Summary of Methods for Solving Systems of Linear
Equations
Using a table may be helpful if
Table


Both equations are written in slope-intercept
form
The slope of each equation is an integer
Note: A table may also be helpful with displaying
patterns.
Graphing may be helpful if
Graphing



Either equation is written in slope-intercept
form, and the y-intercept is an integer
Either equation is written in standard form, and
the intercepts are integers
You need to estimate the solution
Note: A graph may also be helpful to
visually display of the equations.
Using substitution may be helpful if
Substitution


A variable in one equation is isolated or can be
easily isolated
Both equations are written in slope-intercept
form
Note: The substitution method will always find
exact solutions, if the system has a solution.
Using elimination may be helpful if
Elimination

Both equations are written in standard form
Note: The elimination method will always find exact
solutions, if the system has a solution.