10 x + 16y = 22
Subtract the bottom equation from the top one:
Then take either equation and plug in –8 for y and solve for x:
SECOND METHOD: SUBSTITUTION
Pro Tip: If you are graphing these equations on a
graphing calculator, their solution is the same as the
point of intersection.
Substitution is an easier method for solving a system of equations in cases when
one of the variables isn’t multiplied by a number. For example:
3 x + 2y = 6
–2x + y = 10
Notice that the y in the second equation is all by itself. This is a big fat clue
that substitution is the way to go. Start by focusing on that second equation.
Isolate y in terms of x by adding 2x to both sides, giving you:
y = 2x + 10
Next, you want to substitute that expression for y into the first equation of the
system. Then solve for x: