Question

Begin the discussion by responding to the following prompt:


Systems of linear equations can be used to solve many, but not all, real-world problems. When you chose the problem for your journal entry, how did you know that this problem could be solved using a system of linear equations? What specific characteristics does your problem have that made it a good choice? List at least three reasons why the problem you described in your journal prompt can be solved using a system of linear equations.

Answer 1

When choosing a problem for my journal entry that could be solved using a system of linear equations, I looked for specific characteristics that often indicate the feasibility of this mathematical approach. The problem I selected involved planning a community event where various resources—like food, decorations, and entertainment—needed to be allocated within a budget constraint. Here are three reasons why this problem is a good fit for a system of linear equations:

1. **Multiple Variables**: The problem involves several different resources that require allocation—specifically, the quantities of food, decorations, and entertainment. Each of these resources can be represented as a variable, making it necessary to use a system of equations to understand the relationships and interactions between them.

2. **Constraints**: There are clear constraints in the problem that specify the total budget available for the event. For example, if food costs $10 per person, decorations total $200, and entertainment is fixed at $300, these values can be expressed in linear equations. The ability to express limitations mathematically is a hallmark of problems solvable by systems of equations.

3. **Interconnected Relationships**: The quantities of different resources impact each other under the budget constraint. For instance, if more money is spent on food, less is available for decorations or entertainment. This interdependence of the variables can be modeled as linear equations, where changes in one variable necessitate adjustments in others to maintain balance within the overall budget.

By identifying these characteristics, it was clear that the problem could be effectively solved using a system of linear equations, allowing for a structured approach to resource allocation and decision-making in a real-world context.