standard_description: (+)Derive the equations of ellipses and hyperbolas given the foci, using the fact that the sum or difference of distances from the foci is constant.
problem_activity: Task
Lisa is working with the system of equations $x + 2y = 7$ and $2x - 5y = 5$. She multiplies the first equation by 2 and then subtracts the second equation to find $9y = 9$, telling her that $y = 1$. Lisa then finds that $x = 5$. Thinking about this procedure, Lisa wonders
There are lots of ways I could go about solving this problem. I could add 5 times the first equation and twice the second or I could multiply the first equation by -2 and add the second. I seem to find that there is only one solution to the two equations but I wonder if I will get the same solution if I use a different method?
What is the answer to Lisa's question? Explain.
Does the answer to (a) change if we have a system of two equations in two unknowns with no solutions? What if there are infinitely many solutions?


aligns: no