document.write( "Question 394632: Explain how you decide to use substitution or elimination to solve a system. \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #280005 by richard1234(7193) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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It depends on the problem. Sometimes when it's easy to isolate x or y you can use substitution, and when one of the x coefficients factors nicely into the other x coefficient you can multiply by their quotient, add the equations to eliminate x (y is symmetric as well). You can use either method to solve any system of two linear equations, it takes a little practice to immediately decide which method is easier. \n" ); document.write( "

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