Systems of Equations
Step by Step
Graphing
1. Take Equation 1
a) Solve for y
b) Plot y-intercept
c) Use slope to draw line
2. Take Equation 2
a) Solve for y
b) Plot y-intercept
c) Use slope to draw line
3. Identify the point where the lines cross!
Substitution
1. Solve one equation for a variable (your
choice of equation and variable)
2. Substitute the answer from step 1 into the
other equation
3. Solve step 2 for the remaining variable
4. Substitute the answer from step 2 into a
original equation (your choice)
5. Make an ordered pair
Elimination (Addition)
1. Rewrite each equation in standard form (Ax+By=C)
2. Multiply one or both equations by appropriate
numbers so that one of the variables are opposites
3. Add the two equations vertically from step 2 so that
one variable is eliminated
4. Solve the resulting equation for the remaining
variable
5. Substitute this value into one of the original equations
and solve to find the value of the other variable
6. Make an ordered pair