How do you solve a system of equations by using the elimination method?
1 Answer
Aug 16, 2015
You follow a sequence of steps.
In general, the steps are:
- Enter the equations.
- Multiply each equation by a number to get the lowest common multiple for one of the variables.
- Add or subtract the two equations to eliminate that variable .
- Substitute that variable into one of the equations and solve for the other variable.
- Check by substituting your answer into one of the equations,
EXAMPLE:
How do you use the elimination method to solve
Solution:
Step 1. Enter the equations.
[1]
[2]
Step 2. Find the lowest common multiple.
Multiply Equation 1 by
[3]
[4]
Step 3. Subtract Equation 4 from Equation 3.
[5]
Step 4. Substitute Equation 5 in Equation 1.
Check: Substitute the values of
If you use one equation to get the second variable, use the other equation for the check.
It checks!
The solution is correct.