1.

2 – SOLVE BY SUBSTITUTION

Learning Goal:
• We are learning to solve a system of linear equations algebraically.
Success Criteria:
• I can solve a linear system by substitution.
Recall:
• Solving a system of equations means to find the point of intersection.
• Solving by graphing takes a long time and is not always accurate.
• There are two methods of solving to solve a system algebraically: substitution and elimination.

Solve by Substitution
STEPS:
1. Isolate one of the variables in either equation (pick the easier equation to work with)
2. Substitute that expression into the other equation.
3. Solve for the unknown variable (should only have one at this point)
4. “Back-substitute” that solution into either equation and solve for the remaining unknown.
5. State final conclusion.
Example 1:
Solve the following systems:
a) 𝑥 + 3𝑦 = −4 b) 2𝑥 + 𝑦 − 8 = 0
2𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 1 2𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 2

Example 2: Working with Fractions

Solve the following system: 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 3 and 5𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 8
Special Cases of Substitution
Example 3:
Solve by Substitution. Check your solution with DESMOS.
a) 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 3
3𝑥 + 3𝑦 = −5

b) 𝑎 − 2𝑏 = −3
4𝑏 = 2𝑎 + 6

Word Problems
Example 4:
A morning coffee costs $2 but a cappuccino costs $3. A total of seven drinks were purchased and the
cost was $20. Find how many of each drink were purchased.

Homework: pg.26 #2,3,4bd,5ace, 6, 10