Systems of Equations: Choosing the Best Method

Front

What is a system of equations?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.C.8B

CCSS.HSA.REI.C.6

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.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.C.8B

CCSS.HSA.REI.C.6

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.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.C.8B

CCSS.HSA.REI.C.6

Front

What is the elimination method?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.C.8B

CCSS.HSA.REI.C.6

Front

What is the graphing method?

Back

A method for solving systems of equations by graphing each equation on the same set of axes and identifying the point(s) of intersection.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.C.8B

Front

When is the substitution method most useful?

Back

When one equation is already solved for one variable or can be easily manipulated to do so.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.C.8B

CCSS.HSA.REI.C.6

Front

When is the elimination method most useful?

Back

When the coefficients of one variable are the same or can be easily made the same.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.C.8B

CCSS.HSA.REI.C.6

Front

What is a solution to a system of equations?

Back

A set of values for the variables that makes all equations in the system true.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.C.8B

CCSS.HSA.REI.C.6

Front

What does it mean if a system of equations has no solution?

Back

The lines represented by the equations are parallel and never intersect.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.C.8A

Front

What does it mean if a system of equations has infinitely many solutions?

Back

The equations represent the same line, meaning every point on the line is a solution.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.C.8A