Course Code and Title: GEMA2 – Mathematics in the Modern World

Lesson Number: Lesson 9 (Week 11)

Topic: Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Cramer’s Rule,
Elimination and Substitution Method

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Introduction:
The elimination method for solving systems of linear equations uses the addition property of
equality. You can add the same value to each side of an equation.

The method of solving "by substitution" works by solving one of the equations (you choose which
one) for one of the variables (you choose which one), and then plugging this back into the
other equation, "substituting" for the chosen variable and solving for the other. Then you back-solve
for the first variable.

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

 Solve system of linear equations using Cramer’s Rule, Substitution and Elimination method;
 Show accuracy and diligence; and
 Recognize systems of equations that have no solution or an infinite number of solutions.

Lesson Presentation:
Solving Systems of Equations by Substitution

Solving a linear system in two variables by graphing works well when the solution consists
of integer values, but if our solution contains decimals or fractions, it is not the most precise
method. We will consider two more methods of solving a system of linear equations that are more
precise than graphing. One such method is solving a system of equations by the substitution
method, in which we solve one of the equations for one variable and then substitute the result into
the second equation to solve for the second variable. Recall that we can solve for only one variable
at a time, which is the reason the substitution method is both valuable and practical.

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STEPS IN SOLVING SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS IN TWO VARIABLES USING THE
SUBSTITUTION METHOD.

1. Solve one of the two equations for one of the variables in terms of the other.
2. Substitute the expression for this variable into the second equation, then solve for the
remaining variable.
3. Substitute that solution into either of the original equations to find the value of the first
variable. If possible, write the solution as an ordered pair.
4. Check the solution in both equations.

EXAMPLE: SOLVING A SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS IN TWO VARIABLES BY SUBSTITUTION

Solve the following system of equations by substitution.

−x + y = − 5
2x − 5y = 1

Solution

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 The Elimination Method for Solving Linear Systems

Another way of solving a linear system is to use the elimination method. In the elimination
method you either add or subtract the equations to get an equation in one variable. When the
coefficients of one variable are opposites you add the equations to eliminate a variable and when
the coefficients of one variable are equal you subtract the equations to eliminate a variable.

Example: 3y + 2x = 6

5y − 2x = 10

We can eliminate the x-variable by addition of the two equations.

3y + 2x = 6
+ 5y − 2 x = 10
8y = 16
y=2
The value of y can now be substituted into either of the original equations to find the value of x
3y + 2x = 6
3(2) + 2x = 6
6 + 2x = 6
2x = 6 – 6
2x = 0
X=0
The solution of the linear system is (0, 2).

Cramer’s Rule
Another method of solving linear equations is by Cramer’s Rule. The following illustrates
this method.
The determinants of the matrix A

𝑎1 𝑏1
det 𝐴 = | | = 𝑎1 𝑏2 − 𝑎2 𝑏1
𝑎2 𝑏2

The system of linear equations in two variables should be written in

the standard form,

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 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑏1 𝑦 = 𝑐1
𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑏2 𝑦 = 𝑐2

Solving for 𝑥 value and 𝑦 are as follows:

𝑐 𝑏1 𝑎 𝑐1
| 1 | |𝑎1
𝑐2 𝑏2 𝑐1 𝑏2− 𝑐2𝑏1 𝑐2 | 𝑎 𝑐 −𝑎 𝑐
𝑥= 𝑎 𝑏1 =𝑎 𝑦= 𝑎
2
𝑏1 = 𝑎 1𝑏2− 𝑎2𝑏1
| 1 | 1 𝑏2 − 𝑎2 𝑏1 | 1 | 1 2 2 1
𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑎2 𝑏2

provided that 𝑎1 𝑏2 − 𝑎2 𝑏1 ≠ 0
Steps in Cramer’s Rule
1. Identify the values of a, b, and c.
2. Substitute the values of a, b, and c for the general formula.
3. Check by substituting the obtained values of the variables in the original
equations.

Summary:
1. In solving system by elimination method, you either add or subtract the equations to get an
equation in one variable. When the coefficients of one variable are opposites you add the
equations to eliminate a variable and when the coefficients of one variable are equal you
subtract the equations to eliminate a variable.

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 2. In solving system by substitution:
a. Solve one of the two equations for one of the variables in terms of the other.
b. Substitute the expression for this variable into the second equation, then solve for the
remaining variable.
c. Substitute that solution into either of the original equations to find the value of the first
variable. If possible, write the solution as an ordered pair.
d. Check the solution in both equations.
3. In solving system by Cramer’s Rule
a. Identify the values of a, b, and c.
b. substitute the values of a, b, and c for the general formula.
c. check by substituting the obtained values of the variables in the original equations.

References:
Orence, Orlando A. and Mendoza, Marilyn O.(2003) “ Exploring Mathematics II”. Rex
Bookstore, Incorporated.

Orines, Fernando B., Dilao, Soledad, Bernabe, Julieta G. (2005) “ Advanced Algebra –
Trigonometry and Statistics Functional Approach”. Vibal Publishing House
Incorporated

Orines, Fernando B., Dilao, Soledad, Bernabe, Julieta G. (2003) “Algebra II –Functional
Approach”. Vibal Publishing House Incorporated

Enriquez, Ymas Jr., Patiak, Estuchi, Escalona and Pelayo (2005), “ College Algebra with
Recreational Mathematics”, Sta. Monica Printing Corporation