Butol, Michael Jordan P.

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How do we solve for the equation? In equation? System of Equation?

System of Equations

Methods for Solving Systems of Equations Algebraically

There are essentially three different methods to solve systems of

equations algebraically. They are listed and described briefly below.

The Graphing Method: When there is one variable solved in both

equations, it is easy to use a graphing calculator. In this case, the calculator

can be used to graph both equations. The intersection of the two lines will

represent the solution to the system of equations. 

m = -3n

m = 10 – 4n

The Substitution Method: There are two different types of systems of

equations where substitution is the easiest method.

Type 1: One variable is by itself or isolated in one of the equations. The

system is solved by substituting the equation with the isolated term into the

other equation:

x + 2y = 7

y = x – 5
Type 2: One variable can be easily isolated. The systems are solved by

solving for one variable in one of the equations, then substituting that

equation into the second equation. Solve for a in the second equation, then

substitute the second equation into the first.

2a + 3b = 2

a – 2b = 8

The Elimination Method: Both equations are in standard form: Ax + By =

C. The system of equations are solved by eliminating a variable and solving

for the remaining variable. Add the two equations together to eliminate

the y, then solve for x.

8x + 11y = 37

2x – 11y = -7

Any of the other methods can be used to check your answer, or you can plug

in the x and y values to insure that both equations give you true statements.

Solving Systems of Equations Algebraically by Graphing

One way to solve systems of equations algebraically is by graphing. A

graphing calculator is needed. If you need an online graphing calculator

click here.

If the two linear equations are both equal to the same variable, you do not

need to manipulate the equations. You can graph the equations on your

graphing calculator as they are written, and then find the solution.
Remember, this method only works if the two equations are equal to

the same variable.

Example

Solve the following systems of equations.

y = 2x – 2

y = 4x – 4

Put both equations into the "Y=" equation editor of the calculator: Y1 = 2x –

2 and Y2 = 4x – 4.

Check for where the graphs intersect, and answer the following questions.

Solving Systems of Equations Algebraically by Substitution

There are two types of situations involving substitution.

Type 1

Is one of the equations written with one of the variables on one side of the

equation? If so, you can substitute that variable's value into the other

equation and solve it.

Example

Solve the following system of equations using substitution.

     b = 3

4a + b = 7

Solving by Substitution

Step 1: Since b equals 3, substitute into the second equation.

Step 2: Solve for a.

Step 3: Identify the solution as a point.

Type 2

If one of the equations is not written with one variable alone on one side of

the equation, but it is easy to transform into an equation with one variable

on one side, substitution can still be used.

Example

Rewrite the equation, and then substitute it into the other equation to solve

the system of equations.

2a + 3b = 2

a – 2b = 8

Step 1: Solve the second equation for a.

Step 2: Substitute the new equation into the first equation for a.

Step 3: Simplify.

Step 4: Solve for b.

Step 5: Substitute the value for b into the second equation to find

the value of a.

Step 6: Identify the solution as a point.

Solving Systems of Equations Algebraically by Elimination

When graphing or substitution cannot be easily done, elimination is used to

solve a system of equations.

Example 

Follow the steps to solve this system of equations.

8x + 11y = 37

2x – 11y = -7

Step 1: Add the two equations.

8x + 11y = 37 2x −  11y = −7 10x = 308x + 11y = 37 2x -  11y = -7 10x 

= 30

Step 2: Solve for x.

10x = 30 x = 310x = 30 x = 3

Step 3: To find the y-value, substitute in 3 for x in one of the equations.

8(3) + 11y = 378(3) + 11y = 37

Step 4: Solve for y.

24 + 11y = 37 24  + 11y = 37− 24 − 2411y11 = 1311 y = 131124 + 11y = 

37 24  + 11y = 37- 24 - 2411y11 = 1311 y = 1311

Step 5: Identify the solution as an ordered pair.

(3, 1311)

What if adding or subtracting does not eliminate a variable?

Example
 3x – y = 8

x + 2y = 5

In this case, if the equations were added a variable would not be

eliminated. If the y in the first equation were changed to 2y, then

the y variables would be additive inverses and can be eliminated.

Follow the steps to solve the problem. 

Step 1: Multiply the entire first equation by 2.

Step 2: Rewrite the system of equations, replacing the first equation

with the new equation.

Step 3: Add the equations.

Step 4: Solve for x.

Step 5: Find the y-value by substituting in 3 for x in either equation.

Step 6: Identify the solution as an ordered pair.

Special Cases

Most systems of equations will have at least one solution. These type of

problems are called consistent systems. 

However, there are two of these special cases when solving linear systems

of equations.
The first case occurs when solving the systems algebraically. The variables

are eliminated, and the left side of the equation does not equal the right side

of the equation. In this case there is no solution and the lines are parallel.

Example

-2x + 2y = 6

-x + y = -5

Follow the steps to solve the problem.

Step 1: Multiply the second equation by -2 to create additive

inverses.

Step 2: Add the new equation with the first equation.

Notice that both variables were eliminated. The final statement, 0 ≠ 16,

is not equal. This means that the lines never cross because they are parallel.

In this case, there is no solution. This is called an inconsistent system. 

The second case also occurs when solving the systems algebraically. The

variables and the constants are eliminated, and both sides of the equation

equal zero. In this case any number can be a solution, which means the lines

are coinciding.

Example

3x – 4y = 12

-6x + 8y = -24

Follow the steps to solve the problem.

Step 1: Multiply the first equation by 2 to create additive inverses.

Step 2: Add the new equation to the second equation.

Notice all the variables are additive inverses of each other, and the left and

right sides of the equation both equal zero.

These equations represent the same line. The system has infinitely many

solutions and the lines are dependent systems.