Question

Solve the systems of equations by the method of cross-multiplication:

ax + by = a2 ;

bx + ay = b2

Answer 1

The given system of equations can be written as

ax + by – (a2) = 0

bx + ay – (b2) = 0

For cross multiplication we use,

Comparing the above two equations with the general form, we get

Hence, the solution for the given system of equations is x = (a2 + ab + b2)/(a + b) and y = -ab / (a+ b).