Solving for x and y in the Equation 4x - 5y = 30
This article will guide you through the process of solving for x and y in the linear equation 4x - 5y = 30.
Understanding the Equation
The equation 4x - 5y = 30 represents a straight line. To find the values of x and y that satisfy this equation, we need to find the points on this line.
Solving for x
To solve for x, we can isolate it in the equation. Here's how:
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Add 5y to both sides of the equation:
4x - 5y + 5y = 30 + 5y 4x = 30 + 5y
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Divide both sides by 4:
4x / 4 = (30 + 5y) / 4 x = (30 + 5y) / 4
Therefore, the solution for x in terms of y is x = (30 + 5y) / 4.
Solving for y
Similarly, we can isolate y in the equation:
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Subtract 4x from both sides:
4x - 5y - 4x = 30 - 4x -5y = 30 - 4x
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Divide both sides by -5:
-5y / -5 = (30 - 4x) / -5 y = (30 - 4x) / -5
Therefore, the solution for y in terms of x is y = (30 - 4x) / -5.
Finding Solutions
Since we have two variables and only one equation, there are infinitely many solutions for x and y that satisfy the equation. We can find specific solutions by choosing a value for either x or y and then solving for the other variable.
For example:
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If x = 0:
y = (30 - 4(0)) / -5 y = 30 / -5 y = -6
This gives us the solution (0, -6).
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If y = 0:
x = (30 + 5(0)) / 4 x = 30 / 4 x = 7.5
This gives us the solution (7.5, 0).
We can continue finding more solutions by substituting different values for x or y.
Conclusion
By manipulating the equation, we have successfully expressed x and y in terms of each other. This allows us to find infinitely many solutions for x and y that satisfy the equation 4x - 5y = 30.