The substitution method is a way to solve systems of equations. Basically, you solve one equation for one variable and then “substitute” that expression into another equation.
A substitution method calculator is an online tool designed to solve for variables in linear equations. This article breaks down what these calculators are, how they work, and how you can use them to solve equations using the substitution method.
What is a substitution method calculator?
A substitution method calculator is an online tool designed to solve systems of linear equations. Its main purpose is to find the values of the variables, typically labeled x and y, that satisfy all the equations in the system. Most calculators of this type can handle systems of two or three equations.
These calculators generally require you to input the coefficients of the equations. Then, they provide the solutions in both point form and equation form. Some calculators go a step further and offer a step-by-step walkthrough of the substitution process, which can be a great learning tool.
How to use a substitution method calculator
- Find a calculator. Search online for a free substitution method calculator.
- Enter your equations. Type the numbers from your equations into the correct boxes. Make sure you enter everything correctly!
- Solve. Click the “Solve” button.
- Read the answer. The calculator will give you the values for the variables in your equations.
- Start over. Click the “Reset” button to solve a new problem.
How the Substitution Method Works
- Isolate one variable. Solve one of your equations for one variable. Pick the equation and variable that look easiest to isolate.
- Substitute the expression. Put the expression from step one into your other equation(s). This will eliminate one variable.
- Solve for the remaining variable. Now you can solve for the one variable you have left.
- Back-substitute. Plug the value from step three back into the expression from step one to find the value of the other variable.
- Verify the solution. Make sure the values you calculated for the variables work in all the original equations.
Advanced Calculators and Features
Wolfram|Alpha can solve systems of equations, including linear and nonlinear systems. It can also work with inequalities and constraints.
With Wolfram|Alpha, you can type in plain English. Be sure to use parentheses to make your meaning clear!
Wolfram|Alpha is a great tool for learning. It can show you step-by-step solutions and even generate practice problems.
Final Thoughts
A substitution method calculator offers a fast and easy way to solve systems of equations. It also provides a step-by-step solution to show how the answer was derived.
If you’re a student, educator, or anyone who needs to solve systems of equations, you may find a substitution calculator useful. You can also explore other online resources and calculators for other kinds of equations.