The Linear Equation in Two Variables Tool (Dual Equations) is an interactive web-based application designed to solve and visualize two linear equations in the form ax + by = c. It calculates integer solutions for x and y, displays them in input boxes, and plots the equations as lines on a graph, highlighting their intersection point (if it exists and is an integer).
Linear Equation Tool (Two Equations)
Calculated Values
First Equation
X Values
Y Values
Second Equation
X Values
Y Values
The Linear Equation in Two Variables Tool (Dual Equations) is an interactive web-based application designed to solve and visualize two linear equations in the form ax + by = c. It calculates integer solutions for x and y, displays them in input boxes, and plots the equations as lines on a graph, highlighting their intersection point (if it exists and is an integer). The tool is mobile-responsive and can be embedded in a WordPress site. Below, I’ll explain how to use it and who can use it, based on the provided code and requirements.
How to Use the Tool
- Access the Tool:
- Locally: Save index.html, styles.css, and script.js in a folder. Run a local server (e.g., python -m http.server 8000 or use VS Code’s Live Server) and open http://localhost:8000 in a browser.
- WordPress: Embed the tool in a WordPress post or page using an iframe or shortcode (see instructions below). Ensure the files are uploaded to your theme directory (e.g., wp-content/themes/your-theme/linear-equation-tool/).
- Enter Equations:
- Input up to two linear equations in the format ax + by = c (e.g., 2x + y = 4 for the first equation, x – y = 1 for the second) in the provided text fields.
- Format Tips:
- Use integers for coefficients (a, b, c).
- No spaces (e.g., 2x+y=4, not 2x + y = 4).
- Examples: x+y=2, -2x+3y=6, x-y=-1.
- You can enter one equation if you don’t need two.
- Calculate Solutions:
- Click the Calculate button.
- The tool computes up to five integer solutions (whole numbers, no decimals) for x and y for each equation.
- Solutions appear in the respective x and y input boxes (e.g., x1-1, y1-1 for the first equation, x2-1, y2-1 for the second).
- If fewer than five solutions are found or the equation is invalid, an error message appears (e.g., “Invalid equation” or “Not enough integer solutions”).
- Draw the Graph:
- Click the Draw Graph button.
- The tool plots:
- The first equation’s line in blue.
- The second equation’s line in red (if provided).
- The intersection point in green (if it exists and has integer coordinates).
- The graph includes labeled x and y axes, scaled to fit all points.
- At least two points per equation are required to draw a line. If not met, an error message appears.
- Reset the Tool:
- Click the Reset button to clear:
- Both equation inputs.
- All x and y value boxes.
- The graph canvas.
- Any error messages.
- Click the Reset button to clear:
- View Results:
- Example Input:
- Equation 1: 2x + y = 4
- Equation 2: x – y = 1
- Output:
- First Equation: X: -2, -1, 0, 1, 2; Y: 8, 6, 4, 2, 0
- Second Equation: X: -2, -1, 0, 1, 2; Y: -3, -2, -1, 0, 1
- Intersection: (1, 1) (shown as a green dot)
- Graph: Displays two lines intersecting at (1, 1).
- Example Input:
- Troubleshooting:
- Error Messages: Check the red error text below the input fields for issues like invalid format or insufficient solutions.
- Graph Not Showing: Ensure internet access for the p5.js CDN (https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/p5.js/1.9.4/p5.min.js). Alternatively, host p5.js locally.
- Browser Console: Press F12 and check the Console tab for errors if the tool doesn’t work.
Embedding in WordPress
To use the tool on a WordPress site:
- Upload Files:
- Create a folder linear-equation-tool in your theme (e.g., wp-content/themes/your-theme/linear-equation-tool/).
- Upload index.html, styles.css, and script.js to this folder via FTP or your hosting file manager.
- Allow Iframes:
- Add this code to your theme’s functions.php to enable iframes: phpCollapseWrapCopy
add_filter('wp_kses_allowed_html', function($allowed, $context) { if ($context === 'post') { $allowed['iframe'] = [ 'src' => true, 'width' => true, 'height' => true, 'style' => true, 'frameborder' => true, ]; } return $allowed; }, 10, 2);
- Add this code to your theme’s functions.php to enable iframes: phpCollapseWrapCopy
- Embed in a Post/Page:
- Create a new post or page.
- In the WordPress editor (Text/Code mode), add: htmlCollapseWrapCopy
<iframe src="/wp-content/themes/your-theme/linear-equation-tool/index.html" width="100%" height="1000px" style="border:none;"></iframe>
- Adjust the path to match your theme.
- Alternative: Shortcode:
- Add to functions.php: phpCollapseWrapCopy
function linear_equation_tool_shortcode() { return '<iframe src="/wp-content/themes/your-theme/linear-equation-tool/index.html" width="100%" height="1000px" style="border:none;"></iframe>'; } add_shortcode('linear_equation_tool', 'linear_equation_tool_shortcode');
- Use [linear_equation_tool] in your post/page.
- Add to functions.php: phpCollapseWrapCopy
- Test:
- Publish and view the page.
- If the tool doesn’t load, check file paths, permissions, or browser console errors.
Who Can Use the Tool
The tool is designed for a wide range of users, including:
- Students:
- High School/Secondary Students: Ideal for learning about linear equations, solving systems of equations, and understanding their graphical representation (lines and intersections).
- College/University Students: Useful for introductory algebra or precalculus courses to visualize solutions and intersections.
- Teachers/Educators:
- Can embed the tool in educational websites or learning management systems (e.g., via WordPress) to demonstrate linear equations interactively.
- Useful for creating classroom activities or homework assignments.
- Math Enthusiasts:
- Anyone interested in exploring linear equations and their graphical properties.
- Helpful for self-learners studying algebra or preparing for exams.
- Developers/Content Creators:
- Web developers can integrate the tool into educational platforms or blogs.
- WordPress users (e.g., educators, bloggers) can embed it in posts to enhance math-related content.
- General Users:
- Anyone with basic math knowledge who wants to solve and visualize linear equations without manual calculations.
- No advanced technical skills are required to use the tool, but embedding in WordPress may require basic file management or WordPress knowledge.
Prerequisites
- Math Knowledge: Basic understanding of linear equations (ax + by = c) and how to interpret graphs.
- Technical Requirements:
- A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).
- Internet access for the p5.js CDN (unless hosted locally).
- For WordPress embedding: Access to the theme’s file system and functions.php.
- Device: Works on desktops, tablets, and smartphones due to its mobile-responsive design.
Limitations
- Only accepts linear equations in the form ax + by = c.
- Solutions are restricted to integers to meet the requirement of “whole numbers without decimals.”
- Intersection points are only shown if they have integer coordinates.
- At least two points per equation are needed to draw a line.