Activity Overview
Students explore three different methods for solving linear systems on either the TI-89 Titanium, TI-89, TI-92 Plus, or the Voyage 200.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 15 - 22 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Solving Systems with the Elimination-by-Addition Method:
Study both equations with two unknowns x and y
Maniplulate equations algebraically so that one variable is eliminated when the equations are added together
Write the solution for one variable and solve the equation for the other variable
Solving Systems with the Substitution Method:
Study three equations with three unknowns x, y, and z
Store all three equations on the calculator
Write the first equation for z in terms of x and y
Substitute the new equation of z into the two other equations
Solve for x and y by elimination method
Enter values of x and y and solve for z
Solving Systems by the Simultaneous-Equations method:
Enter the coefficients as a set (matrix) in brackets
Enter the set of result constants (vector) also in brackets
Solve equations using matrices
After the Activity
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary