Class 1

Elimination Using Addition and

Subtraction
When solving a linear system by substitution, you needed
to isolate one of the variables.
Sometimes it is not easy to isolate one of the variables.
What is the result when you try to isolate one of the
variables in the system below?

5x + 2y = 13
4x + 3y = 7

• Your coefficients turn in fractions or decimals

• The coefficients become rational numbers that looks
like repeated decimals or fractions.
When it is not easy to isolate one of the variables using
the substitution method, it may be easier to solve the
system by elimination.
When using this method, you will be adding the two
equations together in order to eliminate one of the
variables.
 Elimination Using Addition
Add the equations if one of the 3x + 2y = 18
variables has opposites. Then solve. 5x − 2y = 14
Substitute the solved value into 8x = 32
either of the original equations to x =44
find the value for the other variable.
Write the solution as
an ordered pair. 3( ) + 2y = 18
12 + 2y = 18
Check by substitution in both
original equations. 2y = 6
y =3
(4,3)
 Use elimination to solve the system of equations.
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

3x + 2y = 7 5x + 2y = −4 3x − 5y = −16
− 3x + 4 y = 5 − 5x + 3y = 19 2x + 5y = 31
6y = 12 5 y = 15 5x = 15
y =2 y =3 x =3

3 x + 2 (2) = 7 5 x + 2 (3) = −4 3 (3) − 5y = −16

9 − 5 y = −16
3x + 4 = 7 5x + 6 = −4
3x = 3 5x = −10 − 5 y = −25
x =1 x = −2 − y = −5
(1,2) (–2,3) y=5
(3,5)
 When the coefficients of terms are the same, you can
eliminate the terms by subtracting the equations.

When using elimination with subtraction to solve systems

of equations, do not forget to distribute the negative
sign over the entire equation that is subtracted. Since
subtraction is the same as adding the inverse, you should
change the signs of the terms and then add to eliminate
the variable.
 Elimination Using Subtraction
Subtract the equations if one 5x + 2y = 66
of the variables have the same - 9x +-2y =-22
coefficients. Then solve.
− 4x = −16
Substitute the solved value into x=4
either of the original equations to
find the value for the other variable.
Write the solution as 5 (4 ) + 2 y = 6
an ordered pair. 20 + 2y = 6
Check by substitution in both 2y = −14
original equations. y = −7
(4,-7)
 Elimination Using Subtraction
12x − y = −14
Distribute the negative sign - 6x +
over the entire equation −y= + −8
that is subtracted. 6x = −6
x = −1

12 (− 1) − y = −14
− 12 − y = −14
It will not − y = −2
matter which
equation you y =2
create the
opposite! (-1,2)
Use elimination to solve the system of equations.
Example 4 Example 5
8b + 3c = 11 2x + 4 y = 28
8b + 7c = 7 − 3x + 4 y = 18
 Use elimination to solve the system of equations.
Example 4 Example 5
8b + 3c = 11 2x + 4 y = 28
+ -
-8b +- 7c = -7 − 3x + 4 y =-18
− 4c = 4 5x = 10
c = −1 x =2

8b + 3 (− 1) = 11
2 (2) + 4 y = 28
8b + −3 = 11
8b = 14 4 + 4 y = 28
14 4 y = 24
b=
8 y=6
7
b= (2,6)
4
 7 , −1 
 
4 
 Write and Solve a System of Equations
Twice one number added to another number is 18.
Four times the first number minus the other number is 12.
Find the numbers.
Assign Labels. 2x + y = 18
Let x = first number 4x − y = 12
Let y = second number 6x = 30
Translate each sentence. x=5

Solve the system.

Write a sentence 2 (5) + y = 18
to give the answer. 10 + y = 18
The numbers are 5 and 8. y=8
Example 6 The sum of two numbers is -10. Negative three
times the first number minus the second number equals 2.
Find the numbers.
Example 7 Four times one number minus three times
another number is 12. Two times the first number added
to three times the second number is 6. Find the numbers.

Assign labels.
Translate each sentence.
Solve the system.
Write a sentence
to give the answer.
Example 6 The sum of two numbers is -10. Negative three
times the first number minus the second number equals 2.
Find the numbers.

Let x = first number x + y = −10

Let y = second number − 3x − y = 2
Translate each sentence. − 2x = −8
x=4
Solve the system.
Write a sentence
to give the answer. (4) + y = −10
y = −14
The numbers are 4 and -14.
Example 7 Four times one number minus three times
another number is 12. Two times the first number added
to three times the second number is 6. Find the numbers.

Let x = first number 4x − 3y = 12

Let y = second number 2x + 3y = 6
Translate each sentence. 6x = 18
x =3
Solve the system.
Write a sentence
to give the answer. 4(3) − 3 y = 12
12 − 3y = 12
The numbers are 3 and 0. − 3y = 0
y=0