LEARN IT Choosing a Solution Method We ve now discussed three different methods for solving systems of equations Each method has advantages and disadvantages and each method may be simpler to use for a given system of equations Review this chart and then practice selecting what method to use to solve a system of equations When to Use Method Graphing Substitution Elimination Advantages Disadvantages Solution is easy to see Cannot find an exact answer for non integer solutions 1 y 2x 1 y 6 3x Recognizable when first learning Most straightforward Works naturally with standard form equations Can take more time Can be more difficult with fractions Don t have to combine Finding the correct like terms multipliers can be tricky In 00 When graph is already drawn for at least one When the equations are in slope intercept form When one variable is already isolated When one variable has a coefficient of one When the equation starts in standard form When the coefficients of one variable are the same or opposite When the numbers are fractions or inconvenient for substitution For the following problems choose the solving method that you think is most appropriate and state the reasons why you made that choice There may be more than one method that works You do NOT need to solve the problem 2 x 3y 7 2x 3y 11