Skip to Main Content

Two Equations, Two Unknowns - I


Mike McGarry
Lesson by Mike McGarry
Magoosh Expert

Summary
The essence of solving algebraic equations with two variables lies in understanding that a single equation can have an infinite number of solutions, and these solutions, when plotted on an x-y graph, form a straight line. To find a unique solution for two variables, one must employ a system of equations approach, utilizing either substitution or elimination methods.
  • A single equation with two variables typically has an infinite number of solutions, all of which lie on a straight line in an x-y graph.
  • A system of equations with two variables generally has a unique solution, representing the point where the lines intersect on a graph.
  • The Substitution Method involves solving one equation for one variable and substituting the result into the other equation to find the unique values of both variables.
  • Substitution is most effective when one of the variables in any of the equations has a coefficient of plus or minus one, as it avoids the complexity of dealing with fractions.
  • The Elimination Method, to be discussed in the next lesson, is preferred when substitution is not convenient, typically in scenarios where solving for a variable leads to fractions.
Chapters
00:01
Introduction to Equations with Two Variables
01:37
The Concept of Infinite Solutions
02:55
Solving Systems of Equations: Substitution Method
06:27
Optimizing the Substitution Method