Algebra ( Period 1)

Using Addition to Solve a System  6-3

The second Algebraic method to solve a system is known as ELIMINATION.

You’ll be eliminating one variable by using the ADDITIVE INVERSE of it in the other equation.

Example where you add the two equations together:

4x + 6y = 32

3x – 6y =  3

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7x + 0 = 35

x = 5

Plug into either equation to find y:

4(5) + 6y = 32

20 + 6y = 32

6y = 12

y = 2

The solution is (5, 2)

Sometimes you’ll ALMOST have additive inverses, but you’ll need to multiply one equation by -1 first:

5x + 2y =  6

9x + 2y = 22

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Multiply either the top or bottom by -1 (your choice):

5x + 2y =    6

-9x - 2y = -22

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-4x + 0 = -16

x = 4

Plug into either ORIGINAL equation:

5(4) + 2y = 6

20 + 2y = 6

2y = -14

y = -7

The solution is (4, -7)

Now you can plug this point into the other equation to check that you haven’t made a mistake:

9x + 2y = 22

9(4) + 2(-7) = 22

36 – 14 = 22

22 = 22