ComicsElimination method
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Instructions on How to use the Elimination Method

               
Are both equations in standard form?
 
 
 
 

NO

YES







Put them into standard form.
Are either the x's or y's opposites of each other?
 
 
 



NO

YES





 
Carefully select which variable you would like to eliminate. Multiply one or both equations by numbers that turn those variable terms into opposites
Add the two equations together. Is one variable still left?
YES
solve for that variable.
 





NO




 
 
Are you left with a true statement?
 
Substitute the value back into one of the original equations to find a value for the other variable. Remember: we are looking for an ordered pair!




NO


YES



 
This system has NO SOLUTIONS It is called an inconsistent system
 
This system has INFINITELY MANY SOLUTIONS It is called a consistent system.
CHECK YOUR WORK! Substitute the ordered pair back into both equations to see if the values make both of them true.