Or you can choose to use more meaningful variables if you prefer
Such as?c?for the number of cats and?d?for the number of dogs
How do I use my GDC to solve a system of linear equations?
You can use your?GDC to solve?the system on the?calculator papers (paper 2 & paper 3)
Your GDC will have a function within the algebra menu to solve a system of linear equations
You will need to choose the number of equations
For two equations the variables will be?x?and?y
For three equations the variables will be?x, y?and?z
If required, write the equations in the given form
ax?+?by?=?c
ax?+?by?+?cz?=?d
Your GDC will display the values of?x?and?y?(or?x, y,?and?z)
Exam Tip
Make sure that you are familiar with how to use your GDC to solve a system of linear equations because even if you are asked to use an algebraic method and show your working, you can use your GDC to check your final answer
If a systems of linear equations question is asked on a non-calculator paper, make sure you check your final answer by inputting the values into all original equations to ensure that they satisfy the equations
Worked Example
On a mobile phone game, a player can purchase one of three power-ups (fire, ice, electricity) using their points.
Adam buys 5 fire, 3 ice and 2 electricity power-ups costing a total of 1275 points.
Alice buys 2 fire, 1 ice and 7 electricity power-ups costing a total of 1795 points.
Alex buys 1 fire and 1 ice power-ups which in total costs 5 points less than a single electricity power up.