LESSON 4 – SOLVING SYSTEMS OF LINEAR
EQUATIONS BY ELIMINATION METHOD
To solve a system of linear equations in two
variables by the elimination method, the
following procedures could be followed:
a. Whenever necessary, rewrite both
equations in standard form Ax + By = C.
b. Whenever necessary, multiply either
equation or both equations by a nonzero
number so that the coefficients of x or y will
have a sum of 0.
c. Add the resulting equations. This leads to an
equation in one variable. Simplify, then solve the
resulting equation.
d. Substitute the value obtained to any of the
original equations to find value of the other
variable.
e. Check the values of the variables obtained
against the linear equations in the system.
Example:
Solve the system 3x + y = 7
2x – 5y = 16 by elimination
method.
Solution:
Think of eliminating y first. Multiply the equation
3x + y = 7 by 5.
[3x + y = 7]5
15x + 5y = 35
Add the resulting equations.
15x + 5y = 35
2x – 5y = 16
17x = 51
Substitute 3, value of x, to any of the
original equations to solve for y.
3x + y = 7
3(3) + y = 7
9+y=7
y=7–9
y = -2
Solution: {(3, -2)}
Check the values of the variables obtained
against the linear equations in the system.
1. 3x + y = 7 x = 3 and y = -2
3(3) + (-2) = 7
9–2=7
7=7
2. 2x – 5y = 16 x = 3 and y = -2
2(3) – 5(-2) = 16
6 + 10 = 16
16 = 16
Therefore, the solution to the system 3x
+y =7
2x – 5y =
16 is the ordered pair (3, -2).
ACTIVITY 9 – ELIMINATE ME !
What variable will be eliminated if you add
the 2 equations? If none, determine the
number(s) that must be multiplied to one or
both equations in each system to eliminate one
of the variables by adding the resulting
equations.
1. x – y = -3
3x + y = 19
y will be eliminated.
2. x + 3y = 5
4x + 2y = 0
To eliminate x, multiply equation 1 by -4.
3. 2x + y = 7
-2x + 3y = 5
x will be eliminated.
4. 5x – 2y = 13
2x + y = 7
To eliminate y, multiply equation 2 by 2.
5. 2x + 3y = 6
4x + 6y = 12
The system is dependent.
ACTIVITY 10:
Solve each system of linear equations by
elimination method.
1. x+y=6
x–y=2
2x =8
x =4
x+y=6
4+y=6
y=6–4
y=2 Solution: {(4,2)}
2. x + 2y = 7
x–y=1
[x + 2y = 7] [-1]
x-2=1
x-2=1
-x - 2y = -7 x=1+2
___x – y = 1 x=3
-3y = -6
y=2 Solution: {(3,2)}
3. x + y = -3
-x + y = 15
2y = 12
y=6
x + y = -3
x + 6 = -3
x = -3 - 6
x = -9
Solution: {(-9,6)}
4. x+y=2
2x + 3y = 5
[x + y = 2] [-2]
-2x – 2y = -4
2x + 3y = 5_
y=1
x+y=2
x + 1= 2
x=2–1
x=1 Solution: {(1,1)}
Additional Activity – ELIMINATE ME !
What variable will be eliminated if you add
the 2 equations? If none, determine the
number(s) that must be multiplied to one or
both equations in each system to eliminate one
of the variables by adding the resulting
equations. 3x + y = 19
3(4) + y = 19
1. x – y = -3 12 + y = 19
3x + y = 19 y=
4x = 16 19 – 12
x =4 y=7
2. x + 3y = 5
4x + 2y = 0
[x + 3y = 5] [-4] x + 3y = 5
x + 3(2) = 5
-4x -12y = -20 x+6=5
4x + 2y = 0___ x=5–
-10y = -20 6
y=2 x = -1
Solution: {(-1,2)}
3. 2x + y = 7
-2x + 3y = 5
4y = 12
y=3
2x + y = 7
2x + 3 = 7
2x = 7 – 3
2x = 4
x=2
Solution: {(2,3)}
4. 5x – 2y = 13
2x + y = 7
[2x + y = 7] [2] 2x + y = 7
2(3) + y = 7
4x + 2y = 14 6+y=7
5x – 2y = 13_ y=7–
9x = 27 6
y=1
x =3
Solution: {(3,1)}
5. 2x + 3y = 6
4x + 6y = 12
The system is dependent and has an
infinite number of solutions
Solutions: {(0,2), (3,0), (1.5,1),…}