Topic Connections Solving a System of Linear Equations

Starting in algebra 1 students start to learn how to solve systems of linear equations (SLE). This topic has a lot of practical applications, ranging from computer science to engineering to business and accounting. But when students first learn how to solve multiple equations simultaneously the task can seem daunting. Solving SLEs calls on previous algebraic knowledge such as, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction and equation manipulation. But once a student masters solving SLEs they are ready for vast and powerful world of matrices. Solving SLEs is covered in the Algebra I TEKS: (b) Knowledge and skills. Linear functions. The student formulates systems of linear equations from problem situations, uses a variety of methods to solve them, and analyzes the solutions in terms of the situation. To solve an SLE an Algebra 1 student is expected to use both substitutions, solving for one variable in terms of the other and then substituting it into the other equation, and graphically, finding the intercept of the lines made by the two equations. Both of these skills are composed of many other algebraic and geometric skills that the students has learned. The first and for most is the four simple operation, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These skills are taught in early elementary school. They are used in all equations. A student should also know how to manipulate an equation. An example of this is knowing how, and when, to subtract and divide numbers on both sides of the equations. These skills are honed through out middle school. Another prerequisite topic for solving SLEs is knowing how to graph an equations, either by hand or with a graphing utility. This is used to find the intercept of two equations in an SLE. This skill is taught in Algebra 1 also. Solving SLE's leads the student to much more complex math, in particular matrices. Once a student can solve and SLE using substitution, they learn how to solve matrices using the Gauss-Jordan method. This is an Algebra II topic that has many practical applications. By using matrices a student can solve for a greater number of variables. Solving matrices, or reducing them to their reduce row echelon form takes many of the skills needed for solving SLE's. These include the multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division operators. Systems of linear equations have both prerequisite and future topics. These topics are used in an wide array fields and are very common. Mastery of SLE's will enable a student to excel in future course such as Linear Algebra.