Solve a Linear Equation by using Substitution Method

Algebrator can easily solve problems such as the one you posted on Yahoo Answers.

The equations you show form a system of linear equations in two unknowns. An appropriate flash demo for this type of problem is "Solving systems of equations". You may enter each equation on a line of its own and the software will solve this "system of two equations in two unknowns".

To control the method by which the system is solved, use the drop-down menu "Solution->Settings", where substitution is shown as an option.

It is important to understand that anytime you are solving a system of equations you are answering the basic question "Do the graphs of these equation touch?". They may touch in one point (one solution), no points (no solutions) or an infinite number of points (i.e. the equations define the same line).

For this reason, it is always helpful to press "Graph All" after the solution as this allows you to see a graph of the equations and better understand the solution you obtained.

An example using your system of equations is described below.

Explanation for this (or any other) step is just a click away.

In order to isolate the variable, in this linear equation, we need to get rid of the coefficient that multiplies it.

This can be accomplished if both sides are divided by 5.

Some Important features are:

1.Flash demos, found under the drop-down menu "Help->Tutors".

The demos are also available online at "https://softmath.com/demos/", where you may simply select any of the ".htm"

files and the demo will play within your browser

2. Wizard button - for example, click the Wizard button and look under the category of "Line" to see the many useful

templates for exploring linear equations.

3. The Explain button, which provides the mathematical logic involved in the selected step.

Our software also provides an appropriate flash demo for this type of problem - "Solving systems of equations".

Algebrator now adds the fractions and shows the rule applied.

The given system of equations is consistent and independent.

You can then press "Graph All" and check the graph.

You can also enter the equation directly into a new worksheet and pressing "Graph All" will first result in that equation being placed into its standard form prior to graphing. For linear equations the standard form is "y=mx+b", where "m" is the slope and "b" the y-intercept.