Algebra 2 Name: _______________________

Linear Systems Review Notes/CW Block: ______ Date: ____________

Refer to page 153 in the textbook and write down the definition of a system of two linear
equations.
A system of two linear equations is

There are 4 ways of solving linear systems. They are:

1. Graphing
2. Substitution
3. Linear Combination/Elimination
4. Matrices

Method #1: Graphing. To solve by graphing, you would graph each linear and look for
their point of intersection. This point is your solution.
Example:
y = − x + 3 (thin line)
y = 2 x (thick line)

Since the lines intersect at the point (1, 2 ) , this is the solution to the system.
Check: 2 = − 1 + 3 √ 2 = 2 (1) √
You try:
y = 3x + 1 y = 2x + 3
1. 2.
y = −x + 5 y =2x − 2

Solution: Solution:
_______ _______

Notice in #2 the lines are parallel. That means this system has no solution.
If you only see one line, the solution has infinite solutions.
Method #2: Substitution: To solve by substitution, you
1. Isolate one of the variables in either equation (Choose wisely!)if not already done so
2. Plug this expression into the other equation in replace of the variable.
3. Solve the one variable equation.
4. Use this value to solve for the other variable.

Example:
1
y= x+4
3
x + 3y = 6

Step 1 is already done

1 
Step 2: x + 3  x + 4  = 6 Step 3: x + x + 12 = 6 Step 4: 1
3  y= ( −3 ) + 4
2 x + 12 = 6 3
y = −1 + 4
2x = − 6
y=3
x = −3

The solution is ( −3, 3 )

You try:

3. y=5−x 4. 4 x − 3y = − 5
3 x − y = −1 3x − y = −5

5. y = −3x − 1 *6. x − 3y = 7
y = −2x + 2 x = 3y + 7

*If the variables “disappear”, then you must choose between No Solution and Infinite Solutions
Method #3: Linear Combination:
To solve by linear combination, you work with both equations simultaneously.
Step 1: Make sure both equations are written in Standard Form ( Ax + By = C )
Step 2: Manipulate one or both equations so that the coefficients of a variable are
opposites.
Step 3: Add the equations
Step 4: Solve the resulting one variable equation
Step 5: Substitue this value in either equation to solve for the other variable.
(Choose wisely!)

Example: x + y = 5
5x − y = 7
Step 1: Both equations are already in standard form
Step 2: Already done since you have + y and − y
Step 3: 6 x = 12
Step 4: x=2
Step 5: 2+ y=5
y=3
The solution is ( 2, 3 )

Example: 5x + 2 y = 4
3 x = 29 − 5 y
Step 1: 5x + 2 y = 4
3 x + 5 y = 29

Step 2:
Multiply the first equation by 5 and the second by -2 so that the coefficients of the y’s match.
5 (5x + 2 y = 4) 25 x + 10 y = 20
and distribute
− 2 ( 3 x + 5 y = 29 ) − 6 x − 10 y = − 58

Step 3: 19 x = − 38
Step 4: x = −2
Step 5: 5 ( −2 ) + 2 y = 4
−10 + 2 y = 4
2 y = 14
y=7

The solution is ( −2, 7 )

You try:

7. x+ y=5 8. 8 x + 9 y = 10
5x − y = 7 −8 x − 9 y = − 10

9. 5 x + 3 y = 12 10. 3 y = 2x + 1
7x − 2 y = − 8 3y + 5x = 8