Algebra I Recipe: Solving Systems of Linear Equations Using the Substitution Method

1. Solve one of the equations for the variable that has a 1 or -1 as a coefficient so you don’t get fractions.
• The variable’s value will be an algebraic expression – BOX IT.
2. Substitute the algebraic expression into the other equation for its variable.
3. Solve the equation for the like variable.
4. Substitute the value found in step 3 into the algebraic expression to find the value of the other variable.
5. When solving the equation in step 3 – if the variable terms cancel out on both sides:
• The answer is IMS, if a true statement remains.
• The answer is NO SOLUTION, if a false statement remains.