Elimination Method Practice Problems
These problems follow the elimination method lesson. Treat them like a solving systems by elimination worksheet: line up the columns, scale every term (constants included), then add or subtract.
The steps
- Write both equations in standard form,
. - Multiply one or both equations so a variable has opposite or equal coefficients.
- Add (opposites) or subtract (equal) to eliminate it.
- Solve, back-substitute, and check in both equations.
Common mistakes to watch for
- Not scaling the whole equation. Multiply every term, including the constant, before adding or subtracting.
- Adding when you should subtract. Add when the coefficients are opposites; subtract when they are equal.
- Stopping after one variable. Substitute back to find the other variable.
- Misreading special results.
means no solution; means infinitely many.