Methods For Solving Systems of Equations Algebraically: M - 3n M 10 - 4n

Butol, Michael Jordan P.
QUANTI (Friday, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
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
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

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.

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Butol, Michael Jordan P.

QUANTI (Friday, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)

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

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

represent the solution to the system of equations.

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

substitute the second equation into the first.

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

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

the y, then solve for x.

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

the same variable.

Solve the following systems of equations.

Solving Systems of Equations Algebraically by Substitution

There are two types of situations involving substitution.

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

equation and solve it.

Solve the following system of equations using substitution.

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

Step 3: Identify the solution as a point.

on one side, substitution can still be used.

the system of equations.

Step 1: Solve the second equation for a.

Step 4: Solve for b.

Step 6: Identify the solution as a point.

Solving Systems of Equations Algebraically by Elimination

solve a system of equations.

Follow the steps to solve this system of equations.

Step 1: Add the two equations.

Step 2: Solve for x.

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

Step 4: Solve for y.

Step 5: Identify the solution as an ordered pair.

What if adding or subtracting does not eliminate a variable?

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.

problems are called consistent systems.

Follow the steps to solve the problem.

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

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

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

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