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Solve a system of equations involving multiple algebraic transformations and calculate points of intersection using distance formulas | Step-by-Step Solution

MathAlgebra
Explained on January 12, 2026
📚 Grade 9-12🔴 Hard⏱️ 20+ min
Problem

Problem

y-2 = 3/4(n-3), 3y-6 = -4x+12, (3y+4x = 18), distance from a line formula: |Ax+By+C| / sqrt(A^2+B^2), solving simultaneous equations

🎯 What You'll Learn

  • Solve complex systems of equations
  • Apply distance formula techniques
  • Understand algebraic transformation strategies

Prerequisites: Algebraic equation solving, Linear equation manipulation, Coordinate geometry basics

💡 Quick Summary

I can see you're working with a system that involves linear equations in different forms - this is a great problem for practicing algebraic manipulation and understanding how different equation forms relate to each other! The key insight here is recognizing that you have equations written in point-slope form, standard form, and general form, but they all represent linear relationships. What do you think would happen if you converted all of these equations to the same form, say standard form (Ax + By = C)? Once you have them in the same format, you'll be able to see more clearly what the relationships are between these lines - are any of them actually the same line written differently, or are they truly distinct? I'd encourage you to start by taking that first equation in point-slope form and converting it step by step, then see what patterns emerge when you compare all three equations. You've got all the algebraic skills you need for this - it's really about being systematic with your transformations!

Step-by-Step Explanation

What We're Solving:

We have a system involving line equations in different forms, and we need to work with algebraic transformations and possibly find intersections or distances between lines.

The Approach:

The key is to recognize that we're dealing with linear equations in different forms and we need to:
  • 1. Convert everything to a standard form so we can work with them consistently
  • 2. Understand the relationships between these equations
  • 3. Apply the distance formula when needed

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Analyze what we have

  • `y - 2 = (3/4)(n - 3)` - This looks like point-slope form (but with variable 'n' instead of 'x')
  • `3y - 6 = -4x + 12` - This is in standard form
  • `3y + 4x = 18` - This is also in standard form
Step 2: Convert the first equation to standard form
  • `y - 2 = (3/4)(x - 3)`
  • `y - 2 = (3/4)x - 9/4`
  • `y = (3/4)x - 9/4 + 2`
  • `y = (3/4)x + (-1/4)`
  • Multiply by 4: `4y = 3x - 1`
  • Rearrange: `3x - 4y - 1 = 0`
Step 3: Standardize the second equation
  • `3y - 6 = -4x + 12`
  • `3y + 4x = 12 + 6`
  • `4x + 3y = 18`
  • Standard form: `4x + 3y - 18 = 0`
Step 4: Compare with the third equation
  • We have `3y + 4x = 18`, which is the same as `4x + 3y = 18`
  • This is identical to what we got in Step 3!
Step 5: Understanding the relationship Now we have:
  • Line 1: `3x - 4y - 1 = 0`
  • Line 2: `4x + 3y - 18 = 0`
These are two distinct lines that we can find the intersection of, or calculate distances between.

The Answer:

The system gives us two linear equations:
  • `3x - 4y - 1 = 0`
  • `4x + 3y - 18 = 0`
If you need the intersection point, solve this system:
  • From the first: `x = (4y + 1)/3`
  • Substitute into second: `4((4y + 1)/3) + 3y - 18 = 0`
  • This gives you the intersection point!
If you need distance between parallel lines or from a point to a line, use the distance formula you provided: `|Ax + By + C|/√(A² + B²)`

Memory Tip:

Remember the acronym "SAME" - Standardize, Analyze, Manipulate, Evaluate. Always get your equations in the same form first, then you can clearly see what you're working with!

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incorrectly manipulating algebraic terms
  • Miscalculating equation transformations
  • Errors in applying distance formula

This explanation was generated by AI. While we work hard to be accurate, mistakes can happen! Always double-check important answers with your teacher or textbook.

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📷 Problem detected:

Solve: 2x + 5 = 13

Step 1:

Subtract 5 from both sides...

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