{"id":1727,"date":"2015-11-12T18:30:45","date_gmt":"2015-11-12T18:30:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/collegealgebra1xmaster\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=1727"},"modified":"2015-11-12T18:30:45","modified_gmt":"2015-11-12T18:30:45","slug":"solving-systems-of-equations-in-two-variables-by-the-addition-method","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-collegealgebra\/chapter\/solving-systems-of-equations-in-two-variables-by-the-addition-method\/","title":{"raw":"Solving Systems of Equations in Two Variables by the Addition Method","rendered":"Solving Systems of Equations in Two Variables by the Addition Method"},"content":{"raw":"<p>A third method of <strong>solving systems of linear equations<\/strong> is the <strong>addition method<\/strong>. In this method, we add two terms with the same variable, but opposite coefficients, so that the sum is zero. Of course, not all systems are set up with the two terms of one variable having opposite coefficients. Often we must adjust one or both of the equations by multiplication so that one variable will be eliminated by addition.\n<\/p><div class=\"textbox\">\n<h3>How To: Given a system of equations, solve using the addition method.<\/h3>\n<ol><li>Write both equations with <em>x<\/em>- and <em>y<\/em>-variables on the left side of the equal sign and constants on the right.<\/li>\n\t<li>Write one equation above the other, lining up corresponding variables. If one of the variables in the top equation has the opposite coefficient of the same variable in the bottom equation, add the equations together, eliminating one variable. If not, use multiplication by a nonzero number so that one of the variables in the top equation has the opposite coefficient of the same variable in the bottom equation, then add the equations to eliminate the variable.<\/li>\n\t<li>Solve the resulting equation for the remaining variable.<\/li>\n\t<li>Substitute that value into one of the original equations and solve for the second variable.<\/li>\n\t<li>Check the solution by substituting the values into the other equation.<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Example 4: Solving a System by the Addition Method<\/h3>\nSolve the given system of equations by addition.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}x+2y=-1\\hfill \\\\ -x+y=3\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Solution<\/h3>\nBoth equations are already set equal to a constant. Notice that the coefficient of [latex]x[\/latex] in the second equation, \u20131, is the opposite of the coefficient of [latex]x[\/latex] in the first equation, 1. We can add the two equations to eliminate [latex]x[\/latex] without needing to multiply by a constant.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\frac{\\begin{array}{l}\\hfill \\\\ x+2y=-1\\hfill \\\\ -x+y=3\\hfill \\end{array}}{\\text{}\\text{}\\text{}\\text{}\\text{}3y=2}[\/latex]<\/div>\nNow that we have eliminated [latex]x[\/latex], we can solve the resulting equation for [latex]y[\/latex].\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}3y=2\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }y=\\frac{2}{3}\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\nThen, we substitute this value for [latex]y[\/latex] into one of the original equations and solve for [latex]x[\/latex].\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}\\text{ }-x+y=3\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-x+\\frac{2}{3}=3\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-x=3-\\frac{2}{3}\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-x=\\frac{7}{3}\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }x=-\\frac{7}{3}\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\nThe solution to this system is [latex]\\left(-\\frac{7}{3},\\frac{2}{3}\\right)[\/latex].\n\nCheck the solution in the first equation.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{llll}\\text{ }x+2y=-1\\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }\\left(-\\frac{7}{3}\\right)+2\\left(\\frac{2}{3}\\right)=\\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-\\frac{7}{3}+\\frac{4}{3}=\\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-\\frac{3}{3}=\\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-1=-1\\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\text{True}\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>Analysis of the Solution<\/h3>\nWe gain an important perspective on systems of equations by looking at the graphical representation. See Figure 5\u00a0to find that the equations intersect at the solution. We do not need to ask whether there may be a second solution because observing the graph confirms that the system has exactly one solution.\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"487\"]<img src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/924\/2015\/11\/25202058\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_09_01_0042.jpg\" alt=\"A graph of two lines that cross at the point negative seven-thirds, two-thirds. The first line's equation is x+2y=negative 1. The second line's equation is negative x + y equals 3.\" width=\"487\" height=\"291\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\"\/><b>Figure 5<\/b>[\/caption]\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Example 5: Using the Addition Method When Multiplication of One Equation Is Required<\/h3>\nSolve the given system of equations by the <strong>addition method<\/strong>.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}3x+5y=-11\\hfill \\\\ \\hfill \\\\ x - 2y=11\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Solution<\/h3>\nAdding these equations as presented will not eliminate a variable. However, we see that the first equation has [latex]3x[\/latex] in it and the second equation has [latex]x[\/latex]. So if we multiply the second equation by [latex]-3,\\text{}[\/latex] the <em>x<\/em>-terms will add to zero.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{llll}\\text{ }x - 2y=11\\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill \\\\ -3\\left(x - 2y\\right)=-3\\left(11\\right)\\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\text{Multiply both sides by }-3.\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-3x+6y=-33\\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\text{Use the distributive property}.\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\nNow, let\u2019s add them.\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}\\ \\hfill 3x+5y=\u221211 \\\\ \\hfill \u22123x+6y=\u221233 \\\\ \\text{_____________} \\\\ \\hfill 11y=\u221244 \\\\ \\hfill y=\u22124 \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\nFor the last step, we substitute [latex]y=-4[\/latex] into one of the original equations and solve for [latex]x[\/latex].\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}3x+5y=-11\\\\ 3x+5\\left(-4\\right)=-11\\\\ 3x - 20=-11\\\\ 3x=9\\\\ x=3\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\nOur solution is the ordered pair [latex]\\left(3,-4\\right)[\/latex]. Check the solution in the original second equation.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{llll}\\text{ }x - 2y=11\\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill \\\\ \\left(3\\right)-2\\left(-4\\right)=3+8\\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }=11\\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\hfill &amp; \\text{True}\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"487\"]<img src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/924\/2015\/11\/25202100\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_09_01_0052.jpg\" alt=\"A graph of two lines that cross at the point 3, negative 4. The first line's equation is 3x+5y=-11. The second line's equation is x-2y=11.\" width=\"487\" height=\"327\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\"\/><b>Figure 6<\/b>[\/caption]\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\n<h3>Try It 4<\/h3>\nSolve the system of equations by addition.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}2x - 7y=2\\\\ 3x+y=-20\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/precalctwo1xmaster\/chapter\/solutions-17\/\" target=\"_blank\">Solution<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Example 6: Using the Addition Method When Multiplication of Both Equations Is Required<\/h3>\nSolve the given system of equations in two variables by addition.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}2x+3y=-16\\\\ 5x - 10y=30\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Solution<\/h3>\nOne equation has [latex]2x[\/latex] and the other has [latex]5x[\/latex]. The least common multiple is [latex]10x[\/latex] so we will have to multiply both equations by a constant in order to eliminate one variable. Let\u2019s eliminate [latex]x[\/latex] by multiplying the first equation by [latex]-5[\/latex] and the second equation by [latex]2[\/latex].\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l} -5\\left(2x+3y\\right)=-5\\left(-16\\right)\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-10x - 15y=80\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }2\\left(5x - 10y\\right)=2\\left(30\\right)\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }10x - 20y=60\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\nThen, we add the two equations together.\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}\\ \u221210x\u221215y=80 \\\\ 10x\u221220y=60 \\\\ \\text{______________} \\\\ \\text{ }\u221235y=140 \\\\ y=\u22124 \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\nSubstitute [latex]y=-4[\/latex] into the original first equation.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}2x+3\\left(-4\\right)=-16\\\\ 2x - 12=-16\\\\ 2x=-4\\\\ x=-2\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\nThe solution is [latex]\\left(-2,-4\\right)[\/latex]. Check it in the other equation.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{r}\\hfill \\text{ }5x - 10y=30\\\\ \\hfill 5\\left(-2\\right)-10\\left(-4\\right)=30\\\\ \\hfill \\text{ }-10+40=30\\\\ \\hfill \\text{ }30=30\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"487\"]<img src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/924\/2015\/11\/25202101\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_09_01_0062.jpg\" alt=\"A graph of two lines that cross the point -2,-4. The first line's equation is 2x+3y=-16. The second line's equation is 5x-10y=30.\" width=\"487\" height=\"366\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\"\/><b>Figure 7<\/b>[\/caption]\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Example 7: Using the Addition Method in Systems of Equations Containing Fractions<\/h3>\nSolve the given system of equations in two variables by addition.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}\\frac{x}{3}+\\frac{y}{6}=3\\hfill \\\\ \\frac{x}{2}-\\frac{y}{4}=\\text{ }1\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Solution<\/h3>\nFirst clear each equation of fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation by the least common denominator.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}6\\left(\\frac{x}{3}+\\frac{y}{6}\\right)=6\\left(3\\right)\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }2x+y=18\\hfill \\\\ 4\\left(\\frac{x}{2}-\\frac{y}{4}\\right)=4\\left(1\\right)\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }2x-y=4\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\nNow multiply the second equation by [latex]-1[\/latex] so that we can eliminate the <em>x<\/em>-variable.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}-1\\left(2x-y\\right)=-1\\left(4\\right)\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-2x+y=-4\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\nAdd the two equations to eliminate the <em>x<\/em>-variable and solve the resulting equation.\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}\\ \\hfill 2x+y=18 \\\\ \\hfill\u22122x+y=\u22124 \\\\ \\text{_____________} \\\\ \\hfill 2y=14 \\\\ \\hfill y=7 \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\nSubstitute [latex]y=7[\/latex] into the first equation.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}2x+\\left(7\\right)=18\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }2x=11\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }x=\\frac{11}{2}\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }=7.5\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\nThe solution is [latex]\\left(\\frac{11}{2},7\\right)[\/latex]. Check it in the other equation.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}\\frac{x}{2}-\\frac{y}{4}=1\\\\ \\frac{\\frac{11}{2}}{2}-\\frac{7}{4}=1\\\\ \\frac{11}{4}-\\frac{7}{4}=1\\\\ \\frac{4}{4}=1\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\n<h3>Try It 5<\/h3>\nSolve the system of equations by addition.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}2x+3y=8\\\\ 3x+5y=10\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/precalctwo1xmaster\/chapter\/solutions-17\/\" target=\"_blank\">Solution<\/a>\n\n<\/div>","rendered":"<p>A third method of <strong>solving systems of linear equations<\/strong> is the <strong>addition method<\/strong>. In this method, we add two terms with the same variable, but opposite coefficients, so that the sum is zero. Of course, not all systems are set up with the two terms of one variable having opposite coefficients. Often we must adjust one or both of the equations by multiplication so that one variable will be eliminated by addition.\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<h3>How To: Given a system of equations, solve using the addition method.<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Write both equations with <em>x<\/em>&#8211; and <em>y<\/em>-variables on the left side of the equal sign and constants on the right.<\/li>\n<li>Write one equation above the other, lining up corresponding variables. If one of the variables in the top equation has the opposite coefficient of the same variable in the bottom equation, add the equations together, eliminating one variable. If not, use multiplication by a nonzero number so that one of the variables in the top equation has the opposite coefficient of the same variable in the bottom equation, then add the equations to eliminate the variable.<\/li>\n<li>Solve the resulting equation for the remaining variable.<\/li>\n<li>Substitute that value into one of the original equations and solve for the second variable.<\/li>\n<li>Check the solution by substituting the values into the other equation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Example 4: Solving a System by the Addition Method<\/h3>\n<p>Solve the given system of equations by addition.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}x+2y=-1\\hfill \\\\ -x+y=3\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Solution<\/h3>\n<p>Both equations are already set equal to a constant. Notice that the coefficient of [latex]x[\/latex] in the second equation, \u20131, is the opposite of the coefficient of [latex]x[\/latex] in the first equation, 1. We can add the two equations to eliminate [latex]x[\/latex] without needing to multiply by a constant.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\frac{\\begin{array}{l}\\hfill \\\\ x+2y=-1\\hfill \\\\ -x+y=3\\hfill \\end{array}}{\\text{}\\text{}\\text{}\\text{}\\text{}3y=2}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<p>Now that we have eliminated [latex]x[\/latex], we can solve the resulting equation for [latex]y[\/latex].<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}3y=2\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }y=\\frac{2}{3}\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<p>Then, we substitute this value for [latex]y[\/latex] into one of the original equations and solve for [latex]x[\/latex].<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}\\text{ }-x+y=3\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-x+\\frac{2}{3}=3\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-x=3-\\frac{2}{3}\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-x=\\frac{7}{3}\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }x=-\\frac{7}{3}\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<p>The solution to this system is [latex]\\left(-\\frac{7}{3},\\frac{2}{3}\\right)[\/latex].<\/p>\n<p>Check the solution in the first equation.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{llll}\\text{ }x+2y=-1\\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }\\left(-\\frac{7}{3}\\right)+2\\left(\\frac{2}{3}\\right)=\\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-\\frac{7}{3}+\\frac{4}{3}=\\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-\\frac{3}{3}=\\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-1=-1\\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill & \\text{True}\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>Analysis of the Solution<\/h3>\n<p>We gain an important perspective on systems of equations by looking at the graphical representation. See Figure 5\u00a0to find that the equations intersect at the solution. We do not need to ask whether there may be a second solution because observing the graph confirms that the system has exactly one solution.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 497px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/924\/2015\/11\/25202058\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_09_01_0042.jpg\" alt=\"A graph of two lines that cross at the point negative seven-thirds, two-thirds. The first line's equation is x+2y=negative 1. The second line's equation is negative x + y equals 3.\" width=\"487\" height=\"291\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><b>Figure 5<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Example 5: Using the Addition Method When Multiplication of One Equation Is Required<\/h3>\n<p>Solve the given system of equations by the <strong>addition method<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}3x+5y=-11\\hfill \\\\ \\hfill \\\\ x - 2y=11\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Solution<\/h3>\n<p>Adding these equations as presented will not eliminate a variable. However, we see that the first equation has [latex]3x[\/latex] in it and the second equation has [latex]x[\/latex]. So if we multiply the second equation by [latex]-3,\\text{}[\/latex] the <em>x<\/em>-terms will add to zero.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{llll}\\text{ }x - 2y=11\\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill \\\\ -3\\left(x - 2y\\right)=-3\\left(11\\right)\\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill & \\text{Multiply both sides by }-3.\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-3x+6y=-33\\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill & \\text{Use the distributive property}.\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<p>Now, let\u2019s add them.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}\\ \\hfill 3x+5y=\u221211 \\\\ \\hfill \u22123x+6y=\u221233 \\\\ \\text{_____________} \\\\ \\hfill 11y=\u221244 \\\\ \\hfill y=\u22124 \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\n<p>For the last step, we substitute [latex]y=-4[\/latex] into one of the original equations and solve for [latex]x[\/latex].<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}3x+5y=-11\\\\ 3x+5\\left(-4\\right)=-11\\\\ 3x - 20=-11\\\\ 3x=9\\\\ x=3\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<p>Our solution is the ordered pair [latex]\\left(3,-4\\right)[\/latex]. Check the solution in the original second equation.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{llll}\\text{ }x - 2y=11\\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill \\\\ \\left(3\\right)-2\\left(-4\\right)=3+8\\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }=11\\hfill & \\hfill & \\hfill & \\text{True}\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 497px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/924\/2015\/11\/25202100\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_09_01_0052.jpg\" alt=\"A graph of two lines that cross at the point 3, negative 4. The first line's equation is 3x+5y=-11. The second line's equation is x-2y=11.\" width=\"487\" height=\"327\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><b>Figure 6<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\n<h3>Try It 4<\/h3>\n<p>Solve the system of equations by addition.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}2x - 7y=2\\\\ 3x+y=-20\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/precalctwo1xmaster\/chapter\/solutions-17\/\" target=\"_blank\">Solution<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Example 6: Using the Addition Method When Multiplication of Both Equations Is Required<\/h3>\n<p>Solve the given system of equations in two variables by addition.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}2x+3y=-16\\\\ 5x - 10y=30\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Solution<\/h3>\n<p>One equation has [latex]2x[\/latex] and the other has [latex]5x[\/latex]. The least common multiple is [latex]10x[\/latex] so we will have to multiply both equations by a constant in order to eliminate one variable. Let\u2019s eliminate [latex]x[\/latex] by multiplying the first equation by [latex]-5[\/latex] and the second equation by [latex]2[\/latex].<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l} -5\\left(2x+3y\\right)=-5\\left(-16\\right)\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-10x - 15y=80\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }2\\left(5x - 10y\\right)=2\\left(30\\right)\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }10x - 20y=60\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<p>Then, we add the two equations together.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}\\ \u221210x\u221215y=80 \\\\ 10x\u221220y=60 \\\\ \\text{______________} \\\\ \\text{ }\u221235y=140 \\\\ y=\u22124 \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\n<p>Substitute [latex]y=-4[\/latex] into the original first equation.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}2x+3\\left(-4\\right)=-16\\\\ 2x - 12=-16\\\\ 2x=-4\\\\ x=-2\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<p>The solution is [latex]\\left(-2,-4\\right)[\/latex]. Check it in the other equation.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{r}\\hfill \\text{ }5x - 10y=30\\\\ \\hfill 5\\left(-2\\right)-10\\left(-4\\right)=30\\\\ \\hfill \\text{ }-10+40=30\\\\ \\hfill \\text{ }30=30\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 497px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/924\/2015\/11\/25202101\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_09_01_0062.jpg\" alt=\"A graph of two lines that cross the point -2,-4. The first line's equation is 2x+3y=-16. The second line's equation is 5x-10y=30.\" width=\"487\" height=\"366\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><b>Figure 7<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Example 7: Using the Addition Method in Systems of Equations Containing Fractions<\/h3>\n<p>Solve the given system of equations in two variables by addition.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}\\frac{x}{3}+\\frac{y}{6}=3\\hfill \\\\ \\frac{x}{2}-\\frac{y}{4}=\\text{ }1\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3>Solution<\/h3>\n<p>First clear each equation of fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation by the least common denominator.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}6\\left(\\frac{x}{3}+\\frac{y}{6}\\right)=6\\left(3\\right)\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }2x+y=18\\hfill \\\\ 4\\left(\\frac{x}{2}-\\frac{y}{4}\\right)=4\\left(1\\right)\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }2x-y=4\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<p>Now multiply the second equation by [latex]-1[\/latex] so that we can eliminate the <em>x<\/em>-variable.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}-1\\left(2x-y\\right)=-1\\left(4\\right)\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }-2x+y=-4\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<p>Add the two equations to eliminate the <em>x<\/em>-variable and solve the resulting equation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}\\ \\hfill 2x+y=18 \\\\ \\hfill\u22122x+y=\u22124 \\\\ \\text{_____________} \\\\ \\hfill 2y=14 \\\\ \\hfill y=7 \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\n<p>Substitute [latex]y=7[\/latex] into the first equation.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}2x+\\left(7\\right)=18\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }2x=11\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }x=\\frac{11}{2}\\hfill \\\\ \\text{ }=7.5\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<p>The solution is [latex]\\left(\\frac{11}{2},7\\right)[\/latex]. Check it in the other equation.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}\\frac{x}{2}-\\frac{y}{4}=1\\\\ \\frac{\\frac{11}{2}}{2}-\\frac{7}{4}=1\\\\ \\frac{11}{4}-\\frac{7}{4}=1\\\\ \\frac{4}{4}=1\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\n<h3>Try It 5<\/h3>\n<p>Solve the system of equations by addition.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}2x+3y=8\\\\ 3x+5y=10\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/precalctwo1xmaster\/chapter\/solutions-17\/\" target=\"_blank\">Solution<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-1727\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Specific attribution<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Precalculus. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: OpenStax College. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: OpenStax. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/cnx.org\/contents\/fd53eae1-fa23-47c7-bb1b-972349835c3c@5.175:1\/Preface\">http:\/\/cnx.org\/contents\/fd53eae1-fa23-47c7-bb1b-972349835c3c@5.175:1\/Preface<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":276,"menu_order":4,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc-attribution\",\"description\":\"Precalculus\",\"author\":\"OpenStax College\",\"organization\":\"OpenStax\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/cnx.org\/contents\/fd53eae1-fa23-47c7-bb1b-972349835c3c@5.175:1\/Preface\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-1727","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":1716,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-collegealgebra\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/1727","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-collegealgebra\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-collegealgebra\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-collegealgebra\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/276"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-collegealgebra\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/1727\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2273,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-collegealgebra\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/1727\/revisions\/2273"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-collegealgebra\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/1716"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-collegealgebra\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/1727\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-collegealgebra\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1727"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-collegealgebra\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=1727"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-collegealgebra\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=1727"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-collegealgebra\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=1727"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}