Question 323795: What are the pros and cons in using the systems of equations for, graphing, substitution and elimination? What circumstances would be a cause to use a different method?
Answer by rapaljer(4671)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Graphing method is nice if your equations are all in the form of "y=___" and you happen to have a graphing calculator. However, the disadvantage of the graphing method is accuracy, especially if the solutions do not come out even.
I like the substitution method if one of the equations is in the form "y=____" or "x=____", since it is easy to substitute this into the other equation.
If both equations are in standard form Ax+By=C, then usually the elimination method will be easiest!
For more on this topic, please see my own website. You can click on my tutor name "rapaljer" anywhere in algebra.com. Then click on the link to my website that is given there.
From my Homepage, click on the link "Basic, Intermediate or College Algebra: One Step at a Time." Select "Basic Algebra" and look in "Chapter 4" for the topic "Systems of Equations."
Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus
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