Substitution method for two linear equations with two unknowns

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To solve with the substitution method a system of two linear equations with two unknowns we will have to substitute one of the unknowns in some equation and thus obtain an equation with only one unknown.

How do we do it?

  • Choose the equation in which you can easily isolate one of the unknowns (isolate it in such a way that it cannot express itself).
  • Put the unknown that you have isolated in the second equation of the system: you will have an equation with one unknown and you will discover the value of the first one.
  • Go back to the system of equations and place the value of the unknown you found in one of the equations or in the equation obtained to find the second unknown.
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Solve the following equations:

\( (I)x+y=18 \)

\( (II)y=13 \)

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Example of the substitution method

X+2Y=20X+2Y=20
4X3Y=144X-3Y=14

Let's isolate the XX from the first equation since it is the easiest:
X=202YX=20-2Y
Let's substitute the XX in the second equation:
4×(202y)3y=144\times (20-2y)-3y=14
We obtained an equation with one unknown, therefore, we will solve it easily:
808y3y=1480-8y-3y=14
8011y=1480-11y=14
11y=66-11y=-66
y=6y=6

Let's place the value obtained in the simpler equation (the equation we obtained after isolating the X X ) and find the second unknown:
x=202×6x=20-2\times 6
x=8x=8
The solution is: x=8x=8
y=6y=6


If you are interested in this article you may also be interested in the following articles

  • Unknowns and Algebraic Expressions
  • First-degree equations with an unknown variable
  • What is the unknown of a mathematical equation?
  • System of Two Linear Equations with Two Unknowns
  • Linear equation with two unknowns
  • Graphical solution for a system of linear equations with two unknowns
  • Algebraic solution for a system of linear equations with two unknowns
  • Solving by the method of substitution for systems of two linear equations with two unknowns
  • Solving verbal problems with a system of linear equations

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