The cross multiplication method, taught in Class 10 mathematics, is a technique used to solve pairs of linear equations in two variables. According to the provided reference, it is considered a simple and accurate method for finding the values of the variables.
Understanding the Cross Multiplication Method
Here's a breakdown of how the cross multiplication method works:
General Form of Linear Equations
First, consider a pair of linear equations in the general form:
- a1x + b1y + c1 = 0
- a2x + b2y + c2 = 0
Where:
- x and y are the variables.
- a1, a2, b1, b2, c1, and c2 are constants.
The Formula
The cross multiplication method provides a direct formula to find the values of x and y:
x / (b1c2 - b2c1) = y / (c1a2 - c2a1) = 1 / (a1b2 - a2b1)
Solving for x and y
From the above equation, we can find x and y as follows:
- To find x: x = (b1c2 - b2c1) / (a1b2 - a2b1)
- To find y: y = (c1a2 - c2a1) / (a1b2 - a2b1)
Steps to Apply the Method
- Write the equations in the standard form: Ensure your equations are in the form a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 and a2x + b2y + c2 = 0.
- Identify the coefficients: Determine the values of a1, a2, b1, b2, c1, and c2.
- Apply the formula: Substitute the values into the cross multiplication formula.
- Solve for x and y: Calculate the values of x and y using the derived formulas.
Example
Let's solve the following system of equations using cross-multiplication:
- 2x + 3y - 8 = 0
- 4x + y - 2 = 0
-
Standard form: The equations are already in standard form.
-
Coefficients:
- a1 = 2, b1 = 3, c1 = -8
- a2 = 4, b2 = 1, c2 = -2
-
Apply the Formula:
x / (3(-2) - 1(-8)) = y / ((-8)4 - (-2)2) = 1 / (21 - 43)x / (-6 + 8) = y / (-32 + 4) = 1 / (2 - 12)
x / 2 = y / -28 = 1 / -10
-
Solve for x and y:
- x = (2) / (-10) = -1/5
- y = (-28) / (-10) = 14/5
Therefore, the solution is x = -1/5 and y = 14/5.
When to Use Cross Multiplication
As the reference states, cross multiplication is best suited when dealing with pairs of linear equations in two variables. It provides a direct method to find the solution, avoiding the need for substitution or elimination in some cases.