Name Date

Error Analysis: Systems of Equations

Al tried to solve these systems of equations, but made a few mistakes. Find Al's mistakes, explain what
they are, and solve the systems correctly. Be sure to check your work.

Description of Error:
1. 3x + 2y = 4
-4x + y = 9

3x + 2y = 4 3x + 2y = 4
-4x + y = 9 -8x + 2y = 18
-5x = -14 Correct Solution:
14
x=
5

14
3( ) + 2y = 4
5
42
+ 2y = 4
5
−22
2y =
5
−11
y=
5

14 −11
Solution: ( , )
5 5

Description of Error:
2. -3x + 5y = 17
2x – 8y = -30

-3x + 5y = 17
8 y−30
2x – 8y = -30 x= = 4y - 15
2
Correct Solution:
-3(4y – 15) = 17
-12y – 45 = 17
-12y = 62
31
y=
6

31 62 45 17
x = 4( ) – 15 = - =
6 3 3 3
 17 31
Solution: ( , )
3 6

Description of Error:
3. 7x – 2y = 24
-x + y = -2

7x – 2y = -24
- x + y = -2 y=x–2

-x + (x – 2) = -2 Correct Solution:
-2 = -2

Solution: ∞

Description of Error:
1 1
4. x+ y=3
2 3
4x - 5y = 47

1 1 8
x+ y=3 -4x - y = -24
2 3 3
4x - 5y = 47 4x – 5y = 47 Correct Solution:
−23
y = 23
3
y = -3
1 1
x + (-3) = 3
2 3
1
x–1=3
2
1
x=2
2
x=4

Solution: (4, -3)