METHODS OF SOLVING SYSTEMS

OF EQUATIONS
WHATS A SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS?
A system of equations is a set of two (or more) equations containing the
same variables. In this class we will be focusing on a system of linear
equations which are equations that make a straight line when you graph it.
Can you recall any linear equations youve seen in Algebra?

A solution to a linear system is a point (a, b) that satisfies all the

equations in the system. Consider the system

Consider:

{x +y =1y =1
Solution:

EXAMPLE OF A SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATION

Consider:
 {xx+3yy=2
=1
general form: slope-intercept form: Graph:

HOW CAN YOU SOLVE A SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS?

There are three methods we are going to use in solving a system of linear
equations:

1.

2.
3.

GRAPHING

2
We can find the solution to a system of equations by graphing the
equations.
Follow these steps:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Ex

{
x+ y=3
2 x+ y=6
Step 1: Step 2:

3
Step 3: Step 4 :

SUBSTITUTION
In the substitution method we solve ONE of the equations for one of
the unknowns, and then substitute the result into the OTHER equation.

We can apply the substitution method into four steps:

1)
2)
3)
4)

4
Ex: Consider the following system

3x + y=6first equation
2 x +4 y=4second equation
Step 1: Step 2:

Step 3: Step 4 :

5
ELIMINATION
The elimination method of solving systems of equations is also called the addition method. To
solve a system of equations by elimination we transform the system such that one variable
"cancels out".

Ex

{x4+3xy=5
y=6

6
TYPES OF SOLUTIONS

One Solution: No Solution: Infinitely Many:

Definitions:

One Solution: No Solution: Infinitely Many:

Example Graphs:

7
WHICH METHOD SHOULD I USE?

Methods One Solution No Solution Infinitely Solut

G
R
A Best to use when:
P
H
I
N
G
Solution is the point of The lines are parallel and Lines are identica
intersection of the lines. do not intersect. intersect at every

S
U
B Best to use when:
S
T
I
T
U
T
I
O
N

E
L
I Best to use when:
M
I
N
A
T
I
O
N