Systems of equations · Grades 9–10
Solve a linear system by elimination
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Example question
2x + y = 9 x - y = 3
Work through it
- 1
3x = 12
Add the equations. The +y and -y cancel, while adding equalities preserves equality.
- 2
x = 4
Divide both sides by 3 to find x.
- 3
4 - y = 3, so y = 1
Substitute x = 4 into x - y = 3, then solve by subtracting 4 and multiplying by -1.
Final answer
(x, y) = (4, 1)