/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 64 Determine the number of solution... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Determine the number of solutions to the system of equations. $$ \begin{aligned} x^{2}-y^{2} &=0 \\ |x| &=|y| \end{aligned} $$

Short Answer

Expert verified
There are infinitely many solutions.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the system of equations

The given system has two equations: 1. The first equation is a difference of squares: \[ x^2 - y^2 = 0 \] 2. The second equation involves absolute values: \[ |x| = |y| \]
02

Factorize the first equation

Rewrite the first equation using the difference of squares formula: \[ x^2 - y^2 = (x + y)(x - y) = 0 \] This equation is satisfied when either \( x + y = 0 \) or \( x - y = 0 \).
03

Solve each factor separately

1. For \( x + y = 0 \), solve for one variable in terms of the other: \[ x = -y \]2. For \( x - y = 0 \), solve for one variable in terms of the other: \[ x = y \]
04

Consider the absolute value condition

From the second equation \( |x| = |y| \), there are two scenarios to consider for each case:1. If \( x = |y| \), then \( x = y \) or \( x = -y \).2. These conditions must match the solutions obtained from the first equation.
05

Compile valid solutions

- From \( x = y \) and considering the absolute value condition, possible solutions are \((x, y) = (a, a)\) for any real number 'a'.- From \( x = -y \) and considering the absolute value condition, possible solutions are \((x, y) = (a, -a)\) for any real number 'a'.
06

Count the number of solutions

Since there are no further restrictions, there are infinitely many solutions for each case (both \( x = y \) and \( x = -y \)), leading to infinitely many solutions in total.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Difference of Squares
The concept of the 'difference of squares' is a fundamental algebraic technique. It’s important because it helps us simplify quadratic expressions and solve equations. The difference of squares refers to expressions of the form \[ a^2 - b^2 \]. The neat trick here is that it can be factored into a product of two binomials: \[ a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b) \]. This form is easier to work with, especially for solving equations.

Let's look at the example from the exercise:
  • The first equation we have is \[ x^2 - y^2 = 0 \].
  • Applying the difference of squares formula, we rewrite it as \[ (x + y)(x - y) = 0 \].
  • This tells us that either \[ x + y = 0 \] or \[ x - y = 0 \] or both.
This factorization is critical because it breaks down a complex equation into simpler ones. Once factored, it’s just a matter of solving linear equations!
Absolute Value Equations
Another important aspect of our exercise is 'absolute value equations'. The absolute value \(|x|\) of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. So, \(|x| = a\) means \(x\) is either \(a\) or \(-a\).

Consider the second equation in the problem:
  • \(|x| = |y|\) tells us that the absolute values of \(x\) and \(y\) are the same.
  • This implies two cases: \(x = y\) or \(x = -y\).
Handling absolute values, we always need to think of both positive and negative scenarios. This ensures we don’t miss any solutions<.
Solutions to Equations
Finally, let's discuss 'solutions to equations'. Solving equations is about finding all values that make the equation true. In this exercise:
  • We derived \(x = y\) and \(x = -y\) from our factored form and absolute value conditions.
  • We then matched these with the solutions from the difference of squares.
  • Upon analysis, it’s clear that both \(x = y\) and \(x = -y\) offer infinitely many solutions.
So, in the end, any real number \(a\) gives us a solution, either as \( (a,a)\) or \((a, -a)\). That's why the system has infinitely many solutions. Understanding this gives us a deeper insight into the behavior of equations and their solutions.

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