 4 m more than its width.
Let width = x
And length = x + 4
Substituting this in eq(1), we get; x + x + 4 = 36
2x + 4 = 36
2x = 32
x = 16
Therefore, the width is 16 m and the length is 16 + 4 = 20 m.

Q.3: On comparing the ratios a1/a2, b1/b2, and c1/c2, find out whether the following pair of
linear equations are consistent, or inconsistent. (i) 3x + 2y = 5 ; 2x – 3y = 7 (ii) 2x – 3y = 8 ;
4x – 6y = 9
Solution: (i) Given : 3x + 2y = 5 or 3x + 2y – 5 = 0
and 2x – 3y = 7 or 2x – 3y – 7 = 0
Comparing the above equations with a1x + b1y + c1=0
And a2x + b2y + c2 = 0
We get, a1 = 3, b1 = 2, c1 = -5
a2 = 2, b2 = -3, c2 = -7
a1/a2 = 3/2, b1/b2 = 2/-3, c1/c2 = -5/-7 = 5/7
Since, a1/a2≠b1/b2 the lines intersect each other at a point and have only one possible solution.
Hence, the equations are consistent.

(ii) Given 2x – 3y = 8 and 4x – 6y = 9

Therefore, a1 = 2, b1 = -3, c1 = -8
a2 = 4, b2 = -6, c2 = -9
a1/a2 = 2/4 = 1/2, b1/b2 = -3/-6 = 1/2, c1/c2 = -8/-9 = 8/9
Since, a1/a2=b1/b2≠c1/c2
Therefore, the lines are parallel to each other and they have no possible solution. Hence, the
equations are inconsistent.

Kerala Education Centre Maths Class X

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 A pair of linear equations
Q.4: Solve the following pair of linear equations by substitution method. (i) x+y=14, x–y=4
(ii) 3x – y = 3; 9x – 3y = 9
Solution: (i) Given, x + y = 14 and x – y = 4 are the two equations.
From 1st equation, we get, x = 14 – y
Now, put the value of x in second equation to get, (14 – y) – y = 4 ⇒ 14 – 2y = 4 ⇒2y = 10
Or y = 5
By the value of y, we can now find the value of x; ∵ x = 14 – y
∴ x = 14 – 5 Or x = 9
Hence, x = 9 and y = 5.
(ii) Given, 3x – y = 3 and 9x – 3y = 9 are the two equations.
From 1st equation, we get, x = (3 + y)/3
Now, substitute the value of x in the given second equation to get, 9[(3 + y)/3] – 3y = 9
⇒ 3(3+y) – 3y = 9 ⇒ 9 + 3y – 3y = 9 ⇒ 9 = 9
Therefore, y has infinite values and since, x = (3 + y)/3, so x also has infinite values.

Q.5: Solve 2x + 3y = 11 and 2x–4y=–24 and hence find the value of ‘m’ for which y=mx + 3.
Solution: 2x + 3y = 11…………………………..(i)
2x – 4y = -24………………………… (ii)
From equation (i), we get; x = (11 – 3y)/2 ……….…………………………..(iii)
Putting the value of x in equation (ii), we get 2[(11 – 3y)/2] – 4y = −24
11 – 3y – 4y = -24 ⇒ -7y = -35 y = 5……………………………………..(iv)
Putting the value of y in equation (iii), we get; x = (11 – 15)/2 = -4/2 = −2
Hence, x = -2, y = 5
Also, y = mx + 3 ⇒ 5 = -2m +3 ⇒ -2m = 2 ⇒ m = -1
Therefore, the value of m is -1.

Q.6: The coach of a cricket team buys 7 bats and 6 balls for Rs.3800. Later, she buys 3 bats
and 5 balls for Rs.1750. Find the cost of each bat and each ball.
Solution: Let the cost of a bat be x and the cost of a ball be y.
According to the question, 7x + 6y = 3800 ………………. (i)
3x + 5y = 1750 ………………. (ii)
From (i), we get; y = (3800 – 7x)/6 …………………… (iii)
Substituting (iii) in (ii). we get, 3x + 5[(3800 – 7x)/6] = 1750
⇒3x + (9500/3) – (35x/6) = 1750 ⇒ 3x – (35x/6) = 1750 – (9500/3)
⇒ (18x – 35x)/6 = (5250 – 9500)/3 ⇒-17x/6 = -4250/3 ⇒-17x = -8500 ⇒ x = 500
Putting the value of x in (iii), we get; y = (3800 – 7 × 500)/6 = 300/6 = 50
Hence, the cost of a bat is Rs 500 and the cost of a ball is Rs 50.

Q.7: A fraction becomes 9/11 if 2 is added to both the numerator and the denominator. If, 3 is
added to both the numerator and the denominator it becomes 5/6. Find the fraction.
Solution: Let the fraction be x/y.
According to the question, (x + 2)/(y + 2) = 9/11; 11x + 22 = 9y + 18
11x – 9y = -4 …………….. (1) ⇒ (x + 3)/(y + 3) = 5/6 ⇒ 6x + 18 = 5y +15
6x – 5y = -3 ………………. (2)
From (1), we get x = (-4 + 9y)/11 …………….. (3)
Substituting the value of x in (2), we get 6[(-4 + 9y)/11] – 5y = -3
⇒ -24 + 54y – 55y = -33 ⇒ -y = -9 ⇒ y = 9 ………………… (4)
Substituting the value of y in (3), we get x = (-4 + 81)/11 = 77/11 = 7
Hence, the fraction is 7/9.

Kerala Education Centre Maths Class X

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 A pair of linear equations
Q.8 Form the pair of linear equations in the following problems, and find their solutions (if
they exist) by the elimination method: (i) Five years ago, Nuri was thrice as old as Sonu. Ten
years later, Nuri will be twice as old as Sonu. How old are Nuri and Sonu?
Solution: Let us assume, the present age of Nuri be x.
And the present age of Sonu is y.
According to the given condition, we can write as; x – 5 = 3(y – 5)
x – 3y = -10…………………………………..(1)
Now, x + 10 = 2(y +10) ⇒ x – 2y = 10…………………………………….(2)
Subtract eq. 1 from 2, to get, y = 20 ………………………………………….(3)
Substituting the value of y in eq.1, we get, x – 3(20) = -10 ⇒ x – 60 = -10 ⇒ x = 50
Therefore, The age of Nuri is 50 years; The age of Sonu is 20 years.
(ii) A lending library has a fixed charge for the first three days and an additional charge for
each day thereafter. Saritha paid Rs.27 for a book kept for seven days, while Susy paid Rs.21
for the book she kept for five days. Find the fixed charge and the charge for each extra day.
Solution:
Let the fixed charge for the first three days be Rs. A and the charge for each day extra be Rs.
B.
According to the information given,
A + 4B = 27 …………………………………….…………………………. (i)
A + 2B = 21 ……………………………………………………………….. (ii)
When equation (ii) is subtracted from equation (i) we get, 2B = 6
B = 3 …………………………………………………………………………(iii)
Substituting B = 3 in equation (i) we get, A + 12 = 27 ⇒ A = 15
Hence, the fixed charge is Rs. 15.
And the Additional charge per day is Rs. 3.
Q.9: Solve the following pair of linear equations by the substitution and cross-multiplication
methods: 8x + 5y = 9; 3x + 2y = 4
Solution: 8x + 5y = 9 …………………..(1)
3x + 2y = 4 ……………….….(2)
From equation (2) we get; x = (4 – 2y) / 3 ……………………. (3)
Substituting this value in equation 1, we get 8[(4 – 2y)/3] + 5y = 9 ⇒ 32 – 16y + 15y = 27
⇒ -y = -5 ⇒ y = 5 ……………………………….(4)
Substituting this value in equation (2), we get 3x + 10 = 4 ⇒ 3x = -6 ⇒ x = -2
Thus, x = -2 and y = 5.
Now, Using Cross Multiplication method: 8x +5y – 9 = 0 ⇒ 3x + 2y – 4 = 0
x/(-20 + 18) = y/(-27 + 32 ) = 1/(16 – 15) ⇒ -x/2 = y/5 = 1/1
∴ x = -2 and y =5.

Q.10: Formulate the following problems as a pair of equations, and hence find their solutions:
(i) Ritu can row downstream 20 km in 2 hours, and upstream 4 km in 2 hours. Find her speed
of rowing in still water and the speed of the current.
Solution: (i) Let us consider, Speed of boat is still water = x km/hr
Speed of current = y km/hr; Now, speed of Ritu, during, Downstream = x + y km/hr
Upstream = x – y km/hr
As per the question given, 2(x + y) = 20 Or x + y = 10……………………….(1)
And, 2(x – y) = 4 Or x – y = 2………………………(2)
Adding both the eq.1 and 2, we get, 2x = 12 ⇒ x = 6
Putting the value of x in eq.1, we get, y = 4
Therefore, Speed of Ritu is still water = 6 km/hr
Speed of current = 4 km/hr
Kerala Education Centre Maths Class X
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 A pair of linear equations
Q.11: Solve the equations x + 2y – 4 = 0 and 2x + 4y – 12 = 0 graphically.
Solution: Given, x + 2y – 4 = 0….(i); 2x + 4y – 12 = 0….(ii)
From (i), x + 2y = 4 ⇒ 2y = 4 – x ⇒ y = (4 – x)/2
x 0 2 4
y 2 1 0
From (ii), 2x + 4y = 12 ⇒ x + 2y = 6 ⇒ 2y = 6 – x ⇒ y = (6 – x)/2
x 0 2 4
y 3 2 1
Plotting the points on the graph, we get;

Here, the lines represent the given pair of linear equations are parallel.
Thus, there is no solution to the given pair of linear equations.

Q.12: Find the value(s) of k so that the pair of equations x + 2y = 5 and 3x + ky + 15 = 0 has
a unique solution.
Solution: Given, x + 2y = 5 ⇒3x + ky + 15 = 0
Also, given that the pair of equations has a unique solution.
Comparing the given equations with standard form, a1 = 1, b1 = 2, c1 = -5
a2 = 3, b2 = k, c2 = 15
Condition for unique solution is: a1/a2 ≠ b1/b2
⇒ 1/3 ≠ 2/k ⇒ k ≠ (2)(3) ⇒ k ≠ 6
Thus, for all real values of k except 6, the given pair of equations has a unique solution.

Q.13: Determine graphically the coordinates of vertices of a triangle, the equation of whose
sides are given by 2y – x = 8, 5y – x = 14 and y – 2x = 1.
Solution: Given, 2y – x = 8….(i); 5y – x = 14….(ii); y – 2x = 1….(iii)
From (i), 2y = x + 8 ⇒ y = (x + 8)/2
x -4 0 2
y 2 4 5
⇒
From (ii), 5y = x + 14 y = (x + 14)/5
x -4 1 6
y 2 3 4
From (iii), y = 2x + 1

x -1 1 2
y -1 3 5
Let us plot all these points on the graph.
Kerala Education Centre Maths Class X
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 A pair of linear equations
From the graph, we can write the coordinates of
vertices of triangle formed are:
P(-4, 2), Q(1, 3), and R(2, 5)

Q.14: Use elimination method to find all possible

solutions of the following pair of linear equation: 2x
+ 3y = 8, 4x + 6y = 7
Solution: Given, 2x + 3y = 8….(i)
4x + 6y = 7….(ii)
Multiply Equation (1) by 2 and Equation (2) by 1 to
make the coefficients of x equal.
4x + 6y = 16….(iii)
4x + 6y = 7….(iv)
Subtracting (iv) from (iii), 4x + 6y – 4x – 6y = 16 – 7
⇒ 0 = 9, it is not possible
Therefore, the pair of equations has no solution.

Q.15: Solve the following pairs of equations by reducing them to a pair of linear equations:
1/2x + 1/3y = 2, 1/3x + 1/2y = 13/6
Solution: Given, 1/2x + 1/3y = 2; 1/3x + 1/2y = 13/6
Let us assume 1/x = m and 1/y = n , then the equations will change as follows.
m/2 + n/3 = 2 ⇒ 3m+2n-12 = 0….(1) ⇒ m/3 + n/2 = 13/6 ⇒ 2m+3n-13 = 0….(2)
Now, using cross-multiplication method, we get, m/(-26-(-36) ) = n/(-24-(-39)) = 1/(9-4)
⇒ m/10 = n/15 = 1/5 ⇒ m/10 =1/5 and n/15 =1/5 ⇒ So, m=2 and n =3 ⇒ 1/x =2 and 1/y =3
⇒ x = 1/2 and y = 1/3

Kerala Education Centre Maths Class X

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 A pair of linear equations
Extra Questions:

1. A motorboat whose speed is 18 km/hr in still water takes 1 hr more to go 24 km upstream

than to return downstream to the same spot. Find the speed of the stream.
2. For which values of a and b do the following pair of linear equations have infinite
solutions?
2x + 3y = 7
(a – b) x + (a + b) y = 3a + b – 2
3. Five years hence, the age of Jacob will be three times that of his son. Five years ago,
Jacob’s age was seven times that of his son. What are their present ages?
4. Draw the graphs of the equations x – y + 1 = 0 and 3x + 2y – 12 = 0. Determine the
coordinates of the vertices of the triangle formed by these lines and the x-axis, and shade
the triangular region.
5. Two lines are represented by the equations x + 2y – 4 = 0 and 2x + 4y – 12 = 0. Represent
this situation geometrically.
6. Solve the following pair of equations by substitution method:
7x – 15y = 2
x + 2y = 3
7. The ratio of incomes of two persons is 9 : 7 and the ratio of their expenditures is 4 : 3. If
each of them manages to save Rs. 2000 per month, find their monthly incomes.
8. Solve the following pair of linear equations by the substitution and cross-multiplication
methods :
8x + 5y = 9
3x + 2y = 4
9. Solve the following pairs of equations by reducing them to a pair of linear equations:
6x + 3y = 6xy
2x + 4y = 5xy
10. The students of a class are made to stand in rows. If 3 students are extra in a row, there
would be 1 row less. If 3 students are less in a row, there would be 2 rows more. Find the
number of students in the class.

Kerala Education Centre Maths Class X

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