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 a system of equations by solving one equation for one variable and substituting that expression 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 a system 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 a system of equations by graphing the equations on the same coordinate plane 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

When is the graphing method most useful?

Back

When you want a visual representation of the solution or when the equations are simple enough to graph easily.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.C.8B

Front

What is the solution to a system of equations?

Back

The point(s) where the graphs of the equations intersect, representing the values of the variables that satisfy all equations.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.C.8B

Front

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

Back

The lines representing the equations are parallel and never intersect.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.C.8A