LESSON

11.3 Name Class Date

Solving Linear 11.3 Solving Linear Systems

Systems by Adding by Adding or Subtracting
or Subtracting Essential Question: How can you solve a system of linear equations by adding and
subtracting?
Resource
Locker

Common Core Math Standards Explore Exploring the Effects of Adding Equations
The student is expected to: Systems of equations can be solved by graphing, substitution, or by a third method, called elimination.
COMMON
CORE A-REI.C.6
A Look at the system of linear equations.
Solve systems of linear equations exactly... focusing on pairs of linear ⎧ 2x - 4y = -10
equations in two variables. ⎨
⎩ 3x + 4y = 5
Mathematical Practices What do you notice about the coefficients of the y-terms?

COMMON They are opposites or additive inverses.

CORE MP.2 Reasoning
B What is the sum of -4y and 4y? How do you know?
Language Objective
0; the sum of opposites is 0.
Explain to a partner what eliminating a variable in a system of linear
equations means.
C Find the sum of the two equations by D Use the equation from Step C to
combining like terms. find the value of x.

ENGAGE +3x
___
2x
+4y = +5
-4y = -10 x = -1

5x + 0 = -5
Essential Question: How can you solve
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

a system of linear equations by adding E Use the value of x to find the value of y. What is the solution of the system?
and subtracting? y= 2

If the coefficients of the x-terms or y-terms are the

Solution: (-1, 2)
same or are opposites, you can add or subtract the
equations to eliminate a variable. Then you can Reflect

solve for the remaining variable and substitute that 1. Discussion How do you know that when both sides of the two equations were added, the resulting sums
value into either of the original equations to solve were equal?
2x - 4y = -10 and 3x + 4y = 5, so (2x - 4y) + (3x + 4y) = (-10) + 5 by the
for the other variable.
Addition Property of Equality.

2. Discussion How could you check your solution?

PREVIEW: LESSON Solve the system by graphing or substitute the values of the variables into the original

PERFORMANCE TASK equations.

Module 11 503 Lesson 3
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A1_MNLESE368170_U5M11L3 503 3/21/14 6:03 AM

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6:02 AM
3/21/14
Module 11

L3 503
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A1_MNLE

503 Lesson 11.3

 Explain 1 Solving Linear Systems by Adding or Subtracting
The elimination method is a method used to solve systems of equations in which one variable is eliminated by
adding or subtracting two equations in the system.
EXPLORE
Steps in the Elimination Method Exploring the Effects of Adding
1. Add or subtract the equations to eliminate one variable, and then Equations
solve for the other variable.
2. Substitute the value into either original equation to find the value of
the eliminated variable.
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
3. Write the solution as an ordered pair.
PRACTICES
Example 1 Solve each system of linear equations using the indicated method. Focus on Modeling
Check your answer by graphing.
MP.4 Have students model the linear equations
 Solve the system of linear equations by adding. with algebra tiles. They should see that if they add the
⎧4x - 2y = 12 Substitute the value of x into one of the y equations, one of the variables will drop out and they
⎨ equations and solve for y.
8
⎩ x + 2y = 8 will be able to solve the resulting equation.
x + 2y = 8
Add the equations. x + 2y = 8
4x - 2y = 12 4 + 2y = 8 x
x + 2y = 8 -8 -4 0
2y = 4 4 8
__
5x +  0 =  20 y=2 -4 QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
4x - 2y = 12
5x = 20 How do you know that the result of adding
Write the solution as an ordered pair.
x=4
(4, 2) two equations is a true equation? The left and
Check the solution by graphing. right sides of an equation are equal to each other.
By the Addition Property of Equality, adding one of
 Solve the system of linear equations by subtracting.
⎧ 2x + 6y = 6 Substitute the value of y into one of the equations and solve for x. these equal expressions to each side of a true
⎨
⎩ 2x -  y = -8 2x - y = -8 equation results in a true equation.
Subtract the equations. 2x - 2 = -8
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
2x + 6y = 6 2x = -6
-(2x - y = - 8) x = -3
__
0 +7y = 14 EXPLAIN 1
y=2
Solving Linear Systems by Adding or
Subtracting

QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
How can you tell if a linear system has a
variable that can be eliminated by
adding? The equations will have two like terms that
Module 11 504 Lesson 3 are opposites.

How can you decide whether to add or

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A1_MNLESE368170_U5M11L3 504 7/12/14 5:36 AM
subtract to eliminate a variable in a linear
Integrate Mathematical Practices system? If two of the variable terms are opposites,
add to eliminate a variable. If two of the variable
This lesson provides an opportunity to address Mathematical Practice MP.2,
terms are the same, subtract to eliminate a variable.
which calls for students to “reason abstractly and quantitatively.” Students learn to
solve systems of two equations by using elimination. When using this method,
students must consider the relationship between the coefficients of the variables to
determine whether the equations should be added or subtracted. They connect
the results of the algebraic solution method to the graph of the system of
equations as they learn to recognize and describe systems that have no solutions
or infinitely many solutions.

Solving Linear Systems by Adding or Subtracting 504

 Write the solution as an ordered pair.
LANGUAGE SUPPORT (-3, 2)
Connect Vocabulary
y
Tell students that in the elimination method, one 8 2x - y = -8

variable is eliminated by adding or subtracting. Relate 4

the term elimination to what happens in many x

-8 -4 0 4 8
competitions: teams are eliminated by their -4 2x + 6y = 6
opponents. Similarly, a variable is eliminated by its
-8
opposite.

Check the solution by graphing.

Reflect

3. Can the system in part A be solved by subtracting one of the original equations from the other? Why or
why not?
No; if either of the original equations in the system is subtracted from the other, neither
variable will be eliminated.

4. In part B, what would happen if you added the original equations instead of subtracting?
You would get 4x + 5y = -2, which would not help to solve the system because neither
variable would be eliminated.

Your Turn

Solve each system of linear equations by adding or subtracting.

⎧2x + 5y = -24 ⎧3x + 2y = 5
5. ⎨ 6. ⎨
⎩ 3x - 5y = 14 ⎩ x + 2y = -1
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

2x + 5y = -24 3x + 2y = 5
__
3x - 5y = 14 -(x + 2y =  -1)
__
5x + 0 = -10 2x + 0 =   6
5x = -10 2x = 6
x = -2 x=3
2(-2) + 5y = -24 x + 2y = -1
-4 + 5y = -24 3 + 2y = -1
5y = -20 2y = -4
y = -4 y = -2
Solution: (-2, -4) Solution: (3, -2)

Module 11 505 Lesson 3

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
A1_MNLESE368170_U5M11L3 505 7/12/14 5:36 AM

Peer-to-Peer Activity
Have students work in pairs. Give each pair a system of linear equations to solve.
Instruct one student to solve the system of linear equations by elimination.
Instruct the other to solve the system by graphing. Have students check that they
both got the same solution. Then have students switch roles and repeat the
exercise using a different system of linear equations.

505 Lesson 11.3

 Explain 2 Solving Special Linear Systems by Adding or
Subtracting EXPLAIN 2
Example 2 Solve each system of linear equations by adding or subtracting.

⎧-4x - 2y = 4
Solving Special Linear Systems by
⎨
 ⎩ 4x + 2y = -4 Adding or Subtracting
Add the equations.
-4x - 2y = 4
+4x
__ + 2y =  -4 QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
0 + 0 =  0
0 = 0
How do you know when a system of linear
equations has no solution or infinitely many
The resulting equation is true, so the system has infinitely many solutions.
solutions? The solution process will result in a false
Graph the equations to provide more information.
y
statement for a system with no solutions and a true
8
statement for a system with infinitely
4 many solutions.
x
-8 -4 4 8
-4
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
-8 PRACTICES
Focus on Modeling
The graphs are the same line, so the system has infinitely many solutions.

⎧ x + y = -2
MP.4 Remind students that it is possible to model
 ⎨ these equations using algebra tiles. Have them predict
⎩x + y = 4
Subtract the equations. Graph the equations to provide more information. how the tiles will appear if there are no solutions or
x + y = -2 infinitely many solutions, then have them try some
y
-(x + y = 4) 8 examples. If there are no solutions, the tiles should be
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
__
0 + 0 = -6 4 unbalanced after simplifying. If there are infinitely
0 = -6 x+y=4

false
x many solutions, there should be zero tiles on both
The resulting equation is , -8 -4 0 4 8 sides after simplifying.
so the system has no solutions. -4
x + y = -2
-8
AVOID COMMON ERRORS
The graph shows that the lines are
parallel Students might think that infinitely many solutions
and do not intersect . means that all ordered pairs are solutions. Remind
them that the solutions are the infinite number of
ordered pairs that satisfy the equations.

Module 11 506 Lesson 3

DIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION
A1_MNLESE368170_U5M11L3 506 3/20/14 1:52 PM

Graphic Organizers
Have students complete the table to summarize which variable can be eliminated
and whether addition or subtraction should be used when solving a system of
equations by elimination.
System of Linear Equations Has Eliminate By (operation)
x-terms that are opposites x adding
y-terms that are opposites y adding
x-terms that are the same x subtracting
y-terms that are the same y subtracting

Solving Linear Systems by Adding or Subtracting 506

 Your Turn

EXPLAIN 3 Solve each system of linear equations by adding or subtracting.

⎧ 4x - y = 3 ⎧ x - 6y = 7
7. ⎨  8. ⎨
Solving Linear System Models by ⎩ 4x - y = -2 ⎩ -x + 6y = -7

Adding or Subtracting 4x - y = 3 x - 6y = 7
-(4x - y = -2)
__ __
-x + 6y = -7
0+0=5 0+0=0
0=5 0=0
QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
The resulting equation is false, The resulting equation is true,
After you have found the value of one of the so the system has no solutions. so the system has infinitely many solutions.
variables, does it matter which equation you
substitute the value of that variable into to solve for Explain 3 Solving Linear System Models by Adding
the other variable? Explain. No; both variables or Subtracting
appear in both equations, and since the solution to Example 3 Solve by adding or subtracting.
the system is the ordered pair that satisfies both
equations, the result should be the same no matter  Perfect Patios is building a rectangular deck for a customer.
According to the customer’s specifications, the perimeter
which equation you choose. should be 40 meters and the difference between twice the
length and twice the width should be 4 meters.
⎧ 2ℓ + 2w = 40
The system of equations ⎨ can be used to
⎩ 2ℓ - 2w = 4
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL represent this situation, where ℓ is the length and w is the
PRACTICES width. What will be the length and width of the deck?

Focus on Reasoning
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company • Image Credits:

MP.2 Remind students to check that the solution

makes sense in the context of the problem.
Add the equations. Substitute the value of ℓ into one of the equations and solve for w.
2ℓ + 2w = 40 2ℓ + 2w = 40
2ℓ
__ - 2w =    4 2(11) + 2w = 40
AVOID COMMON ERRORS 4ℓ +   0 = 44
4ℓ = 44 22 + 2w = 40
Some students may forget to answer the question
ℓ = 11 2w = 18
in a real-world problem after solving the system of
©Huntstock, Inc/Alamy

w=9
equations. Tell students that the solution to the
Write the solution as an ordered pair.
system may not be the final answer, and remind
them to make sure they answer the question in (ℓ, w) = (11, 9)
the problem. The length of the deck will be 11 meters and the width will be 9 meters.

Module 11 507 Lesson 3

LANGUAGE SUPPORT
A1_MNLESE368170_U5M11L3 507 7/12/14 5:36 AM

Connect Context
Help students eliminate confusion by reminding them of the resources they can
use when they are unsure of the meaning of a word. They can consider the context
of a problem, use the glossary or a dictionary, think of possible cognates, or ask a
friend. Remind them of these synonyms for words in the lesson:
eliminate = remove; opposite = additive inverse; substitute = replace; and
false = untrue.

507 Lesson 11.3

 B A video game and movie rental kiosk charges $2 for each video game rented, and $1 for
each movie rented. One day last week, a total of 114 video games and movies were rented
⎧ x + y = 114
ELABORATE
for a total of $177. The system of equations ⎨ represents this situation, where x
⎩ 2x + y = 177
represents the number of video games rented and y represents the number of movies rented. Find the QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
numbers of video games and movies that were rented.
When the equations in a system have like
Subtract the equations. Substitute the value of x into one of the equations and solve for y.
x + y = 114 x + y = 114 terms with the same coefficient and you want
-(2x + y = 177) to eliminate a variable by subtracting, does it matter
__ 63 + y = 114
-x + 0 = -63 which equation is subtracted from the other
y = 51
-x = -63
x = 63 Write the solution as an ordered pair. equation? Explain. No; since the coefficient of the
(63, 51) variable is the same in both equations, the variable
will be eliminated whether the second equation is
63 video games and 51 movies were rented. subtracted from the first or the first equation is
Your Turn subtracted from the second.
9. The perimeter of a rectangular picture frame is 62 inches. The difference of the length of the frame and
⎧2ℓ + 2w = 62
twice its width is 1. The system of equations ⎨ represents this situation,
⎩ ℓ - 2w = 1
where ℓ represents the length in inches and w represents the width in inches. What are
AVOID COMMON ERRORS
the length and the width of the frame?
After choosing to use subtraction to solve a linear
2ℓ + 2w = 62 2(21) + 2w = 62
system of equations, some students may make errors
__ ℓ - 2w = 1 42 + 2w = 62
   3ℓ + 0 = 63 when subtracting negative numbers. Suggest that
2w = 20
3ℓ = 63 they use the definition of subtraction to rewrite one
w =10
ℓ = 21 of the equations with opposite signs and then add
The length is 21 inches and the width is
2ℓ + 2w = 62 10 inches. the equations.

Elaborate
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
10. How can you decide whether to add or subtract to eliminate a variable in a linear system? Explain your SUMMARIZE THE LESSON
reasoning.
If two of the variable terms are opposites, then you can add to eliminate a variable. If two How do you solve a system of linear equations
of the variable terms are the same, then you can subtract to eliminate a variable. by adding or subtracting? If the equations
11. Discussion When a linear system has no solution, what happens when you try to solve the system by
have like terms whose coefficients are opposites,
adding or subtracting? add the equations to eliminate one variable. If the
When the equations are added or subtracted to eliminate a variable, the result is a false
equations have identical terms, subtract the
statement, such as 0 = 9; this means there is no solution.
equations to eliminate one variable. Solve for the
12. Essential Question Check-In When you solve a system of linear equations by adding or subtracting, value of the remaining variable. Then, substitute
what needs to be true about the variable terms in the equations?
The equations must have at least one pair of variable terms that are the same or opposites.
that value into either equation and solve for the
value of the first variable.

Module 11 508 Lesson 3

A1_MNLESE368170_U5M11L3 508 7/12/14 5:36 AM

Solving Linear Systems by Adding or Subtracting 508

EVALUATE Evaluate: Homework and Practice
• Online Homework
1. Which method of elimination would be best to solve the system of linear • Hints and Help
equations? Explain. • Extra Practice

⎧_ 3 y = -10 The addition method would be best because the y -values are opposites,
⎪ 1x+_
⎪2 4
⎨ or additive inverses.
⎪ 3
_
⎪ -x - y = 1
⎩ 4

Solve each system of linear equations by adding or subtracting.

ASSIGNMENT GUIDE
⎧ 3x + 2y = 10 ⎧-2x + y = 3 ⎧ x+y=5
Concepts and Skills Practice 2. ⎨ 3. ⎨ 4. ⎨
⎩ 3x - y = 22 ⎩ 3x - y = -2 ⎩ x - 3y = 3
Explore Exercises 1, 22 3x + 2y = 10 -2x + y = 3 x+y=5
Exploring the Effects of Adding - (3x - y = 22)
__ __ -(x - 3y = 3)
Equations
3x - y = -2 __
0 + 3y = -12 x+0=1 0 + 4y = 2
Example 1 Exercises 2–9,
23–24 x=1 y = 0.5
Solving Linear Systems by Adding or y = -4
3(1)- y = -2 x + 0.5 = 5
Subtracting 3x - (-4) = 22
y=5 x = 4.5
Example 2 Exercises 10–15 x =6
Solution: (1, 5) Solution: (4.5, 0.5)
Solving Special Linear Systems by Solution: (6, -4 )
Adding or Subtracting ⎧ -5x + y = -3 ⎧ 2x + y = -6
⎧ 7x + y = -4
5. ⎨ 6. ⎨ 7. ⎨
Example 3 Exercises 16–21, ⎩ 2x - y = 1 ⎩ 5x - 3y = -1 ⎩ -5x + y = 8
Solving Linear System Models by 25 2x + y = -6
7x + y = -4 -5x + y = -3
Adding or Subtracting - (-5x + y = 8)
_
2x - y = 1 __
5x - 3y = -1 __
9x + 0 = -3 0 - 2y = -4 7x + 0 = -14
x = -1 _ y=2 x = -2
( _)
1 3
7 - + y = -4 5x - 3(2) = -1 2(-2) + y = -6
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

3
y=-
5 _ x=1 y = -2
3 Solution: (1, 2) Solution: (-2, -2)

(
Solution: - 1 , -
3
_ _)
5
3

⎧ 6x - 3y = 15 ⎧ 8x - 6y = 36
8. ⎨ 9. ⎨
⎩ 4x - 3y = -5 ⎩ -2x + 6y = 0
6x - 3y = 15 8x - 6y = 36
- (4x - 3y = -5)
__ __
-2x + 6y = 0

2x + 0 = 20 6x + 0 = 36
x = 10 x=6
6(10) - 3y = 15 -2(6) + 6y = 0
y = 15 y=2
Solution: (10, 15) Solution: (6, 2)
Module 11 509 Lesson 3

COMMON
A1_MNLESE368170_U5M11L3 509
Exercise Depth of Knowledge (D.O.K.) CORE Mathematical Practices 7/12/14 5:36 AM

1 1 Recall of Information MP.2 Reasoning

2–18 2 Skills/Concepts MP.2 Reasoning
19 2 Skills/Concepts MP.4 Modeling
20 2 Skills/Concepts MP.2 Reasoning
21 2 Skills/Concepts MP.4 Modeling
22 2 Skills/Concepts MP.2 Reasoning

509 Lesson 11.3

 ⎧ _

⎨
7 y = -_
1x-_ 20
⎧ -10x + 2y = -7
10.
2 9 3
11. ⎨ VISUAL CUES
1
_ 7
_
- x+ y=6 2
_ ⎩ -10x + 2y = -2
⎩ 2 9 3
Suggest that students circle the coefficient of the
_1 x - _7 y = -_
20
-10x + 2y = -7 variable that is to be eliminated in each equation,
2 9 3
-_1 x+_ 7
y = 6_
2 -(-10x + 2y = -2)
__ including the plus or minus sign. This visual cue can
__2 9 3
0 + 0 = -5
0+0=0
help them remember to subtract the equations if the
0 = -5
0=0 coefficients are the same and to add the equations if
No solution
Infinitely many solutions the coefficients are opposites.
⎧ -2x + 5y = 7 ⎧ x+y=0
12. ⎨ 13. ⎨
⎩ 2x - 5y = -7 ⎩ -x - y = 0
-2x + 5y = 7 x+y=0
__
+2x - 5y = -7 __
-x - y = 0
0+0=0
0+0=0
0=0
0=0
Infinitely many solutions
Infinitely many solutions

⎧ -5x - y = -3 ⎧ ax - by = c
14. ⎨ 15. ⎨
⎩ -5x - y = -2 ⎩ ax - by = c
-5x - y = -3 ax - by = c
- (-5x - y = -2)
__ -(ax - by = c)
__
0 + 0 = -1 0+0=0
0 = -1 0=0
No solution Infinitely many solutions

16. The sum of two numbers is 65, and the difference of the numbers is 27. The system of linear
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
⎧ x + y = 65
equations ⎨ represents this situation, where x is the larger number and y is the smaller
⎩ x - y = 27
number. Solve the system to find the two numbers.

x + y = 65
__
x - y = 27
2x + 0 = 92
x = 46
x + y = 65
46 + y = 65
y = 19
The larger number is 46 and the smaller number is 19.

Module 11 510 Lesson 3

COMMON
Exercise
A1_MNLESE368170_U5M11L3 510
Depth of Knowledge (D.O.K.) CORE Mathematical Practices 3/20/14 1:52 PM

23 3 Strategic Thinking MP.4 Modeling

24 3 Strategic Thinking MP.3 Logic
25 3 Strategic Thinking MP.6 Precision

Solving Linear Systems by Adding or Subtracting 510

 17. A rectangular garden has a perimeter of 120 feet. 2ℓ + 2w = 120
AVOID COMMON ERRORS The length of the garden is 24 feet greater than __
ℓ - 2w = 24
twice the width. The system of linear 3ℓ + 0 = 144
Point out to students that when they use the ⎧ 2ℓ + 2w = 120
equations ⎨ ℓ = 48
elimination method, they must line up both the like ⎩ ℓ - 2w = 24
2ℓ + 2w = 120
represents this situation, where ℓ is the
terms and the equal signs vertically. length of the garden and w is its width. 2(48) + 2w = 120
Find the length and width of the garden. 96 + 2w = 120
2w = 24

KINESTHETIC EXPERIENCE w = 12
The length of the garden is 48 feet and the
To check solutions by graphing, create a coordinate width is 12 feet.
grid on the floor using painter’s tape. Have students 18. The sum of two angles is 90°. The difference x + y = 90
help you decide where to place a tape line for one of of twice the larger angle and the smaller __
2x - y = 105
angle is 105°. The system of linear
the equations. Then have another student walk the ⎧ x + y = 90 3x + 0 = 195
equations ⎨ represents this 3x = 195
line for the second equation. The student should stop ⎩ 2x - y = 105
when encountering the tape line for the first situation where x is the larger angle and y is the x = 65
smaller angle. Find the measures of the two angles. x + y = 90
equation. The class should help the student identify
65 + y = 90
that position’s coordinates and check the solution. If y = 25
the lines are parallel, the student should note that the The larger angle is 65° and the smaller
paths will never cross. angle is 25°.

19. Max and Sasha exercise a total of 20 hours each x + y = 20

week. Max exercises 15 hours less than 4 times -(x - 4y = -15)
__
the number of hours Sasha exercises. The system
⎧ x + y = 20
of equations ⎨ represents this 0 + 5y = 35
⎩ x - 4y = -15 y=7
situation, where x represents the number of hours
Max exercises and y represents the number of x + y = 20
hours Sasha exercises. How many hours do Max x + 7 = 20
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

and Sasha exercise per week? x = 13

Max exercises 13 hours a week and Sasha
exercises 7 hours a week.

20. The sum of the digits in a two-digit number is 12. x + y = 12

The digit in the tens place is 2 more than the digit
in the ones place. The system of linear
__
x-y= 2

⎧ x + y = 12 2x + 0 = 14
equations ⎨ represents this situation,
⎩ x-y=2 x=7
where x is the digit in the tens place and y is the x + y = 12
digit in the ones place. Solve the system to find the
7 + y = 12
two-digit number.
y=5
The number is 75.

Module 11 511 Lesson 3

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511 Lesson 11.3

 21. A pool company is installing a rectangular
pool for a new house. The perimeter of COMMUNICATING MATH
the pool must be 94 feet, and the length
must be 2 feet more than twice the width.
Have students discuss when to use each of the
The system of linear equations methods they have learned for solving systems of
⎧ 2ℓ + 2w = 94
⎨ represents equations. Graphing can be used for linear systems
⎩ ℓ = 2w + 2
this situation, where ℓ is the length and
that have integer solutions. Substitution can be used
w is the width. What are the dimensions when one of the equations has a variable with a
of the pool?
coefficient of 1. Adding or subtracting can be used
2ℓ + 2w = 94
when the coefficient of a variable in one equation is
__
ℓ - 2w = 2
3ℓ + 0 = 96 the same as, or the opposite of, the coefficient of the
3ℓ = 96
same variable in the other equation.
ℓ = 32
2ℓ + 2w = 94
2(32) + 2w = 94
64 + 2w = 94
2w = 30
w = 15
The pool is 32 feet long and 15 feet wide.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company • Image Credits: ©Marlene

22. Use one solution, no solutions, or infinitely many solutions to complete each
statement.
a. When the solution of a system of linear equations yields the

equation 4 = 4, the system has infinitely many solutions .

b. When the solution of a system of linear equations yields the

equation x = 4, the system has one solution .

c. When the solution of a system of linear equations yields the

equation 0 = 4, the system has no solutions .

H.O.T. Focus on Higher Order Thinking

Ford/Alamy

23. Multiple Representations You can use subtraction to solve the system of linear
equations shown.
⎧2x + 4y = -4
⎨
⎩ 2x - 2y = -10
Instead of subtracting 2x - 2y = -10 from 2x + 4y = -4, what equation can you add to
get the same result? Explain.
You can add -2x + 2y = 10 since subtracting is the same as adding the opposite.
Module 11 512 Lesson 3

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Solving Linear Systems by Adding or Subtracting 512

 24. Explain the Error Liang’s solution of a system of linear equations is shown. Explain
JOURNAL Liang’s error and give the correct solution.

Have students write a journal entry explaining how to ⎧ 3x - 2y = 12 Liang added the two equations but
⎨ subtracted the y-terms. The equations
solve a system of linear equations by eliminating a ⎩ -x - 2y = -20
should be subtracted. The solution
variable. They should include how you know whether 3x - 2y = 12 is (8, 6).
to add or subtract the equations. 3x - 2y = 12
__
-x - 2y = -20
-(-x - 2y = -20)
2x = -8
__
4x = 32
x = -4
x=8
3x - 2y = 12
3(8) - 2y = 12
3(-4) - 2y = 12
24 - 2y = 12
-12 - 2y = 12
-2y = -12
-2y = 24 y=6
y = -12

Solution: (-4, -12)

25. Represent Real-World Problems For a school play,

Rico bought 3 adult tickets and 5 child tickets for a total
of $40. Sasha bought 1 adult ticket and 5 child tickets for
a total of $25.
⎧ 3x + 5y = 40
The system of linear equations ⎨
represents this ⎩ x + 5y = 25

situation, where x is the cost of an adult ticket and y is the

cost of a child ticket. How much will Julia pay for 5 adult
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company • Image Credits:

tickets and 3 child tickets?

3x + 5y = 40
-(x + 5y = 25)
__
2x + 0 = 15
x = 7.5
x + 5y = 25
©aerogondo2/Shutterstock

7.5 + 5y = 25
5y = 17.5
y = 3.5
5(7.5) + 3(3.5) = 48
Julia will pay $48.

Module 11 513 Lesson 3

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513 Lesson 11.3

 Lesson Performance Task QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
Family tickets were sold only when two
A local charity run has a Youth Race for runners under the age of 12. The entry fee is $5 for an
individual or $4 each for two runners from the same family. Carter is collecting the registration
runners from the same family registered at the
forms and fees. After everyone has registered, he picks up the cash box and finds a dollar on same time. What does this tell you about the total
the ground. He checks the cash box and finds that it contains $200 and the registration slips for
47 runners. Does the dollar belong in the cash box or not? Explain your reasoning. (Hint: You number of family tickets sold? It must be an even
can use the system of equations i + f = 47 and 5i + 4f = 200, where i equals the number of number.
individual tickets and f equals the number of family tickets.)

Solving the system gives the solution i = 12 and f = 35. However, this result
is not possible because f must be an even number since family registrations
were sold only as pairs. If we add the $1 to the total cash, we can rewrite the AVOID COMMON ERRORS
second equation as 5i + 4f = 201. Solving the new system yields the solution
i = 13 and f = 34, so the dollar does belong in the cash box. (Note that some
Some students may try to add the two given
students may simply reason from the initial solution that they can swap one equations to solve the system by elimination.
family registration for one individual registration and get a total of $201.) Remind them that the elimination method only
works when the equations have like terms whose
coefficients are the same or opposites. They should
recognize that they can solve this system by
substitution.

KINESTHETIC EXPERIENCE
Have students use play money, a cash box, and ticket
stubs to act out the situation so they can better
visualize how different numbers of individual and
family tickets sold would result in different amounts
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
of money in the cash box.

Module 11 514 Lesson 3

EXTENSION ACTIVITY
A1_MNLESE368170_U5M11L3 514 3/20/14 1:52 PM

On an index card, have students write a riddle that can be represented by a system
of equations whose solution can be found by elimination. For example: The sum of
one number and another number is 5. The difference between the two numbers is 1.
On the back of the card, have students write the solution and show the system of
equations used to find it. Then have students trade cards and solve each
other’s riddles.
Scoring Rubric
2 points: Student correctly solves the problem and explains his/her reasoning.
1 point: Student shows good understanding of the problem but does not fully
solve or explain his/her reasoning.
0 points: Student does not demonstrate understanding of the problem.

Solving Linear Systems by Adding or Subtracting 514