Mathematics
Grade 10
15 min
Write a two-variable equation
Write a two-variable equation
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Translate a written description of a measurement scenario into a mathematical relationship.
Identify and assign appropriate variables to unknown quantities in a geometric context.
Select the correct measurement formula (e.g., perimeter, area, volume, angle sum) to model a given situation.
Write a simplified two-variable linear or non-linear equation based on a fixed measurement constraint.
Describe the relationship between two changing measurements while a third measurement remains constant.
Interpret the components of a two-variable equation in the context of a physical measurement problem.
How could you describe all the possible rectangles that have a perimeter of 50 meters using just one equation? 🤔
This tutorial will teach you how to capture relatio...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
VariableA symbol, usually a letter, that represents a quantity that can change or is unknown in a measurement context.In a rectangle, the length `l` and the width `w` can be variables because they can take on different numerical values.
ConstantA fixed value in an equation that does not change.If the perimeter of a rectangular field is known to be 100 meters, then `100` is a constant in the equation `2l + 2w = 100`.
Two-Variable EquationA mathematical statement that shows the relationship between two different variables, indicating that two expressions are equal.The equation `A = 6s` relates the surface area `A` of a cube to its side length `s`. Wait, that's one variable. A better example: The equation `x + y = 90` relates the two non-right angles in a right-ang...
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Core Formulas
Perimeter of a Rectangle
P = 2l + 2w
Use this formula to relate the perimeter (P) of a rectangle to its length (l) and width (w). If the perimeter is a known constant, this becomes a two-variable equation relating l and w.
Surface Area of a Cylinder
A = 2\pi r^2 + 2\pi rh
Use this formula to relate the total surface area (A) of a cylinder to its radius (r) and height (h). If the surface area is fixed, this equation connects the possible values of r and h.
Volume of a Rectangular Prism
V = lwh
This formula relates the volume (V) to the length (l), width (w), and height (h). If one dimension, say height, is fixed, it becomes a two-variable equation `V = (constant) * lw` relating volume to length and width.
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Challenging
A rectangular prism is designed to have a volume of 500 cubic meters. A design constraint requires that its length must always be twice its width. Which equation relates the prism's width (w) and its height (h)?
A.2w²h = 500
B.w²h = 500
C.2wh = 500
D.2w + w + h = 500
Challenging
The cost to produce a cylindrical can depends on the material area. The top and bottom material costs $0.05/cm² and the side material costs $0.02/cm². If the total cost for one can is fixed at $6.00, which equation relates the radius (r) and height (h)?
A.0.07(2πr² + 2πrh) = 6
B.πr²(0.05) + 2πrh(0.02) = 6
C.0.10Ï€r + 0.04Ï€h = 6
D.0.10πr² + 0.04πrh = 6
Challenging
A right circular cone has a fixed volume of 50π cubic units. The volume formula is V = (1/3)πr²h. Using the Pythagorean relationship for a cone (r² + h² = s²), write a two-variable equation that relates the cone's radius (r) and its slant height (s).
A.r²√(s² + r²) = 150
B.r²√(s² - r²) = 150
C.r√(s² - r²) = 50
D.r²(s-r) = 150
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