Solving Systems of

Linear Equations in
Two Variables:
When you have two equations, each with
x and y, and you figure out
one value for x and one value for y
that will make BOTH equations true.
Three methods of solving systems:

•Graphing Method

•Substitution Method

•Elimination Method
Graphing Method
Solve each equation for y, then
graph each equation on a
rectangular coordinate plane, then
observe where the two lines
intersect. The coordinates of the
intersection point are the solutions of
the system.
Benefit: very easy to do
Drawback : requires graph paper
might be imprecise
Example:
Solve by graphing :
2x + 3y = 7
- x + 2y = 14

(Go to Sketchpad sketch)

Three methods of solving systems:
•Graphing Method

•Substitution Method

•Elimination Method
In both of the next two methods, the
Substitution Method and the Elimination
Method, the process will involve the sub-
goal of “getting rid of” one of the two
variables, in order to form an equivalent
equation in ONE variable (remember, it is
easy to solve a linear equation in one
variable!). After you solve for the one
variable, you then plug the solution back
into either of the original equations, and
solve for the other variable.
Substitution Method
In one of the equations, solve for one of
the variables, either
“ y = some expression with x” or
“ x = some expression with y”.
Then, substitute that new expression into
the other equation, thereby getting rid of
one of the variables. Then, simply solve
the linear equation for the remaining
variable.
Example: Solve by substitution :
2x + 3y = 7 and – x + 2y = 14
Example: Solve by substitution :
2x + 3y = 7 and – x + 2y = 14
Elimination Method
Multiply both sides of one (or both)
equation(s) by the same number(s) in order
to get the coefficients of one of the
variables in each equation to be
OPPOSITES (like 12y and -12y). Then, add
the two equations to form a new
equivalent expression in ONE variable,
since the other variable has been
“eliminated”. Now, solve the linear
equation for the remaining variable.
Example: Solve by elimination :
2x + 3y = 7 and – x + 2y = 14
When does each method work best?
Graphing Method
• good if you have graph paper AND if your
solution does not have to be precise
Substitution Method
• good if one of the variables has a coefficient of
(invisible) 1, like 6x + y = 15
Elimination Method
• good if the coefficients of one of the variables
divides evenly into the same variable’s
coefficient in the other equation, like 3x + 5y =
9, and -2x + 10y = -8