How to Solve a System of Equations by the Substitution Method

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 27 views

Introduction

In mathematics, a system of equations is a set of two or more equations that are solved simultaneously to find the values of the variables. The substitution method is one of the techniques used to solve a system of linear equations. This method involves solving one equation for one variable and then substituting that expression into the other equation to solve for the other variable. In this article, we will learn how to solve a system of equations by the substitution method using a step-by-step approach.

What is the Substitution Method?

The substitution method is a technique used to solve a system of linear equations. It involves solving one equation for one variable and then substituting that expression into the other equation to solve for the other variable. This method is useful when one of the equations can be easily solved for one variable.

How to Solve a System of Equations by the Substitution Method

To solve a system of equations by the substitution method, follow these steps:

Step 1: Solve One Equation for One Variable

Choose one of the equations and solve it for one variable. This will give you an expression for that variable in terms of the other variable.

Step 2: Substitute the Expression into the Other Equation

Substitute the expression for the variable from step 1 into the other equation. This will give you a new equation with only one variable.

Step 3: Solve the New Equation for the Variable

Solve the new equation for the variable. This will give you the value of the variable.

Step 4: Substitute the Value of the Variable into One of the Original Equations

Substitute the value of the variable into one of the original equations to find the value of the other variable.

Step 5: Check the Solution

Check the solution by substituting the values of the variables into both original equations to make sure they are true.

Example Problem

Let's consider the following system of equations:

{ \begin{align*} x &= 9y - 5 \\ x &= 7y + 3 \end{align*} \}

To solve this system of equations by the substitution method, follow these steps:

Step 1: Solve One Equation for One Variable

Solve the first equation for x:

$x = 9y - 5$

Step 2: Substitute the Expression into the Other Equation

Substitute the expression for x into the second equation:

$9y - 5 = 7y + 3$

Step 3: Solve the New Equation for the Variable

Solve the new equation for y:

$9y - 7y = 3 + 5$

$2y = 8$

$y = 4$

Step 4: Substitute the Value of the Variable into One of the Original Equations

Substitute the value of y into the first equation to find the value of x:

$x = 9(4) - 5$

$x = 36 - 5$

$x = 31$

Step 5: Check the Solution

Check the solution by substituting the values of x and y into both original equations to make sure they are true:

$x = 9y - 5$

$31 = 9(4) - 5$

$31 = 36 - 5$

$31 = 31$

$x = 7y + 3$

$31 = 7(4) + 3$

$31 = 28 + 3$

$31 = 31$

The solution is x = 31 and y = 4.

Conclusion

In this article, we learned how to solve a system of equations by the substitution method. This method involves solving one equation for one variable and then substituting that expression into the other equation to solve for the other variable. We also saw an example problem and followed the steps to solve it using the substitution method. The substitution method is a useful technique for solving systems of linear equations, and it can be applied to a wide range of problems.

Advantages of the Substitution Method

The substitution method has several advantages:

It is a simple and straightforward method for solving systems of linear equations.
It can be applied to a wide range of problems.
It is a useful technique for solving systems of equations with one variable.

Disadvantages of the Substitution Method

The substitution method has several disadvantages:

It may not be the most efficient method for solving systems of linear equations.
It may not be suitable for solving systems of equations with multiple variables.

Real-World Applications of the Substitution Method

The substitution method has several real-world applications:

In physics, the substitution method is used to solve systems of equations that describe the motion of objects.
In engineering, the substitution method is used to solve systems of equations that describe the behavior of electrical circuits.
In economics, the substitution method is used to solve systems of equations that describe the behavior of markets.

Conclusion

Q: What is the substitution method?

A: The substitution method is a technique used to solve a system of linear equations. It involves solving one equation for one variable and then substituting that expression into the other equation to solve for the other variable.

Q: When should I use the substitution method?

A: You should use the substitution method when one of the equations can be easily solved for one variable. This method is useful when you have a system of linear equations with two variables.

Q: How do I know if the substitution method is the best method to use?

A: To determine if the substitution method is the best method to use, try to solve one of the equations for one variable. If you can easily solve the equation, then the substitution method is a good choice.

Q: What are the steps to solve a system of equations using the substitution method?

A: The steps to solve a system of equations using the substitution method are:

Solve one equation for one variable.
Substitute the expression into the other equation.
Solve the new equation for the variable.
Substitute the value of the variable into one of the original equations.
Check the solution.

Q: Can I use the substitution method to solve a system of equations with multiple variables?

A: No, the substitution method is not suitable for solving systems of equations with multiple variables. This method is best used for systems of linear equations with two variables.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the substitution method?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using the substitution method include:

Not solving one of the equations for one variable.
Not substituting the expression into the other equation.
Not solving the new equation for the variable.
Not checking the solution.

Q: How do I check the solution to make sure it is correct?

A: To check the solution, substitute the values of the variables into both original equations to make sure they are true.

Q: Can I use the substitution method to solve a system of equations with fractions or decimals?

A: Yes, the substitution method can be used to solve a system of equations with fractions or decimals. However, you may need to simplify the equations before solving them.

Q: What are some real-world applications of the substitution method?

A: Some real-world applications of the substitution method include:

Solving systems of equations that describe the motion of objects in physics.
Solving systems of equations that describe the behavior of electrical circuits in engineering.
Solving systems of equations that describe the behavior of markets in economics.

Q: Can I use the substitution method to solve a system of equations with absolute values or inequalities?

A: No, the substitution method is not suitable for solving systems of equations with absolute values or inequalities. This method is best used for systems of linear equations with two variables.

Q: How do I know if the substitution method is the best method to use for a system of equations with absolute values or inequalities?

A: To determine if the substitution method is the best method to use for a system of equations with absolute values or inequalities, try to solve the system using other methods such as graphing or substitution. If you are unable to solve the system using other methods, then the substitution method may not be the best choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the substitution method is a useful technique for solving systems of linear equations. It involves solving one equation for one variable and then substituting that expression into the other equation to solve for the other variable. The substitution method has several advantages, including its simplicity and wide range of applications. However, it may not be the most efficient method for solving systems of linear equations, and it may not be suitable for solving systems of equations with multiple variables or absolute values or inequalities.