Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations

Lesson 6.2
Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by
Elimination
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 3

System of Nonlinear Equations 3
Solving System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 4

Key Points 13

Check Your Understanding 14

Challenge Yourself 15

Bibliography 17

Key to Try It! 17

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations
Lesson 6.2

Solving a System of Nonlinear

Equations by Elimination

Introduction
Have you ever used a navigation software application while traveling? Navigation software
applications may show you where you are on the map, the shortest route to your destination,
and even the approximate time it will take to reach your destination. The global positioning
system (GPS) is responsible for this useful technology. GPS works through the triangulation
of signals. Each GPS satellite may detect that you are somewhere in a circle. If the signals from
different satellites around the earth are combined, they will be able to detect your exact
location. GPS is a real-life application of systems of equations.

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 1

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations
In the previous lesson, you learned how to solve systems of nonlinear equations using the
substitution method. In this lesson, you will discover another method of solving systems of
nonlinear equations, the elimination method.

Learning Objectives
DepEd Competency
In this lesson, you should be able to do the
Determine the solutions of
following:
systems of nonlinear equations
● Recall the concept of systems of nonlinear
using techniques such as
equations. substitution, elimination, and
● Solve a system of nonlinear equations by graphing***

elimination. (STEM_PC11AG-If-g-1).

Warm Up
Substitution 10 minutes
In this activity, the students will recall how to solve systems of nonlinear equations by
substitution.

Materials
● pen
● paper

Procedure
1. Solve the following systems of nonlinear equations using substitution.
𝑥+4=𝑦
a. { 2
𝑥 = 𝑦−2

(𝑥 − 1)2 + (𝑦 − 3)2 = 4
b. {
−(𝑥 − 1)2 + 𝑦 2 = 5

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 2

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations
2. Answer the following guide questions.

Guide Questions
1. What are the graphs of the four equations in the two systems?
2. What are the similar terms of the equations in each system?
3. How do you solve a system of nonlinear equations using substitution?

Learn about It!

System of Nonlinear Equations

From the previous lesson, you have learned that a system of nonlinear equations consists
of two or more equations with at least one equation that is not linear. The solution of a
system of equations is an ordered pair that makes all the equations in the system true. The
solutions can be real or complex. However, we will only consider real solutions because
complex numbers are not possible to graph on a Cartesian plane.

One of the ways in solving systems of nonlinear equations is by substitution. Substitution is

usually used when solving a system with a linear and nonlinear equation. But when solving a
system with second-degree equations, the elimination method can be used. In this method,
we eliminate one of the variables in both equations.

When is it easier to use the elimination method

when solving systems of nonlinear equations?

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 3

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations
Solving System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination
Consider the second system of nonlinear equations below from the Warm Up activity.

(𝑥 − 1)2 + (𝑦 − 3)2 = 4
{
−(𝑥 − 1)2 + 𝑦 2 =5

Notice that both equations contain the expression (𝑥 − 1)2 . We can eliminate this expression
by adding the two equations.

The resulting equation is (𝑦 − 3)2 + 𝑦 2 = 9. This is a quadratic equation in one variable. Let
us solve for 𝑦.

(𝑦 − 3)2 + 𝑦 2 = 9
𝑦 2 − 6𝑦 + 9 + 𝑦 2 = 9
2𝑦 2 − 6𝑦 = 0
2𝑦(𝑦 − 3) = 0

2𝑦 = 0
𝑦=0

𝑦−3=0
𝑦=3

Substitute the values of 𝑦 in each of the given equation. Note that if 𝑦 = 0, the equation
−(𝑥 − 1)2 + 𝑦 2 = 5 will not have a real value for 𝑥. However, when 𝑦 = 3, we will get 𝑥 = −1
and 𝑥 = 3. Therefore, there are two real solutions to the system, which are (−𝟏, 𝟑) and (𝟑, 𝟑).

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 4

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations
To solve systems of nonlinear equations using elimination, follow these steps:

1. Eliminate one variable by adding or subtracting the two equations.

a. Note that there are times when it is necessary to multiply an equation or both
equations by a real number before eliminating a variable.
2. Solve for the other variable in the resulting equation.
3. Determine the value of the variable you eliminated by substituting the value of the
other variable in one of the equations in the system.

How do you determine if an ordered pair is a

solution to a system of equations?

Let’s Practice!

Example 1
Solve the system of nonlinear equations below using elimination.

𝑥2 + 𝑦 = 2
{ 2
−𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 2

Solution
Step 1: Add the two equations to eliminate the variable 𝑥.

𝑥2 + 𝑦 = 2
{ 2
−𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 2
0 + 4𝑦 = 4

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 5

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations
Step 2: Solve for 𝑦.

4𝑦 = 4
𝑦=1

Step 3: Find the values of 𝑥 when 𝑦 = 1.

You may use any of the equations in the system to find the value of 𝑥. Here,
we use the first equation in the given system.

𝑥2 + 𝑦 = 2
𝑥2 + 1 = 2
𝑥2 = 1
√𝑥 2 = ±√1
𝑥 = ±1

Therefore, the real solutions of the system are (−𝟏, 𝟏) and (𝟏, 𝟏).

1 Try It!
Solve the system of nonlinear equations below using elimination.

𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 = 1
{ 2
−𝑥 + 2𝑦 = −26

Remember
In finding the value of the other variable, you may use any of the two
equations in the system.

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 6

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations
Example 2
Solve the system of nonlinear equations below using elimination.

(𝑦 − 4)2 + 𝑥 2 = 3
{
(𝑦 − 4)2 + 2𝑥 2 = 6

Solution
Step 1: Get the difference between the two equations to eliminate the variable 𝑦.

Step 2: Solve for 𝑥.

−𝑥 2 = −3
𝑥2 = 3
√𝑥 2 = ±√3
𝑥 = ±√3

Step 3: Find the values of 𝑦 when 𝑥 = ±√3.

You may use any of the equations in the system to find the value of 𝑦. Here,
we use the first equation in the given system.

(𝑦 − 4)2 + 𝑥 2 = 3
2
(𝑦 − 4)2 + (±√3) = 3
(𝑦 − 4)2 + 3 = 3
(𝑦 − 4)2 = 0
𝑦−4=0
𝑦=4

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 7

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations
Therefore, the real solutions to the system are (−√𝟑, 𝟒) and (√𝟑, 𝟒).

2 Try It!
Solve the system of nonlinear equations below using elimination.

𝑥 2 + (𝑦 + 3)2 = 25
{ 2
2𝑥 + (𝑦 + 3)2 = 25

Example 3
Solve the system of nonlinear equations below using elimination.

𝑥 2 − 2𝑦 = 4
{
−2𝑥 + 𝑦 = −4

Solution
Step 1: Multiply both sides of the second equation by 2.

−2𝑥 + 𝑦 = −4
2(−2𝑥 + 𝑦) = −4(2)
−4𝑥 + 2𝑦 = −8

Multiplying both sides of the second equation by 2 will allow us to eliminate the
variable 𝑦. Note that multiplying 2 on both sides of the second equation will not
change the equality and the graph of the equation.

We can now solve the system using the elimination method.

𝑥 2 − 2𝑦 = 4
{
−4𝑥 + 2𝑦 = −8

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 8

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations

Step 2: Add the two equations to eliminate the variable 𝑦.

Step 3: Solve for 𝑥.

𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 = −4
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4 = 0
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 2) = 0
𝑥−2=0
𝑥=2

Step 4: Find the value of 𝑦 when 𝑥 = 2.

You may use any of the equations in the system to find the value of 𝑦. Here,
we use the second equation in the given system.

−2𝑥 + 𝑦 = −4
−2(2) + 𝑦 = −4
−4 + 𝑦 = −4
𝑦=0

Therefore, the real solution to the system is (𝟐, 𝟎).

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 9

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations

3 Try It!
Solve the system of nonlinear equations below using elimination.

𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 = 4
{
𝑦+ 𝑥=2

Example 4
Solve the system of nonlinear equations below using elimination.

(𝑥 + 7)2 + 𝑦 2 =8
{
3(𝑥 + 7)2 + 2(𝑦 + 3)2 = 14

Solution
Step 1: Multiply both sides of the first equation by 3.

(𝑥 + 7)2 + 𝑦 2 = 8
3[(𝑥 + 7)2 + 𝑦 2 ] = 8(3)
3(𝑥 + 7)2 + 3𝑦 2 = 24

Multiplying both sides of the first equation by 3 will allow us to eliminate the
variable 𝑥. Note that multiplying 3 on both sides of the first equation will not
change the equality and the graph of the equation.

We can now solve the system using the elimination method.

3(𝑥 + 7)2 + 3𝑦 2 = 24
{ 2 2
3(𝑥 + 7) + 2(𝑦 + 3) = 14

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 10

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations
Step 2: Subtract the two equations to eliminate the variable 𝑥.

Step 3: Solve for 𝑦.

3𝑦 2 − 2(𝑦 + 3)2 = 10
3𝑦 2 − 2(𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 + 9) = 10
3𝑦 2 − 2𝑦 2 − 12𝑦 − 18 − 10 = 0
𝑦 2 − 12𝑦 − 28 = 0
(𝑦 + 2)(𝑦 − 14) = 0

𝑦+2=0
𝑦 = −2

𝑦 − 14 = 0
𝑦 = 14

Step 4: Find the values of 𝑥 when 𝑦 = −2 and 𝑦 = 14.

You may use any of the equations in the system to find the value of 𝑥.

Find 𝑥 when 𝑦 = −2. Here, we use the first equation in the system.

(𝑥 + 7)2 + 𝑦 2 = 8
(𝑥 + 7)2 + (−2)2 = 8
𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 + 49 + 4 − 8 = 0
𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 + 45 = 0
(𝑥 + 9)(𝑥 + 5) = 0

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 11

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations
𝑥+9=0
𝑥 = −9

𝑥+5=0
𝑥 = −5

Find 𝑥 when 𝑦 = 14. We again use here the first equation.

(𝑥 + 7)2 + 𝑦 2 = 8
(𝑥 + 7)2 + 142 = 8
𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 + 49 + 196 − 8 = 0
𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 + 237 = 0
−14 ± √142 − 4(1)(237)
𝑥=
2(1)
−14 ± √−752
𝑥=
2
−14 ± 4𝑖 √47
𝑥=
2
𝑥 = −7 ± 2𝑖√47

Therefore, the real solutions to the system are (−𝟗, −𝟐) and (−𝟓, −𝟐), while the complex
solutions are (−7 + 2𝑖√47, 14) and (−7 − 2𝑖 √47, 14). However, in the context of graphing, we
will not consider the complex solutions since these points are not possible to graph on a
Cartesian plane.

4 Try It!
Solve the system of nonlinear equations below using elimination.

𝑥 2 + 2(𝑦 − 2)2 = 9
{ 2
6𝑥 − (𝑦 − 2)2 = 2

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 12

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations
Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________
● A system of nonlinear equations consists of two or more equations with at least
one equation that is not linear.
● The solution of a system of equations is an ordered pair that makes the equations
in the system true.
● To solve systems of nonlinear equations using elimination, follow these steps:

1. Eliminate one variable by adding or subtracting the two equations.

a. There are times when it is necessary to multiply an equation or both
equations by a real number before eliminating a variable.
2. Solve for the other variable in the resulting equation.
3. Determine the value of the variable you have eliminated by substituting the value
of the other variable in one of the equations in the system.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 13

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations

Check Your Understanding

A. Determine whether each ordered pair is a solution to the system

below or not.
𝑦 2 + 𝑥2 = 2
{ 2
2𝑦 − 𝑥 2 = 1

1. (−1, 1)
2. (1, 1)
3. (0, 1)
4. (−1, −1)
5. (−1, 0)

B. Find the solutions of the following systems of nonlinear

equations.

𝑦 − 𝑥2 = 0
1. {
𝑦 + 𝑥2 = 0
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 25
2. { 2
𝑥 − 𝑦 2 = 25
𝑦−𝑥 =0
3. {
𝑦 − 𝑥 2 = −6
(𝑦 − 2)2 − 3𝑥 = 16
4. {
(𝑦 − 2)2 + (𝑥 − 10) = 6
(𝑥 + 2)2 + (𝑦 − 2)2 = 1
5. {
(𝑥 + 2)2 + 𝑦 = 3
2𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 24
6. { 2
𝑥 − 𝑦 2 = −12
3𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 = 26
7. { 2
5𝑥 + 7𝑦 = 3
𝑦 = 𝑥2 − 3
8. { 2
𝑥 + 𝑦2 = 9
𝑥2 + 𝑦 2 = 9
9. {
𝑦 = 𝑥2 − 9
𝑥2 + 𝑦 2 = 1
10. {
𝑥 − 𝑦2 = 1

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 14

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations
𝑥2 + 𝑦 2 = 4
11. { 2
2𝑥 + 6𝑦 2 = 9
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 36
12. {
(𝑥 + 11)2 + 2𝑦 2 = 25
𝑥 − (𝑦 − 2)2 = 0
13. {
(𝑥 − 6)2 + (𝑦 − 2)2 = 8
(𝑥 − 4)2 + (𝑦 − 2)2 = 4
14. { (𝑥−4)2 (𝑦−2)2
+ 4 =1
9
𝑥2 + 𝑦 2 = 4
15. { 2 𝑦2
𝑥 + 9 =1

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. How many real solutions can a system consisting of a line and a circle have?
2. Rhea says that a system of equations consisting of a parabola and a circle can have
more than two real solutions. Is she correct? Explain.
3. What is wrong with the solution to the system below?

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 12
{𝑥 2 𝑦 2
+ =1
4 12

Solution:
Step 1: Multiply the second equation by 12.

𝑥2 𝑦 2
12 ( + ) = 12(1)
4 12
3𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 12

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 15

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations
Step 2: Eliminate the variable 𝑦.

Step 3: Solve for 𝑥.

−2𝑥 2 = 0
𝑥2 = 0
𝑥=0

Step 4: Solve for 𝑦 when 𝑥 = 0.

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 12
02 + 𝑦 2 = 12
𝑦 2 = 12
𝑦 = 2√3

Therefore, the solution to the system is (0, 2√3).

4. The sum of the squares of two positive numbers is 29, while the difference of their
squares is 21. What are the two numbers?
5. A system of nonlinear equations consists of two equations whose graphs are shown
below. Determine its solution.

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 16

Unit 6: Systems of Nonlinear Equations

Bibliography
Barnett, Raymond, Michael Ziegler, Karl Byleen, and David Sobecki. College Algebra with
Trigonometry. Boston: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2008.

Bittinger, Marvin L., Judith A. Beecher, David J. Ellenbogen, and Judith A. Penna. Algebra and
Trigonometry: Graphs and Models. 4th ed. Boston: Pearson/Addison Wesley, 2009.

Blitzer, Robert. Algebra and Trigonometry. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey:
Pearson/Prentice Hal, 2007.

Larson, Ron. College Algebra with Applications for Business and the Life Sciences. Boston:
MA:Houghton Mifflin, 2009.

Safier, Fred. Schaum’s Outlines of Precalculus. New York, N.Y: McGraw-Hill, 2013.

Simmons, George F. Calculus with Analytic Geometry. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996.

Stapel, Elizabeth. “Systems of Non-Linear Equations: Definitions,” Purplemath. Accessed

February 18, 2020.

Key to Try It!

1. (−4, −5), (4, −5)
2. (0, 2), (0, −8)
3. (0, 2), (6, −4)
4. (−1, 0), (−1, 4), (1, 0), (1, 4)

6.2. Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations by Elimination 17