Solving Systems using Elimination

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 eliminate a variable in a system of equations?

Back

To remove one variable by combining equations so that only one variable remains.

Front

What is the elimination method?

Back

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

Front

When is it best to use the elimination method?

Back

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

Front

What is the first step in the elimination method?

Back

Align the equations so that like terms are in the same column.

Front

How do you eliminate a variable by addition?

Back

Add the two equations together if they are set up to cancel out one variable.

Front

How do you eliminate a variable by subtraction?

Back

Subtract one equation from another if it helps to cancel out one variable.

Front

What is a solution to a system of equations?

Back

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

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.

Front

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

Back

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