Definition:Graphical Solution to Simultaneous Equations

Definition

A graphical solution is a method of finding a solution to a pair of simultaneous equations each defining a plane curve.

It is performed by plotting the locus of each of the equations and seeing where they intersect.

The points of intersection of the curves described by the equations are the solutions.

Examples

Single Equation

It is possible to apply the technique of a graphical solution to simultaneous equations to a single equation by setting one of the simultaneous equations to $y = \map f x$, and the other to $y = 0$.

Also see

• Results about graphical solutions to simultaneous equations can be found here.

Sources

• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): graphical solution
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): graphical solution