Systems of Linear Equations

A system of linear equations is just a set of

two or more linear equations.

Example:
is called a system of two
x+y=6 linear equations in two
variables.
x-y=2

Graphical Method
Solution:

To Solve a System of Linear Equations by the

Graphical Method

1. Graph each equation of the system on the

same set of axes.
2. There are three possibilities:
a. The lines intersect at exactly one point.
The solution is ordered pair
representing the point of intersection.

Example:
Draw the graph of each equation:
x+y=6
x-y=2

b. The lines never intersect (they

are parallel). There is no
solution.

Example:
Solve the system graphically:
2x - 3y = 6
6x - 9y = 36

c. The lines coincide. Any ordered

pair that represents a point on
the line is a solution.

Example:

Solve the system graphically:

3x + 5y = 15
6x + 10y = 30

Solution:

Solution:
 NAME: ________________________
DATE: ________________________
NOTES: Systems of Linear Equations

Substitution Method
The substitution method is most
useful for systems of 2 equations in 2
unknowns. The main idea here is that
we solve one of the equations for one
of the unknowns, and then substitute
the result into the other equation.

Substitution method can be applied in

four steps

Step 1:
Solve one of the equations for
either x = or y = .
Step 2: Step 3: Solve this new equation.
Substitute the solution from step 1 into the 2x+3(5−x) = 15
other equation.
2x+15−3x = 15
Step 3:
−x+15=5
Solve this new equation.
−x = 5−15
Step 4:
x = 10
Solve for the second variable.
Step 4: Solve for the second variable.
y = 5−x
Example 1:
y = 5−10
y = −5
Solve the following system by substitution:
2x + 3y = 5
The solution is: (x, y) = (10, -5)
x+y=5

Example 2:
Solution:

Solve by substitution: (1,2)

Step 1: Solve one of the equations for either x
2x + 5y = 12
= or y = . We will solve second equation for
y. 4x − y = 2
x+y=5
y = 5− x Solution:

Step 2: Substitute the solution from step 1

into the second equation.
2x + 3y = 5
2x + 3(5− x) = 5
Examples:

3. x - 2y = 11
3x + 5y = -11

(3, -4)

Solution:
NAME: ________________________
DATE: ________________________
NAME: ________________________
DATE: ________________________

ELIMINATION METHOD

Solve the system:

1. x + y = 6
x-y=2
2. 3x + 2y = 13
3x - 4y = 1

3. x - 2y = -6
4x + 3y = 20

SOLUTIONS: