Solving Equations Using Graphs (WJEC GCSE Maths & Numeracy (Double Award)): Revision Note

Solving equations using graphs

How do I find the coordinates of points of intersection?

• Plot two graphs on the same set of axes

  • The points of intersection are where the two lines meet

• For example, plot y  = x² + 3x + 1 and y = 2x + 1 on the same axes

  • They meet twice, as shown

  • The coordinates of intersection are (-1, -1) and (0, 1)

  • The x values are the solutions to x² + 3x + 1 = 2x + 1

• To solve 2x - 3 = -3x + 7

  • Use a table of values to plot each line

    • y = 2x - 3 and y = -3x + 7

  • Find the point of intersection, (2, 1)

  • The solution is therefore x = 2

How do I use graphs to solve equations?

• This is easiest explained through an example

• You can use the graph of to solve the following equations

  • 

    • The solutions are the two x-intercepts

    • This is where the curve cuts the x-axis (also called roots)

  • 

    • The solutions are the two x-coordinates where the curve intersects the horizontal line  

• To solve a different equation like , if you are already given the graph of an equation, e.g.

  • add / subtract terms to both sides to get "given graph = ..."

    • For example, subtract 5 from both sides

    • 

    • You can now draw on the horizontal line and find the x-coordinates of the points of intersection