Algebra - Two Variables
Solving Systems of Equations
For some systems of equations, adding both equations makes it very easy to
solve it. However, this works great only on those systems of equations that (ever so conveniently)
have terms that cancel
out after addition. But what if an unknown doesn’t cancel when you add the equations
together?
The trick is to multiply by a constant. Look at your two equations before you add them.
Choose one, and figure out what constant to multiply by. Select a constant (it might be
negative) such that one unknown will cancel out when you add the equations. Multiply both
sides of your chosen equation by the constant, and then add the two equations together.
Example:
x + 4y = 16
2x – y = 5
What are the values of x and y?
Solution:
Look at the equations.
What constant should we use?
| Let’s multiply the second equation by
4: |
4(2x – y) = 4 (5) |
| 8x – 4y = 20 |
| Add both equations together: |
|
| |
x + 4y = 16 |
| |
+ 8x – 4y = 20 |
| |
9x + 4y – 4y = 16 + 20 |
| Combine similar terms: |
9x = 36 |
| Solve for x: |
x = 36/9 = 4 |
| Substitute x = 4 to find y: |
4 + 4y = 16 |
| |
4y = 12 |
| |
y = 12/4 = 3 |
| Check the result with both: |
4 + 4(3) = 16 ? Yes! |
| |
2(4) – 3 = 5 ? Yes! |
|
