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11.6: Solving Systems of Nonlinear Equations

  • Page ID
    114276
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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 11.13

    Solve the system by graphing: {x3y=−3x+y=5.{x3y=−3x+y=5.
    If you missed this problem, review Example 4.2.

    Be Prepared 11.14

    Solve the system by substitution: {x4y=−43x+4y=0.{x4y=−43x+4y=0.
    If you missed this problem, review Example 4.7.

    Be Prepared 11.15

    Solve the system by elimination: {3x4y=95x+3y=14.{3x4y=95x+3y=14.
    If you missed this problem, review Example 4.9.

    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{x2+y2=9x2y=9{9x2+y2=9y=3x3{x+y=4y=x2+2

    System of Nonlinear Equations

    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.

    How To

    Solve a system of nonlinear equations by graphing.

    1. Step 1. Identify the graph of each equation. Sketch the possible options for intersection.
    2. Step 2. Graph the first equation.
    3. Step 3. Graph the second equation on the same rectangular coordinate system.
    4. Step 4. Determine whether the graphs intersect.
    5. Step 5. Identify the points of intersection.
    6. Step 6. Check that each ordered pair is a solution to both original equations.
    Example 11.33

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

    Answer
    Identify each graph. {xy=−2liney=x2parabola{xy=−2liney=x2parabola
    Sketch the possible options for
    intersection of a parabola and a line.
    .
    Graph the line, xy=−2.xy=−2.
    Slope-intercept form y=x+2.y=x+2.
    Graph the parabola, y=x2.y=x2.
    .
    Identify the points of intersection. The points of intersection appear to be (2,4)(2,4) and (−1,1).(−1,1).
    Check to make sure each solution makes
    both equations true.
    (2,4)(2,4)
    xy=−2y=x224=?−24=?22−2=−24=4xy=−2y=x224=?−24=?22−2=−24=4

    (−1,1)(−1,1)
    xy=−2y=x2−11=?−21=?(−1)2−2=−21=1xy=−2y=x2−11=?−21=?(−1)2−2=−21=1
     
      The solutions are (2,4)(2,4) and (−1,1).(−1,1).
    Try It 11.65

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

    Try It 11.66

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

    To identify the graph of each equation, keep in mind the characteristics of the x2x2 and y2y2 terms of each conic.

    Example 11.34

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

    Answer
    Identify each graph. {y=−1line(x2)2+(y+3)2=4circle{y=−1line(x2)2+(y+3)2=4circle
    Sketch the possible options for the
    intersection of a circle and a line.
    .
    Graph the circle, (x2)2+(y+3)2=4(x2)2+(y+3)2=4
    Center: (2,−3)(2,−3) radius: 2
    Graph the line, y=−1.y=−1.
    It is a horizontal line.
    .
    Identify the points of intersection. The point of intersection appears to be (2,−1).(2,−1).
    Check to make sure the solution makes
    both equations true.
    (2,−1)(2,−1)
    (x2)2+(y+3)2=4y=−1(22)2+(−1+3)2=?4−1=−1(0)2+(2)2=?44=4(x2)2+(y+3)2=4y=−1(22)2+(−1+3)2=?4−1=−1(0)2+(2)2=?44=4
     
      The solution is (2,−1).(2,−1).
    Try It 11.67

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

    Try It 11.68

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

    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.

    How To

    Solve a system of nonlinear equations by substitution.

    1. Step 1. Identify the graph of each equation. Sketch the possible options for intersection.
    2. Step 2. Solve one of the equations for either variable.
    3. Step 3. Substitute the expression from Step 2 into the other equation.
    4. Step 4. Solve the resulting equation.
    5. Step 5. Substitute each solution in Step 4 into one of the original equations to find the other variable.
    6. Step 6. Write each solution as an ordered pair.
    7. Step 7. Check that each ordered pair is a solution to both original equations.
    Example 11.35

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

    Answer
    Identify each graph. {9x2+y2=9ellipsey=3x3line{9x2+y2=9ellipsey=3x3line
    Sketch the possible options for intersection of an
    ellipse and a line.
    .
    The equation y=3x3y=3x3 is solved for y. .
      .
    Substitute 3x33x3 for y in the first equation. .
    Solve the equation for x. .
      .
    Substitute x=0x=0 and x=1x=1 into y=3x3y=3x3 to find y. .
      .
      The ordered pairs are (0,−3),(0,−3), (1,0).(1,0).
    Check both ordered pairs in both equations.
    (0,−3)(0,−3)
    9x2+y2=9y=3x39·02+(−3)2=?9−3=?3·030+9=?9−3=?039=9−3=−39x2+y2=9y=3x39·02+(−3)2=?9−3=?3·030+9=?9−3=?039=9−3=−3
    (1,0)(1,0)
    9x2+y2=9y=3x39·12+02=?90=?3·139+0=?90=?339=90=09x2+y2=9y=3x39·12+02=?90=?3·139+0=?90=?339=90=0
     
      The solutions are (0,−3),(1,0).(0,−3),(1,0).
    Try It 11.69

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

    Try It 11.70

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

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

    Example 11.36

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

    Answer
    Identify each graph. {x2y=0parabolay=x2line{x2y=0parabolay=x2line
    Sketch the possible options for
    intersection of a parabola and a line
    .
    The equation y=x2y=x2 is solved for y. .
      .
    Substitute x2x2 for y in the first equation. .
    Solve the equation for x. .
    This doesn’t factor easily, so we can
    check the discriminant.
     
    b24ac(−1)24·1·27b24ac(−1)24·1·27 The discriminant is negative, so there is no real solution.
    The system has no solution.
    Try It 11.71

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

    Try It 11.72

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

    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.

    How To

    Solve a system of equations by elimination.

    1. Step 1. Identify the graph of each equation. Sketch the possible options for intersection.
    2. Step 2. Write both equations in standard form.
    3. Step 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. Step 4. Add the equations resulting from Step 3 to eliminate one variable.
    5. Step 5. Solve for the remaining variable.
    6. Step 6. Substitute each solution from Step 5 into one of the original equations. Then solve for the other variable.
    7. Step 7. Write each solution as an ordered pair.
    8. Step 8. Check that each ordered pair is a solution to both original equations.
    Example 11.37

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

    Answer
    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,x2,
    we will multiply the second equation by −1.−1.
    .
    Simplify. .
    Add the two equations to eliminate x2.x2. .
    Solve for y. .
      .
    Substitute y=0y=0 and y=−1y=−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) (2,0).(2,0).
    (3,−1)(3,−1)(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), (2,0),(2,0), (3,−1),(3,−1), and
    (3,−1).(3,−1).
    Try It 11.73

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

    Try It 11.74

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

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

    Example 11.38

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

    Answer
    Identify each graph. {x2+y2=7circlex2y2=1hyperbola{x2+y2=7circlex2y2=1hyperbola
    Sketch the possible options for intersection
    of a circle and hyperbola.
    .
    Both equations are in standard form. {x2+y2=7x2y2=1{x2+y2=7x2y2=1
    The coefficients of y2y2 are opposite, so we
    will add the equations.
    {x2+y2=7x2y2=1__________2x2=8{x2+y2=7x2y2=1__________2x2=8
    Simplify. x2=4x=±2x2=4x=±2
    x=2x=−2x=2x=−2
    Substitute x=2x=2 and x=−2x=−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=±3x2+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),(−2,3),
    (2,3),(2,3), and (2,3).(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),(−2,3), (2,3),(2,3),
    and (2,3).(2,3).
    Try It 11.75

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

    Try It 11.76

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

    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 11.39

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

    Answer
    Identify what we are looking for. Two different numbers.
    Define the variables. x=x= first number
    y=y= second number
    Translate the information into a system of
    equations.
     
    First sentence. The difference of the squares of two numbers is 15.
      .
    Second sentence. The sum of the numbers is 5.
      .
    Solve the system by substitution .
    Solve the second equation for x. .
    Substitute x into the first equation. .
      .
    Expand and simplify. .
      .
    Solve for y. .
      .
    Substitute back into the second equation. .
      .
      The numbers are 1 and 4.
    Try It 11.77

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

    Try It 11.78

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

    Example 11.40

    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?

    Answer
    Identify what we are looking for. The length and width of the rectangle
    Define the variables. Let x=x= width of the rectangle
    y=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.
      .
      The area of the rectangle is 300 square inches.
      .
    Solve the system using substitution. .
    Solve the second equation for x. .
    Substitute x into the first equation. .
      .
    Simplify. .
    Multiply by y2y2 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 11.79

    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?

    Try It 11.80

    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?

    Section 11.5 Exercises

    Practice Makes Perfect

    Solve a System of Nonlinear Equations Using Graphing

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

    188.

    { y = 2 x + 2 y = x 2 + 2 { y = 2 x + 2 y = x 2 + 2

    189.

    { y = 6 x 4 y = 2 x 2 { y = 6 x 4 y = 2 x 2

    190.

    { x + y = 2 x = y 2 { x + y = 2 x = y 2

    191.

    { x y = −2 x = y 2 { x y = −2 x = y 2

    192.

    { y = 3 2 x + 3 y = x 2 + 2 { y = 3 2 x + 3 y = x 2 + 2

    193.

    { y = x 1 y = x 2 + 1 { y = x 1 y = x 2 + 1

    194.

    { x = −2 x 2 + y 2 = 4 { x = −2 x 2 + y 2 = 4

    195.

    { y = −4 x 2 + y 2 = 16 { y = −4 x 2 + y 2 = 16

    196.

    { x = 2 ( x + 2 ) 2 + ( y + 3 ) 2 = 16 { x = 2 ( x + 2 ) 2 + ( y + 3 ) 2 = 16

    197.

    { y = −1 ( x 2 ) 2 + ( y 4 ) 2 = 25 { y = −1 ( x 2 ) 2 + ( y 4 ) 2 = 25

    198.

    { y = −2 x + 4 y = x + 1 { y = −2 x + 4 y = x + 1

    199.

    { y = 1 2 x + 2 y = x 2 { y = 1 2 x + 2 y = x 2

    Solve a System of Nonlinear Equations Using Substitution

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

    200.

    { x 2 + 4 y 2 = 4 y = 1 2 x 1 { x 2 + 4 y 2 = 4 y = 1 2 x 1

    201.

    { 9 x 2 + y 2 = 9 y = 3 x + 3 { 9 x 2 + y 2 = 9 y = 3 x + 3

    202.

    { 9 x 2 + y 2 = 9 y = x + 3 { 9 x 2 + y 2 = 9 y = x + 3

    203.

    { 9 x 2 + 4 y 2 = 36 x = 2 { 9 x 2 + 4 y 2 = 36 x = 2

    204.

    { 4 x 2 + y 2 = 4 y = 4 { 4 x 2 + y 2 = 4 y = 4

    205.

    { x 2 + y 2 = 169 x = 12 { x 2 + y 2 = 169 x = 12

    206.

    { 3 x 2 y = 0 y = 2 x 1 { 3 x 2 y = 0 y = 2 x 1

    207.

    { 2 y 2 x = 0 y = x + 1 { 2 y 2 x = 0 y = x + 1

    208.

    { y = x 2 + 3 y = x + 3 { y = x 2 + 3 y = x + 3

    209.

    { y = x 2 4 y = x 4 { y = x 2 4 y = x 4

    210.

    { x 2 + y 2 = 25 x y = 1 { x 2 + y 2 = 25 x y = 1

    211.

    { x 2 + y 2 = 25 2 x + y = 10 { x 2 + y 2 = 25 2 x + y = 10

    Solve a System of Nonlinear Equations Using Elimination

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

    212.

    { x 2 + y 2 = 16 x 2 2 y = 8 { x 2 + y 2 = 16 x 2 2 y = 8

    213.

    { x 2 + y 2 = 16 x 2 y = 4 { x 2 + y 2 = 16 x 2 y = 4

    214.

    { x 2 + y 2 = 4 x 2 + 2 y = 1 { x 2 + y 2 = 4 x 2 + 2 y = 1

    215.

    { x 2 + y 2 = 4 x 2 y = 2 { x 2 + y 2 = 4 x 2 y = 2

    216.

    { x 2 + y 2 = 9 x 2 y = 3 { x 2 + y 2 = 9 x 2 y = 3

    217.

    { x 2 + y 2 = 4 y 2 x = 2 { x 2 + y 2 = 4 y 2 x = 2

    218.

    { x 2 + y 2 = 25 2 x 2 3 y 2 = 5 { x 2 + y 2 = 25 2 x 2 3 y 2 = 5

    219.

    { x 2 + y 2 = 20 x 2 y 2 = −12 { x 2 + y 2 = 20 x 2 y 2 = −12

    220.

    { x 2 + y 2 = 13 x 2 y 2 = 5 { x 2 + y 2 = 13 x 2 y 2 = 5

    221.

    { x 2 + y 2 = 16 x 2 y 2 = 16 { x 2 + y 2 = 16 x 2 y 2 = 16

    222.

    { 4 x 2 + 9 y 2 = 36 2 x 2 9 y 2 = 18 { 4 x 2 + 9 y 2 = 36 2 x 2 9 y 2 = 18

    223.

    { x 2 y 2 = 3 2 x 2 + y 2 = 6 { x 2 y 2 = 3 2 x 2 + y 2 = 6

    224.

    { 4 x 2 y 2 = 4 4 x 2 + y 2 = 4 { 4 x 2 y 2 = 4 4 x 2 + y 2 = 4

    225.

    { x 2 y 2 = −5 3 x 2 + 2 y 2 = 30 { x 2 y 2 = −5 3 x 2 + 2 y 2 = 30

    226.

    { x 2 y 2 = 1 x 2 2 y = 4 { x 2 y 2 = 1 x 2 2 y = 4

    227.

    { 2 x 2 + y 2 = 11 x 2 + 3 y 2 = 28 { 2 x 2 + y 2 = 11 x 2 + 3 y 2 = 28

    Use a System of Nonlinear Equations to Solve Applications

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

    228.

    The sum of two numbers is −6−6 and the product is 8. Find the numbers.

    229.

    The sum of two numbers is 11 and the product is −42.−42. Find the numbers.

    230.

    The sum of the squares of two numbers is 65. The difference of the numbers is 3. Find the numbers.

    231.

    The sum of the squares of two numbers is 113. The difference of the numbers is 1. Find the numbers.

    232.

    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.

    233.

    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.

    234.

    The perimeter of a rectangle is 32 inches and its area is 63 square inches. Find the length and width of the rectangle.

    235.

    The perimeter of a rectangle is 52 cm and its area is 165 cm2.cm2. Find the length and width of the rectangle.

    236.

    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?

    237.

    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?

    238.

    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?

    239.

    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?

    Writing Exercises

    240.

    In your own words, explain the advantages and disadvantages of solving a system of equations by graphing.

    241.

    Explain in your own words how to solve a system of equations using substitution.

    242.

    Explain in your own words how to solve a system of equations using elimination.

    243.

    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.

    Self Check

    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.

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


    This page titled 11.6: Solving Systems of Nonlinear Equations is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by OpenStax via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.

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