Solving Systems of Equations

Front

What is a system of equations?

Back

A set of two or more equations with the same variables that are solved together.

Front

What does it mean to solve a system of equations?

Back

Finding the values of the variables that satisfy all equations in the system simultaneously.

Front

What is the substitution method?

Back

A method for solving systems of equations where one equation is solved for one variable, and that expression is substituted into the other equation.

Front

What is the elimination method?

Back

A method for solving systems of equations by adding or subtracting equations to eliminate one variable.

Front

What is the graphical method?

Back

A method for solving systems of equations by graphing the equations on the same coordinate plane and identifying the point(s) of intersection.

Front

What is a consistent system of equations?

Back

A system that has at least one solution.

Front

What is an inconsistent system of equations?

Back

A system that has no solutions.

Front

What is a dependent system of equations?

Back

A system that has infinitely many solutions, where the equations represent the same line.

Front

How do you determine the best method to solve a system of equations?

Back

Consider the form of the equations, the number of variables, and whether one variable is easily isolated.

Front

What is the first step in using the substitution method?

Back

Solve one of the equations for one variable in terms of the other variable.