Solving Systems of
Linear Equations
A set of linear equations in two variables is called
a system of linear equations.
3x + 2y = 14
2x + 5y = 3
A solution of such a system is an ordered pair which is a solution
of each equation in the system.
Example: The ordered pair (4, 1) is a solution of the system since
3(4) + 2(1) = 14 and 2(4) – 5(1) = 3.
Example: The ordered pair (0, 7) is not a solution of the system
since
3(0) + 2(7) = 14 but 2(0) – 5(7) = – 35, not 3.
Systems of linear equations in two variables have either
no solutions, one solution, or infinitely many solutions.
y y y
x x x
unique solution infinitely many no solutions
solutions
A system of equations with at least one solution is consistent.
A system with no solutions is inconsistent.
x – y = –1
To solve the system 2x + y = 4 by the graphing method,
graph both equations and determine where the graphs intersect.
y
3
(1, 2)
x – y = –1
x
1 2x + y = 4
The ordered pair (1, 2) is the unique solution.
The system is consistent since it has solutions.
x – 2y = – 4
Example: Solve the system by the graphing
method. 3x – 6y = 6
y
3
x – 2y = – 4
x
2
3x – 6y = 6
The lines are parallel and have no point of intersection.
The system has no solutions and is inconsistent.
x – 2y = – 4
Example: Solve the system by the graphing
3x – 6y = – 12
method.
y
3
3xx –– 6y
2y == –– 12
4
x
2
The graphs of the two equations are the same line and the
intersection points are all the points on this line.
The system has infinitely many solutions.
To solve a system by the substitution method:
1. Select an equation and solve for one variable in
terms of the other.
2. Substitute the expression resulting from Step 1 into
the other equation to produce an equation in one
variable.
3. Solve the equation produced in Step 2.
4. Substitute the value for the variable obtained in
Step 3 into the expression obtained in Step 2.
5. Check the solution.
2x + y = 8
Example: Solve the system by the substitution
x – 3y = – 3
method.
1. From the second equation obtain x = 3y – 3.
2. Substitute this expression for x into the first equation.
2(3y –3) + y = 8
3. Solve for y to obtain y = 2.
4. Substitute 2 for y in x = 3y – 3 and conclude x = 3.
The solution is (3, 2).
5. Check:
2(3) – (2) = 8
(3) – 3(2) = –3
2x – y = 10
Example: Solve the system by the substitution
method. 4x – 2y = 8
1. From the first equation obtain y = 2x – 10.
2. Substitute 2x – 10 for y into the second equation to produce
4x – 2(2x – 10) = 8.
3. Attempt to solve for x.
4x – 2(2x – 10) = 8
4x – 4x + 20 = 8
20 = 8 False statement
Because there are no values of x and y for which 20 equals 8, this
system has no solutions.
To solve a system by the addition (or elimination) method:
1. Multiply either or both equations by nonzero
constants to obtain opposite coefficients for one of
the variables in the system.
2. Add the equations to produce an equation in
one variable. Solve this equation.
3. Substitute the value of the variable found in Step 2
into either of the original equations to obtain another
equation in one variable. Solve this equation.
4. Check the solution.
Example: Solve the system 5x + 2y = 11 by the addition
method. 3x + 4y = 15
1. Multiply the first equation by –2 to – 10 x – 4y = – 22
make the coefficients of y opposites. 3x + 4y = 15
2. Add the equations to obtain – 7x = –7.
Therefore x = 1.
3. Substitute 1 for x in the first equation to produce
5(1) + 2y = 11
2y = 6
Therefore y = 3. The solution is (1, 3).
5(1) + 2(3) = 11
4. Check:
3(1) + 4(3) = 15
3x + 9y + 6z = 3
Example: Solve the system 2x + y – z = 2 by the addition
method.
x+ y + z=2
1. Add the second and third 2x + y – z = 2
equation to eliminate z. x+ y + z=2
3x + 2y =4
2. Eliminate z from another pair
12x + 6y – 6z = 12
of equations by multiplying
3x + 9y + 6z = 3
the second equation by 6 and
adding it to the first equation 15x + 15y = 15
This yields two equations with only two variables.
3x + 2y = 4
15x + 15y = 15
Example continues
Example continued:
3. Multiply the first new equation by –5 –15x – 10y = –20
and add it to the second new equation. 15x + 15y = 15
Therefore y = –1. 5y = –5
4. Substitute –1 for y into 15x + 15y = 15 to produce
15x + 15(–1) = 15
15x = 30 Therefore x = 2.
5. Substitute –1 for y and 2 for x into the third equation to produce
2 + (–1) + z = 2 Therefore z = 1.
The ordered triplet is (2, –1, 1).
3(2) + 9(–1) + 6(1) = 3
4. Check: 2(2) + (–1) – (1) = 2
(2) + (–1) + (1) = 2
Example: A plane with a tailwind flew 1920 mi in 8 hours. On the
return trip, against the wind, the plane flew the same distance in 12
hours. What is the speed of the plane in calm air and the speed of
the tailwind?
Let x = speed of the plane in calm air
y = speed of the tailwind
Use the formula Rate × Time = Distance.
Rate Time Distance
With Wind x+y 8 8(x + y)
Against Wind x-y 12 12(x - y)
8x + 8y = 1920
This yields a system of equations in x and y.
12x – 12y = 1920
Use the addition method to solve the system. Example continues
8x + 8y = 1920
Example continued: Solve the system
using the addition method. 12x – 12y = 1920
1. Multiply the first equation by 3 and the second equation by 2.
3(8x + 8y) = 3(1920) 24x + 24y = 5760
2(12x – 12y) = 2(1920) 24x – 24y = 3840
2. Add the equations to obtain 48 x = 9600. Therefore x = 200.
3. Substitute 200 for x in the first equation.
8(200) + 8y = 1920 y = 40
4. In 8 hours with an airspeed of 240 mph the plane will
travel 8 × 240 = 1920 mi on the first leg of its flight.
In 12 hours with an airspeed of 160 mph the plane will
travel 12 × 160 = 1920 on the return leg of its flight.
