Education Technology


Solving System of Equations: The Method of Substitution

Activity Overview

In this activity, students learn to solve a system of equations using the substitution method.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 31 - 34 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • Solve for x and y in a system of equations using the substitution method and verify graphically
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Define the equations of the system as eq1, eq2, and eq3
  • Solve eq1 for z and solve eq2 for y
  • Record both the equations
  • Solve eq3 for x and record the value of x
  • Redefine values of y and z and record the results
  • Enter the values of x, y, and z in each of the equations and verify the results
  • Observe that the values of x, y, z satisfy each equation, since the left side of each equation has the same value as the corresponding right side
  • Solve other system of equations using the substitution method
  • After the Activity

    Students complete the Student Activity sheet.

    Review student results:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary