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Mathematics LibreTexts

8.3: Solve Systems of Nonlinear Equations

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • Solve a system of nonlinear equations using graphing
  • Solve a system of nonlinear equations using substitution
  • Solve a system of nonlinear equations using elimination
  • Use a system of nonlinear equations to solve applications
Be Prepared

Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.

  1. Solve the system by graphing: {x3y=3x+y=5.
  2. Solve the system by substitution: {x4y=43x+4y=0
  3. Solve the system by elimination: {3x4y=95x+3y=14

Solve a System of Nonlinear Equations using Graphing

We learned how to solve systems of linear equations with two variables by graphing, substitution and elimination. We will be using these same methods as we look at nonlinear systems of equations with two equations and two variables. A system of nonlinear equations is a system where at least one of the equations is not linear.

For example each of the following systems is a system of nonlinear equations.

{x2+y2=9x2y=9

{9x2+y2=9y=3x3

{x+y=4y=x2+2

Definition 8.3.1

A system of nonlinear equations is a system where at least one of the equations is not linear.

Just as with systems of linear equations, a solution of a nonlinear system is an ordered pair that makes both equations true. In a nonlinear system, there may be more than one solution. We will see this as we solve a system of nonlinear equations by graphing.

When we solved systems of linear equations, the solution of the system was the point of intersection of the two lines. With systems of nonlinear equations, the graphs may be circles, parabolas or hyperbolas and there may be several points of intersection, and so several solutions. Once you identify the graphs, visualize the different ways the graphs could intersect and so how many solutions there might be.

To solve systems of nonlinear equations by graphing, we use basically the same steps as with systems of linear equations modified slightly for nonlinear equations. The steps are listed below for reference.

Solve a System of Nonlinear Equations by Graphing
  1. Identify the graph of each equation. Sketch the possible options for intersection.
  2. Graph the first equation.
  3. Graph the second equation on the same rectangular coordinate system.
  4. Determine whether the graphs intersect.
  5. Identify the points of intersection.
  6. Check that each ordered pair is a solution to both original equations.

Solve a System of Nonlinear Equations by Graphing.

Example 8.3.2

Solve the system by graphing: {xy=2y=x2

Solution
Identify each graph. {xy=2 line y=x2 parabola 
Sketch the possible options for intersection of a parabola and a line. .

Graph the line, xy=2.

Slope-intercept form y=x+2.

Graph the parabola, y=x2.

.
Identify the points of intersection. The points of intersection appear to be (2,3) and (1,1).

Check to make sure each solution makes both equations true.

(2,4)

(1,1)

 
  The solutions are (2,4) and (1,1).
Try It 8.3.3

Solve the system by graphing: {x+y=4y=x2+2.

Answer
This graph shows the equations of a system, x plus y is equal to 4 and y is equal x squared plus 2, and the x y-coordinate plane. The line has a slope of negative 1 and a y-intercept at 4. The vertex of the parabola is (0, 2) and opens upward. The line and parabola intersect at the points (negative 2, 6) and (1, 3), which are labeled.
 
Try It 8.3.4

Solve the system by graphing: {xy=1y=x2+3

Answer
This graph shows the equations of a system, x minus y is equal to negative 1 and y is equal to negative x squared plus three, and the x y-coordinate plane. The line has a slope of 1 and a y-intercept at 1. The vertex of the parabola is (0, negative 3) and opens upward. The line and parabola intersect at the points (negative 2, negative 1) and (1, 2), which are labeled.
 

To identify the graph of each equation, keep in mind the characteristics of the x2 and y2 terms of each conic.

Example 8.3.5

Solve the system by graphing: {y=1(x2)2+(y+3)2=4.

Solution
Identify each graph. {y=1 line (x2)2+(y+3)2=4 circle 
Sketch the possible options for the intersection of a circle and a line. .

Graph the circle, (x2)2+(y+3)2=4

Center: (2,3) radius: 2

Graph the line, y=1.

It is a horizontal line.

.
Identify the points of intersection. The point of intersection appears to be(2,1).

Check to make sure the solution makes both equations true.

(2,1)

(x2)2+(y+3)2=4y=1(22)2+(1+3)2?=41=1(0)2+(2)2?=44=4

  The solution is (2,1)
Try It 8.3.6

Solve the system by graphing: {x=6(x+3)2+(y1)2=9

Answer
This graph shows the equations of a system, x is equal to negative 6 and the quantity x plus 3 squared plus the quantity y minus 1 squared is equal to 9, which is a circle, on the x y-coordinate plane. The line is a vertical line. The center of the circle is (negative 3, 1) and it has a radius of 3 units. The point of intersection between the line and circle is (negative 6, 1).
 
Try It 8.3.7

Solve the system by graphing: {y=4(x2)2+(y+3)2=4

Answer
This graph shows the equations of a system, y is equal to negative 4 and the quantity x minus 2 squared plus the quantity y plus 3 squared is equal to 4, which is a circle, on the x y-coordinate plane. The line is a horizontal line. The center of the circle is (2, negative 3) and it has a radius of 2 units. There is no point of intersection between the line and circle, so the system has no solution.
 

Solve a System of Nonlinear Equations Using Substitution

The graphing method works well when the points of intersection are integers and so easy to read off the graph. But more often it is difficult to read the coordinates of the points of intersection. The substitution method is an algebraic method that will work well in many situations. It works especially well when it is easy to solve one of the equations for one of the variables.

The substitution method is very similar to the substitution method that we used for systems of linear equations. The steps are listed below for reference.

Solve a System of Nonlinear Equations by Substitution
  1. Identify the graph of each equation. Sketch the possible options for intersection.
  2. Solve one of the equations for either variable.
  3. Substitute the expression from Step 2 into the other equation.
  4. Solve the resulting equation.
  5. Substitute each solution in Step 4 into one of the original equations to find the other variable.
  6. Write each solution as an ordered pair.
  7. Check that each ordered pair is a solution to both original equations.
Example 8.3.8

Solve the system by using substitution: {9x2+y2=9y=3x3

Solution
Identify each graph. {9x2+y2=9 ellipse y=3x3 line 
Sketch the possible options for intersection of an ellipse and a line. .
The equation y=3x3 is solved for y. .
  .
Substitute 3x3 for y in the first equation. .
Solve the equation for x. .
  .
Substitute x=0 and x=1 into y=3x3 to find y-. .
  .
  The ordered pairs are (0,3),(1,0).

Check both ordered pairs in both equations.

(0,3)

9x2+y2=9y=3x3902+(3)2?=93?=3030+9?=93?=039=93=3

(1,0)

9x2+y2=9y=3x3912+(0)2?=90?=3139+0?=90?=339=90=0

  The solutions are (0,3),(1,0).
Try It 8.3.9

Solve the system by using substitution: {x2+9y2=9y=13x3

Answer

No solution

Try It 8.3.10

Solve the system by using substitution: {4x2+y2=4y=x+2

Answer

(45,65),(0,2)

So far, each system of nonlinear equations has had at least one solution. The next example will show another option.

Example 8.3.11

Solve the system by using substitution: {x2y=0y=x2

Solution
Identify each graph. {x2y=0 parabola y=x2 line 
Sketch the possible options for intersection of a parabola and a line. .
The equation y=x2 is solved for y.

y=x2

 

x2y=0

Substitute x2 for y in the first equation.

x2(x2)=0

Solve the equation for x.

x2x+2=0

This doesn't factor easily, so we can check the discriminant.  
 

The discriminant is negative, so there is no real solution.

The system has no solution.

Try It 8.3.12

Solve the system by using substitution: {x2y=0y=2x3

Answer

No solution

Try It 8.3.13

Solve the system by using substitution: {y2x=0y=3x2

Answer

(49,23),(1,1)

Solve a System of Nonlinear Equations Using Elimination

When we studied systems of linear equations, we used the method of elimination to solve the system. We can also use elimination to solve systems of nonlinear equations. It works well when the equations have both variables squared. When using elimination, we try to make the coefficients of one variable to be opposites, so when we add the equations together, that variable is eliminated.

The elimination method is very similar to the elimination method that we used for systems of linear equations. The steps are listed for reference.

Solve a System of Equations by Elimination
  1. Identify the graph of each equation. Sketch the possible options for intersection.
  2. Write both equations in standard form.
  3. Make the coefficients of one variable opposites.
    Decide which variable you will eliminate.
    Multiply one or both equations so that the coefficients of that variable are opposites.
  4. Add the equations resulting from Step 3 to eliminate one variable.
  5. Solve for the remaining variable.
  6. Substitute each solution from Step 5 into one of the original equations. Then solve for the other variable.
  7. Write each solution as an ordered pair.
  8. Check that each ordered pair is a solution to both original equations.
Example 8.3.14

Solve the system by elimination: {x2+y2=4x2y=4

Solution
Identify each graph. .
Sketch the possible options for intersection of a circle and a parabola. .
Both equations are in standard form. .
To get opposite coefficients of x2, we will multiply the second equation by 1. .
Simplify. .
Add the two equation to eliminate x2/ .
Solve for y. .
  .
Substitute y=0 and y=1 into one of the original equations. Then solve for x. .
  .
Write each solution as an ordered pair. The ordered pairs are (2,0)(2,0). (3,1)(3,1)
Check that each ordered pair is a solution to both original equations.  
We will leave the checks for each of the four solutions to you. The solutions are (2,0),(2,0),(3,1), and (3,1).
 
Try It 8.3.15

Solve the system by elimination: {x2+y2=9x2y=9

Answer

(3,0),(3,0),(22,1),(22,1)

Try It 8.3.16

Solve the system by elimination: {x2+y2=1x+y2=1

Answer

(1,0),(0,1),(0,1)

There are also four options when we consider a circle and a hyperbola.

Example 8.3.17

Solve the system by elimination: {x2+y2=7x2y2=1

Solution
Identify each graph. {x2+y2=7 circle x2y2=1 hyperbola 
Sketch the possible options for intersection of a circle and hyperbola. .
Both equations are in standard form. {x2+y2=7x2y2=1
The coefficients of y2 are opposite, so we will add the equations.

{x2+y2=7x2y2=1

2x2=8

Simplify. x2=4
x=±2
x=2x=2
Substitue x=2 and x=2 into one of the original equations. Then solve for y. x2+y2=7x2+y2=722+y2=7(2)2+y2=74+y2=74+y2=7y2=3y2=3y=±3y=±3
Write each solution as an ordered pair. The ordered pairs are (2,3),(2,3), (2,3), and (2,3).
Check that the ordered pair is a solution to both original equations.  
We will leave the checks for each of the four solutions to you. The solutions are (2,3),(2,3),(2,3), and (2,3).
Try It 8.3.18

Solve the system by elimination: {x2+y2=25y2x2=7

Answer

(3,4),(3,4),(3,4),(3,4)

Try It 8.3.19

Solve the system by elimination: {x2+y2=4x2y2=4

Answer

(2,0),(2,0)

Use a System of Nonlinear Equations to Solve Applications

Systems of nonlinear equations can be used to model and solve many applications. We will look at an everyday geometric situation as our example.

Example 8.3.20

The difference of the squares of two numbers is 15. The sum of the numbers is 5. Find the numbers.

Solution
Identify what we are looking for. Two different numbers.
Define the variables.

x=first number

y=second number

Translate the information into a system of equations.  
First sentence. The difference of the squares of two numbers is 15.
  x2y2=15
Second sentence. The sum of the numbers is 5.
  x+y=5
Solve the system by substitution. .
Solve the second equation for x. x=5y
Substitute x into the first equation. x2y2=15
  (5y)2y2=15
Expand and simplify. (2510y+y2)y2=15
 

2510y+y2y2=152510y=15

Solve for y. 10y=10
  y=1
Substitute back into the second equation. x+y=5
 

x+1=5

x=4

  The numbers are 1 and 4.
Try It 8.3.21

The difference of the squares of two numbers is 20. The sum of the numbers is 10. Find the numbers.

Answer

4 and 6

Try It 8.3.22

The difference of the squares of two numbers is 35. The sum of the numbers is 1. Find the numbers.

Answer

18 and 17

Example 8.3.23

Myra purchased a small 25” TV for her kitchen. The size of a TV is measured on the diagonal of the screen. The screen also has an area of 300 square inches. What are the length and width of the TV screen?

Solution
Identify what we are looking for. The length and width of the rectangle.
Define the variables.

Let x= width of the rectangle

y=length of the rectangle

Draw a diagram to help visualize the situation. .
  Area is 300 square inches.
Translate the information into a system of equations. The diagonal of the right triangle is 25 inches.
  x2+y2=252x2+y2=625
  The area of the rectangle is 300 square inches.
  .
Solve the system using substitution. xy=300
Solve the second equation for x. x=300y
Substitute x into the first equation. x2+y2=625
  .
Simplify. .
Multiply by y2 to clear the fractions. .
Put in standard form. .
Solve by factoring. .
  .
  .
Since y is a side of the rectangle, we discard the negative values. .
Substitute back into the second equation. .
  .
  If the length is 15 inches, the width is 20 inches.
  If the length is 20 inches, the width is 15 inches.
Try It 8.3.24

Edgar purchased a small 20” TV for his garage. The size of a TV is measured on the diagonal of the screen. The screen also has an area of 192 square inches. What are the length and width of the TV screen?

Answer

If the length is 12 inches, the width is 16 inches. If the length is 16 inches, the width is 12 inches.

Try It 8.3.25

The Harper family purchased a small microwave for their family room. The diagonal of the door measures 15 inches. The door also has an area of 108 square inches. What are the length and width of the microwave door?

Answer

If the length is 12 inches, the width is 9 inches. If the length is 9 inches, the width is 12 inches.

Key Concepts

  • How to solve a system of nonlinear equations by graphing.
    1. Identify the graph of each equation. Sketch the possible options for intersection.
    2. Graph the first equation.
    3. Graph the second equation on the same rectangular coordinate system.
    4. Determine whether the graphs intersect.
    5. Identify the points of intersection.
    6. Check that each ordered pair is a solution to both original equations.
  • How to solve a system of nonlinear equations by substitution.
    1. Identify the graph of each equation. Sketch the possible options for intersection.
    2. Solve one of the equations for either variable.
    3. Substitute the expression from Step 2 into the other equation.
    4. Solve the resulting equation.
    5. Substitute each solution in Step 4 into one of the original equations to find the other variable.
    6. Write each solution as an ordered pair.
    7. Check that each ordered pair is a solution to both original equations.
  • How to solve a system of equations by elimination.
    1. Identify the graph of each equation. Sketch the possible options for intersection.
    2. Write both equations in standard form.
    3. Make the coefficients of one variable opposites.
      Decide which variable you will eliminate.
      Multiply one or both equations so that the coefficients of that variable are opposites.
    4. Add the equations resulting from Step 3 to eliminate one variable.
    5. Solve for the remaining variable.
    6. Substitute each solution from Step 5 into one of the original equations. Then solve for the other variable.
    7. Write each solution as an ordered pair.
    8. Check that each ordered pair is a solution to both original equations.

Practice Makes Perfect

 

Note that answers to even exercises are provided.

Solve a System of Nonlinear Equations Using Graphing

In the following exercises, solve the system of equations by using graphing.

  1. {y=2x+2y=x2+2
  2. {y=6x4y=2x2
  3. {x+y=2x=y2
  4. {xy=2x=y2
  5. {y=32x+3y=x2+2
  6. {y=x1y=x2+1
  7. {x=2x2+y2=4
  8. {y=4x2+y2=16
  9. {x=2(x+2)2+(y+3)2=16
  10. {y=1(x2)2+(y4)2=25
  11. {y=2x+4y=x+1
  12. {y=12x+2y=x2
Answer

2.

This graph shows the equations of a system, y is equal to 6 x minus 4 which is a line and y is equal to 2 x squared which is a parabola, on the x y-coordinate plane. The vertex of the parabola is (0, 0) and the parabola opens upward. The line has a slope of 6. The line and parabola intersect at the points (1, 2) and (2, 8), which are labeled. The solutions are (1, 2) and (2, 8).
 

4.

This graph shows the equations of a system, x minus y is equal to negative 2 which is a line and x is equal to y squared which is a rightward-opening parabola, on the x y-coordinate plane. The vertex of the parabola is (0, 0) and it passes through the points (1, 1) and (1, negative 1). The line has a slope of 1 and a y-intercept at 2. The line and parabola do not intersect, so the system has no solution.
 

6.

This graph shows the equations of a system, y is x minus 1 which is a line and y is equal to x squared plus 1 which is an upward-opening parabola, on the x y-coordinate plane. The vertex of the parabola is (0, 1) and it passes through the points (negative 1, 2) and (1, 2). The line has a slope of 1 and a y-intercept at negative 1. The line and parabola do not intersect, so the system has no solution.
 

8.

This graph shows the equations of a system, x is equal to negative 2 which is a line and x squared plus y squared is equal to 16 which is a circle, on the x y-coordinate plane. The line is horizontal. The center of the circle is (0, 0) and the radius of the circle is 4. The line and circle intersect at (negative 2, 0), so the solution of the system is (negative 2, 0).
 

10.

This graph shows the equations of a system, x is equal to 2 which is a line and the quantity x minus 2 end quantity squared plus the quantity y minus 4 end quantity squared is equal to 25 which is a circle, on the x y-coordinate plane. The line is horizontal. The center of the circle is (2, 4) and the radius of the circle is 5. The line and circle intersect at (2, negative 1), so the solution of the system is (2, negative 1).
 

12.

This graph shows the equations of a system, y is equal to negative one-half x plus 2 which is a line and the y is equal to the square root of x minus 2, on the x y-coordinate plane. The curve for y is equal to the square root of x minus 2 The curve for y is equal to the square root of x plus 1 where x is greater than or equal to 0 and y is greater than or equal to negative 2. The line and square root curve intersect at (4, 0), so the solution is (4, 0).
 
Solve a System of Nonlinear Equations Using Substitution

In the following exercises, solve the system of equations by using substitution.

  1. {x2+4y2=4y=12x1
  2. {9x2+y2=9y=3x+3
  3. {9x2+y2=9y=x+3
  4. {9x2+4y2=36x=2
  5. {4x2+y2=4y=4
  6. {x2+y2=169x=12
  7. {3x2y=0y=2x1
  8. {2y2x=0y=x+1
  9. {y=x2+3y=x+3
  10. {y=x24y=x4
  11. {x2+y2=25xy=1
  12. {x2+y2=252x+y=10
Answer

14. (1,0),(0,3)

16. (2,0)

18. (12,5),(12,5)

20. No solution

22. (0,4),(1,3)

24. (3,4),(5,0)

Solve a System of Nonlinear Equations Using Elimination

In the following exercises, solve the system of equations by using elimination.

  1. {x2+y2=16x22y=8
  2. {x2+y2=16x2y=4
  3. {x2+y2=4x2+2y=1
  4. {x2+y2=4x2y=2
  5. {x2+y2=9x2y=3
  6. {x2+y2=4y2x=2
  7. {x2+y2=252x23y2=5
  8. {x2+y2=20x2y2=12
  9. {x2+y2=13x2y2=5
  10. {x2+y2=16x2y2=16
  11. {4x2+9y2=362x29y2=18
  12. {x2y2=32x2+y2=6
  13. {4x2y2=44x2+y2=4
  14. {x2y2=53x2+2y2=30
  15. {x2y2=1x22y=4
  16. {2x2+y2=11x2+3y2=28
Answer

26. (0,4),(7,3),(7,3)

28. (0,2),(3,1),(3,1)

30. (2,0),(1,3),(1,3)

32. (2,4),(2,4),(2,4),(2,4)

34. (4,0),(4,0)

36. (3,0),(3,0)

38. (2,3),(2,3),(2,3),(2,3)

40. (1,3),(1,3),(1,3),(1,3)

Use a System of Nonlinear Equations to Solve Applications

In the following exercises, solve the problem using a system of equations.

  1. The sum of two numbers is 6 and the product is 8. Find the numbers.
  2. The sum of two numbers is 11 and the product is 42. Find the numbers.
  3. The sum of the squares of two numbers is 65. The difference of the number is 3. Find the numbers.
  4. The sum of the squares of two numbers is 113. The difference of the number is 1. Find the numbers.
  5. The difference of the squares of two numbers is 15. The difference of twice the square of the first number and the square of the second number is 30. Find the numbers.
  6. The difference of the squares of two numbers is 20. The difference of the square of the first number and twice the square of the second number is 4. Find the numbers.
  7. The perimeter of a rectangle is 32 inches and its area is 63 square inches. Find the length and width of the rectangle.
  8. The perimeter of a rectangle is 52 cm and its area is 165 cm2. Find the length and width of the rectangle.
  9. Dion purchased a new microwave. The diagonal of the door measures 17 inches. The door also has an area of 120 square inches. What are the length and width of the microwave door?
  10. Jules purchased a microwave for his kitchen. The diagonal of the front of the microwave measures 26 inches. The front also has an area of 240 square inches. What are the length and width of the microwave?
  11. Roman found a widescreen TV on sale, but isn’t sure if it will fit his entertainment center. The TV is 60”. The size of a TV is measured on the diagonal of the screen and a widescreen has a length that is larger than the width. The screen also has an area of 1728 square inches. His entertainment center has an insert for the TV with a length of 50 inches and width of 40 inches. What are the length and width of the TV screen and will it fit Roman’s entertainment center?
  12. Donnette found a widescreen TV at a garage sale, but isn’t sure if it will fit her entertainment center. The TV is 50”. The size of a TV is measured on the diagonal of the screen and a widescreen has a length that is larger than the width. The screen also has an area of 1200 square inches. Her entertainment center has an insert for the TV with a length of 38 inches and width of 27 inches. What are the length and width of the TV screen and will it fit Donnette’s entertainment center?
Answer

42. 3 and 14

44. 7 and 8 or 8 and 7

46. 6 and 4 or 6 and 4 or 6 and 4 or 6 and 4

48. If the length is 11 cm, the width is 15 cm. If the length is 15 cm, the width is 11 cm.

50. If the length is 10 inches, the width is 24 inches. If the length is 24 inches, the width is 10 inches.

52. The length is 40 inches and the width is 30 inches. The TV will not fit Donnette’s entertainment center.

Writing Exercises
  1. In your own words, explain the advantages and disadvantages of solving a system of equations by graphing.
  2. Explain in your own words how to solve a system of equations using substitution.
  3. Explain in your own words how to solve a system of equations using elimination.
  4. A circle and a parabola can intersect in ways that would result in 0,1,2,3, or 4 solutions. Draw a sketch of each of the possibilities.
Answer

54. Answers may vary

56. Answers may vary 

 

Additional Exercise

57.  Solve for x:

{x2y2=4y=2x

 

 

Self Check

a. After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

This table has four columns and five rows. The first row is a header and it labels each column, “I can…”, “Confidently,” “With some help,” and “No-I don’t get it!” In row 2, the I can was solve a system of nonlinear equations using graphing. In row 3, the I can solve a system of nonlinear equations using substitution. In row 4, the I can was solve a system of a nonlinear equations using the elimination. In row 5, the I can was use a system of nonlinear equations to solve applications.
 

b. After looking at the checklist, do you think you are well-prepared for the next section? Why or why not?

 


This page titled 8.3: Solve Systems of Nonlinear Equations is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by OpenStax.

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