Systems of Linear Equations Using Addition and Subtraction

Example 1: Add and subtract to create a new equation with only one variable:

2x + 4y =3
x + 3y =13

Here, we can multiply the second equation by -2 :

2x + 4y =4
-2x - 6y =-26

Adding these two equations yields -2y = - 22 .

Example 2: Add and subtract to create a new equation with only one
variable:

4x - 2y =16
7x + 3y =15

Here, we can multiply the first equation by 3 and the second equation by 2 :

12x - 6y =48
14x + 6y =30

Adding these two equations yields 26x = 78

We can add and subtract equations by the addition property of equality--since

the two sides of one equation are equivalent, we can add one to one side of
the second equation and the other to the other side.

Here are the steps to solving systems of equations using the

addition/subtraction method:

1. Rearrange each equation so the variables are on one side (in the same
order) and the constant is on the other side.
2. Multiply one or both equations by an integer so that one term has equal
and opposite coefficients in the two equations.
3. Add the equations to produce a single equation with one variable.
4. Solve for the variable.
5. Substitute the variable back into one of the equations and solve for the
other variable.
6. Check the solution--it should satisfy both equations.
Example 1: Solve the following system of equations:

2y - 3x =7
5x =4y - 12

1. Rearrange each equation:

-3x + 2y = 7
5x - 4y = - 12
2. Multiply the first equation by 2 :
-6x + 4y = 14
5x - 4y = - 12
3. Add the equations:
-x=2
4. Solve for the variable:
x=-2
5. Plug x = - 2 into one of the equations and solve for y :
-3(- 2) + 2y = 7
6 + 2y = 7
2y = 1
y=

Thus, the solution to the system of equations is (- 2, ) .

6. Check:
2( ) - 3(- 2) = 7 ? Yes.

5(- 2) = 4( ) - 12 ? Yes.
Example 2: Solve the following system of equations:

4y - 5=20 - 3x
4x - 7y + 16=0

1. Rearrange each equation:

3x + 4y = 25
4x - 7y = - 16
2. Multiply the first equation by 4 and the second equation by -3 :
12x + 16y = 100
-12x + 21y = 48
3. Add the equations:
37y = 148
4. Solve for the variable:
y=4
5. Plug y = 4 into one of the equations and solve for x :
3x + 4(4) = 25
3x + 16 = 25
3x = 9
x=3
Thus, the solution to the system of equations is (3, 4) .
6. Check:
4(4) - 5 = 20 - 3(3) ? Yes.
4(3) - 7(4) = - 16 ? Yes.
Example 3: Solve the following system of equations:

2x - 5y =15
10y =20 + 4x

1. Rearrange each equation:

2x - 5y = 15
-4x + 10y = 20
2. Multiply the first equation by 2 :
4x - 10y = 30
-4x + 10y = 20
3. Add the equations:
0 = 50
Since 0≠50 , this system of equations has no solutions. It is inconsistent
(and independent). The equations describe two parallel lines.
Example 4: Solve the following system of equations:

6x + 14y =16
24 - 9x =21y

1. Rearrange each equation:

6x + 14y = 16
-9x - 21y = - 24
2. Multiply the first equation by 3 and the second equation by 2 :
18x + 42y = 48
-18x - 42y = - 48
3. Add the equations:
0=0
Since 0 = 0 for any value of x , the system of equations has infinitely many
solutions. Every ordered pair (x, y) which satisfies 6x + 14y = 16 (or -9x -
21y = - 24 ) is a solution to the system. The system is dependent (and
consistent). The two equations describe the same line.