Speed: 

This algebra 1 math tutorial from NutshellMath offers homework help in the basics of solving systems of equations. Systems of equations are sets of algebraic statements all of which are considered to be true. When solving a single equation, the solution will be the value or values of the variables for which the statement is true. Similarly, when solving systems of equations, it is necessary to find the value or values of the variables for which all the statements in the system are true.


This tutorial presents three methods for solving systems of equations. The first method is solving visually, by observing the graph of the equations in question, and looking for the locations where the lines intersect. Each line represents the solution set to an equation, and a point where two lines intersect represents a solution which is common to both equations. Thus points of intersection on a graph are solutions to systems of equations. The second method of solving a system is substitution. To substitute, solve one of the equations for one of the variables in terms of the second variable. Then substitute that solution in for the solved variable in the second equation, and solve for the remaining variable. It will be necessary to then find the corresponding solution for the first variable using the second. The last method is elimination. To solve using elimination, add or subtract one of the equations, or a multiple of one of the equations from the other equation. Since both equations are true, then adding one to the other is the same as adding or subtracting an identity. When doing so, attempt to eliminate one of the variables from the sum of the equations, then solve for the remaining variable. This method is also referred to as linear combination, as each equation represents a line, and adding two equations together is like adding two lines together.

Systems of equations are powerful tools in algebra for finding solutions to problems involving multiple lines or trends. Learning to solve basic systems will enforce skills necessary to solve systems with larger numbers of equations and variables.